URGING THE COUNTIES TO ELIMINATE REAL PROPERTY TAXES.

HR80

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.R. NO.

80

THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026

STATE OF HAWAII

HOUSE RESOLUTION

urging the counties to eliminate real property taxes
.

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WHEREAS, pursuant
to Article VIII, section 3 of the Constitution of the State of Hawaii, the
counties are empowered to assess and collect real property taxes; and

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WHEREAS, the
collection of real property taxes constitutes a significant portion of county
revenues and supports essential governmental services, including public safety,
infrastructure, and community facilities; and

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WHEREAS, escalating
property valuations and the high cost of living have increased the financial
burden of real property taxes on homeowners, renters through pass-through
housing costs, and small businesses; and

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WHEREAS, the
rising cost of homeownership has contributed to the displacement of long-term
residents, hindered the retention of local families, and exacerbated the
broader affordability challenges confronting the State; and

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WHEREAS, kupuna
living on fixed incomes are particularly vulnerable to increases in real
property taxes, which can jeopardize their ability to age in place, remain in
their longtime homes, and maintain financial stability; and

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WHEREAS, many
working families, multigenerational households, and caregivers share housing
costs with kupuna, such that elevated real property taxes can strain
intergenerational support systems and contribute to housing insecurity; and

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WHEREAS, real
property taxation may contribute to housing instability, discourage property
ownership, and increase the overall cost of doing business within the State;
and

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WHEREAS, the
elimination of real property taxes, if accompanied by responsible fiscal
planning and alternative revenue mechanisms, could enhance economic stability,
support housing affordability, and strengthen community resilience; and

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WHEREAS, it
is in the public interest for the counties to evaluate the fiscal, social, and
administrative implications of phasing out real property taxation and to
identify viable mechanisms to sustain essential services without reliance upon
such taxes; now, therefore,

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BE IT
RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the Thirty-third Legislature of the
State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2026, that the counties are urged to take
all necessary and appropriate steps to eliminate real property taxes; and

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BE IT FURTHER
RESOLVED that the counties are encouraged to conduct comprehensive fiscal
analyses and public consultations to identify equitable, sustainable, and
transparent alternative revenue sources sufficient to maintain essential public
services; and

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BE IT FURTHER
RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted to the Mayor
and Chairperson of the Council of each county.

OFFERED BY:

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Report Title:

Counties;
Real Property Taxes; Elimination