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.

More resources available for storm victims

Gov. Josh Green announces new case management program, while the City and County of Honolulu has launched a storm damage tracker for communities throughout the island.

Michael BrestovanskyApril 04, 2026

2024 election question to be resolved after 2026 election

Allegations of election mismanagement on Hawai‘i County two years ago are disputed by the state, but official answers are still likely months away.

Michael BrestovanskyApril 03, 2026

Hawai‘i architects 'ready to assist' after storms

AIA Hawai‘i says architects can help property owners "understand the extent of damage, determine whether repairs are feasible, and ensure that any reconstruction meets current building codes and incorporates strategies to better withstand future climate-related events."

Stephanie SalmonsApril 03, 2026

Farm damage nears $70 million following Kona lows

The damage toll from March's storms continues to rise as lawmakers ponder solutions.

Michael BrestovanskyApril 02, 2026

Irrigation funding bill still alive following March floods

A bill providing funds to three state agencies for irrigation systems maintenance may be woefully insufficient as March storm damage mounts.

Michael BrestovanskyApril 01, 2026

What’s next for Otake Camp?

Some residents of Otake Camp are still in the dark. Farmers lost crops. Families lost homes. And everywhere, the mud prevails. They are seeking generators, lumber and funds to restart.

Katie HellandApril 01, 2026

CONGRESS WATCH: Airports and ICE

The ICE budget is still up in the air at Congress, while a slew of new airport bills passed the Senate unchallenged last week.

Michael BrestovanskyMarch 31, 2026

The budget that doesn't grow

Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi did something remarkable early this month in releasing a city budget that came in $133 million under the previous year's budget. ASD columnist Sterling Higa looks at all four county budgets to see which counties are living within the means of their citizens.

Sterling HigaMarch 30, 2026

Community Voices: Where’s your second tax return?

If passed, HB2429 would require you to file not just one tax return but two — and one of them will be open to the public.

Tom YamachikaMarch 30, 2026

Community Voices: The Legislature found $150 million. So where’s our tax relief?

Gov. Josh Green kicked off this year’s session claiming the state’s budget crunch is so bad that it justifies “pausing” the phase-in of the historic income tax cuts he signed into law in 2024. If that’s true, why has the Legislature put forth a budget that blows past his suggested spending by more than $195 million?

Keliʻi AkinaMarch 30, 2026

DLNR to take over Wahiawā Reservoir lands

Board of Land and Natural Resources approves takeover of Wahiawā irrigation parcels, despite debate.

Michael BrestovanskyMarch 28, 2026

Kula Hospital closed indefinitely following storm damage

Maui Health investigating alternate care services for Kula after more than 100 patients had to be relocated.