HB 940 allocates state funds to support the rat lungworm disease research lab at the University of Hawaii at Hilo. This bill directly affects the university's lab and indirectly benefits Hawaii residents by advancing research on rat lungworm, a disease transmitted through contaminated food or water. The key provision is the appropriation of dedicated funding for the lab's operations, with the bill effective July 1, 3000 (note: likely a typo for 2030). The legislation focuses on providing concrete financial support for this specific research initiative, without altering broader public policy.
Imposes a conveyance tax rate of 300% on sales of residential real property to persons who have not filed a Hawaii state income tax return within the preceding 4-year period.
This Senate Resolution (SR 5) urges the U.S. Congress to change federal tax law so that homeowners (owner-occupants) can deduct the same property-related expenses as business entities - such as depreciation, maintenance, and insurance - currently available to real estate investors. It highlights that under current law, homeowners only deduct mortgage interest, while business owners (like REITs) deduct a broader range of costs, creating a financial disadvantage. The resolution, offered by Hawaii's legislature, does not change tax law itself but formally requests Congress to address this disparity. It specifically asks Congress to provide homeowners with "comparably equivalent" deductions for property ownership expenses. (Note: This is a symbolic resolution, not a bill with legislative effect.)
Increases the aggregate cap on credits allowed in any given year for the Motion Picture, Digital Media, and Film Production Income Tax Credit from $50,000,000 to $60,000,000. Extends the sunset of the tax credit to 1/1/2038. Applies to taxable years beginning after 12/31/2026. Repeals 1/1/2038. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
Defines "low alcohol spirits beverages". Establishes lower tax rates for class 18 small craft producer pub licensees, including for low alcohol spirits beverages. Increases the amount of alcohol that a class 18 small craft producer pub licensee may manufacture. Increases the amount of alcohol a class 18 small craft producer pub licensee may sell to consumers in recyclable containers. Authorizes class 18 small craft producer pub licensees to sell a certain number of barrels of malt beverages, wine, and cooler and low alcohol beverages to any class of licensee, except for class 3 wholesaler dealer licensees.
Allows for the regulation of sports wagering by the Department of Law Enforcement. Establishes licensing requirements for sports wagering operators and sports wagering suppliers. Establishes a general excise tax to be levied on sports wagering operator licenses. Establishes the Problem Gambling Prevention and Treatment Special Fund to be administered and expended by the Department of Health. Specifies that legal sports wagering and fantasy sports contests shall not be considered contests of chance or gambling. Authorizes DLE to perform criminal history record checks on applicants and licensees relating to sports wagering. (SD2)
Increases the transient accommodations tax and allocates a portion of the tax to the general fund for projects that address climate change impacts and advance economic development and revitalization. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)
SB 2562 requires rental companies to prorate the surcharge tax (an additional fee on vehicle rentals) when a customer rents a vehicle for fewer than six hours in a single day. This change directly affects short-term renters (e.g., those using a car for a few hours for errands or a quick trip) and the rental companies that collect the tax. Instead of charging the full daily surcharge for partial-day rentals, the tax would be calculated based on the actual rental duration. The bill aims to reduce the tax burden for brief rental periods while maintaining the tax structure for longer rentals.
Adds a special assessment to the Rental Motor Vehicle Surcharge Tax, sunsetting in 10 years, to fund revenue bonds for the Lahaina Bypass North. Includes payment of principal and interest of revenue bonds for the construction, operation, and maintenance costs of the Lahaina Bypass North as a permissible use of the State Highway Fund. Authorizes the issuance of general obligation and revenue bonds to fund the Lahaina Bypass North. Directs transient accommodations taxes collected from West Maui transient accommodations to fund the Lahaina Bypass North. Defines "West Maui". Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)
Authorizes the use of county surcharge revenues for transportation and housing infrastructure in counties having a population of 500,000 or less. Authorizes counties that have previously adopted a surcharge on state tax ordinance after July 1, 2015, to amend the uses of the surcharge. Extends the period within which a county with a population of 500,000 or less may collect a surcharge on state tax, under certain conditions, to 12/31/2047. Authorizes cost-sharing with private or other public developers for housing infrastructure projects funded by surcharge revenues.
