Poor pay more tax than the wealthy

In 2018, the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy did a study to assess tax fairness across the nation. It found that Hawaii’s lowest-income residents pay 68% more in taxes as a portion of their income, compared to the state’s wealthiest residents. The poorest pay 15% of their income in state and local taxes, while the richest pay only 8.9%.

Many progressives testified to the Legislature this year to tax real estate investment trusts, increase capital gains taxes and income taxes for the very wealthy. We failed. Only House Bill 58, to raise conveyance taxes for the sale of noncommercial properties valued at $4 million or greater, passed. Now Gov. David Ige has it on his veto list.

Democratic leaders in this state should enact fair tax policies. Why are we still taxing the poor more than the rich?

John Bickel

President, Americans for Democratic Action Hawaii Chapter

Get vaccinated, or get left behind

Regarding “Time to speak out about vaccinations” (Star-Advertiser, Letters, June 17): In the very near future, restrictions will be lifted and parties and gatherings will begin with families and friends. For those 12% or so who have not been vaccinated, how would you feel, seeing an invitation that said, “Those that are not vaccinated, please do not attend.”

For grandparents who have not been vaccinated, how would you feel if your own child restricts you from seeing your grandchildren because you’re not vaccinated?

For those 12% who have not been vaccinated, a recommendation: Change your mindset and adjust to the situation. We are all capable of doing that.

Albert Miral

Ewa Beach

Don’t stigmatize the unvaccinated

Those who haven’t gotten the COVID-19 vaccine have their reasons. I’m sure they’ve considered whether or not they may be at risk of contracting the virus and they are standing by their decision.

Choosing not to get vaccinated does not make a person a threat or uncaring. Bribery, disparaging and discrimination from public activity have not proven to be persuasive.

But why is it that those who are vaccinated seem more fearful of those who have not been, as if they could catch it even though they have immunity? Senseless separations of the two at public functions accomplishes little to nothing.

Guy Morgan

Moanalua

Owners responsible for cars breaking law

Mahalo for your editorial (“Give red-light cams fair chance to work,” Star-Advertiser, Our View, June 20).

There are two important clarifications.

First, a video link of the red-light violation will accompany the ticket.

Second, the identity of the driver is not an issue. The registered owner pays the fine no matter who is driving. Deterring illegal and dangerous driver behavior is the goal.

A ticket may be contested in writing or in court if the vehicle was stolen or sold prior to the violation; yielded to an emergency vehicle; was part of a funeral procession; or was directed by police through the intersection.

It is not a defense that the registered owner’s renter, friend or family member was driving. The registered owner may seek reimbursement from the driver. (Registered owners are financially responsible when vehicles are at fault in collisions, or are towed from a tow-away zone.)

Vehicles can be dangerous weapons in the wrong hands. Registered owners must be careful when lending their vehicles. Other lives depend on it.

Chad Taniguchi

Safe streets advocate, Hawaii Bicycling League

Restrict access to top visitor attractions

Hawaii is suddenly being inundated by tourists. We’ve seen increases in traffic, sunbathers, airport lines and shoppers in Waikiki.

Nowhere is this more visible than on the road to Hana, Maui. Something must be done. Since we cannot keep tourists out, why not limit the entrances to local attractions, starting with Hana?

Once Maui leaders determine the optimum number of cars on the road, the county could build an entrance portal to limit the traffic. Residents would be free to come and go but tourists would be charged an entrance fee. When the optimum limit is reached, the road would be closed to all but residents and commercial vehicles.

It worked for 17-Mile Drive in Carmel, Calif., and can work here.

Hana is too precious to be destroyed by overcrowding. And really, all our islands must be protected before it is too late.

Eileen Glaholt

Kaneohe