The Chairman of the House Budget and Appropriations Committee, Vailiuama Steve Leasiolagi, says he is very happy to have been part of the House delegation that looked at Hawaii’s tax systems, particularly management of the state sales tax.
The Fagatogo faipule says he went for a purpose and was very happy with the results.
He said, “I didn’t go for a holiday, or play golf or a junket. I was there to work.”
The delegation held meetings with the Hawaii Department of Taxation, as well as the Department of Transportation and other agencies.
The purpose of the trip was to learn how the successful Hawaii tax system is structured and how the territory can increase revenue collections.
Vailiuama said the presenters were excellent and he’s thankful that they took the time to explain the Hawaii tax system
The lawmaker said the Hawaii officials asked questions regarding the size of the economy, and about government, private sector and consumer spending in the territory.
The Fagatogo faipule who operates taxis said after their fact finding trip he’s convinced that the administration’s revenue proposals need to be amended.
A concern is that most of the new taxes and fee hikes are to go into effect in 2018, while the measures designed to return money to the public, like removal of the 5% excise tax are not effective until the following year.
Others who attended the meetings in Hawaii were Rep. Lavea Legaee Mauga, Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, Rep. Vesi Fautanu Jr., and House Speaker Savali Talavou Ale.
