Taxes and Spending

October 2009

A Time for Transparency

Why Hawaii Needs a New Transparency Web Site ASAP

by Jamie Story

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)

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Taxes and Spending

July 2009

House Lagging on Public Posting of Expenses

by Pearl Hahn

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)

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Taxes and Spending

July 2009

Honolulu Spending On Contracts

by Pearl Hahn

It takes a lot of work to run a city. In addition to various programs, officials must maintain sidewalks and roads, traffic lights, security, among other services. The State Procurement Office (SPO), which serves as the central authority on procurement statues and rules for all government bodies of the state, is the central source on all matters of procurement policy. The website is regularly updated with awards, bids, vendors, proposals, and more. (more)

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Taxes and Spending

July 2009

The Facts Behind the Tax

by Pearl Hahn

Raising taxes on the tourism industry has forced several hotels to absorb hundreds of thousands of dollars in losses because it is too late to change rates already quoted to booked guests. (Check out the Advertiser's "Impact of Raising Hotel Tax"). (more)

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Taxes and Spending

January 2009

2009 Pork Report

The Book Hawaii's Government Doesn't Want You to Read

The 2009 Hawaii Piglet Book does not paint a pretty picture of current and future state spending. But, all hope is not lost. Through some common sense and political courage, Hawaii can turn things around. (more)

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