To invest in its future, Hawaiʻi needs to raise taxes now

Fund Our Future

Mar 19

Hawaiʻi suffers from a self-inflicted malaise, made stark by the pandemic-induced state revenue shortfall.

We have under-invested for years in our physical infrastructure and in our people. Witness: The poor condition of our roads and our parks. The housing shortage that has resulted in high housing costs and homelessness. The shortage of physicians and teachers. The under-funding of public worker pensions and health benefits. The state’s inability to timely process unemployment claims. The looming costs of accommodating the effects of climate change.

There is a perception that most voters would prefer to endure a continuing deterioration in the quality of life than to have those who can afford it pay more taxes to improve it.

The state and counties need more tax revenue to deal with these issues. There are bills in the legislature that would increase tax revenues from those able to afford it.

If it’s hard to raise taxes this year, it will only be harder next year—an election year. For its future, Hawaiʻi needs Senate Bill 56 now.

Conveyance TaxCapital Gains TaxCorporate Income TaxIncome TaxTax RatesRate RecaptureTrump Tax CutsTax FairnessTax PolicyTax SystemTax LoopholeTax ExemptionTax RevenueTax The RichFund Our FutureWealth TaxWealth GapWealth ExtractionExploitationCommodificationSettler ColonialismLand UseInvestors OwnersIncome InequalityInequalityInequityWorking FamiliesLow WagesCost of LivingAffordabilityAffordable HousingHousing CostsHousing CrisisHousing ShortageHousing MarketHousing SupplyHouselessnessHomelessnessOutmigrationSocietal CostsSystemic PovertyPovertySystemic Racism2021 Legislative SessionAntipovertyAntiracismBudgetSB56Economic HealthEconomic ImpactEconomic JusticeEconomic PolicyEconomic StimulusEconomyGovernment ProgramsGovernment SpendingGovernment InvestmentPolicyPublic PolicyCommunity HealthFamily HealthKeiki HealthHealthHealth PolicyPublic HealthPandemicRecessionRecession LessonsPandemic ReliefHawaiiHawaii State LegislatureLegislationLegislative ProcessLegislatorsLawmakersPeople FirstSystems Change

Randy Moore

Randy Moore is a former assistant superintendent for School Facilities and Support Services at the Hawaiʻi Department of Education. Prior to that, he served as CEO of Kaneohe Ranch. He retired from that position to pursue a career in education and public service.

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