WAILUKU, Maui — Maui County officials are warning homeowners to beware of "consultants" who offer to get them discounts on their real property taxes — for a fee.

The tax reductions through homeowner exemptions and Maui's "circuit-breaker" program can be obtained at no cost. Mayor Alan Arakawa said someone has been calling homeowners and offering to get discounted taxes for a $1,500 fee. The scammers sometimes represent themselves as county employees, businesses that work with the county to provide the real property tax breaks, or just someone with "inside" connections who can arrange for the discounts.

Owner-occupants are eligible for a homeowner exemption, with the amount depending on the owner's age. Owner-occupants whose real property taxes exceed 3 percent of their adjusted gross income may be eligible for a circuit-breaker tax credit. Exemptions also are available for the disabled.

The Department of Finance will hold informational meetings on the circuit-breaker program. The meetings, all beginning at 9:30 a.m., will be Oct. 27 at the Mitchell Pauole Center in Kaunakakai, Nov. 3 at the Lahaina Civic Center, Nov. 9 at the Mayor Hannibal Tavares Community Center in Pukalani, Nov. 10 at the Velma McWayne Santos Community Center in Wailuku, Nov. 16 at the Kihei Community Center, Nov. 22 at the Kaunoa Senior Center in Spreckelsville, Dec. 7 at the Lana'i Senior Center, and Dec. 16 at Helene Hall in Hana.

Information on real property tax exemptions and the circuit-breaker program can be obtained for free by calling the county's Real Property Tax Division at (808) 270-7297 or (808) 270-7697.