Hawaii House Bill HCR118

Hawaii 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/10/23
• Refer: 3/15/23

Caption

Requesting Congress To Propose To Amend The United States Constitution To Authorize The State Of Hawaii To Enact Laws To Authorize Only Hawaii Residents To Purchase Residential Real Properties In The State.

Impact

If enacted, this resolution could significantly alter the landscape of residential property transactions within Hawaii. The proposed law aims to stabilize or potentially reduce housing prices by limiting access to the real estate market to local residents. Proponents of HCR118 believe that such measures are necessary to protect the interests of residents in light of the unique geographical and economic context of Hawaii, where land availability is limited and sought after.

Summary

HCR118 is a House Concurrent Resolution from the State of Hawaii requesting Congress to propose an amendment to the United States Constitution. The resolution seeks to authorize Hawaii to enact laws that would permit only residents of the state to purchase residential real properties. This initiative is driven by the pressing concern over land scarcity in Hawaii and the impact of nonresident purchases on housing prices, which have made it increasingly difficult for local residents to afford homes.

Contention

Notably, the resolution acknowledges that any attempt to enact such a state law would likely face legal challenges due to potential violations of the Constitution. This aspect raises serious questions about the feasibility and legality of the proposed changes, suggesting that even if the resolution gains traction at the state level, its implementation would be complicated by existing federal laws regarding property rights and interstate commerce. Consequently, the discourse surrounding HCR118 highlights a tension between local interests and broader constitutional principles.