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Kokua Line
Question: I understand the Legislature passed a tax on cigarettes this year. When does it go into effect? Clearing the air
about tax on
cigarettesAnswer: Act 249 of the 2000 Legislature is not a new tax, just a new method of collecting the cigarette tax and to prevent the black marketing of cigarettes here, says Linda Cacpal of the state Tax Department.
The current tax on cigarettes is 5 cents a cigarette.
The new law was effective on June 19.
The requirement that the excise tax on cigarettes be collected through the use of stamps affixed to the bottom of every package of cigarettes, including those sold in vending machines, will take effect Jan 1, 2001.
However, there is a three-month transition period before the penalty provisions apply.
Cigarette packs already in stock and which have not been stamped may be sold through March 2001.
After that date every pack of cigarettes sold after April 1, 2001, must have a state tax stamp.
Violators would be subjected to a fine of at least $500, but no more than $1,000. Only military stores and military markets are exempt from this requirement.
The state Tax Department will make the new tax stamp available on Dec. 15 to local wholesalers.
The stamp act will be in effect until June 30, 2006.
The Tax Department is now negotiating with a vendor to supply stamping machines to licensees to affix the stamps on individual cigarette packs.
Enforcement of the law falls to the attorney general's office. In 2002 and 2003, the attorney general will have to report to lawmakers how much in fines has been collected from violators.
The tax director is required before the law sunsets to report on its effectiveness in reducing the loss of cigarette revenues.
Q: In the past when recycling newspapers, the basic rule of thumb seemed to be newsprint only. Are there any current restrictions on what parts of the typical Sunday paper can and cannot be recycled?
A: The city Refuse Division says the basic rule of thumb still applies and since most of the Sunday newspaper is printed on newsprint, all of it can be recycled. What cannot be dumped into the city's recycling bins are magazines because of the material used.
The same holds true for colored brochures that are printed on heavy, shiny paper. Magazines and brochures should either be put out with the trash or donated to schools, hospitals, libraries or other such organizations.
Q: What is the noise standard for loud automobile stereos, particularly the ones with the heavy bass booming across the road, and what is the policy and attitude for enforcement?
A: Basically it's a judgment call on the part of the police officer, says traffic Sgt. Clyde Yamashiro. The law states that it's unlawful to have such loud sounds emitting from a car that can be heard two car lengths away. Violators could be subjected to a fine of $100 for the first offense and $500 for the second offense within six months.
Auwe
I work at the airport and as far as I am concerned it is the worst international airport. I take issue when airport administration says the commuter airline restrooms were open. When I flew in on June 13, the baggage ones were closed. On June 15 when I returned my rental car and waited for my ride at the commuter terminal, both sets were closed.
Need help with problems? Call Kokua Line at 525-8686,
fax 525-6711, or write to P.O. Box 3080, Honolulu 96802.
Email to kokualine@starbulletin.com