Government & Politics

ASD’s eye on the people in state and local government making decisions that impact you where you live.

Some days, we report on the little things you see every day, such as road closures or park improvements. Other days, we look at the big plans from Hawai‘i's governor and its mayors. On the issues that matter to you — education, housing, health, homelessness, the cost of living in Hawai‘i, taxes and spending — we keep an eye on what the Hawai‘i state Legislature and county councilmembers are doing.

Kamehameha Schools still figuring out future of Hawai‘i Kai properties

Despite residents' concerns about hypothetical high-rises, decisions about three Haha‘ione parcels are still pending

Michael BrestovanskyMay 30, 2025

Green names successor to Gene Ward

Joe Gedeon will serve out the remainder of the late Gene Ward's term.

Michael BrestovanskyMay 29, 2025

Neighborhood Board election results are in

There were 14,031 votes cast in the election, which began in April and ended earlier this month.

Stephanie SalmonsMay 29, 2025

Green signs green fee

Transient accommodation tax hike will pay for climate change mitigation measures

Michael BrestovanskyMay 28, 2025

Community Voices: Legislators ignore rules for special funds

The state Office of the Auditor analyzed 86 proposed special and revolving funds proposed by the Legislature in this past session. Not a single one of them met the legal criteria for establishing such funds.

Tom YamachikaMay 26, 2025

Pedestrian bridge crossing Ala Moana Boulevard in Kaka‘ako is now open

The $17.8 million elevated walkway, located between Ward Avenue and Kamake‘e Street, opened May 22, a little more than three years after construction on it started.

Stephanie SalmonsMay 24, 2025

Environmental groups suing Trump over commercial fishing proclamation

Trump's April proclamation allowing commercial fishing in the Pacific Islands Heritage Marine National Monument was made illegally, argues lawsuit filed Thursday

Michael BrestovanskyMay 24, 2025

CONGRESS WATCH: How Hawai‘i's reps voted on the Big Beautiful Bill

Case and Tokuda give their reasons for the vote while ASD takes a look at some of the bill's potential effects and what the other side likes about it.

Michael BrestovanskyMay 23, 2025

Community Voices: Cleaning up Hawai‘i’s permitting mess

A new report from the University of Hawai‘i Economic Research Organization shows that Hawai‘i permit delays in 2024 were at some of the worst levels ever. But I’m glad to report policy changes at the state and county levels that could make a real dent in these delays.

Keliʻi Akina & Ph.D.May 22, 2025

CONGRESS WATCH: Tip tax to go

U.S. Senators unanimous in support for removing federal income tax on cash tips

Michael BrestovanskyMay 22, 2025

Community Voices: Economic prosperity rises from the bottom up

Special for ASD, the Hawaiʻi Appleseed Center for Law & Economic Justice looks at the recent Legislative sessionʻs hits and misses.

Will CaronMay 21, 2025

Hawai‘i Kai residents preemptively petition against high-rise

As three Kamehameha Schools leases run out in Hawai‘i Kai, residents worry about what comes next

Michael BrestovanskyMay 21, 2025

CONGRESS WATCH: Easier forms for veterans

How Hawai‘i's Representatives voted on Monday

Michael BrestovanskyMay 20, 2025

Community Voices: 2025 Legislative Also-Rans

This week, we will be looking at a few bills that passed both houses of the legislature, but did not make it through conference. Those bills may come back to haunt us next year, including capital gains taxes, "green fees" on Hawai‘i visitors and more.

Tom YamachikaMay 19, 2025

Involuntary commitment bill draws warnings from human rights group

ACLU Hawai‘i warns of legal ramifications of gubernatorial bill streamlining process to have people involuntarily hospitalized.

Michael BrestovanskyMay 17, 2025

Hawaiʻi Water Safety Day brings ‘awareness, prevention and preparedness,’ says Gov. Green

Government and community leaders convened at the 2025 Hawai’i Water Safety Conference in Waikīkī to discuss priorities for the next legislative session and show appreciation for water safety champions statewide.

Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosMay 17, 2025

City Council OKs foreclosure of illegal vacation rental

Councilman Tyler Dos Santos-Tam, who represents ‘Ālewa Heights, told Aloha State Daily that unpaid fines on the property totaled nearly $1 million.

Michael BrestovanskyMay 16, 2025

CONGRESS WATCH: Retired cops and guns in schools

How Hawai‘i's elected officials voted Wednesday

Michael BrestovanskyMay 15, 2025

‘Ewa Beach couple allege police beating

Kelei Akana claims to have been left unable to walk after being repeatedly tasered, beaten by HPD officers

Michael BrestovanskyMay 15, 2025

Community Voices: Another chance to make things right on civil asset forfeiture

A plea for Gov. Josh Green to sign into law HB126, which would limit civil asset forfeiture to only cases in which the property owners have been charged with a crime.

Keliʻi Akina & Ph.D.May 14, 2025

ʻIolani Palace to Hawaiʻi lawmakers: ‘It's really important that we have your support.’

Leaders from ʻIolani Palace and Bishop Museum recently shared updates on their current operations and future challenges, including proposed cuts to federal funding, to state lawmakers.

Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosMay 14, 2025

Sand Island to be Mauliola once again?

Honolulu City Council to discuss resolution to restore Sand Island's traditional Hawaiian name

Michael BrestovanskyMay 13, 2025

Five takeaways from UHERO's Q2 forecast

Economists say Hawai‘i is headed for 'mild recession.' Here's what that means for you.

Stephanie SalmonsMay 13, 2025

CONGRESS WATCH: Tokuda to introduce "ghost gun" crackdown bill

U.S. Rep. Jill Tokuda spoke at HPD's Ke Kula Maka‘i police academy in Waipahu on Monday about legislation she plans to introduce.