On July 9, 2021, President Biden issued the “Executive Order on Promoting Competition in the American Economy.” There wasn’t much media coverage of it outside of the business press, because the order is lengthy and, rather than announcing new law, … Read More
Here in Hawaii, people like me often complain about lack of transparency, government overreach, and similar issues. But think about it. Does our government overreach? Yes. Why does it do that? Because we let them. Part of our culture here … Read More
On June 21st, Gov. David Ige released a lengthy list of bills he intended to veto. The Hawaii Constitution requires him to issue that list and provides that any bills not on the list will become law, with the Governor’s … Read More
In a recent article, we spoke of a decision by the government of Maui to broaden the class of properties classified as short-term rental (which happens to be the class of properties with the second highest property tax rate, even … Read More
HONOLULU, June 21, 2021 — Gov. Ige has released his “Intent to Veto” list required by the Hawaii Constitution. Any bill that is enrolled to the Governor and is NOT on the list will become law. Bills that are on … Read More
There is a huge fight looming on the horizon. I’m not just talking about Curtis “The Bull” Iaukea and Lord “Tally Ho” Blears versus Handsome Johnny Barend and the unforgettable Ripper Collins in “50th State Big Time Wresting” at the … Read More
We’ve recently found out that the City & County of Honolulu is going to take 10,000 applications from vulnerable people and families who need help paying rent or utility bills. So, it’s a good time to review the tax rules … Read More
Some taxpayers on Maui are getting a nasty surprise this year because they didn’t do anything, and their real property tax rate doubled. What happened? The Maui County Council passed a pair of bills, known as Bills 129 and 130. … Read More
John Adams, later to become the second President of the United States, enshrined the concept of “a government of laws, not of men,” in the Massachusetts state constitution of 1780. Those words were supposed to convey a fundamental idea: Government … Read More
Teacher Payments and the “Me Too” Syndrome