Legislature Pushes More Taxes, Less UI Reform

The 25th State Legislature which began January 20 is now approaching the halfway mark as It continues its 60-working day run until April 29.

The budget with its current $1.3 billion deficit remains the top priority.

Without major spending and personnel restrictions, lawmakers continue to focus on additional taxes to burden Hawaii small businesses and taxpayers.

Bills that are still alive — most originating in the House — include personal income tax, General Excise Tax, new sales tax, conveyance tax and liquor tax hikes.

Many other fees are added or expanded.

Employer mandates, sparked by union power, also litter the legislative landscape.

Unmployment compensation tax relief which needs to be enacted this month to stave off a 1,000 per cent tax increase retroactive to January 1, is stalled.

The annual bans are back; plastic bags, electronic equipment, fireworks, petroleum based electric facilities and gas leaf blowers included.

Green is still in with sanctions for people and businesses who don’t subscribe to the correct “e” edicts.

For the latest legislative news go online to http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov HawaiiReporter.com and http://www.smallbusinesshawaii.com.