Government & Politics
ASD’s eye on the people in state and local government making decisions that impact you where you live.
Some days, we report on the little things you see every day, such as road closures or park improvements. Other days, we look at the big plans from Hawai‘i's governor and its mayors. On the issues that matter to you — education, housing, health, homelessness, the cost of living in Hawai‘i, taxes and spending — we keep an eye on what the Hawai‘i state Legislature and county councilmembers are doing.
News
Another public-private partnership for UH aims to expand student housing in Hilo
Aloha State Daily recently spoke with a University of Hawai‘i administrator about the university's newest P3 project that has UH working with a not-for-profit organization that will manage and redevelop the Hale Kāwili Apartments, a complex adjacent to the UH-Hilo campus.
Stephanie SalmonsAugust 06, 2025
Tsunami warning canceled
Residents are still advised that strong currents, sea level fluctuations and other lingering effects can still be dangerous for swimmers and boaters.
ASD StaffJuly 30, 2025
CONGRESS WATCH: Senate votes against Hirono proposal to protect emergency broadcasters
President Donald Trump's budget rescissions bill would cut over $1 billion from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.
Michael BrestovanskyJuly 17, 2025
Commuters take note: Rail construction will lead to extended lane closures
Closures are planned on Nimitz Highway and Iwilei Road as part of the Skyline rail's City Center Guideway and Stations project.
Stephanie SalmonsAugust 15, 2025
HART breaks ground on next phase of Honolulu rail project
A blessing and groundbreaking ceremony was held Aug. 11 at the future site of the Ka‘ākaukukui, or Civic Center, station in Kaka‘ako for the next phase of the project, the city center guideway and stations.
Stephanie SalmonsAugust 15, 2025
Need to find your way around the airport? There's an app for that
Apps for the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu and the Līhu‘e Airport on Kaua‘i provide travelers a new tool to help navigate the airports and find more information.
Stephanie SalmonsAugust 15, 2025
$125,000 air conditioners, and other DOE stories
State audit of DOE air conditioning program reveals mismanagement, waste and more.
Michael BrestovanskyAugust 14, 2025
CONGRESS WATCH: Hawai‘i senator tries to halt science layoffs
Sen. Mazie Hirono introduced four bills to thwart layoffs at NASA, other federal science agencies.
Michael BrestovanskyAugust 14, 2025
Families fast-tracked at Honolulu airport
TSA launches new initiative at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport that enhances hospitality for families traveling with keiki 12 and under. The “Families on the Fly” campaign rolled out this summer across several airports throughout the country.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosAugust 13, 2025
Business owners question Downtown improvement proposal
Town hall for proposed Downtown Honolulu Business Improvement District draws support, concerns
Michael BrestovanskyAugust 13, 2025
Hawai‘i County seeks bids for renovations of former Hilo hospital
The century-old former Hilo Memorial Hospital needs a new roof, among other improvements, to prepare for improved services for the homeless.
Stephanie SalmonsAugust 13, 2025
Community Voices: Encumbrance for the stadium
Under the State of Hawai‘i's constitution and accounting rules, the $350 million budgeted for a new stadium has lapsed, and yet authorities are proceeding as if it hadn't.
Tom YamachikaAugust 11, 2025