Hawaii House Bill HR90

Hawaii 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/7/24
• Refer: 3/13/24

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 successful, HR90 would significantly affect state laws governing real estate transactions in Hawaii. The proponents of the bill argue that restricting property purchases to residents would alleviate the upward pressure on home prices caused by out-of-state buyers. Home affordability remains a pressing issue for Hawaii residents, and advocates believe that this legislation could provide more opportunities for local residents to own homes and stabilize the housing market.

Summary

House Resolution 90 (HR90) is a legislative request from the House of Representatives of Hawaii, aiming to amend the United States Constitution. The proposal seeks to empower Hawaii to enact laws that restrict the sale of residential real properties exclusively to Hawaii residents. This initiative arises from concerns regarding the impact of nonresident purchases on the state's housing market, particularly in light of Hawaii's limited land availability and increasing home prices.

Contention

There are expected challenges surrounding HR90, primarily due to potential constitutional issues. Critics point out that such restrictions might violate the United States Constitution, particularly regarding the right to free movement and equal protection under the law. The bill acknowledges that legal challenges could arise, emphasizing the need for congressional support to amend the Constitution to authorize Hawaii's proposed law. This tension highlights the ongoing debate between local housing needs and broader constitutional rights, creating a contentious backdrop for discussions surrounding HR90.