Aloha Friend,

Last week, Governor Josh Green announced that the State of Hawaii will conform with the U.S. Internal Revenue Service for those affected by the Red Hill water crisis.

Those individuals who received assistance due to the crisis will be exempt from paying state taxes on relief provided by the federal government to cover emergency expenses.
 
Governor Green acknowledged the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announcement that targeted federal tax exemptions would be provided to those individuals and households who received relief after being uprooted from their homes as a result of the contamination of their drinking water.

“Under these extraordinary circumstances,” Governor Green said, “I applaud the IRS for doing what’s right.”

Over 1,700 families were affected by the Red Hill fuel leak, who received reimbursements for hotel lodging, meals, and personal property damage expenses from the U.S. Department of Defense, but were informed that the reimbursements would be considered taxable income.

Last month, Hawaii’s Congressional Delegation sent a letter to IRS Acting Commissioner Douglas O’Donnell requesting tax exemptions for any assistance provided by the Department of Defense due to the crisis.

In February, Governor Green announced a special oversight committee on Red Hill and statewide water issues, “to monitor the progress on the Red Hill timeline and provide the public with regular updates and status reports.”

“As we move forward,” he said, “we must remain vigilant, demand transparency from the Pentagon and the Navy, and require accountability for the impacts on our health and our environment.”

We will continue to keep you updated as Governor Green takes action to protect the health and safety of Hawaii’s people and our water.

As always, thank you for being an important member of Team Green.

Mahalo,

Team Green