HONOLULU – The Office of the Governor seeks qualified volunteers for the Boards of Taxation Review across the state.

The boards informally hear and decide disputes between taxpayers and tax assessors, as an alternative to filing formal appeals with the Hawaii Tax Appeals Court.

There are currently three vacancies on the Oahu board, five vacancies on the Kauai board and one each on Maui and Hawaii Island.

“Right now, there is a backlog of about 200 cases because of vacancies on the boards. Without functional boards, appeals are not being heard and decisions are not being made. Voluntary service boards are critical to providing an independent body that will handle matters such as these tax appeals,” said Department of Taxation Director Rona Suzuki.

Taxation Review Boards may hear a wide range of cases (with the exception of matters involving the United States Constitution or federal laws).

The boards are required to hold at least one public meeting annually.

Board members must be current residents of the island on which they serve.

For more information, or to apply, go to boards.hawaii.gov or contact Sharon Ibarra at boards.commissions@hawaii.gov.