HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP FC 158 2026-06-16 2024-2026REPORT OF THE
COMMITTEE ON FINANCE
DATE: May 19, 2026 Re: Comm. No. 909Bill No. 163
PLACE: Council Chambers
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
TIME: 10:31 a.m.
Council Chair and Members
Hawaii County Council
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Your Committee on Finance, to which was referred Bill No. 163, reports as follows:
Bill No. 163, transmitted by Committee Member James E. Hustace via Communication No. 909,
dated May 14, 2026, amends Chapter 19, Article 8, of the Hawaii County Code 1983 (2016
Edition, as amended), relating to real property taxes.
This bill establishes a new real property tax dedication for certain properties that are owned by a
descendant of a person who owned the property at least one hundred years ago to be subject to the
minimum tax.
Finance Committee Meeting of June 2, 2026
Committee Member James E. Hustace provided a brief overview explaining that Bill 163 was
built on Maui County's `Aina Kupuna Program and on Honolulu's similar legislation, and how
this bill was adapted to our individual needs.
Real Property Tax (RPT) Division Administrator Lisa Miura and Assistant Administrator Keita Jo
were present in Chambers.
Committee Member Rebecca Villegas spoke in support of this measure and thanked Mr. Hustace
for bringing it forward.
Committee Member Heather L. Kimball asked Ms. Miura and Mr. Jo to provide feedback on the
number of parcels we're looking at, the impact, and the revenues. Ms. Mium stated that they
referred back to Maui County to determine how many properties are in their program to establish
a baseline. Ms. Kimball questioned how one would be able to verify the property's ownership.
Mr. Hustace stated that this would be challenging but suggested some resources.
Committee Member Jenn Kagiwada expressed some concerns. Committee Member Ashley L.
Kierkiewicz stated that there is a lot of discussion around revenue but she appreciated Mr.
Hustace for providing what she described as relief for the community and for many generation
`ohana who have found it difficult to maintain their family lands. Ms. Kierkiewicz added that with
the cost of living increasing and inflation, it makes sense to seriously consider this type of
program to ensure that our local families have assistance.
Bill No. 163 was postponed to June 16, 2026
Report No. 158
FC-158 Page 2 { June 16, 2026
Finance Committee Meeting of June 16, 2026
Committee Member James E. Hustace briefly explained the purpose of this measure again for the
record. He thanked everyone for the feedback at the previous committee meeting explaining that
he had considered everyone's input and proposed three amendments.
Mr. Hustace proposed an amendment via Communication 909.3, which would require the finance
director to submit an annual report on or before December 31 of each year. Bill 163 was amended
with eight "ayes," with Committee Member Rebecca Villegas absent.
Mr. Hustace introduced another amendment via Communcation 909.4, which would clarify how
the $10,000 tax threshold applies to properties recieving the agricultural use assessment. Bill 163,
as amended, was further amended with eight "ayes," with Ms. Villegas absent.
Mr. Hustace proposed a last amendment via Communication 909.2, which would establish a clear
application and review timeline for the initial implementation of the `Aina Kupuna Dedication
Program. Ms. Kagiwada expressed some concerns about the department and its staffing needs.
Ms. Miura replied that thier office felt comfortable with the modified timeline and she was
grateful for the change. Bill 163, as amended, was further amended with eight "ayes," with
Ms. Villegas absent.
Committee Member Matt Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder stated his support for this measure. He said that
when he first read the bill, he thought it was specific to Native Hawaiians, but upon reading it
further he realized it was not specific to ethnicity at all.
Your Committee on Finance is in accord with the purpose and intent of Bill No. 163, as amended
to Draft 2, and recommends its passage on first reading.
IN
AYES
NOES
ADS
EX
GALIMBA
X
HUSTACE
X
INABA
X
KAGIWADA
X
KANEALI'I-KLEINFELDER
X
KIERKIEWICZ
X
KIMBALL
X
ONISHI
X
VILLEGAS
X
Respectfully submitted,
MATT
CHAIR
FINANCE
FC REPORT NO.: 158
ADOPTED: 26