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
New year, new laws
Parking regulations and tax changes go into effect Jan. 1.
Michael BrestovanskyJanuary 01, 2026
Electric buses, new express routes debut Monday on Kaua‘i
The county debuts its first battery-electric buses alongside new express routes connecting Anahola and Waimea.
Daniel FarrDecember 31, 2025
Is the Big Island’s name changing? Here’s what the state says
State officials say the change from “Island of Hawaiʻi” to “Hawaiʻi” applies only to government maps and documents and does not affect common usage.
Daniel FarrDecember 31, 2025
Hamada: Remembering the late John Henry Felix and Cliff Slater
Both men, whom we lost this year, were passionately engaged in civic life. Felix as a longtime politician; Slater as a rail critic who brought facts and research to bear on the issue, back when it was projected to a cost a mere $1.8 billion.
Rick HamadaDecember 31, 2025
Community Voices: The tax side of charitable giving in Hawai‘i
Is your giving deductible, or not? It depends. The Tax Foundation of Hawai‘i has advice.
Tom YamachikaDecember 30, 2025
No mall at Shark’s Cove if city closes deal
Aloha State Daily spent time on the North Shore recently and heard talk of a mall development coming to Shark's Cove. But something completely different is in the works.
Daniel FarrDecember 30, 2025
Community Voices: Gaming this year?
Gambling that the Hawai‘i state Legislature just might explore legalized — and taxed — gambling in the upcoming session, here are some of the complications lawmakers will have to keep in mind.
Tom YamachikaDecember 25, 2025
CONGRESS WATCH: Senate votes to improve veterans' services
A host of veteran-related bills capped off Congress' pre-holiday activities.
Michael BrestovanskyDecember 25, 2025
Kauaʻi County seeks proposals for homeless services grants
Housing Director Adam Roversi said several homeless services on Kauaʻi remain underfunded, including street outreach, emergency shelter, transitional housing, homelessness prevention and mental health services.
Daniel FarrDecember 24, 2025
Hamada: Why you should vote, especially if you think it doesn't matter
Through taxes and regulations, government touches your life 24/7, from your morning coffee to the clothes on your back. Voting is one way you can stand up for yourself — and with the number of races that are quite close, your vote really does matter.
Rick HamadaDecember 24, 2025
Checking in on potential airport hotels in Hilo, Kona
State Sen. Lorraine Inouye said hotels are permitted at both airports under the approved legislation, but she believes Hilo should be prioritized.
Daniel FarrDecember 23, 2025
Green unveils $20.4 billion supplementary budget proposal
Proposed budget includes funds to continue SNAP, Medicaid benefits following budget cuts
Michael BrestovanskyDecember 23, 2025
Pipikaula Corner: Missing details on charter schools
Civil Beat has launched a three-part series on Hawai‘i's charter schools that seems to want to write them off as underperforming. There are some big caveats to that conclusion, however, that haven't been explored.
A. Kam NapierDecember 23, 2025
Hawai'i officials react to Trump’s marijuana reclassification
Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney Steve Alm criticized the marijuana reclassification, warning it could harm public health and send the wrong message to young people.
Daniel FarrDecember 22, 2025
HART receives clean FY25 audit as rail project cost reaches $10 billion
ASD takes a look at the big numbers in HART's balance sheet.
Daniel FarrDecember 20, 2025
State Elections Commission calls for 2024 election audit
Series of reports raises concerns about unverifiable mail-in ballot numbers.
Michael BrestovanskyDecember 20, 2025
Hawai’i Appleseed: 5 ways Hawai’i counties can help address food insecurity
A new nonprofit policy brief recommends areas of focus for leaders at the county level to make the most impact on local food systems in coordination with state and federal resources.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosDecember 20, 2025
Hawai‘i's minimum wage to increase on Jan. 1
This is the third step in a series of planned increases that will ultimately bring the minimum wage to $18 by 2028.
Stephanie SalmonsDecember 19, 2025
Hawaiʻi County Council approves $6M in grants for housing, homelessness programs
The resolution’s narrow passage authorizes the Office of Housing and Community Development to proceed with the grant awards to the identified nonprofit organizations.
Daniel FarrDecember 18, 2025
The dark history beneath Blaisdell Center
The Kewalo area where this entertainment complex now stands was once home to a pond called Kawailumalumai, or Drowning Waters. Members of the kauwā, the outcasts who were often used as sacrifice, were drowned there. People have reported seeing faces in the water of the present-day pond, including our ghost column author.
Lopaka Kapanui and Tanya KapanuiDecember 17, 2025
Hyundai, Kia to offer theft reimbursements after settling class-action lawsuit
Class-action settlement means eligible drivers could receive up to $4,500 if their car was stolen this year.
Michael BrestovanskyDecember 17, 2025
Maui County approves vacation rental phase-out
The controversial Bill 9 would require vacation rental properties in apartment districts to phase out by 2031.
Michael BrestovanskyDecember 16, 2025
Fire officials mourn death of Hawai‘i County Fire Chief
Kazuo Todd died unexpectedly Sunday at the age of 45.
Michael BrestovanskyDecember 16, 2025
Op-Ed: Hawaiʻi’s regulation of humorous political speech is no laughing matter
Mathew Hoffmann is legal counsel with Alliance Defending Freedom, which represents satire site The Babylon Bee in its lawsuit challenging Hawaiʻi’s law that criminalizes the distribution of “materially deceptive media” that may risk harming “the reputation or electoral prospects” of politicians. He argues the law violates the First Amendment by targeting speech, including political memes, humor and satire.
Mathew HoffmannDecember 16, 2025
Hamada: Trump steps in it over Reiner
The late director Rob Reiner was a harsh and dramatic critic of the president, but Trump's statement on the murder of Reiner and his wife, Michele, allegedly by their own son, was completely unnecessary.
Rick HamadaDecember 16, 2025
HART hits back in Skyline lawsuit
A contractor sued HART for millions last month over Skyline delays. HART filed a counterclaim Thursday accusing the contractor of filing a false claim.
Michael BrestovanskyDecember 13, 2025
Pipikaula Corner: Hawai‘i's confidence crisis
People are not just packing their bags because Hawai‘i is expensive. They’re packing their bags because they don’t believe any institution can do anything about that, least of all the politicians and bureaucrats who set policy.
A. Kam NapierDecember 13, 2025
DOJ sues Hawai‘i over voter registration data
The U.S. Department of Justice requested voter registration data from 40 states, including Hawai‘i, earlier this year. Hawai‘i's Chief Elections Officer Scott Nago refused.
Michael BrestovanskyDecember 13, 2025
UHERO predicts "mild recession" in 2026
State economy will start to pick up again later next year, UHERO forecasts.
Michael BrestovanskyDecember 12, 2025
Demolition of former Dee Lite Bakery to start Monday
Honolulu's Department of Housing and Land Management and the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation will start “coordinated demolition work” on city-owned properties that include the old Dee Lite Bakery at 1930 Dillingham Blvd. and 1907 Eluwene St. to prepare the site for redevelopment.
Stephanie SalmonsDecember 12, 2025
CONGRESS WATCH: Hawai‘i Reps support $900 billion defense bill
Colossal defense spending bill would bring millions in military funding to the state
Michael BrestovanskyDecember 11, 2025
Honolulu chooses developer for Kapolei property
Kobayashi Group has been selected as the city's preferred negotiating partner to lead the redevelopment of nearly 14 city-owned acres in West O‘ahu into an affordable rental community.
Stephanie SalmonsDecember 11, 2025
Community Voices: Lessons from Lahaina could help Hilo recover
Although the scope of the Lahaina and Hilo fires differs, the lesson is the same: Inflexible regulations can severely delay or even prevent rebuilding. Hawai‘i County could act now to identify and work around those barriers.
Keliʻi Akina & Ph.D.December 10, 2025
South Maui resort project inches forward
A draft environmental impact statement for Mākena Mauka resort project was published Monday.
Michael BrestovanskyDecember 10, 2025
Long-awaited improvements coming to Wa‘ianae police substation
Wai‘anae facility built in 2016 will finally get a functional second floor.
Michael BrestovanskyDecember 09, 2025
Community Voices: Making a federal case out of the Green Fee
The Cruise Line Industry Association has taken the unusual step of filing suit against Hawai‘i's new Green Fee in federal court.
Tom YamachikaDecember 08, 2025
CONGRESS WATCH: Unanimous support in House for grab-bag of bills
U.S. House waved through more than 20 bills this week with no debate or opposition.
Michael BrestovanskyDecember 06, 2025
AI porn on state websites
Mainland whistleblower warns of malicious webpages being hosted on government websites nationwide, including in Hawaiʻi.
Michael BrestovanskyDecember 06, 2025
Fish farming bill builds support
A bill introduced by Hawai‘i Sen. Brian Schatz could tap into a trillion-dollar industry, advocates say.
Michael BrestovanskyDecember 05, 2025
CONGRESS WATCH: Case splits with Dems on Chinese education bills
Three bills cracking down on Chinese influence in schools got limited Democrat support this week, including from Rep. Ed Case.
Michael BrestovanskyDecember 05, 2025
Portion of Kailua Beach Park to close for tree removal
Arborists and specialized maintenance staff with the City and County of Honolulu’s Department of Parks and Recreation will remove 12 ironwood trees in the area.
Stephanie SalmonsDecember 05, 2025
State, Queen's Health, plan new outpatient facility in Kailua-Kona
Partnership between Hawai‘i Health Systems Corporation and Queen's Health Systems will further enhance planned West Hawai‘i hospital, officials say.
Michael BrestovanskyDecember 04, 2025
Hawai‘i lawmakers demand investigation into Tripler OBGYN lawsuit
State congressional delegates publish letter calling for thorough investigation into how Maj. Blaine McGraw was allowed to allegedly harass and exploit patients for years.
Michael BrestovanskyDecember 03, 2025
Community Voices: Pitfalls in Hawai‘i tax appeals
When the Hawai‘i state Department of Taxation audits taxpayers, it sends them guidance about the legal process. But the guidance is 20 years old, and could lead taxpayers to do the wrong things in protecting themselves.
Tom YamachikaDecember 01, 2025
Innovation Grants will help address community challenges on Kaua‘i
Kaua‘i County's Office of Economic Development recently announced the 12 grant recipients. The selected proposals received a total of $368,362.
Stephanie SalmonsNovember 28, 2025
Why does Hawai‘i have a GET?
The General Excise Tax. We all know it, we all complain about it, especially the way it stacks up in transaction after transaction, raising prices. But there was a time when it didn't exist at all. Here's a look at who created it, when, and, most importantly, why.
Perry ArrasmithNovember 28, 2025
The money in TheBus
O‘ahu Transit Services, Inc., the nonprofit contractor that manages TheBus and TheHandi-Van, has a $325.9 million budget. ASD looks at where the money goes, and how The Bus stacks up in comparison to bus systems in other cities.
Michael BrestovanskyNovember 27, 2025
Know your refund rights
No refunds? Not so fast! Here's how state laws dictate stores' return policies.
Michael BrestovanskyNovember 27, 2025
Items surrendered at TSA available at auction
The state Surplus Property Office collects boxes of surrendered items from the Daniel K. Inouye Airport in Honolulu every month, and from Neighbor Island airports each quarter, which are then sold at public auction.
Stephanie SalmonsNovember 26, 2025
POW pau: Longstanding Wai‘anae homeless community relocating
Pu‘uhonua O Wai‘anae encampment is being dismantled as residents transition to a permanent housing community.
Michael BrestovanskyNovember 26, 2025
Skyline ridership still up a month after second segment opens
Weekday ridership numbers have routinely surpassed 10,000 daily since the second section of the rail opened on Oct. 16, according to data from the City and County of Honolulu.
Stephanie SalmonsNovember 25, 2025
Green appoints new finance director
Hawai‘i's state economist becomes new finance director after only three months.
Michael BrestovanskyNovember 25, 2025
CONGRESS WATCH: Reconvening roundup
Let's take a look at 31 bills Congress voted to pass last week.
Michael BrestovanskyNovember 24, 2025
Hawai‘i County acquires Hilo hotel for affordable housing
Guest rooms will be converted into 18 affordable rentals available for residents earning up to 50% of the area median income.
Stephanie SalmonsNovember 22, 2025
Police positive on media access proposal
Bill proposes alerts about police activities within 10 minutes to certain news outlets.
Michael BrestovanskyNovember 22, 2025
Honolulu selects partner for Iwilei Center redevelopment
The four-acre parcel is adjacent to the future Kūwili Skyline rail station. Its redevelopment is expected to bring hundreds of new homes to the area, along with retail spaces, community amenities and “transit-connected public spaces,” the city says.
Stephanie SalmonsNovember 21, 2025
Community Voices: Many of the proposed Honolulu Charter amendments actually make sense
Among the 250 charter amendment proposals submitted by the public were four from Grassroot Institute of Hawai‘i aimed at speeding up permit approvals and improving cost-of-government accountability.
Keliʻi Akina & Ph.D.November 21, 2025
High traffic fatalities test city's Vision Zero plan
County officials discuss 2025's surge in fatal traffic crashes and the city's plan to eliminate them entirely.
Michael BrestovanskyNovember 20, 2025
Hawaiian Council outreach team will travel to Neighbor Islands
There, they'll help Native Hawaiian beneficiaries with completing applications for the Office of Hawaiian Affairs’ $6.1 million emergency assistance program
Stephanie SalmonsNovember 19, 2025
CONGRESS WATCH: Congress votes nearly unanimously to release Epstein files
Hawai‘i's lawmakers voted in support of a bill to release documents related to Jeffrey Epstein
Michael BrestovanskyNovember 18, 2025
DOT lowering speed limit in four spots on Hawai‘i Belt Road
The state Department of Transportation says the speed limit signs will be changed 30 days from Nov. 17 and the new speed limits will be effective once the sign installations are complete.
Stephanie SalmonsNovember 18, 2025
Young Brothers' rates to increase by more than 25%
State Public Utilities Commission approves 25.75% rate increase amid freight company's financial woes.
Michael BrestovanskyNovember 18, 2025
Hamada: Government shutdown showed Hawai‘iʻs vulnerabilities
Groceries cost a "thrifty" family of four nearly $1,000 per month on the Mainland. In Hawai‘i, itʻs more like $1,500.
Rick HamadaNovember 17, 2025
Community Voices: Student loan forgiveness gets complicated
Student loan forgiveness has been tied to working for the government or for certain nonprofits. Under new federal rules, that might depend on whether the state or local government, or nonprofit, engages in "substantial illegal activities" in the eyes of the federal government
Tom YamachikaNovember 17, 2025
State breaks ground on agribusiness hub
Wahiawā facility to help farmers, ag businesses, scale up production.
Michael BrestovanskyNovember 15, 2025
Hawai‘i Job Corps still alive and thriving, despite threat of closure
Nationwide vocational training program still recruiting students even as a lawsuit to determine its fate continues.
Michael BrestovanskyNovember 15, 2025
Community Voices: Hawaiʻi’s rising child poverty is a policy choice — and we can choose better
New data suggests public programs work to meet basic needs for Hawaiʻi’s keiki. Here's how.
Nicole WooNovember 14, 2025
CONGRESS WATCH: Shutdown ended, vet benefits extended
How did Hawai‘i's lawmakers vote this week?
Michael BrestovanskyNovember 14, 2025
Hilo park closed after footbridge collapses
A portion of the bridge connecting Moku‘ola, or Coconut Island, to the Hilo shoreline collapsed Friday and sent a Hawai‘i County employee to the hospital.
Stephanie SalmonsNovember 14, 2025
Free webinar for condo owners set for Saturday
The Real Estate Commission, along with Community Associations Institute Hawai‘i Chapter will host “Condorama XV" on Nov. 15.
Stephanie SalmonsNovember 14, 2025
Green announces committee to advise on Army land negotiations
As U.S. Army contemplates land condemnation to retain training facilities on state land, Green assembles 10-person advisory committee.
Michael BrestovanskyNovember 14, 2025
Honolulu, Roberts Hawai‘i aim to improve access to Hanauma Bay
A new contract between the city and Roberts Hawai‘i packages transportation to and from the popular snorkel spot, entry and an educational video.
Stephanie SalmonsNovember 12, 2025
$300 million bike and pedestrian plan unveiled
Hawai‘i Department of Transportation releases plan of transit network projects to be completed across the state over next decade.
Michael BrestovanskyNovember 12, 2025
Hamada: Weighing emotions versus pragmatism on illegal immigration
Feelings to the contrary aside, nothing about the enforcement of immigration law contradicts America's ideals as a place the welcomes newcomers or that helps people escape oppression.
Rick HamadaNovember 12, 2025
Architects get involved on HNL Build improvements
AIA President Phil Camp discusses the evolution of DPP's new permitting software.
Michael BrestovanskyNovember 11, 2025
Skunk captured at Hilo Harbor
It's the second one found in Hawai‘i this year.
Stephanie SalmonsNovember 11, 2025
Community Voices: Health care providers might be overcharging on Hawai‘i taxes
Here's how some medical bills might run afoul of Hawai‘i tax laws in overcharging on the GET.
Tom YamachikaNovember 10, 2025
UPDATED: Congress Watch: All the times Hawai‘i's senators have voted on reopening government
Here are each of the 13 times senators Mazie Hirono and Brian Schatz have voted against reopening government under a "clean resolution" so far, as well as their votes for the Democrat-preferred alternative.
A. Kam NapierNovember 08, 2025
Council OKs vacation rental fee increases
Bill requiring $1,000s in vacation rental re-registration fees passes.
Michael BrestovanskyNovember 07, 2025
DOT offers to pay flight controllers' salaries to avoid FAA cuts
Four Hawaiian Airlines flights will be cancelled tomorrow as FAA rolls out air travel cuts.
Michael BrestovanskyNovember 07, 2025
Council rejects Waialua ranch tour project
Kaukonahua Ranch would have drawn more than 1,500 visitors a day to Waialua, to residents' consternation.
Michael BrestovanskyNovember 06, 2025
OHA votes on how to disperse emergency funds
The organization, whose mission is to improve the well-being of Native Hawaiians, moves forward on a plan to redirect $6.1 million in emergency funding to its beneficiaries affected by the federal government shutdown. Monies may be available as soon as Monday, Nov. 10.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosNovember 06, 2025
Pipikaula Corner: How the City keeps Honolulu afraid
On the issue of homelessness, it's as if the people and their government live on different planets. As an exchange at a recent Neighborhood Board meeting shows, everyday people are expressing real fear that goes unacknowledged by officials spouting jargon.
A. Kam NapierNovember 06, 2025
Destination DoHo
Here's what's happening in Downtown Honolulu, as the city and nonprofits work to improve the area and draw more people.
Stephanie SalmonsNovember 06, 2025
FAA warns of cuts to flights as shutdown continues
Flights to and from 40 unspecified "high-volume" markets coming this Friday, warns the FAA.
Michael BrestovanskyNovember 06, 2025
Honolulu continues affordable housing efforts
The city has selected a “preferred negotiating partner” to build an affordable, disability-forward workforce housing community on city-owned property at 130 S. Beretania St.
Stephanie SalmonsNovember 05, 2025
Opioids, cesspools and more: Inside the counties' 2026 legislative proposals
The Hawai‘i State Association of Counties released its legislative package last week. Here's what's in it.
Michael BrestovanskyNovember 05, 2025
What endures in Palaka?
Palaka — the fabric — has passed through many hands and generations to become a distinctive fabric of the Islands, reflecting its multicultural history. So, too, has Palaka Power, the political philosophy that took its name from the working-class history associated with the humble cloth. Is there a place for that philosophy now?
Perry ArrasmithNovember 05, 2025
Council to mull "Shared Streets" proposal
Council bill would establish pedestrian-friendly roads around Honolulu.
Michael BrestovanskyNovember 04, 2025
Community Voices: The TATmas Tree
Department of Hawaiian Home Lands is the latest state entity looking for dedicated funding via yet another increase to the Transient Accommodations Tax — but there are problems with both raising this tax repeatedly, and using it for automatic spending that never goes through the normal budgeting process. Here are some solutions.
Tom YamachikaNovember 04, 2025
OHA, nonprofits step up to help local families
As Hawaiʻi families that rely on SNAP benefits wait on funding allocated from the state, nonprofits are filling the gap. Here is a roundup of resources from interest-free payment plans at HECO to housing support and food distribution sites cropping up this week.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosNovember 04, 2025
Honolulu Zoo launches new online ticketing system
Digital tickets will be available starting Saturday, Nov. 1.
Stephanie SalmonsNovember 01, 2025
SNAP freeze: Green announces additional aid programs as benefit cut looms
Hawai‘i Food Assistance Program will fill in for delayed SNAP benefits, but only after two weeks.
Michael BrestovanskyOctober 31, 2025
State offers housing support amid looming benefit cut
As SNAP programs seem set to shut down next month, state program will offer housing support to families.
Michael BrestovanskyOctober 30, 2025
Community Voices: Lahaina rebuilding inches toward progress
Maui County lawmakers have succeeded at removing some of the barriers to speedy reconstruction.
Keliʻi Akina & Ph.D.October 29, 2025
Financing secured for first phase of Kūhiō Park Terrace redevelopment
In this phase, 60 of the current 174 aging public housing units will be replaced with 302 new affordable rental homes and two manager units.
Stephanie SalmonsOctober 29, 2025
Waitlist opens for Waikoloa Village rental project
Nā Hale Makoa will offer 139 one-, two- and three-bedroom units for households earning up to 140% of the area median income.
Stephanie SalmonsOctober 28, 2025
Aquarium fishing proposal draws crowd
Dozens spoke for hours Friday on proposed new rules for West Hawai‘i aquarium fishing.
Michael BrestovanskyOctober 28, 2025
Community Voices: Spend that money, Vought is watching
It's going to be hard to defend federal block grants for Native Hawaiian housing from budget cuts when state officials are leaving tens of millions of dollars unspent.
Tom YamachikaOctober 28, 2025
Maui, state officials mourn passing of councilwoman Natalie “Tasha” Kama
Kahului Councilwoman "Tasha" Kama passed away Sunday at age 73.
Michael BrestovanskyOctober 27, 2025
Community Voices: With housing, let's have an intergenerational conversation
On Oct. 28, Housing Hawai‘i's Future will host a conversation among the seven living generations who call Hawai‘i home, because housing — and Hawai‘i's lack of affordable housing — affects everyone. Come join the conversation.
Lee WangOctober 25, 2025
CONGRESS WATCH: Senate still split on shutdown
Senate OK's tax assistance, foreign communications oversight, and other measures, but doesn't budge on government shutdown.
Michael BrestovanskyOctober 25, 2025
Kaua‘i County auction to start Oct. 29
The county will auction off surplus items in this public online auction.
Stephanie SalmonsOctober 23, 2025
HECO to offer customers $1,500 generator rebate
Proposed pilot program offers customers in wildfire zones up to $1,500 to purchase generators and batteries.
Michael BrestovanskyOctober 23, 2025
Fuel reduction plans coming as state moves toward net zero emissions
Final draft of DOT decarbonization begins to put a price to emission reduction proposals.
Michael BrestovanskyOctober 23, 2025
Two opossums caught Tuesday at Honolulu Harbor
A third opossum was caught at Hilo Harbor in September.
Stephanie SalmonsOctober 22, 2025
Kaimukī to get public kyudo range
Devoted to the Japanese martial art of archery, the facility will be a public-private partnership between the City & County of Honolulu and Hawai‘i Kyudo Foundation.
ASD StaffOctober 22, 2025
Grants available for businesses affected by rail construction
Businesses along Dillingham Boulevard impacted by the work can now apply for grants from the City and County of Honolulu’s Transit Construction Mitigation Fund.
Stephanie SalmonsOctober 22, 2025