Michael Brestovansky
How does your government shape the way you live? What does your vote do to change and improve your community? These are questions I’m interested in answering for our readers. I want to make government more relatable by showing how decisions made at the City Council, the state Capitol or Washington D.C. affect you and your day-to-day life. I want to show how the gears of government fit together — and how they sometimes don’t — and what that means for people right here.
Of course, local government means local courts and local crime. I also hope to keep readers informed about cases and police procedures happening in their neighborhoods.
I grew up in Michigan and have worked at small local newspapers in Wisconsin and Oklahoma, but I’ve lived in Hawai‘i for more than seven years. Most of those were spent covering county government at the Hawai‘i Tribune-Herald in Hilo. Now I’ve moved to Honolulu, where I hope to cover the issues you’re interested in on every island.
I’m excited to work with Aloha State Daily and help make it into a place where readers can learn more about how their communities are connected to each other and to their government. And I’m excited to hear from you: what you’re concerned about, excited for or annoyed by. After all, government starts at home!
Michael Brestovansky can be reached at michael@alohastatedaily.com.
Latest from Michael Brestovansky

Tax cuts still on the table
A series of historic tax cuts Gov. Josh Green passed in 2024 were set to pause after this year. A bill that would preserve some of them is on the verge of passage.
Michael BrestovanskyApril 30, 2026

Hawai‘i Island firefighter dispute reaches state Supreme Court
A 2014 grievance between two firefighters and their chief is still alive and reached the state's highest court last week.
Michael BrestovanskyApril 29, 2026

Who is Hawai‘i's Acting Lieutenant Governor?
The state comptroller will take over the duties of the lieutenant governor for an indefinite period.
Michael BrestovanskyApril 28, 2026

Former Maui chief of staff sues county over alleged corruption
Leo Caires, Mayor Richard Bissen's former chief of staff, has accused the county of firing him unjustly after investigating multiple fraud cases within the county government.
Michael BrestovanskyApril 25, 2026

Senate committee narrowly approves Chief Justice nominee
Vladimir Devens' nomination to Supreme Court's highest seat passed a confirmation hearing with a 3-2 vote.
Michael BrestovanskyApril 24, 2026

State comptroller to be acting Lt. Governor
Keith Regan will fill in for Sylvia Luke after the Lt. Gov. announced she will take an indefinite leave of absence.
Michael BrestovanskyApril 24, 2026

Supreme Court nominee questioned over Carpenters Union ties
A Senate confirmation hearing for Supreme Court Chief Justice nominee Vladimir Devens drilled into his previously undisclosed affiliation with a political action committee.
Michael BrestovanskyApril 23, 2026

Makaiwa Hills only option for landfill site, says city
The Department of Environmental Services is beginning the process to develop a parcel west of Makakilo for a new landfill.
Michael BrestovanskyApril 22, 2026

Sylvia Luke not running for reelection
Lieutenant governor seat up for grabs in upcoming election.
Michael BrestovanskyApril 21, 2026

Former governor George Ariyoshi dead at 100
Flags to fly at half-staff in commemoration of the nation's first Asian-American elected governor.
Michael BrestovanskyApril 20, 2026

State comes closer to takeover of Wahiawā Dam
The state Agribusiness Development Corp. authorized negotiations with the owners of the Wahiawā Dam to transfer it to state control.
Michael BrestovanskyApril 18, 2026

CONGRESS WATCH: Faster disaster funds for farmers
A bill that would help Hawai‘i farmers get disaster recovery funds more quickly is moving through Congress.
Michael BrestovanskyApril 17, 2026

What's still alive at the state Legislature?
After one of the last deadlines this legislative session, many major bills are still kicking.
Michael BrestovanskyApril 17, 2026

House passes anti-corporate-election-spending bill
Bill that would strip from corporations the power to make political donations is on the cusp of passing, despite Attorney General's warnings.
Michael BrestovanskyApril 16, 2026

Thirty Meter Telescope could be moved, project leader says
Controversial observatory could "feasibly" be moved to site of decommissioned facility elsewhere on Mauna Kea.
Michael BrestovanskyApril 14, 2026

Farmers face flooding, storm damage once again
Third storm in less than a month pelts Hawai‘i's beleaguered farmers
Michael BrestovanskyApril 11, 2026

Presidential disaster declaration issued for Kona lows 1 and 2
Gov. Josh Green announced that federal aid will be available to recover from the March storms.
Michael BrestovanskyApril 10, 2026

Proposal to return Hawai‘i inmates to Hawai‘i prisons popular
House Bill 1769 would return 30% of Hawai‘i inmates sent to Mainland prisons by 2030.
Michael BrestovanskyApril 09, 2026

Former Tripler patients file complaint against Army over sexual abuse
Former patients of Maj. Blaine McGraw, accused by more than 100 plaintiffs of sexual misconduct, are seeking damages from the U.S. Army.
Michael BrestovanskyApril 08, 2026

West Hawai‘i beetle restrictions to take effect next month
State Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity will impose restrictions on transporting plants from a designated "infested zone" where coconut rhinoceros beetles have been detected.
Michael BrestovanskyApril 07, 2026

More resources available for storm victims
Gov. Josh Green announces new case management program, while the City and County of Honolulu has launched a storm damage tracker for communities throughout the island.
Michael BrestovanskyApril 04, 2026

2024 election question to be resolved after 2026 election
Allegations of election mismanagement on Hawai‘i County two years ago are disputed by the state, but official answers are still likely months away.
Michael BrestovanskyApril 03, 2026

Farm damage nears $70 million following Kona lows
The damage toll from March's storms continues to rise as lawmakers ponder solutions.
Michael BrestovanskyApril 02, 2026

Irrigation funding bill still alive following March floods
A bill providing funds to three state agencies for irrigation systems maintenance may be woefully insufficient as March storm damage mounts.
Michael BrestovanskyApril 01, 2026

CONGRESS WATCH: Airports and ICE
The ICE budget is still up in the air at Congress, while a slew of new airport bills passed the Senate unchallenged last week.
Michael BrestovanskyMarch 31, 2026

DLNR to take over Wahiawā Reservoir lands
Board of Land and Natural Resources approves takeover of Wahiawā irrigation parcels, despite debate.
Michael BrestovanskyMarch 28, 2026

Kula Hospital closed indefinitely following storm damage
Maui Health investigating alternate care services for Kula after more than 100 patients had to be relocated.
Michael BrestovanskyMarch 28, 2026

Bill prohibiting corporate political donations nearing the finish line
A bill limiting a corporation's ability to make political donations has passed all but one committee in the state Legislature.
Michael BrestovanskyMarch 27, 2026

Hawai‘i Community Foundation launches storm relief fund
Stronger Hawai‘i Fund to issue grants to nonprofits statewide for storm recovery projects
Michael BrestovanskyMarch 26, 2026

What's next for the Wahiawā Dam?
Ownership changes coming throughout Wahiawā Irrigation System.
Michael BrestovanskyMarch 25, 2026

Power bills to rise under HECO proposal
Hawaiian Electric's plan to upgrade its Waiau Power Plant has been approved by the state Public Utilities Commission.
Michael BrestovanskyMarch 24, 2026

Quinlan: Storm evacuees may shelter at Waikīkī
North Shore Rep. Sean Quinlan speaks about Wahiawā Dam and the evacuation.
Michael BrestovanskyMarch 20, 2026

The promises of Rick Blangiardi
Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi made several promises during his sixth State of the City address on Wednesday.
Michael BrestovanskyMarch 20, 2026

Governor and attorney general endorse disposable vape ban
Keiki and lawmakers rallied Wednesday in support of bills cracking down on vape sales.
Michael BrestovanskyMarch 19, 2026

Japanese energy company proposes natural gas plant in Kapolei
Gov. Josh Green announced a proposal by Japanese energy producer JERA to partner with the state.
Michael BrestovanskyMarch 18, 2026

Damage report: State and counties assessing storm impacts
Flooding, potholes and roof collapses make up majority of storm damage reported by state and county authorities.
Michael BrestovanskyMarch 17, 2026

Switching sides: Maui Rep. Elle Cochran quits Dems, joins GOP
Cochran says Republicans will help bring stronger leadership to West Maui.
Michael BrestovanskyMarch 17, 2026

CONGRESS WATCH: Trump lawsuits, ICE and "Soviet" housing
Hawai‘i Senator unveils anti-Trump-corruption bill.
Michael BrestovanskyMarch 13, 2026

$25 million wastewater project stinks, says Kaua‘i County Council
A proposal to nearly double a loan to make improvement to an aging wastewater treatment plant in Wailua raised eyebrows at the Kaua‘i County Council's meeting on Wednesday.
Michael BrestovanskyMarch 13, 2026

UPDATED: Power outages going into Monday night
The utility went into the evening working to restore power to about 26,000 customers on three islands.
Michael BrestovanskyMarch 12, 2026

Scenes from the state capitol: Lawmakers bicker over ICE proposals
While both chambers voted to pass scores of bills at third reading Tuesday, it was not without debate.
Michael BrestovanskyMarch 12, 2026

Pause on tax cuts still advancing despite debate
A proposal to halt a "historic" series of tax cuts is halfway through the state Legislature, but its final form is still open for debate.
Michael BrestovanskyMarch 10, 2026

Green issues emergency proclamation as storm approaches
Kona low expected to sweep across state this week.
Michael BrestovanskyMarch 09, 2026

Updated: Thursday stabbing attacks leave one dead, one injured
An unidentified man is in custody after a pair of stabbing incidents on Thursday in Kapolei and McCully. Story updated 3/9 with information on the alleged attacker.
Michael BrestovanskyMarch 07, 2026

Former congresswoman Colleen Hanabusa dead at 74
Flags to fly at half-staff over the weekend in commemoration of the state's first female Senate President.
Michael BrestovanskyMarch 06, 2026

Farm to School program leaves student lunches "essentially unchanged," audit finds
The Department of Education has until 2030 to ensure that 30% of school meals be made of locally sourced food. By 2025, the department managed only 5.4%.
Michael BrestovanskyMarch 06, 2026

CONGRESS WATCH: Unanimous consent
Congress has passed more than a dozen bills this week so far without any debate or dissent.
Michael BrestovanskyMarch 05, 2026

Two military officers busted for child sex exploitation
A Navy petty officer and an Air Force lieutenant colonel have been respectively sentenced and convicted for sexually exploiting minors online.
Michael BrestovanskyMarch 05, 2026

Kona residents urge action over parking woes
County Council bill would limit parking charges in Kailua Village
Michael BrestovanskyMarch 04, 2026

CONGRESS WATCH: Hawai‘i delegation condemns Iran strike
Military in Hawai‘i on standby while lawmakers demand accountability from the president.
Michael BrestovanskyMarch 03, 2026

Unsalvageable: 2019 boat insurance law doesn't work, audit finds
A 2019 law required boaters to have insurance to cover salvage costs in case of a grounding or shipwreck. That law was effectively unenforceable, a state audit has determined.
Michael BrestovanskyFebruary 28, 2026

UHERO report: Hawai‘i to recover from recession this year
UHERO economic forecast for the year is cautiously optimistic.
Michael BrestovanskyFebruary 27, 2026

State pensions up for negotiation under proposed law
State agencies are concerned about a bill that allows government workers' unions to negotiate new retirement benefits.
Michael BrestovanskyFebruary 26, 2026

Emergency proclamation bill stirs controversy
A measure intended to limit the governor's ability to declare a state of emergency has citizens warning that it does the opposite. But does it?
Michael BrestovanskyFebruary 25, 2026

Kaiser strike ends after nearly one month
Registered nurses and health care professionals at Moanalua Medical Center will return to work Tuesday after stalled negotiations resume.
Michael BrestovanskyFebruary 24, 2026

Mauna Kea leases could get 10-year extension under proposed bill
Bill progressing in the state Legislature could allow the Mauna Kea Stewardship and Oversight Authority to extend Mauna Kea master lease by 10 years.
Michael BrestovanskyFebruary 21, 2026

State Archives receive century-old Portuguese immigration records
The Portuguese Consulate in San Francisco gifted the state scans of immigration data from between 1878 and 1934.
Michael BrestovanskyFebruary 21, 2026

Tax on groceries to stay, for now
One proposal to scale back the General Excise Tax on groceries and nonprescription drugs has died in the Legislature although another still stands.
Michael BrestovanskyFebruary 20, 2026

HPD justified in 2024 Waikīkī fatal shooting
Eric Walsh was shot 15 times in Waikīkī following a string of bank robberies.
Michael BrestovanskyFebruary 19, 2026

Anti-gambling advocates split 50/50 on proposed betting regulations
A pair of measures intended to regulate online betting markets are making progress despite mixed reactions.
Michael BrestovanskyFebruary 18, 2026

Honolulu man sentenced to 15 years for sexually extorting minors
Devan Caulk pled guilty last year to producing child pornography via Instagram.
Michael BrestovanskyFebruary 17, 2026

CONGRESS WATCH: Anniversary planning
The U.S. House passed a handful of bills, including a pair in celebration of the U.S.'s 250th anniversary, while the Senate remained deadlocked over ICE reforms.
Michael BrestovanskyFebruary 16, 2026

State proposal would end GET on groceries
House Bill 1611 would reduce state general excise tax on groceries and nonprescription drugs to 0% over the next eight years.
Michael BrestovanskyFebruary 14, 2026

Pearl City woman gets supervised release following threats against the president
Rebecca Folley made hundreds of Facebook posts threatening to kill Presidents Joe Biden and Donald Trump.
Michael BrestovanskyFebruary 13, 2026

'AI psychosis' bills pass Senate, House committees
Proposed laws would require AI developers to enact protocols to reduce self-harm among users.
Michael BrestovanskyFebruary 12, 2026

UH's underwater fiber network still aiming for 2026 completion
The Hawaiian Islands Fiber Link project would connect the six main islands via fiber optic cable thanks to millions in federal funds.
Michael BrestovanskyFebruary 11, 2026