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Important facts left out of ‘timeshare tax ruling’ article

Three important facts mentioned in our press release cited in The Maui News’ front-page “timeshare tax ruling” article of Nov. 4 were not included.

Judge Peter Cahill indicated that the court order, now in appeal by the county, to be in the range of “hundreds of millions of dollars,” not $34 million. The actual tax revenue disputed and spent so far is $68 million.

No mention was made about who was responsible. Mayor Alan Arakawa has had final say on what happened and continues to. County Council Budget Committee Chairman Riki Hokama approves what is in the budget. Those are facts. Objective risk assessment, prudent judgment and a sense of stewardship would suggest holding some of it in escrow, just in case. They are responsible for that.

The news accurately pointed out that one particular assertion with little other commentary from our press release. Much of Council Chairman Mike White’s very extensive comments in the article clearly indicate blatant self-interest not related to the legalities involved. His arguments, based on his opinion about legal technicalities, suggest years more litigation at best. Budget Director Sandy Baz already described the consequences as “financially devastating” to Maui County and it only gets worse with time.

Judge Cahill admonished the parties to settle due to the huge financial risks for both. Mayor Arakawa and Corporation Council Pat Wong seem to know better. They won’t budge. But it’s our money, not theirs. Not all of us are gamblers. The public deserves to know what the risks are.

Nick Drance

Kihei

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