Josh Green appeared with his Heal America political action committee partners while on a state-sponsored trip.

The legislative session was punctuated by an arrest in yet another child death, but lawmakers did not act on recommendations of a child welfare task force .

A federal law requires states to release information about how they handled child maltreatment cases ending in deaths. Hawaiʻi’s reports raise more questions than they answer.

Two bills still alive could move the state toward its goal — but at a price.

The Benefits Eligibility Solution’s contract cost has nearly doubled and it’s years overdue, as the state grapples with mistakes and a $10.9 million fine.

The governor is asking legislators for $1.3 million to fund five new positions over the next two years.

The salary increases were recommended by a commission filled with former — and current — government officials.

The effort may include public or private meetings with legislators, who have the ability to reject the entire pay package.

The Hawaiʻi Department of Human Services reported that it had been unable to confirm maltreatment reports of another child in the household before Sarai Perez-Rivera died of starvation and dehydration in June.

The raises automatically take effect on July 1 unless lawmakers reject them.