I strongly support better pay (including overtime) for teachers, but I do not support the proposed constitutional amendment to allow the state to tax investment properties.

Straightforward legislation would be far better without amending the constitution and without messing with county real property taxes.

If the state does not want to fund teachers, it should turn education over to the counties and let the counties decide how much to pay teachers.

If the county wants to increase real property taxes then it can do so, without involving the state constitution or laws.

This constitutional amendment proposal is a red herring, designed to distract the people of Hawaii from holding the state responsible for shortchanging teachers. Teachers should receive as much pay and benefits as firefighters and police officers, as well as overtime pay for their after-hours work.

If the state really wants better teachers, the state will have to provide better pay and benefits.

Jamie Hunter

Makawao, Maui

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