Haley Lehman
Decisions made by city and county councilmembers impact the quality of the roads you drive on, how your neighborhood is zoned, what your property taxes cost, how easy it is to obtain a driver’s license, and more. While Aloha State Daily is based in Honolulu, I’ll cover the four counties and their governments statewide. I aim to hold civic leaders accountable for their actions and keep readers informed on the impacts to their daily lives.
I grew up in Virginia and received a bachelor’s degree from James Madison University. I got my start in journalism covering everything from crime and court to the state Legislature at the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner in Alaska. My time at the News-Miner taught me that local journalism is all about people: telling their stories and reporting news most relevant to them.
As a newcomer to the Islands, I am looking forward to getting to know the Rainbow State and its residents.
Haley Lehman can be reached at Haley@alohastatedaily.com.
Latest from Haley Lehman
Environmental groups file lawsuit against Interior Secretary, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Seven environmental groups filed a lawsuit against Department of the Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service alleging that the new Critical Habitat Exclusion Rule prioritizes economic development over environmental protections. The Interior Department wrote that they stand by the regulation.
Haley LehmanAugust 17, 2026
City to host community outreach event in Makiki
Residents can provide feedback on traffic safety improvements at 6:30 p.m. this Tuesday, Aug. 18, at Makiki District Park to The City and Council of Honolulu Department of Transportation Services and Honolulu Complete Streets.
Haley LehmanAugust 15, 2026
Honolulu City Council considers lowering motor vehicle weight tax
Bill 47, proposed by Chair Tommy Waters, aims to lower the motor vehicle weight tax by 1.5 cents per pound.
Haley LehmanAugust 13, 2026
LALA UPDATE: Government offices, public schools reopen Tuesday on Honolulu, Maui, Kauaʻi counties
Government offices and schools will remain closed on Tuesday, Aug. 18 for Hawaiʻi County. Here are the latest state and county updates.
Michael Brestovansky & Haley LehmanAugust 12, 2026
Maui County Council votes to expand fare-free bus access
Bill 95 expands eligibility for the fare-free bus access program to include more residents and gives authorization to the county's the director of transportation to suspend enforcement of fares for special events, parades or emergency closures for up to 14 days in a fiscal year.
Haley LehmanAugust 12, 2026
Office of Economic Revitalization slated to close Friday
The City and County of Honolulu Office of Revitalization announced Aug. 7 that it will close on Friday, Aug. 14, after the Honolulu City Council cut the office’s budget by $2 million.
Haley LehmanAugust 11, 2026
Compassion leads Regina DoDaro's approach to Hawaiʻi Island animal control
Regina DoDaro took the helm of the Hawaiʻi County's Animal Control and Protection Agency on Aug. 3.
Haley LehmanAugust 07, 2026
Honolulu DPP requires use of AI tool for residential project permit applications
The City and County of Honolulu’s Department of Planning and Permitting announced this week that applicants will be required to use an artificial intelligence tool to submit residential project permit applications. Julia Fink, executive vice president of AIA Honolulu, shared with ASD why the organization is advocating for this AI.
Haley LehmanAugust 07, 2026
Crews start Mānoa Stream flood mitigation
Crews started work on the Mānoa Stream this week in an effort to improve water flow, reduce potential flooding risks and maintain the functionality of Oʻahu's drainage system.
Haley LehmanAugust 05, 2026
Waiʻanae man accused of illegally hunting on West Oʻahu ranch
The Hawaiʻi Department of Law Enforcement arrested a Waiʻanae man on July 25 for allegedly illegally hunting on private land.
Haley LehmanAugust 04, 2026
Nānākuli High and Intermediate School to get police School Resource Officers
Nearly three years ago, Kaui Asinsin started advocating for the creation of a School Resource Officer program in Nānākuli. The Hawaiʻi Department of Education and Honolulu Police Department announced the expansion of the pilot program to include Nānākuli High and Intermediate School on Friday morning.
Haley LehmanAugust 01, 2026
'Slow down': New school year brings new speeds in school zones
The Department of Transportation Services is updating traffic signs across Oʻahu to reflect speed limits of 20 miles per hour in school zones from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on school days.
Haley LehmanJuly 31, 2026
