Aloha for All — Tax Relief and the Fight to Lower the Cost of Living
- gcordery3
- Jul 21
- 2 min read
Updated: Aug 12
Aloha for All — Tax Relief and the Fight to Lower Hawaii’s Cost of Living
Hawaii’s working families are stretched thin. According to a 2025 Hawaiʻi Public Radio report, nearly one in three households—known as ALICE families (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed)—live paycheck to paycheck, struggling to afford basics like housing, food, and medicine. Even more alarming, 37% of these households are considering leaving the islands due to rising costs (HPR).
This isn’t just a statistic—it’s about our neighbors, our friends, and our community members trying to keep their roots in Hawai‘i.
Why Hawaii’s Cost of Living Is So High
Cost Index
Hawai‘i’s cost of living index is 193.3, nearly twice the national average (World Population Review).
Housing
The median single-family home price is over $730,000.
Groceries
On average, food prices are 50% higher than the mainland (Hawaii DoTax).
Inflation
Honolulu’s Consumer Price Index rose 2.7% year-over-year (BLS).
Gary Cordery’s Tax Relief Plan
1. Eliminate GET on Food & Medicine
The General Excise Tax (GET)—currently 4% statewide and up to 4.5% in Honolulu—applies to nearly all goods and services, including essentials like food and medicine. Removing this tax on basics would immediately reduce the cost burden on working families and kupuna.
2. Property Tax Protection for Kupuna & Native Hawaiians
Freeze property taxes on primary residences at retirement age.
Exempt Native Hawaiian homeowners from property tax on their primary residence.
3. Universal School Lunches with a Local Twist
Ensure all working families have access to free school lunches—sourcing from local farmers to create a sustainable “food to table” program.
The Ripple Effect: What These Changes Mean
Healthier Families: GET removal on medicine means better healthcare access.
Security for Seniors: Kupuna can age in place without tax-driven displacement.
Equity: Property tax relief for Native Hawaiians helps close historic gaps.
Better Learning: Nutritious lunches improve student focus and outcomes.
Economic Growth: Savings stay in the local economy, benefiting small businesses.
Rooted in Aloha & Freedom
These solutions align with the Aloha Freedom Coalition’s commitment to protecting individual liberties, fostering transparency, and ensuring government serves the people (AFC About Page).
This is more than tax policy—it’s a promise to restore fairness, opportunity, and hope across our islands.
Putting People First
For Gary, every policy starts with people—not politics. That’s why conversations like these guide his priorities for Hawai‘i where families can live well and businesses can succeed. Share Your Story
Join Gary in Building a Future We Can Afford
Be part of a movement that’s fighting for to Lower the Cost of Living solutions across Hawai‘i.
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