Here at the Tax Foundation of Hawaii, we try to follow and report on bills proposing new taxes. We try like heck to pick up any bill that mentions taxes, or affects the tax codes. But that’s not enough. Lawmakers … Read More
Once upon a time there was a Governor Dorothy of Hawaii who looked out over her domain and said, “Gee, we’ve got lots of money this year! The economy has come roaring back so we’ve got a big chunk of … Read More
Hi there! This is the Hawaii State Tax Watch Doggie. Today I’m playing a real person who testified before the House Special Investigative Committee. The Committee was supposed to be looking into problems at the Department of Land and Natural … Read More
This week again, we spotlight some legislation that has the potential to change our tax system in very bold ways. Our focus is on Senate Bill 3201, which fundamentally changes how the general excise tax (GET) applies to nonprofits. Under … Read More
Our latest tale of legislative drama starts from diapers. Literally. House Bill 2414 in this year’s legislative session proposes to enact a general excise exemption for diapers. The bill recites that diapers are a large expense for Hawaii families with … Read More
A few years ago, in 2017 to be exact, our lawmakers enacted an Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), which then was touted as a truly wonderful way to deliver tax relief to working families. If it is properly claimed, that … Read More
In our Legislature this year, there is a bill advancing that contains an innovative (or horrible, depending on your point of view) idea for financing certain home improvements. Let’s say you own a home and you need or want a … Read More
Occasionally, lawmakers in the square building on Beretania Street come up with an idea that hasn’t been tried here before to see whether it sticks to the wall. This year, one of those ideas is a “wealth tax.” It’s currently … Read More
Every year, our Department of Taxation submits bills to the Legislature for their consideration. Those bills are included in the Governor’s Package. Under our laws (section 231-3(7), HRS), the Department is supposed to recommend “any amendments, changes, or modifications of … Read More
We have a health care crisis on our hands. According to a study by the University of Hawaii School of Medicine, there is a shortage of physicians in Hawaii. The school has forecasted that the gap between supply and demand … Read More