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
What's planned for Iwilei infrastructure, Liliha Civic Center
The final environmental impact statement includes an infrastructure plan that covers 555 acres in Iwilei-Kapālama and proposes improvements that will help spur redevelopment, and the Liliha Civic Center Master Plan, which proposes a mixed-use development on 3.79 acres in Iwilei.
Stephanie SalmonsApril 22, 2025
Community Voices: Apply rebuilding waivers to all Lahaina fire victims
When disaster strikes, people want to rebuild what they lost. If that property is in a Shoreline Management Area, however, the law can get in the way, as hundreds of Lahaina homeowners have found out. A bill before the legislature would waive such restrictions, freeing people to rebuild their homes.
Keliʻi Akina & Ph.D.April 20, 2025
Wahiawā landfill proposal on the outs over H-POWER ash concerns
While a proposed law would make the controversial landfill impossible, lawmakers debate what to do with waste-to-energy ash
Michael BrestovanskyApril 19, 2025
Garbage in, but not out: Slow progress on proposals to reduce waste
City and state proposals to limit waste generation may not go far enough, fast enough.
Michael BrestovanskyApril 18, 2025
Too fast, too furious? Proposed law aims to regulate police car chases
In an effort to limit danger to the public, House Bill 277 would restrict when, where and how police officers can pursue a suspect vehicle.
Michael BrestovanskyApril 17, 2025
Community Voices: Supporting Government’s Central Services
Hawai‘i's state Department of Transportation pays the most among all departments in internal fees back to state government for its shared expenses. Here's why it may be stuck with that arrangement.
Tom YamachikaApril 13, 2025
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