Aloha everyone! Once again, it is time for the monthly update from our office.
COUNTY OF HAWAII FUEL TAX:
Last month I reported that I had put forth Resolution 616-18 to hold the fuel tax at its current level, $0.19 per gallon, and to discourage it from increasing further. The original resolution put forth by the administration back in 2017 raised the fuel tax from 8.8 cents per gallon to $0.15 per gallon on July 1, 2017. That resolution was written to have additional increases of the fuel tax to $0.19 per gallon effective July 1, 2018 and again on July 1, 2019 with an increase up to $0.23 per gallon. The resolution I put forth in early 2018 would have held the fuel tax increase as part of an overall tax restructuring effort, including real property and general excise taxes. Please see previous columns for the explanation.
Due to the events in our county, my restructuring plan had to be tabled as our budget and expenses were all over the board. I had left the fuel tax resolution on the table as a form of “checks and balances” pending on where our budget discussions went. Coming forward, it’s evident that the resolution was written for action prior to July 1, 2018. Fixing the language would be problematic and simpler to pull the resolution rather than create procedural errors.
Additionally, the tax of $.19 per gallon was already in place and reducing funding for road repair in face of all our problems this year did not seem prudent. Accordingly, I pulled the resolution. As a measure of good faith, the Department of Public Works has ensured that they will be giving the County Council a schedule for road repaving for each district to show how the fuel tax increase funding will be used. We expect that schedule very shortly. As we move into the next budget cycle, the potential for another resolution holding the fuel tax will again present itself.
BILL 108 – RELATING TO SHORT-TERM VACATION RENTALS:
In its fifth draft, the contentious bill that would define where short-term rentals would be allowed, establish regulations for said use and provide opportunities for owners or operators to obtain a nonconforming use certificate to operate in a non-permitted district is still on the drawing board. The voices of our residents are being heard, yet the specifics tend to become cloudy in anyone’s efforts to try to please all. It is impossible to please everyone, yet we promise to continue to hear your voices and continue to refine the verbiage for an overall win-win for our residents, our visitors and our island government.
PARKS AND RECREATION (P&R):
KAMEHAMEHA PARK: The repainting of the playground at Kamehameha Park is almost complete. A big mahalo to Lieutenant Colonel Borce and visiting soldiers, Marines, Seaman and National Guard. The Takata field has been re-graded and is in the process of being finished. The lights are also in the process of being fixed. The outside basketball courts have new backboards ordered and should be upgraded in the very near future.
WAIKOLOA — KAMAKOA NUI PARK: For a long time, the playing fields at this park have been a problem. Poor turf and inconsistent irrigation have made these fields almost unusable. Through regular communications with P&R to review the fields, they have determined that it will need essentially a complete rebuild. This is now in the hands of the planner, and we are expected to receive a plan on how we will move forward with this in the very near future. Stay tuned.
WAIMEA PARK: On Nov. 8 we woke up to learn that someone had broken into our Waimea Park Bandstand and did a tremendous amount of damage to the bathroom and facilities. Damage estimates are in excess of $12,000. In addition to this, damage was done to several parked cars in town, and to Waimea Elementary classrooms and Waimea Middle School’s new STEAM building. The police are seeking input from anyone that might have a lead on the criminals, and are urging residents to call with any information at 887-3080.
As always, it continues to be a great privilege to serve as your councilman. Wishing each and every one of you a happy Thanksgiving as we move into the holiday season.