Hawaii House Bill HR21

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/20/25
• Refer: 3/14/25

Caption

Urging The City And County Of Honolulu To Revise Real Property Assessment Procedures For Kupuna.

Impact

The resolution calls for critical changes in tax assessment practices that could alleviate the financial pressure on the aging population in Honolulu. It proposes that for properties without significant renovations, the valuation should shift from current market value to the original purchase price with a modest annual increase of two percent. Furthermore, it suggests a cap on property taxes, limiting them to no more than three percent of a senior's annual income, aimed at enabling kupuna to manage living costs more effectively.

Summary

House Resolution 21 urges the City and County of Honolulu to revise its real property assessment procedures specifically for kupuna, individuals aged sixty and older living on fixed incomes. The resolution emerged in response to the increasing financial burden faced by these seniors, particularly as property taxes have been based on rising market values. The resolution recognizes that many kupuna struggle to maintain a reasonable quality of life against the backdrop of growing real property tax assessments that exceed their fixed incomes.

Contention

While the resolution itself is an urging rather than mandatory legislation, it brings attention to the ongoing debate surrounding property tax assessments and the adequacy of existing relief measures. Proponents argue that these changes are essential to support kupuna in maintaining their homes and livelihoods amid rising living costs. However, there may be financial implications for the local government's revenue structure, raising concerns among policymakers about the potential impact on public services funded by property taxes. Therefore, discussions on this resolution could lead to differing opinions about balancing fiscal responsibility with the need for social equity for the elderly.