RAM GAD POD - Notes from the GAD for 12/12/2019

RAM GAD POD

Sorry! No interview this week, but I have a great guest lined up for next week. In the meantime, please settle for the following Notes from the GAD:

Real Property Tax Reform: As you are aware, Bill 58 and Bill 59, relating to tax classifications and tiered real property tax rates, passed in the Council a few weeks back. Nevertheless, there was a lot of testimony that spoke to a need for more public outreach and education prior to implementing the framework outlined in these pieces of legislation. With that in mind, on Friday, Dec. 13 from 9-11 a.m., RAM will be hosting Councilmember Alice Lee for a presentation regarding the Council’s real property tax reform efforts, followed by a question and answer session.

Water Shut Down in Paia and Kuau: Tonight, Thursday, Dec. 12 all customers on the County water system in Paia and Kuau will have their water shut off from approximately 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. (Friday morning). Depending on the conditions encountered while work is being conducted, customers in Sprecklesville may also be affected. Please store water and plan accordingly.

Central Maui Landfill: Beginning Sunday, Dec. 15 the landfill will begin opening on Sundays for residential green waste disposal only from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. No commercial green waste or commercial/residential trash will be accepted. Please note that illegal dumping of green waste is commonly linked to the spread of invasive species, and should be avoided.

West Maui Community Plan: The next Community Plan Advisory Committee meeting is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 17 at Waiola Church’s Keopuolani Hall, and it will focus on a final review of policies and actions related to all five Goals of the Community Plan. Agenda and other information available at www.wearemaui.org.

Economic Outlook: NAR recently held its Real Estate Forecast Summit and the information shared was generally pretty optimistic. A group of prominent real estate industry economists that attended released a consensus forecast that projects continued but slowing economic growth in 2020. NAR’s Chief Economist, Lawrence Yun, stated that he believes real estate to be “on firm ground with little chance of price declines,” but he cautioned that “more supply is needed to assure home prices as well as rents do not consistently outgrow income gains.” Overall, a recession is seen as unlikely in 2020, but it is not completely out of the question.

100 Real Estate Agents Who Care: Pohaku Kepler is a senior at Kihei Charter School and his goal is to get 100 REALTORS to donate $100 each in order to raise $10,000 for Habitat for Humanity. All the money raised will go towards helping families right here in Maui County. Check out www.100RealEstateAgentsWhoCare.com for more information and to donate.

REALTOR Party Mobile Alerts: REALTORS, please sign up for mobile alerts by texting the word “REALTOR” to the number 30644. This is an easy way to ensure you are in the loop next time RAM needs your help.