In response to a proposal for an increase in Hawaii’s excise tax, hundreds of citizens gathered at the States capital to protest. Hawaii is already one of the most taxed states in the country, so it is no surprise that local taxpayers would strongly oppose any increases. The New York Times posted a new article about the protest; you can find a snippet of their piece below.
More than 200 people gathered at the state capitol to ask lawmakers for a 1-percentage point increase in the general excise tax imposed on goods and services. The tax, known as GET, is currently 4.5 percent on Oahu and 4 percent elsewhere in Hawaii.
They waved colored signs saying ''GET'' and urged lawmakers not to eliminate jobs and services.
''The cuts are too deep. They are damaging the economy,'' the Rev. Bob Nakata, a Methodist minister, told the crowd. ''It's not just the bleeding hearts that are saying this needs to be done.''
Hawaii's money troubles have resulted in less government support for public schools, child protective services, mental health, social service providers and agriculture inspectors. Hundreds of public employees were laid off, and the rest are taking pay cuts through furloughs.