Economy
Using the Property Tax to Appropriate Gains from Tourism
This paper describes and evaluates the merits of Kauai County’s use of the property tax to capture rents from tourism and provide property tax relief to local homeowners. Because tourist accommodations are more capital intensive than other real estate, Kauai’s proposal to split the standard uniform rate into two separate rates—one on land and the […]
Read MoreUHERO Hawai’i Quarterly Forecast Update: Recovery Still Around the Corner
Things are looking up for the U.S. and global economies. Japan returned to growth in the second quarter, and it appears likely that the U.S. will post positive growth for the current quarter. It is harder to find evidence of a turnaround in the Hawai’i economy, although we expect recovery to begin by early next […]
Read MoreReducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Hawaii
Dr. Denise Konan, to present at Renewable Energy and Island Sustainability (REIS) Seminar Series. Hawaii has committed to reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to 1990 levels by 2020. This research presentation uses detailed data on Hawaii’s energy infrastructure and economic activities to determine the carbon intensity of Hawaii industries. New results are also presented on […]
Read MoreThe Value of a Wave: An Analysis of the Mavericks Region Half Moon Bay, California
This study was commissioned by the Save the Waves Coalition to determine the value of the Mavericks surf area to the local neighborhoods and beyond.
Read MoreSmall State, Giant Tax Credit: Hawaii’s Leap into High Technology Development
This paper chronicles the evolution of Hawaii’s high technology tax credits, describes their provisions and the ensuing problems in attempting to ascertain whether or not they have achieved the results desired by lawmakers who passed them, and offers lessons that other states can use when designing their own business investment tax credit programs.
Read MoreThe Economics of Energy and Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Hawaii
Dr. Denise Konan, to speak at Hawaii Economic Association luncheon September 24, 2009. The U.S. House of Representatives recently passed legislation that would put a price on carbon. The State of Hawaii has committed to sharp reductions in carbon emissions, and the Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative. Come hear the Director of UHERO’s EGGS project explain […]
Read MoreUHERO Hawai’i Construction Forecast: No Bottom Yet to Construction Downturn
The U.S. recession is easing, but prospects for a quick Hawai’i construction recovery remain poor. We expect U.S. output to grow by more than 2% during the current quarter, but job losses will continue into the first part of 2010. And, while overall credit conditions have improved, commercial lending is still being affected by the […]
Read MoreHawaii Statehood Conference
UHERO research will be highlighted at the upcoming Hawaii Statehood Conference. New Horizons for the Next 50 Years A Commemorative Conference will be held Friday, August 21 from 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Hawai’i Convention Center in Honolulu. For more information visit: http://hawaii.gov/statehood
Read MoreUHERO Hawai’i Quarterly Forecast Update: State Budget Crisis Threatens Recovery
Two recent developments have caused us to mark down a bit our already weak outlook for the Hawai’i economy. The H1N1 flu epidemic has worsened prospects for Japanese tourism, which will lead to somewhat larger visitor losses this year. But the bigger concern is fallout from the State fiscal crisis. Government actions to address the […]
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