HI HR79

Hawaii House Resolution urges U.S. Congress to propose a constitutional amendment allowing states to restrict residential real property purchases to bona fide state residents only.

The resolution cites Hawaii's severe housing affordability crisis, with median home prices exceeding residents' purchasing power due to out-of-state buyers acquiring properties as investments, vacation homes, or short-term rentals.

Current constitutional barriers under the Privileges and Immunities Clause (Article IV, Section 2, Clause 1) prevent states from limiting property purchases based on residency status.

The resolution notes Hawaii's unique challenges including geographic isolation, limited land availability, and displacement of multi-generational communities by out-of-state buyers with greater financial resources.

Certified copies would be transmitted to the U.S. Senate Majority Leader, Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, and Hawaii's congressional delegation.