The ‘money pit’ ADVERTISING The ‘money pit’ It’s difficult to understand why any state representative from Hawaii County would vote for a transient accommodations tax increase to fund the mismanaged Oahu rail debacle (especially considering all of our senators voted
The ‘money pit’
It’s difficult to understand why any state representative from Hawaii County would vote for a transient accommodations tax increase to fund the mismanaged Oahu rail debacle (especially considering all of our senators voted against it).
Perhaps the supporting neighbor island representatives can explain why we need to be sucked into the Oahu “money pit.” Is there a beneficial “quid pro quo” about which constituents are not aware?
We already support Oahu with the disproportionate amount of TAT we contribute, despite promises years ago the correct pre-recession amount would be restored. Now we are setting a dangerous precedent by adding additional burden to our tourism and rental industry.
Why must we cover the mistakes made in a specific project from which we derive only the most insignificant benefit? If we kept more of our TAT, there would be more economic growth here. Maybe our workers wouldn’t have to fly to Oahu to find jobs (as one representative stated as a reason for support).
We’re not advocating that the rail project be terminated — that’s a decision for Oahu — but that can be accomplished by raising Oahu’s taxes, not ours!
Voters will take the appropriate action next Election Day.
David Panoff
Hilo
‘Accept it or move’
For those of you who complain about noisy helicopters flying over your homes, please take note. Many people live next to highly traveled roadways and put up with the daily nonstop traffic noise.
From cars, to large, noisy commercial vehicles to blasting motorcycles — even the infamous coqui frogs. Also, think about the hundreds of folks living in Keaukaha, many living just outside of the Hilo airport runway, with jets as well as helicopters going and coming throughout the day. Those people put up with it and don’t complain.
So, the next time you hear noisy helicopters flying over your home, think of the other folks who live along busy roadways and next to the airport. You could either accept it or move elsewhere. It’s a way of life now.
Rick LaMontagne
Hilo
Rail fallout
The Big Island state House members who voted for the Honolulu rail bailout should be ashamed. Your constituents don’t want this, but you didn’t listen.
We’re all looking forward to next year’s elections!
A. Yamamoto
Hilo
