FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DATELINE: March 11, 2016, Honolulu, Hawai`i
CONTACT: Kelsey Meehan, (808) 591-9193, kmeehan@grassrootinstitute.org
Grassroot Institute Applauds Maui Council for Defeating Farm Tax Bill
HONOLULU, HAWAII–March 11, 2016–Having issued serious reservations about the future of the agriculture industry in testimony to the Maui County Councl, Grassroot Institute applauded the Council for defeating BF-70, a proposal that would have dramatically increased taxes on large agricultural lands.
Grassroot’s comments on BF-70, cited the loss of crops and pastureland in the state, warning that the substantial tax hike and regulatory intrusions in the proposal would ultimately drive more farms and ranches out of existence. A large crowd of Maui’s farmers and ranchers appeared at the hearing Thursday evening, echoing these concerns and urging the Council to abandon the unfair scheme. Ultimately, the measure was defeated, ensuring that Maui agriculture will live on.
“This is a great victory for the state’s agriculture industry,” stated Keli’i Akina, Ph.D., President of the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii. “High taxation and regulation have been a significant burden in all sectors of the economy, and the continuing loss of agricultural lands is worrisome to those of us who want to see our state thrive. Along with the farmers and ranchers of Maui, the Grassroot Institute is glad to see that the Maui County Council heard these concerns and rejected this unfair tax hike.”
For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact Kelsey Meehan at (808) 591-9193 or email kmeehan@grassrootinstitute.org.
About the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii:
Grassroot Institute of Hawaii is a nonprofit, nonpartisan research institute dedicated to the principles of individual liberty, the free market, and limited, accountable government throughout Hawai`i and the Asia-Pacific region. Read more about us athttps://www.grassrootinstitute.org/
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About Grassroot President:
Keli’i Akina, Ph.D., is a recognized scholar, educator, public policy spokesperson, and community leader in Hawaii. Currently, he is President/CEO of Grassroot Institute of Hawaii, a public policy think tank dedicated to the principles of individual liberty, free markets and limited, accountable government. An expert in East-West Philosophy and ethics, Dr. Akina has taught at universities in China and the United States and continues as an adjunct instructor at Hawaii Pacific University. Dr. Akina was a candidate for Trustee at Large of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs in the 2014 General Election run-off.
