Government & Politics
News
P. Denise La Costa announces 2026 Maui County mayoral run
La Costa, a longtime Maui business owner and former Planning Commissioner, told Aloha State Daily she would focus on Lahaina’s recovery, housing supply and county government processes if elected mayor.
February 04, 2026
CONGRESS WATCH: House passes funding bill to end shutdown
Congress has 10 days to agree on ICE reforms before temporary Department of Homeland Security funds run out.
Michael BrestovanskyFebruary 04, 2026
UHERO report: Hawai‘i's economy one of nation's weakest
UHERO study of the state's economy highlights high cost of living, low income growth
Michael BrestovanskyFebruary 03, 2026
Honolulu to pilot food scrap composting
A City waste characterization study conducted found organic material accounted for roughly 36% of all discarded waste with food waste alone making up about 20%.
February 03, 2026
Pipikaula Corner: Hawai‘i’s proposed anti-ICE laws mimic Minneapolis in the worst ways
On Tuesday, Gov. Green and Hawai‘i lawmakers stood in front of some wild allegations about ICE, and they're about to rush legislation as if every horror story on display were true.
A. Kam NapierJanuary 31, 2026
Hawai‘i architects meet with lawmakers
AIA Hawai‘i State Council hosted its Architecture Advocacy Day at the state Capitol on Thursday, Jan. 29.
Stephanie SalmonsJanuary 31, 2026
CONGRESS WATCH: Partial shutdown coming this weekend after Senate vote
Senate votes to pass budget bill, minus ICE funds
Michael BrestovanskyJanuary 31, 2026
West Maui water prices may rise
Kapalua residents could see higher water bills as Public Utilities Commission mulls rate hike
Michael BrestovanskyJanuary 31, 2026
Reed Mahuna named police chief after nationwide search
Mahuna has been offered the position of Hawaiʻi County police chief following a nationwide search and strong public support, the Hawaiʻi County Police Commission announced Friday.
January 31, 2026
Honolulu Bus, Handi-Van and Skyline fares set to increase
City Council approves fare overhaul expected to generate $4 million for Oʻahu’s public transit system amid rising costs, despite opposition citing affordability concerns.
January 30, 2026
Nonprofit advocating for Hawaiʻi keiki appoints new leader
John-Paul Chaisson-Cárdenas, who joined Hawaiʻi Children’s Action Network earlier this month as executive director, brings more than 20 years of leadership experience to the role. He spoke with Aloha State Daily about the organization’s 2026 legislative priorities and goals ahead, as well as how he approached preparing for this job by connecting with Native Hawaiians living in the diaspora.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosJanuary 30, 2026
Green backs BAC reduction bills
Two state bills would lower the threshold for drunk driving from .08 to .05.
Michael BrestovanskyJanuary 30, 2026
Vice division cracks down on drugs, guns
Hawai‘i Island police seize hundreds of pounds of narcotics, dozens of firearms and hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash in first year after units merged.
January 29, 2026
CONGRESS WATCH: ICE funding bill in limbo as shutdown deadline looms
Debate of ICE budget bill stalls action on other measures
Michael BrestovanskyJanuary 29, 2026
Green, legislators promise anti-ICE bills
Lawmakers promise legislative response to Minneapolis shootings
Michael BrestovanskyJanuary 28, 2026
County audit targets $33M in homeless funding
The Homelessness and Housing Fund, authorized through 2027, receives at least $9 million annually from residential property tax revenues. The audit is expected to provide lawmakers and the public with a clearer picture of whether the county’s homelessness funding is being spent effectively and producing visible results.
January 28, 2026
Pipikaula Corner: Legislature to clamp down on ... shopping carts!?
House Bill 1636 wants businesses to pay $500 fines when their shopping carts are stolen and dumped. There's an entire mindset at work behind the idea that the way to solve a problem — abandoned carts — is to rob the store a second time with a fine.
A. Kam NapierJanuary 27, 2026
8 finalists to interview for Hawaiʻi Police Chief
The commission plans to make its decision once the selection process wraps up on Jan. 30. Any chosen candidate would receive a provisional appointment, pending the successful completion of required screening procedures such as a background check, psychological assessment and polygraph test.
January 27, 2026
Green announces 'pause' on future tax cuts
Governor's State of the State address reflected on past successes and promised future policies
Michael BrestovanskyJanuary 27, 2026
Community Voices: New year, new variance
One way agencies can continue striving for improvement in their service to Hawaiʻi’s people is by filling out variance reports, and for legislators to facilitate that improvement.
Tom YamachikaJanuary 27, 2026
Community Voices: Alternatives to ‘pausing’ Hawai‘i’s income tax cuts
A Grassroot analysis of the governor’s proposed budget shows that rather than walk back the tax cuts, the Legislature could simply identify and reallocate about $350 million a year in current state funding to make up for the governor’s projected expenses.
Keliʻi AkinaJanuary 26, 2026
County to rebuild Coconut Island Bridge after collapse
County officials say full reconstruction is the safest option after last fall’s partial collapse shut down the island park and cut off its only pedestrian access.
January 24, 2026
House Republicans tax cuts, election reform, and more
House Minority Caucus legislative package includes 28 bills; House Majority and Senate caucuses release slimmer packages
Michael BrestovanskyJanuary 24, 2026
Hawai‘i organizations outline their top legislative priorities
With the state Legislature now open, Aloha State Daily asked several organizations about their priorities the 2026 legislative session.
Stephanie SalmonsJanuary 24, 2026