Hawaii Senate Bill SCR57

Hawaii 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/9/23
• Refer: 3/10/23
• Refer: 3/15/23
• Report Pass: 4/4/23
• Engrossed: 4/5/23
• Refer: 4/11/23
• Report Pass: 4/17/23
• Passed: 4/18/23

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 implemented, SCR57 would specifically modify property tax regulations within the City and County of Honolulu, aiming to alleviate the financial burden on residents near active landfills. The legislation references existing health studies indicating significant negative health outcomes for those living within two miles of active landfills, asserting the need to address the safety and health of those currently living near problematic facilities. By granting tax exemptions, the bill emphasizes the importance of recognizing and acting on the environmental and health disparities faced by these communities.

Summary

SCR57, also known as the Senate Concurrent Resolution 57, urges the City and County of Honolulu to consider exempting residential property owners within one-half mile of active municipal solid waste landfills or construction and demolition landfills from real property tax. The resolution claims that these residents disproportionately bear the burden of health and environmental impacts due to their proximity to such facilities. The intent is to provide some financial relief to those affected by issues related to these landfills, which have been shown to negatively impact air quality and overall health.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SCR57 appears generally supportive of efforts to protect vulnerable populations and highlight environmental justice. Legislators and advocates for the bill argue that it is a necessary response to the negative impacts of landfill operations on local communities. However, discussions may reveal varying opinions on the effectiveness and scope of tax exemptions, potentially leading to concerns about fairness and implications for city revenue.

Contention

Notable points of contention around SCR57 may involve discussions on the balance between necessary tax revenue for local governments and the urgent need to support affected residents. Critics might question whether tax exemptions are the most effective means of addressing the health issues posed by proximity to landfills or whether other regulatory measures could more adequately mitigate these risks. The resolution also raises questions about the determination criteria for exempting property owners outside the specified one-half mile radius, which could lead to debates over local discretion and fairness in application.