Hawaii County: Government Without Limits

Dear Editor, 12-20-11

In reference to Hawaii County’s review of their land tax policies, County Finance Director Nancy Crawford was recently quoted telling the county council, “Ultimately, you charge the rates you need to get the revenue you need to run the county”. Then, Ms Crawford, are there any limits to government’s insatiable appetite to spending and taxing, or is it only matter of taxing to meet any spending level?

In a recent HTH article, County Real Property Assistant Administrator Michael McCall is quoted as saying that the agricultural property assessment exemption program which accounts for approximately 14 percent of property taxes that could be collected annually is “very lucrative”, as if it were government’s money in the first place. In that same article, consultant Jeff Melrose notes that agricultural land for “a retirement home for a couple of sheep and a llama” is somehow not a bona fide farm. If so, than what other zoning classification would be more bonifiable for the freedom of a retired American?

What has happened to our Republic? Since when did owning private property become a liability, subject to the taxing whim of progressive bureaucrats? When did we become a People of the government, by the government and for the government?

Rick Toledo

Hilo, Hawaii