Government & Politics
News
Hawai‘i County sets cell tower regulations, despite outcry
Residents say minimum setbacks are too small, while telecom companies say they're too large.
Michael BrestovanskyJune 24, 2025
Keiki still carrying a 'heavy emotional burden' after 2023 wildfires
A new report by the University of Hawai‘i Economic Research Organization highlights the latest findings from the Maui Wildfire Exposure Study. For the first time, researchers have looked at the impact of the 2023 wildfires on children. Mental health specialist Christopher Knightsbridge, who works with children and adults in Lahaina, says the numbers found in the study are likely even higher.
Stephanie SalmonsJune 24, 2025
Community Voices: That Dam Special Fund
With the help of the Hawai‘i state legislature, the state Department of Land and Natural Resources turned an appropriation into a seemingly permanent special fund. It may be for a good cause, but it's not how special funds are supposed to work under the state constitution.
Tom YamachikaJune 23, 2025
New Honolulu laws clamp down on illegal gambling
Prosecutors are hopeful new laws signed Thursday can shut down illegal gaming rooms more efficiently
Michael BrestovanskyJune 21, 2025
Community Voices: A blue wave is helping rock the boat on Jones Act reform
Bipartisan support is growing in Washington and among different states to update the Jones Act and reduce the cost of shipping.
Keliʻi AkinaJune 20, 2025
CONGRESS WATCH: Case introduces bill to continue Hawai‘i energy grant program
Federal program could receive five years of funding to support state's renewable transition
Michael BrestovanskyJune 20, 2025
Skunk captured in Kaka‘ako
Its origin is unknown but the state Department of Agriculture says that Kaka‘ako Water Front Park where it was found is adjacent to Honolulu Harbor, where skunks — apparently hitching a ride on cargo ships — have been captured in the past.
Stephanie SalmonsJune 20, 2025
Lawsuit against the state aims to preserve Ha‘ikū Stairs
State shouldn't have approved city plan to demolish "Stairway to Heaven," argues lawsuit
Michael BrestovanskyJune 19, 2025
State ramps up plan to add more pre-K classrooms across the Islands
Kalihi Elementary Principal John Hamilton says the Ready Keiki program is a “wonderful opportunity” for Hawai'i families who wish to see their children thrive in school and life. The buildout of the classrooms so far has been under budget, with 50 more to be added by next year.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosJune 18, 2025
Wahiawā veteran wins lawsuit against Iran
Staff Sgt. Kurt Taito one of 412 veterans to receive damages from Iran over injuries sustained during the War on Terror
Michael BrestovanskyJune 18, 2025
Solitary confinement reform on governor's chopping block
With Gov. Josh Green poised to veto a bill limiting the state's use of solitary confinement, prison reform advocates wonder what's next
Michael BrestovanskyJune 17, 2025
Community Voices: Intent to Veto
Among the 19 bills on Gov. Josh Green's veto list are two concerning taxation. Did you know that Hawai‘i still offers certain tax credits for sugar cane — and that in 2025, there are still people interested in them? A bill to eliminate such credits is among the possible vetos.
Tom YamachikaJune 16, 2025
Food education benefits on chopping block under Trump cuts
15,000 Hawai‘i households use the SNAP-Ed program: what happens if it goes away?
Michael BrestovanskyJune 14, 2025
City seeks developer for Kapolei property
The city issued a request for qualifications, seeking a partner to redevelop underused, city-owned land located along Kapolei Parkway between Wakea Street and Kamokila Boulevard.
Stephanie SalmonsJune 13, 2025
CONGRESS WATCH: State reps split on fentanyl
House Democrats divided 50-50 on classifying fentanyl as a Schedule 1 drug
Michael BrestovanskyJune 13, 2025
CONGRESS WATCH: Military construction budget leaves Hawai‘i high and dry, Case warns
House committee advances budget and VA proposal despite Democrat opposition
Michael BrestovanskyJune 12, 2025
Community Voices: ‘Diversified ag’ rhetoric often doesn’t match reality
Hawai‘i's farmers often feel like their crops have to fight their way through a thick blanket of regulations, but there's some good news on that front from Maui County.
Keliʻi AkinaJune 11, 2025
DOE breaks ground on $60M gym, music building at Farrington High School
It's just the second of a nine-phase, long-term modernization project. The first phase was completed in 2017.
Stephanie SalmonsJune 11, 2025
Blangiardi on ICE: City to exercise "appropriate judgment" toward immigration law enforcement
As Trump crackdown on unlawful immigration continues, the Honolulu mayor's office acknowledges obligations to comply with federal agencies.
Michael BrestovanskyJune 11, 2025
CONGRESS WATCH: Case splits from Democrat vote on shipping bill
Cargo act would strengthen impact of Jones Act, Case says
Michael BrestovanskyJune 10, 2025
Honolulu takes next step in Iwilei-Kapālama redevelopment
The city has put out a request for proposals to find a multidisciplinary planning and development team to prepare a transit-oriented development plan dubbed "Transforming Iwilei-Kapālama: Connecting People and Places."
Stephanie SalmonsJune 09, 2025
Community Voices: The Unseen Stopper Committees
The recently concluded Legislative session highlighted an undemocratic trend at the Legislature — finance committees gaining power over legislation of all kinds, whether there's a financial impact or not.
Tom YamachikaJune 09, 2025
New law targets child torturers
Torture is now a crime in Hawai‘i after Gov. Josh Green signed a bill Wednesday.
Michael BrestovanskyJune 07, 2025
Snakes (hopefully not) on a plane
The brown tree snake remains the top invasive species threat to Hawai‘i. The introduction of the reptile to the Islands would be an "ecological disaster," agriculture officials say, and last year they conducted nearly 1,500 inspections of planes and ships arriving from Guam, where the snake is especially prevalent.
Stephanie SalmonsJune 07, 2025