Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2005

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committees on Human Services and Intergovernmental Affairs, to which was referred S.C.R. No. 31 entitled:

beg leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to urge counties to make a concerted effort to develop a Senior Tax Work-Off Program to help senior citizens pay real property taxes.

Comments in regard to this measure were submitted by the Executive Office on Aging, the County of Hawaii Office on Aging, and the Senior Executive Assistant to the Mayor of Maui.

Your Committees find that due to the high cost of living and expenses of owning a home, a Senior Tax Work-Off Program in Hawaii would offer seniors an opportunity to earn money toward their real property taxes by performing a variety of tasks at county offices including custodial, clerical, paraprofessional, and food services. A Senior Tax Work-Off Program would provide seniors with a supportive service in an effort to maintain and improve their quality of life and in turn, they would contribute their services and experience to the workforce while earning credits toward the payment of their property taxes.

As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committees on Human Services and Intergovernmental Affairs that are attached to this report, your Committees concur with the intent and purpose of S.C.R. No. 31 and recommend that it be referred to the Committee on Ways and Means.