Ask the Mayor: I’ll Be Surprised if You Answer This

Maui Now stock photo. August 2016.

Mayor Alan Arakawa answers some of the questions submitted to his office staff.

Submit your own questions about County of Maui programs, services, operations or policies to Mayor Alan Arakawa via email at AskTheMayor@mauicounty.gov, call 270-7855 or send them by mail to 200 S. High St., 9th Floor, Wailuku, HI 96793. Questions submitted will be considered for inclusion in the “Ask the Mayor” column.

Dear Mayor,

Q: I would really be surprised if you answer this question. Please tell me why a property selling for $13 million is only paying on a tax value of $157,900.

The property located at 2176 Kekaulike Ave. is over 3,200 acres and the asking price is $13 million; the county’s total net value is $163,000. Something is wrong here. This is so not fair.

Can you please explain why this person is not paying their fair share?

A: This parcel is primarily in agricultural use for pasturing of cattle, therefore it is valued in accordance to our agricultural use program.

On record, the Real Property Assessment Division (RPAD) confirms that this parcel filed an application and was granted the application for bonafide agricultural use.

If this parcel did not have an agricultural use petition, RPAD confirms that the assessment would have been $12,248,900.