From food safety to expanding solar power, the Big Island’s state legislators are planning to tackle a wide range of issues during the next session in Honolulu.

The session begins Jan. 16, giving representatives about four months to advocate their agendas and forge compromises while trying to keep the state’s budget in check.

The island has 11 legislators this time around, one more than previous sessions thanks to the addition of a fourth Senate seat.

How much more strength this gives it remains to be seen, though a good committee assignment or two doesn’t hurt. Read the full story.

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

Service for Inouye to be at MACC on Saturday

Mars project weighed for Mauna Loa

Elections top Big Isle 2012 stories

Mayor continues support for Kahului aquatics complex

Permits required to set off New Year’s Eve fireworks on Kauai

Study finds liquid flows from Maui wells to ocean

Kadomatsu comes out ahead of Christmas rush on Garden Isle

Time Warner’s operations under one roof on Maui

Photo courtesy Makuahine Pa’i Ki’i.