Discussion
LETTER: Councilman Urges Return of TAT Money to Counties
“The clear majority of visitor needs are filled by the counties, not the state. It is the counties that provide water and sewer service; police, fire and ocean safety protection; development and upkeep of most roads …”
ANALYSIS: The Proposed Crackdown on ‘Service Animal’ Phonies
From miniature horses to “comfort rabbits,” we examine the vague and sometimes confusing laws surrounding the use of service animals in Hawai`i.
OPINION: Hawaii’s Guide to ‘Blending In’
A fresh-off-the-boat’s (FOB’s) guide to fashion, sunburn, automobiles, swimwear, the virtue of patience and smiling at strangers.
ANALYSIS: Who Owns Hawaii?
From “old money” to new faces, we break down Hawai`i’s top ten landowners by acreage.
ANALYSIS: How Much of Hawai`i is “Concrete”?
In part one of our “land” series, we take a look at how land is distributed and used across the main Hawaiian islands.
OPINION: Forget More GE Tax – Let’s Tax THC
Taking a deep breath and relaxing restrictions on cannabis could pay off in big ways for the aloha state.
ANALYSIS: Governor & Mayors – Where the Money Comes From
We examine the sources of top-level political donations for Hawaii’s political chief executives.
OPINION: A Haole’s Guide to New Year’s
Four simple tips for making it through our new year’s celebrations “Hawaiian style.”
OPINION: The Hawai`i Republican Assembly vs. Sex Ed
Warning: the following article contains links to graphic sexual imagery and dialogue.
ANALYSIS: By the Numbers – State Budget Edition
Medical marijuana, air conditioning for public schools, and a Waimea agricultural park are all part of Gov. Abercrombie’s budget requests to the legislature.
ANALYSIS: Campaign Spending – Food & Beverage Edition
From a $75 ham to no-host bars, we peek into the “food and beverage” budgets of Big Island politicians.
OPINION: Don’t Give Counties Power to Raise GE Tax
With their share of hotel room taxes plummeting, outer island mayors may soon be lobbying for the power to raise GE taxes on their own.
LETTER: Hawaii’s ‘Final Solution’ for Egrets and Owls
“Hawaii’s environmental policy towards birds is, in a human analogy, akin to killing all immigrants to Hawaii.”
ANALYSIS: GMO Ban a Poorly-Crafted Invitation to Lawsuits
Bill 113 represents an over-reach of power by the Hawai`i County Council, and could subject taxpayers to unnecessary legal expenses.
LETTER: Frustration Over Last 5.7 Miles of Inouye Highway
“The last Daniel K. Inouye Highway phase should on a fast track, but it’s stuck in bureaucratic hell instead.”
ANALYSIS: Obamacare Explained – Part 2 – the Hawaii Connection
Who qualifies for subsidies, and our “Hawai`i Health Connector Survival Guide.”
ANALYSIS: Obamacare Explained – Part 1 – Yes, It’s Mandatory
Regardless of where you stand politically, Obamacare may have the power to help or hurt your bottom line.
OPINION: Tech May Fill in for Journalists’ Expired Legal Protections
With Hawaii’s Shield Law now defunct, can an open-source program made by hackers help to protect journalists and their sources?
ANALYSIS: Pay in Hawai`i, By the Numbers
We examine which jobs win and lose in Hawai`i, as well as surprisingly obscure occupations that pay well.
ANALYSIS: Naniloa – Local Crisis, Mainland Asset (Part 2 of 2)
While accusations mount over who is to blame for the Naniloa’s present state, the fate of the hotel rests in the hands of a North Carolina-based bank.
