Hawaii House Bill HCR73

Hawaii 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/10/22
• Refer: 3/14/22
• Report Pass: 3/30/22
• Engrossed: 3/30/22
• Refer: 3/31/22
• Refer: 4/6/22
• Report Pass: 4/21/22
• Passed: 4/22/22

Caption

Urging Each County To Curb The Proliferation Of Illegal Vacation Rentals.

Summary

House Concurrent Resolution 73 (HCR73) urges each county in Hawaii to take action against the proliferation of illegal vacation rentals. This resolution highlights the significant growth of unpermitted transient vacation rentals within the state, which are offered for rental without adhering to necessary county regulations and permits. Operators of these rentals often evade the payment of required property taxes, thereby unfairly lowering their operational costs compared to legally compliant hotels and resorts. Such practices lead to a loss of tax revenue which otherwise would contribute to local and state funds. One notable aspect of HCR73 is its focus on the financial implications of illegal vacation rentals. The resolution draws attention to how these operations undermine the tax system, placing a financial burden on other taxpayers who support legal rentals and hospitality businesses. It suggests a need for efficient tax collection from these transient rentals to ensure that all businesses contribute fairly to local economies. To address the issue, the resolution proposes several measures for counties to implement. It recommends conducting expedited property foreclosures on illegal vacation rental units that owe a significant amount of property taxes, specifically those in arrears over $5,000. This approach is not only aimed at collecting owed taxes but also serves as a deterrent against repeat violations by increasing the minimum fines for non-compliance. By imposing stricter penalties and refraining from reducing fines, counties are expected to better enforce regulations on illegal rentals. HCR73 reflects broader housing challenges in many tourist-heavy regions, where the rise in short-term rentals often impacts long-term housing availability and affordability. The resolution positions itself not only as a financial mechanism but also as a regulatory measure aimed at preserving traditional housing markets and local community aesthetics. As counties consider these recommendations, the successful implementation of such measures could foster a more balanced relationship between the tourism industry and local residents.