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Struggling To Survive: Hawaiʻi Residents Take On Debt, Think About Leaving Jeremy Hay

Struggling To Survive: Hawaiʻi Residents Take On Debt, Think About Leaving

Report: More people having trouble getting by are on neighbor islands.

Is Hawaiʻi’s Historic Investment In Affordable Housing Paying Off? David Croxford/Civil Beat/2024

Is Hawaiʻi’s Historic Investment In Affordable Housing Paying Off?

Two years ago, the state made a record investment in affordable rental housing. Results so far are both encouraging and sobering.

Report: Growing Number Of Maui County Residents Are ‘Barely Surviving’ Kevin Fujii/Civil Beat/2023

Report: Growing Number Of Maui County Residents Are ‘Barely Surviving’

The Aug. 8 fires had a significant financial impact across Maui, and a majority of people surveyed say they are more worried than hopeful about their future in Hawaii.

A ‘Hard Market’ Is Battering Condo Owners Cory Lum/Civil Beat

A ‘Hard Market’ Is Battering Condo Owners

But the state insurance commissioner says the reinsurance market may be beginning to stabilize.

Gov. Josh Green Gives Final Approval To Income Tax Break He Hopes Will Make Hawaii Affordable David Croxford/Civil Beat/2024

Gov. Josh Green Gives Final Approval To Income Tax Break He Hopes Will Make Hawaii Affordable

But others worry the tax cut, which will cost the state billions of dollars, will mean deep cuts to needed state programs.

Gov. Josh Green Is Poised To Sign A Big Income Tax Cut. But Can Hawaii Really Afford It? David Croxford/Civil Beat/2023

Gov. Josh Green Is Poised To Sign A Big Income Tax Cut. But Can Hawaii Really Afford It?

The tax cut bill on the governor’s desk would slash tax collections by billions of dollars, money that could help with the affordable housing shortage, Maui recovery and more.

Real Household Income In Hawaii Dropped Significantly In Last 3 Years Stewart Yerton/Civil Beat/2021

Real Household Income In Hawaii Dropped Significantly In Last 3 Years

High inflation and a slower economic recovery in the state slashed the real median household income in the state by about 9% — twice the national average.

It’s Actually More Expensive To Buy A Home In Hawaii These Days Than You Thought Cory Lum/Civil Beat/2021

It’s Actually More Expensive To Buy A Home In Hawaii These Days Than You Thought

University of Hawaii economists have a new more realistic way to measure increases in home sales. It’s detailed in a new report on state housing data.

City Council Finalizes Budget At Heated Meeting

City Council Finalizes Budget At Heated Meeting

Council approved $3.4 billion budget focused on fighting crime and building homes.

A Lauded Summer Food Program Has Restarted But Rural Kids Could Miss Out Due To USDA Rules David Croxford/Civil Beat/2023

A Lauded Summer Food Program Has Restarted But Rural Kids Could Miss Out Due To USDA Rules

Demographic shifts mean that all of Maui County is excluded from a federal program meant to benefit kids in rural communities.