We need Smart Justice, not a new half-a-billion dollar jail
Instead of committing Hawaiʻi to a future of continued mass incarceration, we can invest back into our communities and restore people who do harm to being functioning members of society. Doing so will make us all safer and healthier.
Hawaiʻi will ban chlorpyrifos, establish meaningful pesticide regulations
With Governor Ige's signature, SB3095 will become law and Hawaiʻi will lead the nation in establishing pesticide regulatory policy that protects the health and safety of its people and environment.
Hawaiʻi could become the first state to ban chlorpyrifos
Activists have been fighting for years for a comprehensive pesticide regulation bill. Now one is heading to a final floor vote after passing through conference committee.
Hawaii Independent founder, publisher announces council candidacy
Ikaika Hussey enters the race for Honolulu City Council in the 6th District.
More than half of Hawaiʻi’s jailed population has not been found guilty of a crime
And the primary reason is because most jailed people cannot afford to post bail.
Court cases reveal state’s resistance to honoring Hawaiian as official language
Two separate, pending court cases reveal a lack of respect for Hawaiʻi’s indigenous language as an equal and legitimate alternative to English.
Ige’s budget reflects continued reliance on outdated, ineffective and injurious policies
Inside the governor's supplemental budget proposal are requests for money meant to crack down on the houseless and to explore private prison options
Of course the GOP won’t seat Jones until next year
The petty, partisan and blatantly hypocritical move to try and save Trump's tax plan by blocking the will of the Alabama voters should come as no surprise.
Background checks keep guns in the hands of ‘good guys’ only
Americans consistently and overwhelmingly support background checks, but NRA-funded politicians have stalled a bill to close loopholes at the federal level.
A hoppy balance to Hawaiʻi’s alcohol tax
Beer drinkers pay a higher liquor tax than wine or spirit drinkers in terms of alcohol per volume, and tend to be working class folks.
Proposed budget cuts to tsunami warning system put Hawaiʻi at significant risk
President Trump’s budget proposes to eliminate seismic and water monitoring, needlessly putting coastal residents in jeopardy.
End of life forum to discuss options for the terminally ill
As Hawaiʻi’s population continues to age, end of life care—particularly for terminally ill patients—will become a matter of increasing concern for more and more working families.
Breaking public trust for private benefit
The land board’s acquiescence to corporate control of Hawaiʻi's resources represents the state’s continuing failure to uphold its fiduciary duties.
State House names Tom “Sledgehammer” Brower as housing committee chair
Brower’s disparaging words and dehumanizing actions toward those experiencing houselessness in Hawaiʻi make him a controversial choice to chair the committee.
Maui hospitals look to privatization as potential solution for budget woes
The state's Maui region public hospitals are hoping to initiate discussions with a private healthcare corporation to enter into a partnership that could save the system money in the midst of budget shortfalls.
A rally for the rest of us
The “People Not Profits” rally brought together diverse issues, united by the message that government should serve the people, not corporations and developers.