Santa Claus Has Arrived: The American Tax Wave

Donald J. Trump wishes you a Merry C-H-R-I-S-T-M-A-S! Yes, on December 22nd, the Republican Tax Plan was officially signed, sealed and delivered to the American people.

Even the naughtiest of us will most likely benefit from tax cuts rather than getting a lump of coal in our stockings. In Hawaii, major banks have already announced $1,000-1,500 bonuses and a boost of the minimum wage to $15.

Hawaii's liberal politicians have been hard at work (hardly working), all year, looking for new and creative ways to inflate our taxes. In 2017, they've succeeded in upping the following taxes (not an exhaustive list):

1. Transient Accommodation Tax (TAT) - 1% increase; now at 10.25% until 2030

2. General Excise Tax - 4.712% rate extended until 2030

3. Property Tax - New rates 0.45 - 0.9%

4. Income Taxes - 9-11% for top earners

5. Car registration Fees - up to hundreds of dollars 2017-2019

6. Fuel Tax - doubling for Hawaii County | Moku 'O Keawe

*If this weren't enough, more tax increases are on the horizon.

Thus, when 45 announced his plan to lower taxes in our country, our representatives in Congress lost their combined wits:

"#GOPTaxScam" - U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard

"The Republican bill is a scam." - U.S. Rep. Mazie K. Hirono

Aren't locals tired of being one of the heaviest taxed states in the nation? Where is the outrage that should be directed towards our leaders who keep perpetuating the lie that endless taxes are a good thing? This must stop.

And it will. Hawaii will have an epiphany moment and realize that it needs a paradigm shift. Until that day comes, I'll continue blogging, drinking triple-shot caramel macchiatos, checking the surf report, and watching sunsets over Diamond Head from my balcony - all the normal stuff you'd do on an island (wink).

Hawaii is beautifully imperfect and I love it. But it can always be better. Cheers & Merry Christmas.