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.
News
Bill aims to boost affordable housing in Honolulu
Bill 18 aims to relax zoning limits, increase density near transit, and speed construction of affordable units across Oʻahu.
Daniel FarrFebruary 14, 2026
State proposal would end GET on groceries
House Bill 1611 would reduce state general excise tax on groceries and nonprescription drugs to 0% over the next eight years.
Michael BrestovanskyFebruary 14, 2026
Honolulu Zoo nominated for Best Zoo list
The zoo has also been nominated for the 10Best list of Best Zoo Memberships.
Stephanie SalmonsFebruary 13, 2026
'AI psychosis' bills pass Senate, House committees
Proposed laws would require AI developers to enact protocols to reduce self-harm among users.
Michael BrestovanskyFebruary 12, 2026
The Incredible Shrinking Voter of Honolulu
The voting power of the average O‘ahu resident has declined over the past century, to where each of the nine city council members now represent more than 112,000 people across multiple neighborhoods. That's twice as many people as a Hawai‘i state senator represents. There are some efforts underway to change that.
Perry ArrasmithFebruary 12, 2026
Where Hawai‘i ranked for shark attacks in 2025
Shark attacks were recorded in eight states last year.
ASD StaffFebruary 11, 2026
UH's underwater fiber network still aiming for 2026 completion
The Hawaiian Islands Fiber Link project would connect the six main islands via fiber optic cable thanks to millions in federal funds.
Michael BrestovanskyFebruary 11, 2026
Community Voices: Idle Land and Natural Resources funds
The state Department of Land and Natural Resources has racked up some unencumbered balances from its State Parks Special Fund, the Special Land and Development Fund, the Turtle Bay Conservation Easement Special Fund, and more.
Tom YamachikaFebruary 10, 2026
Coffee growers urge lawmakers to reinstate pest control subsidies
State program that reimbursed farmers for pesticides lapsed last year. Farmers want it back.
Michael BrestovanskyFebruary 10, 2026
CONGRESS WATCH: Metals and medals
Congress ends a quiet week with a mining bill and three Medals of Honor.
Michael BrestovanskyFebruary 07, 2026
Community Voices: Beyond the poverty line: Why income alone doesn't tell Hawaiʻi's economic story
Several states and regions have created multidimensional poverty measures tailored to their specific contexts. Hawaiʻi could do the same.
Corey IdleburgFebruary 07, 2026
Pipikaula Corner: Economic diagnosis déjà vu
Something about the new report from UHERO about Hawai‘iʻs weak economy seemed awfully familiar ... namely, everything. Here are things you need to know about what's been going on for decades and what you can do about it.
A. Kam NapierFebruary 06, 2026
Hawai‘i Pacific University receives $10M grant
The grant will allow HPU to fully fund the tuition for health care professional students who commit to working and caring for patients in rural Hawai‘i for five years after graduating.
Stephanie SalmonsFebruary 06, 2026
Tenants facing eviction can seek mediation under new state program
The Pre-Eviction Mediation Filing Program requires landlords to offer mediation before evicting a tenant for not paying rent
Michael BrestovanskyFebruary 05, 2026
Liquor tax hike advances, despite brewers' concerns
Proposal to tax booze by ABV raises rates, eyebrows.
Michael BrestovanskyFebruary 05, 2026
Pipikaula Corner: Shopping Carts II — This time, it's buy-back!
The bill to punish businesses when their shopping carts get stolen and abandoned moved forward, and got weirder.
A. Kam NapierFebruary 04, 2026
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.
Daniel FarrFebruary 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%.
Daniel FarrFebruary 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