Government & Politics

ASD’s eye on the people in state and local government making decisions that impact you where you live.

Some days, we report on the little things you see every day, such as road closures or park improvements. Other days, we look at the big plans from Hawai‘i's governor and its mayors. On the issues that matter to you — education, housing, health, homelessness, the cost of living in Hawai‘i, taxes and spending — we keep an eye on what the Hawai‘i state Legislature and county councilmembers are doing.

The news according to OHA

The Office of Hawaiian Affairs has shown an interest in purchasing a television station. ASD opinion columnist Sterling Higa thinks this might not do for OHA what the agency would like in terms of controlling the message.

Sterling HigaMay 27, 2026

CONGRESS WATCH: Firework laundering

Hawai‘i lawmakers introduce bill making fireworks trafficking prosecutable under money laundering laws.

Michael BrestovanskyMay 27, 2026

Community Voices: A good lesson in curtailing government growth

Kudos to Councilmember Val Okimoto and the Honolulu Budget Committee, which made the fiscally responsible decision this week to ax most of the funding for the city’s Office of Economic Recovery.

Keliʻi AkinaMay 26, 2026

Community Voices: Changes to the solar credit

SB3125 proposes a few significant changes to the credit, making the solar industry unhappy. If the bill is enacted, here's what timelines taxpayers should know.

Tom YamachikaMay 25, 2026

Department of Education gears up for new cell phone policy

All state schools will prohibit phone use by elementary and middle schoolers during school hours, and could do the same for high schoolers.

Michael BrestovanskyMay 25, 2026

Lambert says no to deputy chief role for the time being

Mike Lambert, who will return to HPD later this year, won't be incoming Chief David Lazar's deputy for the foreseeable future, nor will he run again for the top spot, he said Friday.

Michael BrestovanskyMay 23, 2026

Honolulu launches AI training program for O‘ahu businesses, nonprofits

The city's Office of Economic Revitalization, in partnership with Māpunawai and Skilled Tomorrow, is set to launch "AI for Everyone at Work: Training Trainers to Teach Across Generations." The program aims to help organizations on the island introduce artificial intelligence "in practical, responsible and accessible ways for a multigenerational workforce."

Stephanie SalmonsMay 23, 2026

Hamada: How corrupt is Hawai‘i?

Most public servants get through the day doing absolutely nothing wrong. But as ASD opinion columnist Rick Hamada observes, there have been more than enough high-profile cases of corruption to justify the perception that Hawai‘i can be pretty rotten.

Rick HamadaMay 23, 2026

NOAA predicts strong hurricane season

An early forecast of this year's hurricane season estimates between five and 13 tropical cyclones in the Eastern and Central Pacific, and Hawai‘i residents are advised to start preparing now.

Michael BrestovanskyMay 22, 2026

The stories underneath

ASD opinion columnist Sterling Higa explores how an extensive story on homelessness by Civil Beat raises issues where both the political left and political right can do better on their approaches to solving the problem.

Sterling HigaMay 22, 2026

Tax cuts saved: Green signs bill to preserve most upcoming tax cuts

Despite previous announcements that future tax cuts would need to be paused, Gov. Josh Green signed on Thursday a measure that preserves most of them.