Republicans call on public to boost legislative fight to cut taxes

Outnumbered 4-to-1 in both the House and the Senate, Republicans in the state Legislature plan to take their fight for lower taxes and tax rebates to the people.

"We'll call for people to phone their legislators, to write letters to the editor -- we want a public outcry," said Rep. Bud Stonebraker (R, Kalama Valley-Hawaii Kai). "We're the minority party, but we believe that we stand for the majority of what people really feel is important, and that is tax relief at this time."

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Saying they wanted to represent the working people of Hawaii, House Republicans gathered at a neighborhood grocery store in Liliha yesterday to unveil their package of proposals for this year's session.

While their proposals cover issues from education and crime to renewable energy and the gas price cap, GOP lawmakers said their biggest priority is giving back a significant portion of the state's projected $570 million budget surplus.

"There's no excuses this year," said House Minority Leader Lynn Finnegan (R, Mapunapuna-Foster Village).

The tax-cut ideas are in line with proposals presented earlier by Gov. Linda Lingle, who said she wants to give back as much as $300 million to taxpayers.

Democratic leadership appears split on providing tax breaks.

Senate President Robert Bunda (D, Kaena-Wahiawa-Pupukea) has proposed adjusting the state's tax brackets and voiced support for Lingle's calls to raise the standard deduction for income tax filers.

House Speaker Calvin Say (D, St. Louis Heights-Wilhelmina Rise-Palolo Valley) has urged caution in spending, arguing that neither a tax rebate nor a cut is needed this year.

Tax cuts also will be on the agenda of the Senate's five-member Republican caucus, Minority Leader Fred Hemmings said.

While the GOP plans to push for proposals aimed at cutting taxes, weaning Hawaii from its dependence on oil and promoting the establishment of more public-private partnerships, Hemmings said his top priority is "to have a balanced, honest government."

"It seems that the taxpayers are told every year to pay more money, and they're funding mismanagement," said Hemmings (R, Lanikai-Waimanalo). "It's the ongoing mantra of, 'Give us more money and we'll do a better job,' and it's sickening.

"The taxpayers have been extremely generous."

House Republicans also are calling on county leaders to help in lowering taxes.

Members said they plan to circulate petitions at public events to gather signatures to present to the Honolulu City Council, urging the Council to not raise property taxes this year.

"Hopefully the county will listen to our plea," said Rep. Barbara Marumoto (R, Kalani Valley-Diamond Head).