Category: Open Forum
Let’s Focus On Helping, Not Hurting, Hawaii Businesses

Sometimes a situation looks better on paper — and that seems to be the case with Hawaii’s economic recovery from the devastating COVID-19 lockdowns.
Socialize Trump and Musk’s Assets
The existence of billionaires in a country where people are struggling and in a world where people are starving is a moral affront to me.
Perennial ‘Green Fee’ Proposal Would Harm Hawaii Businesses
Simply put: Imposing a tax hike on a major industry in order to pay for more government-funded programs will not boost Hawaii’s economy.
Tax Bills Suggest Obliviousness To Our Daily Struggles
Thankfully, not every one of the dozens of tax- or fee-hike bills introduced each year will be enacted into law. Many are introduced simply as discussion-starters.
Plumbing Victory On Maui More Meaningful Than It Might Seem
That’s because updating those regulations for the first time since 1995 will in many cases make building new homes and renovating existing ones — and even recovery from the August 2023 wildfires — easier and less costly.
Animal Advocates Should Oppose RFK Jr.
Available evidence suggests he would block the development of cultivated meat.
It’s Time To Get Serious About Making Hawaii Affordable
Hawaii might be paradise, but it’s no stranger to population loss.
Banishing ‘the Blob’ Should Be A Legislative Priority
During the 2023-2024 biennium, the Blob comprised a staggering 5,810 bills that were introduced by just 75 lawmakers who have no meaningful limit on how many bills they are allowed to introduce each session.
New Report Suggests Ways To End Hawaii Building-Permit Nightmares
Too many Hawaii businesses and homeowners experience building permit headaches when trying to open a new shop, add a room or even just build a fence.
Latest “Empty Homes” Tax Proposal Not Worth Pursuing

Measures similar to Bill 46 were proposed and shelved in 2022 and 2020, but like a zombie, the idea of taxing so-called empty homes keeps coming bac