Government spending boosts economy
Expanding and strengthening our infrastructure—broadband, roads, harbors, airports—is the foundation that will support future economic growth.
How should we fund this necessary state spending? Federal aid would help with Hawaiʻi’s economic stimulus needs, and may still be forthcoming in 2021. However, state lawmakers cannot rely on this revenue stream, and should instead use the tools they have now to shore up operating budgets.
Consideration must be given to temporary borrowing, using reserve funds, increasing taxes on the wealthy and imposing moratoriums on certain business tax credits and exemptions.
Hawaiʻi is resilient, and fueled by sufficient funds, the state budget can be the blueprint for a quick recovery.
