Legislature 2025

Hawaiʻi Lawmakers Are Pushing For Car-Free Fun Zones — But Not On Oʻahu Ronen Zilberman/Civil Beat/2020

Hawaiʻi Lawmakers Are Pushing For Car-Free Fun Zones — But Not On Oʻahu

Some Oʻahu lawmakers worry the program could snarl traffic in their districts.

‘Damning’ Report: Hawaiʻi Falls Short Helping Inmates Reenter Society Cory Lum/Civil Beat/2022

‘Damning’ Report: Hawaiʻi Falls Short Helping Inmates Reenter Society

The study says the lack of effective reentry programs is one reason so many inmates get in trouble again soon after release.

Bills To Loosen The Grip Of Special Interests Are Still Alive — So Far David Croxford/Civil Beat/2024

Bills To Loosen The Grip Of Special Interests Are Still Alive — So Far

Three measures to finally upgrade Hawaiʻi’s public campaign financing survived crossover at the Legislature.

Salary Commission Approves Hefty Raises For Legislators, State Officials David Croxford/Civil Beat/2025

Salary Commission Approves Hefty Raises For Legislators, State Officials

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

Hawaiʻi Legislature: Green Fee, New Taxes, Fireworks Enforcement Move Ahead David Croxford/Civil Beat/2025

Hawaiʻi Legislature: Green Fee, New Taxes, Fireworks Enforcement Move Ahead

As the Legislature reaches the halfway mark, the House killed a bill to remove vaccine exemptions for schoolchildren while the Senate approved creating an illegal fireworks enforcement division.

Hawaiʻi House Advances Sports Betting Bill Cory Lum/Civil Beat/2022

Hawaiʻi House Advances Sports Betting Bill

Proponents say the bill would result in millions of dollars in tax revenue for Hawaiʻi but some lawmakers fear it would create financial and social issues for gambling addicts.

Trump’s Actions Are Creating A Budget Problem For Hawaiʻi Lawmakers David Croxford/Civil Beat/2023

Trump’s Actions Are Creating A Budget Problem For Hawaiʻi Lawmakers

Halfway through the session, legislative priorities are emerging. But the new uncertainties mean lawmakers may need a special session to fine tune.

Hawaiʻi’s Legislature Needs Reform Before It Gets More Pay David Croxford/Civil Beat/2023

Hawaiʻi’s Legislature Needs Reform Before It Gets More Pay

The state Salary Commission is poised to give lawmakers and other state officials big pay raises. But it needs to scale back its thinking on legislators for now.

Tension And Turmoil At The Hawaiʻi Elections Commission David Croxford/Civil Beat/2024

Tension And Turmoil At The Hawaiʻi Elections Commission

Is the commission still able to do its job amid unceasing questions about election fairness, continued calls to fire top officials and hours-long meetings plagued by infighting?