The council’s budget committee advanced Bill 76 to create a public, searchable ‘open checkbook’ of city spending and sent a companion staff portal to the full council.

Hawaii has answered a DOJ suit that seeks to block its climate lawsuit against oil companies, and a recent Michigan ruling could change the legal landscape. The courts are waiting on new briefing and schedules.

A state‑commissioned analysis finds Hawaiʻi’s medical cannabis system already captures most patient spending and models a far larger adult‑use market — with tax upside and public‑health tradeoffs.

Marisco Ltd. and Pacific Shipyards International won rights to bid on U.S. Army maintenance contracts that could top $250 million, deepening Hawaii's federal work pipeline.

A five-bill package from the Working Families Caucus would create a Hawaiʻi Rx Kids cash program, expand caregiver supports and propose a surtax on million‑dollar incomes to fund Medicaid.

The Senate approved a bipartisan funding package that includes nearly $75 million in earmarks for Hawai‘i, funding projects from community centers to highway planning across the islands.

A new WLC package would protect health-care access, create new penalties for image-based abuse, and require hotel staff anti-trafficking training.

Maui County Council passed Bill 15 on first reading to allow factory-built homes in the Lahaina burn zone. Supporters tout speed; critics warn about durability, warranties and local jobs.

A proposed state bill would require businesses to display red, yellow or green signs showing whether guns and large knives are allowed; the plan is drawing sharp debate.

Gov. Josh Green told a Capitol rally he wants the Hawaiʻi Legislature to fast-track immigrant-protection bills after national protests and killings; sponsors have already filed measures limiting cooperation with federal agents.

Hawaii sets the candidate filing start date for the 2026 Elections on February 2, providing guidance for those seeking office including the governorship.

As the 2026 session opens, Hawaii's education debate centers on math coaches, meal expansions and fixing school transportation. Lawmakers are pitching classroom supports alongside services.

Hawaii officials condemn the fatal shooting of nurse Alex Pretti by an immigration officer, with U.S. Rep. Tokuda calling it an "execution," and Senator Schatz vowing to withhold DHS funding.