Bus drivers claim sovereignty on taxes

KITV 4 News reports that roughly 30 city bus drivers are under investigation for tax evasion. "Sources said the drivers told the bus payroll department not to withhold taxes from their paychecks. Some of the drivers claimed they didn't have to pay taxes because they believe in Hawaiian sovereignty and they do not recognize the state or federal governments, according to sources."

At this point I don't know any more about the case than this so I am not sure where they are coming from, but it will be interesting to see.

On one hand, this argument has merit and can be absolutely legitimate. In fact, in the mid-90s retired Honolulu Police Officer John Marsh was acquitted by a jury on federal tax evasion charges with a mens rea defense based on a belief in Hawaiian independence. The jury found that even if they didn't share his beliefs or even believe they were valid, Mr. Marsh did sincerely believe that he was a Hawaiian national and not subject to taxation by the United States in Hawaii, and they acquitted him of willful failure to file. I note that the report uses the same language about the bus drivers, "because they believe in Hawaiian sovereignty," and I would be surprised if they are not aware of the Marsh case. The fact is that tens and maybe hundreds of thousands of people in Hawaii actually share his basic belief, and there's a quite compelling argument that we are right. The consequences under occupation are too severe for most people to act on it, and it is wise to picks one's battles, but I think the belief is more widespread than most folks realize.

On the other hand, if the bus drivers' action is even perceived as merely a con to avoid paying taxes, it could cheapen the argument and harm the overall effort. Even if they do sincerely believe it, which I think is likely to some degree at least, plenty of people are going to say they are doing it just to avoid carrying their fair share. If they had been paying taxes to whatever they recognize as a legitimate effort at restoring the effectiveness of the government, or even into an escrow account held until a government treasury is reestablished, based on the kingdom's tax rates, it would lend credibility to their argument.

But this is only the first glimpse at this case, and if they took this step in some coordinated fashion, there is probably more behind it that will be revealed as the case unfolds.

Posted: Thu - November 6, 2003 at 12:43 AM

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Bus drivers claim sovereignty on taxes

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