Hawaii House Bill HCR183

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/7/25
• Refer: 3/14/25
• Report Pass: 4/3/25
• Refer: 4/4/25
• Report Pass: 4/21/25
• Engrossed: 4/22/25
• Passed: 4/22/25

Caption

Requesting The Department Of Taxation And The Economic Research Organization At The University Of Hawaii To Collaborate And Develop Data Driven Analyses Of The Impacts Of Tax Policies On Economic Development, Migration Patterns, And Other Factors Affecting Public Policy.

Impact

The resolution emphasizes the need for rigorous and independent economic analyses that can inform state leaders and policymakers. By engaging UHERO, which operates as a public-private partnership, the bill aims to harness expertise in economic research that is crucial for navigating complex policy matters. This analysis will also help in creating targeted tax policies that effectively address challenges faced by residents, particularly low- and moderate-income households.

Summary

HCR183, introduced during the Thirty-Third Legislature of Hawaii in 2025, requests the Department of Taxation and the Economic Research Organization (UHERO) at the University of Hawaii to work collaboratively on developing data-driven analyses of the impacts of tax policies. The rationale behind the resolution stems from the increasing economic uncertainties the state faces, such as the high cost of living, the lack of affordable housing, and the impairment in addressing economic inequality and tax policy shifts.

Contention

One notable point of contention surrounding HCR183 is the implications of these analyses on existing tax policies and the potential changes they may induce. While proponents highlight the need for such analyses to enhance fairness and efficiency in tax policy, there could be concerns regarding the extent to which these findings might lead to significant alterations in revenue generation mechanisms and how they might affect various demographics in Hawaii, particularly non-residents and visitors.