Government & Politics

Too fast, too furious? Proposed law aims to regulate police car chases

In an effort to limit danger to the public, House Bill 277 would restrict when, where and how police officers can pursue a suspect vehicle.

Community Voices: Supporting Government’s Central Services

Hawai‘i's state Department of Transportation pays the most among all departments in internal fees back to state government for its shared expenses. Here's why it may be stuck with that arrangement.

State Legislature poised to pass sweeping weapons ban

Senate Bill 401 proposes a ban on the sale of "assault rifles" beginning July 8.

Community Voices: Turns out you can fight city hall — and win!

Trapped in Hawai‘i County permitting limbo, Shahzaad Ausman could neither live in his home nor renovate it. So he took officials to court. “If the government can wrongfully revoke my permit, it can revoke many other permits. We must hold officials accountable and stand up for our rights,” he said.

CONGRESS WATCH: How Hawai‘i's reps voted on the SAVE Act

The U.S. House of Representatives passed the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act, a pillar of Republicans’ domestic policy intended to ensure that anyone voting in a federal election produce proof of citizenship. Here's how Hawai‘i's reps voted.

Crashes, falls and heart attacks: State settles lawsuits for $6.5 million

Among these settlements is a $275,000 payment over a heart attack connected to the 2018 ballistic missile false alarm

Catch-and-release fishing returns to Ho‘omaluhia

With the return comes the launch of a new online reservation system developed as a collaboration between the City and County of Honolulu's Department of Parks and Recreation and Department of Information Technology.

Kapolei public meeting coming up on TOD zoning, land use plan

The City and County of Honolulu's Department of Planning and Permitting will discuss proposed changes around three Skyline rail stations in West O‘ahu — East Kapolei, University of Hawai‘i West O‘ahu, and Ho‘opili.

‘Ohana Military Communities invests millions in military housing improvements in 2025

Brent Arakaki, director of development for Hunt Military Communities, which manages ‘Ohana Military Communitiesʻ more than 7,000 residential units on Oʻahu, says it reinvests “tens of millions" of dollars back into local communities on average per year. Hereʻs what the company is spending on this year.

Community Voices: Taxing Capital Gains

The Hawai‘i state Legislature wants to change taxes on capital gains by some as yet unstated amount by taxing, for example, the money you gain selling your house at rates comparable to state income taxes. For individuals, this could amount to as much as a 52% increase to the rate someone would pay on capital gains.

New legislation would bring tax cuts for movies with mostly local hires

Actors, stuntmen and others in the movie industry spoke in support of Senate Bill 732, which would incentivize the film industry to bring productions to Hawaiʻi through tax cuts if there are at least 80% kamaʻāina hires.

Former longtime Rep. Gene Ward dies at 82

Ward served in the state House of Representatives from 1990 to 1998 and from 2006 until Monday. He had recently announced his retirement, which was effective Monday, March 31, citing recent health setbacks.

District health offices to host community events in April

With National Public Health Week (April 7-13) right around the corner, Aloha State Daily spoke with Kaua‘i District Health Officer Dr. Janet Berreman about what attendees can expect from the Open House on April 11, as well as the initiatives she’s most excited about on Kauaʻi that are contributing to the state's health goals.

Community Voices: You Want to Raise the TAT by HOW Much?

Two bills would raise the Transient Accommodations Tax, but won't openly state the new rate, in a process leaving little time for public input.

Honolulu looks to add more affordable housing in ‘Ewa Beach

Although the project is still in the development phase, city officials say they're nearing a "major milestone" with the financing.

Community Voices: Lahaina future brighter, but keep pedal to the metal

Check out these chances for your keiki to have some fun this summer

County-run summer programs for children and teens are about to open for registration — and spaces fill quickly. Here are some opportunities for summer fun across the Islands.

Kapi‘olani commuters beware — lane closures planned this week and beyond

The city says these temporary lane closures are expected to have a "significant impact on traffic flow in the area, and drivers are strongly advised to use alternate routes."

Community Voices: The new tax cuts website

The Hawaii State Tax Watch Doggie has gone online to check it out and has a few quibbles.

Community Voices: Legislature poised to fix a state wrong?

First, local government shut down restaurants during the Covid-19 pandemic. Then the federal government offered them relief money to partially make up for their losses. Then state government taxed that relief as revenue. A bill in the Hawai‘i state legislature would undo that last step.

Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi talks top priorities

Housing and public safety were among the top priorities identified by the mayor during his State of the City address Tuesday, March 18.

Measles are making headlines but Hawai‘i's top diseases may surprise you

Gov. Josh Green recently highlighted measles. That had Aloha State Daily wondering what are Hawaiʻi's most common infectious diseases? The answers are icky.

New rail segment to open later this year

Mayor Rick Blangiardi made the announcement during his State of the City address Tuesday, March 18.

Community Voices: Universal vax for Hawai‘i

A new bill would tax health plans so that the state can buy bulk vaccines for people not otherwise entitled to receive free vaccines. It also immunizes the state itself — against lawsuits.

Here's how construction defect litigation is affecting housing in Hawai‘i

A new report from the University of Hawai‘i Economic Research Organization says that legal action related to construction defects is becoming an "increasingly significant source of uncertainty and risk in Hawai‘i's housing marketing."

Community Voices: Let’s close the book on school impact fees

It's not just big developers who have to pay these fees, which add to the cost of housing, even individuals adding an ADU have to come up with thousands of dollars.

Kaua‘i, Maui leaders offer county updates

Aloha State Daily has the highlights from Kaua‘i County Mayor Derek Kawakami's State of the County address Thursday morning and Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen's address, which he gave March 7.

Kaua‘i County boosts local farms

For the second year, Kaua‘i County's Office of Economic Development has funded Agriculture Farm Expansion Grants. The 12 selected project proposals received a combined total of $637,429.

Community Voices: Taxpayers need a break from old liens

Why the Tax Foundation of Hawai‘i drafted a bill to stop the state Department of Taxation from leaving liens on taxpayers on the books past their 15-year statute of limitations.

First phase of Kapi‘olani Boulevard roadwork set to be finished this summer

The work is part of a project that is being completed in two phases. The first phase spans from Harding Avenue to Atkinson Drive, while the second phase — work on which hasn't started yet — will continue from Atkinson Drive to Ward Avenue.

School vaccine measure HB1118 is dead for this session

A unanimous vote by the House on Tuesday shelved the controversial bill that would bar religious exemptions to vaccines at Hawaiʻi schools.

Community Voices: Kōloa Rum challenge could be what kills the Jones Act

Recently, there has been momentum in Congress to revisit the law, which for more than a hundred years has been limiting shipping competition between U.S. ports and had an outsized negative impact on the residents of Hawai‘i and other U.S. states and territories who rely heavily on waterborne transportation for their imports.

Honolulu looks to redevelop Iwilei property

The city is seeking a development partner to transform the Iwilei Center into a mixed-use, transit-oriented community.

How is Hawai‘i faring? A new survey asked and more than 900 residents responded.

In the latest survey of resident sentiment by Pacific Resource Partnership, growing numbers of people feel the state is on the wrong track, remains too expensive — and their fear of crime is on the rise.

Hawai‘i distillery sues over Jones Act

The legislation requires cargo transported between U.S. ports to be carried on vessels that are built in the U.S., and are owned and crewed by U.S. citizens. ASD spoke with the attorney representing the Hawai‘i-based business that says the Jones Act puts the distillery at a disadvantage.

Community Voices: A Stealthy Tax Hike

Employers could be hit with a 42% increase in what they pay in state unemployment insurance taxes under a bill being considered by the Legislature.

Community organizations advocate for Hawaiʻi’s working families at the Capitol

HCAN Speaks!, the lobbying arm of Hawaiʻi Children Action Network, spearheaded its first Working Families Day at the Hawaiʻi State Capitol on Friday, complete with a resource fair featuring more than 50 nonprofits, family activities and a rally around legislation. Here’s what government and nonprofit leaders said about their efforts.

New shelter prioritizes brain and behavioral health

The Kumu Ola Hou Iwilei Transitional Shelter is a collaboration between the city, which owns the the Iwilei Center, where the shelter is located, and the state, which is providing funding to the Institute for Human Services to manage the facility.

Community Viewpoint: If we’re not careful, nearly everything will become ‘historic’

More than 2,500 non-residential and 100,000 residential structures in Hawai‘i were built between 1970 and 1980, and they are aging into the historic category, triggering lengthy reviews by the Hawaiʻi State Historic Preservation Division before owners can change or replace them.

With HB1118 advancing, here’s a look at the state mandated vaccines for public school kids

As the measure that would stop new religious exemptions to vaccines at Hawaiʻi schools moves on to the Senate, readers may be wondering what vaccines are currently required and who decides how they get on the state's list. ASD spoke to DOE and DOH officials about the requirements. We also examined more than 2,000 pages of testimony submitted on HB118 on Feb. 21 and found that more than 1,600 people opposed eliminating the religious exemption, while 75 supported eliminating the exemption.

Legislation seeks to provide funding for Hawai‘i Technology Development Corp.

Legislators initially sought $6 million for the agency for grants to small businesses, temporarily tripling its budget. That amount is now in flux.

HANO’s Melissa Miyashiro navigates federal funding concerns, prepares for local impacts to nonprofits

Meet the executive director of Hawaiʻi Alliance of Nonprofit Organizations, who is tracking changes happening at the federal and state levels, to help strengthen the local sector by providing information and resources.

3 strategies to address childhood homelessness in Hawaiʻi

Family Promise of Hawaiʻi held its first-ever Childhood Homelessness Symposium on Tuesday, which brought together nearly 200 local and national experts and stakeholders to help inspire solutions for childhood homelessness statewide. Topics included homelessness among Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders, early childhood education, affordable housing and more.

Why this mom is advocating for water safety statewide

On Feb. 28, which is the 21st anniversary of her daughter's death, Allison Schaefers Dubovsky will visit the detention pond where 5-year-old Charlotte “Sharkey” Schaefers drowned rescuing her friend. The bereaved mom shares how advocating for legislation and developing a water safety plan this year will help prevent drowning in Hawaiʻi.

Community Voices: Political problems not the same as true emergencies

Hawai‘i is operating under multiple emergency orders from the Governor's office, often extended over years, for pressing problems that can and should be handled by the ordinary democratic process.

Community Viewpoint: This Hawai‘i tax break could be a tax hike

Any increase to the GET, such as the one proposed, falls hardest on people with the least income.

Aloha Freedom Coalition rallies against vaccine bill HB1118

The grassroots organization hosted a rally at the Hawaiʻi State Capitol on Thursday opposing legislation that would bar new non-medical exemptions to vaccines at schools.

Capitol buzzes amid Hawai‘i Farm Bureau’s annual Ag Day

Organizations that support local food production convened Thursday at the Hawai‘i State Capitol to boost awareness of bills this legislative session. Tai-li Medeiros from Kauaʻi County Farm Bureau, who was passing out apples and other produce donated by Garden Isle farmers, said the event is great for networking.

Diamond Head State Monument to temporarily close in March, April

Contractors will work to stabilize loose rocks around the Kāhala Tunnel as part of a rockfall mitigation project underway.

Gov. Josh Green walks on water at the Capitol

No, it wasn't real water, but rather a glass pool mock-up of what will replace the Hawaiʻi State Capitol’s existing moat by December 2026.

Hawai‘i education then and now: A 50-year view on soaring costs and declining enrollment

Using the Hawai‘i State Data Book archives, we find that the biggest changes from 1972 to 2022 — the most recent stats available — concern the costs of education. Those are up substantially, even though enrollment and teacher pay both dropped.

Honolulu wraps buses with local art

Three buses have new exterior designs as part of a series of public art installations that connect places across Oʻahu with indigenous, Native Hawaiian stories.

University of Hawai‘i President Wendy Hensel talks top priorities and more

Hensel stepped into the role Jan. 1, succeeding former UH President David Lassner, who retired at the end of 2024.

City and County of Honolulu launches new strategic housing plan

Kevin Auger, executive director of the city's Office of Housing says the housing plan provides a "roadmap" that outlines actions the city will take to facilitate the production of housing on O‘ahu.

Aloha Hālawa District Partners holds first community meeting

The developers for the New Aloha Stadium Entertainment District (NASED) still aim to finish the project by the summer of 2028.

Five takeaways: New UHERO report looks at the struggles of small businesses

The needs of and challenges facing small businesses in Honolulu are highlighted in a new report that was released Monday by the University of Hawai‘i Economic Research Organization.

Egg prices increase in Hawaiʻi

Egg prices in Honolulu increased in December 2024, "primarily driven by reported concerns over the avian flu,” according to a recent report and statistics from the state Department of Agriculture.

Thursday’s storm brought several Honolulu trees down, along with the power

A few updates regarding weather, fallen trees and what parks will be open this weekend on O‘ahu.

U.S. Vets Hawai‘i expands West O‘ahu operations

Executive Director Tanya Brown shares what it will take to run the state-funded kauhale project, which will aid Wai‘anae residents – veterans and civilians alike – who are experiencing homelessness.

Government agencies weigh future for Kalaupapa settlement

The future of an isolated peninsula where thousands of patients with leprosy, now known as Hansen’s disease, were sent to live in isolation from the rest of the world, is in development. Its last patients are now between 83 and 100 years old.

Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke signs emergency proclamation

The proclamation allows for the “rapid deployment of resources to address potential impacts, including high winds, heavy rainfall and other hazardous conditions" associated with a low pressure system passing north of the state.

Aloha Stadium manager Ryan Andrews steps down

Deputy manager Chris Sadayasu steps into the interim role after Andrews announced plans to take a new position at UH.

Residents, state and city work together to clean up the Ala Wai Canal

With more severe weather expected this week, efforts to help minimize the impact on neighboring communities are underway. 

White House rescinds temporary pause on federal aid

The National Council of Nonprofits says, “Nonprofit organizations throughout the country and the people they serve can breathe a sigh of relief now.”

President Trump’s recent executive orders could impact federal funding for Lahaina recovery, health care and housing in Hawai‘i

Local officials and a White House representative address the nationwide temporary freeze of federal grants and loans. A local nonprofit is organizing a town hall to give member organizations guidance.

Storms filled the Ala Wai with debris — who cleans it up?

ASD spoke with officials about what happens to the mess.

State of the State: six takeaways

Gov. Josh Green delivered the State of the State address before state legislators on Jan. 21.

CrimeStoppers coordinator set to retire, nonprofit will welcome new leader

Honolulu Police Department Sgt. Chris Kim has led the organization since 2017. He will retire Jan. 31.

Partnership brings ‘hub of healing’ to Hilo 

Ohana Health Plan President and CEO Scott Sivik talks about its new transitional housing program in partnership with Hilo-based nonprofit Hope Services Hawaii.

State legislators back to work

Jan. 15 marked the opening day of the 2025 legislative session.

Water, water everywhere ...

Oahu residents can apply for a pilot program to capture rainwater.

Elijah Pierick launches telehealth company, preps for Opening Day

Why this legislator has launched his own mental health business.

Registration is open for 2025 Neighborhood Board elections

You have until Feb. 21 to heed the call.

ICYMI: Lahaina recovery plan released

Getting in and out of the town will be a lot easier if these proposed projects go through.

How Hawaii plans to solve its physician shortage

UH, affiliates have a plan to recruit more doctors in 2025. Now, it’s up to the Legislature and industry partners to act.

Just how big is Hitachi's rail lawsuit against Honolulu?

Hitachi Rail Honolulu JV recently filed a $324 million lawsuit against the City & County of Honolulu over rail delays. Here's a look at how that amount compares to city spending priorities.