Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

Hawaii House Bill HB2147

Introduced

1/28/26

Refer

1/30/26

Report Pass

2/12/26

Refer

2/12/26

Report Pass

2/20/26

Refer

2/20/26

Report Pass

3/6/26

Engrossed

3/6/26

Enrolled

3/6/26

Refer

3/10/26

Caption

Proposing Amendments To Articles Viii And X Of The Constitution Of The State Of Hawaii To Authorize The Legislature To Establish A Surcharge On Residential Investment Property To Increase Funding For Public Education.

Impact

The proposed changes would repeal the counties' exclusive power to tax real property, allowing the state legislature to impose additional taxes on residential investment properties. This legislative action is intended to address chronic underfunding of public education, which has resulted in larger class sizes, inadequate classroom supplies, delayed facility repairs, and higher private school enrollment rates. The funding from this surcharge is expected to enhance educational resources and ensure a well-educated workforce for Hawaii's future.

Summary

House Bill 2147 proposes amendments to Articles VIII and X of the Constitution of the State of Hawaii, which will grant the legislature the authority to establish a surcharge on residential investment properties. This surcharge is aimed at increasing funding for public education across the state. The bill recognizes the unique situation of Hawaii, where the state is primarily responsible for funding education, and acknowledges that educational expenditures are currently among the lowest in the nation. The intent is to create a new revenue stream directly correlated with residential investment properties valued at $3 million or more.

Sentiment

Sentiment surrounding HB 2147 appears mixed. Supporters argue that the bill is a necessary measure to properly fund the public education system, which has been consistently underfunded and is ranked low nationally in education spending. They see the surcharge as a fair way to generate revenue from affluent property owners. However, opponents raise concerns about potential financial burdens on property owners, particularly those who may not contribute equally to the academic system due to affluence derived from real estate investments, highlighting the need for balance in tax legislation.

Contention

Notable points of contention revolve around the implications of removing local authority in taxation matters and the effectiveness of this surcharge in genuinely addressing the quality of education versus simply shifting the funding responsibility to property owners. Some argue that such measures may lead to increased economic inequality and housing affordability issues, as the surcharge could potentially impact rental prices and the overall real estate market.

Companion Bills

HI SB2464

Same As Proposing Amendments To Articles Viii And X Of The Constitution Of The State Of Hawaii To Authorize The Legislature To Establish A Surcharge On Residential Investment Property To Increase Funding For Public Education.

Previously Filed As

HI HB287

Proposing Amendments To Article X, Section 2 And Article Xviii, Section 12, Of The Constitution Of The State Of Hawaii To Establish Local Elected School Boards.

HI HB582

Proposing Amendments To Article X, Section 2 And Article Xviii, Section 12, Of The Constitution Of The State Of Hawaii To Establish A School Board Comprised Of Appointed And Elected Members.

HI HB298

Proposing An Amendment To Article Iii, Section 4, Of The Constitution Of The State Of Hawaii To Establish Term Limits For Legislators.

HI HB570

Proposing An Amendment To Article Iii, Section 4, Of The Constitution Of The State Of Hawaii To Establish Term Limits For Legislators.

HI HB764

Proposing An Amendment To Article Iii, Section 4, Of The Constitution Of The State Of Hawaii To Establish Term Limits For Legislators.

HI HB930

Proposing An Amendment To Article X, Section 1, Of The Constitution Of The State Of Hawaii To Require That The Statewide Public School System Be Thorough And Efficient.

HI HB495

Proposing An Amendment To Article Iii, Section 4, Of The Hawaii State Constitution To Establish Legislative Term Limits.

HI SB1594

Proposing An Amendment To Article Iii, Section 4, Of The Hawaii State Constitution To Establish Legislative Term Limits.

HI SB1225

Proposing An Amendment To Article Xvii, Section 3 Of The Hawaii Constitution To Specify That The Standard For Voter Approval Of A Constitutional Amendment Proposed By The Legislature Is A Majority Of All The Votes Tallied Upon The Question.

HI HB770

Proposing Amendments To The Hawaii State Constitution To Establish A Continuous Legislative Session.

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