Governor Josh Green recently gave his State of the State address. His office and his agencies dropped a bill package into the legislative hopper. It really feels like we’re in the legislative session now! Bills introduced as part of the Governor’s Package … Read More
The Hawaii State Tax Watch Doggie came to me with an unusual question. “Can the State tax itself?” “I’m not sure,” I replied, “but why would anyone care?” “You remember there’s a bill that the Legislature passed, SB 3201, that … 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
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
The Hawaii Tax Review Commission, under our state constitution, convenes once every five years or so to examine and report on our state tax system. It recently published its report addressed to the Legislature.
If you’re in downtown Honolulu and you’re driving past Restaurant Row, you’re likely to see a sign on the makai side saying, “Foreign Trade Zone No. 9.” In this country, a foreign trade zone (FTZ) is a geographical area, in … Read More
You might not know this, but our tax workers enjoy all kinds of special privileges. Suppose, for example, a tax auditor told all your customers you were a tax cheat, rifled through your garbage, asked embarrassing questions of your friends … Read More
This week we reflect on a piece in “The Atlantic” that argues quite persuasively that your government not only taxes people by taking their money, but also imposes administrative burdens that waste countless precious hours of people’s time. “The issue,” … Read More