The state Legislature starts Jan. 19, 2013, but all counties in Hawai‘i, including Kaua‘i, have been working on their legislative packages for a while. Caught by surprise, members of the Kaua‘i County Council learned Thursday that Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. does not support a repeal of Act 55 (which created the Public Land Development Corporation).

With deadlines fast approaching, the council’s Intergovernmental Relations Committee on Thursday approved a number of measures to be included in the 2013 Kaua‘i County Legislative Package and in the 2013 Hawai‘i State Association of Counties Legislative Package.

County Managing Director Gary Heu surprised the council by stating the administration’s position on Act 55. Read the full story.

And here’s the latest in other neighbor isle gov’t and politics:

Say, Souki in battle to step into speakership

Thirty Meter Telescope still faces hurdles

Kapaa women honored for century of service

Disease forces quarantine of cows on Big Island

General who probed Abu Ghraib abuses on Maui for Veterans Day

UH Hilo evaluating pharmacy program

Police called to Keauhou hotel auction

Kona caregiver’s certification revoked after patient dies

New Microsoft Windows supports Hawaiian language

Online survey allows Kauai to weigh in on budget priorities

Kauai Mayor Bernard Carvalho photo courtesy Hawaii Air National Guard.