HI SCR211

Urges the City and County of Honolulu and the counties of Hawaii, Kauai, and Maui to implement an empty homes tax similar to Vancouver, British Columbia's vacancy tax to address affordable housing shortages.

Notes that approximately one-fourth of Hawaii housing is owned by non-residents and that vacant properties reduce housing supply while low state property taxes (approximately 0.28 percent) benefit real estate investors.

References Vancouver's empty homes tax results: 36 percent of vacant properties in 2019 were converted to occupied in 2020, 26 percent reduction in vacant properties from 2017 to 2020, and $86.6 million in revenues allocated to affordable housing initiatives between 2017 and 2020.

Specifies that a similar tax should not apply to principal residences, homes with exemptions, or homes rented for at least six months per year.

Directs transmission of certified copies to the Mayor and Council Chair of the City and County of Honolulu and the Mayors and Council Chairs of the counties of Hawaii, Kauai, and Maui.