This year’s newcomers come from all over the political spectrum, and a variety of issues inspired them to run.

The Hawaii National Guard Enlisted Association helped Councilman Ernie Martin craft a bill to give military homeowners a $120,000 exemption.

Councilman Ikaika Anderson pulls back his proposals to shake up how the city selects police and fire chiefs and commissions.

Burning more discards could save money as recycling gets more expensive, but environmentalists say it’s the cost of caring for the planet.

Sorting and selling recyclables hauled away in blue bins no longer makes economic sense, the audit found.

The city is seeking a court order to clean up a house where decades of piled trash have provided a haven for rats and feral cats.

Three Honolulu City Council bills would further restrict where homeless people can be. Critics say that would worsen the problem.

An islandwide ban on sitting or lying on public sidewalks is among a slew of new bills aimed at moving homeless people out of public places.

A new committee will study which high rises are at greatest risk, fire safety technology and financial incentives for condo owners.