Civil Beat’s new feature, “Connections,” allows you to read about the real-world impact of the high cost of living in the islands, and share your own story.

Is the federal law that regulates most shipping in and around the islands a job savior or a cost-of-living bogeyman? No one is certain.

Our reliance on goods that need to be shipped in increases prices in the islands. But by how much? The answer may surprise you.

Paying more employees when they work extra could bolster incomes and help them fend off the state’s high cost of living. President Obama could make it happen.

Young adult lifestyles inspired by the Great Recession, new technology and the desire to be unique might be just what the islands need.

Compared to the mainland, the average hourly salary on Oahu seems good — until you spend it.

The cost of living, relatively low pay and workplace challenges raise questions about why professionals decide to work in the islands.

Oil prices dropped by half, but Hawaii electricity rates decreased just 18 percent. How is that possible?

The high cost of living in the islands is almost never factored into how much employers will pay here.

We want to know how you face off with the cost of living. Does it turn your life into a tragedy, a dark comedy, a fever dream or something else?