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.
Transformative housing bills went nowhere this legislative session, but small wins keep hope alive
With federal cuts looming and home prices still climbing, the stakes have never been higher. One thing is clear: Hawaiʻi’s families can’t afford another session of half-measures.
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.
Marginal conveyance tax rates would advantage the majority of Hawaiʻi’s local homeowners
Hawaiʻi has some of the highest home prices in the nation, yet our current, flat conveyance tax structure fails to ensure that real estate market activity meaningfully contributes to affordable housing, infrastructure, and community investment.
Housing for all: The role of ADUs in strengthening Hawaiʻi’s communities
By creating accessible ADU financing options and streamlining regulatory processes, Hawaiʻi can empower homeowners to contribute to the housing supply while ensuring these new units remain affordable and benefit local residents.
Leverage Hawaiʻi’s conveyance tax to equitably fund affordable housing, land conservation and infrastructure needs
The legislature has the opportunity this session to raise revenue to pay for much needed affordable housing—as well as land conservation and infrastructure—by increasing conveyance tax rates on investment properties.
Hawaiʻi inequality is on the rise—wealth taxes can help fix the problem
Hawaiʻi is one of the most unequal states in the nation for wealth distribution, but tax policy changes can help capture more wealth at the top to invest back into communities.
We need a visitor recreation fee to benefit Hawaiʻi
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted our dependency on tourism, and the need to create a more sustainable and less exploitative version of the industry.
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.
Appleseed announces 2019 policy agenda
After months of research spent examining these critical issues, this agenda prioritizes efforts for maximum benefit to the community at-large.
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.