Bill > HB655

This bill addresses the issue of long-standing unpaid motor vehicle taxes and fees in Hawaii by limiting the required payment to only those incurred during the most recent five consecutive years of delinquency, regardless of the total duration of unpaid taxes. The legislation aims to help residents who may have accumulated tax and fee debt exceeding the value of their vehicle, which often leads to vehicle abandonment and creates environmental waste. By amending several sections of the Hawaii Revised Statutes related to motor vehicle taxation (sections 249-5.5, 249-10, and 249-34), the bill provides relief for vehicle owners by capping the total amount of delinquent taxes, fees, and penalties that must be paid. This approach is intended to make it easier for vehicle owners to renew registrations or transfer vehicle titles, while also preventing unnecessary vehicle abandonment. The bill does not affect rights, duties, penalties, or proceedings that existed before its effective date, which is set for July 1, 3000. The legislature believes this approach will be more financially and environmentally beneficial for the State and counties by offering a practical solution to long-term tax delinquency.

Budget and Finance, Justice, Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=655&year=2025