Government & Politics
News
More rain expected this week
The possibility of more rainfall comes weeks after back-to-back Kona Low storm systems brought significant rains in March that triggered flooding and power outages, prompted evacuations and caused damage across the Islands.
Stephanie SalmonsApril 06, 2026
Community Voices: Additional car tax dead for now
This session, the Senate Transportation Committee saved all of us the trouble of worrying about HB2030's fate. It deferred the bill.
Tom YamachikaApril 06, 2026
More resources available for storm victims
Gov. Josh Green announces new case management program, while the City and County of Honolulu has launched a storm damage tracker for communities throughout the island.
Michael BrestovanskyApril 04, 2026
2024 election question to be resolved after 2026 election
Allegations of election mismanagement on Hawai‘i County two years ago are disputed by the state, but official answers are still likely months away.
Michael BrestovanskyApril 03, 2026
Hawai‘i architects 'ready to assist' after storms
AIA Hawai‘i says architects can help property owners "understand the extent of damage, determine whether repairs are feasible, and ensure that any reconstruction meets current building codes and incorporates strategies to better withstand future climate-related events."
Stephanie SalmonsApril 03, 2026
Farm damage nears $70 million following Kona lows
The damage toll from March's storms continues to rise as lawmakers ponder solutions.
Michael BrestovanskyApril 02, 2026
Irrigation funding bill still alive following March floods
A bill providing funds to three state agencies for irrigation systems maintenance may be woefully insufficient as March storm damage mounts.
Michael BrestovanskyApril 01, 2026
What’s next for Otake Camp?
Some residents of Otake Camp are still in the dark. Farmers lost crops. Families lost homes. And everywhere, the mud prevails. They are seeking generators, lumber and funds to restart.
Katie HellandApril 01, 2026
CONGRESS WATCH: Airports and ICE
The ICE budget is still up in the air at Congress, while a slew of new airport bills passed the Senate unchallenged last week.
Michael BrestovanskyMarch 31, 2026
The budget that doesn't grow
Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi did something remarkable early this month in releasing a city budget that came in $133 million under the previous year's budget. ASD columnist Sterling Higa looks at all four county budgets to see which counties are living within the means of their citizens.
Sterling HigaMarch 30, 2026
Community Voices: Where’s your second tax return?
If passed, HB2429 would require you to file not just one tax return but two — and one of them will be open to the public.
Tom YamachikaMarch 30, 2026
Community Voices: The Legislature found $150 million. So where’s our tax relief?
Gov. Josh Green kicked off this year’s session claiming the state’s budget crunch is so bad that it justifies “pausing” the phase-in of the historic income tax cuts he signed into law in 2024. If that’s true, why has the Legislature put forth a budget that blows past his suggested spending by more than $195 million?
Keliʻi AkinaMarch 30, 2026
DLNR to take over Wahiawā Reservoir lands
Board of Land and Natural Resources approves takeover of Wahiawā irrigation parcels, despite debate.
Michael BrestovanskyMarch 28, 2026
Kula Hospital closed indefinitely following storm damage
Maui Health investigating alternate care services for Kula after more than 100 patients had to be relocated.
Michael BrestovanskyMarch 28, 2026
Hawai‘i's celebrity politicians
From Duke Kahanamoku to Herman Wedemeyer to Augie Tulba, there have been local celebrities who have added one more role to resume — politician. ASD columnist Perry Arrasmith walks us through the legends.
Perry ArrasmithMarch 27, 2026
Bill prohibiting corporate political donations nearing the finish line
A bill limiting a corporation's ability to make political donations has passed all but one committee in the state Legislature.
Michael BrestovanskyMarch 27, 2026
Waimānalo Country Farms asks visitors to return this summer
The farm known for its sunflower fields and fresh corn, as well as lemonade and pumpkins, was hard hit by the recent Kona Low storms and lost its spring harvest. But Shawn Kadooka wants people to give to those who lost homes and says they can support the farm later by visiting when it opens this summer.
Katie HellandMarch 27, 2026
Hawai‘i Community Foundation launches storm relief fund
Stronger Hawai‘i Fund to issue grants to nonprofits statewide for storm recovery projects
Michael BrestovanskyMarch 26, 2026
How a new condo development impacts the housing market
New research from University of Hawai‘i Economic Research Organization highlights the ripple effects that The Central, a 512-unit condo near Ala Moana Center that was completed in 2021, had on O‘ahu's housing market.
Stephanie SalmonsMarch 26, 2026
Who controls the rain?
Conspiracy theories fell like raindrops, even as the Kona Low system pummeled the Islands. ASD columnist Sterling Higa digs into what it means as people search for answers to calamity.
Sterling HigaMarch 26, 2026
What's next for the Wahiawā Dam?
Ownership changes coming throughout Wahiawā Irrigation System.
Michael BrestovanskyMarch 25, 2026
Pipikaula Corner: The climate change dodge
Hawai‘i lawmakers are advancing a bill that would allow insurers to sue fossil fuel companies when they have to make big payouts for disasters allegedly caused by climate change. What they really aim to do, however, is shield local government and powerful interests from accountability for any role they themselves may have played.
A. Kam NapierMarch 24, 2026
Forecasters expect drier days ahead; flood watch in effect for Maui, Hawai‘i Island
Read ahead for more storm-related updates, including the launch of an emergency farmer relief program and a free mobile medical clinic opening on O‘ahu's North Shore.
Stephanie SalmonsMarch 24, 2026
Power bills to rise under HECO proposal
Hawaiian Electric's plan to upgrade its Waiau Power Plant has been approved by the state Public Utilities Commission.
Michael BrestovanskyMarch 24, 2026