Pritchett

Despite years of studies and debate over managing the risk from wildfires, government officials still neglected the opportunities to put money or programs in place to address the growing problem.

The latest federal indictment of Donald Trump appears not to have hurt his polling numbers while helping him raise millions of dollars in his campaign to return to the White House. These charges relate to his refusal to return classified and top secret documents that he was keeping at his Florida estate.

City officials, including Honolulu City Council members, are in line for big raises come July 1. Council Chair Tommy Waters wants council positions to be full time and has introduced a measure to do that. But the 64% pay raises may take effect before members move to full time — if they ever do.

Longtime East Honolulu lawmaker Sam Slom died last week. For many years he was the only Republican in the state Senate where he served from 1996 to 2016. He was 81.

Hawaii’s Department of Accounting and General Services is asking lawmakers for $33.5 million to rehabilitate the chronically plagued reflecting pools.

State Rep. John Mizuno of Kalihi along with his Oahu colleague Daniel Holt have a bill to legalize sports betting and poker in neighborhood gambling rooms. Hawaii is one of only two states — Utah is the other — with no legal form of gambling.

After a loud and dangerous New Year’s Eve, Honolulu officials are once again talking about the need to strengthen the laws on fireworks.  

Hawaii’s new leader has ambitious plans for the state, including easing the tax burden on residents, building more affordable housing and mitigating against climate change. But he’s already encountering resistance from top legislators on how to pay for it all.