Rebalance Hawaiʻi’s upside-down tax code to achieve prosperity for all
We are the third-worst state when it comes to taxing struggling working families.
The long struggle over taxing the rich
States’ taxes lean most heavily on poorer residents. These states are trying to change that.
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.
Working class tax credit still alive
After taking a long, winding path through the Legislature, a bill making the Earned Income Tax Credit permanent and refundable has made it through both the House and the Senate, though disagreements over amendments mean that the bill will now go before a conference committee.
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.
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.
Talking civics and advocacy on KTUH college radio
DJ eOmni interviews Will Caron on recent events in the Hawaiʻi civic and political arena, and how civic involvement is the cure for disaster-capitalist blues.
Amid voter-restriction moves elsewhere, automatic voter registration here worth support
Registering to vote, step one in a simple act of good citizenship, is now part of the battleground that is the Democrat-Republican national split.
$12 minimum wage hike clears key senate committees
Supporters say the minimum wage should be increased to $17 an hour by 2026—a hike they say is also good for businesses because it boosts consumer spending.
‘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.
About 40% of Oʻahu Community Correctional Center inmates tested for coronavirus are positive
Prosecutors, politicians and the media inflamed public fears about crime to pressure a halt to an expedited release program that had been preventing outbreak.
AVR will open door to more young voters
Young people do care. We care about our future. We care about this planet. Yet, we do not fully participate in our democracy for the most pedestrian of reasons.
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.
It’s time for publicly financed elections
Those who want to serve and represent their communities first need to acquire tons of cash. Without it, there is almost no chance of success.
Cranking up the youth vote: register when you’re 16
Nonprofit organizations join the state in efforts to establish the voting habit in young people.
Don’t squander precious right to vote—get people to polls
Hawaiʻi has the lowest voter turnout of any state. Higher levels of civic engagement promote a better democracy as it is the most direct way to implement change.