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Legislators face taxing issues
Hang on to your wallets — the 2013 Legislature is under way and there’s no telling how our esteemed representatives are going to deal with spending and taxes.
In fact, Senate President Donna Mercado Kim and House Speaker Joe Souki offered decidedly different views on the subject, with Kim saying — on the session’s opening day — that there should be no new tax burdens imposed on Hawaii’s taxpayers.
Souki actually backed a reduction in taxes when he suggested reducing the state’s 11 percent personal income tax rate and urged some tax credits to spur certain businesses, and he reiterated his support for legalized gambling as a way to generate revenue. But overall, he said, "everything is on the table" with respect to taxes, depending on what state programs his colleagues wish to restore, establish or expand.
Stay tuned.
Hawaii island B&B can’t please all
This year’s TripAdvisor Travelers Choice Hotel ranked four Hawaii hotels as among the 10 best in the country, including the No. 1 Four Seasons Resort Hualalai at Hawaii island’s Kailua-Kona, but it also praised the nearby Honu Kai B&B as among the country’s top 10 B&Bs and inns, with special praise going to hosts Dave and Wendi Wasson.
"This place is truly paradise," remarked a guest from Calgary, Alberta. "Breakfast, friendliness, service was absolutely amazing. They truly make you feel at home."
That was among 273 "excellent" reviews of Honu Kai by participants in the TripAdvisor web page, while only one grouchy guest called it "terrible." Some people!