My wife and I opened our family business 44 years ago.

Hawaiian Carpet One, Hawaiian Ceramic Tile is still operating in Kahului. Someday I hope to pass the business to the next generation of my family.

I support House Bill 2653 because family-owned companies like ours are struggling to stay in business in Hawaii.

Hawaii’s estate tax makes it even more difficult. Our state is one of the only ones that forces family members to pay up to 20 percent of the value of the business when the owner passes away. For a small business like mine, often the only way to do that is by selling or liquidating the business.

This bill is essential if we want local companies to survive. The large mainland companies that we compete with don’t have to pay the estate tax. Neither should we.

Since my small business was founded in 1981, we’ve paid a great deal in taxes, and we have always, and will continue to pay our share. We are willing to pay estate taxes on our personal assets.

But the estate tax on family businesses is different. It forces local businesses to close or sell. That means good jobs and local brands are disappearing, too. I urge our legislators to support HB 2653.

Myles Kawakami

Kahului