October 2011
A Bully in the Pulpit
Bullying, the government’s anti-bullying website tells us, can happen anywhere, and is not constrained by, “age, gender, or education level.” As we all know, it involves the use of force and intimidation—and even the Internet—to harm others, and relies on imbalance of power to give the bully an edge over a victim who may not have the power to defend himself. Or, as the President and his advisors might call it, “business as usual.” (more)
September 2011
Online Learning in Hawaii
New Report Examines Online Learning in Hawaii
HONOLULU, HI, --- The Grassroot Institute of Hawaii is announcing the public release of their most recent research paper, “Online Learning in Hawaii: A review and guide to improve online education in the Aloha State”. The report, authored by independent writer and researcher Melissa Short, profiles current online educational efforts in Hawaii, surveys the challenges online education programs face nationally, and makes critical recommendations to improve the quality of and access to education for Hawaii students. (more)
September 2011
Announcing The Hawaii Public Policy Review Series
The HPPRS is GRIH's first event series for 2011/2012.
This announces our Hawaii Public Policy Review Series (HPPRS). HPPRS is a series of meetings/discussions featuring prominent mainland attorneys and policy analysts. (more)
August 2011
A Birthday Tribute to Milton Friedman: 10 Ideas That Affect Our World
Milton Friedman was born 99 years ago and his ideas are timeless. He was leader of the monetary school of thought at the University of Chicago, a founding member of the legendary free market organization, the Mont Pelerin Society, co-author with his wife, Rose, of the television series and international bestselling book Free to Choose, winner of the Nobel Prize in economics, Newsweek columnist for many years, and a fearless champion of economic and personal freedom. He was in many ways a hero to me, one who led me to a greater appreciation of free markets. (more)
July 2011
The Price of Being the Enemy
The evidence is undeniable - global warming is now a major problem for practically every person in America, including the people of Alabama. If you don't believe it, check your monthly utility bill or the price of gasoline to see that global warming is a big problem in terms of what it costs you. (more)
May 2011
Dick Rowland
The Grassroot Institute founder promotes the cause of liberty
Richard "Dick" Rowland was 71 when he set up the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii with the goal of educating isle residents about individual liberty, the free market and limited government. That was 10 years ago. Now Rowland is back at the helm of the nonprofit -- which has three full-time employees and an annual budget of $400,000 -- filling in as acting president until a replacement can be found for Jamie Story, who was president of the group for three years before she returned last month to her native Texas. (more)
April 2011
Education and Transit: Two Problems With Two Innovative Solutions
They say imitation is the best form of flattery; in some cases it's also the smartest option. Take the latest work by Governor Rick Scott in Florida. He faces very similar challenges to what Hawaii is experiencing, so it would behoove us to watch and learn. In the last few weeks Gov. Scott spearheaded two very controversial initiatives. One was the first bill he signed into law, which would create merit based pay for teachers as well as end tenure for new hires. The second lies in his rejection of $2.4 billion in federal funding for high speed rail in Florida. (more)
Newsroom
March 2011
Upwards and Onwards at the Grassroot Institute
As you know, Jamie Story, GRIH’s president for the last three years, will be leaving us to take on a new and very important responsibility in Texas. We view this with mixed emotions. Jamie's leadership has brought the Grassroot Institute to a much higher level of competency and effectiveness. We will always be eternally grateful and indebted to her. On the other hand, we understand it is time for her to return to her home state where many new and exciting adventures await her. So, we are sad for us and glad for her. (more)
March 2011
Press Release Thanking US Senator Daniel Akaka for his Service
Honolulu, Hawaii—The Grassroot Institute of Hawaii thanks Senator Daniel Akaka for his many years of service to the State of Hawaii. Although we have had our differences in policy positions, we commend the warming spirit of Aloha that Senator Akaka brought to Washington DC. (more)
Newsroom
February 2011
Word on the Street: We Need Fiscal Notes!
We interviewed some shoppers at the mall the other day to see what they had to say about fiscal notes. The common thread here? We need "price tags" on our legislation!
(more)
January 2011
Statement on the Real State of the State
The Grassroot Institute of Hawaii welcomed Governor Abercrombie’s candid reflections on our state’s fiscal crisis in the State of the State address. Just today, the Institute for Truth in Accounting reported our state faces an additional $11.9 billion in debt, translating to $18.2 billion in state obligations for which we lack funding. We are pleased that Governor Abercrombie is addressing the issue head on. (more)
January 2011
Statement on the Call for Fiscal Notes by the House Minority Caucus
“Honolulu, Hawaii—The Grassroot Institute applauds the House Minority Caucus for including fiscal note legislation in its 2011 legislative package. “House minority leader Gene Ward said the Republicans would ‘be the watchdogs for fiscal discipline and controlling government spending’ and ‘insist on a more open and accountable government, especially when it comes to finances and education’. (more)
January 2011
Sheriff Mack, the 17th Amendment, and Liberty
On December 30, 2010 the Maui Tea Party and Maui Calabash group joined together and hosted an event featuring Sheriff Richard Mack of Graham County, Arizona. His presentation was about the eroding powers of individual states and local governments. It was the individual states that formed the federal government initially, with very limited and discreet powers. The Founders wrote a constitution for this new government to insure that we were to be governed by a limited entity, with strict parameters for its authority and power. (more)
Blogs
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
