Government & Politics
ASD’s eye on the people in state and local government making decisions that impact you where you live.
Some days, we report on the little things you see every day, such as road closures or park improvements. Other days, we look at the big plans from Hawai‘i's governor and its mayors. On the issues that matter to you — education, housing, health, homelessness, the cost of living in Hawai‘i, taxes and spending — we keep an eye on what the Hawai‘i state Legislature and county councilmembers are doing.
News
Green signs anti-corporate spending bill
Senate Bill 2471, now Act 11, aims to limit corporate influence on Hawai‘i's elections
Michael BrestovanskyMay 16, 2026
Honolulu to consider landfill alternatives
Honolulu City Council passes resolution forming "End Landfills Task Force"
Michael BrestovanskyMay 15, 2026
Reckoning With George Ariyoshi’s Hawai‘i
ASD political history columnist Perry Arrasmith takes a deep dive into the career, accomplishments and legacy of the late Gov. George Ariyoshi. His last year in office was 1986 but, as Arrasmith explains, the social and political tensions Ariyoshi navigated remain with us to this day.
Perry ArrasmithMay 15, 2026
Hamada: Lawmakers saved the tax cuts with a "tax the rich" increase
ASD opinion columnist Rick Hamada assesses the Legislative session and find just one idea reigning in the Big Square Building. Tax the "rich," even when preserving tax cuts. Do they know who the rich really are?
Rick HamadaMay 14, 2026
H-1 closures planned in June, July
A portion of the freeway will be closed for improvement work, the state Department of Transportation says.
Stephanie SalmonsMay 14, 2026
'Mister ambassador of aloha'
It's a bad look for the word "aloha" when it's used to commend a vigilante beat down, as state Sen. Brenton Awa did last week, says ASD opinion columnist Sterling Higa.
Sterling HigaMay 13, 2026
Pipikaula Corner: A conversation about SB2471
ASD Editor in Chief A. Kam Napier appears in this week's episode of Talk Story with Keli‘i Akina, on ThinkTech Hawai‘i, to discuss SB2471. The Legislature almost unanimously passed the bill to overturn the Citizens United decision in Hawai‘i last Friday. It now awaits Gov. Josh Green's signature. Akina has questions — what does this mean for Hawai‘i? Watch it here.
A. Kam NapierMay 13, 2026
Loan program launched for condominium associations
The Condominium Association Loan Program provides direct loans to Associations of Apartment Owners, or AOAOs.
Stephanie SalmonsMay 13, 2026
Hawai‘i County to decide whether to allow 'Burning Man'-style festival
"Falls on Fire" festival in Pāpa‘ikou has generated controversy among Big Isle neighbors.
Michael BrestovanskyMay 13, 2026
Community Voices: Follow the yellow brick road
Stay tuned for further news on the bills advancing toward the Land of Oz.
Tom YamachikaMay 11, 2026
Formby steps down as Honolulu managing director
Mike Formby to step down from managing director position after five years.
Michael BrestovanskyMay 11, 2026
Pipikaula Corner: How the Clinton White House just bamboozled Hawai‘i
The Legislature was jubilant as it passed SB2471 on Friday, seeking to overturn the effects of the Citizens United decision in Hawai‘i and get big money and outside influences out of our elections. The irony is, Mainland power players were pulling our strings the whole time.
A. Kam NapierMay 11, 2026
Community Voices: Historic 2024 tax cuts rescued for majority of Hawai‘i residents
Grassroot Institute of Hawai‘i played a part in convincing the Legislature to preserve nearly all of the promised tax cuts that had been poised for repeal at the start of the session.
Keliʻi AkinaMay 11, 2026
Young Brothers rate hikes, anti-ICE bills cross finish line
The 2026 legislative session finally ended Friday, with more bills passing at the eleventh hour.
Michael BrestovanskyMay 09, 2026
New legislation increases tax credits for Hawaiʻi productions
The film industry may see increased tax credits through new legislation now before Gov. Josh Green for approval. The bill would increase tax credits by 5% on Oʻahu and Neighbor Islands for productions with at least 80% local hires.
Katie HellandMay 09, 2026
Q&A with state Sen. Karl Rhoads on SB2471
The senator who introduced SB2471 speaks about the origins and purpose of this attempt to undo Citizens United, and what happens when it gets challenged.
A. Kam NapierMay 08, 2026
UHERO: Hawai‘i housing affordability improves slightly but housing crisis 'remains severe'
UHERO has published its Hawai‘i Housing Factbook 2026, the fourth edition of an annual report that analyzes the state's housing market.
Stephanie SalmonsMay 08, 2026
Legislature OKs bills reducing pennies, kids in pickup trucks and more
With only one day left this legislative session, what new laws might take effect this year?
Michael BrestovanskyMay 08, 2026
Q&A with state Sen. Jarrett Keohokalole on SB2471
It's down to the wire on this intensely scrutinized bill as it goes up for a final vote on Friday. ASD got time with one of the champions of this attempt by Hawai‘i to circumvent the Citizens United U.S. Supreme Court decision, to ask about the intentions behind it.
A. Kam NapierMay 08, 2026
ʻGotta start somewhereʻ
ASD opinion columnist Sterling Higa digs into the claimed Christian ethics of would-be assassin Cole Tomas Allen, who stormed the White House Correspondent's Dinner in Washington, D.C.
Sterling HigaMay 08, 2026
Senators, colleagues remember Colleen Hanabusa
Scores attended a memorial service for the late Hanabusa at the state Senate Thursday.
Michael BrestovanskyMay 08, 2026
Community Voices: Untangling occupational licensing rules
If passed, Senate Bill 2876 would replace burdensome cosmetology licensing requirements for natural hair braiders with a simple registration. This is a step in the right direction for local entrepreneurs, Grassroot Institute of Hawai‘i notes.
Keliʻi AkinaMay 07, 2026
Pay increases coming for Hawai‘i teachers
House and Senate unanimously sign off of annual step increases for public school teachers.
Michael BrestovanskyMay 07, 2026
Hamada: Political influence in Hawai‘i by the numbers
A shockingly low percentage of people vote in Hawai‘i, notes ASD opinion columnist Rick Hamada. Something to keep in mind as we see what the Hawai‘i State Legislature passes this week.
Rick HamadaMay 06, 2026
State awards $63 million contract to upgrade financial data system
Hawai‘i's 55-year-old financial system will get a much-needed overhaul
Michael BrestovanskyMay 06, 2026
Community Voices: Deciphering the budget
Tom Yamachika, president of the Tax Foundation of Hawaiʻi, breaks down one of the budget bill entries and provides a resource that further explains the budgeting processes and appropriations.
Tom YamachikaMay 05, 2026
Acting lieutenant governor position just 'part of the job,' Regan says
Comptroller-turned-state-second-in-command tells Aloha State Daily his priorities are simply to keep his offices running as smoothly as possible.
Michael BrestovanskyMay 05, 2026
Pipikaula Corner: State broke, keeps spending
Thirty-two bills have a combined total of nearly $214 million in new spending. They will be voted on this Wednesday. ASD editor A. Kam Napier pulled together this digestible overview, with commentary, so you know where your money might be going.
A. Kam NapierMay 05, 2026
Khowaja’s not-so-deep fake
Aloha State Daily columnist Sterling Higa shares lessons learned from Iqbal Khowaja, who had allegedly been presenting himself as the “CTO of the State of Hawaiʻi,” when he wasn't.
Sterling HigaMay 05, 2026
Renovation of old Hilo Memorial Hospital underway
The Hawai‘i County Office of Housing and Community Development has been working on the renovation of the former hospital since 2022.
Stephanie SalmonsMay 02, 2026
Gravel shipment to Moloka‘i OK'd despite anti-beetle restrictions
A barge carrying supplies to Kalaupapa will be permitted in the summer, despite a rule preventing the transport of potential coconut rhinoceros beetle host material.
Michael BrestovanskyMay 02, 2026
Senate confirms Devens for chief justice
Vladimir Devens was confirmed Thursday to chief justice of the Hawai‘i Supreme Court, despite controversy.
Michael BrestovanskyMay 01, 2026
City launches program to reduce residential sewer bills
The Customer Assistance Residential Environmental Services, or CARES, program can drop users' sewer bills to zero for a few months.
Michael BrestovanskyMay 01, 2026
Honolulu to host second 'Rebuild O‘ahu' event
The event, which aims to offer support to residents and businesses affected by recent severe storms, will be held in Lā‘ie on May 2.
Stephanie SalmonsApril 30, 2026
Tax cuts still on the table
A series of historic tax cuts Gov. Josh Green passed in 2024 were set to pause after this year. A bill that would preserve some of them is on the verge of passage.
Michael BrestovanskyApril 30, 2026
"Fraud can't happen here"
ASD opinion columnist Sterling Higa sees a pattern on Maui, where Mayor Bissen's former chief of staff has filed a whistleblower lawsuit over how he was allegedly treated after reporting what he considered fraud in county government and where a recent fraud risk assessment commissioned by the county found that controls were inadequate to prevent fraud.
Sterling HigaApril 30, 2026
Community Voices: The unintended consequences of transfer taxes
Studies on the effect of real estate transfer taxes in general have found they are associated with reductions in investment, income, jobs and economic activity. It's also likely to make the state’s housing crisis worse, per Grassroot Institute of Hawai‘i.
Keliʻi AkinaApril 29, 2026
Pipikaula Corner: The bill that won't name its target
UPDATED 5/2: The joint conference committee has passed a revised SB 2471 on to the full Legislature, seeking to nullify for the Islands the U.S. Supreme Court's Citizens United decision. As ASD Editor A. Kam Napier observes, lawmakers are offering more argument than evidence for the bill while being vague about whose speech they really mean to curtail — or protect.
A. Kam NapierApril 29, 2026
Praying for Hawai‘i's leaders
Last Friday, some 1,200 people gathered for the 47th Annual Hawai‘i Prayer Breakfast, including such leaders as Governor Josh Green, Maui Mayor Richard Bissen, Senate President Ron Kouchi and Representative Elijah Pierick. Attendees may have represented different faiths, different governing philosophies, they may even at times be opponents, but they came together seeking grace. ASD opinion columnist Sterling Higa talks about why that matters.
Sterling HigaApril 28, 2026
Community Voices: What’s dead — for now
Tax Foundation of Hawaiʻi takes a look at "bills that had enough support to pass from one chamber to the other; the fact that most of these are House bills simply means that the Senate, this year, was less inclined to move ideas forward for further discussion."
Tom YamachikaApril 28, 2026
Who is Hawai‘i's Acting Lieutenant Governor?
The state comptroller will take over the duties of the lieutenant governor for an indefinite period.
Michael BrestovanskyApril 28, 2026
Former Maui chief of staff sues county over alleged corruption
Leo Caires, Mayor Richard Bissen's former chief of staff, has accused the county of firing him unjustly after investigating multiple fraud cases within the county government.
Michael BrestovanskyApril 25, 2026
Senate committee narrowly approves Chief Justice nominee
Vladimir Devens' nomination to Supreme Court's highest seat passed a confirmation hearing with a 3-2 vote.
Michael BrestovanskyApril 24, 2026
State comptroller to be acting Lt. Governor
Keith Regan will fill in for Sylvia Luke after the Lt. Gov. announced she will take an indefinite leave of absence.
Michael BrestovanskyApril 24, 2026
Supreme Court nominee questioned over Carpenters Union ties
A Senate confirmation hearing for Supreme Court Chief Justice nominee Vladimir Devens drilled into his previously undisclosed affiliation with a political action committee.
Michael BrestovanskyApril 23, 2026
Who still wants the job?
As Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke suspended her reelection run, she cited the stress on her family as she has come under scrutiny. As ASD opinion columnist Sterling Higa observes, there is a lot of stress to being in politics. Here are the four kinds of people he sees pursuing that life in spite of the pressures.
Sterling HigaApril 23, 2026
Makaiwa Hills only option for landfill site, says city
The Department of Environmental Services is beginning the process to develop a parcel west of Makakilo for a new landfill.
Michael BrestovanskyApril 22, 2026
Pipikaula Corner: DMV déjà vu
Have you heard about the long waits to renew your Hawai‘i drivers license? Does this all feel strangely familiar? Yes, it's been eight years since the Great Renewal Logjam and all those licenses are expiring at the same time. Editor A. Kam Napier has thoughts on all that plus an update on the promised online renewals.
A. Kam NapierApril 21, 2026
Community Voices: When good bills go bad
Several of the Grassroot Institute of Hawaiʻi’s priority measures still in play aim to make a dent in Hawaiʻi’s housing crisis.
Keliʻi AkinaApril 21, 2026
Sylvia Luke not running for reelection
Lieutenant governor seat up for grabs in upcoming election.
Michael BrestovanskyApril 21, 2026
Community Voices: Where’s your second tax return — part 2
Tax Foundation of Hawaiʻi details its latest win at the Legislature — submitting a redraft for HB2429 in testimony that would have forced residents to file a second, publicly available, tax return. Conference Committee meetings now begin.
Tom YamachikaApril 20, 2026
Former governor George Ariyoshi dead at 100
Flags to fly at half-staff in commemoration of the nation's first Asian-American elected governor.
Michael BrestovanskyApril 20, 2026
State comes closer to takeover of Wahiawā Dam
The state Agribusiness Development Corp. authorized negotiations with the owners of the Wahiawā Dam to transfer it to state control.
Michael BrestovanskyApril 18, 2026
CONGRESS WATCH: Faster disaster funds for farmers
A bill that would help Hawai‘i farmers get disaster recovery funds more quickly is moving through Congress.
Michael BrestovanskyApril 17, 2026
What's still alive at the state Legislature?
After one of the last deadlines this legislative session, many major bills are still kicking.
Michael BrestovanskyApril 17, 2026
Pipikaula Corner: Congratulations, Hawai‘i, we're No. 1! In local taxes!
A walletHub analysis of state and local taxes puts Hawai‘i at the top.
A. Kam NapierApril 16, 2026
City acquires Chinatown property for future housing, redevelopment
The property, located at 175 N. Pauahi St., was acquired on April 1 for $4.52 million.
Stephanie SalmonsApril 16, 2026
House passes anti-corporate-election-spending bill
Bill that would strip from corporations the power to make political donations is on the cusp of passing, despite Attorney General's warnings.
Michael BrestovanskyApril 16, 2026
Community Voices: How building new homes benefits everyone
Several remaining reforms in the state Legislature propose more housing in Hawaiʻi at all levels, without spending a dime of taxpayer money. But how will legislators respond?
Keliʻi AkinaApril 14, 2026
Honolulu to host 'Rebuild O‘ahu' event on Saturday
The city says the April 18 event aims to support residents affected by recent storms that have caused widespread flooding across the island over the past two months.
Stephanie SalmonsApril 14, 2026