Lawmakers agree on the need to address Hawaiʻi’s housing crisis—but not on how
The Legislature is considering a rash of vastly different strategies, while Gov. Josh Green's bills are struggling for traction.
A ‘wealth asset tax’ on Hawaiʻi’s richest residents advances in the legislature
The new tax would apply to people with a net worth of more than $20 million.
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.
How the ‘Build Back Better’ plan saves money and lives
The answer lies in an expansion of the strategy that held the line against poverty in 2020 and that helped America out of the Great Depression.
‘Bold’ plan to develop leasehold condos on state land renewed
For the third time in three years, an effort to produce affordable middle-class housing at no longterm taxpayer expense is being buffeted at the legislature, despite substantial backing.
City council debates fate of Oʻahu's short term rentals
The council planning committee heard seven bills that could drastically change fees, fines and enforcement for thousands of Oahu's short-term rentals.
Planning commission rejects short-term rental regulations
The Hawaiʻi Appleseed Center for Law & Economic Justice supports the effort to regulate short-term rentals, but opposes this measure.
Council panel supports homeless ‘safe zones’
The Honolulu City Council advanced a resolution to create “safe zones” while deferring a blanket sit-lie ban expansion that would have covered the whole island.