HI SB683

Proposes constitutional amendments to authorize the Hawaii legislature to establish a surcharge on residential investment property and visitor accommodations to fund public education.

Adds new language to Article VII prohibiting the state from being prohibited from establishing a surcharge on residential investment property.

Amends Article X, Section 1 to explicitly authorize the legislature to establish surcharges on residential investment property and visitor accommodations dedicated to public education funding.

Cites findings that Hawaii ranks 227th nationally in per-pupil education funding at $11,823 per student and last in capital improvement expenditures for public schools at approximately $300 per pupil compared to $1,200-$1,500 in other states.

Requires a statewide ballot question asking whether voters authorize the legislature to establish surcharges on residential investment property and visitor accommodations to fund public education for Hawaii's children.