But differences in funding priorities remain, as do hot-button bills on paying for rail and education.

Some bills are still alive, with their fate to be decided in conference committees.

Only one department — the smallest — has had any luck with implementing the technology. So what’s taking so long everywhere else?

As the legislative session nears its end, a committee hearing has not been scheduled on the nomination.

Hawaii’s four mayors and county council members say the latest draft of a liability bill still puts lifeguards and beachgoers at risk.

Meanwhile, bills advanced to fund Honolulu rail, clarify control over roads and make it easier to treat mentally ill patients against their will.

A bill nixing all new permits for aquarium fishing and requiring the state to establish sustainable collection practices and limits is being considered by legislators.

An attorney general opinion says legislators cannot censor public testimony about proposed bills. But they did just that.

The Legislature is debating whether to extend limited liability protections for lifeguards over the objections of a group of personal injury lawyers.

A measure to implement the recommendations of a state-sponsored study group met with “too much opposition,” one lawmaker said.