I can’t believe the ill-conceived “empty homes tax” is under consideration by Honolulu City Council members. Do they not realize the upheaval it would impose on the lives of many citizens?

I am neither an investor nor a developer. I am simply an 81-year-old retiree wanting to avoid mainland cold weather and peacefully spend my winters in beautiful Hawaii. Some 25 years ago, I was able to purchase my apartment, not as an investment but rather as my winter retreat.

Today my apartment is valued at nearly $1 million, and the proposal would impose an added penalty tax of nearly $30,000 a year just because my apartment is “empty” half the year. I would be forced to sell my beloved apartment, the city would get zero penalty tax, no new affordable housing would result and my life would be ruined. Kill this monster of a tax.

Geoff Boehm

Waikiki

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