As a working-class resident of Hawaii, I have witnessed the economic hardship many families face daily in this paradise we call home. The cost of living in Hawaii is high and the threat of additional expenses via the proposed implementation of road tolls is detrimental to the community. We have other pressing issues that need to be addressed first, like affordable housing, fixing our existing roads, and the need for more robust school funding. Charging Hawaiians to drive on roads within our own island is illogical and appears to be a misguided attempt at generating revenue.

Reports suggest that Hawaii has one of the highest costs of living in the United States. Forbes found that the cost of living in Hawaii is 88% higher than the U.S average (Forbes, 2020). In addition, Hawaii also has the highest homeless rate per capita in the U.S, according to a U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development report. It's evident that Hawaii's residents are already under substantial financial pressure, the addition of road tolls will only aggravate this situation.

Instead of introducing road tolls, government resources and efforts should be focused on providing solutions to the more pressing issues at hand. Let's call on the Hawaii Government to stop the implementation of road tolls, and channel such efforts into things we need, such as improving affordable housing, repairing our roads and funding our schools. Sign the petition today, let your voices be heard, and together we can prevent the imposition of road tolls in Hawaii.