Health care administrators argued the bill, drafted in response to the deadly outbreak last year at a Hilo facility, could make health care slower.

The state’s agriculture development agency also is still a target of legislative scrutiny as is the state auditor.

Traditional festivities and speeches were all canceled amid security concerns and the threat of COVID-19.

Fencing and blockades mar the open spaces of one of the most beautiful buildings in Hawaii and reduce public access to the workings of government.

With money tight, lawmakers are looking to the Biden administration and Congress to help shore up a huge deficit as the 2021 session opens this week.

The credits help to develop renewable energy projects but also cost the state millions of dollars.

Some lawmakers questioned the project, with one calling the maintenance costs a “nightmare.”

Ige’s chief of staff also suggests upping the “barrel tax” on fossil fuels to help balance the budget.

The job losses could have serious effects on public health if another disease outbreak occurs.

Craig Hirai stressed that nothing is settled but dropped some hints about possible tax increases in a House Finance Committee hearing.