Hawaii House Bill HCR107

Hawaii 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/10/23
• Refer: 3/15/23
• Report Pass: 3/30/23
• Refer: 3/30/23
• Report Pass: 4/5/23
• Engrossed: 4/5/23
• Refer: 4/11/23
• Refer: 4/14/23
• Report Pass: 4/21/23
• Passed: 4/24/23

Caption

Urging The City And County Of Honolulu To Exempt From Real Property Tax Those Property Owners Of Residential Units Within One-half Mile Of An Active Municipal Solid Waste Landfill Or Construction And Demolition Landfill Or Deemed To Have Been Impacted By An Active Landfill To A Degree That Warrants Such An Exemption.

Impact

If enacted, HCR107 would provide relief to property owners who are disproportionately affected by the operations of nearby landfills. Such an exemption would alleviate financial burdens—such as medical expenses and home repairs—incurred by residents due to dust pollution and health complications linked to proximity to landfills. Additionally, the resolution points to the broader implications of environmental justice and addresses the concerns of those living in affected areas who may experience shorter life expectancies and other detrimental health effects due to landfill operations.

Summary

House Concurrent Resolution 107 (HCR107) urges the City and County of Honolulu to exempt property owners from real property tax if they reside within one-half mile of an active municipal solid waste landfill or construction and demolition landfill. The resolution highlights the adverse health impacts that residents living near such facilities often face, including reduced lung function, asthma, and other significant health concerns. The initiative aligns with Hawaii's commitment to ensuring clean and healthful environments for all, as stipulated in the state constitution.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HCR107 appears to be supportive among those advocating for environmental justice and community health. Proponents argue that it is a necessary measure to protect vulnerable populations from the adverse effects of living near hazardous waste facilities. However, as the resolution is more of an urging than a binding mandate, there may be concerns regarding the resources available for implementing such tax exemptions and whether the City and County of Honolulu can effectively address the plight of impacted residents.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HCR107 may arise from discussions on governmental responsibility and resource allocation. While the resolution encourages a tax exemption for affected residents, questions remain about how such exemptions would be funded. Furthermore, there are ongoing debates about the adequacy of existing laws, such as Act 73 of 2020, which aims to establish buffer zones around landfills but does not address the immediate health risks faced by those in proximity to active facilities. Thus, while the resolution serves as a call to action, it may also lead to broader discussions about local governance and environmental policy.