Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

Hawaii House Bill HCR87

Introduced
3/12/26  

Caption

Urging The United States Congress To Propose An Amendment To The United States Constitution To Allow States To Restrict The Purchase Of Residential Real Property To State Residents.

Impact

The implications of HCR87 are far-reaching, primarily addressing the tension between out-of-state investment and local resident needs for housing. By seeking a constitutional amendment, HCR87 attempts to empower Hawaii to enact laws that would prioritize state residents in the housing market. The resolution highlights the state's unique challenges, such as geographic isolation and limited land availability, which intensify the impact of external real estate investments compared to other states. This approach signifies a shift towards more localized control over real estate practices, which proponents argue is essential for preserving community integrity and addressing housing affordability directly.

Summary

HCR87 is a concurrent resolution introduced in the Hawaii House of Representatives urging the United States Congress to propose an amendment to the Constitution. The goal of this amendment would be to grant states the authority to restrict the purchase of residential real property to bona fide state residents. This initiative arises against the backdrop of Hawaii's significant housing affordability crisis, where steep median home prices have made it increasingly difficult for local residents to secure housing in their own communities. A noteworthy factor influencing these prices is the influx of purchases made by out-of-state buyers who often acquire properties as investments, vacation homes, or short-term rentals, thereby exacerbating the housing shortage for local residents.

Contention

While many residents and local advocates support HCR87 due to its potential to tackle the housing crisis, there are concerns about the constitutional feasibility and the potential ramifications of such restrictions. Critics, including constitutional scholars and property rights advocates, argue that the existing Privileges and Immunities Clause of the US Constitution restricts states from enacting laws that limit property purchases based on residency. Therefore, the effectiveness of HCR87 hinges on whether Congress is willing to propose and enact the recommended constitutional amendment. Such a move could lead to heated debates surrounding property rights and implications for interstate commerce.

Companion Bills

HI HR79

Same As Urging The United States Congress To Propose An Amendment To The United States Constitution To Allow States To Restrict The Purchase Of Residential Real Property To State Residents.

Previously Filed As

HI SCR140

Applying To The United States Congress To Call An Article V Convention To Propose Certain Limited Amendments To The United States Constitution.

HI SR158

Applying To The United States Congress To Call An Article V Convention To Propose Certain Limited Amendments To The United States Constitution.

HI HCR34

Urging The United States Congress To Call A Convention For Proposing Amendments Pursuant To Article V Of The United States Constitution Limited To Proposing Amendments That Impose Fiscal Restraints On The Federal Government, Limit The Power And Jurisdiction Of The Federal Government, And Limit The Terms Of Office For Its Officials And Members Of Congress.

HI SCR99

Ratifying A Proposed Amendment To The Constitution Of The United States Giving The Congress Of The United States Power To Limit, Regulate, And Prohibit The Labor Of Persons Under Eighteen Years Of Age.

HI SR81

Ratifying A Proposed Amendment To The Constitution Of The United States Giving The Congress Of The United States Power To Limit, Regulate, And Prohibit The Labor Of Persons Under Eighteen Years Of Age.

HI HR168

Urging The United States Congress To Enact Legislation To Exempt Residents Of Hawaii From The Federal Income Tax.

HI HCR105

Urging The United States Government To Develop A National Biodiversity Strategy.

HI HCR208

Urging The United States Department Of Defense To Make Recreational Facilities On Military Installations In Hawaii Accessible To All Hawaii Residents.

HI HCR33

Requesting The Postmaster General Of The United States Postal Service To Relocate The Pearl City Post Office To The United States Navy Property On The Pearl City Peninsula.

HI HR101

Urging The United States Government To Develop A National Biodiversity Strategy.

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