Tourism, Taxes, and Housing: Supporting Hawaiian Home Lands with Purpose

As someone deeply connected to Hawaiʻi’s communities and housing landscape, I often see how vital consistent funding is for our local programs, especially those supporting Native Hawaiian homesteads. Recently, the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) announced plans to propose a 1% increase to Hawaiʻi’s Transient Accommodations Tax (TAT).

If approved, this small adjustment could generate over $100 million each year, funds that would go directly toward developing homestead lots, improving infrastructure, and assisting qualified Native Hawaiians with home loans. These projects have the potential to make a lasting difference for thousands still waiting for land and housing opportunities.

While the proposal may face challenges from lawmakers and the tourism industry, the intent behind it is clear, to create sustainable funding for the Hawaiian Home Lands program while maintaining accountability for how tourism dollars are used. With Hawaiʻi’s growing housing needs and infrastructure priorities, finding a balance between visitor impact and local benefit has never been more important.

As a real estate professional, I see how each initiative like this plays a role in shaping Hawaiʻi’s future, one where residents and visitors can both thrive, and where every community has the resources it deserves.

Source: https://www.civilbeat.org/2025/10/tourist-tax-hike-sought-for-hawaiian-home-lands/