Mayor Derek Kawakami has not decided his next move, which may depend on a looming decision by Hawaiʻi Senate President Ron Kouchi, whom he calls a mentor.

Two familiar faces on the Garden Island have emerged as frontrunners, declaring their intent to run months before it’s even time for candidates to register.

Under Republican proposals, Hawaiʻi could face more than $100 million in new costs to maintain the food stamp program.

The Republican caucuses have grown in the Legislature thanks to the 2024 election.

The bill’s supporters said one state Senator was responsible for the outcome

Maui Mayor Richard Bissen, who governs 11% of the state’s population, is set to earn more than even Gov. Josh Green when a slate of generous county pay raises kick in.

The bill is heading to conference committee where some details still need to be hashed out between the House and the Senate.

Felony charges related to campaign donations are a rarity in Hawaiʻi, although reforms passed in 2022 helped in bringing a new case.

The outcome could mean higher insurance premiums or a bankrupt utility. It could also upend the proposed settlement, delaying payments to wildfire victims

Senators quizzed Trump’s pick for Director of National Intelligence on her past support for leaker Edward Snowden and for meeting with Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad.