05-21-2026, 05:14 PM
As a follow-on, County Council gathered public input yesterday on the new property tax arrangements, with higher taxes on more expensive properties and lower taxes on owner-occupied homes and affordable rental housing. There's even a new "long-term rental" rate so that those second-home-owners actually concerned with providing a rentals can do so at a reduced tax rate.
This County Council seems to be doing more than usual to look out for locals - hopefully the next one can follow up and continue the good work.
https://www.hawaiitribune-herald.com/202...rty-rates/
"The Hawaii County Council held a public hearing Tuesday seeking feedback on plans to raise property tax rates for nonresidents and owners of second homes in a push to make up for an estimated $15 million budget shortfall.
At the same time, many island residents would see a reduction in their property taxes. Under the proposed adjustments, the vast majority of owner-occupied homes and affordable rental housing would enjoy a 20-cent reduction — or just over 3% — in tax rates, falling from $5.95 to $5.75 per $1,000 of taxable value.
This is an intentional tailoring of rates by council members to benefit locals, whom many county officials including Mayor Kimo Alameda have admitted are languishing under an accelerating cost of living and housing affordability crisis.
...
Another new property class created this year would be “long-term rental,” set at a rate of $7.75 per $1,000 of taxable value, which council members have justified as an incentive to encourage second-home-owners to rent their properties to residents at reasonable rates." (more at link)
This County Council seems to be doing more than usual to look out for locals - hopefully the next one can follow up and continue the good work.
https://www.hawaiitribune-herald.com/202...rty-rates/
"The Hawaii County Council held a public hearing Tuesday seeking feedback on plans to raise property tax rates for nonresidents and owners of second homes in a push to make up for an estimated $15 million budget shortfall.
At the same time, many island residents would see a reduction in their property taxes. Under the proposed adjustments, the vast majority of owner-occupied homes and affordable rental housing would enjoy a 20-cent reduction — or just over 3% — in tax rates, falling from $5.95 to $5.75 per $1,000 of taxable value.
This is an intentional tailoring of rates by council members to benefit locals, whom many county officials including Mayor Kimo Alameda have admitted are languishing under an accelerating cost of living and housing affordability crisis.
...
Another new property class created this year would be “long-term rental,” set at a rate of $7.75 per $1,000 of taxable value, which council members have justified as an incentive to encourage second-home-owners to rent their properties to residents at reasonable rates." (more at link)