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: Erasing progress not the way to move forward
Last year, state lawmakers passed Act 39, a major piece of housing reform — but the state's most populous county is trying to get that legislation overturned.
Keliʻi Akina & Ph.D.October 09, 2025
Community Voices: Nonresident withholding, six years later
State legislators passed a law six years ago impacting any partnership, estate or trust operating in Hawai‘i to withhold taxes for nonresident partners. Now the state Department of Taxation has finally issued the rules to start collecting. Here's what you need to know.
Tom YamachikaOctober 07, 2025
Community Voices: Do we really want a ‘rubber stamp’ Legislature?
Hawai‘i's legislators vote "yes" on bills a staggering 98% of the time. Where is the debate on issues that affect us all?
Keliʻi Akina & Ph.D.October 02, 2025
Community Voices: What's happening with state and local tax deductions
What Hawai‘i taxpayers need to know about changes to the SALT deductions.
Tom YamachikaSeptember 30, 2025
Community Voices: Your money stays in Vegas — then the IRS wants some
A trip to Hawai‘i's Ninth Island could have tax ramifications, if you're writing off gambling losses to offset gambling gains. Here's how the One Big Beautiful Bill Act is changing those equations, and a look at what the State of Hawai‘i will have to consider regarding its own gambling taxes.
Tom YamachikaSeptember 23, 2025
Community Voices: Hawaiʻi Legislature sued over ‘blank’ bills
The League of Women Voters of Hawaiʻi contends that this practice of passing a measure with boilerplate language is unconstitutional. Learn also what lawmakers claim.
Keliʻi Akina & Ph.D.September 16, 2025
Community Voices: Charitable giving under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act
Hawai‘i's nonprofits rely on charitable contributions from generous individuals. Here's what you need to know about the new tax rules for writing off these donations on your taxes.
Tom YamachikaSeptember 14, 2025
Community Voices: Kudos to the counties for considering housing reforms
Maui and Hawai‘i counties are both looking into ways to make housing more plentiful.
Keliʻi Akina & Ph.D.September 10, 2025
Community Voices: Time to retire the Jones Act’s U.S.-build requirement
The Jones Act was supposed to protect the American shipbuilding industry, but the industry has withered away despite that support. New legislation by U.S. Rep. Ed Case of Hawai‘i proposes changes to the act that could ultimately reduce shipping costs to the Islands.
Keliʻi Akina & Ph.D.September 03, 2025
Community Voices: No tax on tips
A closer look at what "no tax on tips" in the federal One Big Beautiful Bill Act means for Hawai‘i's workers and employers.
Tom YamachikaSeptember 02, 2025
Community Voices: Are you ready for another boondoggle?
Sen. Joni Ernst of Iowa has a history of rightfully targeting Honolulu’s rail project for its wasteful spending. Which brings us to the planned Aloha Stadium project...
Keliʻi Akina & Ph.D.August 26, 2025
Community Voices: Classroom heat
The Department of Education spent $100 million on classroom air conditioners. Now the Hawai‘i State Auditor finds that the DOE has no idea where the money went.
Tom YamachikaAugust 25, 2025