Maui fire survivors may be exempt from paying property taxes for 1 more year

WAILUKU (HawaiiNewsNow) – A crucial vote puts Maui County on track to give up approximately $21 million dollars to help fire victims recover.
“It’s a huge win for us,” said Lahaina fire survivor Shannon I’i.
I’i and her ‘ohana lost their Lahaina home last August but is still paying her mortgage on top of rent for their new temporary home among other expenses.
“What’s going to be next? What’s the next bill I got to pay? We’re still paying for water. We’re still paying all the little things that make a big difference,” she said.
It’s people like I’i that inspired BILL 153, which was passed by the Council’s Budget, Finance, and Economic Development Committee on Tuesday.
The measure gives fire survivors in Lahaina and Kula one more year of property tax exemptions.
“I also want to say that this is going to help Upcountry too. I know we focus so much on West Maui for obvious reasons,” said Upcountry Councilwoman Yuki Lei Sugimura.
“A lot of people, their alternative living expenses or loss of use for their property is running out. A lot of the FEMA benefits too are getting significantly less. A lot of the hubs have stopped serving and so, right now is really a time when people are struggling. A lot of people are realizing just how much a rebuild will cost, and just how much insurance, if they had insurance, will cover,” said West Maui Councilwoman Tamara Paltin. “It’s the right thing to do.”
The tax break will cost the county just over $21 million in uncollected revenue. Paltin says the exemption is needed to help residents get back on their feet.
“The county is made up of its residents, and it’s our biggest hope that all the residents are able to come back,” she said.
The bill now goes to the full council for a vote where it is expected to pass.
“The small, little things make a big difference, and to me this isn’t small. This is huge. This is a huge part, even though it didn’t go to the full council yet, that little win in committee gives us complete hope for the next day,” I’i said.
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