New federal relief bill will help Hawaiʻi. But it’s still not enough for a full recovery
At the end of the day, vaccinations are what will help get tourists back to the islands, economists say, although it will likely take several years before the economy looks like it did before the pandemic.
Hawaiʻi lawmakers considering nation’s highest income tax
The bill includes hikes to the capital gains tax, corporate tax and taxes on high-end real estate sales.
Here’s how tax increases are shaking out in the Hawaiʻi legislature
Senators moved to raise income taxes on high earners, and the House passed capital gains and inheritance tax increases.
Report calls for better data about and for Native Hawaiians
Native Hawaiians face disproportionate social and economic problems, but data about them is often incomplete, complicating efforts to improve the situation.
Over 400 organizations urge senate to pass American Rescue Plan for state and local aid
The organizations highlighted how state and local budgets have been slashed, causing job losses in critical sectors like education and healthcare that will be central to addressing the public health crisis.
Make sure Hawaiʻi's tax policy is equitable
Tax policy must ensure that the burden of funding our society—of bringing in the revenues we need to give Hawaiʻi’s residents the best and brightest future possible—is spread fairly.
Sugary drink taxes can dismantle systemic inequities by giving back to communities
When funds are reinvested back into the most impacted communities, these taxes help prevent future harm, and give people from those communities a better shot at succeeding and thriving.
OHA says better data is needed to tackle problems facing Native Hawaiians
The Office of Hawaiian Affairs also wants several agencies, including county police departments, to release the data they maintain about Native Hawaiians.
Government spending boosts economy
Consideration must be given to temporary borrowing, using reserve funds, increasing taxes on the wealthy and imposing moratoriums on certain business tax credits and exemptions.
Hawaiʻi lawmakers face tough choices amid pandemic recession
Hawaiʻi lawmakers will convene a new legislative session this week amid a pandemic that has pummeled tourism and depleted tax revenue.
Don’t give me back rent, I want to continue hiding from tax
Some landlords are refusing federal relief money, which makes one wonder about what is going to happen to the tenant once the state’s moratorium on evictions expires at the end of the year.
Furloughs: Legislative leadership is sorely lacking
With a little bit of courage and a touch of creativity, legislative leaders could rally their majorities and find the funds needed to protect these workers and the valuable services they provide.
Hawaiʻi landlords rejecting $8M in overdue rent
Some island landlords have rejected about $8 million in direct payments to cover the rents they’re owed because they do not have general excise tax licenses and are not paying taxes on their rental income.
One year later: The effects of Hawaiʻi’s illegal short-term rental ban
Illegal vacation rentals have worsened Hawaiʻi’s affordable housing shortage while contributing to an overrun of high-impact, low-spending visitors.
Sowing seeds of service
“Our work is to bring all these different sectors together and create lasting solutions and changes.”
Not politics as usual
To address socioeconomic inequality, Hawaiʻi’s decision-makers need to come up with an effective problem-solving process so stakeholders can come together to achieve concrete solutions.
States raid fund meant for needy families to pay for other programs
TANF has devolved into a kind of candy store that many states are raiding to plug budget holes.
How new, agile networks of people are helping Hawaiʻi
Uplift Hawaiʻi describes itself as an economic recovery platform bringing together organizations, individuals, coalitions and other COVID-19 recovery initiatives.
Gov. David Ige and Hawaiʻi Appleseed’s Gavin Thorton join the COVID-19 Care Conversation
Gov. David Ige and Hawaiʻi Appleseed Executive Director Gavin Thorton joined us today for a Q&A video on the COVID-19 Care Conversation.
We have a chance to build a more equitable, resilient Hawaiʻi
Together, we can bring about a more equitable and resilient future that honors the people, land, culture, and values of Hawaiʻi.