But a living wage increase will go a long way toward providing financial stability for many in Hawaiʻi.

Supporters say the minimum wage should be increased to $17 an hour by 2026—a hike they say is also good for businesses because it boosts consumer spending.

The council planning committee heard seven bills that could drastically change fees, fines and enforcement for thousands of Oahu's short-term rentals.

The Honolulu City Council advanced a resolution to create “safe zones” while deferring a blanket sit-lie ban expansion that would have covered the whole island.