HR 59: Urging the counties to establish property tax relief programs for senior citizens who have owned and occupied their residence for at least ten consecutive years.

HOUSE RESOLUTION

Urging the counties to establish property tax relief programs for senior citizens who have owned and occupied their residence for at least ten consecutive years.

     WHEREAS, the senior citizens of the State have made lifelong contributions to their families, communities, society, and the economy; and

     WHEREAS, many senior citizens in Hawaii live on fixed or limited incomes and face increasing financial pressures due to the rising cost of living, including housing-related expenses such as property taxes; and

     WHEREAS, increasing property values and property tax assessments across the State have created financial hardships for many long-time homeowners; and

     WHEREAS, rising property taxes can contribute to the displacement of elderly residents who have lived in their homes and neighborhoods for decades, undermining community stability and the ability of seniors to age in place with dignity; and

     WHEREAS, senior citizens who have owned, maintained, and personally occupied their homes for many years contribute to the continuity, stability, and cultural fabric of Hawaii's neighborhoods and communities; and

     WHEREAS, public policy that supports aging in place helps preserve multigenerational communities and recognizes the contributions of long-term residents; and

     WHEREAS, policies that support seniors aging in place help reduce the demand for costly long-term care services and the need to develop additional senior housing facilities, thereby conserving public resources and reducing long-term expenditures for the State and counties; and

     WHEREAS, the counties of the State have the authority to establish and administer property tax exemptions, credits, and classifications within their respective jurisdictions; now, therefore,

     BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the Thirty-third Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2026, that the counties are urged to establish additional property tax relief programs for senior citizens who:

     (1)  Are sixty-five years of age or older; and

     (2)  Have owned and occupied their residence for at least ten consecutive years; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the property tax relief programs should be in addition to existing available county property tax relief programs; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the property qualifying for relief should be owner-occupied and not apply to rental properties, investment properties, second homes, or other non-owner-occupied real property; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the counties are requested to establish reasonable additional qualifying criteria including procedures to verify eligibility, proof of age, ownership, and occupancy of the property as a primary residence; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted to the Mayors of the respective counties, Chairpersons of the respective county councils, and the Director of Finance or Budget for each county.

Report Title: 

Real Property Tax; Seniors; Homeownership