Five housing questions on Oʻahu’s November ballot—and why they matter
The amendments would make Honolulu’s commitment to housing more durable by putting it in the charter, by stretching affordable housing dollars further, by requiring real plans instead of ephemeral ones, and by opening the door to new revenue.
Food security is on Oʻahu’s ballot this November: What Question No. 1 would do
The measure would not raise taxes, but would instead dedicate 0.5 percent of existing real property tax revenues—an estimated $8–9 million annually—to programs and grants that strengthen Oʻahu’s local food system.
Taking policy local: how to shape county action on food security
Counties may not always be centered in the food security conversation, but they are some of Hawaiʻi’s most powerful leaders in combating hunger.
A path to more affordable housing: Rethinking county rules
County governments control what gets built through zoning, and through lengthy discretionary approvals. Both levers have historically been used to restrict supply.
Proposal to raise transit fares will hurt Oʻahu riders
Increasing transit fares while household budgets are already stretched thin risks pushing out the very riders who rely on TheBus the most while decreasing ridership and revenue.
How to fix Honolulu’s Empty Homes Tax proposal
A newly released report commissioned by the county council demonstrates the need to align Honolulu’s policy proposal with demonstrated best practices.
Reducing the burden of pedestrian fines and fees with Freedom to Walk legislation
At a societal level, we seek to shift public resources away from penalizing pedestrians and toward addressing the root causes of traffic violence.
Honolulu council should take time, consider whether Bill 45 is a good investment
While the stated purpose of Bill 45 is to promote economic growth, there is no way to show that providing the additional incentives in Bill 45 would be a cost-effective use of the city’s funds.
A tax on vacant units could provide housing crisis relief, if done right
Besides funding sources, taxes can be an excellent way of shifting behaviors; but getting rates and exemptions right is key to success.
Honolulu just moved to the forefront of vacation rental regulation
After 30 years, the county finally has the tools it needs to stop the proliferation of illegal short-term rentals.
Enforcement of vacation rental regulations would restore balance
More than one out of every 20 housing units statewide is now offered as a vacation rental; in some communities, as many as four out of every 10 housing units have been converted into STRs.
Honolulu’s proposal to regulate short-term rentals needs serious help
Addressing the rampant proliferation of short-term vacation rentals in Hawaiʻi is critical to solving our housing crisis, but it’s imperative that we do it the right way: here’s how.