While reading Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s commentary urging passage of additional taxes on hotels, I laughed or gagged at nearly every sentence (“Increase tax on hotels, not residences,” Star-Advertiser, Island Voices, June 2).

A shorter version, omitting all the disingenuous wailings about trying to avoid tax increases, the hollow complaints about the city’s nondiscretionary obligations, the feigned concerns about the visitor industry and the excessive burdens visitors impose on our island, and the politicians’ customary foil requiring somebody (else) to pay their “fair share,” would read:

“The City and County needs more money. So, rather than raise property taxes on those of you who can vote or otherwise make elected officials uncomfortable, I propose that we raise the rates on outsiders.”

Robert Maynard

Kailua

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