Government & Politics
News

Kamehameha Schools gearing up for legal battle over admissions policy
Virginia-based Students for Fair Admissions announced plans to challenge Kamehameha Schools preferential treatment of Native Hawaiian applicants
Michael BrestovanskySeptember 06, 2025

State DLNR acknowledges "grievous" tree-cutting on Kaua‘i
Residents outraged after coconut trees destroyed in Kalalau Valley.
Michael BrestovanskySeptember 06, 2025
UPDATED: Hurricane Kiko downgraded to Category 1
Forecasters from the National Weather Service National Hurricane Center said Monday that the hurricane is expected to be further downgraded to a tropical storm.
Stephanie SalmonsSeptember 06, 2025

Council cool on proposed bus fare hike
Fare increase not worth the expected $2 million in revenue, say Council members.
Michael BrestovanskySeptember 05, 2025

Whatever happened to the Lei of Parks?
For more than a century, planners have dreamed of tying together the parks of Urban Honolulu into a Lei of Parks, but all the seems to remain of that effort now are street signs.
Perry ArrasmithSeptember 04, 2025

Nightly closures planned at Kailua Beach Park
Honolulu's Department of Parks and Recreation will establish closure hours at the popular park for the next three months as part of a new pilot program.
Stephanie SalmonsSeptember 04, 2025

Affordable rentals open in ‘Aiea
Located across from Pearl Harbor, Nāulu Apartments brings 302 affordable units to the community.
Stephanie SalmonsSeptember 03, 2025

Community Voices: Time to retire the Jones Act’s U.S.-build requirement
The Jones Act was supposed to protect the American shipbuilding industry, but the industry has withered away despite that support. New legislation by U.S. Rep. Ed Case of Hawai‘i proposes changes to the act that could ultimately reduce shipping costs to the Islands.
Keliʻi AkinaSeptember 03, 2025

New law clamps down on discriminatory 911 calls
Calling the cops on someone based on their race, sex, and more can lead to a $1,000 lawsuit.
Michael BrestovanskySeptember 03, 2025

Community Voices: No tax on tips
A closer look at what "no tax on tips" in the federal One Big Beautiful Bill Act means for Hawai‘i's workers and employers.
Tom YamachikaSeptember 02, 2025

Derelict Wahiawā property slated for demolition following dog attack
State, county lawmakers urging swift action against decrepit property after homeless man killed by dogs last weekend
Michael BrestovanskyAugust 30, 2025

Learn more about property tax savings through these open houses
The Honolulu Board of Realtors and Honolulu's Department of Budget and Fiscal Services Real Property Assessment Division, or RPAD, have free open houses planned in an effort to help O‘ahu homeowners learn more about home exemptions.
Stephanie SalmonsAugust 29, 2025

CONGRESS WATCH: Hawai‘i lawmakers commemorate Mauna Loa Observatory as lease expiration looms
NOAA lease for MLO support office will expire Sunday, while Hawai‘i delegation introduces resolution pledging continued support for the facility.
Michael BrestovanskyAugust 29, 2025

UPDATED Horse rescue group floats County horse rescue program
County Council committee cancels discussion of resolution to form Humane Society-like program for horses
Michael BrestovanskyAugust 28, 2025

Meet Hawai‘i's new chief state economist
In his new role, Seth Colby serves as the administrator for the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism's Research and Economic Analysis Division.
Stephanie SalmonsAugust 28, 2025

Honolulu seeks developer for Kalihi property
Located across from the future Mokauea Skyline station, the 2.25-acre site includes the old Dee Lite Bakery building at 1930 Dillingham Blvd. and an adjacent parcel at 1907 Eluwene St. The city acquired the property in 2019.
Stephanie SalmonsAugust 27, 2025

Community Voices: Are you ready for another boondoggle?
Sen. Joni Ernst of Iowa has a history of rightfully targeting Honolulu’s rail project for its wasteful spending. Which brings us to the planned Aloha Stadium project...
Keliʻi AkinaAugust 26, 2025

Hawai‘i gun purchasing laws to be re-re-litigated
Second Amendment advocates criticize court decision to overturn March decision.
Michael BrestovanskyAugust 26, 2025

What's next for Vance Roley
Roley, the long-time dean of the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa Shidler College of Business, announced earlier this month that he'll step away from the role. Aloha State Daily recently spoke with Roley about his career, how he got to Hawai‘i and what'll come after his transition from the leadership position he's held since 2005.
Stephanie SalmonsAugust 26, 2025

Community Voices: Classroom heat
The Department of Education spent $100 million on classroom air conditioners. Now the Hawai‘i State Auditor finds that the DOE has no idea where the money went.
Tom YamachikaAugust 25, 2025

What do judges do all day?
Retired judge Ronald Ibarra speaks about the work — and workload — of Hawai‘i's judges and justices.
Michael BrestovanskyAugust 23, 2025

Community Voices: ‘New’ HTA board taking off with same old baggage
A government entity tasked with both promoting and limiting tourism is always going to be compromised.
Keliʻi AkinaAugust 22, 2025

Council calls for crisis program audit
Homeless outreach program not meeting goals, say advocates. Launched in 2021, the program has yet to articulate specific benchmarks or account for its spending of $3 million in federal funding.
Michael BrestovanskyAugust 22, 2025

State releases 2024 Hawai‘i Data Book
Looking for info on just about anything in Hawai‘i? The 57th iteration of the comprehensive statistical guide is available for free online.
Stephanie SalmonsAugust 22, 2025