Government & Politics
News
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
CONGRESS WATCH: Health care subsidies, time capsules and more
What else is in the ACA subsidy bill the House passed last week?
Michael BrestovanskyJanuary 13, 2026
Community Voices: No need for idle DOE funds
Will the state Department of Education spend its money or just keep asking lawmakers for more?
Tom YamachikaJanuary 12, 2026
Parking fees coming to four state parks this month
Board of Land and Natural Resources approves new Diamond Head retail building as parking fees elsewhere take effect.
Michael BrestovanskyJanuary 10, 2026
Pipikaula Corner: Schatz, Tokuda, Hirono, fanning flames over ICE
Three of our Congressional reps have spent years participating in a narrative that America is occupied by an illegitimate, authoritarian regime. It's getting their followers killed.
A. Kam NapierJanuary 10, 2026
Hawaiʻi County job vacancies: What councilmembers are doing about the problem
Hawaiʻi County is struggling to fill more than 500 job openings across departments. Councilmembers agreed it will require a multi-pronged approach.
January 09, 2026
Hawaiʻi County bill allowing housing in industrial-commercial zones repeatedly postponed
The concept reflects older land-use patterns in Hawaiʻi.
January 09, 2026
Hawai’i Kai dredging project nears completion as costs rise
Reusing dredged sand locally saved approximately $300,000 compared with hauling and disposing of the material upland. DOBOR estimates the total cost will be about $7.2 million.
January 09, 2026
Hawaiʻi Film Alliance hosts legislative briefing
Ahead of the opening of the 2026 legislative session, the Hawai'i Film Alliance is hosting a group of speakers to share classroom-style briefings designed to help industry professionals understand key issues.
Katie HellandJanuary 09, 2026
New survey gauges Hawai‘i residents' views on critical issues
Hawai‘i Perspectives, a survey of more than 900 residents statewide, was commissioned by Pacific Resource Partnership — a nonprofit that represents the Hawai‘i Regional Council of Carpenters, the largest construction union in the state, and more than 250 contractors. It was conducted last summer by Anthology Research.
Stephanie SalmonsJanuary 09, 2026
BLNR to discuss proposed Kapolei hydrogen plant
Delaware-based energy company Eurus Energy America proposes to generate nearly 1 million kg of hydrogen fuel per year.
Michael BrestovanskyJanuary 08, 2026
Hawaiʻi awarded nearly $189 million to improve rural health care
Gov. Josh Green recently announced that the state received $188.9 million through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ Rural Health Transformation Program.
January 07, 2026
Parking lot improvements underway at Līhu‘e Airport
The state Department of Transportation says the work will help relieve some congestion in the airport’s public parking lot.
Stephanie SalmonsJanuary 07, 2026
CONGRESS WATCH: Earthquakes and landslides mark the beginning of 2026
Senate's first votes of the year went without controversy Monday.
Michael BrestovanskyJanuary 07, 2026
Hamada: Hawai‘i not immune to antisemitism
What has been called "The Longest Hatred" is intensifying around the world, with incidents even here in the Islands.
Rick HamadaJanuary 07, 2026
Community Voices: OHA’s 2026 Legislative priorities
"The state legislative session that opens on the third Wednesday in January is particularly important for advancing policies that improve the conditions of Native Hawaiians and defending against attacks on Native Hawaiian rights."
Leināʻala LeyJanuary 06, 2026
Community Voices: Three simple resolutions for Hawaiʻi lawmakers in 2026
And if they stick to them, this year could be a great one for everyone who lives and works in Hawaiʻi.
Keliʻi AkinaJanuary 06, 2026
HDOT seeks more drivers for dashcam program
Drivers retain full ownership of their footage and may submit it to law enforcement if needed, according to transportation officials.
January 06, 2026
Pipikaula Corner: Minnesota fraud vs. Hawai‘i taxpayers
It may seem far away, but if you want a sense of how massive the theft of federal dollars in Minnesota is, compare it to how much we in the Islands pay in federal taxes.
A. Kam NapierJanuary 02, 2026
Hawaiian Electric projects nearly $500M in wildfire mitigation costs through 2027
State regulators approved the utility’s wildfire mitigation plan, while emphasizing oversight of cost recovery and customer rate impacts.
January 02, 2026
New year, new laws
Parking regulations and tax changes go into effect Jan. 1.
Michael BrestovanskyJanuary 01, 2026