Local politicians, business leaders and labor organizers say Hawaii needs funds to reduce its dependence on petroleum, boost rail and improve wastewater systems.

The president will unveil his American Jobs Plan, which has the potential to infuse huge sums of money into the islands’ transportation and energy infrastructure.

Updated: Former Gov. Ben Cayetano is among those wanting Nani Coloretti to run the Office of Management and Budget. And Sen. Mazie Hirono says she would be “a great director.”

UPDATED The Democratic senators quickly backed down from their threat to vote against President Joe Biden’s nominees after receiving assurances from the White House to bring on a senior Asian American and Pacific Islander advisor.

Hawaii’s senior senator is elevating one of his top policy initiatives — climate change — as chairman of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee.

At the end of the day, vaccinations are what will help get tourists back to the islands, economists say, although it will likely take several years before the economy looks like it did before the pandemic.

A failed amendment to a House bill that seeks to expand voting rights and reduce the influence of money in politics highlights some differences between Hawaii’s Democratic congressmen.

Hawaii Sen. Brian Schatz gaveled in his first hearing as chairman of the Indian Affairs Committee to address Native issues in Hawaii and the rest of the country.

President Joe Biden’s pick for attorney general was questioned by Hawaii Sen. Mazie Hirono about the use of federal consent decrees to force reform for troubled police departments.

Hawaii’s senior senator says the state should get enough money to avoid layoffs and furloughs for public workers.