Lawyers for Equal Justice

07/30/2024

A new report from the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy lifts up the significant tax contributions that undocumented immigrants make to our federal, state and local governments through the taxes they pay each year.

04/26/2024

04/05/2024

Former U.S. Supreme Court Justice Louis Brandeis said it well: “We can either have democracy in this country or we can have great wealth concentrated in the hands of a few, but we can’t have both.” Should the tax cut become law, it will speak volumes about our state’s priorities.

A bill allowing this has already passed through the state Senate with no votes in opposition.

09/14/2023

“The deadline to register for Red Cross housing relief is this coming Friday, Sept. 15. That extends to those who left Maui for short-term housing on Oʻahu or other neighbor islands.”

About 2,000 homes in Lāhainā were lost in the Maui wildfires, displacing thousands of individuals. Survivors of the Maui wildfires have until this Friday to sign up for temporary housing through the American Red Cross. HPR's Sabrina Bodon has more.

09/05/2023

“But the trend toward longer minimum sentences is an ʻinsight into the fact that rather than becoming more therapeutic, the system's becoming more punitive,’ said former Hawaiʻi Associate Supreme Court Justice Michael Wilson.

“Several studies have found that lengthy prison stays have little effect on deterring crime and can actually increase the chances that inmates may commit a crime after their release.

“Minimum sentences also determine when prisoners can access rehabilitative programs like drug treatment. These programs are often required for prisoners to be paroled and beyond that, are considered important steps in successful reentry.

“But priority for these programs is determined by the time until parole eligibility, meaning prisoners with longer minimums can languish in their cells for years without access to needed programming.”

More aggressive minimum sentences coincide with severe overcrowding and deteriorating prison conditions.

08/30/2023

Honolulu’s utility and program will temporarily reopen in September, for new applicants and by appointment only. Applicants can qualify for up to six months of rent and utility relief. Oʻahu renters can make an appointment by calling one of these numbers:

(808) 940-5209
(808) 940-6993
(808) 940-2838
(808) 728-3508
(808) 741-6966

The program will open up to new applicants only.

08/28/2023

“We need at least a one-year moratorium on evictions, rent increases and foreclosures, and a ban on predatory buying of homes and land.”

These past weeks have been difficult for the people of Hawaii. The lives of thousands of people have been changed forever. Words and images can’t begin to describe the devastation and loss. From losing homes, livelihoods and loved ones, our hearts remain heavy as we continue to grieve.

08/16/2023

Program application can be found on HHFDC’s website: https://dbedt.hawaii.gov/hhfdc. For those without internet access, a hotline (808-587-0469) s set to start taking calls Monday from landlords, property managers, homeowners or displaced residents who have questions or need assistance.

https://www.staradvertiser.com/2023/08/14/breaking-news/hawaii-fire-relief-housing-program-launches-monday/

The Hawaii Fire Relief Housing program is set to launch Monday, connecting Maui residents displaced by wildfires with property owners statewide who can provide shelter as soon as possible.

08/10/2023

Maui Strong

05/05/2023

A Hawaii law took effect on May 1 that prohibits discrimination against renters because they participate in the federally funded Section 8 voucher program, or any housing assistance program. In other words, it’s now illegal to make “no Section 8” a requirement for considering a would-be renter.

Attention landlords: A Hawaii law took effect on May 1 that prohibits discrimination against renters because they participate in the federally funded Section 8 voucher program, or any housing assistance program. In other words, it’s now illegal to make “no Section 8” a requirement for consider...

05/01/2023

This, and the rent relief & mediation bill dying.

With almost $1 million in his campaign fund, Donovan Dela Cruz shoots down an effort to give other candidates a chance.

02/28/2023

“While building new units is one element of a comprehensive housing policy agenda, it cannot be the only approach, because it gives money, resources, and power to the very same developers and real estate interests who benefit from the escalating cost of housing,” write Tina Grandinetti, Bianca Isaki & Ilima Long.

“Developers and landlords are not selflessly providing housing. They are investing in an asset to extract profit. It is a simple but dangerous contradiction: Lowering the cost of housing eats into their profit. If they ‘solved’ the housing crisis, they would hurt their own bottom line.”

Building new units is part of a comprehensive housing policy agenda, but it cannot be the only part.