by Tom Yamachika | Jul 30, 2015 | Research & Commentary, Taxes, Website
In November of last year, I wrote about a Colorado case that was before the U.S. Supreme Court. Colorado voters had limited the power of its legislature to enact taxing and spending bills, and some of its legislators sued, saying that the power of the legislature was...
by Tom Yamachika | Jul 17, 2015 | Environment, Research & Commentary, Taxes, Website
Hawaii’s clean energy goals are the most aggressive in the nation, according to the home page of the Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative (HCEI). Let’s find out just how aggressive some of these goals are. Who is HCEI? It might sound like an independent nonprofit but it’s...
by Tom Yamachika | Jul 10, 2015 | Regulation, Research & Commentary, Socioeconomics, Taxes, Transportation, Website
You may have heard about Marcus Mariota, the “favorite son” from Hawaii who went on to win the Heisman Trophy and was then picked in the first round of the NFL draft. What you might not know is that there’s also a Lowsman Trophy, for the pro football player who is...
by Tom Yamachika | Jul 1, 2015 | Research & Commentary, Taxes, Website
“Friends Don’t Let Friends Pay Higher Taxes.” Sounds like a great marketing slogan, right? So just who do you think is doing the marketing? A conservative think tank? The Tax Foundation of Hawaii? A taxpayer advocacy group? Actually, it comes from the State of...
by Tom Yamachika | Jun 19, 2015 | Research & Commentary, Taxes, Website
Being a lawmaker is never easy. Not only do you have to deal with throngs of agitated constituents on a daily basis, but often you are asked to give your stamp of approval to things you might not know about completely. This past session gives us one interesting...
by Tom Yamachika | Jun 12, 2015 | Research & Commentary, Taxes, Website
This week we will be talking about “resort fees.” In recent years, a number of hotels, including many in Hawaii, have been adding them to hotel bills. The hotels say that it’s for access to the gym, pool, or Wi-Fi network, for example. But the fee is charged whether...