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Hawai‘i Appleseed

Hawai‘i Appleseed

@hiappleseed.bsky.social

210 followers 260 following 140 posts

Working to change systems that perpetuate inequality to give everyone in Hawai‘i genuine opportunities to achieve economic security. Data analysis, policy advocacy, strategic communications, coalition-building. More at hiappleseed.org

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Hawai‘i Appleseed @hiappleseed.bsky.social · Nov 19

We’re a Honolulu-based 501c3 nonprofit working to change public policy primarily around:

✅ Affordable Housing
✅ Food Equity
✅ Taxes & the State Budget
✅ Transportation Equity
✅ Wages & Labor Rights

+ how each intersects w/ public health and economic security.

#PeopleFirst policy is the goal.

Hawai‘i Appleseed @hiappleseed.bsky.social · 1d

Small businesses in low-income, high-poverty neighborhoods often get 50% or more of their monthly revenue from #SNAP. Staff are now at risk of losing their jobs. Stores are unable to restock. In worst case scenarios, they risk closing their doors forever.

#GovShutdown

www.kitv.com/news/busines...

Mom-and-pop stores losing EBT customers struggle to survive

The partial government shutdown is not just affecting people trying to put food on the table, but food retailers that could lose $60 million in monthly revenue.

Hawai‘i Appleseed @hiappleseed.bsky.social · 2d

Hawaiʻi Appleseed’s selected project will improve pedestrian safety and transit lighting for women and families in Waipahu and ʻEwa.

#transportation #transit #mobility #publicsafety #infrastructure #publictransit #community #hawaii #oahu

hiappleseed.org/press-releas...

Hawaii Appleseed selected for national Mobility, Access, and Transportation Insecurity (MATI) program — Hawaiʻi Appleseed

Hawaii Appleseed’s selected project will improve pedestrian safety and transit lighting for women and families in Waipahu and Ewa.

hiappleseed.org

Reposted by Hawai‘i Appleseed

Center on Budget and Policy Priorities @centeronbudget.bsky.social · 6d

Instead, it appears to be choosing not to use them in an effort to gain political advantage, leaving millions of families across the country to suffer as a result. www.cbpp.org/press/statem...

Trump Administration Is Legally Required to Provide SNAP in Shutdown, Contrary to Its Claims

Secretary Rollins’ claim that the Trump Administration is unable to deliver November SNAP benefits during a shutdown is unequivocally false. The Administration is legally required to use contingency r...

Reposted by Hawai‘i Appleseed

Center on Budget and Policy Priorities @centeronbudget.bsky.social · 6d

As CBPP President @sharonparrott.bsky.social said yesterday, the Administration could have, and should have, taken steps weeks ago to be ready to use these funds, as they are legally required to do.

Reposted by Hawai‘i Appleseed

Center on Budget and Policy Priorities @centeronbudget.bsky.social · 6d

That’s right, USDA’s shutdown plan dated September 30, 2025, seems to be gone from their website. But, you can find that excerpt on page 15 of the plan, here: web.archive.org/web/20251001....

web.archive.org

Reposted by Hawai‘i Appleseed

Center on Budget and Policy Priorities @centeronbudget.bsky.social · 6d

Punchbowl reports “White House officials determined they do not have the authority” to use contingency reserves —billions of $ that Congress provided for use when SNAP funding is inadequate— to fund Nov. SNAP benefits. But, that’s not what USDA’s now-deleted shutdown plan says:

Hawai‘i Appleseed @hiappleseed.bsky.social · 8d

“A new national report is raising the alarm about a sharp rise in Hawai‘i children living in poverty. The report by the @annieecaseyfdn.bsky.social shows child poverty has risen by one-third since the pandemic.”

#poverty #childtaxcredit #costofliving

www.hawaiinewsnow.com/2025/10/22/n...

New report shows significant increase in keiki poverty in Hawaii

The increase amounts to about 8,000 more children now living in poverty.

www.hawaiinewsnow.com

Hawai‘i Appleseed @hiappleseed.bsky.social · 9d

A new research report from Hawaiʻi Appleseed reveals that parking mandates are adding tens of thousands of dollars to the cost of construction of new homes on Oʻahu.

#ParkingMandates #Parking #Affordability #HousingCosts #HousingCrisis #AffordableHousing #Honolulu

hiappleseed.org/press-releas...

Outdated parking mandates inflate Hawaiʻi housing costs — Hawaiʻi Appleseed

A new research report reveals that parking mandates are adding tens of thousands of dollars to the cost of construction of new homes on Oahu.

hiappleseed.org

Reposted by Hawai‘i Appleseed

Hawai‘i Appleseed @hiappleseed.bsky.social · 24d

“A budget is the single most honest expression of a government’s priorities. It shows us, in black and white, whether we are investing in our keiki’s futures or in maintaining a status quo that benefits only the privileged few.”

Essay from our executive director.

www.civilbeat.org/2025/10/why-...

Why Understanding Hawaiʻi's Budget Is An Important Civic Duty

An engaged and informed public is the most powerful tool for change we have.

https://www.civilbeat.org/2025/10/why-understanding-hawaiʻis-budget-is-an-important-civic-duty/

Hawai‘i Appleseed @hiappleseed.bsky.social · 22d

Already facing resource shortages, new federal budget cuts call into question the very future of the Census Bureau itself.

#Census #Government #FederalCuts #FederalBudget #Budget #RacialEquity #SocialJustice #EconomicJustice #Data #DataDriven #FundOurFuture

hiappleseed.org/blog/census-...

Our Census Bureau is understaffed and underfunded—the quality of its data is suffering — Hawaiʻi Appleseed

Already facing resource shortages, new federal budget cuts call into question the very future of the Census Bureau itself.

hiappleseed.org

Hawai‘i Appleseed @hiappleseed.bsky.social · 24d

Even within these new constraints, Hawaiʻi can innovate by combining or re-imagining existing programs to expand access and strengthen support for our seniors.

#FoodSecurity #FoodEquity #Hunger #SeniorHunger #SNAP #HR1cuts #Hawaii #LocalSolutions

hiappleseed.org/blog/how-fed...

Kupuna at risk: How federal changes to SNAP impact older adults in Hawaii — Hawaiʻi Appleseed

Even within these new constraints, Hawaii can innovate by combining or re-imagining existing programs to expand access and strengthen support for our seniors.

hiappleseed.org

Hawai‘i Appleseed @hiappleseed.bsky.social · 24d

“A budget is the single most honest expression of a government’s priorities. It shows us, in black and white, whether we are investing in our keiki’s futures or in maintaining a status quo that benefits only the privileged few.”

Essay from our executive director.

www.civilbeat.org/2025/10/why-...

Why Understanding Hawaiʻi's Budget Is An Important Civic Duty

An engaged and informed public is the most powerful tool for change we have.

https://www.civilbeat.org/2025/10/why-understanding-hawaiʻis-budget-is-an-important-civic-duty/

Reposted by Hawai‘i Appleseed

Eviction Lab @evictionlab.bsky.social · 27d

“To make housing affordable, counties need to get out of their own way. The current path guarantees ever-higher costs.”

hiappleseed.org/blog/rethink...

via @hiappleseed.bsky.social

#housing+ #urbanism+ #urbanism

A path to more affordable housing: Rethinking county rules — Hawaiʻi Appleseed

County governments control what gets built through zoning, and through lengthy discretionary approvals. Both levers have historically been used to restrict supply.

hiappleseed.org

Reposted by Hawai‘i Appleseed

Hawai‘i Appleseed @hiappleseed.bsky.social · Sep 8

More than 13,000 people in Hawaiʻi could lose some or all of their monthly benefits once expanded work requirements kick in. The ripple effects will extend throughout Hawaiʻi’s economy. This funding will help us build a more equitable and resilient food system.

hiappleseed.org/in-the-news/...

Four Hawaii nonprofits receive investments as SNAP cuts loom — Hawaiʻi Appleseed

More than 13,000 people in Hawaii could lose some or all of their benefits each month once expanded work requirements are implemented.

hiappleseed.org

Reposted by Hawai‘i Appleseed

Hawai‘i Appleseed @hiappleseed.bsky.social · 29d

County governments control what gets built through zoning, and through lengthy discretionary approvals. Both levers have historically been used to restrict supply.

#AffordableHousing #Housing #HousingCosts #CostOfLiving #Zoning #HousingPolicy #CountyPolicy #Hawaii

hiappleseed.org/blog/rethink...

A path to more affordable housing: Rethinking county rules — Hawaiʻi Appleseed

County governments control what gets built through zoning, and through lengthy discretionary approvals. Both levers have historically been used to restrict supply.

hiappleseed.org

Hawai‘i Appleseed @hiappleseed.bsky.social · 29d

County governments control what gets built through zoning, and through lengthy discretionary approvals. Both levers have historically been used to restrict supply.

#AffordableHousing #Housing #HousingCosts #CostOfLiving #Zoning #HousingPolicy #CountyPolicy #Hawaii

hiappleseed.org/blog/rethink...

A path to more affordable housing: Rethinking county rules — Hawaiʻi Appleseed

County governments control what gets built through zoning, and through lengthy discretionary approvals. Both levers have historically been used to restrict supply.

hiappleseed.org

Reposted by Hawai‘i Appleseed

Hawai‘i Appleseed @hiappleseed.bsky.social · Sep 25

Together, Policy in Perspective 2025 and the Hawaiʻi Budget Primer FY2025–26 provide a compelling—and sometimes sobering—look at how Hawai‘i invests, and often under-invests, in its communities.

#budget #legislature #policy #hawaii #fundourfuture

hiappleseed.org/blog/transfo...

Transformative change meets budget realities—a central lawmaking tension plays out in new reports — Hawaiʻi Appleseed

Policy in Perspective 2025 and the Hawaii Budget Primer FY2025–26 provide a compelling—and sometimes sobering—look at how Hawaii invests, and often under-invests, in its communities.

hiappleseed.org

Hawai‘i Appleseed @hiappleseed.bsky.social · Sep 25

Together, Policy in Perspective 2025 and the Hawaiʻi Budget Primer FY2025–26 provide a compelling—and sometimes sobering—look at how Hawai‘i invests, and often under-invests, in its communities.

#budget #legislature #policy #hawaii #fundourfuture

hiappleseed.org/blog/transfo...

Transformative change meets budget realities—a central lawmaking tension plays out in new reports — Hawaiʻi Appleseed

Policy in Perspective 2025 and the Hawaii Budget Primer FY2025–26 provide a compelling—and sometimes sobering—look at how Hawaii invests, and often under-invests, in its communities.

hiappleseed.org

Reposted by Hawai‘i Appleseed

Hawai‘i Appleseed @hiappleseed.bsky.social · Sep 18

Can Hawaiʻi afford to cut the grocery tax?

Any proposal to reduce or remove the GET on food must be paired with a credible plan for replacing the revenue. It’s a challenge—but also an opportunity to build a fairer and more sustainable system.

#FoodTax #CostOfLiving

hiappleseed.org/blog/can-haw...

Can Hawaii afford to cut the grocery tax? — Hawaiʻi Appleseed

Any proposal to reduce or remove the GET on food must be paired with a credible plan for replacing the revenue. It’s a challenge, but also an opportunity to build a fairer and more sustainable system.

hiappleseed.org

Hawai‘i Appleseed @hiappleseed.bsky.social · Sep 18

Can Hawaiʻi afford to cut the grocery tax?

Any proposal to reduce or remove the GET on food must be paired with a credible plan for replacing the revenue. It’s a challenge—but also an opportunity to build a fairer and more sustainable system.

#FoodTax #CostOfLiving

hiappleseed.org/blog/can-haw...

Can Hawaii afford to cut the grocery tax? — Hawaiʻi Appleseed

Any proposal to reduce or remove the GET on food must be paired with a credible plan for replacing the revenue. It’s a challenge, but also an opportunity to build a fairer and more sustainable system.

hiappleseed.org

Reposted by Hawai‘i Appleseed

Hawai‘i Appleseed @hiappleseed.bsky.social · Sep 17

Increasing transit fares while household budgets are already stretched thin risks pushing out the very riders who rely on TheBus the most, while decreasing ridership and revenue.

#PublicTransit #Honolulu #CostOfLiving #Transportation #Mobility #Access #Equity

hiappleseed.org/blog/honolul...

Proposal to raise transit fares will hurt Oahu riders — Hawaiʻi Appleseed

Increasing transit fares while household budgets are already stretched thin risks pushing out the very riders who rely on TheBus the most while decreasing ridership and revenue.

hiappleseed.org

Hawai‘i Appleseed @hiappleseed.bsky.social · Sep 17

Increasing transit fares while household budgets are already stretched thin risks pushing out the very riders who rely on TheBus the most, while decreasing ridership and revenue.

#PublicTransit #Honolulu #CostOfLiving #Transportation #Mobility #Access #Equity

hiappleseed.org/blog/honolul...

Proposal to raise transit fares will hurt Oahu riders — Hawaiʻi Appleseed

Increasing transit fares while household budgets are already stretched thin risks pushing out the very riders who rely on TheBus the most while decreasing ridership and revenue.

hiappleseed.org

Hawai‘i Appleseed @hiappleseed.bsky.social · Sep 8

More than 13,000 people in Hawaiʻi could lose some or all of their monthly benefits once expanded work requirements kick in. The ripple effects will extend throughout Hawaiʻi’s economy. This funding will help us build a more equitable and resilient food system.

hiappleseed.org/in-the-news/...

Four Hawaii nonprofits receive investments as SNAP cuts loom — Hawaiʻi Appleseed

More than 13,000 people in Hawaii could lose some or all of their benefits each month once expanded work requirements are implemented.

hiappleseed.org

Hawai‘i Appleseed @hiappleseed.bsky.social · Sep 5

The Safe Routes to School advisory committee has announced the first round of funding awards. August Ahrens Elementary in Waipahu—the state’s largest elementary school—is designated as first on the list w/ a $1 million project along five blocks of Māhoe Street.

www.civilbeat.org/2025/09/stat...

Can State Fund Get More Kids Walking And Biking To School?

The funds won’t be released until early next year, but the transportation department is looking at ways to expedite processes so work can begin within four months of receipt.

www.civilbeat.org

Hawai‘i Appleseed @hiappleseed.bsky.social · Sep 5

Whether buying a first home, renting, or selling within the community, local people should have the advantage. Housing should function as a home—not as a global commodity.

#LocalsOnly #AffordableHousing #Housing #Hawaii

hiappleseed.org/blog/hawaii-...

Hawaii already has the tools to create a locals-only housing market; we just need to use them — Hawaiʻi Appleseed

Whether buying a first home, renting, or selling within the community, local people should have the advantage. Housing should function as a home—not as a global commodity.

hiappleseed.org