Government & Politics
News
Honolulu, Roberts Hawai‘i aim to improve access to Hanauma Bay
A new contract between the city and Roberts Hawai‘i packages transportation to and from the popular snorkel spot, entry and an educational video.
Stephanie SalmonsNovember 12, 2025
$300 million bike and pedestrian plan unveiled
Hawai‘i Department of Transportation releases plan of transit network projects to be completed across the state over next decade.
Michael BrestovanskyNovember 12, 2025
Hamada: Weighing emotions versus pragmatism on illegal immigration
Feelings to the contrary aside, nothing about the enforcement of immigration law contradicts America's ideals as a place the welcomes newcomers or that helps people escape oppression.
Rick HamadaNovember 12, 2025
Architects get involved on HNL Build improvements
AIA President Phil Camp discusses the evolution of DPP's new permitting software.
Michael BrestovanskyNovember 11, 2025
Skunk captured at Hilo Harbor
It's the second one found in Hawai‘i this year.
Stephanie SalmonsNovember 11, 2025
Community Voices: Health care providers might be overcharging on Hawai‘i taxes
Here's how some medical bills might run afoul of Hawai‘i tax laws in overcharging on the GET.
Tom YamachikaNovember 10, 2025
UPDATED: Congress Watch: All the times Hawai‘i's senators have voted on reopening government
Here are each of the 13 times senators Mazie Hirono and Brian Schatz have voted against reopening government under a "clean resolution" so far, as well as their votes for the Democrat-preferred alternative.
A. Kam NapierNovember 08, 2025
Council OKs vacation rental fee increases
Bill requiring $1,000s in vacation rental re-registration fees passes.
Michael BrestovanskyNovember 07, 2025
DOT offers to pay flight controllers' salaries to avoid FAA cuts
Four Hawaiian Airlines flights will be cancelled tomorrow as FAA rolls out air travel cuts.
Michael BrestovanskyNovember 07, 2025
Council rejects Waialua ranch tour project
Kaukonahua Ranch would have drawn more than 1,500 visitors a day to Waialua, to residents' consternation.
Michael BrestovanskyNovember 06, 2025
OHA votes on how to disperse emergency funds
The organization, whose mission is to improve the well-being of Native Hawaiians, moves forward on a plan to redirect $6.1 million in emergency funding to its beneficiaries affected by the federal government shutdown. Monies may be available as soon as Monday, Nov. 10.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosNovember 06, 2025
Pipikaula Corner: How the City keeps Honolulu afraid
On the issue of homelessness, it's as if the people and their government live on different planets. As an exchange at a recent Neighborhood Board meeting shows, everyday people are expressing real fear that goes unacknowledged by officials spouting jargon.
A. Kam NapierNovember 06, 2025
Destination DoHo
Here's what's happening in Downtown Honolulu, as the city and nonprofits work to improve the area and draw more people.
Stephanie SalmonsNovember 06, 2025
FAA warns of cuts to flights as shutdown continues
Flights to and from 40 unspecified "high-volume" markets coming this Friday, warns the FAA.
Michael BrestovanskyNovember 06, 2025
Honolulu continues affordable housing efforts
The city has selected a “preferred negotiating partner” to build an affordable, disability-forward workforce housing community on city-owned property at 130 S. Beretania St.
Stephanie SalmonsNovember 05, 2025
Opioids, cesspools and more: Inside the counties' 2026 legislative proposals
The Hawai‘i State Association of Counties released its legislative package last week. Here's what's in it.
Michael BrestovanskyNovember 05, 2025
What endures in Palaka?
Palaka — the fabric — has passed through many hands and generations to become a distinctive fabric of the Islands, reflecting its multicultural history. So, too, has Palaka Power, the political philosophy that took its name from the working-class history associated with the humble cloth. Is there a place for that philosophy now?
Perry ArrasmithNovember 05, 2025
Council to mull "Shared Streets" proposal
Council bill would establish pedestrian-friendly roads around Honolulu.
Michael BrestovanskyNovember 04, 2025
Community Voices: The TATmas Tree
Department of Hawaiian Home Lands is the latest state entity looking for dedicated funding via yet another increase to the Transient Accommodations Tax — but there are problems with both raising this tax repeatedly, and using it for automatic spending that never goes through the normal budgeting process. Here are some solutions.
Tom YamachikaNovember 04, 2025
OHA, nonprofits step up to help local families
As Hawaiʻi families that rely on SNAP benefits wait on funding allocated from the state, nonprofits are filling the gap. Here is a roundup of resources from interest-free payment plans at HECO to housing support and food distribution sites cropping up this week.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosNovember 04, 2025
Honolulu Zoo launches new online ticketing system
Digital tickets will be available starting Saturday, Nov. 1.
Stephanie SalmonsNovember 01, 2025
SNAP freeze: Green announces additional aid programs as benefit cut looms
Hawai‘i Food Assistance Program will fill in for delayed SNAP benefits, but only after two weeks.
Michael BrestovanskyOctober 31, 2025
State offers housing support amid looming benefit cut
As SNAP programs seem set to shut down next month, state program will offer housing support to families.
Michael BrestovanskyOctober 30, 2025
Community Voices: Lahaina rebuilding inches toward progress
Maui County lawmakers have succeeded at removing some of the barriers to speedy reconstruction.
Keliʻi AkinaOctober 29, 2025