Proposals have made it halfway through the legislative session, and some advocates are cautiously optimistic that legislation that failed in past years will make it this year.

A stack of bills under consideration by lawmakers would increase taxes or impose new levies on cars, liquor, real estate, capital gains and more.

The budget now passes to the Senate which will continue fine-tuning the state’s spending priorities for the coming fiscal year.

A proposed aquarium fishing ban is in play as state aquatic resource officials move to revive the controversial fishing practice.

Bills primarily serving Hawaiʻi, Maui and Kauaʻi counties often struggle to gain traction, but a major housing bill has promise.

If Republicans are serious about balancing the budget, they need to start offering real solutions.

DOE wants more support in keeping unwanted visitors off its campuses, but families say school playgrounds are an important part of the community.

The Senate wants to add a seventh position to the ICA. Court officials say it’s not needed.

House Republican Minority Floor Leader Diamond Garcia called the Democrats’ proposal a “slap in the face” to struggling working families.

Top lobbyists often have more influence than the lawmakers themselves who pass or reject their bills.