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SR 11

URGING THE COUNTIES TO INITIATE A FREEZE ON PRIMARY RESIDENCE PROPERTY TAXES FOR HOMEOWNERS WHO ARE SEVENTY-FIVE YEARS OF AGE AND OLDER TO CREATE A MORE SECURE FINANCIAL ENVIRONMENT FOR THE IMPACTED POPULATION.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Stanley Chang and 3 co-sponsors

Hawaii urges counties to freeze property taxes on primary homes for residents 75+ to ease senior housing costs, though implementation raises revenue and equity concerns.

The committee(s) on EIG recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED. The votes in EIG were as follows: 4 Aye(s): Senator(s) Wakai, Chang, DeCoite, Richards; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 1 Excused: Senator(s) Fevella.
#counties #kupunacaucus #kupunapropertyowners #propertytaxfreeze
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SR 11

Legislative bill overview

SR 11 is a non-binding resolution urging Hawaii counties to freeze property taxes on primary residences for homeowners aged 75 and older. The bill aims to provide financial stability and housing security for senior citizens by preventing property tax increases on their homes.

Why is this important

Hawaii has among the highest cost-of-living expenses in the nation, and property taxes can strain fixed retirement incomes. For elderly homeowners on limited Social Security or pension benefits, rising property taxes can force them from their longtime homes despite owning them outright. This resolution addresses economic hardship for a vulnerable demographic.

Potential points of contention

  • Fiscal impact on counties: A permanent tax freeze reduces municipal revenue needed for schools, infrastructure, and services, potentially shifting tax burden to other property owners or requiring service cuts
  • Implementation fairness: The resolution doesn't specify how to define "primary residence" or address situations where elderly homeowners have multiple properties or rental income
  • Equity concerns: The measure benefits only homeowners, excluding renters on fixed incomes facing rising rents, and may disproportionately advantage wealthier seniors who own higher-value properties
  • Non-binding nature: As a resolution rather than legislation, it has no enforcement mechanism and relies entirely on voluntary county compliance

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

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