Category: Open Forum
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
Voting Criteria – The Party or the Person?
Electing the right person to serve in public office is about more than just choosing someone with a good heart who cares deeply about the community.
Clear Away Legal Barriers To Hasten Lahaina Homebuilding
One clear example is the story of the Ohana Hope Village.
Balikboto: Dual Citizenship & the Power of Participation
As dual citizens, Filipino Americans are not only granted the right to vote but also other privileges and duties, such as the ability to own properties and contribute through taxes.
