The opinions and information expressed in the Community Viewpoint are solely those of the authors and not the MAUIWatch Community Network. W e in Hawaii are getting national (and some international) attention. But not the good kind. Witness an editorial from the Wall Street Journal that was published on March 12, 2021, titled “Confiscation in Paradise:  Move to Hawaii, pay …

The opinions and information expressed in the Community Viewpoint are solely those of the authors and not the MAUIWatch Community Network. I n the couple of weeks before the Legislature’s “First Decking” deadline, legislators were hearing tax-related bills, not only the “Enola Gay” bill we discussed last week.  Different tax increase bills of all stripes were being considered.  The testimony …

The opinions and information expressed in the Community Viewpoint are solely those of the authors and not the MAUIWatch Community Network. W hat we have been seeing at the Legislature in terms of bills proposing new taxes has been relatively tame. Until now, that is. Senate Bill 56, with the ominous title “Relating to Revenue Generation,” has been granted its …

The opinions and information expressed in the Community Viewpoint are solely those of the authors and not the MAUIWatch Community Network. T his week, we continue coverage of our legislature by highlighting some of the more unusual or remarkable tax bills being considered.  We focus on bills that not only have been introduced but that have gotten a hearing before …

The opinions and information expressed in the Community Viewpoint are solely those of the authors and not the MAUIWatch Community Network. I n the beginning of February each year, the Japanese celebrate the Setsubun festival. The festivities typically include roasted beans.  Family members throw them out the door, or start pelting one of their own members who is dressed up …

The opinions and information expressed in the Community Viewpoint are solely those of the authors and not the MAUIWatch Community Network. I n this space, we have been doing a lot of guessing on possible legislative proposals.  We will find out for sure what they are on or before January 25, the date of Governor Ige’s State of the State …

The opinions and information expressed in the Community Viewpoint are solely those of the authors and not the MAUIWatch Community Network. O n January 12, Governor Ige’s Chief of Staff and former Director of Taxation Linda Chu Takayama told the House Finance Committee a little more about the revenue enhancement measures (tax hikes) that the Administration is going to propose. …

The opinions and information expressed in the Community Viewpoint are solely those of the authors and not the MAUIWatch Community Network. O n January 5, State Director of Finance Craig Hirai was (kind of) answering questions before the House Finance Committee on the Administration’s budget. In response to questions on what the Administration had planned for revenue increases, he stated …

The opinions and information expressed in the Community Viewpoint are solely those of the authors and not the MAUIWatch Community Network. [T /dropcap] here has been a lot of flip-flopping and waffling going on in government.  President Trump groused about, panned, and then finally signed a second stimulus package on Sunday, Dec. 27.  Then Gov. Ige, who previously decided to …

The opinions and information expressed in the Community Viewpoint are solely those of the authors and not the MAUIWatch Community Network. T he path leading to how to fix our battered economy has taken some crazy twists and turns. Governor Ige, first, announced that he will furlough all state workers for two days a month to chop down the expenses …