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Bill Summary · HB 179

Legislative bill overview

HB 179 is a Hawaii income tax bill that was introduced in January 2025 but lacks publicly available detailed specifications about its specific provisions. The bill was referred to the Health and Human Services (HSH), Economic Development (ECD), and Finance (FIN) committees, then carried over to the 2026 legislative session without passing.

Why is this important

Income tax legislation directly affects Hawaii residents' and businesses' tax obligations and state revenue. The fact that this bill was referred to multiple committees—including health, economic development, and finance—suggests it may address tax credits, deductions, or rate adjustments with broad economic implications.

Potential points of contention

  • Lack of transparency: The bill's specific provisions are not yet publicly detailed, making it difficult to assess which taxpayer groups would benefit or bear additional burdens
  • Competing priorities: Referral to three different committees suggests potential disagreement about whether this is primarily a revenue, economic development, or social policy measure
  • Carryover status: The bill's deferral to 2026 may indicate insufficient support, unresolved technical issues, or competing fiscal priorities within the legislature

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

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