Subject: $1B in Damages — We Can’t Ignore Real Funding Solutions
Subject: $1B in Damages — We Can’t Ignore Real Funding Solutions
As communities across Hawaiʻi recover from the recent catastrophic storms, with damages estimated at over $1 billion, our immediate focus must be on supporting those impacted and rebuilding safely and quickly. If you are in need of support or can offer support, visit www.lahuifoundation.org to give and receive direct aid.
This moment underscores a deeper reality: Hawaiʻi must be financially prepared for disasters that are becoming more frequent, more severe, and more costly. That’s why we cannot afford to let real solutions die.
HB2049 / SB3028, the “mansion tax” bills, are meeting a critical deadline this week.
HB2049 just was scheduled for a triple committee hearing in the Senate, Wednesday, March 25. Submit testimony in strong support. Action alert below.
SB3028 needs to be scheduled for a hearing. The notice for the last WAL hearing before the deadline was posted, and this bill was not included. While House leadership may say it’s too late, the truth is, rules can be waived when there is political will.
These measures creates stable, long-term funding to support Hawaiʻi’s most urgent needs:
$60M for Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL)
$40M for rental housing
$10M for land conservation
$120M for the general fund
Just as importantly:
It lowers taxes on home sales under $2.2 million, covers most local families
It ensures those profiting from multi-million dollar real estate contribute back to our communities
At a time of increasing strain on the state budget, this is a practical, equitable revenue solution that helps Hawaiʻi.
If we are serious about building a more resilient Hawaiʻi. One where families can stay, communities can recover, and future crises don’t leave us scrambling. We need to act now. If there’s the will, there’s a way.
Mahalo for standing up for Hawaiʻi’s future.
Update Conveyance Tax to Fund Hawai‘i's Urgent Needs
Hearing in WLA/HOU/HWN on Wednesday March 25th, at 1 pm; Conference Room 224
Why is this Bill Important
HB2049 HD3 is important because it creates a fair, reliable way to fund Hawaiʻi’s most urgent needs—especially housing—without raising costs on most local families. By updating the conveyance tax to better reflect today’s high-value real estate market, it ensures that those benefiting most contribute back to the community. This revenue supports affordable housing, DHHL, and land conservation, helping keep local families in Hawaiʻi while preparing the state for growing financial pressures.
Sample Testimony
Aloha Chair Lee, Chair Chang, Chair Richards and Members of the Committees,
I strongly support HB2049.
This bill makes Hawaiʻi’s conveyance tax more fair by lowering or maintaining costs for most local homeowners while asking those involved in multi-million dollar property sales to contribute more.
It creates stable funding for affordable housing, DHHL, and land conservation at a time when our state faces growing financial pressures.
ADD PERSONAL STORY
HB2049 is a smart, targeted way to invest in our communities without burdening working families.
NAME, TOWN
Call Rep. Mark Hashem (WAL Chair) and ask him to schedule SB3028 SD2 HD1.
“Please schedule a hearing for the mansion tax bill (SB3028). This bill creates critical funding for housing and DHHL while lowering taxes for most local families.”
Also consider calling members of the committee as well as House leadership to reinforce the message.
The same billionaires consolidating media monopolies and controlling the information we receive are also buying up major swaths of our land — sometimes entire islands. Others profit from wars and environmental degradation, then spend fractions of those profits on campaign donations and lobbying to ensure laws keep favoring business as usual.
This legislative session, several bills offer a blueprint for reclaiming our democracy.
New to Legislative Engagement? Learn more about how to engage in the Legislative Session!
Make sure you have set up your account on the Hawaiʻi State Legislature website. If you are new to the process, see this helpful page on legislative engagement 101 from the Public Access Room including a link on how to submit testimony!
Mahalo for taking action!
