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.
