Hawaiʻi’s success against coronavirus requires government investment, not austerity
Our policymakers must take effective action to protect and support Hawaiʻi’s economy and, more importantly, its people.
Pandemic update: spring is here, but states brace for long winter
The impact of COVID-19 in Hawaiʻi is starting to take shape as the state’s Council on Revenues projects that it could mean a $300 million hit to state tax collections.
New federal rules could hurt immigrants and state economy
Ever since the proposal was first leaked, critics predicted it would have a chilling effect on legal immigrant families who are eligible for public assistance.
Working families need more relief
The statistics about how many of Hawaiʻi’s people struggle look worse with each passing year, so plainly the safety net needs reinforcement.
A dream deferred: A week after Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the war on the poor continues
On Monday, the U.S. Supreme Court voted 5-4 to allow the Trump Administration to enforce a rule which makes it harder for poor immigrants to be granted green cards or visas.
PHOCUSED joins forces with Hawaiʻi Appleseed Center
Together, the organizations will jointly pursue policy changes that benefit Hawai‘i’s most vulnerable populations.
Why the growing demand for AC threatens Hawaiʻi’s renewable energy goals
Far more residents now have air conditioning to deal with a warming climate. But their increased electrical use makes the problem worse.
Trump policy could have far-reaching effects on Hawaiʻi’s immigrant population
The public-charge rule has been a lightning rod in the national debate over immigration with critics accusing Trump of pushing racist policies that discriminate against immigrants.
SNAP benefits in jeopardy under Trump proposal
Nearly 16,500 Hawaiʻi residents could lose their SNAP benefits and more under a new rule change proposed by the Trump Administration
The Conversation: Preparing for a slowing economy
Hawaiʻi's leaders ought to be preparing for the next economic recession now, according to Hawaiʻi Budget & Policy Center's Beth Giesting.
Hawaiʻi has one of the lowest poverty rates in the U.S.—until you factor in the cost of living
The Census Bureau's supplemental poverty report, which considers additional factors in like the cost of living, places Hawaiʻi at the 13th highest poverty rate in the nation.
High costs make Hawaiʻi’s poverty rate higher than U.S. average
New census data shows that the poverty rate is down from last year but that Hawaiʻi residents still struggle with the high costs of housing and other necessities.
Longtime social justice champion celebrates well-deserved retirement
Victor Geminiani, a longtime champion for Hawaiʻi’s poor and vulnerable, retires.
Trump Administration proposal threatens SNAP benefits for thousands of Hawaiʻi residents
A proposed change to the federal food assistance program could affect thousands of Hawaiʻi residents if it goes into effect as proposed.
Hawaiʻi Appleseed Center founder-exec director to retire
Hawaiʻi Appleseed announces the retirement of Victor Geminiani, its co-founder and longtime executive director, after a 50-year public interest law career.
Champion of legal aid to Hawaiʻi’s poor announces retirement
After a 50-year career in public interest law and advocacy, Hawaiʻi Appleseed co-director Victor Geminiani announced on Wednesday that he will retire Aug. 31.
The Conversation: Lessons from the Great Recession
Hawaiʻi Budget & Policy Director Beth Giesting reviews the response to and fallout from the Great Recession, and how we can prepare for the next one.
Hawaiʻi has highest gap between wages, rent required for a 2-bedroom
Hawaiʻi is not only the most expensive state for renters to live in, but also has the greatest gap between average earnings and average fair-market rent.
Critics fear Trump’s plan to redefine poverty could mean bad news for Hawaiʻi
The federal poverty line already doesn’t take into account the state’s high cost of living.
This is what it sounds like when bills die
On the last day of conference committee at the Hawaiʻi State Legislature, an all-too-familiar scene played out.