For Immediate Release: June 16, 2022
Press Release by:
Michael J. Molina, Councilmember
Maui County Council
media@mauicounty.us
Councilmember Molina
WAILUKU, Hawai‘i – Councilmember Michael J. Molina said today he has introduced a bill for the Maui County Council meeting on Tuesday at 9 a.m. that would amend the Maui County Code to help severely disabled Maui County veterans obtain a lower tax bill for their homes.
Bill 110 (2022) proposes to amend Section 3.48.475, Maui County Code, to allow those with a 70 percent or higher disability rating by the U.S. Veterans Administration to qualify for an annual real property tax bill of only $150, he said. This change will ensure severely disabled veterans and their surviving spouses have additional support as rapidly increasing housing costs have placed a greater financial burden on Maui County taxpayers, said Molina, who noted the current standard to get the lower tax bill requires 100 percent disability.
“As I was looking at budgetary decisions this year to increase exemptions for all homeowners, I reviewed the exemptions for local homeowners and recognized this as an area we could help our veterans,” said Molina, who holds the council seat for the Makawao-Ha‘ikū-Pā‘ia residency area. “After researching the definition of severely disabled veterans, a floor level of 70 percent is supportable.
“I hope we are able to offer this tax relief to our Maui County heroes and that this type of bill may be picked up by other county councils as well.”
Molina said if the bill is passed by the council, the exemption paperwork may be changed quickly, and qualified veterans could apply before Dec. 31 of this year for next year’s tax cycle.
In addition to receiving testimony by phone or video conference, the council will accept written testimony. For instructions on submitting testimony, please visit http://mauicounty.us/testify.
The meeting will also be available to view live online and on Akaku Channel 53. For more information on Bill 110 and other agenda items, visit MauiCounty.us/agendas.
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