The property tax class “investment real estate” is not defined. I suggest five categories: long-term residential rentals, transient residential rentals, major commercial properties, minor commercial properties and agricultural properties. Long-term residential properties would be taxed like owner-occupied property; higher taxes exacerbate the affordable-rentals shortage. Short-term rental properties would be taxed like minor commercial properties. Major commercial properties would be taxed recognizing the income-generating capacity. Minor commercial properties would be taxed at a lower rate recognizing lesser income. Agricultural properties should be taxed at a lower rate recognizing low income.

The proposed refuse fee won’t cover any collection cost; it would all go to administration. At $5 monthly, many would simply ignore it. The city could stop trash collection where the fee is not paid, but this would be a major burden for the trash drivers to manage. Scofflaws would burden their neighbors by using neighbors’ cans — or dump trash elsewhere, creating a major eyesore.

Jim Pollock

Kaneohe

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