The following testimony was submitted by the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii for consideration by the Honolulu City and County Council on April 19, 2023.
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April 19, 2023
10 a.m.
Honolulu City Council Chambers
To: Honolulu City and County Council
Councilmember Tommy Waters, Chair
Councilmember Esther Kiaʻāina, Vice Chair
From: Grassroot Institute of Hawaii
Ted Kefalas, Director of Strategic Campaigns
RE: Bill 9 (2023) — RELATING TO REAL PROPERTY TAXATION
Comments Only
Dear Chair and Committee Members:
The Grassroot Institute of Hawaii would like to offer its comments on Bill 9 (2023), which would allow the Director of Budget and Fiscal Services to settle property tax compromise claims of $10,000 or less without prior approval from the Council.
Currently, the director is allowed to settle compromise claims on delinquent taxes and related interest and penalties if those claims are $500 or less.
Giving the director greater leeway to settle compromises with taxpayers who have delinquent taxes would free up the Council to deal with other, more important matters, saving it both time and money.
Thank you for the opportunity to testify.
Sincerely,
Ted Kefalas
Director of Strategic Campaigns
Grassroot Institute of Hawaii
