Civil Beat Categories

Cost of Living

Puna Is The Fastest Growing Place In Hawaii. But It Comes With A Catch Nathan Eagle/Civil Beat/2023

Puna Is The Fastest Growing Place In Hawaii. But It Comes With A Catch

Plagued by poverty, poor infrastructure, volcanic eruptions and crime, the windward region still attracts a broad spectrum of people looking for their own slice of paradise.

It Now Takes A Six-Figure Salary For A Family Of 4 To Make Ends Meet in Hawaii Stewart Yerton/Civil Beat/2021

It Now Takes A Six-Figure Salary For A Family Of 4 To Make Ends Meet in Hawaii

There’s been a steep increase in the cost of living in the last few years, but a new report also shows how tax credits can provide a lifeline to families.

Hawaii Residents Have Been Complaining About Our High Cost Of Living For More Than 100 Years

Hawaii Residents Have Been Complaining About Our High Cost Of Living For More Than 100 Years

Old newspaper clippings show that the same conversations that were happening in the 1860s and 1960s about the struggle to make ends meet are still relevant today.

‘Fox Watching The Henhouse’: Last Minute Tweaks To Land Use Bill Create A Stir David Croxford/Civil Beat/2023

‘Fox Watching The Henhouse’: Last Minute Tweaks To Land Use Bill Create A Stir

Updated: The bill was recommitted to conference committee Thursday, effectively killing it.

How Rising Interest Rates Are Driving Up The Cost Of Living In Hawaii Cory Lum/Civil Beat/2022

How Rising Interest Rates Are Driving Up The Cost Of Living In Hawaii

Even families making $100,000 a year could be struggling to make ends meet.

US Rep. Jill Tokuda Invites Farmers To Have Their Say On Federal Farm Bill David Croxford/Civil Beat/2023

US Rep. Jill Tokuda Invites Farmers To Have Their Say On Federal Farm Bill

The congresswoman will hold meetings across the state next week to hear the concerns of farmers and ranchers.

Hawaii Residents Are Struggling Even More With High Interest Rates. But Good News May Be Looming David Croxford/CivilBeat/2022

Hawaii Residents Are Struggling Even More With High Interest Rates. But Good News May Be Looming

Many people and small businesses racked up debt during the pandemic and are “in catch-up mode,” according to the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement.

This Elderly Woman Was Threatened With Eviction — Over 50 Cents David Croxford/Civil Beat/2023

This Elderly Woman Was Threatened With Eviction — Over 50 Cents

Another resident received a similar letter for a $37 unpaid bill, a city official said.

Hawaii Families Are On The Edge Of A ‘Hunger Cliff’ Now That Extra Foods Stamps Are Gone Big Island Hunger/2018

Hawaii Families Are On The Edge Of A ‘Hunger Cliff’ Now That Extra Foods Stamps Are Gone

Nearly half of Hawaii recipients of food support are employed but the end of additional federal assistance is going to sting.