Free Open Houses Help Maximize Property Tax Savings for Oʻahu Homeowners
Honolulu Board of REALTORS® and Real Property Assessment Division offer one-on-one assistance with exemptions, assessments and property tax questions
HONOLULU—The Honolulu Board of REALTORS®, in partnership with the City and County of Honolulu’s Department of Budget and Fiscal Services Real Property Assessment Division (RPAD), is hosting a series of free open houses from June through August to assist Oʻahu homeowners with questions and applications related to property tax assessments, home exemptions and property dedications.
Currently, a home exemption can reduce the taxable value of a home by $120,000 for homeowners who qualify. This amount increases to $160,000 if the homeowner is 65 years or older. Effective July 1, 2027, the home exemption amounts will change to $140,000, or $180,000 for owners age 65 and older.
“Many homeowners do not apply for tax exemptions simply because they are unaware that they are eligible and miss out on valuable savings,” said Suzanne Young, CEO of the Honolulu Board of REALTORS®. “Often, it isn’t until residents stop by our booth and speak with RPAD staff that they learn about the programs and tax savings available to them. By bringing RPAD staff directly into the community, we hope to make these resources more accessible and help ensure homeowners are taking advantage of the tax relief opportunities offered by the City and County of Honolulu.”
Residents are invited to visit RPAD at the Honolulu Board of REALTORS® booth at upcoming FarmLovers Markets across Oʻahu, where staff will be available to provide one-on-one guidance, answer questions and assist with available applications, helping homeowners feel more confident navigating the programs and resources available to them and maximizing potential property tax savings.
Applications for property dedication, when a property owner commits to certain conditions for a stated period in return for reduced taxes, are due Sept. 1. Applications for home exemption, a tax relief program that reduces taxable assessed value, are due Sept. 30.
Homeowners are encouraged to stop by one of the upcoming FarmLovers Market events below:
KAILUA |
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What: | Real Property Assessment Division Open House |
Where: | Near Adventist Health Castle 640 Ulukahiki Street, Kailua, HI 96734 |
When: | Sunday, June 21 from 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. Sunday, June 28 from 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. |
PEARLRIDGE |
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What: | Real Property Assessment Division Open House |
Where: | Pearlridge Mall Wai Makai 98-180 Kamehameha Hwy, Aiea, HI 96701 |
When: | Saturday, July 11 from 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. Saturday, July 18 from 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. |
KAKAʻAKO |
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What: | Real Property Assessment Division Open House |
Where: | 919 & 1011 Ala Moana Blvd Honolulu, HI 96814 |
When: | Saturday, August 1 from 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. Saturday, August 8 from 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
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About the Honolulu Board of REALTORS®
Established in 1922, the Honolulu Board of REALTORS® is one of the largest of 1,100 boards of REALTORS® in the nation and, with more than 6,400 members, is one of the largest trade organizations on O‘ahu. Membership is available to licensed real estate brokers, agents, property managers, appraisers, counselors, and others engaged in all aspects of the real estate industry who pledge to adhere to a strict Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice. The Honolulu Board of REALTORS® and its members are committed to serving as housing advocates, community builders and good neighbors. For more information, call (808) 732-3000 or visit www.hicentral.com.
About the Real Property Assessment Division
The Real Property Assessment Division administers provisions of Chapter 8, Revised Ordinances of Honolulu, relating to the assessment of real property for tax purposes. It ensures real property assessment values are fair and equitable, based on market value and in accordance with applicable standards and laws.
The division’s mission is to annually provide the City Council of Honolulu with a certified assessment roll. The Council uses this roll to set the tax rates for eleven general land classes, which generates property tax revenues for the City. To accomplish its mission, the division identifies real property parcels and respective owners; appraises parcels; processes exemption and dedication claims filed; notifies owners of the assessments placed on their respective properties; settles real property assessment and tax appeals; and maintains and updates maps, ownership records, valuation records, and computer and other required files.
