Civil Beat Topics

Hawaii General Excise And Use Tax

Road Paved for Raising the GET?

Road Paved for Raising the GET?

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Deficit, rejection of cuts and taxes, looming union contracts make increasing Hawaii's general excise tax tempting.
Delaying Hawaii’s Tax Refunds Seen as a One-Time Deal

Delaying Hawaii’s Tax Refunds Seen as a One-Time Deal

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Gov. Abercrombie says he won't delay income tax refunds, but he didn't have much of a choice.
Civil Beat Analysis: City’s Rail Tax Plan Optimistic

Civil Beat Analysis: City’s Rail Tax Plan Optimistic

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Comparison of financial projections by City of Honolulu and consultant for state of Hawaii raises doubts about promised revenues.

Hawaii’s General Fund Down 6% So Far This Fiscal Year

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Decision to push income tax refunds over to this fiscal year hurting Hawaii's financial picture, despite increases in GET and hotel room tax.

Hawaii Taxes

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As part of our money coverage, Civil Beat is examining whether Hawaii’s tax structure is equitable and fair.

Hawaii Vehicle Registration Fees Favor the Rich

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Hawaii taxes vehicles by weight, most states charge a flat rate. So Porsche owners pays less than pickup owners.
Delinquent Notices Sent to Taxpayers In Error

Delinquent Notices Sent to Taxpayers In Error

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CGI Technologies has sent more 69,000 delinquency letters to Hawaii taxpayers, but many who received the letters didn't owe any taxes. The company's dealings with the tax department are under investigation.

Tax Department Employee Claims Retaliation

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As the state auditor investigates the tax department's controversial CGI contracts, one employee says she was punished for speaking out.
Warning: The Real Cost Of The General Excise Tax

Warning: The Real Cost Of The General Excise Tax

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Consumers are often told that the state charges 4 percent on goods and services. But the actual cost built into the final price of most anything in Hawaii is much higher — contributing to the so-called "Price of Paradise."
Hawaii General Excise And Use Tax