Working for a better economy, better government and a better society
‘Handyman exemption’ increase overdue
This article originally appeared July 5, 2019, in Civil Beat. A bill that could lower costs for home repairs for Hawaii homeowners apparently still has a chance of being enacted, having dodged Gov. David Ige’s list of bills he intends to veto.[1] Senate Bill 767 was...
‘Positive disrupter’ on ‘Perry & the Posse’
“Let’s not kill the goose that lays the golden egg.” That was the advice of Keli‘i Akina, president of the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii, speaking Friday, June 21, with popular radio host Michael W. Perry about Honolulu County’s short-term vacation rental policies....
Radio host inspired by ‘simplicity and efficiency’
Its ability to explain public policy issues with “simplicity and efficiency” is what first impressed Matt Gilbertson about the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii. Gilbertson, founder of MGA Architecture in Honolulu, discussed his interest in the communication style of...
‘Smart’ spending cap would be wise for Maui
The Maui County Council is planning to increase property taxes to balance its proposed fiscal 2020 budget, but a far better option would be to impose a “smart” spending cap that would eventually bring its spending in line with its income — without raising taxes. A...
Akina to Perry: ‘I’m not giving up hope’
It seems like every day there is a new report revealing yet another social or economic problem in Hawaii. But if people speak out and let policymakers know what’s on their minds, things can change. That’s what Keli’i Akina, president of the Grassroot...