Hawaii is considering overtaking California as the state with the highest income tax rate in the nation, under legislation slated for a vote this week.The Hawaii Senate was expected to vote Tuesday on legislation that would impose a 16% tax on individuals earning more than $200,000 a year, which would beat out California’s 13.3% on those earning more than $1 million.Hawaii’s proposed new rate would also outstrip the largest combined local and state tax rate in the nation, paid by the highest income earners in New York City, which is currently 12.7%.Hawaii has suffered a sharp decline in tax...…Hawaii is considering overtaking California as the state with the highest income tax rate in the nation, under legislation slated for a vote this week.The Hawaii Senate was expected to vote Tuesday on legislation that would impose a 16% tax on individuals earning more than $200,000 a year, which would beat out California’s 13.3% on those earning more than $1 million.Hawaii’s proposed new rate would also outstrip the largest combined local and state tax rate in the nation, paid by the highest income earners in New York City, which is currently 12.7%.Hawaii has suffered a sharp decline in tax...WW…

HONOLULU (AP) — There’s only one major candidate in the race to succeed U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, virtually guaranteeing he will be sworn in as Hawaii’s newest congressman in January.Kai Kahele, a Democrat, is so far ahead of everyone else that he has been spending the final four months before this week’s primary on active duty helping the Hawaii National Guard respond to the coronavirus pandemic instead of campaigning.“Kai Kahele will probably just walk right in to Congress,” said Colin Moore, director of the Public Policy Center at the University of Hawaii.The state’s Aug. 8 primary is...…HONOLULU (AP) — There’s only one major candidate in the race to succeed U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, virtually guaranteeing he will be sworn in as Hawaii’s newest congressman in January.Kai Kahele, a Democrat, is so far ahead of everyone else that he has been spending the final four months before this week’s primary on active duty helping the Hawaii National Guard respond to the coronavirus pandemic instead of campaigning.“Kai Kahele will probably just walk right in to Congress,” said Colin Moore, director of the Public Policy Center at the University of Hawaii.The state’s Aug. 8 primary is...WW…

HONOLULU (AP) — The coronavirus pandemic has pushed Hawaii’s unemployment rate up to 22.3%, generated miles-long food bank lines and led hotel operators to close their doors and board up their windows.Tax revenues are plunging and policy makers must plug gaping budget holes to allow the government to function.“The math is relatively straightforward on that. The options are also straightforward. They’re unpleasant,” said Jack Suyderhoud professor emeritus of business economics at the University of Hawaii.The good news is that Hawaii entered the crisis in relatively strong financial shape. It...…HONOLULU (AP) — The coronavirus pandemic has pushed Hawaii’s unemployment rate up to 22.3%, generated miles-long food bank lines and led hotel operators to close their doors and board up their windows.Tax revenues are plunging and policy makers must plug gaping budget holes to allow the government to function.“The math is relatively straightforward on that. The options are also straightforward. They’re unpleasant,” said Jack Suyderhoud professor emeritus of business economics at the University of Hawaii.The good news is that Hawaii entered the crisis in relatively strong financial shape. It...WW…