Resident urges higher hotel, commercial property tax rates and praises cut to affordable rental rate

Hope Lani Sarmel, a resident of Kapa'au, told the Hawaii County Council at a public hearing on real property tax rates that the council should keep the reduced rate for affordable rental housing and consider raising rates on hotels, resorts and commercial properties.

"Thank you for keeping the affordable rental housing lower than what was before," Sarmel said, citing a change "from 6.15 to 5.95." She urged the council to consider higher rates for hotel and resort properties and commercial interests, arguing those sectors "are making bank" now that tourism has returned. Sarmel also described local cost pressures, saying, "That really helps out people who can't even buy a $10 gallon of milk" and noting higher gasoline prices in her area.

The hearing was convened by Chair Heather Kimball under Hawaii County Code chapter 19, article 11, section 19-90. Mr. Araceli, the staff member administering public testimony, said there were no remote or Zoom speakers and identified Sarmel as the lone in-person testifier. Sarmel was given three minutes to speak.

After the single public comment, the council recessed to allow additional testimony and reconvened at 5:45 p.m.; no additional speakers appeared and the public hearing was closed without a vote or formal action. Chair Kimball thanked the testifier and returned the meeting to legislative business.

No motions or votes on tax-rate changes were taken during this hearing; the session served as a public comment opportunity on proposals the council is considering.