In The News
UH Better Tomorrow Series | April 14, 2026
Taxes shape nearly every aspect of our lives. Alongside other guests, I spoke on the University of Hawaiʻi's Better Tomorrow Speaker series podcast to unpack how tax policy influences inequality, public services, and the future of Hawai‘i. The episode digs into who really benefits from current tax systems, why the wealthy often pay less proportionally, and what reforms could create a more equitable, livable, resilient society.
Star Advertiser | March 26, 2026
People attend donation drive for victims affected by the recent Kona low storms, Thursday, March 26, 2026, at Waikiki Community Center in Honolulu. The drive, organized by AccessSurf Hawaii, Rotary Club of Waikiki, Waikiki Community Center, Rep. Adrian K. Tam, Rep. Ikaika Olds, and Rep. Tina Grandinetti, collected shelter and cleanup supplies, personal hygiene products, medical and safety supplies and gas, power and lighting resources as communities statewide continue the recovery efforts from the storm.
Hawaiʻi Public Radio | March 12, 2026
About 40% of Hawaiʻi’s residents are renters. State lawmakers are considering two measures that aim to improve protections for tenants and provide resources to better understand their rights. Although the [Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs] offers a landlord-tenant handbook, it’s only in English. Rep. Tina Grandinetti introduced a measure that would require the department to publish a more digestible notice of tenant rights in multiple languages.
E&E News by Politico | March 10, 2026
"The nation’s top fossil fuel lobbying group helped kill a potentially groundbreaking bill in Hawaii to hold the industry accountable for hikes in property insurance costs, the bill sponsor told POLITICO’s E&E News. A measure aimed at making fossil fuel companies pay for insurance rate hikes in Hawaii after climate-related disasters died in a legislative committee under opposition from the American Petroleum Institute."
Honolulu Civil Beat | February 26, 2026
"What may help passage of the vaping bill this time around is the solid backing of the Keiki Caucus, a bipartisan hui of legislators that is backing a half-dozen measures this year. Other priority bills include ones expanding access to free school meals in charter schools, improving responses to youth mental health challenges and setting up regulations for e-bikes."
Hawaii News Now | January 29, 2026
"The Working Families Caucus at the state legislature says its package of bills is different this year. Caucus members said that’s because of federal funding cuts that they say are jeopardizing Hawaii families who are already finding it hard to afford living here."