House and Senate Republicans are calling for a series of tax cuts they say will revive Hawaii's economy. Isle GOP hopeful
about tax cuts
By Richard Borreca
rborreca@starbulletin.comIn a news conference yesterday at the state Capitol, the House and Senate GOP leaders promised to introduce legislation this year to repeal the excise tax on food, exempt residential rents from the excise tax, create a one-day retail tax holiday and exempt the excise tax on Medicare services and products, plus Medicare and Medicaid payments.
Republicans also want to restore the food tax credit, which was removed when the state's economy started to slip in 1998.
"These good ideas may have a chance with a popular governor on our side who has promoted similar solutions," said Rep. Galen Fox, GOP House leader.
Republican suggestions in other areas, such as schools, also mirror the proposals of Gov. Linda Lingle, including breaking up the state school system into separate districts.
The Republicans also call for "performance contracts" for public school principals and school report cards available to the public in electronic form.
Another bill the GOP will introduce calls for electing the attorney general, who is now appointed by the governor.
State of Hawaii
