#Hawaii State Legislature

Due to the severe weather occurring Friday on Oʻahu, members of the public are encouraged to virtually view floor sessions and committee hearings of the State Legislature.

Big Island Rep. David Tarnas helped secure $9.6 million in 2023 for the design and construction of the project.

This decline comes after the Hawai‘i Department of Transportation launched its statewide 2026 Safe Roads Challenge in January, which turns traffic safety into a game with a free safe driving app.

Rep. Sue Keohokapu-Lee Loy of the Big Island co-authored the bill that she thinks could provide affordable housing more quickly to help with the housing crisis in the state.

Hawaiʻi is one of only seven states that taxes groceries, the Hawai‘i Appleseed Center for Law and Economic Justice said in written testimony in support of the bill.

With the State of Hawaiʻi having to try to make up for billions in federal cuts and actions to maintain services, Gov. Josh Green said he proposes no changes to tax cuts in 2026 but would ask to pause cuts for 2027-2029.

Federal authorities informed state officials on Jan. 16 that they would provide the Attorney General with evidence concerning the alleged incident.

The 33rd Hawaiʻi State Legislature convenes its 2026 regular session at 10 a.m. Wednesday at the State Capitol in Honolulu.

Green is not required to veto every bill indicated on the Intent-to-Veto list, but he cannot veto a bill that is not included and he has until July 9 to issue final vetoes.

One Senate bill and three House bills collectively provide funding to law enforcement to address the issue, as well as creates new crimes and punishments for those who misuse fireworks, especially when someone is injured as a result.

Hawai‘i County Council initially failed to pass the original funding bill for the study in January 2024, which would have accepted the state’s $1 million and a $500,000 county match. The council ultimately passed its own bill in March 2024, with a $1 million county match, that expanded the scope of the study months before state funding lapsed on June 30, 2024.

By a 5-2 vote, the House Committee on Housing passed a bill Friday aimed at removing lengthy historic property reviews from delaying housing developments.

Hawaiʻi state lawmakers in leadership laid out their priorities they hope to accomplish during the 2025 session that runs though May 2.

Opening day of the 2025 Hawai‘i State Legislature kicks off on Wednesday. Several Big Island lawmakers hold positions of leadership, chairing a variety of committees along with Sen. Dru Mamo Kanuha who is the Senate Majority Leader.

Courts will also have more power to prevent abusers who use the system to continue to attack and abuse their victims and keiki who are 14 years old will be able to authorize their consent for health care and services surrounding pregnancy, family planning and sexually transmitted infections. These laws and more go into effect Jan. 1 as the Hawai‘i Legislature gears up for its 2025 session, which starts Jan. 15.

Democrats won all the Senate and House races on the Big Island during the 2024 General Election.

Rep. Mark Nakashima suddenly passed away in July. First elected to his seat in 2008, he ran unopposed in the primary election in August.

In the House, residents will see a shakeup for Districts 1 and 2.

Hawai‘i Gov. Josh Green has enacted 253 of the 260 bills passed during the 2024 legislative session.

Seven bills were vetoed primarily due to legal and operational issues.