Committee members grow frustrated during a second hearing on the renomination of Nolan Espinda as director of the Department of Public Safety.

But there was no action on a controversial measure — stymied for now — that would allow continued diversion of stream water.

Lawmakers supporting the measure to extend rights to divert stream water — including for Alexander & Baldwin — play hardball behind closed doors.

A new path was about to be forged for the future use of water resources in the islands. Then the Ways and Means Committee stepped in.

We discuss legislation that would prohibit the intentional killing of sharks and manta rays in Hawaii waters.

The Legislature is considering bills that would help modernize decades old and outdated systems.

UPDATED: There is talk that the Hawaii state Senate will vote on the controversial legislation as early as Tuesday.

A Senate committee passed a measure to decriminalize possession of small amounts of marijuana, while a House committee voted to add penalties for drugged drivers.

Past efforts to tax REITs, which own $18 billion of property locally, have gone nowhere. This session, the proposal has already passed the full Senate and House committees.

The House Finance Committee instead approved spending $2.5 million a year to continue offering the aid to community college students.