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
CONGRESS WATCH: Military construction budget leaves Hawai‘i high and dry, Case warns
House committee advances budget and VA proposal despite Democrat opposition
Michael BrestovanskyJune 12, 2025
Community Voices: ‘Diversified ag’ rhetoric often doesn’t match reality
Hawai‘i's farmers often feel like their crops have to fight their way through a thick blanket of regulations, but there's some good news on that front from Maui County.
Keliʻi Akina & Ph.D.June 11, 2025
DOE breaks ground on $60M gym, music building at Farrington High School
It's just the second of a nine-phase, long-term modernization project. The first phase was completed in 2017.
Stephanie SalmonsJune 11, 2025
Blangiardi on ICE: City to exercise "appropriate judgment" toward immigration law enforcement
As Trump crackdown on unlawful immigration continues, the Honolulu mayor's office acknowledges obligations to comply with federal agencies.
Michael BrestovanskyJune 11, 2025
CONGRESS WATCH: Case splits from Democrat vote on shipping bill
Cargo act would strengthen impact of Jones Act, Case says
Michael BrestovanskyJune 10, 2025
Honolulu takes next step in Iwilei-Kapālama redevelopment
The city has put out a request for proposals to find a multidisciplinary planning and development team to prepare a transit-oriented development plan dubbed "Transforming Iwilei-Kapālama: Connecting People and Places."
Stephanie SalmonsJune 09, 2025
Community Voices: The Unseen Stopper Committees
The recently concluded Legislative session highlighted an undemocratic trend at the Legislature — finance committees gaining power over legislation of all kinds, whether there's a financial impact or not.
Tom YamachikaJune 09, 2025
New law targets child torturers
Torture is now a crime in Hawai‘i after Gov. Josh Green signed a bill Wednesday.
Michael BrestovanskyJune 07, 2025
Snakes (hopefully not) on a plane
The brown tree snake remains the top invasive species threat to Hawai‘i. The introduction of the reptile to the Islands would be an "ecological disaster," agriculture officials say, and last year they conducted nearly 1,500 inspections of planes and ships arriving from Guam, where the snake is especially prevalent.
Stephanie SalmonsJune 07, 2025
What happens when illegal animals, invasive stowaways are found in Hawai‘i
State agricultural inspectors recently found a ball python in a Kaimukī back yard. That got us wondering, what happens next?
Stephanie SalmonsJune 06, 2025
CONGRESS WATCH: House Republicans take aim at "sanctuary cities"
Hawai‘i reps oppose bills tightening restrictions on the Small Business Administration
Michael BrestovanskyJune 06, 2025
Prison reform coalition urges Gov. Green to halt OCCC "superjail"
Advocates asked Green to veto $30 million in state budget to design a 1,300-bed replacement for OCCC.
Michael BrestovanskyJune 05, 2025