Ditch the equity cap: How to make “locals-only” housing actually work
When outside demand is effectively infinite, deed restrictions that focus on creating a diverse resident-owner base across multiple housing types—rather than just capping prices—do more to shift the market toward locals than any single “affordable” building will.
A turning point for SNAP: Strengthening local supports for Hawaiʻi households
Hawaiʻi has an opportunity to build a more resilient, community-driven food system—one that protects families regardless of federal uncertainty.
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.
The chilling effect: How federal cuts and immigration crackdowns threaten food security in Hawaiʻi
The mega budget bill that Congress recently passed narrows who can access critical programs like SNAP and Medicaid, while fueling fear and confusion about who can safely apply for assistance in the wake of increased immigration enforcement.
Incoming federal tax cuts will heavily favor Hawaiʻi’s wealthiest residents
The State of Hawaiʻi has an obligation to shore up its revenue through tax policies that make the wealthiest among us pay their fair share.
Federal transportation cuts threaten Hawaiʻi’s health and climate goals
With $131 million in transportation funds at risk, Hawaiʻi faces the possibility of lasting harm to our island infrastructure, and inhibited mobility for residents who rely on walking, biking and public transit.
How looming Federal cuts could impact housing in Hawaiʻi
If enacted, these cuts would gut rental assistance, eliminate key affordable housing development programs and slash funding for homelessness services.
Hawaiʻi families deserve better: How federal cuts to nutrition programs will impact our state
With grocery prices still soaring and food insecurity on the rise, this is the worst possible time to shrink our nation's most important anti-hunger program.
Hawaiʻi’s 2025 legislature focused on raising tax revenue to prepare for federal cuts
Assessing a proper tax rate on corporations and the wealthy will be necessary to produce a budget that can fund critical safety net programs and investments in our future.
Wins for food access and low-income families at the 2025 legislative session
While there’s still more work to be done, this year’s wins have laid the groundwork for a future in which food access is treated as a right, not a privilege.
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.
Proposed Trump tax cuts will overwhelmingly benefit the top 1 percent
As millions of Americans file their taxes this April, both the U.S. House and Senate have passed budget resolutions that open the pathway for a massive tax giveaway for the wealthiest people in the country.
As federal support fades, farm to families could fill the gap
Now, more than ever, investing in local food systems through programs like Farm to Families is a necessary strategy to build Hawaiʻi’s economic resilience and reduce food insecurity.
How a second Trump presidency could impact the pocket books of Hawaiʻi’s working families
Outside of the top 5 percent richest households, families will likely see significant tax increases, while the cost of consumer items would spike under proposed tariffs.
A Hawaiʻi Child Tax Credit would keep thousands of keiki out of poverty
After the expiration of the expanded federal Child Tax Credit, poverty rates spiked—it’s time for Hawaiʻi lawmakers to step up and fill the gap.
2022 legislative session: A big win for working families; but more must be done
Legislators adopted two priority economic justice policies to deliver a significant household income boost to hundreds of thousands of Hawaiʻi workers.
Affordable housing—Hawaiʻi’s biggest challenge—requires comprehensive solutions
A new housing coalition is working to shape the start of a comprehensive and inclusive housing policy plan to finally address Hawaiʻi’s affordable housing crisis.
Hawaiʻi’s housing market is a nightmare for working families; it doesn’t have to be
For a majority of Hawaiʻi residents, the prospect of owning a home—or even finding an affordable place to rent—is increasingly out of reach.
Unsheltered can mean costly health problems; Hawaiʻi should invest in supportive housing
It may seem obvious, but getting people back into housing is essential to properly addressing their health needs.
Expanding economic opportunity with the Hawaiʻi EITC
Expanding the state Earned Income Tax Credit to make it refundable would put more money back in the pockets of Hawaiʻi's working families, strengthening the local economy.