Grading Hawaii's Legislature on Taxes - Keli'i Akina Interviews Tom Yamachika; Did Lawmakers Help or Hurt Taxpayers in 2026?

TALK STORY WITH KELI'I AKINA on Tuesday, 6/16/2026

Did Hawaii lawmakers help taxpayers in 2026—or make life even more expensive?

In this special legislative wrap-up, Keli'i Akina sits down with Tax Foundation of Hawaii President Tom Yamachika to grade the 2026 legislative session. Together they examine the biggest tax battles of the year, efforts to roll back income tax relief, controversial proposals to increase taxes and fees, concerns about taxpayer privacy, the state's growing dependence on hidden revenue schemes, and what lawmakers may attempt next year.

Tom offers a taxpayer-focused assessment of what went right, what went wrong, and what Hawaii residents should watch as the next legislative session approaches.