The bus could be free for everyone—here’s how we pay for it
What would it take to make the bus free for everyone in Hawaiʻi—not just our keiki, but every resident who needs a ride?
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.
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 surveillance grocery store: How algorithms target Hawaiʻi consumers
In an isolated state like Hawaiʻi, where shipping costs are already high and consumers have limited store alternatives, replacing fair market pricing with individual data extraction turns everyday necessities into variable-cost traps.
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.
Progress on the plate: Food access wins from this session—and the work still ahead
During the 2026 legislative session, the state legislature could not ignore the growing pressures that Hawaiʻi families face when trying to access and afford food.
Remembering Victor Geminiani
One of Hawaiʻi’s most relentless advocates for people without a voice in the halls of power, Victor Geminiani devoted his entire career to securing the rights, and improving the lot, of the poor and the vulnerable. He died on June 10, 2026, at the age of 82.
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.
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.
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.
Moving toward a future where transit works for everyone
While measures in Hawaiʻi may not have advanced this session, the conversation around transit equity is far from over.
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.
Giving pedestrians a head start in 2026
As pedestrian fatalities and injuries are on the rise in Hawaiʻi, the state must invest in improvements to make it easier and safer for people to walk.