Government & Politics
News
Community Voices: When good bills go bad
Several of the Grassroot Institute of Hawaiʻi’s priority measures still in play aim to make a dent in Hawaiʻi’s housing crisis.
Keliʻi AkinaApril 21, 2026
Sylvia Luke not running for reelection
Lieutenant governor seat up for grabs in upcoming election.
Michael BrestovanskyApril 21, 2026
Community Voices: Where’s your second tax return — part 2
Tax Foundation of Hawaiʻi details its latest win at the Legislature — submitting a redraft for HB2429 in testimony that would have forced residents to file a second, publicly available, tax return. Conference Committee meetings now begin.
Tom YamachikaApril 20, 2026
Former governor George Ariyoshi dead at 100
Flags to fly at half-staff in commemoration of the nation's first Asian-American elected governor.
Michael BrestovanskyApril 20, 2026
State comes closer to takeover of Wahiawā Dam
The state Agribusiness Development Corp. authorized negotiations with the owners of the Wahiawā Dam to transfer it to state control.
Michael BrestovanskyApril 18, 2026
CONGRESS WATCH: Faster disaster funds for farmers
A bill that would help Hawai‘i farmers get disaster recovery funds more quickly is moving through Congress.
Michael BrestovanskyApril 17, 2026
What's still alive at the state Legislature?
After one of the last deadlines this legislative session, many major bills are still kicking.
Michael BrestovanskyApril 17, 2026
Pipikaula Corner: Congratulations, Hawai‘i, we're No. 1! In local taxes!
A walletHub analysis of state and local taxes puts Hawai‘i at the top.
A. Kam NapierApril 16, 2026
City acquires Chinatown property for future housing, redevelopment
The property, located at 175 N. Pauahi St., was acquired on April 1 for $4.52 million.
Stephanie SalmonsApril 16, 2026
House passes anti-corporate-election-spending bill
Bill that would strip from corporations the power to make political donations is on the cusp of passing, despite Attorney General's warnings.
Michael BrestovanskyApril 16, 2026
Community Voices: How building new homes benefits everyone
Several remaining reforms in the state Legislature propose more housing in Hawaiʻi at all levels, without spending a dime of taxpayer money. But how will legislators respond?
Keliʻi AkinaApril 14, 2026
Honolulu to host 'Rebuild O‘ahu' event on Saturday
The city says the April 18 event aims to support residents affected by recent storms that have caused widespread flooding across the island over the past two months.
Stephanie SalmonsApril 14, 2026
Thirty Meter Telescope could be moved, project leader says
Controversial observatory could "feasibly" be moved to site of decommissioned facility elsewhere on Mauna Kea.
Michael BrestovanskyApril 14, 2026
Community Voices: Conveyance Tax Fright
The Legislature is advancing bills to increase the conveyance tax on properties sold in Hawai‘i, without revealing by how much. The are "Blankety Blank" bills, with the most important numbers left out. Early drafts, however, did propose rate increases as much as four times higher than current rates.
Tom YamachikaApril 14, 2026
What’s in a Lieutenant Governor?
Some of Hawai‘i's Lieutenant Governors have launched bigger political careers from the position, some faded in obscurity, and a number them clashed with their governors. One even quit halfway through his term to go back to private industry. Here are the names that made history in the statehood era.
Perry ArrasmithApril 13, 2026
Evacuation order issued for Otake Camp
A flash flood warning is in effect for O‘ahu until 5 p.m.
Stephanie SalmonsApril 11, 2026
Presidential disaster declaration issued for Kona lows 1 and 2
Gov. Josh Green announced that federal aid will be available to recover from the March storms.
Michael BrestovanskyApril 10, 2026
Proposal to return Hawai‘i inmates to Hawai‘i prisons popular
House Bill 1769 would return 30% of Hawai‘i inmates sent to Mainland prisons by 2030.
Michael BrestovanskyApril 09, 2026
Hamada: "Lucky You Live Hawai‘i," we say — as celebration, or as cope?
ASD columnist Rick Hamada discusses three phrases we tell ourselves to get by in the Islands.
Rick HamadaApril 09, 2026
State readies for newest round of storms
Here's what's being done ahead of a new storm system set to bring more rain and wind to the Islands this week.
Stephanie SalmonsApril 08, 2026
Hawai‘i Athletics makes final appearance at legislative hearing before 2026-2027 decision
UH is asking for a total of $16 million in NIL funds and capital improvements.
Christian ShimabukuApril 08, 2026
Public input sought for proposed community center in West Maui
G70 and Maui County Department of Parks and Recreation have partnered to bring community spaces and facility programs back to West Maui. Residents can submit feedback in-person and online starting May 19 to June 14.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosApril 07, 2026
West Hawai‘i beetle restrictions to take effect next month
State Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity will impose restrictions on transporting plants from a designated "infested zone" where coconut rhinoceros beetles have been detected.
Michael BrestovanskyApril 07, 2026
The missing step
When the Hawai‘i state Legislature passed historic tax cuts in 2024, it was meant to be the first step in a two-step plan to restructure Hawai‘i's tax code by state Rep. Kyle Yamashita, then chair of the House Finance committee. Then he lost the chairmanship, the House voted to take back the cuts and Yamashita's plan has gone missing. ASD columnist Sterling Higa explores what might have been.
Sterling HigaApril 07, 2026