As he reaches Hawaiʻi’s age limit to serve, Mark Recktenwald calls for more transparency “so the public can see what we are doing.”

Two of Hawaiʻi’s top politicians talk fireworks, political term limits, education, navigating a new presidential administration and more.

Lee Loy said she moved into the district before running for office, but still spends time at a house outside the district to care for her disabled adult son.

The county has thrown its support behind bills that address needs beyond the ongoing recovery from the August 2023 fires.

Public financing of campaigns will be on the legislative agenda again this session along with pay-to-play practices and tweaks to the Sunshine Law. But as usual, the outlook is murky.

Republicans’ legislative package includes bills to ban cell phones in schools and set up more places to vote.

Draft legislation proposes consolidating programs under a renamed Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, but critics say the agency already has a spotty track record on invasive species.

Charging elementary and middle school students $4.75 for lunch would be a huge hit to working families, advocates say.

On Opening Day, housing, fireworks, insurance and invasive species top lawmakers’ to-do list. But a green fee to address climate change and legalizing pot, not so much.

Department of Human Services officials attributed the steady decline to reforms. High caseloads and staff shortages continue.