FLASHBACK: Ige Admits Abercrombie-Ige Agenda Isn't Lowering The Cost Of Food Or Energy

$800 Million In Tax Hikes Have Only Made The Cost Of Living In Hawaii Worse

News Release from Hawaii Republican Party

HONOLULU (September 17, 2014) - After Senator David Ige and Governor Neil Abercrombie have raised taxes by over $800 million in the past four years, it's no surprise the cost of living in Hawaii continues to soar. In fact, even Ige admitted during a primary debate that little to nothing has been accomplished in the last four years to tackle skyrocketing grocery bills and energy costs.

"After $800 million in tax hikes and four years of the Abercrombie-Ige policy agenda, even Senator Ige has to admit his policies are not helping middle-class families in Hawaii. The cost of living is a top concern of Hawaii voters and it is clear a new direction is needed to get the Aloha State back on track." -Ted Kwong, Hawaii Republican Party Communications Advisor

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BACKGROUND:

Senator Ige Admitted Little Progress Has Been Made In The Cost Of Food And Energy Over The Past Four Years.

"You know, four years ago we imported 92 percent of the food that we eat, and today it's the same amount. We've talked about energy self-sufficiency and we've made small progress. This is about leadership. This election is about leadership. It's about identifying goals, developing action plans and really taking action that moves our community forward." (Sen. David Ige, Waimea Community Association Debate, 7/23/14)

Hawaii Was WalletHub’s Most Expensive Energy State In 2014.

“A study of electric rates produced by WalletHub, Most & Least Energy Expensive States, puts the unit price of electricity in Hawaii at 38.5 cents per kilowatt-hour, or 4.5 times more than the cheapest state. Natural gas in Hawaii is six times more expensive than other places in the country.” (Malia Zimmerman, “Hawaii’s highest-in-the-nation energy costs stay intact by politics, monopoly,” Watchdog.org, 7/21/14)

Energy Costs In Hawaii Are Substantially Higher Than Any Other State.

“Similarly, the people of Hawaii pay the highest electricity rates at 37 cents per kilowatt hour, triple the national average of 12 cents per kilowatt hour, according to the the US. Energy Information Agency. That translates into bills that are two, three or even four times those in other states. While rates can fluctuate quickly around the country, Hawaii residents are currently spending $60 per month more than people in Alabama, the state with the next highest monthly bill (even though Alabamans pay much lower per-kilowatt rates than residents of some states).” (Kery Murakami, “Living Hawaii: Why Is the Price of Paradise So High?” Honolulu Civil Beat, 9/4/13)

Grocery Bills In Hawaii Are Particularly Burdensome To Middle-Class Families.

“Food costs more. The U.S. Department of Agriculture calculates the differences in cost around the country to determine the size of food stamp benefits, and has found that food prices in Hawaii are 70 percent more than the national average. According to the USDA’s calculations, a family of four with young children nationally should be able to eat on a ‘thrifty’ food budget of $373 per month. In Hawaii, it would cost the same family $632 for the same meals.” (Kery Murakami, “Living Hawaii: Why Is the Price of Paradise So High?” Honolulu Civil Beat, 9/4/13)

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