Legislature 2026

Senate Panel Narrowly Approves Chief Justice Nominee Craig Fujii/Civil Beat/2026

Senate Panel Narrowly Approves Chief Justice Nominee

Chair Karl Rhoads voted no in the 3-2 vote. Vladimir Devens now awaits a final vote from the full Senate.

Honolulu Traffic Cams Catch Speeders. But Most Don’t Get Tickets Kevin Fujii/Civil Beat/2026

Honolulu Traffic Cams Catch Speeders. But Most Don’t Get Tickets

Cameras at 10 major accident hot spots are catching red light runners and speeders. But ticketing more of them would overwhelm the state’s courts.

Hawaiʻi Lawmakers Shelve Petition To Further Probe $35K Paper Bag Case  Craig Fujii/Civil Beat/2026

Hawaiʻi Lawmakers Shelve Petition To Further Probe $35K Paper Bag Case 

House Speaker Nadine Nakamura tabled the citizen petition with little advance notice or discussion.

Supreme Court Chief Justice Nominee Faces Tough Questions From Senators Craig Fujii/Civil Beat/2026

Supreme Court Chief Justice Nominee Faces Tough Questions From Senators

Besides his work for a powerful Hawaiʻi super PAC, lawmakers raised concerns about Vladimir Devens’ attendance at a controversial Honolulu cop’s retirement party.

Political ‘Hot Potato’: Where Should Hawaiʻi Ban Aquarium Fishing? Craig Fujii/Civil Beat/2023

Political ‘Hot Potato’: Where Should Hawaiʻi Ban Aquarium Fishing?

The House and Senate have to work out major differences if the bill is to pass in the next two weeks.

Hawaiʻi Transportation Officials Want A New Military Partnership Cory Lum/Civil Beat/2021

Hawaiʻi Transportation Officials Want A New Military Partnership

A bill being considered by the Legislature would allow the state DOT to act as a military contractor to expedite federal projects for improvements to airports and roads.

Confusing Donation Drops Run By For-Profits Targeted By Hawaiʻi Lawmakers David Croxford/Civil Beat/2025

Confusing Donation Drops Run By For-Profits Targeted By Hawaiʻi Lawmakers

Advocates say the measure will protect people from mistakenly thinking they’re donating to charities.

Justice’s Past Political Activity Is Raising Fresh Questions For Some Senators David Croxford/Civil Beat/2024

Justice’s Past Political Activity Is Raising Fresh Questions For Some Senators

The Senate is considering whether to confirm Vladimir Devens for the position of Supreme Court chief justice.

How The Legislature Is Violating A 187-Year-Old Constitutional Right David Croxford/Civil Beat/2025

How The Legislature Is Violating A 187-Year-Old Constitutional Right

The Legislature has always acted quickly on petitions. Why is it delaying this one? Especially in the face of strong citizen support.

Hawaiʻi Legislature Moves To Guard Against Federal Immigration Enforcement Chad Blair/Civil Beat/2026

Hawaiʻi Legislature Moves To Guard Against Federal Immigration Enforcement

Bills are advancing to prohibit face coverings, protect the right to record police and limit state cooperation.