Who cannot claim a tax annual (home) exemption in Hawaii?

A vendor in an agreement of sale cannot claim a tax annual (home) exemption in Hawaii because the exemption is specifically designed for the actual occupants of the property who own it or have a significant interest in it, such as the person responsible for paying property taxes.

In contrast, a vendor—who is typically the seller in an agreement of sale—does not reside on or occupy the property, and therefore does not meet the residency requirement necessary to qualify for the exemption. The exemption is intended for individuals who use the property as their primary residence, which does not apply to someone who has sold the property and retains no ownership.

An owner of a condominium or cooperative apartment, a person buying under an agreement of sale, and a person with a residential lease of five years or more who is responsible for property taxes could potentially qualify for the exemption provided they meet the necessary criteria regarding residency and ownership. This demonstrates that the tax exemption in Hawaii aims to support those who truly occupy and live in the residence rather than those who are merely involved in a transaction regarding the sale of the property.