Promised property tax reductions a scam

WAILUKU » Maui County officials have received reports of a scam involving a "consultant" offering to help people receive real property tax reductions in exchange for a $1,500 fee.

Maui County Mayor Alan Arakawa said information about the homeowners' exemptions and other property tax breaks for qualified residents are available for free through calling the county Real Property Tax Office at 270-7697.

The county has established a "circuit-breaker" system that places a cap on the amount of real property taxes paid by an owner-occupant to no more than 3 percent of the adjusted gross income.

County Finance Director Kalbert Young said people who have questions about the circuit-breaker system and other real property issues may attend free public information sessions on Oct. 27 at the Mitchell Pauole Center on Molokai, Nov. 3 at the Lahaina Civic Center, Nov. 9 at the Tavares Community Center in Pukalani, Nov. 10 at the Velma McWayne Santos Community Center in Wailuku, Nov. 16 at the Kihei Community Center, Nov. 22 at the Kaunoa Senior Center, Dec. 7 at the Lanai Senior Center and Dec. 16 at the Helene Hall in Hana. All sessions begin at 9:30 a.m.