Hawaii was on the upswing for most of Ige’s two terms as governor, but his most recent speeches reflect more troubled times.

Legislative measures seek to raise minimum hourly wages to $18 by 2026.

The state tourism authority is asking the Legislature for funding to rebrand Hawaii and attract visitors who might volunteer to plant trees, clean beaches and care for taro patches.

A class of student reporters, most of them college seniors, have already produced stories out of the Legislature’s opening day.

House Speaker Scott Saiki and Senate President Ron Kouchi want to direct excess state funds to pay for homeless services and housing initiatives.

The latest proposed House maps have also been amended to avoid combining sitting Democratic lawmakers in the same districts.

Updated: The Legislature sometimes amends a bill with entirely new contents. The Supreme Court says those bills must get a full public vetting.

The agency and the auditor are expected to appear before House lawmakers again Tuesday.

Sonja McCullen easily cleared the Senate Judiciary Committee Thursday.

There’s no clear punishment for House lawmakers who disobey vaccine requirements, but senators could face expulsion.