Working for a better economy, better governance and a better society
NEWS RELEASE: Governor being coy in new budget about tax increases totaling $1 billion
The Grassroot Institute of Hawaii advises that the best way to increase state tax revenues is to encourage economic growth HONOLULU, Dec. 24, 2020 >> Gov. David Ige’s proposed budget for fiscal 2021-2023 includes $1 billion of “other revenues,”[1] the...
NEWS RELEASE: Hawaii has third-fastest population decline in nation
HONOLULU, Dec. 22, 2020 >> Hawaii’s economic crisis has precipitated the third-fastest level of economic flight per capita in the nation, behind Illinois, and followed by West Virginia, Mississippi and Alaska, according to the Grassroot Institute of...
NEWS RELEASE: State deficit equals overspending since 2012
HONOLULU, Dec. 16, 2020 >> The state spent $1.4 billion over its constitutional spending cap during the past decade, which might have been enough to deal with the state’s current $1.4 billion shortfall for each of the next four fiscal years,[1] according to...
Dick Rowland, founder and chairman emeritus of Grassroot Institute of Hawaii, dies at age 90
Photo by Craig T. Kojima, courtesy of the Honolulu Star-Advertiser The following was issued as a news release on Sunday, Nov. 28, 2020. ________________ The former Army officer and insurance executive was 71 when he set out to educate Hawaii residents about the...
State unemployment tax slated to automatically triple in 2021
This article was issued as a news release on Sunday, Nov. 15, 2020, and again on Monday, Nov. 16, 2020. _______________ Failure to address the legally required increase could discourage employers from hiring back employees after the lockdowns HONOLULU, Nov. 15, 2020...
Old federal maritime law holds back Hawaii tourism, new report shows
The following is a news release sent out to all Hawaii media on Oct. 21, 2020. ____________ Ocean cruising has been suspended during the lockdowns, but when it resumes, it needs more freedom to benefit Hawaii HONOLULU, Oct. 21, 2020 >> Ocean cruising is a...
Hawaii debt increases $9 billion over past 8 months, to $97 billion
The following is a news release that was sent to all Hawaii media on Oct. 15, 2020. ______________ HONOLULU, Oct. 15, 2020 >> Hawaii’s unfunded liabilities for infrastructure and public health benefits have increased so far this year to $97 billion, according to...
Reform state LUC to encourage more housing, new report says
The following is a news release issued by the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii on Sept. 22, 2020. ______________ The state Land Use Commission has strayed from its core mission, leading to fewer homes and higher home prices for Hawaii residents HONOLULU, Sept. 22,...
Watchdog group urges Ige to release COVID records
The following was issued as a news release by the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii on Aug. 24, 2020. ___________ The Grassroot Institute of Hawaii says the lack of transparency is ‘eroding public trust in the management of the pandemic’ HONOLULU, Aug. 24, 2020 >>...