Haley Lehman
Decisions made by city and county councilmembers impact the quality of the roads you drive on, how your neighborhood is zoned, what your property taxes cost, how easy it is to obtain a driver’s license, and more. While Aloha State Daily is based in Honolulu, I’ll cover the four counties and their governments statewide. I aim to hold civic leaders accountable for their actions and keep readers informed on the impacts to their daily lives.
I grew up in Virginia and received a bachelor’s degree from James Madison University. I got my start in journalism covering everything from crime and court to the state Legislature at the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner in Alaska. My time at the News-Miner taught me that local journalism is all about people: telling their stories and reporting news most relevant to them.
As a newcomer to the Islands, I am looking forward to getting to know the Rainbow State and its residents.
Haley Lehman can be reached at Haley@alohastatedaily.com.
Latest from Haley Lehman
Kauaʻi County takes step to harden homes against wildfires
Kauaʻi County Council's Planning Committee this week took up Bill 2998, which, inspired by the loss of Lahaina, details ways to harden homes against wildfires. If adopted, the revised building codes would reduce the ways a fire can jump from fields to homes. At the same time, some attending the hearing worried the home modifications would make housing even more expensive.
Haley LehmanAugust 22, 2026
John Berry is living his dream, again
The new Honolulu Zoo Director John Berry took the role in July and said he is living his dream. Aloha State Daily caught up with Berry and some of his favorite zoo residents on Tuesday at the zoo.
Haley LehmanAugust 20, 2026
Environmental groups file lawsuit against Interior Secretary, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Seven environmental groups filed a lawsuit against Department of the Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service alleging that the new Critical Habitat Exclusion Rule prioritizes economic development over environmental protections. The Interior Department wrote that they stand by the regulation.
Haley LehmanAugust 17, 2026
City to host community outreach event in Makiki
Residents can provide feedback on traffic safety improvements at 6:30 p.m. this Tuesday, Aug. 18, at Makiki District Park to The City and Council of Honolulu Department of Transportation Services and Honolulu Complete Streets.
Haley LehmanAugust 15, 2026
Honolulu City Council considers lowering motor vehicle weight tax
Bill 47, proposed by Chair Tommy Waters, aims to lower the motor vehicle weight tax by 1.5 cents per pound.
Haley LehmanAugust 13, 2026
LALA UPDATE: Government offices, public schools reopen Tuesday on Honolulu, Maui, Kauaʻi counties
Government offices and schools will remain closed on Tuesday, Aug. 18 for Hawaiʻi County. Here are the latest state and county updates.
Michael Brestovansky & Haley LehmanAugust 12, 2026
