Legislature 2026

Sudden Slashes To Solar Incentives Make It Harder To Go Green Courtesy: RevoluSun.

Sudden Slashes To Solar Incentives Make It Harder To Go Green

More than 260 of Hawaiʻi’s commercial and industrial projects are at risk after Legislature cuts credits in 2026, undermining renewable resource goals.

Interisland Shipping Rates Set To Rise July 1 After Governor Signs Bill Cory Lum/Civil Beat/2021

Interisland Shipping Rates Set To Rise July 1 After Governor Signs Bill

Young Brothers quickly announced a 3% rate hike soon after the bill was signed. State wharfage fees will rise at the same time, potentially driving up prices even more.

Leadership Turmoil And Staffing Shortfalls Plague Child Welfare System David Croxford/Civil Beat/2024

Leadership Turmoil And Staffing Shortfalls Plague Child Welfare System

Former Hawaiʻi Department of Human Services Director Ryan Yamane is not the only top child welfare official departing the agency as lawmakers made some efforts this year to improve the system.

Hawaiʻi Teachers Win Raises, But Some Schools Are Still Crumbling Craig Fujii/Civil Beat/2026

Hawaiʻi Teachers Win Raises, But Some Schools Are Still Crumbling

Teachers say lawmakers made significant progress boosting educator morale and retention this session, but debates about campus repairs and construction are ongoing.

Requiring Judges To Consider Past Trauma Of Youth Offenders Aim Of New Law David Croxford/Civil Beat/2025

Requiring Judges To Consider Past Trauma Of Youth Offenders Aim Of New Law

The proposed law, which awaits the governor’s signature, would also bar youth who have been trafficked or sexually abused from being charged as adults for crimes in which their abuser is the victim.

Stricter E-Bike Regulations Planned For Hawai‘i Kevin Fujii/Civil Beat/2026

Stricter E-Bike Regulations Planned For Hawai‘i

The new bill would mandate helmets for anyone under 18, ban wheelies or stunt riding on public streets, and place other age restrictions on riding.

Amid Funding Fears, Food And Farming Bills Fared Better Than Expected (Thomas Heaton/Civil Beat/2026)

Amid Funding Fears, Food And Farming Bills Fared Better Than Expected

Lawmakers, farmers and agriculture advocates found tens of millions of dollars for key infrastructure projects this legislative session.

Luxury Home Tax Pitch To Fund Hawaiian Homes Flopped. Now What? Marina Riker/Civil Beat/2022

Luxury Home Tax Pitch To Fund Hawaiian Homes Flopped. Now What?

The state Department of Hawaiian Home Lands came away with some funds but will need to look for other revenue sources.

Will Hawaiʻi Forfeit $5 Million For Teacher Apprenticeships? Craig Fujii/Civil Beat/2026

Will Hawaiʻi Forfeit $5 Million For Teacher Apprenticeships?

State leaders say the program will improve teacher retention and recruitment by providing more mentorship and financial support to prospective educators.