Viewpoints
Expert takes and informed perspectives.
Here you’ll find recurring and one-time local commentary on Hawai‘i’s most pressing community and policy issues. We seek out in-depth analysis, solution-driven views and special expertise. If there’s something on your mind that you’re an expert on, email the editor at kam@alohastatedaily.com for consideration.
Community Voices: More local food starts with housing
A look at several measures that have been introduced during this year’s state legislative session that could actually make a difference for Hawaiʻi’s farmers and ranchers, and for Hawaiʻi residents and consumers as a whole.
Keliʻi Akina & Ph.D.February 18, 2026
Community Voices: Civic engagement does not negate nationhood
In the 19th century, organizations such as Hui Kālaiʻāina and Hui Aloha ʻĀina mobilized tens of thousands of Kānaka Maoli to defend constitutional governance, national sovereignty and the authority of the Hawaiian Kingdom.
Adam Keawe Manalo-CampFebruary 16, 2026
Community Voices: Pause versus stop
Amid a $3 billion budget shortfall, here's a proposal: no changes to tax cuts in 2026 and pause the tax cuts planned for 2027 through 2029.
Tom YamachikaFebruary 16, 2026
Community Voices: Idle Land and Natural Resources funds
The state Department of Land and Natural Resources has racked up some unencumbered balances from its State Parks Special Fund, the Special Land and Development Fund, the Turtle Bay Conservation Easement Special Fund, and more.
Tom YamachikaFebruary 10, 2026
Community Voices: The kind of playbook Hawaiʻi lawmakers need
State and county lawmakers have started taking small steps to lift some of the many regulations that have stifled homebuilding in Hawaiʻi, but bold action is needed to pare back decades of bad policy.
Keliʻi Akina & Ph.D.February 10, 2026
Community Voices: Maintaining Hilo's Keaukaha Beach Park
A recent cleanup at Puhi Bay was initiated to utilize community resources and ʻike to support the park's transition into community-driven management. Discussions remain ongoing between Department of Hawaiian Home Lands and Keaukaha Community Association, which helped organize the event called “People for Puhi,” along with the group, Kānewala.
Kuʻuwehi Hiraishi February 10, 2026
Community Voices: Beyond the poverty line: Why income alone doesn't tell Hawaiʻi's economic story
Several states and regions have created multidimensional poverty measures tailored to their specific contexts. Hawaiʻi could do the same.
Corey IdleburgFebruary 07, 2026
Community Voices: Tax versus Judiciary
There are two Hawaiʻi Supreme Court cases pending that involve fights over the extent to which courts can get involved with the Department of Taxation.
Tom YamachikaFebruary 03, 2026
Community Voices: Honolulu’s economic revitalization office has revitalized very little
Ultimately, this should come as a shock to no one.
Keliʻi Akina & Ph.D.February 02, 2026
Community Voices: New year, new variance
One way agencies can continue striving for improvement in their service to Hawaiʻi’s people is by filling out variance reports, and for legislators to facilitate that improvement.
Tom YamachikaJanuary 27, 2026
Community Voices: Alternatives to ‘pausing’ Hawai‘i’s income tax cuts
A Grassroot analysis of the governor’s proposed budget shows that rather than walk back the tax cuts, the Legislature could simply identify and reallocate about $350 million a year in current state funding to make up for the governor’s projected expenses.
Keliʻi Akina & Ph.D.January 26, 2026
Community Voices: Kuleana to care for whales as living ancestors
Traditionally, koholā (humpback whales) are acknowledged as ancient beings and considered to be a kinolau (manifestation) of Kanaloa, the god of the ocean – which is why they may be referred to as “Kanaloa” by cultural practitioners.
Lisa EllerJanuary 19, 2026