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SCR 156

URGING CONGRESS TO TAKE IMMEDIATE AND DECISIVE ACTION TO SUPPORT MIDDLE- AND LOWER-INCOME HOUSEHOLDS IN AMERICA.

2024 Regular Session Introduced by Chris Lee

SCR 156 directs UHERO to study taxing and using eminent domain on vacant and institutional-investor housing to lower prices, expand supply, and guide possible future legislation.

Reported from HUS (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 1900-24), recommending referral to FIN.
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Bill Summary · SCR 156

Summary — SCR 156 (Concurrent Resolution)

Status: Reported from HUS (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 1900-24); recommended referral to FIN. Introduced March 7, 2025. Sponsors: Sen. Rhoads and Sen. Lee. Related: SR 126, SR 133.

Purpose / Intent

SCR 156 requests a formal study by the University of Hawaiʻi Economic Research Organization (UHERO) on the potential use of taxation and eminent domain to reduce housing prices and increase housing supply in Hawaiʻi. The resolution responds to documented housing affordability problems, high vacancy rates, and growing ownership of residential properties by out‑of‑state buyers and institutional investors.

Key provisions

  • Requests UHERO to study the impact of taxation and eminent domain policies as applied to:
    • Vacant and surplus housing (units not used as a primary residence and not rented for more than six months per year).
    • Housing owned by institutional investors and properties held short‑term for flipping.
  • Directs the study to assess effects on:
    • Home sale prices, rental prices, and housing supply.
    • The State economy generally (including potential revenue effects).
    • Legal and administrative feasibility of proposed taxation and condemnation programs.
  • Asks UHERO to include findings, recommendations, and any proposed legislation in its report.
  • Requires UHERO to submit its report to the Legislature no later than 40 days prior to the convening of the Regular Session of 2026.
  • Requests UHERO to transmit recommendations or requests to any relevant agency as needed to assess legality/administrability.
  • A certified copy of the resolution is to be sent to UHERO’s Executive Director.

Who would be affected

  • Institutional investors and out‑of‑state property owners (identified in the resolution as significant factors in Hawaiʻi’s housing market).
  • Local homeowners and renters (through potential future policy changes informed by the study).
  • State and county administrations (if legislation or programs are later proposed based on the study).
  • UHERO (tasked with conducting and reporting the study).

Context & precedent cited

  • The resolution cites UHERO’s Hawaiʻi Housing Factbook (2024), Census vacancy data, and examples such as Vancouver’s Empty Homes Tax (noted reductions in vacancies and revenue generation).
  • References prior uses of eminent domain in Hawaiʻi and U.S. courts (Hawaii Housing Authority v. Midkiff and Hawaii Housing Authority v. Lyman) to illustrate legal precedent for broad eminent domain action.

Procedural notes & effect

  • SCR 156 is a concurrent resolution requesting study and recommendations; it does not itself impose taxes, create eminent domain programs, or change law.
  • The study is intended to inform possible future legislation; any policy changes would require separate statutory or administrative action.

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

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