Legislature 2026

Supreme Court Chief Justice Nominee Faces Tough Questions From Senators Craig Fujii/Civil Beat/2026

Supreme Court Chief Justice Nominee Faces Tough Questions From Senators

Besides his work for a powerful Hawaiʻi super PAC, lawmakers raised concerns about Vladimir Devens’ attendance at a controversial Honolulu cop’s retirement party.

Political ‘Hot Potato’: Where Should Hawaiʻi Ban Aquarium Fishing? Craig Fujii/Civil Beat/2023

Political ‘Hot Potato’: Where Should Hawaiʻi Ban Aquarium Fishing?

The House and Senate have to work out major differences if the bill is to pass in the next two weeks.

Hawaiʻi Transportation Officials Want A New Military Partnership Cory Lum/Civil Beat/2021

Hawaiʻi Transportation Officials Want A New Military Partnership

A bill being considered by the Legislature would allow the state DOT to act as a military contractor to expedite federal projects for improvements to airports and roads.

Confusing Donation Drops Run By For-Profits Targeted By Hawaiʻi Lawmakers David Croxford/Civil Beat/2025

Confusing Donation Drops Run By For-Profits Targeted By Hawaiʻi Lawmakers

Advocates say the measure will protect people from mistakenly thinking they’re donating to charities.

Justice’s Past Political Activity Is Raising Fresh Questions For Some Senators David Croxford/Civil Beat/2024

Justice’s Past Political Activity Is Raising Fresh Questions For Some Senators

The Senate is considering whether to confirm Vladimir Devens for the position of Supreme Court chief justice.

How The Legislature Is Violating A 187-Year-Old Constitutional Right David Croxford/Civil Beat/2025

How The Legislature Is Violating A 187-Year-Old Constitutional Right

The Legislature has always acted quickly on petitions. Why is it delaying this one? Especially in the face of strong citizen support.

Hawaiʻi Legislature Moves To Guard Against Federal Immigration Enforcement Chad Blair/Civil Beat/2026

Hawaiʻi Legislature Moves To Guard Against Federal Immigration Enforcement

Bills are advancing to prohibit face coverings, protect the right to record police and limit state cooperation.

$100K Tab For Failed Hawaiʻi Island Charter School May Fall To Taxpayers Courtesy Josh DeWeerd

$100K Tab For Failed Hawaiʻi Island Charter School May Fall To Taxpayers

The case raises questions about whether the state could be on the hook for millions of dollars if other charter schools close.

Will Hawaiʻi Voters Once Again See Long Lines On Election Day? David Croxford/Civil Beat/2024

Will Hawaiʻi Voters Once Again See Long Lines On Election Day?

Voters may be forced to wait in line this election season after the death of legislation that would have funded more county voter service centers.

The Hawaiʻi State Senate Becomes A Tax Bill Graveyard Kevin Fujii/Civil Beat/2026

The Hawaiʻi State Senate Becomes A Tax Bill Graveyard

The state House proposed an assortment of potential tax increases for the Senate to consider, but senators buried almost all of them without a hearing.