The Abercrombie-Ige Agenda Isn't Working: Costs Of Raising Children Burden Hawaii Families

News Release from Hawaii Republican Party

HONOLULU (September 18, 2014) - Governor Neil Abercrombie and Senator David Ige had four years to implement their policies, which gave Hawaii over $800 million in higher taxes and a soaring cost of living. Hawaii families in particular are finding it increasingly difficult, as recent studies show the Aloha State is one of the most expensive places in the country to raise a family.

"The Abercrombie-Ige policy agenda has piled taxes and a higher cost of living on Hawaii families who are struggling with the costs of raising a family. It's increasingly clear that voters in the Aloha State will be looking for a new direction and not four more years of the same failed policies." --Ted Kwong, Hawaii Republican Party Communications Advisor

BACKGROUND:

The U.S. Agriculture Department Recently Found Honolulu And Hilo Are Among The Five Most Expensive Places To Raise A Child. “Two of the most expensive U.S. cities to raise a child are in Hawaii according to a national study. Parents say having a child is ‘priceless,’ but, Honolulu and Hilo made the U.S. Department of Agriculture's top five list of most expensive places to raise a child. When you consider housing, childcare and education from birth until age 17, the estimated cost for parents in Honolulu is $430,000. Hilo isn't far behind, at nearly $370,000.” (Tannya Joaquin, “Honolulu named second most expensive city to raise a child,” HawaiiNewsNow, 8/20/14)

Hawaii's Soaring Cost Of Living Makes Raising Children Very Expensive. “Hawaii, for example, is one of the most expensive states for infant care: $12,500 a year on average. And if parents choose to enroll their kid in private school, as so many do, add on another $8,900 or so annually. Never mind other expenses such as food, clothing and transportation.” (Alia Wong, “Living Hawaii: Babies — First the Good News,” Honolulu Civil Beat, 7/21/14)

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