From BIVN, Sept 14, 2018

…Lisa Miura, the Real Property Tax Administrator, gave a detailed presentation to the Hawaii County Council Finance Committee on September 4 in Hilo, explaining why they see the amendment as problematic. (video above)

There will be more opportunities to learn about the ballot question in the near future. Two public forums have been set to help educate voters:

• Thursday, September 27
  4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.
  ARC in Hilo
• Wednesday, October 3
  6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
  West Hawaii Civil Center

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News Release

An important decision will be made by voters this November that, if passed, will amend Hawai‘i State’s Constitution. The ballot question reads, “Shall the legislature be authorized to establish, as provided by law, a surcharge on investment real property to be used to support public education?”

Hawai‘i voters should be informed and understand what they are voting on. Learn about the pros and cons of the proposed constitutional amendment at this moderated panel forum on Thursday, Sept. 27, 2018 from 4:30-6:00pm at The Arc of Hilo Event Center at 1099 Waianuenue Ave. in Hilo. Doors will open at 4:00 p.m. This public event is open to the community free of charge.

Panelists will include Lisa Miura, Administrator, County of Hawai‘i Real Property Tax Division; Senator Gil Riviere; Corey Rosenlee, President, Hawaii State Teachers Association; and Deborah Zysman, Executive Director, Hawaii Children’s Action Network. The forum will be moderated by Sherry Bracken, Public Affairs Director, Mahalo Broadcasting and host of the Sunday interview show Island Issues for LAVA 105.3 fm and on KKOA 107.7 fm. She also reports on Hawai‘i Island news for Hawaii Public Radio and works with Big Island Video News.

The event is sponsored by the Hawai‘i Island Chamber of Commerce, Japanese Chamber of Commerce & Industry of Hawaii, Hawai‘i Island REALTORS®, Hawai‘i Island Contractors’ Association, Kanoelehua Industrial Area Association, Big Island Press Club, Hawaii Island Economic Development Board, and Hawaii Leeward Planning Conference.

For more information, please call the Hawai‘i Island Chamber of Commerce office at (808) 935-7178.