Recent
Political Pedicure
February 11, 2010
The term "native Hawaiian" is inaccurate and misleading. The Supreme Court in the Rice versus Caetano decision characterized it as a proxy for racism. It is easy to understand why. Prior to the 1978 constitutional convention, there were two definitions for native Hawaiians: Hawaiians, who were individuals with 100% Hawaiian blood, and half Hawaiians, who had 50% Hawaiian blood and 50% non-Hawaiian blood. These individuals qualified in their respective collective categories because their majority blood quantum was Hawaiian. (more)
Anyone for Honesty? How About Integrity?
February 08, 2010
Some of the key people pushing the Akaka bill have screwed up. But they do not know it yet. That is because they are so arrogant. They pulled a back room secret deal to modify the bill; failed in the House Committee and succeeded in the Senate. That gives us two vastly different bills. (more)
February 26, 2010
Upcoming Events (Updated 2-26-2010)
Here are some of Grassroot's upcoming events that may interest you! (more)
Research
A Time for Transparency
October 2009
The Grassroot Institute believes it is past time for the state to allow those who pay the bills to see the checkbook. We call on all state and local government agencies to voluntarily make this information available to the public—now! (more)
House Lagging on Public Posting of Expenses
July 2009
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi ordered the House Chief Administrative Officer earlier this year to post expenses of House members online as soon as possible. Yet, the deadline for doing so has passed (three months and counting). Presently, there is no plan in place for the Senate to follow suit. Part of the hold-up is coming from the Committee on House Administration, which claims that security and support issues are delaying publication of the expenses. (more)
Commentaries
Business Owners to Lawmakers: Tax Bills Kill Business, Cause Layoffs, Hurt Consumers and Taxpayers
March 2010
While dozens of Hawaii’s small and large businesses have closed their doors in recent months because the economic recession has hit Hawaii hard, the majority of Hawaii business owners are struggling to find ways to stay in business and keep their employees by cutting costs, boosting revenue, and attracting new business.... (more)
More Than a Decade After Condemnation, Hawaii Department of Transportation Still Owns Cherished Homes on Ancient Hawaiian Fish Pond
December 2009
Just over a decade ago, Tad Hara, 84, lived in his dream home, which was a simple two-story wooden house built over a vibrant ancient Hawaiian fishpond, just steps from the stunning beach in East Oahu’s Niu community... (more)
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Blogs
Rooted in Reason
Grassroot Institute's Official Blog
The Mystery of Hawaiian History
Correcting historical revisionism and misconceptions promoted by the Akaka Bill.
Hawaii Spendometer
How Fast Does The State Government Spend Your Money?
$9,122,166,121.47
