How it works

How RISE works

A county builds or improves infrastructure now and repays that cost over time with new property tax revenue generated as the area grows. Your property tax rate does not change.

A residential street in the Koʻolau foothills on Oʻahu, with crosswalk markings and utility lines

When an area gets new roads, water lines, and sewer systems, it generates new property tax revenue. Current property tax rates do not change. The county continues to collect what it does today, the base, in full, and the new tax revenue created by that growth. Revenue gained on top of the base, would be used to repay the bond.

A county identifies an area where public improvements are needed, creates a public plan for the infrastructure, and decides if, where, and how RISE is used.

Property tax revenue, in dollars

How RISE works · RISE Together HawaiʻiA dark band runs along the bottom at a constant height from the left of the chart to the right: the property tax the county already collects. Above it a brighter blue band starts at nothing on the left and grows steadily to the right. Only that upper band repays the bond.
District createdBond repaid
The incrementThe new property tax revenue that the new infrastructure creates. This is the only part pledged to repay the bond.
The baseEverything your county collects from that area today, in full, every year. Your property tax rate does not change.

Illustrative. The shape of the increment depends on how much growth a district actually produces, and is not a forecast.

What RISE can help deliver

RISE empowers counties to invest in the infrastructure that builds a stronger, more affordable, and more resilient Hawaiʻi.

A residential street in the Koʻolau foothills on Oʻahu, with crosswalk markings and utility lines

Affordable housing

Build more homes people can afford by funding roads, water, sewer, and utility connections upfront.

Safe roads & bridges

Fix and improve critical roads and bridges to keep families safe and communities connected.

Water and wastewater systems

Invest in reliable water, sewer, and wastewater infrastructure to protect public health and our precious water resources.

Storm resilience & climate adaptation

Strengthen shorelines, drainage, and natural defenses to better withstand storms, flooding, and rising seas.

Public facilities & community assets

Support schools, parks, community centers, and other facilities that improve quality of life.

Jobs & economic opportunity

Create local jobs and strengthen Hawaiʻi’s economy through infrastructure investments that benefit everyone.

In plain language

Common questions