The following testimony was submitted by the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii for consideration by the Honolulu City County Council on Aug. 7, 2024.
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Aug. 7, 2024, 9 a.m.
Honolulu Hale
To: Honolulu City Council
Tommy Waters, Chair
Esther Kiaʻāina, Vice Chair
From: Grassroot Institute of Hawaii
Ted Kefalas, Director of Strategic Campaigns
RE: Bill 43 (2024) — RELATING TO REAL PROPERTY TAXATION
Aloha Chair Waters, Vice-Chair Kiaʻāina and other members of the Council,
The Grassroot Institute of Hawaii would like to offer its support for Bill 43 (2024), which would allow homeowners 65 or older to pay property taxes in four yearly installments instead of two.
High property taxes can be a financial strain for older homeowners living on fixed incomes. The twice-annual bills can result in shocks that could be avoided if the payments were spread throughout the year.
The Lincoln Institute of Land Policy, based in Massachusetts, has endorsed a monthly approach, noting that “several U.S. jurisdictions offer monthly property tax payment options that allow taxpayers to set up automated transfers from bank accounts or mail monthly checks.”[1] The Council should consider amending the bill to allow a monthly payment option — which could make for easier budgeting for seniors.
Still, giving older homeowners the option to pay their taxes in four installments would improve the status quo and help respect everyone’s financial situations.
Thank you for the opportunity to testify.
Ted Kefalas
Director of Strategic Campaigns
Grassroot Institute of Hawaii
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[1] Adam Langley and Joan Youngman, “Property Tax Relief for Homeowners,” Lincoln Institute of Land Policy, November 2021, p. 54.
