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.
Recent state tax cuts leave many struggling families behind, in need of more help
Tax credits can help round out relief efforts at low cost to the state by targeting assistance only to the families that need additional support.
Estate tax giveaway HB2653 would further concentrate wealth, drive inequality
New data-driven policy brief from Hawaiʻi Appleseed aims to educate lawmakers on the true nature of the policy proposal contained in this 2024 bill.
Hawaiʻi drops to 51st in the nation for school breakfast participation
Even fewer low-income children in Hawaiʻi are starting their day with a healthy school breakfast.
Trump’s Public Charge rule could cost Hawaiʻi dearly
With the new Trump Administration Public Charge rule given the green light today by the U.S. Supreme Court, both Hawaiʻi’s economy and its hardworking immigrant families will suffer.
Hawaiʻi Appleseed and PHOCUSED join forces
The merger of these social justice organizations is meant to forge a stronger connection between data-driven policy and impacted communities.
Official poverty data obscures reality faced by Hawaiʻi residents
The more accurate Supplemental Poverty Measure ranks Hawaiʻi at 13th highest for poverty in the nation.
Andy Fisher, food justice author, to speak at UH Manoa
Fisher will discuss why wealthy countries like the U.S. continue to struggle with food insecurity.
Hawaiʻi Appleseed announces Victor Geminiani’s retirement
The 50-year advocate for the low-income community and founder of Hawaiʻi Appleseed Center for Law & Economic Justice will retire on August 31, 2019.
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.
Hawaiʻi families, businesses and economy would benefit greatly from state Earned Income Tax Credit
Now is the time for Hawaiʻi to invest in its residents and businesses by creating a state refundable EITC that puts dollars back into workers’ pockets and into the cash registers of local business.
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.