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.

Farm damage nears $70 million following Kona lows

The damage toll from March's storms continues to rise as lawmakers ponder solutions.

Michael BrestovanskyApril 02, 2026

Irrigation funding bill still alive following March floods

A bill providing funds to three state agencies for irrigation systems maintenance may be woefully insufficient as March storm damage mounts.

Michael BrestovanskyApril 01, 2026

What’s next for Otake Camp?

Some residents of Otake Camp are still in the dark. Farmers lost crops. Families lost homes. And everywhere, the mud prevails. They are seeking generators, lumber and funds to restart.

Katie HellandApril 01, 2026

CONGRESS WATCH: Airports and ICE

The ICE budget is still up in the air at Congress, while a slew of new airport bills passed the Senate unchallenged last week.

Michael BrestovanskyMarch 31, 2026

The budget that doesn't grow

Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi did something remarkable early this month in releasing a city budget that came in $133 million under the previous year's budget. ASD columnist Sterling Higa looks at all four county budgets to see which counties are living within the means of their citizens.

Sterling HigaMarch 30, 2026

Community Voices: Where’s your second tax return?

If passed, HB2429 would require you to file not just one tax return but two — and one of them will be open to the public.

Tom YamachikaMarch 30, 2026

Community Voices: The Legislature found $150 million. So where’s our tax relief?

Gov. Josh Green kicked off this year’s session claiming the state’s budget crunch is so bad that it justifies “pausing” the phase-in of the historic income tax cuts he signed into law in 2024. If that’s true, why has the Legislature put forth a budget that blows past his suggested spending by more than $195 million?

Keliʻi AkinaMarch 30, 2026

DLNR to take over Wahiawā Reservoir lands

Board of Land and Natural Resources approves takeover of Wahiawā irrigation parcels, despite debate.

Michael BrestovanskyMarch 28, 2026

Kula Hospital closed indefinitely following storm damage

Maui Health investigating alternate care services for Kula after more than 100 patients had to be relocated.

Michael BrestovanskyMarch 28, 2026

Hawai‘i's celebrity politicians

From Duke Kahanamoku to Herman Wedemeyer to Augie Tulba, there have been local celebrities who have added one more role to resume — politician. ASD columnist Perry Arrasmith walks us through the legends.

Perry ArrasmithMarch 27, 2026

Bill prohibiting corporate political donations nearing the finish line

A bill limiting a corporation's ability to make political donations has passed all but one committee in the state Legislature.

Michael BrestovanskyMarch 27, 2026

Waimānalo Country Farms asks visitors to return this summer

The farm known for its sunflower fields and fresh corn, as well as lemonade and pumpkins, was hard hit by the recent Kona Low storms and lost its spring harvest. But Shawn Kadooka wants people to give to those who lost homes and says they can support the farm later by visiting when it opens this summer.

Katie HellandMarch 27, 2026

Hawai‘i Community Foundation launches storm relief fund

Stronger Hawai‘i Fund to issue grants to nonprofits statewide for storm recovery projects

Michael BrestovanskyMarch 26, 2026

How a new condo development impacts the housing market

New research from University of Hawai‘i Economic Research Organization highlights the ripple effects that The Central, a 512-unit condo near Ala Moana Center that was completed in 2021, had on O‘ahu's housing market.

Stephanie SalmonsMarch 26, 2026

Who controls the rain?

Conspiracy theories fell like raindrops, even as the Kona Low system pummeled the Islands. ASD columnist Sterling Higa digs into what it means as people search for answers to calamity.

Sterling HigaMarch 26, 2026

What's next for the Wahiawā Dam?

Ownership changes coming throughout Wahiawā Irrigation System.

Michael BrestovanskyMarch 25, 2026

Pipikaula Corner: The climate change dodge

Hawai‘i lawmakers are advancing a bill that would allow insurers to sue fossil fuel companies when they have to make big payouts for disasters allegedly caused by climate change. What they really aim to do, however, is shield local government and powerful interests from accountability for any role they themselves may have played.

A. Kam NapierMarch 24, 2026

Forecasters expect drier days ahead; flood watch in effect for Maui, Hawai‘i Island

Read ahead for more storm-related updates, including the launch of an emergency farmer relief program and a free mobile medical clinic opening on O‘ahu's North Shore.

Stephanie SalmonsMarch 24, 2026

Power bills to rise under HECO proposal

Hawaiian Electric's plan to upgrade its Waiau Power Plant has been approved by the state Public Utilities Commission.

Michael BrestovanskyMarch 24, 2026

Hawaiian Council announces campaign for individuals impacted by floods

The initiative helps those impacted by recent storms, which flooded houses, farms and roads. By Monday, March 23, that campaign had already reached its matching gift of up to $100,000.

Katie HellandMarch 24, 2026

Community Voices: Halftime report on tax bills

Gambling and recreational marijuana bills are dead but plenty of other new tax increases and incentives are still alive as bills cross over in the Hawai‘i state Legislature.

Tom YamachikaMarch 24, 2026

Storm updates: Flash flood warnings issued for Maui, flood watches for Big Island

Here's the latest about impacts from recent stormy conditions.