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Hawaii among 10 least desirable states
KHON: … Amongst the 10 least desirable states in the U.S., Hawaiʻi ranks #10. Let’s take a look at some of the factors that contributed to our ranking.
Hawaiʻi’s skyrocketing cost of living is cited as being the most important reason people do not want to move to Hawaiʻi. Groceries, entertainment, housing, utilities, gasoline prices and lack of employment ranked at the top of what makes Hawaiʻi an undesirable place to move to.
Although Hawaiʻi was cited as offering much more when it comes to non-monetary things like lifestyle, environment and lifespan couldn’t make up the difference for how little the state invests in alleviating the economic pressures residents are experiencing….
Another report falls right in line with the previously discussed report.
In this one, it identified states that don’t like outsiders. And, of course, Hawaiʻi ranked #2 for states who don’t like outsiders….
You can click here to read more about the first report and here for the second report.
read … Where Hawaiʻi ranks on best/worst U.S. states lists | KHON2
DHHL leaders face tough questions as they request additional $600 million
HNN: … “You’re talking about $6 billion taxpaying dollars to clear the waitlist. And if what you’re telling me is out of the first allocation of the $600 million you were only able to award 1,600 leases, the math is not mathing,” said Sen. Samantha DeCorte, R-Ko Olina, Nanakuli, Maili, Waianae, Makaha, Makua.
“To be honest, I’m getting flashbacks of the rail that originally started off at $3 billion and now we’re here today at $12 billion,” she added.
Other members in the joint hearing of the Housing and Hawaiian Affairs committees shared concerns over ballooning costs and access to funds. ….
DHHL estimates it would cost $6 billion to clear the waitlist for homes, which is 29,000 people long.
While leaders aren’t asking for that much, they are asking for another $600 million through HB 606....
KHON: $129 million from the 2022 appropriation has yet to be spent and lawmakers say that needs to get done before the department asks for more money.
read … DHHL leaders face tough questions as they request additional $600 million
Hawaii governor says President Trump told him of criticism: ‘Have at it as long as you’re leaving me out of it’
HNN: … Gov. Josh Green said regarding his criticisms, President Trump told him "as long as I'm not being rude to him, I should do whatever I think is best." ….
read … Hawaii governor says President Trump told him of criticism: ‘Have at it as long as you’re leaving me out of it’
Two Republican Senators Vote ‘No’
CB: … Brenton Awa and Samantha DeCorte were among the senators to vote in favor of Hawaiian Independence Day. As the Blog has previously blogged, Awa, the Senate minority leader, often votes no on lots and lots of bills. He generally does not like to expand the scope and costs of government.
In her short time in the Senate, DeCorte is largely voting the same as her Republican colleague.
Last week the two voted against bills that would set up an illegal fireworks enforcement division, increase penalties for illegal fireworks use, help medical marijuana caregivers, require reporting of all hate crimes, have the state adopt rules for alternative fuels, allow campaign funds to be used for family care, prevent carrying unconcealed firearms at election centers and require moped drivers to wear a helmet.
Awa and DeCorte did not explain why they voted no so often, although there was one notable exception: Senate Bill 438 which, among other things, would forbid the building of landfills over aquifers. DeCorte said in floor remarks that she does not want to put waste disposal facilities over fresh water reserves, but she worries that her district will once again be stuck with O‘ahu’s ʻōpala.
“I’ve got to advocate for the residents of Wai‘anae and firmly oppose this bill as it would keep the current landfill operational in my district,” she said. “Wai‘anae continues to face challenges and has been labeled as the dumping ground of Hawai‘i.”
DeCorte’s 24 colleagues — including Awa — voted to pass the bill anyway. It now has a hearing in a House committee Thursday….
read … The Sunshine Blog: Is The Hawaiʻi Supreme Court Taking On Trump?
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