HI HCR123

Requests the Department of Budget and Finance to convene a working group to study the feasibility of imposing a school facility fee on residential property in Hawaii.

Working group to be chaired by the Director of Finance and include representatives from the Department of Taxation, Department of Education, State Public Charter School Commission, county finance departments, and the University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization.

Proposes fee structure based on number of bedrooms: $200 per year for one to two bedrooms, $400 per year for three to four bedrooms, and $600 per year for five or more bedrooms.

Fee revenues would be assessed and collected by counties, with funds used equally among all public schools and charter schools for maintenance, wireless upgrades, safety improvements, and general school benefits.

Working group to evaluate possible exemptions for residents aged 62 and older, develop revenue projections, and submit findings and recommendations to the Legislature by twenty days prior to the 2014 Regular Session.