"How do you stop the ever increasing cost of living/rents?"

Instead of trying to figure out how to lower the bar so everyone can afford to live in paradise, why don't we focus on financial responsibility training for everyone...including our keiki in schools?  

Say I wanted to live on Kahala Avenue.  Would it be reasonable for me to expect the real estate market or legislators to accommodate my desires?  Of course not.  My son learned this at 6 years old.  If I want that house on Kahala Avenue, I have to figure out make my dream a reality.  That's MY personal responsibility, not society's.  If I can't afford it after exploring all options, then I put that dream on hold.  If my son doesn't have enough allowance for a particular toy, we will drive him back to the store when he can afford it.

Similarly, if you can't afford living in Hawaii after exploring all options, move to a cheaper state to save money to return when your finances allow it.  Don't agree?  One word: ENTITLEMENT