No cause for panic: Hawaiʻi’s economy is OK
A quarter of slow growth is no reason for lawmakers to forgo important economic justice measures like raising the minimum wage.
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.
Public charge rule change would hurt Hawaiʻi’s economy
Not only would the proposed rule change adversely impact the standard of living of Hawaiʻi’s immigrant families, it would also harm Hawaiʻi’s overall economy.
After school supper is a big missed opportunity in Hawaiʻi
Only 182 Hawaiʻi children benefited from after school suppers on an average weekday in 2017, according to a new report from the Food Research and Action Center.
Official poverty data obscures the reality faced by many Hawaiʻi residents
If you hear Hawaiʻi has one of the lowest official poverty rates in the nation, remember that doesn’t take into account our highest-in-the-nation cost of living.
Hawaiʻi state budget highlights, 2017–19
Hawaiʻi’s budget is the blueprint for our current and future prosperity, and is an economic engine in itself, making up 20 percent of the state’s gross domestic product.
Coming soon: The Hawaiʻi Budget and Policy Center
Hawaiʻi Appleseed is creating a new think tank focused on research and analysis of state budget and tax policy—the Hawaiʻi Budget & Policy Center (HBPC).
Governor Ige signs HB209, a win for working families and children
With this new law, Hawaiʻi joins 28 other states and Washington D.C. in offering a state-level EITC to help working families keep more of their earnings.
ADU demo draws hundreds of visitors
The 10th-annual Build-a-Thon included a model accessory dwelling unit (ADU), a small dwelling that can be built on single-family properties.
Hawaiʻi bill will create historic new working families tax credit
Rep. Scott Saiki called passage of the bill the “most consequential work in the last few years to reduce poverty and Hawaiʻi’s high cost of living.”
Report emphasizes need for Hawaiʻi working family tax credit
Report highlights the financial situation of Hawaiʻi residents and their opinion of tax credits that would let low-income workers keep more of what they earn.
A win for Hawaiʻi’s foster families
The state human services department has agreed to increase the amount that should be paid to cover the expense of caring for children in foster care.
Appleseed releases 2016 State of Poverty report
The report brings together the most recent available data to provide a snapshot of how low-income residents have fared after the economic recovery from the Great Recession.