Letters to the Editor

Why are part-time residents also charged parking fees?

With more visitors, Maui County Mayor Michael Victorino proposed parking fees at beach parks as well as launching reservation systems at popular sites, according to a Hawaii News Now story.

Fees for our residents would be always exempt from using our beaches, as opposed to visitors who are here for just a short time.

"They don't have to pay real property tax, they don't pay a lot of the fees that our residents pay," Victorino said.

"They would share a little cost in maintaining our environment and our resources. So, the burden's going to be on the visitor -- not our residents."

What about part-time residents who pay substantial real property tax? We have no voice but pay high property taxes, yet the mayor includes us with visitors who vacation on Maui?

It seems to be there is no concern for part-time residents.

John Herb

Wailea