While fears of retaliation blocked similar bills last year, reaction to national events and realities of local enforcement eased passage of immigrant legislation in 2026.

The legislation would make Hawaiʻi one of the first states to sidestep the Citizens United U.S. Supreme Court case that allows unlimited corporate spending in local elections. 

Hawaiʻi allowed the shipping company to keep the money while awaiting a rate increase but now wants millions more in penalties and interest.

Lawmakers did not pass a bill that would have funded the continuation of the most comprehensive study of the long-term health effects of the wildfires.

Families and advocates are wondering what the future of preschool could look like amid funding shortfalls and Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke’s recent departure from office.

The vote was 20-5, with dissenting senators stating concerns over the nominee’s past political affiliation.

The Legislature needs to make decisions on all tax and spending bills by Friday in order to conduct final votes next week.

Advocates and lawmakers are pressing forward on other bills to limit police cooperation with immigration enforcement.

Lawmakers urgently needed to reach an agreement on the tax issue before they could move on to the state budget.

If the Legislature is going to end this year’s session on time, lawmakers must make some tough decisions this week. Insiders say there is no consensus yet.