Tax fairness promoted in bills would implement major changes
The Hawaii Tax Fairness Coalition is advocating for bills that would make major changes to the state’s income tax, capital gains tax, real estate sales tax and a tax on income for real estate investment trusts.
Free bus rides for keiki? So much for that
One supporter said she hopes the effort will come up again in a future year.
Hawaiʻi lawmakers debate scaling back promised tax cuts
In 2024, lawmakers passed sweeping tax relief under Act 46, promising phased income tax reductions for Hawaiʻi residents over several years. But the state’s financial outlook has changed.
Balancing the state budget could require pauses to income tax cut plan
With federal funding cuts on the horizon, state lawmakers are advancing measures proposed by Gov. Josh Green that would pause some of the “historic” state tax cuts passed in 2024.
Hawaiʻi lawmakers debate Gov. Green’s freeze on income tax cut
Because lower tax rates through this year will continue at the 2026 level beyond this year, Green’s office said Hawaiʻi families will save $5.4 billion over the next five years after $1.5 billion this year under his proposal.
Protecting Hawaiʻi’s future demands pause on tax cuts
In the face of severe and unpredictable federal cuts, the plan to pause future state income tax cuts is a responsible safeguard for the very foundations of our community.
Scrutinize pause of tax cuts for all
Freezing progression of at least some of the state’s planned tax cuts is the clearest, cleanest path to preserving financial balance—at least until the effect of federal spending cuts is fully determined.
New online tool shows disparities between communities on basic needs
Annalisa Burgos asks Hawaiʻi Appleseed how its Economic Justice Data Dashboard can help focus government spending.
5 Questions: Will White, Appleseed Hawaiʻi executive director
This year marks an inflection point for Hawaiʻi. We can either accept the federal government’s retreat from our public benefits system, or reinvent and reinvest in new systems that work to support Hawaiʻi’s most vulnerable families.
Green suggests Hawaiʻi might scale back on income tax cuts
The governor also says he will likely tap into the state’s “rainy day” reserve to draw down hundreds of millions of dollars to balance the state budget.
Why understanding Hawaiʻi’s budget is an important civic duty
An engaged and informed public is the most powerful tool for change we have.
Possible recession, federal cuts could have outsize effect on low-income households
A new budget report from the Hawaiʻi Appleseed Center sheds light on the difficulties our state may face in funding critical services as federal dollars dry up and a recession hits.
How federal tax cuts will impact Hawaiʻi residents
While everyone will see some reduction in taxes, for lower- and middle-class households, that will likely be outweighed by rising costs.
Proposed cuts to food stamps program could be ‘horrific’ in Hawaiʻi
Under current proposals, Hawaiʻi could face more than $100 million in new costs to maintain the food stamp program.
Hawaiʻi Appleseed has a new executive director
Will White aims to build from the organization’s solid foundation to advance its mission of advocating for economic justice for Hawaiʻi's people.
The Sunshine Blog: Look who’s taking big city council pay raises after all
The budget process during conference committee is confusing. These resources can help.
Hawaiʻi lawmakers plan special sessions to address federal funding cuts
State lawmakers are blocking off three dates in the coming months for a special legislative session to address federal funding cuts.
Trump's actions prompt surge in public forums as worries about cutbacks climb
Hawaiʻi’s elected leaders are using town halls to help people understand what’s happening and what they are doing about it.
Are jaywalking tickets in Hawaiʻi doing more harm than good? A new report breaks it down
The report claims ticketing for jaywalking and other minor infractions doesn’t actually make streets safer, but instead shifts focus and resources away from more effective solutions, like better street design.
Lawmakers should leverage tax credits to preserve Hawaiʻi’s working class
Almost half of the population cannot pay their bills on time while also saving money for emergencies.