06-03-2014, 06:46 AM
Re the ag exemption
The tax office in Hilo can answer questions about how it works, and there is an online description of the rules, including the application IIRC.
I know that the ag exemption does not go by having the sheep or the fruit trees alone; what they want are receipts for sales.
Before acquiring sheep, you should think it well through, IMO, whether you want to care for sheep, and whether you want to market sheep, because by filing this you are committing to doing so.
I think it would be a bit rushed to buy sheep as a "strategy," and it would be better to talk to local livestock farmers and plan what you are doing first. There are farmers in this area with whom you can network.
There was a series of Practical Ag workshops going for a while. The non-profit organization I'm part of could likely provide contacts. (Rural South Hilo Community Association.)
The general community in your new area, which is mostly old-timers, is unhappy about the arrival of "gentleman farming" to rural Hilo -Hamakua. They want farmers who are passionate about farming, and it would really turn them off to hear about farming primarily as a tax strategy.
It's a small community, and some of the parcels in Pepe'ekeo, those that are part of the high end subdivisions (you didn't say where you are buying, and I'm not assuming), are already a source of controversy in the community for seeking to transform ag land into residentia, which includes ag activity that is basically hobby farming or is done for the tax exemption.
I'd say know where you are and who is around you, and take your time. You can always save a bit of money down the line, but you only get one shot with your first impression on your new community. Either you are moving here to join this community or to be another mainlander moving in who doesn't get the old ways. It's really so worthwhile not to be seen as the latter.
Pepe'ekeo is not like Puna where newcomers are common and mix in quickly. It is an area where people have settled for generations, and everyone knows everyone, so you will be the new guy and your actions will be observed. Just how it is here.
Having lived in this area on and off for ten years, I would say that if you want the community to welcome you, reach out to your specific community about what to do, and not through the internet. The internet is fine for info on how the taxes work (as long as you also talk to the Real Property Tax office), but the best thing you can do is to go to the people of your area.
Just don't discuss the idea of farming primarily to lower your taxes with anyone who has roots in the area. It won't sit well.
Welcome to one of the most beautiful areas of Hawai'i, in my view and that of most who live around here. The people here are the best once you get to know them.
The tax office in Hilo can answer questions about how it works, and there is an online description of the rules, including the application IIRC.
I know that the ag exemption does not go by having the sheep or the fruit trees alone; what they want are receipts for sales.
Before acquiring sheep, you should think it well through, IMO, whether you want to care for sheep, and whether you want to market sheep, because by filing this you are committing to doing so.
I think it would be a bit rushed to buy sheep as a "strategy," and it would be better to talk to local livestock farmers and plan what you are doing first. There are farmers in this area with whom you can network.
There was a series of Practical Ag workshops going for a while. The non-profit organization I'm part of could likely provide contacts. (Rural South Hilo Community Association.)
The general community in your new area, which is mostly old-timers, is unhappy about the arrival of "gentleman farming" to rural Hilo -Hamakua. They want farmers who are passionate about farming, and it would really turn them off to hear about farming primarily as a tax strategy.
It's a small community, and some of the parcels in Pepe'ekeo, those that are part of the high end subdivisions (you didn't say where you are buying, and I'm not assuming), are already a source of controversy in the community for seeking to transform ag land into residentia, which includes ag activity that is basically hobby farming or is done for the tax exemption.
I'd say know where you are and who is around you, and take your time. You can always save a bit of money down the line, but you only get one shot with your first impression on your new community. Either you are moving here to join this community or to be another mainlander moving in who doesn't get the old ways. It's really so worthwhile not to be seen as the latter.
Pepe'ekeo is not like Puna where newcomers are common and mix in quickly. It is an area where people have settled for generations, and everyone knows everyone, so you will be the new guy and your actions will be observed. Just how it is here.
Having lived in this area on and off for ten years, I would say that if you want the community to welcome you, reach out to your specific community about what to do, and not through the internet. The internet is fine for info on how the taxes work (as long as you also talk to the Real Property Tax office), but the best thing you can do is to go to the people of your area.
Just don't discuss the idea of farming primarily to lower your taxes with anyone who has roots in the area. It won't sit well.
Welcome to one of the most beautiful areas of Hawai'i, in my view and that of most who live around here. The people here are the best once you get to know them.