Do jaywalkers in Hawaiʻi even get tickets?
Yes, thousands of people in Hawaiʻi are ticketed each year, at rates higher than other states, according to a report by the Hawaiʻi Appleseed Center for Law & Economic Justice.
Concerns rise for low-income families over legislature's recent tax cut measure
The cost of the tax cuts concerns some advocates. An analysis by the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy estimated an initial annual revenue loss of $656 million, that balloons to close to $1.5 billion by 2030. That's about 10 percent of the state's total budget.
It’s being called Hawaiʻi’s biggest tax break, but some will get more help than others
Although pleased the inheritance tax reduction failed, Hawaiʻi Appleseed was unhappy that the reform bill delivers so much relief to people with the highest incomes.
In last-minute plea to Legislature, Maui’s mayor requests $125M for wildfire recovery aid
The request is getting a cool response amid pressure to do more for low-income residents.
Maui Mayor Richard Bissen is on the hot seat now. And rightly so
Community and labor groups hope to hold legislators accountable to local working families.
Leeward Planning panel to consider three STVR bills
The Leeward Planning Commission on Thursday will take up three highly controversial bills initiated by the Hawaiʻi County Council related to short-term vacation rentals.
Housing bill not fully developed
For the sake of community buy-in, and because this will impose changes statewide, it’s best to table the bill until counties have more opportunity to consider its value and collaborate with the state on shaping its requirements, argues the Star-Advertiser.
More housing in less space: Bill moving through legislature aims to increase densities in urban areas
The bill has garnered support from a diverse group: all four county planning directors, the Hawaiʻi Appleseed Center for Law & Economic Justice, the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii and AARP of Hawaiʻi.
Legislature mulls jaywalking measure
Jaywalking enforcement leads to hostility toward pedestrians, over-policing of black and brown communities and loss of state revenue from the low collection of assessed fees versus the cost of public resources expended to make citations.
Bill to allow jaywalking in Hawaiʻi makes progress in the House
State legislators are moving along a measure to ban police from enforcing current jaywalking laws.
Bill advances allowing pedestrians to safely jaywalk
Legislators appear willing to make jaywalking legal across the islands—when safe—arguing in a Senate bill that pedestrians’ judgments are better at reducing injuries and deaths than traffic lights and traffic markings.
Legislative deadline looms over universal free school meals bill
A bill to provide universal free school meals in Hawaiʻi is once again in jeopardy at the state Legislature.
Rethinking Hawaiʻi’s conveyance tax
Hawaiʻi stands at the critical decision point in investing in our housing needs: The enactment of HB2364 holds the promise of a brighter, more inclusive future for all residents.
To cross or not to cross: Group argues against Hawaiʻi’s current jaywalking laws
A new report by the Hawaiʻi Appleseed Center for Law and Economic Justice argues that the state would be better off without jaywalking laws.
New report supports decriminalizing jaywalking in Hawaiʻi
The report recommends shifting away from enforcement, and instead building safe, accessible pedestrian infrastructure.
Advocates push to get a child tax credit through the Legislature this session
Family advocates, parents and a number of lawmakers say it’s time for a child tax credit in Hawaiʻi. Many of them gathered at the Capitol on Wednesday.
Enthusiasm surrounds measure to provide universal free school meals
Thousands of students already take advantage of programs for free or discounted meals, but access often depends on a family’s income. Many students in low-income families need the support but can't get it.
Lawmakers should embrace keiki credit
Given Hawaiʻi’s rising cost of living and the corresponding increase in child poverty, lawmakers should seize the opportunity to establish a state-level Child Tax Credit to provide tax relief for working families with children.
As Filipinos grapple with high rent, what is the state planning this legislative session?
Locals and new locals coming together in a limited space have produced the perfect storm for a rental crunch where low supply is lopsided by high demand, and the result is a hefty rental tag.
A proposed constitutional amendment would let Hawaiʻi use property taxes to fund schools
The Legislature passed a similar bill in 2018, but the state Supreme Court invalidated the ballot measure for using vague and unclear language.