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
Green signs green fee
Transient accommodation tax hike will pay for climate change mitigation measures
Michael BrestovanskyMay 28, 2025
Community Voices: Legislators ignore rules for special funds
The state Office of the Auditor analyzed 86 proposed special and revolving funds proposed by the Legislature in this past session. Not a single one of them met the legal criteria for establishing such funds.
Tom YamachikaMay 26, 2025
Pedestrian bridge crossing Ala Moana Boulevard in Kaka‘ako is now open
The $17.8 million elevated walkway, located between Ward Avenue and Kamake‘e Street, opened May 22, a little more than three years after construction on it started.
Stephanie SalmonsMay 24, 2025
Environmental groups suing Trump over commercial fishing proclamation
Trump's April proclamation allowing commercial fishing in the Pacific Islands Heritage Marine National Monument was made illegally, argues lawsuit filed Thursday
Michael BrestovanskyMay 24, 2025
CONGRESS WATCH: How Hawai‘i's reps voted on the Big Beautiful Bill
Case and Tokuda give their reasons for the vote while ASD takes a look at some of the bill's potential effects and what the other side likes about it.
Michael BrestovanskyMay 23, 2025
Community Voices: Cleaning up Hawai‘i’s permitting mess
A new report from the University of Hawai‘i Economic Research Organization shows that Hawai‘i permit delays in 2024 were at some of the worst levels ever. But I’m glad to report policy changes at the state and county levels that could make a real dent in these delays.
Keliʻi Akina & Ph.D.May 22, 2025
CONGRESS WATCH: Tip tax to go
U.S. Senators unanimous in support for removing federal income tax on cash tips
Michael BrestovanskyMay 22, 2025
Community Voices: Economic prosperity rises from the bottom up
Special for ASD, the Hawaiʻi Appleseed Center for Law & Economic Justice looks at the recent Legislative sessionʻs hits and misses.
Will CaronMay 21, 2025
Hawai‘i Kai residents preemptively petition against high-rise
As three Kamehameha Schools leases run out in Hawai‘i Kai, residents worry about what comes next
Michael BrestovanskyMay 21, 2025
CONGRESS WATCH: Easier forms for veterans
How Hawai‘i's Representatives voted on Monday
Michael BrestovanskyMay 20, 2025
Community Voices: 2025 Legislative Also-Rans
This week, we will be looking at a few bills that passed both houses of the legislature, but did not make it through conference. Those bills may come back to haunt us next year, including capital gains taxes, "green fees" on Hawai‘i visitors and more.
Tom YamachikaMay 19, 2025
Involuntary commitment bill draws warnings from human rights group
ACLU Hawai‘i warns of legal ramifications of gubernatorial bill streamlining process to have people involuntarily hospitalized.
Michael BrestovanskyMay 17, 2025