For almost 40 years now, I’ve listened to how everyone on the mainland told me how “expensive” it was in Hawaii.
One thing I clung onto was the face that California and New York were still a tiny bit more expensive.
Today, I just read, possibly one of the saddest statistics I’ve seen in sometime. Why would anyone want to live in an area when your hard earned dollar is not worth the value printed on the face of it?
Congratulations Hawaii, we finally hit the top of the list on the cost of living! According to the Tax Foundation, and brought to us by the Grassroots organization (Mahalo Grassroots!)
Here’s how far your $100 goes …
• $84.46 in Hawaii (Down from $85.62 in 2016)
• $86.51 in New York
• $87.41 in California
I’m not even dreaming about Mississippi’s value (about $115). I just want our Hawaii $100 to be worth $100. The normal discussion around the Hawaii table of problem solvers is taxes to combat our deficit.
Why is Hawaii one of the most taxed states in the nation?
Many are talking about our crumbling education system, and taking money from property taxes. But no one will talk about the huge shark in the pool. (didn’t want to use gorilla in the room)
How many years has Hawaii been basically a one-party system? How well does a group solve problems when there is only one idea at the table?
When are we going to learn that raising taxes is not the answer?
Who is going to be brave enough to tell the truth about the impossible debt we have and the onerous size of Hawaii government?
Listen to the builders about why it is so difficult to build affordable housing. Listen to small business owners about why it is so difficult to do business in Hawaii.
Somebody is going to have to discuss the huge shark in the pool, and explain to the residents of Hawaii why we are going broke.
And we need more ideas at the table, to come up with ideas, other than raising taxes.
We need to put our huge Hawaii government on a strict diet, lower taxes and cut the oppressive regulations that strangle business.
We can do it if we are all honest about what the real problems are in Hawaii.
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M. Martin is a Lihue resident.
Thank you M. Martin! A wonderful voice of reason in a sea of naivete!
Our biggest problem here is that most voters are ignorant and merely vote party instead of being able to think for themselves. The plantation mentality is alive and well. It’s no wonder socialists like Gabbard and Sanders score high because ignorant voters elect people that promise them the most even if their ideology has caused economic disaster everywhere it’s been implemented. Hawaii is a perfect example of failed economics. The Progressive Democrat ideology hurts those the worst it purports to be defending.
We chose the name “Democratic Party.” Therefore “democratic ideology” is what we have. Leaving the “ic” off is simply petty disrespect usually shown by the punks who listen to the loathsome limbaugh. Is anyone here calling you “Manawoowoo” or some equivalent? Try show some class!
There are many sharks bent on money and power lust, one is Oahu’s mayor Kirk Chadwell and his $10 billion and counting Rail funded by taxpayers and another Big Island mayor Kim, now wants all residents to dish dish out another $680 million to rebuild the Puna district over run by lava that no insurance will provide coverage due to the threat of the volcano.
While officials reaped $millions throughout the years from Puna district and squandered it off in stupid projects and not save it for problems like today, expect outer island residents who do not live here to foot that bill is unfair. This what happens when you have a corrupt Democrat system in power for over 50 years.
The willful ignorance of the author’s logic is astonishing. Hawaii is one of the most remote places on Earth, yet some think cost of living should be similar to the mainland? Give your head a shake!
If some want lower cost of living, it’s really easy. Just move to those wonderfully inexpensive places like Alabama or Arkansas – you’re sure to enjoy saving so much money while enjoying the wonderful quality of life they provide. Don’t let the door hit you on the way out…
Says the Democrat who gets gouged more and more on taxes…My island is all democrat and we as locals can not even afford to live here while tourists over run us and our government does nothing…EXCEPT raise our taxes to pay themselves more and more…Ridiculous…
And what are the impacts of shipping virtually into Hawaii?
If you believe donald trump and the trumpsters (formerly called the GOP) stand for less government and reduced government spending; I have a wall I’d like to sell you!
For that matter, look at the last 40 years and who grew government the most, spent the most, and balanced the budget least (hint, the answer starts with these letters: repub……).
The elephants only talk endlessly about reduction. They never actually get around to doing ti!
There is no incentive for the PACs to change the process, the only means to effect change is to reveal any and all cronyism and wrongdoing and to publicly pressure or humiliate those that violate our trust.
Government employment is viewed as an effective means to control and acquire public resources for personal gain. It is a snake pit to join the guaranteed gravy train and have the power to disburse millions of dollars and accumulate favors.