Foreigners would be banned from buying property in Hawaii under new proposed bill

More than 2,000 people submit testimony for a bill prohibiting foreigners from purchasing any type of land in Hawaii.
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[@gtrs4ever]

Good God it's about time someone has a brain! This should have been done in the 1970s.

[@garypasseno374]

Exactly ‼️

[@margaretglowacki5749]

Why? Americans can also buy land around the world. Whoever, has the funds should. E able to buy property anywhere that’s capitalism

[@nadinelynch9591]

Yes. Please do that 😊. As a Kanaka Maoli myself. I would love to move back home.

[@naeolem]

Bra me too. Sad we all here in vegas while these foreigners buy everything out from people who shouldn't even be able to sell it in the first place

[@nadinelynch9591]

@naeolem How you knew I'm in Vegas. Hang in there hopefully we be home soon.

[@W11l]

Now you are the foreigner in Vegas... If Americans cannot buy land in Hawaii than Hawaii residents shouldn't be able to buy land in mainland USA.

[@nadinelynch9591]

@W11l As a Kanaka Maoli. I can buy land in HAWAII. Sorry but I'm a native. Mahalo though.

[@nadinelynch9591]

@W11l Also, we are natives of land in America 🇺🇸. Hawaii is part of America. We can buy land in the Mainland and Hawaii. I researched it.

[@The.Hawaiian.Kingdom]

Mexico has a law banning foreigners from purchasing property within a certain distance of shorelines or borders, but foreigners found a loophole by having local banks purchase the property through a trust in the foreigners name. Properties purchased this way are essentially exactly like buying it themselves, they can even transfer it to heirs upon their death. So you’ll need to ensure foreigners can’t do that, or this bill is worthless.

[@The.Hawaiian.Kingdom]

@@guyfaux5010 Obviously the trust must be created in Mexico and adhere to the laws of Mexico, why are you commenting the obvious as if I said otherwise?! Your analogy likewise is flawed, because the US doesn’t have any laws restricting property sales to foreigners in any capacity, Mexico does, which is the point of my comment, the point being that the bill will have to ensure such trusts can’t be used to get around foreign property sale bans in the way it is in Mexico.

[@V-Smith]

@The.Hawaiian.Kingdom Wow!! The same thing is happening in mainland America!! Foreign investors are buying farmland and using local banks to purchase this property on their behalf. They also apply for licenses to legally grow and sell marijuana using the same method, through local banks. Very interesting, and concerning!! Mahalo & God bless you! - V

[@The.Hawaiian.Kingdom]

@@V-Smith Wow I’m surprised you know that, I’ve told people this and no one’s known about it. Yes it’s mostly Chinese companies buying up a lot of AG land, they only hide behind a business for anonymity, but foreigners are allowed to buy land in the US, there’s no laws restricting it. A lot of foreigners are also controlling the water in Arizona, Nevada and mainly California, because they own a lot of alfalfa farms and they need the water because alfalfa is a very water hungry crop. They’re using a lot of the water, which is scarce in the region, and shipping the crops back to China for cattle feed. People are referring to it as “exporting American water in the form of crops”. Saudi Arabia also does this, mainly in Arizona, but not to the extent of China, not even close. The theory is that China plans to control AG in the US. Control the food and you control the entire country. The weed is interesting because again, it’s the Chinese. Until recently Mexican cartels have controlled it in the U.S., but now the Chinese supposedly own around 70% of both legal (farms and dispensaries) and illegal weed “businesses”. They don’t know what happened that allowed for this change of power, but I suspect it was a deal cut, because China supplies Mexico for fentanyl distribution. I think they made an agreement where China supplies them for cheap in exchange for controlling the US weed market. Also, Chinese nationals are buying a lot of homes in California, it hasn’t spread to the other states in the extent that it is in California, but I suspect it will… especially with all the Chinese immigrants sneaking across the border from Mexico… border patrol says the majority of ID’s found at the border are Chinese now (they ditch their ID’s at the border because they think it’ll be harder to prove they aren’t citizens of the US).

[@The.Hawaiian.Kingdom]

@@V-Smith I’m confused as to why you commented that I’m wrong, then commented again essentially agreeing with me.

[@V-Smith]

@@The.Hawaiian.Kingdommy apologies, the “wrong” comment wad meant for someone else but my blind arse accidentally entered it here! Oops 😬

[@genjustice4766]

Foreigners should not be allowed to buy the land but condos or apartments in the USA unless they have residency status (Green card). However, if the government allows foreigners or non-resident aliens to buy the land, then it should come up with some kinds of restrictions such as limitation of land size, number of assets (land) that they can buy each year, significant high property tax.......

[@jendee888]

How about corporations? Like the ones back by black rock?

[@lchaney]

YES, this is just as important 👏

[@HawaiiSustainable]

Exactly 👍

[@margaretglowacki5749]

If they are incorporated in the US they are a US entity and not be barred

[@toomignon]

Honestly, I don't think foreigners should be able to buy farmland and other strategic resources on the mainland. These are increasingly a matter of national security.

[@garypasseno374]

Well you know Chinese Government has bought farmland by military bases. And farmland by the auto industries for the EV batteries. Well Ford, GM and Toyota are stopping the EVs. They explode in the cold. Charging stations freeze up or don't work most of the time. Takes too long to charge and more 💲than gas.

[@melbournechugging2999]

Same should apply to Hawaii's politicians and police chief no outsiders only locals

[@bjgreenthumb4988]

Maybe even fires wound not happen in maui, was vegas cop 3:04 3:04

[@David53D]

No outsiders, like you whose ancestors immigrated just like everyone else.

[@HawaiiSustainable]

Governor Green’s AG says it’s illegal but I don’t trust the AG 26 states have laws against them already. Mahalo Brenton.

[@64Magick]

*DEPORT GREEN!!!*

[@RidgelineHunta96792]

If only they’ve implemented this “30 years ago” it could’ve benefited so much more local families, and the islands would still be able to self sustain an not rely on tourism as much.

[@joycek6556]

Yes, do not sell off Hawaii land/properties to foreigners - we still have our Hawaiians who were promised land to live on still waiting and waiting and waiting. I FULLY AGREE FOREIGNERS SHOULD BE BANNED FROM BUYING PROPERTY/LAND IN HAWAII - THAT BILL SHOULD HAVE BEEN SIGNED LONG AGO!!!! Hawaii is because of Hawaiian's King and Queen.

[@thaimassage23]

Our local political government allows this because they also have a cut on what is sold under the table.

[@SeanD808]

@@thaimassage23 Having massive demand drives the prices higher... but I've never seen a pol get a cut of any transaction...

[@damienkahanaoi4032]

All laws are based on Hawaiian Kingdom law first before any laws in Hawaii

[@David53D]

Hawaiians decided to become part of the US by voting for statehood.. Didn't you know that?

[@damienkahanaoi4032]

@@David53D most of them were foreigners idiot! Know your history dumbass

[@The1985zFinest]

😂

[@damienkahanaoi4032]

They should have done that over a hundred years ago 😂

[@justagirlsd3000]

Good! This whole country should follow suit!

[@tl2813]

I had put out a comment last week about stopping outside investors. I’m glad this is being put on the table. I have a recent scenario as to why this should happen. Westside of Maui. One house came on the market just skimming under a million. Just one. Many bids the one who paid more got it. (Broke my heart to hear this). This was sold to an outside investor. I think you all know what we are facing here. Saying it’s not constitutional is correct however, these laws were written over 100 years ago. Life has changed. We need to adapt to what is happening now or what has been happening behind our backs. We are in a state of emergency not just in Hawaii but, all over the country in desirable places. Our officials need to take this all the way to the White House. Listening to our officials stating it’s unconstitutional……is lazy.

[@thaimassage23]

Our officials ARE the White House.No laws pertain to them.

[@leemarcus6794]

This is years late as always hawaii is behind times. Priced out of paradise. If youre not priced out our corrupt government will burn you out then buy it cheaper. It comes down to pray for the right people in Office that will fight with you for you to BETTER your life not keep it the same or worst.

[@rico8089]

Instead of praying, we need to get a different group in our local government that will fight for the rights of the people. Instead of a corrupt government that's just lining their pockets.

[@rico8089]

@@guyfaux5010 Much Mahalos for trying. The corruption is bad

[@ThumbdownMan]

Proposed bill this proposed bill that.

[@jcougar55]

AG seems more interested in foreigners rights than local interests. AG should find a way rather than being a roadblock. Keep foreigners out of residential properties including residential developments and condo developments let them invest in non-residential properties like shopping centers...

[@bamahi7142]

You're hearing but not listening bro. He's NOT supporting foreigners. All of us, including you, have to follow the constitution. He's stating that no one can be discriminated against based on sex, religion, and national origin (fair housing act). Secondarily, people have a stunning lack of education on how the real estate market works. The market never goes down to serve the less fortunate. That's pie in the sky bs. Owning a house should have been everyone's goal when house "were" affordable. Now they want but no can, cry me a river.

[@pimaxuma]

Ban foreign home and farmland ownership, but not foreign business investments (company jobs, factories, warehouses, not housing). Although well intentioned, this ban might not have the intended effect. Assuming the ban is approved, that is not going to lower Hawaiian home prices. Local home buyers are competing with US mainlanders, not foreigners. Because Hawaii has the lowest property tax in the US. Increasing property tax for non-residents would help reduce competition for locals. Hawaii's top foreign-born migrants are Filipinos, 5x more than Chinese or Japanese migrants. So the ban would affect more Filipinos, than any other foreign migrant group in Hawaii. And currently, most foreigners buy expensive condos with high HOA fees, which most Hawaiians don't care to buy. Banning foreigners, means less competition and lower condo prices for mainlanders. In other words, the ban benefits US mainlanders more, and does little for Hawaiians.

[@apatnode91]

Natives to the main land and Hawaii have never been treated well by our country what so ever! I really hope this passed ❤️

[@AMYV3]

I’m 🇨🇦 can’t afford a house here. Mostly because so many of our properties have been bought from non Canadians and sit empty mostly from Asian countries. I would love to be able to offer them properties if we had plenty. But we haven’t for years. And they knew it. They are stopping it now but it’s way too late. They are going to sell. They are an investment or a way to laundry money. Let’s be real. But even I agree with this. I’d love to be able to buy there. My dream from a child. But no way would I take from another. Home is home. It shouldn’t even be allowed to be bought from mainland It’s not like fellow Americans aren’t going to take advantage of this. So really they need to take all that money that was donated and put what’s left and don’t let them tell you that’s gone. Do research you’d be really surprised to learn all about that. But that’s for a different video lol

[@jefff7316]

ban ban ban!

[@markvader8083]

Instead of an all-out ban, how about if we tax the heck out of foreign buyers when they purchase & thru yearly property taxes?. This might discourage foreign buyers from making a purchase here in the first place?. If they still do buy, we can take that tax revenue & use it to help local people{born & raised in Hawaii} purchase homes(while making sure that all money raised by this would only be used to purchase a home). Just a thought...

[@Bakanokotosuruna666]

They no care about money! They own multimillion dollars house and not even enjoy the house! The house is occupied two weeks on the year! Is a little more complicated

[@Bakanokotosuruna666]

They use the buy house to avoid taxes! “Should I pay taxes or buy a house with the money was supposed be tax money?”

[@tedcormier1736]

Houses in Hawaii are not a tax shelter....where are you getting this misinformation. Wealthy people move to Puerto Rico and Cayman Islands to avoid taxes . You have to distinguish between people who are really well off ($5- $10 million) and those that are stinking rich ($200 million ++) A foreign buyers tax would be the best way to help Hawaii.@@Bakanokotosuruna666

[@HawaiiSustainable]

That would be a good way if the AG’s claims are true could still tax the foreigners but 26 states already have a ban so seems like can. The Governor and his AG seem to favor large investments from foreigners.

[@SeanD808]

They already do.. it's the highest tax rate we have... non-resident owner...

[@acim2228]

MAINLAND CHINESE A MUST

[@DailyMeditation365]

I can think of 10+ countries right off the top of my head that don't allow Americans to purchase property, so why should Hawaii be any different?

[@beja7641]

Ban corporations and trusts from buying, thats who is pricing locals out

[@LawrenceWeber-z5o]

this won't help the local 'Hawaiians' many of whom exist off of government subsidies. Many of the locals are just plain lazy. Note that I said many, not all, as some are also hard working

[@tundahking]

Next step is to make all the military move back onto their bases and stop occupying residential housing.then we need to bring agriculture back because tourism only makes a few rich.

[@FreddyBoy1808]

That Deputy AG not from here so yes he don’t care about locals. The bill is to help locals and the cost of living here in Hawaii. Just like Arkansas Governor not allowing foreigners to buy farm land in Arkansas…. Time to step up Hawai’i. Need more representatives like Awa in there….

[@margaretglowacki5749]

Ok but it will probably fail in the courts. However, even if it is upheld. What are you going to do when the prices don’t go down anyway because Americans buy up the property. In 2023 under 5% of the real estate sales in Hawaii were to foreigners.

[@jorgej5916]

Reciprocally.....can US citizens go to other nations like Japan, Denmark, Norway, China, Indonesia, Thailand or South Korea and buy real estate properties under the same ownership rights as their own citizens? If not, then Hawaii shouldn't as well. The US real estate's properties are for the US citizens first, not for the foreigners, their second or third vacation homes in Hawaii should come as second or third priority after the Hawaiian residents.

[@gregh7457]

In japan foreigners can buy but getting a loan is difficult. You have to live in japan or pay cash. Thailand, foreigners can buy condo's but cannot buy houses or land but there are loopholes around that using shell companies. The russians are a perfect example of that in phuket thailand. Since the war started many have moved to phuket and housing prices have skyrocketed

[@The.Hawaiian.Kingdom]

It depends on the country and their domestic property laws. Some countries allow foreigners to buy, some dont and some have restrictions… like Mexico for example which doesn’t allow foreigners to buy within a certain distance of shorelines or borders… although foreigners HAVE found loopholes around that by getting banks to buy the property through a trust in the foreigners name.

[@jorgej5916]

@@The.Hawaiian.Kingdom exactly right, as one of the most advance nation in the world, USA should be able to smartly protect the rights and privilege of its citizens rather than compromising it.

[@margaretglowacki5749]

Not how capitalism works. US citizens can also buy in the vast majority of countries and we allow others too buy here. Also only a very small percentage of properties in Hawaii are sold to foreigners. The vast majority are bought y Americans with money.

[@bill3641]

This should be a national law...................

[@karenouye]

About time

[@The.Hawaiian.Kingdom]

Can you say election season?

[@deannasilva893]

Ohhh​@@The.Hawaiian.Kingdom

[@Teresa-jj5mo]

Hawaii was sold out 30 years ago!! You Damn right you owe the people this now !!!

[@areuaware6842]

Good idea. And triple the taxes on the properties of foreign owners. Thy take all their profits out of Hawaii and out of the US.

[@PLRJR2001]

Hawaii should've stayed it's own country

[@Jazzfestn]

WHY didnt LOCALS THINK about purchasing property DECADES ago?!

[@kahakelii]

....The Apology Resolution.... That should be enough...

[@The.Hawaiian.Kingdom]

And the illegal overthrow, fraudulent annexation, fraudulent plebiscite vote (statehood) before that.

[@apachekeawe-aiko4900]

It's about FUKIN time

[@debraknorenberg1163]

ea no!? they been running a day late and a dala short since day one.

[@dan749]

Hawaii is a laughing stock😊😊😊

[@captaina4458]

It’s not just banning foreigners but also at the forefront giving locally born citizens first dibs on purchasing land and homes in Hawaii to help protect our keiki’s future without any loopholes.

[@Errr717]

The UH professor doesn't have any idea how difficult it is to pass this kind of a bill to pass in Congress. I agree with Sen Awa. Pass the bill in Hawaii and let it go through the court.

[@ykistler1570]

Maybe pass a law preventing venture capital firms from buying single family homes.

[@HopelesslyLolo-ci9vn]

We need to recall this bill and rewrite it. It’s easy to blame foreigners. However, look at the statistics. We complain about lack of housing for the locals, but more homes are purchased by.out of state (mainlanders) than foreigners. The bill should require owner occupied and not allow for a house to be purchased for rental. In addition, no affordable housing should be allowed to be resold for greater profit. 😊

[@Bigislandguy]

I agree. Only residents should be allowed to purchase land. And native Hawaiian’s should have a discount and tax exemption.

[@lindachang5818]

Realtors, anything for a buck!!!!!

[@bsmbB]

They worried about it conflicting with federal laws but no problem legalizing medical Marijuana lmao

[@toshioikene8200]

Might be better to give a Kamaaina discount on taxes. So raise taxes across the board to something high like 20%, then give residents a major discount. That way, non-residents pay more since they are not living/contributing to the residential culture. Could even provide tax discounts to non-residents that own property but rent it out to residents at good prices. Get plenty cheap land on the Big Island, but that's not the problem right.

[@erictaylor3897]

That's actually a good idea, I would go as far as taxing them at 50% for property that is worth less than a million.

[@chocopie6277]

Foreigners shouldn't be able to buy properties in US. Just my own opinion.

[@stanmuneoka8117]

I been saying this all my life, fire the AG, HOW ABOUT THE OVERTHROW OF HAWAII, YOU TALKING UNCONSTITUTIONAL

[@michaelrose8043]

It should be that only Residents OF Hawaii & those that were BORN IN Hawaii should be able to OWN property IN Hawaii.

[@joeyguam]

Can someone from Hawaii purchase land in China, Japan or Korea?

[@user-cc5od3zk4p]

Unless you intend to become a full time resident, working, and paying taxes to contribute to the community, fine. If not, HARD NO! Hawaii is for Hawaiians!

[@dapencilshinobi]

Look , a family was murdered because of this , our own , home grown people struggle, and being bought out, and go look around , ask how many locals out enjoying the day? no can because they gotta work extra shifts, or cannot because they have to budget. SERIOUSLY GO LOOK

[@user-oq9ly8lr9z]

Just pass the law and see what happens. Nothing to lose. They don’t want to because foreign buyers drive up the property value which means more tax revenue. So wrong.

[@bsmbB]

Only now? After the Japanese and Chinese billionaires own like 25% of the real estate

[@DsTAiiN8oh8]

Everyone who bought a house in the past 4 years will be seriously underwater... i dont think this would work

[@bigbellyflyer]

This absolutely needs to happen, should of happened long ago. The real estate on Oahu and especially in Waikiki has been bought up starting in 1930! Think about that. It’s like someone already knew about the prime lands of Hawaii. There are photos in the the surf rider hotel “First Lady of Hawaii” in Waikiki and an article that mentions this fact. At 1:20 Wallyn Christian is absolutely correct, Right On Wallyn ! I am not Hawaiian, I am from the mainland and I support this.

[@eliot3010]

Unfortunately, in the State of Hawaii, it all comes down to "MONEY", if you got it, it's yours, whether you're Local or not!, the only thing matters is the "Almighty Kala"!!!

[@geoleo2597]

I agree that foreigners should be banned from buying here. Just like most of those countries that have been buying land here also prohibit foreigners from buying on their land (like in ahem…guess where? China ) But we have to do so with regard to Federal laws which supersede states and municipalities laws. Until the Feds grant us authority to do so our hands are tied. Do not mess with the federal government

[@kealasimeona8450]

I need Brian Schatz to do his work!! Please get this going!!

[@Line-Dance-Mondays]

It's great, but corporations should be included in this

[@Parkerhiggs]

This will not solve any problems.. in fact make more problems out of the overall housing market.. This will make everyone on the island suffer a loss in home value.. gotta think about step 2 & 3

[@willedwards7009]

I think anyone not a resident of Hawaii should be banned from owning land there.

[@educated_guess]

The UH law professor said it plainly, it will take an act of congress to make this happen.

[@pragmatist7455]

Too little too late. This started in the 70s and 80s. Vast amounts of property are already in foreign hands.

[@hawaiianslamma]

And then wat they move to America 1st then they not foreign anymore? They gotta stop everybody dat not from Hawaiian islands from buying land. America is technically foreign to

[@liamstanton6053]

Bs- it is 100% Legal to prohibit future property sales to no nationals. It is simply illegal to take what they already own obviously

[@kellygregg3688]

Kinda to late already. Damage is done. And the rich mainlanders will buy it up.

[@garypasseno374]

Foreigners will stay in Hotels when they come and 💲 will go to workers that are Hawaii residents 🤙

[@Alexis-ey4kp]

Should have done this before you let billionaires buy up so much land.

[@prudenciomeno8085]

Good, means less concrete condos, blocking ocean views

[@Wes-k6o]

Many countries only allow their citizens to own the land, get with the times US.. other countries only allow places to be leased and not owned, citizens can only own.

[@RossellaPerry]

I am against foreigners buying property in Hawaii. But federally we can not til all states ban buying land and businesses. Federal law has to change .

[@dlasti]

Great idea and about time...but a little too late. Hawaii is no longer a state for its people, but land being taken away from them. Auwe!!

[@teamninja2.075]

About time! Dis should have been a long time ago !

[@joep5358]

Housing needs to be for citizens. Hotels is a business and that is a different.

[@EightyFour-s3z]

I heard that crime lowers property prices too.

[@wolfthornhawkridge5705]

The Fair housing act has never been fair.

[@baseballcardsbusta3974]

Kauai started doing this for a certain neighborhood that was being built some years ago by my cousin. My cousin owns a construction company and he was building houses and he told me that only locals would be able to buy the properties. Oahu and the rest of the islands should be doing this. There’s even countries that don’t allow foreigners to own land. I guess the all mighty dollar plays a big factor during this situation. America is for sale, Hawaii is for sale, money talks.

[@starofdabloc]

Why are we treating non nationals as the same as American citizens?! Its mind blowing! They have a right to not want to have all their land bought up from whoever it is!

[@dapencilshinobi]

THIS HAS TO HAPPEN !!! ALOHA IS DISAPPEARING . YOU CAN SEE IT EVERYWHERE . ON THE ROAD , AND IN THE STORE. THESE PEOPLE MOVING HERE IS DIGGING OUT THE ALOHA PLANT, AND BRINGING THAT MAINLAND ATTITUDE HERE TO HAWAII . AND THAT IS WHERE THE LINE IS DRAWN.

[@l82nite]

It will never happen, but I like some of the idea. Like Mr. Kawamoto said back in the 80's, "If you don't want me to buy, don't sell". It's the greed that is forcing the locals out. Greed by people living here. I hope to be moving out of this state one day. I hope I can sell to a local, but it might not happen. locals just can't afford it. Once I'm gone, why should I care about this place, that doesn't care about me????.

[@Brandon-yz4tz]

Just go there homeless. Use a shelter. Pitch a tent. Find a friend and sleep on their floor. Sleep in a rental car. Get a hotel. 10,000 new homeless are headed there without any home. The weather is great.

[@johnelicker3967]

yes yes yes

[@linesided]

1898 was the year to make this decision. Now it's a lot too late.

[@jasonpaz]

You cant go to China and buy land there...but they can buy here

[@samsonabad7690]

Fight yes please scandals . You don't live hawaii or married then you should have land because many hawaiian can't even get hawaiian land until we all get something no one else should have

[@donaldtrumpy5914]

Ilocanos cannot buy anymore...

[@itsmecommenting4283]

The only reason y they don’t want it is because no more money for them

[@The1985zFinest]

This should have passed

[@Actual.]

Ain't gonna happen... Too much corruption... It's time to live with what we got... I hope you can hunt,dive, fish etc .. Keep up the good fight... If you vote democrat... That's the result... LGBFJB...

[@kawikadee9670]

Yeah they should try this for a few years to see if it helps.

[@2-old-Forthischet]

That would be great, but inflationary damage is done.

[@rico8089]

Too little too late

[@2-old-Forthischet]

@@rico8089 yes, this should've been thought of in the 1980's. Same here in So Cal.

[@kaipo8489]

Bruh about time

[@twoscoopsaloha7151]

How is it unconstitutional for people who aren't even citizens of the country? We're the ones getting the short end of the deal if they continue to allow these foreign entities to buy up real estate

[@margaretglowacki5749]

Only a small percentage are bought y foreigners the vast majority are bought by Americans with money. Many Americans also buy homes in other countries.

[@diveanddine]

there will always be loopholes tho…

[@marvinkamei7007]

Yes, smart move!

[@josephuahinui2182]

About damn time

[@lindachang5818]

YES!

[@danielskomp9072]

Already ‘local’ people will not be able to live in Hawai’i, due to land and home prices, even rent is beyond the hope of young locals. Rich folks from America and foreign countries, buy up land, homes, properties! Of course, real estate thieves, don’t want to limit their greed!