In conjunction with Act 221, let us not forget the other opportunities that are already out there for new tech businesses...
One of which is the Manoa Innovation Center. Its less than $2/sq ft. and that includes a fast internet connection. They will help you with a business plan, consulting, marketing and sales strategies, support, conference rooms and conference equipment. To quote their site, "The Manoa Innovation Center is a high-tech business incubator, linking emerging commercial high-tech ventures to university-oriented research and development organizations. Centrally located next to the University of Hawaii's Manoa Campus on more than three acres, the 46,000 square-foot Center brings together a diversity of enterprises. The Manoa Innovation Center's purpose is to facilitate the transfer of technology and foster joint development projects between the University of Hawaii, private, non-profit research organizations and the Center's high-tech occupants." Quite a few companies got a start there and have moved on to become full-fledged stand on their own companies. Check it out at http://www.htdc.org/mic/mic.html Michael "R. Scott Belford" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>@videl.ics.hawaii.edu on 04/25/2003 04:49:22 PM Please respond to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent by: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> cc: Subject: Re: [luau] Act 221 > It has come to a time when we need to bite the bullet and do what we set out > to do. We may loose money on the front end but it will be an enormous gain > in the long run. There is no reason to give up those long term gains for > short term pitfalls. > maddog It is true, as Ted has pointed out, that there are tax credits even if you do not owe taxes. What this means is that if one has a qualified company, the credits you hear about are not meant to offset earnings. They are paid regardless. This is very unusual, very aggressive, and for some, very questionable. The fact is, an offer like this is bound to be abused. As Don has said, it is up to our Tax Department to prevent this. We are uniquely challenged here when it comes to establishing a Technology industry. The frightful cost of living and perceived heavy-handed union influence do not help. Act 221 is a brilliant use of government funds, seed capital if you will, to invite a diversified group of investors, entrepreneurs, and qualified workers to our island. I find it a perfect balance between conservative trickle-down economics and traditional liberal subsidies. We need this kind of innovation to foster growth in our challenged environment. If not Act 221, what would one propose? We could have a government funded tech center at the same cost or more. We could do nothing and hope that the good weather alone attracts business growth. We could try targeted tax breaks, but in the end I doubt that we could produce a more promising plan than Act 221. scott _______________________________________________ LUAU mailing list [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://videl.ics.hawaii.edu/mailman/listinfo/luau
