HI
Hawaii House Bill HB293

Hawaii 2023 Regular Session

Hawaii House Bill HB293

Introduced
1/20/23  

Caption

Proposing An Amendment To Article Viii, Section 3 Of The Hawaii Constitution Relating To The Functions, Powers, And Duties Of Real Property Taxation.

Impact

Should this amendment be ratified, it may transform how real property taxes are assessed and collected across Hawaii. The bill not only intends to double the exemption amounts for homeowners and seniors, effectively reducing their tax obligations, but it also aims to eliminate personal and business income taxes entirely. This radical shift could result in significant changes to state budgeting and revenue allocation, raising questions about the sustainability of funding public services currently supported by income taxes. Proponents argue this could foster a more supportive climate for residents while simultaneously addressing the financial interests of the state.

Summary

House Bill 293 proposes an amendment to Article VIII, Section 3, of the Hawaii Constitution, aiming to revoke the exclusive authority of counties over real property taxation. The legislature identifies a pressing need for tax reform, citing Hawaii's dual status of having high income tax rates while simultaneously imposing low property tax rates. The bill seeks to create a more equitable tax system that alleviates the burden currently felt by residential taxpayers, particularly those subsidizing non-resident real estate investments in Hawaii. The proposed changes would allow both the state and counties to impose real property taxes, potentially shifting the entire tax responsibility structure in Hawaii.

Contention

The proposal has sparked debates among stakeholders concerning the distribution of tax burdens between residents and non-residents. Proponents view the bill as a necessary evolution in the tax code to prioritize local residents' wellbeing and economic stability. In contrast, critics express concern that shifting tax authority may diminish local control, undermining county governance and potentially leading to inconsistencies in how different regions handle tax laws. The political narrative surrounding this bill is expected to evolve as more stakeholders engage in discussions about the diversity of financial needs between various counties and their constituents.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

HI HB293

Proposing An Amendment To Article Viii, Section 3 Of The Hawaii Constitution Relating To The Functions, Powers, And Duties Of Real Property Taxation.

HI HB1537

Proposing Amendments To Articles Viii And X Of The Constitution Of The State Of Hawaii To Authorize The Legislature To Establish A Surcharge On Residential Investment Property To Increase Funding For Public Education.

HI SB2056

Proposing Amendments To Articles Viii And X Of The Constitution Of The State Of Hawaii To Authorize The Legislature To Establish A Surcharge On Residential Investment Property To Increase Funding For Public Education.

HI HB1457

Proposing Amendments To Article Vii, Section 12, Of The Hawaii Constitution To Authorize The Counties To Issue Tax Increment Bonds.

HI SB1100

Proposing Amendments To Article Vii, Section 12, Of The Hawaii Constitution To Authorize The Counties To Issue Tax Increment Bonds.

HI HB1714

Proposing Amendments To Article X, Section 2 And Article Xviii, Section 12, Of The Constitution Of The State Of Hawaii To Establish Local Elected School Boards.

HI HB1168

Proposing Amendments To Article Iv, Sections 4 And 6, Of The Hawaii State Constitution Regarding Reapportionment.

HI SB927

Proposing Amendments To Article Iv, Sections 4 And 6, Of The Hawaii State Constitution Regarding Reapportionment.

HI HB2802

Proposing An Amendment To Article 1, Section 23, Of The Hawaii Constitution Relating To Marriage.

HI HB1173

Proposing Amendments To Articles Ii, Iii, And Xvii Of The Constitution Of The State Of Hawaii To Provide For Initiative, Referendum, And Recall.

Similar Bills

HI HB293

Proposing An Amendment To Article Viii, Section 3 Of The Hawaii Constitution Relating To The Functions, Powers, And Duties Of Real Property Taxation.

HI HB1208

Proposing An Amendment To Article Viii, Section 3 Of The Hawaii Constitution Relating To The Functions, Powers, And Duties Of Real Property Taxation.

TX HJR90

Proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to exempt from ad valorem taxation real property that is leased to a charitable organization and that is used by the organization primarily for the purpose of performing a charitable function.

TX HJR86

Proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to exempt from ad valorem taxation real property leased to certain schools organized and operated primarily for the purpose of engaging in educational functions.

TX SJR44

Proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to exempt from ad valorem taxation real property leased to certain schools organized and operated primarily for the purpose of engaging in educational functions.

TX HJR100

Proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to exempt from ad valorem taxation real property leased to certain schools organized and operated primarily for the purpose of engaging in educational functions.

TX HJR57

Proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to exempt from ad valorem taxation real property leased to certain schools organized and operated primarily for the purpose of engaging in educational functions.

TX SJR38

Proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to exempt from ad valorem taxation real property leased to certain schools organized and operated primarily for the purpose of engaging in educational functions.