New laws create a Cesspool Conversion Revolving Loan Fund and authorize DLNR co‑management agreements, pairing modest startup funding with new financing tools for homeowners.

A sharp split at OHA erupted after four trustees filed court documents backing ousted CEO Stacy Ferreira, prompting a 5–1 vote to order withdrawal.

Gov. Josh Green signed laws banning most disposable e-cigarettes and creating a state registry of FDA-authorized vaping products.

Seventeen official ballot drop boxes will be stationed across Oʻahu as mail ballots arrive July 21 ahead of the Aug. 8 primary.

Washington Middle principal Michael Harano was placed on paid leave after a DOE audit tied to the $2.5M Line Studio; the union says officials have offered few specifics.

A UH Mānoa pilot to test lower‑cost wastewater systems has been paused after a fund‑release mix‑up, putting more than $500,000 of state money at risk.

Sen. Brian Schatz filed the AI Labeling Act to force visible and machine‑readable labels on AI‑made images, audio, video and chatbots. Backers say it will make deepfakes and voice‑cloning scams easier to spot.

Sen. Mazie Hirono joined colleagues to reintroduce the Right to Vote Act, a bill that would enshrine a statutory federal right to vote and create new legal tools to challenge voter restrictions.

The Supreme Court struck down Hawaii’s 2023 "express‑consent" law in a 6–3 ruling, meaning licensed carriers may carry in stores and hotels unless owners bar guns. The decision forces businesses and lawmakers to decide how to post and enforce bans.

A county bill would let qualifying generational parcels pay the minimum tax for a decade so family land can stay with descendants. Council committees have advanced the measure.

Congressional earmarks include funds for a wildfire detection network and mobile generators for Honolulu; subapplications are due by July 22, 2026.

Hawaii's Department of Health says it will start enforcing hemp retailer and distributor registration next Wednesday, July 1, affecting in‑state and out‑of‑state sellers.

DCCA is rolling out provisional licenses July 1 to let supervised associate clinicians bill insurers and speed the islands’ workforce growth. Applications are open but the online portal is temporarily down.