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
On the Fourth, read the Declaration
If you really want to understand why we're celebrating Independence Day, go back to the source and read the Declaration of Independence, says ASD political historian Perry Arrasmith. It's only one of the most important documents in history!
Perry ArrasmithJuly 02, 2026
Hamada: Why I'm happily celebrating the Fourth of July
ASD opinion columnist Rick Hamada remembers firsthand the tumultuous year of 1968 — and how Americans nevertheless united to celebrate the Fourth of July. He's keeping that spirit alive this year, even if some people seem determined to sit the party out.
Rick HamadaJuly 01, 2026
Blangiardi warns of 'unprecedented' fireworks enforcement amid wildfire prevention campaign
City, state and federal agencies launched the 2026 Wildfire LOOKOUT! campaign Tuesday with advice and warnings about what to do and not do to avoid wildfires.
Michael BrestovanskyJuly 01, 2026
Community Voices: When licensing goes too far
Highlights from Grassroot’s annual legislative wrap-up visits, including how a hair braider in Hawaiʻi got their license to open a small business.
Keliʻi AkinaJune 30, 2026
No contested case for tow woes at Ala Wai
Despite complaints over tow-happy parking enforcement at Ala Wai Small Boat Harbor, a contested case hearing will not be going forward.
Michael BrestovanskyJune 30, 2026
Hawai‘i at 250
Hawai‘i's celebrations for the 250th anniversary of America's independence seem muted compared to those for the Bicentennial in 1976. That's a shame, argues ASD columnist Perry Arrasmith. Can't we set aside our complaints for even one day to celebrate?
Perry ArrasmithJune 29, 2026
Controversial Hale‘iwa housing project back on the table
Despite opposition, the 150-unit Hale‘iwa housing project returned to a County Council committee this week.
Michael BrestovanskyJune 27, 2026
Green signs $20 billion budget bill, plans to veto 4 others
Gov. Josh Green signed a supplemental budget bill Friday and unveiled his list of four measures he intends to kill.
Michael BrestovanskyJune 27, 2026
U.S. Supreme Court stakes Hawai‘i's 'vampire' gun law
A 2023 law prohibiting bringing concealed firearms onto private property without the owner's explicit consent has been deemed unconstitutional.
Michael BrestovanskyJune 26, 2026
GoFundMe warns new Hawaiʻi law will impact nonprofits
Hawaiʻi's Act 205, which goes into effect July 1, requires written consent from nonprofits using GoFundMe, among other online charitable fundraising platforms, to keep its accounts active online and able to receive donations. GoFundMe VP Amanda Brown Lierman shares what local organizations need to know about the company’s process.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosJune 25, 2026
Pipikaula Corner: Hawai‘i’s crappy priorities
The state just announced a process for Hawai‘i’s businesses and nonprofits to apply for funding out of the new $120-million “green fee” fund. ASD editor in chief A. Kam Napier opines that we could be aiming all of that money at a single very significant environmental problem we made for ourselves right here in the Islands. Instead, it will get diluted.
A. Kam NapierJune 25, 2026
DOJ awards $17 million to over 600 Red Hill plaintiffs
Military family members impacted by the Red Hill water contamination receive settlements, but the case continues as thousands more plaintiffs remain.
Michael BrestovanskyJune 25, 2026