Recognizing National Assessors Day; Real Property Division employees tour local farm for hands-on training
LĪHU‘E – As we celebrate National Assessors Day on Tuesday, September 30, the International Association of Assessing Officers (IAAO) and the County of Kaua‘i invite the public and industry partners to join in recognizing the vital role assessors play in our communities.
Earlier this year, the County of Kaua‘i’s Real Property Division had 21 staff members participate in a tour of an existing farm to better understand the intricacies of operating a bonified farm. The tour included appraisers, clerical staff, tax collectors, technical staff, supervisors, tax managers, and the Deputy Director of Finance.
“Our assessors play a vital role in maintaining trust and equity within our community,” said Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami. “On National Assessors Day, we celebrate their commitment to professionalism, transparency, and service, which directly supports the well-being of our island.”
Assessors are government officials responsible for determining the value of real property for taxation purposes. Property tax revenues fund essential services such as law enforcement, fire protection, road maintenance, and many other programs that directly benefit the community.
Assessors are trained to establish the fair market value of property, defined as the price agreed upon by a willing buyer and a willing seller in an informed transaction. It is important to note that assessors determine property values for tax purposes, but tax rates themselves are set by governing bodies such as city, county, or town councils.
Members of the IAAO are committed to ensuring fair and equitable property valuation. Addressing valuation disparities requires cooperation among assessors, policymakers, and the community to identify issues and prevent inequities in the future.
IAAO emphasizes the following cornerstones of sound assessment practices:
- Appraising properties regularly to determine fair market value;
- Following IAAO technical standards on assessment and office operations;
- Allocating adequate resources to jurisdictions to carry out the assessing function in accordance with best practices; and
- Providing assessors and assessing staff with training and ongoing professional development.
IAAO technical standards guide assessment professionals, policymakers, and administrators, while its Code of Ethics reinforces public trust by requiring members to uphold principles of accountability, transparency, inclusivity, and responsiveness.
National Assessors Day highlights the essential role of assessors in maintaining fair property values that help fund critical government services for the community.
To learn more about how Real Property Assessors make their assessments, watch our Kaua‘i County Real Property Assessment video.
For more information, contact the Real Property Division at 808-241-4224, email rpassessment@kauai.gov, or visit www.kauai.gov/realproperty.
From left to right: Ted Zamora, Joed McClusky (Farm owner), Sandra McClusky (Farm owner) , Damien Ventura, Lehua Cristobal, Logan Kennard, Jason Salvador, Marilyn Soliz, Randon Valenciano, Megan Shimamoto, Villamor Balisacan, Sharmaine Valmoja, John Kruse, Anneka Imkamp, Lili Alfonso, Felirose Motilla, Robin Saronitman, Shalei Amorin, Scott Teruya, Ray-Lyn Lindsey, Kathleen Simpliciano, Michelle Lizama, Renee Spears, Craig Arzadon
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