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Honolulu Today
By the People, for the People
Hawaii Proposes Higher Taxes on $2M+ Property Sales
Developers warn new conveyance tax could make housing less feasible and drive up home prices.
Published on Feb. 14, 2026
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A bill advancing through the Hawaii House would change how conveyance taxes are calculated on property sales over $2 million. Developers argue the restructuring could make housing projects less feasible and lead to higher home prices across the state.
Why it matters
Hawaii is already one of the most expensive housing markets in the U.S., and this proposed tax increase could further exacerbate affordability challenges for both homebuyers and developers in the state.
The details
The bill would raise conveyance taxes on property sales exceeding $2 million. Conveyance taxes are paid by the seller when a property is sold. Developers warn the higher taxes could make some housing projects financially unviable, leading to fewer new homes being built and potentially driving up prices for existing properties.
- The bill is currently advancing through the Hawaii House.
The players
Hawaii House
The lower chamber of the Hawaii state legislature that is considering the conveyance tax bill.
Developers
Real estate developers in Hawaii who are concerned the proposed tax increase could make some housing projects less financially feasible.
What’s next
The conveyance tax bill must still pass the Hawaii Senate and be signed into law by the governor before taking effect.
The takeaway
This proposed tax increase highlights the difficult balance Hawaii must strike between generating revenue and maintaining housing affordability in one of the nation's priciest real estate markets.
