Legislative session began amid uncertainty, ended with relief for Maui and taxpayers
HONOLULU — The Hawai‘i legislative session began Jan. 17 clouded in unknowns over how much money would be available overall, how much could be spent to help Maui recover from the Aug. 8 wildfires, and concerns that lawmakers would have to tap into the state’s so-called rainy day fund to meet Hawai‘i’s needs.
Hawai‘i lawmakers approve nearly 200 bills, including tax relief
HONOLULU — As the legislative session winds down to a largely ceremonial finish on Friday, the full House and Senate on Wednesday sent nearly 200 bills to Gov. Josh Green that include $1 billion to help Maui recover from the wildfires and another bill that gives counties the authority to regulate short-term vacation rentals on their islands, including the ability to ban them if they choose.
Education bills advancing to full House and Senate
HONOLULU — House and Senate conference committees plan to forward a host of education-related bills this week to the full House and Senate for final approval. That includes a statewide registry, which would document and share all school staff misdeeds, along with other bills to ease qualifications for teacher licenses in Hawai‘i and provide more funding for Hawaiian immersion education.
Hawai‘i lawmakers reduce financial grants
HONOLULU — State lawmakers this year dialed back financial grants awarded to private projects and programs with public purposes, but kept the level of giving on par with other recent years.
About $1B arranged for wildfire expenses
HONOLULU — State House and Senate leaders have determined that close to $1 billion should be appropriated by the state for Maui wildfire response and recovery work through mid-2025.
Officials meet, discuss Makua Valley military training sites
MAKUA, Hawai‘i — U.S. Rep. Jill Tokuda joined community members Thursday in tours and meetings with officials at military sites on Oahu’s Leeward side.
Compromise committee draft reached for state budget bill
HONOLULU —Hawai‘i House and Senate leaders resolved their differences over spending priorities on Tuesday evening, settling on a conference committee draft of the state budget bill that appropriates $19.2 billion for operations during the fiscal year beginning July 1.
Maui mayor seeks more money to cover wildfire costs
Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen is making an overtime plea to state lawmakers for more Lahaina wildfire recovery funding.
La‘akea Chun joins Kaua‘i Charter Commission
LIHU‘E — The Kaua‘i Charter Commission has a new commissioner in La‘akea Chun following the unanimous approval from the Kaua‘i County Council on Wednesday during its scheduled meeting at the historic County Building.
Proposed tourism impact fee dies for now
HONOLULU — An effort to increase the state hotel tax by $25 to offset the impact of visitors on the environment and climate change has stalled this legislative session but the concept of a “green fee” remains alive and will likely return with a new funding plan next session.
Cockfighting bill dies in Senate
HILO, Hawai‘i — A controversial state measure that would crack down on people raising chickens for cockfighting is dead.
La‘akea Chun nominated to Charter Commission
LIHU‘E — Local resident Alice Parker was so overwhelmed by the nomination of La‘akea Chun to a seat on the Charter Commission on Wednesday, she forgot the protocol of testifying before the Kaua‘i County Council.
Marijuana bill flames out in House
LIHU‘E — Legalization of the recreational use of marijuana for adults in Hawai‘i is nothing more than a pipe dream after a bill that would have made it possible failed to advance in the state Legislature.
Bill moving through Legislature aims to increase densities in urban areas
HILO, Hawai‘i — The state of Hawai‘i’s urban housing density could more than triple under a new zoning proposal sailing through the state Legislature.
Shaka inches closer to becoming official state gesture
HILO, Hawai‘i — Lawmakers and Hawai‘i residents alike appear to be vibing with a proposal to make the shaka the official state gesture of Hawai‘i.
Blood alcohol content legislation dies again
HILO, Hawai‘i — Legislation that would reduce the threshold for drunken driving from 0.08 percent blood alcohol content to 0.05 percent is dead for this year.
Hawaiian Electric warns of energy deficit
HILO, Hawai‘i — Hawaiian Electric is asking all Hawai‘i Island customers to reduce or shift their electricity use over the next month.
‘Safe Space’ draws concerns: Residents, lawmaker worried about impact of homeless camp on area
HILO, Hawai‘i — A state lawmaker has joined some Hilo residents in their concerns about a planned government-sanctioned homeless encampment near the Hilo Lagoon Center.
Marijuana bill gains traction in Legislature
HILO, Hawai‘i — The long-anticipated legalization of recreational marijuana in Hawai‘i is only a few votes away from the desk of Gov. Josh Green.
‘Clean elections’ bill is washed up
HILO, Hawai‘i — A proposed program that would publicly finance election campaigns in Hawai‘i is dead after a Hawai‘i Island lawmaker concluded last week that the plan was fatally flawed.