New report warns of insurance crisis, charts path for equitable resilience in face of climate disasters
The analysis, “Who Pays for Climate Disasters?,” reveals a system in retreat, leaving residents vulnerable as private insurers abandon markets and shift costs to the public.
New report shows how outdated parking mandates inflate Hawaiʻi housing costs
A new research report from Hawaiʻi Appleseed reveals that parking mandates are adding tens of thousands of dollars to the cost of construction of new homes on Oʻahu.
Hawaiʻi Appleseed releases 2025–26 state budget primer and legislative recap
Together, these documents tell the story of how Hawaiʻi invests in its communities, analyzing the most recent legislative session and the budget that emerged from it.
State legislature must do more to protect Hawaiʻi’s vulnerable, struggling renters
Our existing statutes don’t do nearly enough to keep renters stable in an unstable housing market; yet, year after year, the legislature has punted the issue down the road.
Hawaiʻi Appleseed releases 2024 report exploring an Empty Homes Tax to address Honolulu’s housing crisis
Honolulu's severe housing crisis is being exacerbated by a growing trend of vacant homes purchased as investments by non-residents. To reverse this trend, Hawaiʻi Appleseed recommends a flat tax of 3–5 percent on empty homes.
Hawaiʻi Appleseed launches 20 year anniversary giving campaign
The nonprofit hopes to raise $100,000 from individual and corporate donors by December 31.
Hawaiʻi’s conveyance tax can be an effective tool to address our housing crisis
Hawaiʻi lawmakers have an opportunity to tailor the sales tax on real property so that it reinvests nonresident wealth into our island communities through affordable housing development.
New report outlines eviction reduction strategies to keep Hawaiʻi housed
The high cost of evictions in Hawaiʻi warrants legislative action based on best practices outlined in new report.
Hawaiʻi's tenant-landlord mediation program kept hundreds housed amid pandemic fallout
Study aims to ascertain whether or not there are ways to increase housing stability by examining the temporary measures Hawaiʻi put into place in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Examining the impacts of housing insecurity on health in Hawaiʻi
A new three-part series of policy briefs outlines the connection between health and housing, the health challenges presented by houselessness, and policy solutions to the state’s affordable housing crisis.
How to prepare for the next global recession
A comprehensive analysis of Hawaiʻi’s response to the Great Recession reveals important lessons the state must learn ahead of the next economic downturn.
Honolulu passes most progressive vacation rental regulation in the U.S.
After three decades of proliferation of illegal short-term rentals on Oʻahu, county administrators finally have—in Bill 89—the comprehensive tool kit needed to balance the needs of the tourism industry with the needs of the community.
Charting a path toward balance between tourism and the needs of residents
A new report provides solutions for lawmakers to solve Hawaiʻi’s vacation rental problem.
Hawaiʻi’s ‘housing wage’ is highest in the nation
Renters need to work a total of 143 hours a week at minimum wage to afford a two-bedroom apartment.
Report documents the impacts of vacation rentals on Hawaiʻi’s housing supply and economy
Vacation rentals offer the possibility of extra income for some residents and additional tax revenue for the state, but many of the benefits go to nonresident investors.
Hawaiʻi’s affordable housing crisis is getting worse
Recommendations for policymakers on how to address our highest-in-the-nation housing costs and associated socioeconomic problems.