HONOLULU (KHON2) -- Hawaiʻi is a place like no other. We are known for our stunning landscapes; so, it’s easy to see why people are drawn to the islands. But behind the beauty, there’s more to consider when it comes to life in Hawaiʻi This is especially true when it comes to taxes, governme nt services and our overall quality of life. A new report has examined what kind of return on investment (ROI) Hawaiʻi's taxpayers have. Whether you’re a local or planning to move here, understanding Hawaiʻi’s strengths and challenges can help you navigate life on these islands. Here’s a closer look at the top things to know about living in Hawaiʻi. 1. Hawaiʻi’s taxes and taxpayer ROI (Return on Investment) When it comes to taxes, Hawaiʻi doesn’t rank very well compared to other states. In fact, we have been ranked 49th for the amount of taxes people pay per capita (meaning how much each person contributes in taxes). This puts Hawaiʻi near the bottom, with only New Mexico ranking worse. Even though residents pay a lot in taxes, they don’t get the best return in terms of the services they receive from the government. However, it’s not just about how much money is collected. Hawaiʻi does have some benefits that come from taxes, especially in areas like water quality. 2. Hawaiʻi’s government services Government services in Hawaiʻi, like education, healthcare, and infrastructure, have room for improvement. According to the report, Hawaiʻi is ranked 24th in overall government services. While our state does a decent job in some areas, it falls short in others. Education: Hawaiʻi has somewhat decent public schools, but its school system is not the best in the country. We rank 49th in the U.S. This means we're one of the states with the weakest school systems. Education is a big area that needs improvement since it's the key to helping keiki grow up to be successful. Hospital systems: Hawaiʻi also faces challenges in its hospital systems. The report ranked us 48th. This means that healthcare services can be difficult to access for residents. and this is a big issue for families and individuals needing medical attention. Infrastructure: Hawaiʻi has a lot of work to do on its roads and bridges, too. The report ranked us at 50th for roads and bridges. Hawaiʻi has some of the worst infrastructure in the country, according to the report. That means it’s harder for people to get around safely. 3. Crime and Safety Get Hawaii's latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You Hawaiʻi ranks well when it comes to safety. We have one of the lowest violent crime rates in the country. In fact, we rank 5th, with Maine, New Hampshire, and Connecticut as the top states for safety. This makes Hawaiʻi a good place to live if you’re concerned about crime. 4. Poverty and quality of life Hawaiʻi is not doing great when it comes to poverty. The reported ranked us 48th for the percentage of residents living in poverty. This means a lot of people in Hawaiʻi struggle to make ends meet. It also means we have a serious issue since poverty can affect many aspects of life, from education to healthcare to the quality of housing. On the other hand, Hawaiʻi's natural beauty and culture make it a great place to visit, even if its economic challenges are tough for many residents. 5. Water quality: Hawaiʻi’s best feature One thing Hawaiʻi really excels in is our water quality. We rank number one in the nation for water quality; so, residents enjoy some of the cleanest and safest drinking water in the U.S. While this is something that residents and visitors can be proud of, the report did not mention the long-term consequences of the Red Hill leak. 6. Political affiliation Hawaiʻi is a Democratic-leaning state, which means there is a focus on human and civil rights and our policies affect taxes, government spending and other services. Being a Democratic state means that Hawaiʻi tends to focus on social programs and services that supports residents, though we struggle to match the quality seen in some other states. What does this mean for Hawaiʻi? Hawaiʻi is a beautiful state with a lot of charm, but we face some challenges in taxes, public services and economic conditions. The good news is that it has excellent water quality and a very safe environment with one of the lowest violent crime rates in the country. However, areas like education, healthcare and infrastructure need a great deal more attention, according to the report. Hawaiʻi’s residents pay some of the highest taxes in the U.S.., but we don’t always get the best return in terms of services. The report identified that we struggle with high poverty rates and weaknesses in its school and hospital systems. You can click here to read the full report. Get news on the go with KHON 2GO, KHON's morning podcast, every morning at 8 In short, Hawaiʻi offers a great lifestyle in many ways but needs to work on improving its government services and reducing poverty for a better future for all its residents. ...read more read less