While I commend your efforts and the spirit of what is being attempted, I have to say that I think it is an overwhelming undertaking to think that West Hawaii could financially become its own county. Has anyone actually done the math to consider what such an undertaking involves both logistically and financially?Perhaps an alternative could be to incorporate Kailua Kona as a city, with our own mayor and city counsel and thus be entitled to keep a portion of our tax dollars for local use and improvements, giving some measure of control of how these funds are allocated in West Hawaii. This, in my opinion, is a more attainable goal than trying to fund a whole separate county. Also, I think it is an incorrect to assume that because people don't turn out for these meetings, it means they are satisfied with the status quo - people are apathetic. Failure to attend meetings is by no means a seal of approval for what's happening with our county government.
Aloha Judy,
The math is 75% of the island’s budget is derived from the west side of this island. The actual cost to run a separate government would be far less then what we are currently getting in return for our tax dollars. A new mayor and department heads would be the additional costs. We have all of the other services in place and the cost would be transferred from the east side’s budget to the west side’s budget. The division is not brain surgery. The passing of legislation is however brain surgery.
The fact still remains we have no say over our tax dollars. Four County Council meetings on the west side for the year seams’ a little unfair somehow. It should be equal seeing as we supply most of the taxes/revenue.
Attending the meetings is the only way to make changes in accountability of our government. By doing nothing means acceptance of the problems we are facing.
Take a look back into the blog and see what the Senators and other elected officials have to say on the matter. http://hawaiicountyissues.blogspot.com
Thank you for taking the time to respond.
Susan McGeachy
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