Hawaii Senate Bill SB2954

Hawaii 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/24/24
• Refer: 1/24/24

Caption

Relating To Administrative Fees.

Impact

The implementation of SB2954 will facilitate efficient management of records and services by establishing a clear fee structure for document recording. The legislative intention behind this move is to ensure integrity and reliability in the operations of the Bureau of Conveyances while addressing existing discrepancies between the fees charged for regular and land court systems. The new fees will fund necessary technological upgrades and operational improvements essential for modernizing the bureau's services.

Summary

Senate Bill 2954 aims to establish a framework for transaction fees related to document recordation services in the State of Hawaii's Bureau of Conveyances and Land Court. It introduces a transaction fee of $5 for each recording, which is expected to support the bureau's operations through enhanced revenue collection without requiring additional funding sources. The bill will take effect on January 1, 2025, emphasizing the need for sustainable funding for vital public services.

Contention

While proponents argue that the bill will enhance service delivery and efficiency within the bureau, there may be contention regarding the impact of these fees on users who need to access public services. Stakeholders might raise concerns over the equity of imposing additional fees at a time when community resources are already stretched. Furthermore, allowing the Board of Land and Natural Resources to amend these fees without a formal rulemaking process could lead to increased rates that the public might view as less transparent.