Posted on: Sunday, January 13, 2002

Big Isle property tax to rise July 1

Advertiser Staff and News Services

HILO, Hawai'i — A bill that raises the minimum property tax on the Big Island from $25 to $100 will take effect July 1.

Mayor Harry Kim expressed his disappointment with the tax bill by declining to sign it. Kim is unhappy that the Hawai'i County Council included an exemption for property owners who live on their land. He said the measure should be applied fairly and equally without exceptions.

But with the measure passing by a 7-2 council vote, the bill will become law without Kim's signature.

The property tax increase will affect 50,900 landowners. The exemption will be applied to 10,275 residents.