Government & Politics
News
Hamada: Trump steps in it over Reiner
The late director Rob Reiner was a harsh and dramatic critic of the president, but Trump's statement on the murder of Reiner and his wife, Michele, allegedly by their own son, was completely unnecessary.
Rick HamadaDecember 16, 2025
HART hits back in Skyline lawsuit
A contractor sued HART for millions last month over Skyline delays. HART filed a counterclaim Thursday accusing the contractor of filing a false claim.
Michael BrestovanskyDecember 13, 2025
Pipikaula Corner: Hawai‘i's confidence crisis
People are not just packing their bags because Hawai‘i is expensive. They’re packing their bags because they don’t believe any institution can do anything about that, least of all the politicians and bureaucrats who set policy.
A. Kam NapierDecember 13, 2025
DOJ sues Hawai‘i over voter registration data
The U.S. Department of Justice requested voter registration data from 40 states, including Hawai‘i, earlier this year. Hawai‘i's Chief Elections Officer Scott Nago refused.
Michael BrestovanskyDecember 13, 2025
UHERO predicts "mild recession" in 2026
State economy will start to pick up again later next year, UHERO forecasts.
Michael BrestovanskyDecember 12, 2025
Demolition of former Dee Lite Bakery to start Monday
Honolulu's Department of Housing and Land Management and the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation will start “coordinated demolition work” on city-owned properties that include the old Dee Lite Bakery at 1930 Dillingham Blvd. and 1907 Eluwene St. to prepare the site for redevelopment.
Stephanie SalmonsDecember 12, 2025
CONGRESS WATCH: Hawai‘i Reps support $900 billion defense bill
Colossal defense spending bill would bring millions in military funding to the state
Michael BrestovanskyDecember 11, 2025
Honolulu chooses developer for Kapolei property
Kobayashi Group has been selected as the city's preferred negotiating partner to lead the redevelopment of nearly 14 city-owned acres in West O‘ahu into an affordable rental community.
Stephanie SalmonsDecember 11, 2025
Community Voices: Lessons from Lahaina could help Hilo recover
Although the scope of the Lahaina and Hilo fires differs, the lesson is the same: Inflexible regulations can severely delay or even prevent rebuilding. Hawai‘i County could act now to identify and work around those barriers.
Keliʻi AkinaDecember 10, 2025
South Maui resort project inches forward
A draft environmental impact statement for Mākena Mauka resort project was published Monday.
Michael BrestovanskyDecember 10, 2025
Long-awaited improvements coming to Wa‘ianae police substation
Wai‘anae facility built in 2016 will finally get a functional second floor.
Michael BrestovanskyDecember 09, 2025
Community Voices: Making a federal case out of the Green Fee
The Cruise Line Industry Association has taken the unusual step of filing suit against Hawai‘i's new Green Fee in federal court.
Tom YamachikaDecember 08, 2025
CONGRESS WATCH: Unanimous support in House for grab-bag of bills
U.S. House waved through more than 20 bills this week with no debate or opposition.
Michael BrestovanskyDecember 06, 2025
AI porn on state websites
Mainland whistleblower warns of malicious webpages being hosted on government websites nationwide, including in Hawaiʻi.
Michael BrestovanskyDecember 06, 2025
Fish farming bill builds support
A bill introduced by Hawai‘i Sen. Brian Schatz could tap into a trillion-dollar industry, advocates say.
Michael BrestovanskyDecember 05, 2025
CONGRESS WATCH: Case splits with Dems on Chinese education bills
Three bills cracking down on Chinese influence in schools got limited Democrat support this week, including from Rep. Ed Case.
Michael BrestovanskyDecember 05, 2025
Portion of Kailua Beach Park to close for tree removal
Arborists and specialized maintenance staff with the City and County of Honolulu’s Department of Parks and Recreation will remove 12 ironwood trees in the area.
Stephanie SalmonsDecember 05, 2025
State, Queen's Health, plan new outpatient facility in Kailua-Kona
Partnership between Hawai‘i Health Systems Corporation and Queen's Health Systems will further enhance planned West Hawai‘i hospital, officials say.
Michael BrestovanskyDecember 04, 2025
Hawai‘i lawmakers demand investigation into Tripler OBGYN lawsuit
State congressional delegates publish letter calling for thorough investigation into how Maj. Blaine McGraw was allowed to allegedly harass and exploit patients for years.
Michael BrestovanskyDecember 03, 2025
Community Voices: Pitfalls in Hawai‘i tax appeals
When the Hawai‘i state Department of Taxation audits taxpayers, it sends them guidance about the legal process. But the guidance is 20 years old, and could lead taxpayers to do the wrong things in protecting themselves.
Tom YamachikaDecember 01, 2025
Innovation Grants will help address community challenges on Kaua‘i
Kaua‘i County's Office of Economic Development recently announced the 12 grant recipients. The selected proposals received a total of $368,362.
Stephanie SalmonsNovember 28, 2025
Why does Hawai‘i have a GET?
The General Excise Tax. We all know it, we all complain about it, especially the way it stacks up in transaction after transaction, raising prices. But there was a time when it didn't exist at all. Here's a look at who created it, when, and, most importantly, why.
Perry ArrasmithNovember 28, 2025
The money in TheBus
O‘ahu Transit Services, Inc., the nonprofit contractor that manages TheBus and TheHandi-Van, has a $325.9 million budget. ASD looks at where the money goes, and how The Bus stacks up in comparison to bus systems in other cities.
Michael BrestovanskyNovember 27, 2025
Know your refund rights
No refunds? Not so fast! Here's how state laws dictate stores' return policies.
Michael BrestovanskyNovember 27, 2025