Bill
HCR 150
HCR 150 directs a multi-agency task force to study a proposed GET surcharge on vacant homes (180+ days), its effects and revenue use, and report back before the 2026 session.
Status and procedural history
- Type: Concurrent resolution (HCR 150)
- Introduced: May 13, 2025; Referred to HSG, FIN (referral sheet 22)
- Sponsors: Reps. Amato, Iwamoto, Belatti, Poepoe, Perruso
- Legislative actions: Adopted by both chambers (May 23–27, 2025); enrolled and transmitted to the Governor (May 30, 2025); signed by the Governor (June 20, 2025).
- Related measures: References House Bill 489 (2025) (proposed general excise tax surcharge on homes vacant ≥180 days); companion HR 144.
Purpose and intent
HCR 150 requests that the Department of Taxation establish a task force to study the impacts and implementation issues of imposing a general excise tax (GET) surcharge on residential properties that remain vacant for extended periods. The resolution responds to concerns that second homes left largely unoccupied worsen housing shortages, raise housing costs, and mean public investments indirectly subsidize private real estate.
Key provisions
- Directs the Department of Taxation to create a “vacant homes surcharge task force.”
- Designated members (requested):
1. Director of Taxation (or designee) — Chair;
2. Director of Business, Economic Development & Tourism (or designee);
3. Executive Director of the Hawai‘i Housing Finance & Development Corporation (or designee);
4. Additional individuals as requested by the Chair.
- Scope: Research and report on impacts and implementation of a GET surcharge similar to that in HB 489 (which would apply to properties vacant 180+ days in the previous calendar year). Topics include enforcement, economic impacts, exemptions, administrative feasibility, and use of potential revenues.
- Deliverable: Written findings and recommendations (including any proposed legislation) to the Legislature no later than 20 days before the convening of the Regular Session of 2026.
- Copies of the resolution transmitted to the named agencies.
Who would be affected
- Property owners of second or otherwise vacant homes (potential future surcharge target if legislation follows).
- Renters and local residents (potential benefits if shortages are alleviated or revenues fund housing programs).
- State tax administrators and housing agencies (administration, enforcement, program design).
- Local economies and communities where vacant homes concentrate.
Potential impacts and issues for the task force to address
- Possible incentives to rent or occupy vacant properties and increased housing supply.
- Revenue estimates and recommended uses (e.g., rental assistance, affordable housing).
- Definitional and measurement challenges (what counts as “vacant,” measurement period).
- Enforcement, administrative cost, privacy and data needs, and exemptions (e.g., medical, military, ongoing renovations).
- Legal and equity considerations, including impacts on housing market, tourism, and small-scale owners.
Bottom line
HCR 150 does not impose a tax. It requests a multi-agency study to evaluate a proposed GET surcharge on vacant homes and to report recommendations to the Legislature in advance of the 2026 session, potentially informing future legislation such as HB 489.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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