Cost of Living

Beyond The Burn Zone: Maui Wildfires Cause Widespread Mental Health Issues DLNR

Beyond The Burn Zone: Maui Wildfires Cause Widespread Mental Health Issues

New research shows housing displacement and income loss were central drivers of psychological harm.

Fewer Hawaiʻi Homes Are Vacant As Number Of Households Grow Cory Lum/Civil Beat/2021

Fewer Hawaiʻi Homes Are Vacant As Number Of Households Grow

Hawai‘i residents are getting older and more of us are living with disabilities, according to the latest census data.

Is Senator’s Affordable Housing Plan Happening? Depends Who You Ask David Croxford/Civil Beat/2023

Is Senator’s Affordable Housing Plan Happening? Depends Who You Ask

State authority says market conditions and project requirements put Aloha Homes on the shelf. Sen. Stanley Chang says the Kakaʻako development remains underway.

With Hunger Growing On Oʻahu, A Push To Put Food Security To A Vote Cory Lum/Civil Beat/2022

With Hunger Growing On Oʻahu, A Push To Put Food Security To A Vote

The Charter Commission held a first hearing Monday of a proposal to create a food security fund using property tax revenue.

More Hawaiʻi Residents Are Going Hungry, New Statewide Report Shows Ronen Zilberman/Civil Beat/2020

More Hawaiʻi Residents Are Going Hungry, New Statewide Report Shows

The report was produced at a time when food security was bad in Hawaiʻi. But now, advocates say, it’s even worse.

‘Hell-Hole’ Building Tenants Gain Traction In Court As Conditions Deteriorate Kevin Fujii/Civil Beat/2025

‘Hell-Hole’ Building Tenants Gain Traction In Court As Conditions Deteriorate

Remaining residents were terrified when a group of men in black clothing armed with a pistol showed up last week. Today they head back to court.

New Federal Rules Ramp Up The Pressure On People Who Count On Food Stamps Courtesy: Larry Geller/2021

New Federal Rules Ramp Up The Pressure On People Who Count On Food Stamps

Thousands of people in Hawaiʻi will be cut from the program entirely or face additional hurdles, including added work requirements.

Going Hungry In Hawaiʻi? Government Shutdown To Halt Food Stamps David Croxford/Civil Beat/2025

Going Hungry In Hawaiʻi? Government Shutdown To Halt Food Stamps

The state is creating a relief fund to cover costs for some — and will consider tapping into a $200 million contingency fund.

Controversial Bill To Phase Out Maui Vacation Rentals Could Get Watered Down Kevin Fujii/Civil Beat/2024

Controversial Bill To Phase Out Maui Vacation Rentals Could Get Watered Down

A temporary investigative group recommended rezoning thousands of apartment-zoned units so they can be used as both short- and long-term rentals.

Hawaiʻi Residents Could Face Electric Rate Hike In 2026 Cory Lum/Civil Beat/2022

Hawaiʻi Residents Could Face Electric Rate Hike In 2026

Energy advocates say HECO’s effort to increase rates sidesteps ratepayer protection law.