HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.B. NO.	505
THIRTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2023
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relating to real estate purchase by foreign entities.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that the national security of the United States of America and the security of the state of Hawaii are inextricably linked. In the year 2022, the world watched as the national sovereignty of Ukraine was violated by Russia, and for years People's Republic of China has been declaring that Taiwan is in fact not a separate sovereign country. With many areas of the world on heightened alert due to geopolitical aggression of foreign nations, it is imperative that the United States take stock of what influence foreign entities are having within its borders.

The legislature further finds that companies linked to the Chinese Communist Party has been actively purchasing real estate within the United States. It is a known fact that private corporations and entities with links to the Chinese Communist Party post a threat to the security and safety to both the United States as a country and to the safety of its citizens as well.

The purpose of this Act is to outlaw the purchase or receipt of real estate in Hawaii by China and other entities that have ownership interests connected to the Chinese Communist Party for the sake of national security.

SECTION 2. The Hawaii Revised Statutes is amended by adding a new chapter to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

"Chapter

CHINESE COMMUNIST PARTY AND OTHER HOSTILE FOREIGN INFLUENCE REAL ESTATE TRANSFER BAN ACT

§ -1 Definitions. As used in this chapter, unless the context indicates otherwise:

"Chinese Communist Party" or "CCP" means the Communist Party of the People's Republic of China.

"Hostile Foreign Influence" means any entity which has partial ownership held by a foreign government hostile to the United States, or which has board members or employees connected in any way to governments or organizations hostile to the United States.

§ -2 Prohibition on transferring real estate located in Hawaii to the Chinese Communist Party or other hostile foreign influence. The sale or transfer of real estate located in Hawaii to the Chinese Communist Party, members of the Chinese Communist Party, or other Hostile Foreign Influence is prohibited. Any person who knowingly or unknowingly violates this section will be guilty of a class C felony.

SECTION 3. New statutory material is underscored.

SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

INTRODUCED BY:

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Report Title:

Prohibit Land Transfer to Chinese Communist Party; National Security

Description:

Prohibits the transfer of real estate located in Hawaii to the Chinese Communist Party, members of the Chinese Communist Party, or other hostile foreign entities.

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.