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Committee reports several budget measures and weighs renter-relief tax change; BFS says $14.96M revenue impact
Summary
The committee reported HART operating and capital budgets and a bond authorization bill out for second reading; Council Chair Waters proposed lowering the first rental tax tier to $3.50 per $1,000, and the Department of Budget and Fiscal Services estimated the revenue loss at about $14.96 million.
In addition to the capital budget discussion, the Budget Committee reported multiple items out for second reading and public hearing.
Deputy Executive Director Michael O’Keefe appeared for the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART) and presented both the operating (Bill 26-2026) and capital (Bill 27-2026) requests; with no public testimony the chair recommended both bills be reported out for second reading and scheduling of public hearings.
The committee also considered Bill 24-2026, authorizing general obligation bonds to finance projects listed in the capital ordinance; Director Andrew Kawano (Budget and Fiscal Services) had no comments and the chair recommended the bill be reported out for a second reading.
On the legislative budget (Bill 28-2026) the committee approved a CD1 proviso to appropriate $10,000 per council district (total $90,000) for district mailers; Council Member Cordero requested language that would allow postage and printing costs.
During a separate discussion on Resolution 20662 (property tax rates), Council Chair Waters proposed lowering the residential aid tier 1 rate from $4.00 to $3.50 per $1,000 to provide rent relief. Director Andy Kawano (BFS) said the estimated revenue impact of that reduction would be roughly $14,961,000; members discussed possible adjustments to tiers and the need to be revenue neutral given other budget obligations.
Next steps: Bills 24, 26, 27 and 28 were reported out for second reading and public hearing scheduling. Resolution 20662 will go to public hearing and receive further committee consideration.
