Vote By Mail pilot bill heads to final floor vote
The bill falls short of what advocates hoped for, but they're celebrating a step forward nonetheless and asking the governor to sign it.
Hawaiʻi will tie electric utilities’ revenue to its performance of key functions
The Hawaiʻi Ratepayer Protection Act empowers the PUC to set strong, well-informed policies and encourages the utility to ensure clean energy for all of Hawaiʻi’s residents at reduced electrical rates.
Public briefing on rail funding set for August 14
Leaders in both the State House and Senate have reaffirmed their commitment to resolve the outstanding rail financing issues.
Special session will be called to fund Rail
No specific dates have been set for the special session and no rail funding mechanism has been agreed upon yet.
UH grad students rally in support of unionization
Currently, graduate students at UH are the only state-employed workers that are not permitted to unionize or collectively bargain with their employer.
Ige plans to veto grad student unionization bill
HB553 would allow graduate assistants at UH to collectively bargain and form a labor union, but Governor Ige has informed the legislature of his intent to veto the bill.
Hawaiʻi lawmakers seek exemption from Jones Act
Proponents of exempting Hawaiʻi from the domestic build requirement say it would create a larger market and foster greater competition in ocean shipping for the noncontiguous trades.
Rep. Ing introduces “Kollin Elderts” bill
The measure is a result of an incident in which U.S. State Department special agent Christopher Deedy fatally shot Kollin Elderts in Waikiki while intoxicated.
Bill proposes state-wide ban on tobacco in public parks
The ban would include electronic smoking devices and betel nut products as well.