Push to feed Hawaiʻi kids more local food is ‘structural disaster’
The DOE has not taken the effort seriously and has no real plan for how to meet a legislative mandate to spend 30 percent of its food budget locally by 2030, according to a state audit.
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.
Hawaiʻi’s hunger crisis is here, and urgent
We find ourselves in the midst of a hunger crisis driven by sky-high living costs, cuts to essential nutrition supports, and food systems that don’t work for all of us.
Free buses for keiki? Supporters hopeful after statewide bill axed
A proposal for statewide free transit died last week at the Legislature, but supporters still have hope for a proposal to make transit free for youth.
Bill to reduce taxes on groceries, nonprescription drugs in Hawaiʻi dies in committee
Hawaiʻi Appleseed Center for Law and Economic Justice provided written testimony stating Hawaiʻi is one of only seven states that taxes groceries.
Keiki Ride Free measure on buses and rail advances
A proposal moving through the state Legislature would make riding the bus free for Hawaiʻi’s children, aiming to ease family transportation costs while helping the state meet its ambitious climate goals.
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.
Hawaiʻi to restrict soda purchases under SNAP in 2026; local groups oppose
Instead, increasing incentives for fruits and vegetables does a better job of promoting healthy eating and reducing purchases of sugar-sweetened beverages among SNAP participants.
Counties urged to boost role protecting residents from hunger
A new policy brief from Hawaiʻi Appleseed argues that counties are increasingly positioned to act as front-line responders as federal resources recede and local needs grow.
How parking spot mandates affect affordable housing in Honolulu
Parking mandates can have a large impact on affordable housing projects, according to a report by the Hawaiʻi Appleseed Center for Law & Economic Justice.
New federal rules ramp up the pressure on people who count on food stamps
Thousands of people in Hawaiʻi will be cut from the program entirely or face additional hurdles, including added work requirements.
Honolulu’s early eviction mediation and rental assistance program’s success
The next step is for more opportunities to uplift the statewide efforts advancing housing stability through early intervention and cross-sector collaboration.
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.
Bill 53 would increase Oʻahu housing costs
Reinstating parking mandates for developers in Honolulu means choosing cars over people and asphalt over affordability.
No one will say why school lunch costs Hawaiʻi DOE $9 a plate
Lawmakers have pushed the education department for more details on the costs of running its school meal program.
Food insecurity forum focuses on current and future needs in Hawaiʻi
Keeping struggling individuals properly fed is already considered a growing challenge, locally, even as the threat of federal funding cuts leave an uncertain future for SNAP and, consequently, food banks as well.
Economic prosperity rises from the bottom up
The Hawaiʻi Appleseed Center for Law & Economic Justice looks at the recent legislative session's hits and misses in this Community Voice column for Aloha State Daily.
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.