Latest policy & regulation news and updates
A new white paper from the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii is calling for the reform or repeal of the state's Certificate of Need (CON) regulations, arguing these laws are stifling healthcare access across the islands. The report highlights the ways in which CON laws restrict competition and limit access to vital medical services, affecting both patients and healthcare entrepreneurs.
The Hawaii County Council has advanced a $6 million package of grants aimed at addressing homelessness and housing, but not before voicing strong concerns regarding the spending practices of local service providers. Council members cited issues such as inefficient fund allocation, inadequate accountability measures, and inconsistent service delivery as sources of major concern.
Honolulu Police Department (HPD) officers arrested two individuals and seized 16 gambling machines and thousands in cash during a raid on an illegal gambling operation near Kawaiahao Street. This action highlights the ongoing efforts to combat illicit activities and maintain a fair business environment in Hawaii, potentially impacting local entrepreneurs and investors.
Following Australia's recent ban on social media for children under 16, Hawai'i Senator Brian Schatz is advocating for similar protections in the United States. The Kids Off Social Media Act, spearheaded by Schatz, aims to curb children's access to social media platforms, sparking a debate on online safety and the role of tech companies.
Recent data reveals a sharp increase in immigration arrests in Hawaii, with a significant number of detainees having no prior criminal record. This surge has implications for local businesses, particularly those reliant on foreign labor or navigating complex regulatory landscapes.
Governor Josh Green's push to fast-track negotiations with the Trump administration for the extension of the Army's lease on the Pohakuloa Training Area has sparked concerns. Critics worry the accelerated timeline undermines community input and potentially overlooks critical issues related to the land's future.
A 43-year-old man from Kula, Maui, has been sentenced to 40 months in federal prison for his involvement in the detonation of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) on Maui in August 2024. This case has sent ripples through the local community, raising concerns about safety and security.
Hawaii's legal challenge to a new federal Medicaid policy faces a hurdle: proving actual harm. Without demonstrating concrete damage to the state, its ability to pursue the lawsuit is limited, leaving businesses and residents in a state of uncertainty regarding the policy's potential impacts.
The Rotary Club of Kīhei-Wailea will host a presentation on December 10th, highlighting the County of Maui's Boards and Commissions program, which is seeking volunteers to fill nearly 70 positions. This initiative offers a significant opportunity for local professionals and community members to actively shape the future of Maui County.
The City and County of Honolulu has appointed Dr. Kealoha Fox as the new Executive Director and Chief Resilience Officer of the Office of Climate Change, Sustainability, and Resiliency. This appointment signals a renewed focus on sustainability and climate action within Honolulu's government, impacting local businesses and future development.
U.S. Senator Brian Schatz will host a statewide telephone town hall on December 11th, providing a platform for Hawaii residents to discuss and receive updates on key federal issues. This event is of particular interest to Hawaii's business community, as federal policies often have a direct impact on local entrepreneurship, investment, and economic development.
The Honolulu City Council has approved a bill requiring the Honolulu Police Department (HPD) to share timely information with qualified news outlets via a new crime-alert system. This move, awaiting the mayor's signature, is intended to improve public safety and transparency in the dissemination of emergency information.
Despite its connection to a $2.7 million illegal fireworks shipment seized in 2022, a company has been granted permission by the Honolulu Fire Department to sell firecrackers. This decision raises concerns about regulatory enforcement and public safety in Hawaii.
In its first 100 days, Maui's newly staffed Office of the Board of Ethics has experienced a substantial increase in inquiries, leading its executive director to request an expanded team in the upcoming fiscal year. This surge underscores growing public interest in ethical conduct and heightened expectations for government transparency.
Hawaii's new "Green Fee," which extends the transient accommodations tax to cruise ship passengers, is facing a legal challenge from the cruise industry. The industry argues the tax is unconstitutional and violates federal law, potentially impacting both the state's revenue and the future of Hawaii cruises.
The Honolulu City Council has passed bills aimed at increasing transparency regarding the city's unspent funds, mandating more detailed financial reporting from the Mayor's administration. This move is expected to enhance accountability and improve the budgeting process for entrepreneurs and businesses operating in Honolulu.
The Honolulu City Council has passed bills designed to increase transparency regarding unspent city funds, aiming to hold the Mayor's administration accountable for financial appropriations. The new legislation requires greater reporting on lapsed funds, potentially impacting future budgeting processes and city projects.
Maui County's efforts to tighten financial oversight have led to delays in grant disbursements, leaving local nonprofits in a precarious position. The hold-up impacts various community projects and potentially hinders economic recovery efforts.
The Grassroot Institute, a prominent local think tank, has submitted proposals to the Honolulu City Charter Commission, advocating for improved fiscal note practices. This move, alongside submissions from key city officials like City Council Chair Tommy Waters and Managing Director Mike Formby, highlights a shared interest in enhancing financial accountability within the city government.
The Judicial Selection Commission (JSC) is actively seeking nominees for critical judgeship positions on Maui, including a Circuit Judge and a District Judge. These appointments have significant implications for the legal environment, potentially influencing business operations, real estate transactions, and overall investment climates on the island.