Who Did You Vote For?

I saw a pictur eof a retired man talking to the Governor about the new proposed tax on pensions.  I am also seeing and reading about a host of other new proposed taxes.  The State Government wants to spend about a billion more than it's projected income so they call it a "deficiti" and propose to raise taxes as a means to deal with it.   While I certainly don't want to see someone who is retired pushed to the brink of poverty from a pension tax, but at the same time, what did these folks expect when they went to the voting booth?

One gubernatorial candidate (Aiona) made a promise of no new taxes and he was soundly defeated by Abercrombie.  Thus voters surely know that electing the other candidate meant new taxes to solve any deficits?  Ironically, I also see the union members in th3 background of the newsfeed about the pension taxes.  I wonder what these members have to say now?  The union could not stop layoffs and furloughs from happening and now they appear powerless to stop a pension tax.  Has the union simply outlived its usefulness?

Who did you vote for?  

More Tax On Sodas And Beers?

I read an article recently about how our politicians want to add taxes on beer, sodas, and cigarettes.  These things are bad for your health so we need to tax them more to curb their use?  Why not simply ban these iems if they are a plague on society?  Could it be that these items make the State TONS of money so they are untouchable?  We tolerate them because they are so easily taxed and consumption will continue?

Conversely then, should we not eliminate taxes on fruits and veggies, as well as necessay medicine? 

Our lawmakers say they have a budget deficit but oddly, cutting spending doesn't seem to be an option.  As I understand it, our deficit is fabricated as the State simply wants to spend about a billion more than last year so they call it a budget deficit and justify it as a reason to raise taxes once again.  Never mind that the city is about to bankrupt the Oahu residents with the rail and sewer repairs. 

Taxing Pensions

I saw the clip of the Governor giving testimony about taxing State worker pensions.  While I hope this will not make anyone fall into poverty, I was glad to see the Governor say that the Unions aren't his pals.  While various public worker unions may have been very useful at one time, I believe they have simply become heavy political activists who wants their share of pork at the troughs.  The recent furloughs were unprecedented and so is the proposed tax on pensions. 

I am concerned however, about the introduction of various new taxes instead of seeing more proposed cuts.  If the State doesn't have enough money, then they should live within their means instead of taking more and more from an already overtaxed population.  It only gets worse with the groundbreaking of the rail and the city's requirement to upgrade and fix many existing sewer projects. 

I liken out government to the man who killed the golden goose. 

Civil Unions Progressing?

It looks like the civil unions bill is progressing and ultimately will be signed by the governor.  What I want to know is how this will impact the State of Hawaii.  I know that pro civil union supporters talk about the economic boom from passing this bill but studies show that the economic impact will be negligible on our tourism and economy. 

I am wondering if there will be social impact on Hawaii.  Will we see new businesses such as arrangements for trips to Hawaii for civil unions?  Will there certain areas where civil union supporters frequent?  How will this affect the polictians who pass the bill?  Will there be repercussions?  Will passage of this bill finally put to rest all of the debating and fighting?  I would like to hear your thoughts.

Comments are not moderated but please be civil.  Thanks!  

Gambling And Prostitution?

The creation of a State lottery is in question with the lesgislature again.   It can be used to help solve the deficit issue and fund education, the proponents say.   Thus far, the lawmakers have resisted the urge to allow gambling in any form.  I find it ironic that lawmakers take the moral high grond on gambling and in the same breath, pass the bill (232) allowing civil unions..

At this point, I see no reason to ban gambling, or prostitution for that matter.  You see, both are alive and well in the State of Hawaii.  But because they are run under cover, no taxes are collected.  What the heck you ask?  I can show compelling evidence of this.

During the course of the year, all you need is a staradvertiser sports page to make my point.  For example, why would anyone need to know the winners of a sporting event so much that it is advertised in the sports page?  Is this so you can bet a lunch with a buddy?  If you believe this, I have swamp land called Kawainui Estates to sell you.  And in the same sports page, you will pictures of pretty girls advertising relaxation.   Guess what that is? 

To sum it up, there are pockets of tax dollars that politicians can utilize if they will open their eyes.  I hope this opens yours!  

More Taxes?

I just completed my taxes for 2010, thanks to turbo tax!  What I found perplexing is that I made about the same amount of income from last year, but I had more itemized deductions because I gave a chunk of chnage to charity.  Despite having less "adjusted gross income". I ended up with a smaller tax returm than last year.  I also learned that the State of Hawaii is going to pile more taxes on the public because of the "deficit". 

I find it maddening when the Stat of Hawai's deficit is self inflicted.  Meaning they State simply wants to spend a billion dollars more than last year, which is the deficit.  Go figure!   Pretty soon we're going to be taxed for breathing and exhaling. 

It's too bad that we have an overwhelming majority party.  While you may be a democrat, you have to admit that we are being taxed to the brink and there is no opposition because of this.  Let your lawmakers hear your voice.  That we cannot keep this up without something giving.  What's next?  

The Rail

The rail has become a huge issue with fomer Governor Cayetano leading the anti rail charge.  Many say that the people want the rail and that we need to build it now to solve our traffic issues.  Now as I recall, rail wasn't touted as a solve all traffic solution, but simply another alternative for the public to use.  Granted the rail is the most expensive option, but still, another option.  Interestingly enough, nobody can seem to pinpoint exactly how much the rail will cost to build and maintain.  The pro rail people minimize the cost and anti rail people seem to maximize the estimates. 

While there are some benefits to building and having a rail system, there are also unseen consequences such as some people having to lose their homes if they live along the proposed route, higher taxes and the real possibility that the rail won't do a thing to bring traffic relief.  On the good side, it will bring jobs and hopefully stimulate a slowly recovering economy. 

Time will tell us who was right, but I hope it's not a financial mistake of epic proportions.