#David Tarnas

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

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

Some examples where Gov. Green might want to use his powers to shut down media communications include extreme violence or acts of terrorism. The governor has until July 10 to decide whether or not to kill the bill.

House speaker says this year was incredibly productive for the chamber, which made significant progress on its priorities including tax relief for asset limited, income constrained, employed families.

Lawmakers listened to testimony from a variety of groups ranging from state agencies, marijuana dispensaries to cannabis users.

Senate Bill 3335 legalizes adult-use cannabis as well as establishes the Hawaiʻi Cannabis Authority and Cannabis Control Board within the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs to regulate all aspects of the cannabis plant.

The Maui wildfires were top of mind for Speaker Scott Saiki and how those issues affect communities statewide.

The recovery of Maui following the devastating wildfires last August will be the focus of the Hawai‘i State Legislature’s 2024 session, however, Hawai‘i Island lawmakers are committed to ensuring that Big Island’s needs don’t get lost in the shuffle.

Hawaiʻi Gov. Josh Green signed laws that prohibit firearms at a variety of places — including hospitals, beaches, stadiums, movie theaters and bars that serve alcohol — and mandates active shooting training at all public and charter schools in the state.

Senator Tim Richards and Representative David Tarnas will discuss what occurred for North Hawai‘i during the 2023 State Legislative Session.

Several bills and resolutions were approved or adopted by one or both chambers of the 32nd Hawaiʻi State Legislature and revolving around a wide range of issues, including: guns, coffee, kimichi, sex trafficking, grounded vessels, humpback whales and active shooting drills in schools.

Hawaiʻi Gov. Josh Green last week signed seven “Good Government” bills into law to advance the goals of ethics, lobbying and campaign spending laws in Hawai‘i.

The new Hawaiʻi laws codify conditions under which felony prosecutions can be initiated within the State of Hawai‘i and provide stronger, clearer protections and better access for reproductive health care services.

At the Waimea Community Association’s hybrid Town Meeting on March 2, Pwo Navigator Chadd Paishon will retell the amazing story of cultural discovery, learning, growth and persistence of the Makali’i voyaging canoe.

“[T]he House reaffirms that ethics reform legislation sets the tone in ensuring the highest standards of integrity among our elected officials,” said the committee’s chair, Rep. David A. Tarnas of the Big Island.

Governor David Ige on Monday released State Capital Improvement Project (CIP) funds totaling $500,000 to finance the construction of centralized administrative offices at Kohala Hospital on the Big Island.

While the First Circuit Court’s ruling will again hinder aquarium fishers’ push to keep their industry viable in West Hawai‘i, it won’t do so immediately.

The additional administrative and business office is an attempt to create a more comfortable and efficient working environment for Kohala Hospital’s staff

Testifiers in support of HB 2192 stated that the bill is necessary to support local producers to make farming more profitable and productive across Hawai’i.

A long sought after measure by those on the neighbor islands, this is the first time a remote access bill has carried through all committees in both legislative chambers.