State of Hawaii secondary Archives: on Tax Reform

Daniel Akaka: The Bush tax cuts helped the richest, not those in need

A: We cannot make tax cuts permanent. Already this year it’s projected that we will have a deficit of $600 billion. And this will be passed on. We have to borrow money from China and now Japan as well. The Bush administration took us from a surplus to a multi-trillion dollar federal deficit, and government should be taking care of those in need help the most and not take care of the richest.

Ed Case: Bush tax cuts unaffordable; targeted middle-class cuts ok

A: I voted against that initiative. It was unaffordable, especially as we had already intervened in Iraq, and one could see that was going to be far more expensive than anybody projected. I had voted against some tax cut extensions, especially those for the very upper income families, because I don't think it's fair, or necessary. But I have voted for some extensions that I think have very targeted purposes and are targeted for the middle class.

John Carroll: The current Federal tax code is out of control

Paul Morgan: Tourism tax on all visitors to Hawai'i

• Stimulate visitor revenue while limiting visitor impact on residents and Hawai'i's ecosystems.
• Brand Hawai'i as a destination to educate tourists as partners in Hawai'i's conservation.
• Tourism tax on all visitors to Hawai'i.

Paul Morgan: Remove excise tax from necessities, eliminate estate tax

• Remove the Excise Tax from necessities: food, medicine, and medical care.
• Limit property tax increases to 2% per year unless the property is sold
• In support of reasonable regulations, licensing, and fees involved in business ventures
• Eliminate the Hawai'i estate tax.
• Cap property taxes for primary resident homeowners beyond age 65
• Support Jones Act to provide exemptions for Hawai'i

Vicky Cayetano: Helped revise unemployment tax formula, businesses paid less

Bob McDermott: Exempt food and medical products from excise tax

Bill Summary: Exempts certain foods, medical services, and feminine hygiene products from the general excise tax.

AI Summary: This bill exempts certain foods, medical services, and feminine hygiene products from the general excise tax in Hawaii. Specifically, it exempts the sale of food and food ingredients, except for prepared foods and items sold from vending machines. It also exempts the sale of medical services provided by licensed healthcare professionals and facilities. Additionally, the bill exempts the sale of feminine hygiene products such as sanitary napkins, tampons, and menstrual cups. The purpose of this bill is to alleviate the burden of the general excise tax on low-income and middle-class families in Hawaii, where the cost of living is the highest in the nation.