Entries for 'Rachelle Chang '

...government may not be able to fund nonprofits that are not closely aligned to current government responsibilities....

I never understood why there is so much support for a national, single-payer healthcare system – until I started working in a small medical office....

The State kept 10% of the surcharge collected or $25.92 million – which is more than the Department of Taxation’s entire Fiscal Year 2016 operating budget of $24 million....

A few weeks ago, Hawaii homeowners received their 2017 property tax assessments. It was not a pleasant way to end the holidays or start the new year....

In the film, a woman was pregnant, homeless, and already caring for other children. However, I can’t remember any mention of a father....

This week, I’m plunging into the 20 proposed amendments in Honolulu County....

In addition to selecting the best candidates for elected office, Hawaii voters have many decisions to make that will have a big impact on County charters and our future....

Recently, the Hawaii Department of Transportation (DOT) revealed that it is considering a mileage-based user fee....

...more people than ever want to be on the board – in 2015, 610 people volunteered to run for 437 seats....

...Earlier this month, HCDA released the Kaka‘ako Makai Parks Active Use Facilities Master, a draft Environmental Impact Statement....

...bills in the 2016 Legislative Session that test the balance between government’s power and the power of the people....

...tax proposals to watch for – the good, the bad, and the ugly....

There were 243 Acts signed into law in 2015; four bills became law without the Governor’s signature. Here are the highlights....

...a net increase of $297.6 million in FY 2017, an increase of 4.4%....

...our monthly premium is going up over $200 – an increase of 34%. To be able to afford health insurance, we are downgrading our health care plan....

In the 1930s, residents and visitors could travel between Hawaii’s islands by boat....

1,515 bills were introduced in the House of Representatives and 1,379 bills were introduced in the Senate – over 400 more bills than were introduced in 2014....

...keeping the Oahu half-percent rail surcharge in place will only encourage lawmakers to increase the surcharge whenever there is a rail transit shortfall....

...the “2014 Congressional Pigbook,” published by the Citizens Against Government Waste identifies federal government “pork” spending in the millions of dollars in Hawaii....

"I didn’t vote for OHA trustees, because I didn’t know anything about them."

...Statehood was an exciting time for many people in Hawaii....

Abercrombie called it “a year of progress.” Read through the new laws and decide for yourselves....

...see which issues our Hawaii candidates chose to focus on....

...highlighting those bills that champion taxpayers and residents; and bills that affect our rights and freedoms....

...highlighting education proposals, spending, and reforms....

Here are the tax highlights from the 2014 Legislative Session....

It was sunny, humid, beautiful October morning, and volunteers greeted us with event programs at the entrance to Pier 38....

Today, Hawaii public elementary schools have a three-part report card that evaluates attendance, six general learner outcomes (GLOs), and academic proficiency, with a section for teacher comments. Only one of the GLOs is based on character....

It’s been one month since my son started second grade at a public school....

Instead of a dedicated library, welcoming mainly graduate students and professors, here are some other ways to honor our public leaders....

On July 10, 2013, Mayor Kirk Caldwell proposed ten property tax bills. All ten bills passed the first reading at the Honolulu City Council....

...10 issues, large and small, in which government is intruding more into our lives and our businesses....

To get ready for the proposed legislation that is coming our way, here are some helpful tips to get involved in the Hawaii legislative process....