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.
Behind the scenes: How Policy in Perspective tells the story of a legislative session
Built from a year’s worth of writing, analysis, and advocacy, Policy in Perspective creates the opportunity to take a step back and look at the legislative session from a bird’s eye view.
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.
Summer streets pilot, e-bike rules headline Hawaiʻi’s modest transportation wins
Progress on transportation equity comes in layers—a pilot program here, a clear legal definition there, a coalition that grows a little stronger each session.
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.
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?
Pilina builders are ready to lead their community
Guided by the ʻōlelo noʻeau, Ma ka hana ka ʻike (in working one learns), the Pilina Builders are a diverse, bright, and community-grounded group of women from ʻEwa and Waipahu.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Building a better path to success for Hawaiʻiʻs Keiki
Hawaiʻi’s 2025 legislature boosts safe routes to school and student transportation.
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.