Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

Hawaii Senate Bill SR5

Introduced

1/28/26

Refer

2/13/26

Caption

Urging The United States Congress To Provide Owner-occupants With Comparably Equivalent Tax Deductions Afforded To Business Entities For Expenses Related To Property Ownership.

Impact

The resolution aims to address the financial barriers faced by aspiring homeowners in Hawaii, primarily due to the high cost of living and property ownership. By advocating for equal tax treatment, SR5 seeks to alleviate some of the economic pressures on individuals trying to own homes, which could ultimately support higher rates of home ownership and stabilize the housing market. The provision of equivalent tax benefits could encourage more residents to invest in home ownership, allowing for greater financial equity among property owners.

Summary

Senate Resolution 5 (SR5) urges the United States Congress to provide owner-occupants with tax deductions equivalent to those afforded to business entities concerning expenses related to property ownership. The resolution highlights the disparities in tax treatment between large real estate investors, such as real estate investment trusts (REITs), and average homeowners, noting that while businesses can deduct a wide array of expenses (including interest, depreciation, property taxes, and maintenance costs), homeowners are limited to deducting only mortgage interest.

Contention

While SR5 calls for beneficial changes, it may face opposition from those who argue that providing tax deductions to homeowners could lead to reduced tax revenues or complicate the tax code further. Additionally, some may question the fairness of extending such benefits to all homeowners, especially in a state like Hawaii where property values are exceptionally high, potentially leading to a discussion on the economic implications and who ultimately benefits from such tax modifications. This resolution serves as a conversation starter about the need for tax reforms that could create a more equitable landscape for all property owners.

Companion Bills

HI SCR12

Same As Urging The United States Congress To Provide Owner-occupants With Comparably Equivalent Tax Deductions Afforded To Business Entities For Expenses Related To Property Ownership.

Previously Filed As

HI HR168

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

HI SR129

Urging The Congress Of The United States To Continue To Provide Funding And Support To The Ukrainian Military In Its Defense Of Aggression From Russia.

HI SR41

Urging The Congress Of The United States To Enact A National Reinsurance Program To Address The Multi-state Insurance Crisis Resulting From Catastrophic Natural Disasters.

HI SR126

Requesting The University Of Hawaii Economic Research Organization To Conduct A Study On The Potential Impact Of The Use Of Taxation And Eminent Domain On The Price And The Availability Of Housing In The State To Address The Concentration Of Residential Property Ownership Among Owners Of Vacant And Surplus Housing And Institutional Investor Property Owners.

HI SR68

Requesting The United States Congress To Remove Cannabis From The Federal Controlled Substances Act, Provide Support To States That Are In The Process Of Clearing Cannabis Offenses From Defendants' Records, And Facilitate The Full Spectrum Of Banking Services For Cannabis-related Businesses.

HI SCR159

Urging The Congress Of The United States To Continue To Provide Funding And Support To The Ukrainian Military In Its Defense Of Aggression From Russia.

HI SB242

Relating To Foreign Ownership Of Agricultural Land.

HI HB192

Relating To Foreign Ownership Of Agricultural Land.

HI SCR156

HI SCR57