WMTA Illustrates an Analysis of Maui County RPT Collections & CIP

Through the past efforts of West Maui Taxpayers Association (WMTA )and others in community, we have been able to successful lobby and work with County and State officials help West Maui advance in health and safety.  This included the recently completed Lahaina Skate Park.  With the help of WMTA Board Member Pamela English working with key members of the community, the County as well a Federal Grant the Skate Park is now open to provide safe environment for the skating community to enjoy. 

In addition, the most notable project WMTA is known for is building the Napili Ambulance and Fire Station for West Maui.  This was only possible through the efforts of the WMTA members and select Board of Directors who put a 2nd mortgage on their home to get this project funded and completed.  This in itself has saved lives as well as helped to lower insurance premiums for homeowners, hotels and businesses . Before the Napili Ambulance and First Station area property was classified as PC10 and owners were unable to purchase insurance under normal stock insurers.  Since the creation of the Napili Ambulance and Fire Station property  was classified as PC5 and owners could  now purchase under normal insurers at an average of more than 50%+ savings. That means property owners in Kahana/Mahinahina/Napili and Kapalua have saved millions of dollars in addition to the improved medical outcomes from improved emergencies, including literally lives saved!

As WMTA notes that response from State and County has gotten better through the years, it can be proven that West Maui deserves a lot more! 

Estimated Real Property Taxes Revenues (RPT) islandwide (Maui County) is $240,332,468. West Maui generates $94.2M (39.6%) in Real Property Tax Revenues (See “Graph 1” below).  Of the $94.2M, $36M (38.3%) generated directly from Hotels and Resorts, and $23.6M (25.1%) are from Timeshares.   (See “Graph 2” below)

Now take a look at Graph 3 below.  Note that the proposed Capital Improvement Project Budget has sources of funds beyond RPT as the graph shows.  That equals to West Maui is receiving 27% of the $94.2M   of their total contribution through RPT collections, in improvement projects.

So as you can see, West Maui ranks the highest in estimated revenue source for via Real Property Tax. However, West Maui does not receive equal percentage of monies being reinvested into the community.   We recognize that an equal amount of reinvestments is not practical or desirable, we have urgent needs for sewer treatment odor improvement, affordable housing and improved access to emergency medical care.

Help us help YOU bring more of our tax dollars for re-investment into West Maui. 

Our Board of Directors live, work and play in West Maui.  They have been hard at work lobbying on behalf of visitors and residents.  However, with limited resources – WMTA can only do so much.  How  can you help– become a member of the WMTA, and if you have the time, volunteer as well. 

Why become a member? 

Become a member so that WMTA has the resources for its Board and volunteers to get out and make your voices heard.  Whether it be through membership events presentations, newsletter mailings, membership booths, other special mailings, website and social media – we need the help of our membership dues to lobby and bring awareness to our issues. 

For our members, and the community WMTA:

• Acts as a day-to-day monitor and lobbyist for all issues affecting West Maui, including infrastructure, public safety, education, parks and public space maintenance and beautification, and water quality.  

• Maintain contact with elected officials and government agencies, providing them with information on community needs as our membership expresses them to us. 
• Testify at public hearings, ask tough questions, and work to assure our voices are heard at all levels.

Who can become a member?  EVERYBODY.   

·         Absentee owners and  vacation property owners

·         Businesses in West Maui,

·         Maui residents commuting to their job in West Maui from other parts of the island,

·          Maui residents and vacationers  from all over the island, other states and other countries who come to play on West Maui beaches, shop at West Maui shops, eat at West Maui restaurants ~ and their family and friends!

·         Give a gift membership to a family or friend when joining or renewing your dues

CLICK HERE TO JOIN TODAY!
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