01-10-2008, 03:58 AM
Hawaii is more 'resident friendly' than many states, as it offers a number of graduated homeowner exemptions, and a minimum property tax of $100 per year. It is however somewhat biased against 'offshore owners' with regard to taxation. Possibly something like California's Prop 13 would be helpful, in that the base cost of property is frozen at time of purchase, and re-evaluated upon sale. Possibly there could be a requirement that in order to get the exemption one would be required to designate a specific owned property as a residential home site. This would eliminate the situation which affects a large number of prospective residents who bought lots upon which they plan to build retirement homes at a later date, only to be affected by the 'land boom' which has increased the tax base up to 500% over their purchase price. This results in high tax on vacant land, and obligates the offshore owner to contribute highly to services from which they derive no benefit.
Fortunately, I am at the point of being able to switch from 'offshore land owning swine' to the sanctimonious 'resident who no longer wants any further changes' (That's a bit harsh, but it is a sentiment I've seen and heard over the years)
That said, I love Hawaii, the Big Island and Puna. I can't wait to make the move.
Fortunately, I am at the point of being able to switch from 'offshore land owning swine' to the sanctimonious 'resident who no longer wants any further changes' (That's a bit harsh, but it is a sentiment I've seen and heard over the years)
That said, I love Hawaii, the Big Island and Puna. I can't wait to make the move.