Hawaii House Bill HR113

Hawaii 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/10/23
• Refer: 3/15/23
• Report Pass: 3/30/23
• Refer: 3/30/23
• Report Pass: 4/5/23
• Passed: 4/5/23

Caption

Urging The City And County Of Honolulu To Exempt From Real Property Tax Those Property Owners Of Residential Units Within One-half Mile Of An Active Municipal Solid Waste Landfill Or Construction And Demolition Landfill Or Deemed To Have Been Impacted By An Active Landfill To A Degree That Warrants Such An Exemption.

Impact

The resolution attempts to address the urgent health risks associated with living close to active landfills, as studies indicate that residents can experience significant health detriments, including asthma and reduced lung function. By advocating for a tax exemption, the resolution aims to provide financial relief that could be utilized for health-related expenses, home maintenance, and installation of air filtration systems. Additionally, it attempts to recognize and mitigate the historical negligence towards the residents' safety in light of existing landfill operations.

Summary

House Resolution 113 calls upon the City and County of Honolulu to grant a property tax exemption to owners of residential units that are within one-half mile of active municipal solid waste landfills or construction and demolition landfills. The bill focuses on the health and environmental impacts that these landfills impose on nearby residents, acknowledging that individuals living in proximity to such sites have a right to a clean and healthful environment as guaranteed by Hawaii's Constitution. The resolution seeks to alleviate the financial burden placed on these residents who have disproportionately suffered from various health issues linked to landfill activities.

Sentiment

The overall sentiment surrounding HR113 appears to be supportive, particularly from community groups advocating for environmental justice. Many advocates perceive the bill as a necessary step towards recognizing the health risks faced by residents living near landfills. Nonetheless, there may also be apprehensions about its implementation among policymakers who might have concerns regarding the economic implications for the city or potential resistance from stakeholders who operate landfills.

Contention

There may be points of contention regarding the economic impact of implementing a property tax exemption, particularly how it could affect municipal revenues. Some stakeholders may argue that while the bill addresses urgent health concerns, it does not account for the broader financial implications on city budgets. Additionally, the criteria for determining who qualifies for the exemption could lead to debates on fairness and how impact assessments are conducted, especially concerning neighborhoods that fall outside the proposed one-half mile parameter but are still affected by landfill operations.