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.
New census data confirms the benefits of investing in safety net programs
The new data highlights the anti-poverty effects of programs like the Child Tax Credit, SNAP and Medicaid. At the same time, it’s a reminder of what working families stand to lose with H.R.1.
Moving together: The case for sustainable transportation in Hawaiʻi
The communities most exposed to the climate crisis are often the same communities already navigating the greatest transportation challenges.
Unburden the burdened: Why Hawaiʻi should expand its rental voucher program
Because vouchers target need rather than tenure, they avoid the market distortions that come with rent caps—and don’t create incentives to push tenants out.
The billionaire tax California is debating—and why Hawaiʻi should pay attention
At a moment when Hawaiʻi desperately needs more revenue, California’s proposal to tax billionaire assets offers a model for making the ultra-wealthy pay their fair share.
Sneak peek: Improving women’s mobility and access in ʻEwa and Waipahu
Where you live should never determine how far you can go. We’re currently in Phase II of a community-centered research effort focused on understanding the unique transportation challenges faced by low-income women and their families in ʻEwa and Waipahu.
Under pressure: Hawaiʻi’s budget troubles demand action
The state is confronting a growing list of challenges that could throw our budget—and the programs and services within it—into disarray. Now more than ever, we need to preserve funding for Hawaiʻi’s working families.
Safe streets for all: Why Hawaiʻi can’t wait another year for pedestrian safety progress
Hawaiʻi’s pedestrians are in crisis. Fatalities are rising, our most dangerous intersections remain unfixed, and the people most affected continue to bear the heaviest burden.
Millionaire’s taxes are having a moment: Here’s why that’s good for all of us
A fairer tax code isn’t about punishing success. It’s about making sure all of us can thrive—not just a wealthy few.
Highlights from House Bill 1800: the state supplemental budget bill
The single most consequential bill of the legislative session. It determines how the State of Hawaiʻi will fund everything from public education and roads to healthcare and affordable housing.
When disaster strikes, who feeds us?
Only 15 percent of our food is grown locally; 30 percent of families remain food insecure; less than 12 percent of households are prepared for a disaster. This is not a collection of separate problems. It is one broken system.
A fair share for Hawaiʻi's future: Why we need to modernize the conveyance tax
As housing costs soar and the gap between the very wealthy and everyone else widens, we must ask ourselves: who benefits from Hawaiʻi's economy, and who is asked to contribute?
One step forward, a few meals short
While the passage of Act 139 was a meaningful step toward free school meals, it was just that—a step. The work is not finished.
Hawaiʻi’s costly tax shift: How a billion-dollar cut threatens public services
The choice before us is whether we will allow a billion-dollar annual loss to erode our common foundation, or whether we will act to preserve it—for every family, and for generations to come.
Hawaiʻi’s two-tier tax system: How the rich use a glaring loophole to pay less
While teachers, nurses and service workers pay income tax on every dollar they earn, the wealthy can shield a large portion of their profits thanks to a special tax break on capital gains.
Our Census Bureau is understaffed and underfunded—the quality of its data is suffering
Already facing resource shortages, new federal budget cuts call into question the very future of the Census Bureau itself.
Kūpuna at risk: How federal changes to SNAP impact older adults in Hawaiʻi
Even within these new constraints, Hawaiʻi can innovate by combining or re-imagining existing programs to expand access and strengthen support for our seniors.
Transformative change meets budget realities—a central lawmaking tension plays out in two new reports
Policy in Perspective 2025 and the Hawaiʻi Budget Primer FY2025–26 provide a compelling—and sometimes sobering—look at how Hawaiʻi invests, and often under-invests, in its communities.
Hawaiʻi already has the tools to create a locals-only housing market; we just need to use them
Whether buying a first home, renting, or selling within the community, local people should have the advantage. Housing should function as a home—not as a global commodity.
Powered by the people: How Hawaiʻi Appleseed’s community-first focus can create change—with your help
When we put people first, it means our policy proposals come from the community—which is essential to turning those proposals into law.