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As we’re seeing on our packed beaches, Hawaii’s tourism sector is coming back to life. But many of our neighbors — unemployed workers, local business owners, struggling families — are still far from recovering. In this last week of the state legislative session, our lawmakers can pass bills to help them during this crucial time.

Those bills — and — ask those who are lucky enough to be doing well during this pandemic — the wealthy and profitable corporations (not the ones that are hurting) — to pay a little more to help the rest of us. If we are in a position to help others who are struggling, they’ll be in a position to help us when we need it.

Then legislators can kickstart our economy’s recovery by supporting local businesses, families and workers with full funding of community programs and schools, commercial and residential rent assistance and tax relief for unemployed workers and their employers. 

Economists tell us that we will rebound faster if we keep money flowing to communities. What really makes a state a strong place for businesses and families? Vibrant local shops and restaurants, good schools, consumers with spending power, neighborhoods where workers can afford to live. 

On the other hand, studies of the last recession show that cutting government spending and jobs will harm the overall economy by making recovery slower and harder. 

Beloved shops and restaurants are shutting their doors permanently, and others are hanging by a thread. We still have the highest unemployment rate in the nation. Families line up week after week for bags of groceries from food banks. 

The costs of a pandemic should not continue to fall on the backs of Hawaii’s small businesses and vulnerable families. Instead, they should get the help that they need. 

Local business owners have asked for assistance with unemployment insurance taxes and their rent. Unemployed workers have asked for relief from hefty taxes on their unemployment payments. Social service agencies, schools and government programs have asked for their budgets to be protected from harmful cuts.

There’s a way to help them. Our lawmakers can pass bills that raise revenues from those who can afford to pay more. HB 133 shrinks, including non-residents who profit from real estate investment properties in Hawaii. HB 58 raises the tax rate on sales of properties worth at least $4 million and inheritances of more than $3.5 million.

These bills will not only help pay for sorely needed assistance for our struggling local families and businesses, but they will also help fix our upside-down tax system. Currently a Hawaii worker earning minimum wage pays an average of 13% of their income in state and local taxes, while those at the top pay less than 9%. That’s simply not fair, especially when so many working families are hurting.

Here in Hawaii, we value taking care of our community and helping each other when we can. Please join us and the other nearly 30 organizations that make up the coalition in asking our lawmakers to pass these bills.