Government & Politics
News
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
‘They really are heroes,’ says Kunia farmer of wildfire responders
Helio Arana, resident and former manager of Kunia Loa Ridge Farmlands, shares his account of Tuesday’s brush fire that burned 600 acres. He said it was growing fast due to high winds and credits local authorities and “the excellent air team” for "stopping the fire in its tracks." He also helped direct firefighters to access roads, while notifying neighbor farm owners.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosAugust 21, 2025
COVID lawsuit against state dismissed
Two government workers unions sued the state in 2021 over an email mistake that they alleged improperly revealed the vaccination status of workers.
Michael BrestovanskyAugust 20, 2025
Hale Haukani opens at UH Mānoa
You'll find the $170 million student housing complex on the mauka side of Dole Street between the East-West Center and Mānoa stream.
Stephanie SalmonsAugust 20, 2025
Turnout for Osaka orphans at HNL ‘unbelievable,’ says gov’t official
Four 11-year-old children from Holy Family Home in Osaka, Japan, landed at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport Monday met with cheering, lei giving and aloha, from dignitaries, the U.S. Army “Wolfhounds,” and local nonprofit Peace Bridge and its community supporters. These orphans will stay in Hawai’i for two weeks with military host families, while enjoying Oʻahu’s culture and attractions, promoting international peace and partnership.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosAugust 19, 2025
Clock ticking for Mauna Kea leases
Negotiations for renewing Mauna Kea observatory leases need to start soon, warns IFA director
Michael BrestovanskyAugust 19, 2025
Pipikaula Corner: Making elections elections again
President Donald Trump is talking about an Executive Order to end mail-in voting nationwide. Hawai‘i's Legislature voted to adopt mail-in voting in 2019, starting with the 2020 election. Arguably, we have not had a real election since then.
A. Kam NapierAugust 19, 2025
Community Voices: No tax on overtime
Here's what the "no tax on overtime" provisions of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act will mean for your pocketbook.
Tom YamachikaAugust 18, 2025
Commuters take note: Rail construction will lead to extended lane closures
Closures are planned on Nimitz Highway and Iwilei Road as part of the Skyline rail's City Center Guideway and Stations project.
Stephanie SalmonsAugust 15, 2025
HART breaks ground on next phase of Honolulu rail project
A blessing and groundbreaking ceremony was held Aug. 11 at the future site of the Ka‘ākaukukui, or Civic Center, station in Kaka‘ako for the next phase of the project, the city center guideway and stations.
Stephanie SalmonsAugust 15, 2025
Need to find your way around the airport? There's an app for that
Apps for the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu and the Līhu‘e Airport on Kaua‘i provide travelers a new tool to help navigate the airports and find more information.
Stephanie SalmonsAugust 15, 2025
$125,000 air conditioners, and other DOE stories
State audit of DOE air conditioning program reveals mismanagement, waste and more.
Michael BrestovanskyAugust 14, 2025
CONGRESS WATCH: Hawai‘i senator tries to halt science layoffs
Sen. Mazie Hirono introduced four bills to thwart layoffs at NASA, other federal science agencies.
Michael BrestovanskyAugust 14, 2025
Families fast-tracked at Honolulu airport
TSA launches new initiative at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport that enhances hospitality for families traveling with keiki 12 and under. The “Families on the Fly” campaign rolled out this summer across several airports throughout the country.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosAugust 13, 2025
Business owners question Downtown improvement proposal
Town hall for proposed Downtown Honolulu Business Improvement District draws support, concerns
Michael BrestovanskyAugust 13, 2025
Hawai‘i County seeks bids for renovations of former Hilo hospital
The century-old former Hilo Memorial Hospital needs a new roof, among other improvements, to prepare for improved services for the homeless.
Stephanie SalmonsAugust 13, 2025
Community Voices: Encumbrance for the stadium
Under the State of Hawai‘i's constitution and accounting rules, the $350 million budgeted for a new stadium has lapsed, and yet authorities are proceeding as if it hadn't.
Tom YamachikaAugust 11, 2025
Iowa senator calls for cuts to Skyline "boondoggle," HART responds
Sen. Joni Ernst targeting over-budget, delayed public projects
Michael BrestovanskyAugust 09, 2025
Bus fares to rise?
Council mulls updates to TheBus fee structure, looking to close the gap between $50 million in passenger revenue and $430 million in expenses.
Michael BrestovanskyAugust 09, 2025
Community Voices: Grassroot views on housing reform going mainstream
You might be surprised which U.S. Senator is taking the YIMBY approach — yes, in my backyard.
Keliʻi AkinaAugust 08, 2025
CONGRESS WATCH: Leave with pay on Election Day
Hawai‘i Senator introduces bill requiring paid leave to Election Day voters
Michael BrestovanskyAugust 08, 2025
Council pumps the brakes on Hale‘iwa development
Housing proposal in Hale‘iwa generates outcry once again.
Michael BrestovanskyAugust 07, 2025
Another public-private partnership for UH aims to expand student housing in Hilo
Aloha State Daily recently spoke with a University of Hawai‘i administrator about the university's newest P3 project that has UH working with a not-for-profit organization that will manage and redevelop the Hale Kāwili Apartments, a complex adjacent to the UH-Hilo campus.
Stephanie SalmonsAugust 06, 2025
Pipikaula Corner: Government got lucky last week
The tsunami traffic jam can't be a surprise when local government has made driving more and more difficult since the last time a tsunami warning put Honolulu in gridlock.
A. Kam NapierAugust 05, 2025