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
This Civil Beat piece references President Yamachika’s previous Weekly Commentary article. Click the link below to read the full story on the Honolulu Civil Beat website! Honolulu Civil Beat: Where’s The Money, DOE?
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
This week we’ll discuss a couple of examples from this legislative session of the controversial but commonly used technique called “Gut and Replace” where a bill is amended so much that it looks nothing like its former self. Senate Bill … Read More
When we learn about our three branches of government, we’re usually told that the legislative branch makes the laws, the executive branch carries them out, and the judiciary branch interprets them. Each branch serves as a check and balance on … Read More
Today I have some help from the Hawaii State Watch Doggie’s wife, who is a passionate researcher. Those who know them know who’s the brains in their family! Q: I’ve been reading about our Department of Land and Natural Resources, … Read More