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Committee Hearings filled the State Capitol this week in order to meet the first major deadline set for next week Friday, February 18.  Your Hawaii Association of REALTOR® testified in a number of bills relating to land use, workers' compensation, and other bills that proposes to raise taxes.

Key bills are listed below.

Statutory Agency and Non-Agency Brokerage Relationships

HB 107 was scheduled for decision making on February 8. The House Committee on Consumer Protection and Commerce decided to defer the bill.  If the bill is not heard and passed out of the committee by next week Friday, it will not be considered for passage this year.

Landlord Tenant Code

The Hawaii Association of REALTORS® testified in strong support of HB 105 and SB 1335 this week, which prohibits tenants or guests from unlawfully possessing dangerous, harmful, or detrimental drugs in a dwelling unit or on surrounding premises. It provides a summary eviction proceeding for violation of the prohibition, wherein the landlord may rely upon notices or reports issued by law enforcement. Both bills are continuing to move through the legislative process.

County Surcharge on Tax to Fund Public Transit

The Hawaii Association of REALTORS® testified on a large number of bills proposing to allow counties to levy a surcharge on the General Excise and Use Taxes to fund public transit in the counties. The Hawaii Association of REALTORS® testified in strong opposition to any tax increases, since increases would only serve to increase the cost of living and doing business in Hawaii.  Some bills were held, while other were passed to the next committee. We will continue to oppose these tax increases.

Land Use

HB 1418 proposes to reclassify certain residential subdivisions in the Agricultural District to Rural Districts. This measure will provide a much needed solution to the current uncertainty regarding residential use on agricultural lands.  One of the Hawaii Association of REALTORS®’ proactive issues is to support county home rule as it relates to the zoning of agricultural land. We believe in preserving important agricultural lands, while reclassifying small, subdivided agricultural lots to the state’s rural district.

Eradication of Invasive Species

There were a number of bills relating to the eradication of invasive species such as the coqui frogs.  Invasive species will trigger values to drop, depleting the equity of homeowners and lower the tax base of large geographical areas.

Drug Rehabilitation Homes

The Hawaii Association of REALTORS® testified in support of HB 1554, Relating to Drug Rehabilitation Homes, which attempts to repeal permitted use of residential areas of drug rehabilitation homes and to return the traditional zoning authority in residential areas to the counties.

Workers' Compensation

The Hawaii Association of REALTORS® supported the passage of HB 763 that exempts persons with ownership interests in limited liability companies, partnerships, and sole proprietorships from the definition of “Employment”, under Chapter 386, Section 1, Hawaii Revised Statutes. With Limited Liability Companies becoming an acceptable alternative for incorporation, especially to small businesses, it is important that those owning a majority share of the Limited Liability Company receive similar treatment under the Workers’ Compensation Laws.

To view any of the bill text and testimonies submitted by the HAR, visit http://www.hawaiirealtors.com/government_affairs/LA/testimonies.asp .

More details on specific bills will be provided in future Government Affairs Weekly Updates.

If you have any questions or comments you would like to forward to the Legislative Committee, please call 733-7060 or 1-888-737-9070 or by e-mail at govtaffairs@hawaiirealtors.com.