#Hawaii State Legislature
Hawai‘i Island continues to support Democratic leadership in State Legislature
Democrats won all the Senate and House races on the Big Island during the 2024 General Election.
Retired Big Island fire battalion chief appointed to House seat left vacant by late Rep. Nakashima
Rep. Mark Nakashima suddenly passed away in July. First elected to his seat in 2008, he ran unopposed in the primary election in August.
Hawai‘i Island incumbent senators and reps move on to General Election following primaries
In the House, residents will see a shakeup for Districts 1 and 2.
253 bills signed into law by Hawai‘i Gov. Josh Green
Hawai‘i Gov. Josh Green has enacted 253 of the 260 bills passed during the 2024 legislative session.
Gov. Green signs 6 bills on ‘intent to veto list’ into law including measure that restricts governor’s emergency powers
Seven bills were vetoed primarily due to legal and operational issues.
A bill headed to the governor’s desk would fund programs and jobs to battle invasive species in Hawai‘i
The bill commits nearly $20 million to Hawai‘i Department of Education to assist in the administration and implementation of their Biosecurity Program, including 44 new positions.
Hawai‘i State Legislature passes Silver Alert program to protect kūpuna, other vulnerable community members
The program will help locate and safeguard missing persons who are elderly or are cognitively impaired or developmentally disabled.
Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture receives landmark support from State Legislature
H.B. 2619, which appropriates almost $20 million, awaits a final vote by the Senate and House of Representatives.
Big Island Press Club celebrates retired judge, dishonors Hawai‘i emergency administrator
Daniel Foley received the Torch of Light for his work in guiding the Commission to Improve Standards of Conduct. James Barros received the Lava Tube dishonor for support of a “Constitutionally questionable” law.
Hawai‘i House of Representatives reaffirms commitment to protecting marriage equality
A new bill seeks to repeal a portion of the state constitution, which grants the Legislature the authority to reserve marriage to opposite-sex couples.
Study shows most youth vaping in the State of Hawai‘i live on the Big Island
The Hawaiʻi State Department of Health and the Hawaiʻi Public Health Institute relaunched a campaign to combat the epidemic of youth vaping.
Senate bill on legalizing adult-use cannabis moves forward
Lawmakers listened to testimony from a variety of groups ranging from state agencies, marijuana dispensaries to cannabis users.
Bill proposing to lower state’s blood alcohol content threshold clears House committee
The decision comes after the committee received testimony – written and oral – in overwhelming support of HB1935 earlier this week.
Lawmakers to discuss adding funding to University Hawai‘i budget to expand a scholarship program
Lawmakers are looking to add $19 million to the University of Hawai‘i’s annual budget to fund the expansion of a community college scholarship to university students at Mānoa, Hilo and West O‘ahu.
Big Island Now poll results: Voters divided on 2 priority issues this legislative session
In a poll last week we wanted to know what issues you thought should take priority this legislative session. Out of the 445 votes, 118 voters agreed all the issues listed in the poll were priorities.
Office of Hawaiian Affairs lawsuit seeks repeal of Mauna Kea Stewardship and Oversight Authority
Act 255 charged the Mauna Kea Stewardship and Oversight Authority with being the principal State agency with responsibility for managing the Mauna Kea lands.
Big Island Now poll no. 46: What issues should take priority this legislative session?
Lawmakers plan to address statewide issues laid bare during the devastating Maui wildfires.
UH launching space tech development center, student-training hub
The Space Sciences Initiative is expected to expand Hawaiʻi’s technology sector and create more high-paying jobs across the state.
Big Island Now poll no. 44: Do you support the legalization of recreational marijuana?
While the department opposes the legalization, Attorney General Anne Lopez said her office wouldn’t oppose legislation so long as provisions to protect public safety and public health remain in the bill.
State accepting applications for compost reimbursement program
Agricultural producers awarded funds through the program will be reimbursed for the cost of purchasing compost, including transportation costs.
