HCR 7 is a non-binding resolution urging Hawaii counties to implement a property tax freeze on primary residences for homeowners aged 75 and older. It directly affects seniors who own their primary homes, aiming to improve financial stability amid Hawaii's high cost of living (rated 179 in 2024) and stagnant fixed incomes. The resolution specifies the tax freeze would end if the property is sold, transferred, or the homeowner no longer owns it. This is a recommendation to local governments, not a law requiring state action.
Requires DOH to submit a reorganization plan to the Legislature to consolidate the Statewide Office on Homelessness and Housing Solutions with the Homeless Programs Office under a single centralized entity. Specifies the contents of the reorganization plan and the dates by which the draft and final plan and timeline for reorganization must be submitted to the Legislature. Requires the consolidated entity to submit annual reports to the Legislature. Appropriate funds. Authorizes the issuance of general obligation bonds for the Kauhale Initiative and related capital improvement projects. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
Allocates twenty per cent of conveyance tax revenues to the Dwelling Unit Revolving Fund. Repeals the annual cap amount on the allocation of conveyance tax revenues to the Rental Housing Revolving Fund.
Appropriates funds to the University of Hawaii for the development of faculty, staff, teacher, and workforce housing at the Kauai Community College. Effective 7/31/2050. (SD1)
SCR 13 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution requesting Hawaii's Auditor to conduct a performance audit of the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL). The audit will examine DHHL's progress in fulfilling its mission to deliver homestead lands to native Hawaiian beneficiaries, including its efficiency, resource use, land development rates, and program effectiveness in improving housing stability and cultural preservation. It specifically requires the Auditor to assess whether DHHL is adequately managing its $600 million 2022 funding, address the 29,000+ applicant waitlist, and evaluate communication with beneficiaries. The Auditor must submit findings and recommendations to the Legislature by January 2027, including a timeline for improvements. This resolution directly affects DHHL's operations and the 29,000+ applicants awaiting land.
Clarifies the limitation of actions to recover debts related to notes and mortgage notes shall be six years. Prohibits creditors from pursuing deficiency judgments against residential property owners upon completion of a judicial or nonjudicial foreclosure.
Clarifies petty misdemeanor penalties for the offense of criminal trespass onto public parks and recreational grounds. Provides for seizure of abandoned or unattended personal property. Requires the Department of Human Services to establish a homeless outreach and case management program. Requires the Department of Land and Natural Resources to identify and restore vacated homeless encampment areas in the State and report to the Legislature. Appropriates moneys.
Establishes a Teacher Workforce Housing Stipend Program to support teacher retention at public and charter schools classified as rural and underserved. Requires reports to the Legislature. Appropriates funds.
Establishes the strengthen Hawaii homes program within the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to administer grants to retrofit residential properties located in historically vulnerable areas to enhance resilience against disaster impacts and reduce potential insurance liabilities. Establishes the strengthen Hawaii homes program special fund. Appropriates moneys from the special fund.
Exempts any development of homestead lots or housing for the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands from general excise and use taxes. Requires the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands to submit annual reports to the Legislature over a period of five years. (SD1)
