Legislature 2026

Hawaiʻi Can’t Control ICE. Here’s What Lawmakers Want To Do Instead Bryan Cox/ICE via AP/2017

Hawaiʻi Can’t Control ICE. Here’s What Lawmakers Want To Do Instead

Unlike in 2025, a potpourri of bills to protect immigrants and limit local cooperation with ICE are advancing through the Legislature.

Legislative Caucuses Can Help Make The Difference In Getting Bills Passed Chad Blair/Civil Beat/2026

Legislative Caucuses Can Help Make The Difference In Getting Bills Passed

Lawmakers combine forces to push measures helping women, kids and working families.

The Success Of Hawaiʻi’s Food And Farm Bills Could Depend On One Thing Kevin Fujii/Civil Beat/2025

The Success Of Hawaiʻi’s Food And Farm Bills Could Depend On One Thing

As Hawaiʻi continues to pinch pennies and fill holes created by federal cuts, lawmakers may have to choose between bills designed to bolster local food or fight invasive species.

Is Now The Time For Reforming Hawaiʻi Schools? Kevin Fujii/Civil Beat/2024

Is Now The Time For Reforming Hawaiʻi Schools?

A controversial bill would cut top superintendent positions from the DOE and increase community input in schools. Some families say the change is long overdue.

More Local Food? These State Agencies Aren’t Buying It Screenshot/2025

More Local Food? These State Agencies Aren’t Buying It

Few departments met the official 10% goal last year. While cost, quality and lack of consistent supply are concerns, the current pace doesn’t bode well for the larger push to wean the islands off imported food.

Free Buses For Keiki? Supporters Hopeful After Statewide Bill Axed Craig Fujii for Civil Beat

Free Buses For Keiki? Supporters Hopeful After Statewide Bill Axed

A proposal for statewide free transit died last week at the Legislature, but supporters still have hope for a proposal to make transit free for youth.

‘Just Break The Chicken’s Neck’: Bill Would Let Residents Kill Feral Chickens Anthony Quintano/Civil Beat

‘Just Break The Chicken’s Neck’: Bill Would Let Residents Kill Feral Chickens

Hawaiʻi lawmakers are weighing tougher ways to deal with the feral birds, as residents complain about noise, mess, and growing flocks. 

Mistaken ID Case At Hawaiʻi State Hospital May Cost State $200K PFBentley/Civil Beat/2014

Mistaken ID Case At Hawaiʻi State Hospital May Cost State $200K

A man with a history of mental illness was held at the Oʻahu jail and Hawaiʻi State Hospital for nearly three years after police mistook him for a wanted felon.

New Mauna Kea Authority Has Difficult Task Ahead — And Limited Time Cory Lum/Civil Beat

New Mauna Kea Authority Has Difficult Task Ahead — And Limited Time

University officials and some senators are concerned about the fate of astronomy on the mountain.

Divers Are Dying Near The Surface. Now There’s A Call For Safety Warnings Kevin Fujii/Civil Beat/2025

Divers Are Dying Near The Surface. Now There’s A Call For Safety Warnings

Freediving is one of the leading causes of fatal drownings for Hawaiʻi residents. Now lawmakers and safety advocates want labels on equipment — and more.