STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1829

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2005

RE: H.C.R. No. 105

 

 

Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2005

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committees on Human Services and Intergovernmental Affairs, to which was referred H.C.R. No. 105 entitled:

"HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION URGING THE VARIOUS COUNTY COUNCILS TO PROVIDE RELIEF TO RESIDENTS ON FIXED INCOMES WHO ARE UNABLE TO AFFORD HIGHER PROPERTY TAXES,"

beg leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to urge the various county councils to provide relief to residents on fixed incomes who are unable to afford higher property taxes.

The Hawaii Association of Realtors submitted testimony in support of this measure. Two Maui County Council members submitted testimony in opposition to this measure.

Your Committees find that a vibrant real estate market has benefited many residents through higher property values, but higher property values also result in higher property taxes. Higher property taxes create a burden for all home owners, especially those living on fixed incomes. The inability to afford higher property taxes should not force homeowners out of their homes, particularly when they have lived there for decades.

As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committees on Human Services and Intergovernmental Affairs that are attached to this report, your Committees concur with the intent and purpose of H.C.R. No. 105, and recommend that it be referred to the Committee on Ways and Means.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committees on Human Services and Intergovernmental Affairs,

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DAVID Y. IGE, Chair

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SUZANNE CHUN OAKLAND, Chair