During any legislative session, our Department of Taxation furnishes a very important service to our legislators. It provides revenue estimates on various bills going through the legislative process. Sometimes it includes in its public testimony the end result—the bill will … Read More
It’s July 2019, and already we are starting to see laws passed in the 2019 Legislature take effect. One of these laws concerns “resort fees” that hotels both here and in other states and countries have been charging their guests. … Read More
Every so often, the news reports on people who deny the legitimacy of the government we have here in Hawaii. “We’re not subject to those laws,” they say, “so we don’t have to follow rules or pay taxes.” It pains … Read More
The Hawaii State Tax Watch Doggie is discussing a new Honolulu property tax proposal with his wife, the consummate researcher. Q: I thought we had enough problems trying to tax the usage of real property. Now the City and County … Read More
First Circuit Judge Crabtree has ruled that the OHA LLCs are “agencies” for purposes of Hawaii’s Uniform Information Practices Act and must turn over their check registers to the plaintiff Andrew Walden of Hawaii Free Press within 30 days. June … Read More
“It’s the Economy, Stupid” is a catchphrase made famous by Bill Clinton when he ran for president in 1992 and won. Recently, we have been getting lots of news about our economy here in the islands, and none of it … Read More
Just three months ago, the Hawaii State Auditor released the latest in a series of reports over the years on the Hawaii Deposit Beverage Container Program, known as HI-5. That report, No. 19-08, basically said, “Look. We’ve issued four audit … Read More
The Hawaii State Tax Watch Doggie’s son has come home from school, and today he has a few more questions than usual. Q. Dad! What’s a general ledger? A. Grrr…I’m trying to write an article here. Why don’t you ask … Read More
At the Legislature, I often hear legislators considering proposed tax legislation ask our Department of Taxation (DOTAX) how much money a certain proposal would bring in (if it’s a “revenue raiser”) or cost (if it’s a tax credit or exemption). … Read More
A long time ago, in October 2015 to be more precise, the Tax Foundation of Hawaii sued the State. Why? Because at the time, the State was skimming 10 cents off every dollar that was being collected for rail, and … Read More