Misa Kataoka

For all Hawaii homeowners - Yes, your real property tax will be due tomorrow (Semi-Annual 1st installment, another February 20). If you have a mortgage, chances are your lender will be paying from impound account on behalf of you. I would suggest to check your mortgage account activities to be sure this has been paid on time. For those income under $50,000 in year 2007, City and County has real property tax credit for those who qualify: please take a look at this link for more information.

In Hawaii, there are many homeowners who are "house rich, cash poor". Imagine you bought your home in Kahala 30 years ago - humble cottage on a big lot. You have worked all years, and now on fixed income into retirement. Real Property Tax in recent years has been very tough for those who did the right thing all along: "keep the house as your home for life". Be sure to file before September 30, 2008 and "keep the copy".

About Home Exemption:
I have seen many homeowners who purchased their homes and moved in "forgot" to file this rather simple homeowner's exemption form. Chances are, you are given this form at the escrow table, and you filed away without submitting. You can check your property tax status and if you don't see any exemption, follow the instruction and file by September 20, for the next fiscal year (July 1~June 30 of following year).