Katherine Nichols

Katherine Nichols is a former Civil Beat staff member.

UPDATE: Property Taxes And Local Culture

What happens to local families with multiple homes on one property if the non-homeowner tax rate rises?
Why Growing A Business In Hawaii Is Challenging

Why Growing A Business In Hawaii Is Challenging

Honolulu Coffee Co. owner Ed Schultz talks about the challenges of growing a business in Hawaii — and how it means consumers pay higher prices.
If Hawaii Doesn’t Pay Now, Will It Have To Pay More Later?

If Hawaii Doesn’t Pay Now, Will It Have To Pay More Later?

A decision to defer $593 million in tax credits to help deal with the state's budget deficit may have saved programs from cuts in the short term, but could hurt the state financially for years to come.

UPDATE: City Says It Did Not Violate Procurement Law

Mayor Mufi Hannemann calls a press conference to address allegations that the city violated procurement law in awarding contracts — and then doesn't show up.

UPDATE: Rail Consultants — Who Are They Now?

City Council's transportation committee wants updated financial information on the $5.3 billion rail project — including a current list of contractors receiving taxpayer dollars because it says it doesn't understand what some are doing.

UPDATE: City Council Demands More Financial Details About Rail Plan

Insufficient information sparks further inquiry into the financials for the largest capital project in city's history
No Strings on Tourism Tax, A “Double-Edge Sword” For Counties

No Strings on Tourism Tax, A “Double-Edge Sword” For Counties

State has been siphoning off larger and larger amount of revenue from tax on lodging because counties can't point specifically to what it pays for. But they know losing it would be a huge blow.
Rent or Buy? Not An Easy Question in Honolulu

Rent or Buy? Not An Easy Question in Honolulu

Even though Hawaii is the most expensive state in the nation for renters — and Honolulu ranks third among cities — house prices in the city are so steep it may still make more sense not to buy.