Government & Politics
News
Quinlan: Storm evacuees may shelter at Waikīkī
North Shore Rep. Sean Quinlan speaks about Wahiawā Dam and the evacuation.
Michael BrestovanskyMarch 20, 2026
Hawaiian Electric shuts off power to 4,100 North Shore customers
Utility warns the second Kona Low now hitting the Islands could lead to new outages. As a precaution, some power has been turned off in Waialua due to flooding.
A. Kam NapierMarch 20, 2026
Storm updates: State down to flood watch, sinkholes new danger on Maui
Flooded homes may have leached sewage into floodwaters and the nearshore waters. Stay out of the ocean for at least 72 hours. In previous updates here, Maui County now getting the brunt of rain, Gov. Green says damages could top $1 billion statewide.
ASD StaffMarch 20, 2026
The promises of Rick Blangiardi
Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi made several promises during his sixth State of the City address on Wednesday.
Michael BrestovanskyMarch 20, 2026
Pipikaula Corner: Hawai‘i is hypocritical about vice
Yesterday's rally at the State Capitol against disposable vapes is an example of how lawmakers approach vices with a dazzling mix of inconsistency, hypocrisy and amnesia over the laws they've already passed.
A. Kam NapierMarch 19, 2026
Governor and attorney general endorse disposable vape ban
Keiki and lawmakers rallied Wednesday in support of bills cracking down on vape sales.
Michael BrestovanskyMarch 19, 2026
Residents urged to file insurance claims following severe storm
Read ahead to find more information and resources about filing claims after last week's Kona Low storm system brought heavy rains, high winds and property damage to the Islands.
Stephanie SalmonsMarch 19, 2026
Japanese energy company proposes natural gas plant in Kapolei
Gov. Josh Green announced a proposal by Japanese energy producer JERA to partner with the state.
Michael BrestovanskyMarch 18, 2026
What the Carpenters couldn't buy
ASD columnist Sterling Higa writes that the PAC of the Carpenters Union has spent millions opposing candidates who have opposed rail spending, including Sylvia Luke. Now that she's politically vulnerable and facing challengers, the union might be getting what it wants.
Sterling HigaMarch 18, 2026
Community Voices: Housing bills looked like winners, until they didn’t
This is regrettable not just because of what it means for Hawaiʻi’s ongoing housing crisis, but also because of the way it happened.
Keliʻi AkinaMarch 18, 2026
A 'generational storm'
Aloha State Daily spoke with National Weather Service meteorologist Patrick Blood about last week's severe storms and what's next for Hawai‘i's weather.
Stephanie SalmonsMarch 17, 2026
Pipikaula Corner: How much water was that, anyway?
Warning: Journalist doing math! That said, if you're wondering how much water the Kona Low just dumped on the Islands, there is a way to figure that out. The answer starts with a "T."
A. Kam NapierMarch 17, 2026
Damage report: State and counties assessing storm impacts
Flooding, potholes and roof collapses make up majority of storm damage reported by state and county authorities.
Michael BrestovanskyMarch 17, 2026
Community Voices: A taxing debate
House and Senate bills in motion, if adopted, will define our state income taxes for the next several years. Letʻs take a closer look.
Tom YamachikaMarch 17, 2026
Switching sides: Maui Rep. Elle Cochran quits Dems, joins GOP
Cochran says Republicans will help bring stronger leadership to West Maui.
Michael BrestovanskyMarch 17, 2026
Honolulu chooses development partner for affordable housing project in Kalihi
The city acquired the former Dee Lite Bakery site in 2019 as part of a long-term effort to secure land for affordable housing near transit.
Stephanie SalmonsMarch 14, 2026
CONGRESS WATCH: Trump lawsuits, ICE and "Soviet" housing
Hawai‘i Senator unveils anti-Trump-corruption bill.
Michael BrestovanskyMarch 13, 2026
$25 million wastewater project stinks, says Kaua‘i County Council
A proposal to nearly double a loan to make improvement to an aging wastewater treatment plant in Wailua raised eyebrows at the Kaua‘i County Council's meeting on Wednesday.
Michael BrestovanskyMarch 13, 2026
UPDATED: Power outages going into Monday night
The utility went into the evening working to restore power to about 26,000 customers on three islands.
Michael BrestovanskyMarch 12, 2026
Scenes from the state capitol: Lawmakers bicker over ICE proposals
While both chambers voted to pass scores of bills at third reading Tuesday, it was not without debate.
Michael BrestovanskyMarch 12, 2026
Pipikaula Corner: Invisible Legislators
People take time out of their lives to participate in the democratic process by testifying before committee hearings. Too often, the committee isn't there.
A. Kam NapierMarch 12, 2026
Hamada: The SAVE America Act is important, and sensible
ASD columnist Rick Hamada finds Rep. Ed Case to be the only voice of reason among Hawai‘i's congressional delegation in voting in favor of the SAVE America act requiring that voters show ID to prove their eligibility to vote.
Rick HamadaMarch 11, 2026
"The Rep from Bethlehem"
ASD columnist Sterling Higa explores how a recent exchange on the floor of the House of Representatives between House Majority Leader Sean Quinlan and Rep. Elijah Pierick went so wrong.
Sterling HigaMarch 11, 2026
Pause on tax cuts still advancing despite debate
A proposal to halt a "historic" series of tax cuts is halfway through the state Legislature, but its final form is still open for debate.
Michael BrestovanskyMarch 10, 2026