Economy

Hawaii Council On Revenues Trims Its State Tax Collection Estimate Courtesy: Kohala Ditch Co-op

Hawaii Council On Revenues Trims Its State Tax Collection Estimate

Troubling signs in the state economy are appearing but construction remains strong.

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.

Hawaii Island’s Population Drop Signals An Ominous Economic Trend April Estrellon/Civil Beat/2024

Hawaii Island’s Population Drop Signals An Ominous Economic Trend

A natural decrease in population portends fewer younger working people supporting older residents.

The Clock Is Ticking For Hawaii To Commit Its Remaining Federal Coronavirus Funds Cory Lum/Civil Beat/2021

The Clock Is Ticking For Hawaii To Commit Its Remaining Federal Coronavirus Funds

The unparalleled flow of dollars from the U.S. Treasury has created both challenges and opportunities for local government.

Council On Revenues Anticipates 4% Growth This Year Despite Maui Fire Problems Cory Lum/Civil Beat/2020

Council On Revenues Anticipates 4% Growth This Year Despite Maui Fire Problems

The council is concerned about empty Honolulu office space, a soft real estate market and high interest rates but also anticipates a strong construction industry.

Want To Boost Hawaii Aquaculture? Remove The Barriers Courtesy: Blue Ocean Mariculture

Want To Boost Hawaii Aquaculture? Remove The Barriers

The state has significant potential for tropical aquaculture production but the industry needs more investment and less bureaucratic red tape.

Hawaii Counties Fight To Keep Excise Tax As Lawmakers Advance Other Relief Measures David Croxford/Civil Beat/2023

Hawaii Counties Fight To Keep Excise Tax As Lawmakers Advance Other Relief Measures

Measures that won preliminary approval in the House Finance Committee would increase standard deductions and adjust tax brackets for inflation.

Hawaii Lawmakers Want To Make Fish Farming A Bigger Industry. But How? Courtesy: Blue Ocean Mariculture

Hawaii Lawmakers Want To Make Fish Farming A Bigger Industry. But How?

Some senators say moving aquaculture to another state agency is the answer. Others say it’s about providing the necessary resources.

Where Are The Workers? Last Month 27% Of State Government Civil Service Positions Were Vacant Kevin Fujii/Civil Beat/2023

Where Are The Workers? Last Month 27% Of State Government Civil Service Positions Were Vacant

Traditionally Hawaii residents eagerly applied for safe government jobs but particularly difficult jobs now have vacancy rates of 40%.