For so long, the high cost of living in Hawaii has been blamed on imported goods. Perhaps that is one of the reasons, but I know of many island nations where a great deal of goods are imported and sold at reasonable prices. I think the real culprit is the state government. The state taxes everything. Overtaxing us may be legal, but it’s immoral.
I call upon the state to stop taxing our income. That goes with other taxes; do away with property tax or sales tax, or both. Why does the state have to tax us when it receives funds from the federal government? The tax the state takes could be used by employers to provide benefits for their workers. The hard-working people of Hawaii deserve better. You can keep local taxes like parking fees, rail and bus fares, but keep your hands off our paychecks, please.
Papu Lemamea
Wahiawa
COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS
In the spirit of this season, take a moment to count your blessings. Recent times might’ve been tough — politically, economically or otherwise — but surely there are positives.
Here’s your chance to reflect on what you appreciate. Today through Dec. 9, we’ll be accepting “Count Your Blessings” letters (150 words max) or essays (500-600 words). A collection of these will run in mid-December.
Email to letters@staradvertiser.com; or send to 500 Ala Moana Blvd., Bldg. 2, room 200, Honolulu 96813, c/o Letters.
EXPRESS YOURSELF
The Honolulu Star-Advertiser welcomes all opinions. Want your voice to be heard? Submit a letter to the editor.
>> Write us: We welcome letters up to 150 words, and guest columns of 500-600 words. We reserve the right to edit for clarity and length. Include your name, address and daytime phone number.
>> Mail: Letters to the Editor, Honolulu Star-Advertiser 7 Waterfront Plaza, 500 Ala Moana, Suite 210 Honolulu, HI 96813
>> Contact: 529-4831 (phone), 529-4750 (fax), letters@staradvertiser.com, staradvertiser.com/editorial/submit-letter
