Hawaii
Proposed empty homes tax gets exemptions added for Hawaii residents as final vote nears
HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – A bill aimed at cracking down on vacant homes on Oahu by increasing taxes is expected to face a final vote at the Honolulu City Council in the coming weeks.
It comes after the proposal has been revised several times because of questions and concerns from the community.
Bill 46 would add an incremental 3% yearly tax for vacant dwellings on a property that would be rolled out over three years.
Some owners could end up paying tens of thousands of dollars more in property taxes, but a recent change to the measure adds exemptions for Hawaii residents.
The 2020 U.S. Census reported roughly 35,000 unoccupied housing units on Oahu.
Council Chair Tommy Waters, who introduced the bill, said it’s meant to get people to rent out or otherwise free up their unused units.
Under the measure’s current language, the higher tax would be placed on homes that are unoccupied for six months.
“We’re trying to get creative to figure out how we can get our local people to stay here. We can’t build our way out of this solution,” said Waters.
This week, the council’s budget committee narrowly passed the bill in a 3 to 2 vote after making several changes.
One change would allow Hawaii residents to request an exemption for a second home they own.
To reduce administrative costs that would likely come with a new tax, the bill proposed it to operate under the already running property tax system by adding a new class.
There’s also changes to the bill’s language to comply with both with state and federal law to try and avoid potential lawsuits.
But still some residents still believe it will do more harm than good.
“Trying to enforce this and make sure that it’s equitable is going to be a nightmare,” said Hawaii Kai resident Natalie Iwasa.
“My other concern about this is the landlords, they obviously have a stake in this but if they miss a deadline, it is no skin on their backs you know why? Because they will increase the rent for people like me and other families who cannot afford a home,” she added.
But younger constituents seem to support the proposal.
“This is not about punishing anyone. It is about making housing accessible to the people who call Hawaii their home,” said one testifier.
Bill 46 could still undergo even more revisions.
The bill is expected to go for a final vote on December 11, where public input will also be taken.
Copyright 2024 Hawaii News Now. All rights reserved.
Hawaii
With jolly festivities in full swing, how are you celebrating the holidays? Share your photos!
HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – With family and friends celebrating the holidays, Hawaii News Now wants to see how you are making the most of the jolly festivities.
From house decorations and shining lights to unwrapping presents and spending time with loved ones, share your photos by submitting them below!
Copyright 2024 Hawaii News Now. All rights reserved.
WAIMEA (HawaiiNewsNow) – Federal investigators are looking into what caused a plane to crash on Hawaii Island Monday.
The National Transportation Safety Board confirms it is looking into what caused a Cessna to go down at Parker Ranch in Waimea shortly before noon.
Investigators said preliminary information indicated the plane experienced a loss of engine power.
A witness said two people walked away from the aircraft on their own. No one was hurt.
Copyright 2024 Hawaii News Now. All rights reserved.
‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house, not a creature was stirring … and the only sports on TV was the Hawaii Bowl on ESPN.
The Christmas Eve game pitting South Florida (6-6) against San Jose State (7-5) didn’t bring the same energy as a major bowl, but when you’re the only live major sporting event on U.S. TV, fans will take notice.
On social media, the matchup generated surprising buzz for a minor bowl game.
People treating the Hawaii bowl tonight like it’s the Super Bowl
— Zlatni Topki (@ZlatniTopki) December 24, 2024
Out in Honolulu, ESPN had play-by-play announcer Tiffany Greene and color analyst Jay Walker on the game, and the pair, who have worked together for years, made the most of their moment in the spotlight.
Greene, who was the first African-American woman to serve as a play-by-play commentator for college football on a major network, had the opportunity to call some big plays, including this kickoff return touchdown by South Florida’s Ta’Ron Keith.
Tiffany Green was VERY amped up about this kick return touchdown and later replay of the big play from USF returner Ta’Ron Keith. pic.twitter.com/FkHDlaYBPK
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) December 25, 2024
And here’s Greene on a big interception early in the game.
USF forces an interception that would later result in points and a 14-0 lead over San Jose State.
Tiffany Greene and Jay Walker on the call of the Hawai’i Bowl on ESPN. pic.twitter.com/eMyo4aHsXn
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) December 25, 2024
Unfortunately, everything did not go smoothly for Greene and Walker. Of particular concern, Walker’s audio sounded consistently muddy, as if he were doing the broadcast remotely.
Are they actually there? Her co host literally sounds like he’s on a zoom call
— HuskerJim (@jimtheplumber63) December 25, 2024
Others on social media were even less charitable in their comments on the announcers.
This is a horrible announcing crew. This is not a high profile game, but as the only one on Cmas Eve, likely with a decent audience of folks looking for distractions, why this crew & not a better one? Why not put these guys on one of the midday workday games with less eyes/ears?
— Justin Firesheets (@JFiresheets) December 25, 2024
Yet some fans were left wanting to hear more of Greene and Walker in the future.
Tiffany is awesome! She has the spunk of Gus & a little of Beth Mowins when she announces CFB👍
— Herbie Garcia (@herbieg55) December 25, 2024
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