If Hawaiʻi County’s general plan finally passes this week it could set in motion an effort to improve public transit, make urban areas denser, and add paths for pedestrians and bicycles.

The Legislature this year passed a bill to cancel unpaid medical debt for lower-income Hawaiʻi residents.

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. 

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

A stack of bills under consideration by lawmakers would increase taxes or impose new levies on cars, liquor, real estate, capital gains and more.

If Republicans are serious about balancing the budget, they need to start offering real solutions.

House Republican Minority Floor Leader Diamond Garcia called the Democrats’ proposal a “slap in the face” to struggling working families.

The state is creating a relief fund to cover costs for some — and will consider tapping into a $200 million contingency fund.

The bill is expected to give Hawaiʻi ratepayers additional choices for purchasing electricity. Lawmakers hope it will also lower electric bills.