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
State Legislature poised to pass sweeping weapons ban
Senate Bill 401 proposes a ban on the sale of "assault rifles" beginning July 8.
Michael BrestovanskyApril 12, 2025
Community Voices: Turns out you can fight city hall — and win!
Trapped in Hawai‘i County permitting limbo, Shahzaad Ausman could neither live in his home nor renovate it. So he took officials to court. “If the government can wrongfully revoke my permit, it can revoke many other permits. We must hold officials accountable and stand up for our rights,” he said.
Keliʻi Akina & Ph.D.April 11, 2025
CONGRESS WATCH: How Hawai‘i's reps voted on the SAVE Act
The U.S. House of Representatives passed the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act, a pillar of Republicans’ domestic policy intended to ensure that anyone voting in a federal election produce proof of citizenship. Here's how Hawai‘i's reps voted.
Michael BrestovanskyApril 11, 2025
Crashes, falls and heart attacks: State settles lawsuits for $6.5 million
Among these settlements is a $275,000 payment over a heart attack connected to the 2018 ballistic missile false alarm
Michael BrestovanskyApril 09, 2025
Catch-and-release fishing returns to Ho‘omaluhia
With the return comes the launch of a new online reservation system developed as a collaboration between the City and County of Honolulu's Department of Parks and Recreation and Department of Information Technology.
Stephanie SalmonsApril 09, 2025
Kapolei public meeting coming up on TOD zoning, land use plan
The City and County of Honolulu's Department of Planning and Permitting will discuss proposed changes around three Skyline rail stations in West O‘ahu — East Kapolei, University of Hawai‘i West O‘ahu, and Ho‘opili.
Stephanie SalmonsApril 09, 2025
‘Ohana Military Communities invests millions in military housing improvements in 2025
Brent Arakaki, director of development for Hunt Military Communities, which manages ‘Ohana Military Communitiesʻ more than 7,000 residential units on Oʻahu, says it reinvests “tens of millions" of dollars back into local communities on average per year. Hereʻs what the company is spending on this year.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosApril 08, 2025
Community Voices: Taxing Capital Gains
The Hawai‘i state Legislature wants to change taxes on capital gains by some as yet unstated amount by taxing, for example, the money you gain selling your house at rates comparable to state income taxes. For individuals, this could amount to as much as a 52% increase to the rate someone would pay on capital gains.
Tom YamachikaApril 07, 2025
New legislation would bring tax cuts for movies with mostly local hires
Actors, stuntmen and others in the movie industry spoke in support of Senate Bill 732, which would incentivize the film industry to bring productions to Hawaiʻi through tax cuts if there are at least 80% kamaʻāina hires.
Katie HellandApril 05, 2025
Former longtime Rep. Gene Ward dies at 82
Ward served in the state House of Representatives from 1990 to 1998 and from 2006 until Monday. He had recently announced his retirement, which was effective Monday, March 31, citing recent health setbacks.
Stephanie SalmonsApril 05, 2025
District health offices to host community events in April
With National Public Health Week (April 7-13) right around the corner, Aloha State Daily spoke with Kaua‘i District Health Officer Dr. Janet Berreman about what attendees can expect from the Open House on April 11, as well as the initiatives she’s most excited about on Kauaʻi that are contributing to the state's health goals.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosApril 01, 2025
Community Voices: You Want to Raise the TAT by HOW Much?
Two bills would raise the Transient Accommodations Tax, but won't openly state the new rate, in a process leaving little time for public input.
Tom YamachikaMarch 31, 2025