Latest policy & regulation news and updates
Hawaii's Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR) is enforcing the maximum penalties, including license revocation, for illegal longline fishing in state waters, effective immediately. This strict…
Nationwide protests, including incidents involving federal immigration officers, could signal potential for localized disruptions impacting business operations in Hawaii. While direct local impact is…
Hawaii public school students will be required to complete a financial literacy course starting next school year, equipping them with better personal finance skills. While immediate impacts are…
The Hawaiʻi Department of Health and Department of Human Services are merging SNAP and WIC program coordination, aiming to improve food access for families. This could gradually decrease reliance on…
Hawaii public school students will be required to complete financial literacy education for graduation starting in the 2026-2027 academic year, potentially leading to a more financially capable…
The proposed partnership between Hawai‘i Pacific Health (HPH) and Hawai‘i Medical Service Association (HMSA) to form One Health Hawai‘i signals a potential restructuring of healthcare delivery and…
Hawaii's minimum wage is set to increase to $16 per hour on January 1st, marking the third phase of a planned escalation designed to eventually reach $18. This significant adjustment, a 14.3% hike…
The recent appointment of Wailuku native James "Jay" John Kamealoha Carpio to the Board of Land and Natural Resources (BLNR) signifies a key moment in Hawaii's ongoing dialogue about land use and…
Maui County Council Vice Chair Yuki Lei Sugimura has announced her candidacy for Mayor, challenging incumbent Richard Bissen in the 2026 election. Her decision is directly linked to her opposition to…
A recent Honolulu City Council bill mandating greater public access to city financial data will become law without Mayor Rick Blangiardi's signature, highlighting a push for increased governmental…
As Honolulu's Skyline rail project advances into the historic Chinatown district, raising concerns about cultural preservation and future development, the city is seeking a new agreement with the…
Hawaii's general fund revenue outlook remains stable, according to the latest Council on Revenues forecast, offering a much-needed sense of cautious optimism for state budgeting and economic…
Hawaii has been awarded a substantial $188.9 million federal grant through the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP), marking a critical opportunity to address long-standing healthcare…
A new law is set to transform how Honolulu's finances are managed and disclosed, even without the Mayor's signature, signaling a significant shift towards greater governmental transparency. This move…
The Hawaii School Facilities Authority (HISFA) is exploring innovative technological solutions to accelerate the construction and modernization of the state's aging public school infrastructure,…
The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation's (HART) Skyline rail project is progressing towards its Chinatown phase, prompting city officials to seek an updated agreement with the state. This…
Governor Josh Green has appointed a Hawaiian leader with a strong background in agriculture, horticulture, and marine conservation to the Board of Land and Natural Resources (BLNR). This appointment…
The U.S. House of Representatives has passed legislation to renew enhanced Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies as millions of Americans grapple with rising health insurance costs. This move, while a…
Hawaii's burgeoning hemp industry is grappling with uncertainty as a new state law mandating registration for retailers and distributors officially commenced on January 1, 2026. Initial confusion…
As Hawaii grapples with a critical physician shortage, neighbor islands face disproportionately severe impacts, exacerbating healthcare disparities and posing significant challenges for businesses…