REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION TO ESTABLISH A VACANT HOMES SURCHARGE TASK FORCE TO RESEARCH AND REPORT ON THE IMPACTS AND IMPLEMENTATIONS OF A GENERAL EXCISE TAX SURCHARGE ON VACANT HOMES.

HR 144 is a House Resolution requesting Hawaii's Department of Taxation to create a task force to study implementing a tax surcharge on vacant residential properties. The task force would examine how a surcharge - modeled after proposed House Bill 489 - could incentivize property owners to occupy or rent out vacant homes, potentially increasing housing availability and generating revenue for affordable housing programs. The resolution specifies the task force must include representatives from tax, business, and housing agencies, and submit findings by late 2025 to inform future legislation. This is a procedural step to research policy options, not an immediate law.