Expand free school meals, because all keiki deserve to eat
SB 1300 would be an enormous step in the right direction, putting Hawaiʻi on a secure pathway toward ensuring all our keiki can achieve and thrive during the school day and throughout their lifetimes.
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.
Registration tax could increase for Hawaiʻi vehicles over 4,000 pounds
State lawmakers are considering increasing the tax on registering large vehicles to fund the Safe Routes to School Program.
State collects money from home builders for new schools. It’s never spent a dime
Lawmakers and housing advocates say the fee should be eliminated because the state hasn’t used the money. DOE says the rules on spending it are too restrictive.
Child advocates, parents discuss bill to expand free and reduced meals for Hawaiʻi keiki
A community forum was held Saturday at McKinley High School to discuss a senate bill that would expand access to free and reduced-price meals for public school keiki.
Federal cuts put our communities at risk
With looming federal freezes on funding, services and jobs, community organizations are faced with the challenge of serving their communities under increasingly dire circumstances.
Hawaiʻi lawmakers are pushing for car-free fun zones—but not on Oʻahu
Some Oʻahu lawmakers worry the program could snarl traffic in their districts.
Hawaiʻi could raise its capital gains tax to 9%
Lawmakers are considering increasing the capital gains tax from about 7–9 percent.
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.
New policy brief proposes targeted tax relief for struggling Hawaiʻi families
As local families continue to leave Hawaiʻi due to the high cost of living, Hawaiʻi Appleseed stresses the urgency for additional legislative action to help those at risk of homelessness.
The price of hunger: Navigating the cost burden of free meals for Hawaiʻi students
Hawaiʻi Appleseed’s “Equity on the Menu” shows a cost estimate of $26 million per year. This would be 1.2 percent of the Hawaiʻi DOE’s overall annual budget, set this year at just over $2 billion.
Senate bill advances to strip county council approval of state-funded housing projects
A bill to exempt state-financed housing developments from county council approval has passed second reading on the Hawaiʻi Senate floor and advanced to the Ways and Means Committee.
No income tax for working class? Unions float radical proposal
A better approach would be to expand an existing state tax credit that was created to offset some of the impact of the excise tax on food, or to create a new child tax credit to support working families.
Working Families Caucus supports labor and workers’ rights in 2025 Legislative Package
In the 33rd Legislature, the Working Families Caucus has introduced bills addressing the child tax credit, supplemental nutrition assistance program, rent increase restrictions, family and medical leave and early education.
Hawaiʻi’s plan to develop leasehold homes advances
An unconventional state initiative to build more homes for Hawaii residents with moderate incomes is approaching a critical test to see whether homebuyers want high-rise condominiums with 99-year land leases.
House committee recommends passage of Kamaʻaina Homes Program
Modeled after the Vail InDEED program in tourist-Mecca Vail, Colo., the program would provide funding to the counties to purchase voluntary deed restrictions from eligible homeowners or homebuyers.
Keiki Caucus introduces 2025 legislative package
Legislators and advocates identified five top priority issues impacting Hawaiʻi’s youth and families, including tax credits for household and dependent care services, funding for community schools, paid family leave, e-cigarette regulations, and universal free school breakfast and lunches.
Is Hawaiʻi’s historic investment in affordable housing paying off?
Two years ago, the state made a record investment in affordable rental housing. Results so far are both encouraging and sobering.
Legislators look to support student recovery from the pandemic
Some lawmakers and advocates say schools need more help with funding gaps, especially after federal assistance expired this fall.
How Hawaiʻi could prepare for financial impacts of second Trump term
Working families in Hawaiʻi could end up paying more in taxes if President-elect Donald Trump implements some of his proposed policies, but analysts say there’s a way the state can help.