Hawaii Ranks 46th in Survey of Economic Freedom in North America

Grassroot Institute & Fraser Institute Release New Report Examining Government Impact on Economy

News Release from Grassroot Institute, December 13, 2016

HONOLULU, HAWAII--December 13, 2016--Hawaii has again ranked 46th among all states in the 2016 Economic Freedom of North America, a report that examines the impact of government on the economy of each state and province in the US, Mexico, and Canada. The report, released today by the Fraser Institute with the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii, considers factors like taxation, government spending, and regulation in determining overall ranking and score.

This is the second year in a row that Hawaii has ranked 46th on the report, a position that puts higher than only two other states in the U.S.--and tied with or eclipsed by a number of Canadian provinces. While the state performed well in its ranking on property tax (10th), Hawaii's ranking was dragged down by especially low scores in income tax (49th), sales tax (50th), and union density (48th).

"This report is a valuable tool for Hawaii's policymakers, who should be using it to identify factors that slow our state's economic growth," stated Keli'i Akina, Ph.D., President of the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii. "From easing the burden of the regressive general excise tax to reducing government spending, there are many ways to get the government out of the way of our state's economic potential."

Dr. Akina continued: "It's no coincidence that the most economically free states are also those who can boast a thriving economy and high standard of living. If Hawaii wants to encourage entrepreneurship, boost employment, and stop our state's brain drain, we can start by following the best practices outlined in this report."

The report, including a Hawaii Fact Sheet, can be read in full at:  REPORT

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About the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii:

The Grassroot Institute of Hawaii is a nonprofit, nonpartisan research institute dedicated to the principles of individual liberty, the free market, and limited, accountable government throughout Hawai`i and the Asia-Pacific region. Read more about us at http://www.grassrootinstitute.org/

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About Grassroot President:

Keli’i Akina, Ph.D., is a recognized scholar, educator, public policy spokesperson, and community leader in Hawaii. Currently, he is President/CEO of Grassroot Institute of Hawaii, a public policy think tank dedicated to the principles of individual liberty, free markets and limited, accountable government. An expert in East-West Philosophy and ethics, Dr. Akina has taught at universities in China and the United States and continues as an adjunct instructor at Hawaii Pacific University.