State could see growth in early learning programs
The state could see an increase in the availability of early learning programs by taking advantage of vacant public spaces beyond the state Department of Education public school campuses. Read more
Latest Stories by Victoria Budiono
LGBTQ+ support push for same-sex marriage bill
House Bill 2802, which calls for a state constitutional amendment to repeal the Legislature’s authority to limit marriage to opposite-sex couples, remains alive as advocates worry about a conservative-leaning U.S. Supreme Court possibly overturning same-sex marriages across the country. Read more
Legislators seek voters’ input from mailer survey
Some legislators have come to rely on surveying their constituents ahead of final votes on issues such as whether to legalize recreational cannabis for adults or dip into the state’s rainy day fund to help Maui recover from the Aug. 8 wildfires. Read more
Patsy T. Mink honored on U.S. quarter
Mink’s quarter depicts her on one side with a lei, holding her Title IX legislation in front of the U.S. Capitol Building, with the inscriptions “Patsy Takemoto Mink” and “Equal Opportunity in Education.” Read more
State Digital Equity Plan approved
The Department of Commerce National Telecommunications and Information Administration accepted Hawaii’s 293-page Digital Equity Plan on Tuesday after it underwent federal review. Read more
$35M in federal funds to help rebuild Maui public housing
The Hawaii Public Housing Authority will receive more than $35 million in federal funding to rebuild low-income, public and senior housing that was destroyed during the Aug. 8 Maui fires. Read more
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Merrie Monarch travelers are reminded of ohia rules
The state Department of Agriculture issued a reminder to Merrie Monarch Festival attendees on ohia plant quarantine restrictions from Hawaii island because of rapid ohia death — a fungal plant disease — that threatens native forests. Read more
Advocates rally for increased child care support
Dozens of community members — including mothers, educators and legislators — gathered Friday at the state Capitol to advocate for early childhood care and education. Read more
Advocates rally for stalled ‘clean elections’ bill
More than a dozen advocates from the Clean Elections Hawaii Coalition gathered Monday at the state Capitol rotunda to urge legislators to reconsider implementing a comprehensive public financing program for Hawaii’s political candidates, commonly referred to as “clean elections.” Read more
Alcohol bill’s clout remains in doubt
Proponents of Senate Bill 2384 — which crossed over from the Senate to the House — hope a lower blood alcohol content will force a change in attitude for people who want to have more than one drink and still choose to drive. Read more
Efforts to lower Hawaii teachers’ housing costs advance
Two bills intended to help retain Hawaii teachers by providing assistance to reduce their housing costs continue to advance through the Legislature. Read more
Owners might face felony charges in dog attacks
Owners of vicious dogs that cause serious injury or death would face felony charges instead of petty misdemeanors under proposed legislation. Read more
Measure calls for homeless triage center
A homeless triage center would be established within the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Division of the state Department of Health under a proposal advancing at the state Legislature. Read more
License plates considered for Iraq and Afghanistan veterans
A renewed call to create special license plates to honor veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars remains alive under Senate Bill 2731, which was carried over from last legislative session. Read more
Bill moving to support University of Hawaii students financially
A bill to extend scholarships to meet student needs at the University of Hawaii’s three four-year campuses remains alive after passing out of the House Finance Committee on Friday. Read more
Task force would detail Hawaii dental needs
Following a 2022 funding victory by Hawaii dentists that restored Medicaid dental coverage for more than 200,000 adults, the Hawaii Dental Hui now wants to create an oral health task force to take a comprehensive look at oral care needs around the state. Read more
Bill requires teachers accused of sexual misconduct to surrender licenses
An amended bill that would require teachers to surrender their licenses during any investigation into student sexual misconduct or abuse before retiring or resigning passed out of the House Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs Committee on Friday. Read more
Stalled bills would support student inclusivity, identities
Two bills moving through the Legislature would support the use of gender identity preferences for public school students. Read more
Bill would establish ‘Kimchi Day’ in Hawaii
A bill that would dedicate a day to kimchi — the flavorful and beloved Korean side dish — passed out of the House Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs Committee on Friday. Read more
Bill to eliminate Hawaii’s tip credit is deferred
Senate Bill 2784 was finally deferred Monday during the Senate Labor and Technology Committee hearing after being deferred twice last week. Read more
Legislation to eliminate Hawaii’s tip credits deferred for vote again
Senate Bill 2784 has divided employees and employers over whether to pay tipped employees at least Hawaii’s minimum wage and has been deferred for a second time. Read more
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