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.
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.
$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.
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.
Make sustainability top public priority
It’s high time our elected officials made sustainability the central tenet of all future policy decisions.