Maui County advanced an interim ban on new private pools in West Maui to reserve scarce water for rebuilding and housing.

Yuki Lei Sugimura, Maui County Council vice chair, launched a mayoral challenge to Richard Bissen, centering her campaign on infrastructure, permitting speed and fiscal caution.

Hawaii's Attorney General halts a state investigation into a $35,000 incident to avoid conflict with a federal case that already led to convictions of two former legislators.

Hawaiʻi flags were at half-staff to honor Rep. Doug LaMalfa, directed by the President and implemented by Governor Green, marking his passing and service.

Hawai‘i health regulators issued notices ordering Ulta Lab Tests to cut ties with three island collecting depots and fined the local partners $15,000 each after finding illegal direct-to-consumer testing.

Hawaiian citizens petition for an investigation into an alleged $35,000 cash payment to a state lawmaker, disclosed by former Rep. Ty Cullen, acting as an FBI informant.

Hawaii's political leaders have criticized President Trump's military operation in Venezuela, questioning its legality and the decision to prioritize regime change amidst domestic economic struggles.

Hawai‘i's Governor extends New Year greetings and reaffirms commitment to tackle key issues like housing, healthcare, homelessness, and climate change in a statement.

A federal appeals court temporarily blocked Hawaii from enforcing a climate change tax on cruise ship passengers, putting a pause on the state initiative to mitigate tourism's environmental impact.

Counties across Hawaiʻi have hired more workers, but double‑digit vacancy rates persist in police, fire and public‑works roles. Pay gaps between islands are a major hurdle.

Preston Chong has been appointed as the new Deputy Director of Kaua‘i’s Department of Parks and Recreation, bringing financial expertise and departmental knowledge to the role.

Sen. Mazie Hirono and 24 Senate colleagues urged Treasury to lift an IRS hiring freeze and rebuild the Taxpayer Advocate Service to speed refunds and cut wait times.

Gov. Josh Green has named DLNR Deputy Ryan Kanakaʻole acting chair while Dawn Chang recovers. The department says operations and scheduled land‑board hearings will continue.