Hawaiʻi is spending $417 less on services per child compared to 2005, report says
The state is spending about $400 less per child than in 2005 according to a new report from the Hawaiʻi Budget & Policy Center and Hawaiʻi Children’s Action Network.
Legislature should prioritize children by investing in their future
Failure means relegating some kids to a future of poverty and poor mental and physical health.
Hawaiʻi kids could lose access to free meals at school with end of federal funding
Public school students have been eligible for free breakfast and lunch during the pandemic through a program that is set to expire in June.
Senate, House clash over Hawaiʻi minimum wage bills
The vast majority of those who testified at Monday’s LCA meeting favored the 2026 date for the increase, with 113 testifying in support of the 2026 date and 11 individuals testifying in support of the 2028 date.
Hawaiʻi lawmakers tussle over one minimum wage bill
A clash of wills and philosophies among state lawmakers over how to raise Hawaiʻi’s minimum wage now appears centered on one bill at the legislature instead of two.
Fighting for a living wage in Hawaiʻi
Workers in Hawaiʻi are rallying at their State Capitol to raise the state’s minimum wage for the first time since 2018. The "What A Day" podcast discusses how workers are being affected by low wages in the highest cost-of-living state in the nation.
This Maui housing project is hugely popular and sorely needed. Will it finally get built?
It’s been nearly 18 years since the developer began planning Waikapu Country Town. With the final bureaucratic hurdles now cleared, a new deal with the county could spur construction.
Wage measures still alive
A bill in the state House of Representatives that would increase the minimum wage cleared a committee hurdle Tuesday.
Hawaiʻi minimum wage bill advances despite criticisms
Worker advocates called for a faster increase to $18 an hour consistent with a bill passed in January by the full Senate in a 24–1 vote.
Proposal for Hawaiʻi to build and sell leasehold condos judged unfeasible
Analysis concluded that a key element in the plan—selling condos with 99-year land leases—isn’t workable despite some parts of the plan holding promise.
New director Will White shares future advocacy plans for Hawaiʻi Budget & Policy Center
A discussion on the intersection of health and economic well-being, as well as short and long-term plans for HPBC.
State tax bill could have major impact on Kauaʻi
A bill in the state legislature could potentially mean more money in the pockets of working families on Kauaʻi.
An $18 minimum wage won’t raise prices dramatically
But a living wage increase will go a long way toward providing financial stability for many in Hawaiʻi.
Legislators consider extending income tax credit for struggling families
Every dollar a tax filer gets from the EITC generates another $1.24 in economic activity. This type of tax refund can act as an economic stimulus for the state.
Working families deserve permanent earned income tax refund
We can ensure that communities across Hawaiʻi are stronger and better prepared for the many challenges that lay ahead in the 21st century by strengthening our state EITC.
As bill to raise minimum wage to $18 moves forward, some say hike could hurt businesses
According to a report by the National Low Income Housing Coalition, a minimum wage worker in Hawaiʻi would have to work 114 hours just to afford an apartment.
West Oʻahu reps plan to tackle traffic, tech and the cost of living
Lawmakers want the public to weigh in this session on the bills that matter most to their communities.
Hawaiʻi legislature 2022: smart spending could help big problems
The legislature has money available for almost any policy initiative imaginable, and every member of the house and senate is up for reelection.
Hawaiʻi Budget and Policy Center highlights potential solutions to the housing crisis
A new health and housing research series delves into healthcare for people experiencing homelessness and policy solutions for a more affordable housing market.
Hawaiʻi’s high housing costs could have literally become a health hazard, study finds
The study highlights the need to create housing policies that push for more affordable homes and manage housing prices.