Government & Politics
News
Traffic, drug deaths rise in Honolulu
Methamphetamine remained the leading contributor. Fentanyl-related deaths rose sharply, increasing by nearly 60% over three years. Cocaine-related deaths also increased during that period.
January 24, 2026
Pipikaula Corner: Confusion reigns at Legislature opening day
Attendees spent the morning asking "Where do we go? What do we do?" No one seemed to know.
A. Kam NapierJanuary 22, 2026
Hawaiʻi County Council approves property tax relief for longtime agricultural homeowners
Many of the affected landowners are seniors on fixed incomes.
January 22, 2026
Lawmakers ring in new legislative session
Hundreds gathered at the Capitol Wednesday to celebrate the start of the 2026 session
Michael BrestovanskyJanuary 22, 2026
U.S. Supreme Court hears "vampire rule" gun law arguments
Wolford v. Lopez challenges 2023 gun law prohibiting concealed firearms on private property.
Michael BrestovanskyJanuary 21, 2026
Hamada: Word salads on the menu this Legislative session
Politicians have their own language, and Hawai‘i's politicians have perfected the art of sounding like they're doing something when they're really ... not. Check out these statements from the Hawai‘i Senate Majority Outlook for examples, as the Legislature kicks off this week.
Rick HamadaJanuary 20, 2026
It's opening day tomorrow. How can you attend?
Attendees at the first day of the new legislative session should expect crowds and long delays.
Michael BrestovanskyJanuary 20, 2026
Community Voices: More idle special funds, this time in ag
Tax Foundation of Hawaiʻi takes a look at the state Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity's 2026 Report on Non-General Fund Appropriations, and some projections aren't adding up.
Tom YamachikaJanuary 19, 2026
Maui Council advances proposed H-3, H-4 hotel zoning tied to vacation rental phaseout
Resolution sends new hotel district proposal to planning commissions as County implements Bill 9 housing strategy.
January 19, 2026
CONGRESS WATCH: Senate votes to send millions to Hawai‘i environmental programs
Congress voted on vast budget bills and also the legal definition of a showerhead.
Michael BrestovanskyJanuary 19, 2026
Kauaʻi Coffee employees face uncertainty as lease talks continue
Negotiations over historic West Side farmland could affect nearly 150 jobs and one of the nation’s largest coffee operations.
January 17, 2026
ʻOnipaʻa Peace March remembers overthrow of Hawaiʻi’s last ruling Monarch
Thousands walked a route that started at Mauna ʻAla and ended at ʻIolani Palace on Friday, Jan. 16, to remember the overthrow of Hawaiʻi’s last ruling Monarch, Queen Liliuokalani, as part of the ʻOnipaʻa Peace March.
Katie HellandJanuary 17, 2026
State military affairs office releases first annual factbook
Hawai‘i's Military Affairs and Community Relations Office breaks down U.S. military spending in the state
Michael BrestovanskyJanuary 16, 2026
Kaiser workers to strike again
Some 250 Hawai‘i health care workers will strike on Jan. 26
Michael BrestovanskyJanuary 16, 2026
Hawai‘i County purchase of Honolulu Landing in Puna in escrow
Purchase of the 364-acre coastal property will protect cultural sites, endangered species habitat and public shoreline access.
January 15, 2026
Federal delegation quiet on $35,000 bribe
Hawai‘i's D.C. contingent have not commented on 2022 cash payment to unknown lawmaker
Michael BrestovanskyJanuary 15, 2026
School resource officers arrive at three O‘ahu schools
The pilot program, a partnership between HIDOE and HPD, will run through the end of the school year — that is, until summer — whereupon both partner agencies will evaluate the results and consider possible expansions.
Michael BrestovanskyJanuary 15, 2026
Medical marijuana dispensary owners weigh in on legalization
With voters possibly deciding the issue, operators and state regulators highlight challenges in Hawai’i’s medical-only cannabis market.
January 15, 2026
Councilwoman Tupola pushes task force to reduce landfill reliance
End Landfills Task Force would explore ways to phase out landfill use, coordinate waste diversion and guide long-term policy for Honolulu.
January 15, 2026
Hamada: Hawai‘i to get democratically stoned. Maybe.
State Representative David Tarnas is proposing a legalization of recreational marijuana initiative to appear on the November election day ballot. Since failure is the calling card in the legislature, he believes he can succeed if there is a direct binding vote from the people.
Rick HamadaJanuary 14, 2026
CONGRESS WATCH: Supreme Court hears arguments in landmark trans athletics case
Hawai‘i Sen. Mazie Hirono was a lead signatory of a brief supporting trans athletes last year.
Michael BrestovanskyJanuary 14, 2026
Community Voices: How to achieve a policy trifecta
What if we could help farmers, ease the housing crisis and improve Hawaiʻi’s economy all at the same time?
Keliʻi AkinaJanuary 13, 2026
Tax credits top concern for Hawaiʻi Film Alliance
John Salanoa, chair of the bills committee for HFA, shares the group’s vision for legislative priorities to support the film industry in 2026.
Katie HellandJanuary 13, 2026
Councilwoman Yuki Lei Sugimura announces mayoral run
Sugimura told Aloha State Daily her mayoral priorities focus on transparency and accountability, infrastructure and economic resilience, emphasizing that leadership begins with listening to the community.
January 13, 2026