New online tool shows disparities between communities on basic needs

In HNN’s new livestream show “Covering the Cost with Annalisa Burgos” debuting today at 12:30 p.m., Annalisa breaks down the numbers behind Hawaiʻi’s affordability crisis in candid conversations with financial experts, entrepreneurs, and community leaders.

Today’s episode coincides with opening day of the Hawaiʻi state legislature. Annalisa sits down with nonprofit advocacy group Hawaiʻi Appleseed to talk about its newly launched Economic Justice Data Dashboard, an interactive online tool that maps critical data—from ALICE rates and SNAP participation to cost-burdened renters and tax credit access—down to the state House and Senate district level.

According to a news release from Hawaiʻi Appleseed, “This isn’t just a data portal; it’s a storytelling engine built to reveal the disparities between communities and provide the evidence needed to advocate for smarter, more targeted policy. We believe this dashboard can serve as a vital reference for your coverage of housing, food security, and economic justice.”

Find the Economic Justice Data Dashboard here: hiappleseed.org/data-dashboard

From skyrocketing housing prices to the country’s highest tax burden, Annalisa is covering the cost of aloha in America’s most expensive state and offering practical strategies, policy insights, and honest talk about what it really takes to call Hawaii home.