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HB 2147

PROPOSING AMENDMENTS TO ARTICLES VIII AND X OF THE CONSTITUTION OF THE STATE OF HAWAII TO AUTHORIZE THE LEGISLATURE TO ESTABLISH A SURCHARGE ON RESIDENTIAL INVESTMENT PROPERTY TO INCREASE FUNDING FOR PUBLIC EDUCATION.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Terez Amato and 9 co-sponsors

Proposes Hawaii constitutional amendment authorizing legislature to tax investment residential properties separately to fund public education.

Received from House (Hse. Com. No. 188).
#constitutionalamendment #publiceducation #residentialinvestmentpropertysurcharge(conam)
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Bill Summary · HB 2147

Legislative bill overview

HB 2147 proposes amending Hawaii's state constitution to authorize the legislature to impose a surcharge specifically on residential investment properties (rather than owner-occupied homes) to generate dedicated revenue for public education. This constitutional amendment would require voter approval and would give lawmakers the power to tax non-primary residential properties at a different rate than other real estate.

Why is this important

Hawaii faces significant public education funding challenges, and this bill attempts to create a new revenue stream by targeting investment property owners rather than homeowners. The distinction is crucial: it would theoretically allow the state to increase education funding while minimizing direct impact on primary residences, though it could affect housing costs and rental prices indirectly.

Potential points of contention

  • Housing affordability concerns: Surcharges on investment properties could be passed to tenants through higher rents, potentially worsening Hawaii's severe affordability crisis rather than solving it
  • Constitutional precedent: Requires amending the state constitution, suggesting current law doesn't permit this tax type—raises questions about whether this is the appropriate mechanism versus standard legislative action
  • Revenue adequacy and dedication: No bill summary specifies the surcharge rate, revenue projections, or guarantees that funds actually reach classrooms versus administrative overhead
  • Property rights and fairness: Some argue taxing one category of property differently raises equal protection questions; others counter investment properties are legitimately distinct from primary residences
  • Economic impacts on investors: Could discourage residential investment in Hawaii, potentially reducing rental housing supply in an already-tight market

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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