REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND THE ECONOMIC RESEARCH ORGANIZATION AT THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII TO COLLABORATE AND DEVELOP DATA DRIVEN ANALYSES OF THE IMPACTS OF TAX POLICIES ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, MIGRATION PATTERNS, AND OTHER FACTORS AFFECTING PUBLIC POLICY.

This House Resolution (HR 178) requests collaboration between Hawaii’s Department of Taxation and the University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization (UHERO) to conduct data-driven analyses of tax policies. It directs them to examine how tax policies affect cost of living, affordable housing, migration patterns, and fairness for residents versus non-residents. The resolution specifically asks for studies on tax credit efficiency, barriers to claiming credits, and strategies to ensure visitors contribute fairly without harming residents. It does not create new laws or change tax rates but aims to provide policymakers with evidence-based insights to inform future decisions.