Seth Colby

Seth Colby serves as the Tax Research and Planning Officer at the Hawaii Department of Taxation (DOTAX). In this role, he oversees the Tax Research & Planning office, which is responsible for producing revenue forecasts, estimating the revenue impact of proposed legislation, conducting public policy analysis, and generating statistical reports.12

Colby has a strong academic background, holding a PhD in International Relations. His previous professional experience includes significant work in economic and social development across Latin America, the Caribbean, and Africa, where he collaborated with organizations such as the Inter-American Development Bank, the World Bank, and Johns Hopkins University.13 In addition to his responsibilities at DOTAX, he also teaches Economics at the University of Hawaii’s Shidler College of Business.1

His recent analyses have highlighted important issues regarding Hawaii's tax system. For instance, he authored a report indicating that Hawaii has the second-highest income tax burden in the United States for families across all income levels. This report emphasized how high taxes contribute to the state's overall cost of living challenges.2

Colby is also actively engaged in discussions about tax policy and economic issues within Hawaii, contributing insights that inform both legislative actions and public understanding of taxation's impact on residents.23