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