From The Hawaii Tribune-Herald:

Bills supporting the privatization of Hawaii public hospitals on Hawaii Island and Maui continue to advance in the Legislature, making it through the halfway point in the session on Tuesday.

“We’re now heading into the second half of the football game,” said state Sen. Josh Green, D-Kona, Ka‘u, chairman of the Senate Committee on Health.

But, even as the measures progress, Green says he and other legislators intend to take as much time as they need to fully weigh the consequences of any decision that would affect Hawaii Health Systems Corp., the operator of the state’s “safety net” health care facilities, so-called because they are often the only option available to their communities, especially on the Neighbor Islands.

“Under any circumstances, we have to be careful to not go too quickly,” Green said Wednesday morning. “I have a lot of questions that need to be answered still. … If somebody was concerned about how slowly it’s going, I’d say they’re not fully committed to Hawaii.” Read the full story.

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

Senators demand dancing definition

Pedestrian death led to traffic snarl in South Maui

Reality series takes a look at Kauai Junior Lifeguards

Hawaii County hiring license clerks

Proposal may end Montana Beach saga

Baisa praises House for advancing bill to purchase Lipoa Point

House bill creates elderly transportation task force

Koloa native celebrates 101st birthday

Big Isle native takes reins at state chamber

Sagum to plead not guilty

House likes Facebook bill

Old Kona Airport Park users may get shade

Waikoloa Marriott likely to be sold

$5.6M sought for South Kona Police Station

Keopuolani leash-free dog park grand opening

—Chad Blair