Hawaiʻi Legislature

Funding Fight Slows Action On Police, Prison Reform Cory Lum/Civil Beat/2020

Funding Fight Slows Action On Police, Prison Reform

The fate of two state boards tasked with standardizing police practices and reforming the jail system depends on agreement between the Legislature and Gov. David Ige.

Hawaii Senate Votes To Legalize Marijuana, Raise Minimum Wage Cory Lum/Civil Beat

Hawaii Senate Votes To Legalize Marijuana, Raise Minimum Wage

While both proposals appear dead on arrival in the House, lawmakers will still consider scores of other measures related to abortions, taxes and housing development.

Military Spouses Hope For Easier Ways To Get Licensed To Work In Hawaii Courtesy: 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 25th In

Military Spouses Hope For Easier Ways To Get Licensed To Work In Hawaii

A House bill would expedite the licensing process for many military spouses, especially medical professionals, who have to move frequently.

Minimum Wage Bill Teed Up For Senate Vote Cory Lum/Civil Beat/2020

Minimum Wage Bill Teed Up For Senate Vote

While the proposal would increase wages to $12 an hour by 2022, labor advocates also want to raise the wage to $17 by 2026.

A Possible Fix For The Capitol’s Stinking Pools Flickr

A Possible Fix For The Capitol’s Stinking Pools

Why not transform the brown water mess into a blue-green, low-maintenance dry landscape?

Lee Cataluna: Lawmakers Should Stop Meddling And Start Solving Problems Cory Lum/Civil Beat/2021

Lee Cataluna: Lawmakers Should Stop Meddling And Start Solving Problems

When there’s no money to argue over, the Legislature starts getting into other people’s business.

Senate Panel Kills Final DHHL Casino Proposal Cory Lum/Civil Beat/2020

Senate Panel Kills Final DHHL Casino Proposal

The Hawaiian Home Lands director had called proposed amendments to the measure a “glimmer of hope” but now says that flicker is dead.

Hawaii Lawmakers Are Considering Clamping Down On Gov’s Emergency Powers Cory Lum/Civil Beat

Hawaii Lawmakers Are Considering Clamping Down On Gov’s Emergency Powers

Hawaii isn’t the only state worried that a governor’s emergency orders are in need of better oversight.

Senate Panel Moves To End Suspension Of Public Records Law Cory Lum/Civil Beat/2019

Senate Panel Moves To End Suspension Of Public Records Law

Updated: An emergency order from Hawaii’s governor has been in place since last spring that he says is necessary due to COVID-19.

Bill Would Ban Side Gigs For Hawaii Lieutenant Governors Cory Lum/Civil Beat/2020

Bill Would Ban Side Gigs For Hawaii Lieutenant Governors

The proposal follows a similar measure last year that banned emoluments for county mayors and the governor.