Taxes

Gov. Josh Green signed a law last year aimed at lowering Hawaiʻi's high cost of living through the largest tax cut in state history — about $5 billion over the next six years.

The Honolulu City Council is urging Mayor Rick Blangiardi's administration to find ways to generate funds without forcing residents to shoulder most of that burden. Last week, Blangiardi proposed a $5.14 billion budget for the upcoming fiscal year, up more than $400 million over last year’s budget.

Devin Thomas, a senior analyst at the Hawaiʻi Appleseed Center for Law & Economic Justice, explained that because capital gains are taxed at a flat rate, it's not fair to those with lower incomes.

The 2025 agenda for the nine Republicans in the state House of Representatives is wide-ranging but highlighted by measures that would reduce taxes, ban cellphones in schools, and establish a “stand your ground” law.

The uncertainty of a new presidential administration and the widespread bird flu in the U.S. are two additional wrinkles that could increase inflation and hurt the local economy over the next few years.

Working families in Hawaiʻi could end up paying more in taxes if President-elect Donald Trump implements some of his proposed policies, but analysts say there’s a way the state can help.

Gov. Josh Green's next budget will be dominated by housing, including funds for more kauhale villages and affordable housing projects. HPR's Ashley Mizuo reports on how state funds will be used in the next two years while adjusting to a massive cut in income taxes.

The Honolulu City Council has deferred a controversial measure to implement a tax on empty homes on Oʻahu. On Wednesday the council agreed not to vote on the measure, which would have established a new property tax category for Honolulu residential properties that are unoccupied for more than half the year.

In an effort to combat the growing housing crisis in the state, the Honolulu City Council will take up Bill 46 which would implement a tax on empty homes. The Conversation talked to Council Chair Tommy Waters who introduced the measure.

The City and County of Honolulu is offering significant property tax relief this year, but homeowners have to apply by the end of the month.