By Walt Harvey (R), ABR, CRS, GRI, SRES, ePRO
Unless you live on a coral atoll at the far western end of our state, you’re probably aware that we are in an election year. Political signs are sprouting like weeds after a spring shower. Unfortunately, signs only communicate a candidate’s name, office they’re seeking and political affiliation except in city and county races. Signs do not tell us what the candidate wants to do for us or how they’ll vote on issues once in office. Those important questions are asked and answered in local meetings, debates and forums.
Issues relating to real estate that should be addressed include property taxes. Tax assessments have soared due to increased property values. Ask your candidate where they stand on raising property tax rates further to balance budgets.
Leasehold Conversion Law (Chapter 38). Bill 53, to repeal Chapter 38 was just introduced in the City Council. This is a highly charged issue with strong arguments on both sides. Ask your candidate for City Council where they stand.
Another highly emotional issue is growth. In Hawaii Kai, no-growth advocates have organized and circulated petitions to block development and are flooding city officials with emails expressing their opposition to projects that already have approval as well as some still in the planning stage. Ask your candidate how they plan to balance the need and demand for housing with the concerns of overbuilding.
The preamble to the Realtor© Code of Ethics begins: “Under all is the land…” Land and land issues affect us all and we need to be clear how our elected officials stand.
Above all, register and VOTE!
Walt Harvey is a real estate broker with East Oahu Realty and works with his wife Arla. They specialize in residential, commercial and investment real estate and can be reached on their website: www.coastalhawaii.com. Have a real estate question? E-mail us at walt@coastalhawaii.com or call 375-8959.
Published in Small Business News, September 2004