Hawaii is among eight states with the highest income taxes, obviously contributing to Hawaii being the most expensive state in which to live in America, according to a CNBC analysis.

Hawaii has a rate of 148 full-time state employees per 10,000 population, fourth behind Alaska, Delaware and Wyoming. What is the state doing to improve efficiencies and institute cost savings that might be reallocated for such things as education?

With every critical shortfall, all our one-trick-pony Legislature does is raise taxes. Take the latest attempt: taxing investment property to fund education. We are a local family with investment properties. Do not think for a moment that the increased costs are not going to be passed to renters.

Affordable housing? The state says it is a high priority, yet an unintended, unstudied and underanalyzed consequence of this new proposed tax undermines that initiative.

Stop adding to the cost of living in this wonderful place we call home. Vote NO on the November ballot.

Laura Hayashi

Aiea

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