STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3448

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.C.R. No. 9

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs, to which was referred S.C.R. No. 9 entitled:

"SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION URGING THE COUNTIES TO INITIATE A FREEZE ON PRIMARY RESIDENCE PROPERTY TAXES FOR HOMEOWNERS WHO ARE SEVENTY-FIVE YEARS OF AGE AND OLDER TO CREATE A MORE SECURE FINANCIAL ENVIRONMENT FOR THE IMPACTED POPULATION,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to urge the counties to initiate a freeze on real property taxes on the primary residence for homeowners who are seventy-five years of age and older to create a more secure financial environment for the impacted population.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from three individuals.

Your Committee finds that senior citizens on fixed incomes are extremely vulnerable to any increase in housing costs across the State. Your Committee believes that implementing a freeze on the real property taxes on the primary residence of kupuna homeowners is critical to mitigate the State's rapid rise in the cost-of-living. This measure would help improve housing security and provide financial relief for kupuna homeowners.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of S.C.R. No. 9 and recommends its adoption.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs,

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GLENN WAKAI, Chair