Gov. David Ige will get a chance to name a new member to the state’s highest court with the retirement of Richard Pollack.

The YWCA says 84% of the women who complete the work furlough program never go back to prison. That’s why a top lawmaker says restoring its funding is a “no brainer.”

Lawmakers also passed a new spending plan for the coming year. The bills now go to Gov. David Ige for his consideration.

House Bill 285 will now go to the full House and Senate for a final vote.

The Legislature couldn’t come to an agreement on House Bill 285 in 2019 but public pressure has forced lawmakers to reconsider it again this session.

Lawmakers will reconvene amid a budget crisis, pandemic and civil unrest not seen in years, all on the cusp of the primary election.

After twice refusing to speak to lawmakers, officials in charge of growing Hawaii’s economy explained plans to respond to the COVID-19 crisis.

New plan would give an extra $100 a week to people collecting unemployment and up to $500 a month in rental assistance for tens of thousands of Hawaii residents.

The former legislator and Honolulu City Councilman represented parts of Pearl City, Waimalu, Aiea and Halawa.

The virus has left environmental funding uncertain, but local groups hope stimulus dollars can create thousands of green jobs.