Latest policy & regulation news and updates
A recent warning from the U.S. Deputy Attorney General signals potential legal conflicts between the federal government and California officials regarding immigration enforcement. This could have significant implications for businesses and legal environments across the U.S., including Hawaii.
Former President Donald Trump's decision to abruptly end trade negotiations with Canada, triggered by a dispute over an advertisement, has sent ripples through the global trading landscape. This move has significant implications for Hawaii's business community, particularly those involved in international trade and investment.
Senator Mazie K. Hirono, along with colleagues, introduced legislation to ensure all federal employees, including contractors and military personnel, receive pay during the government shutdown. This move directly addresses economic concerns in Hawaii, where federal employment significantly impacts various sectors.
Recent changes to the Maui County Board of Ethics rules have sparked debate, with critics alleging the modifications will silence citizens with pending complaints. Board members maintain the changes are necessary to protect due process and maintain impartiality, but some worry about the potential impact on transparency and accountability.
The ongoing U.S. government shutdown, now past three weeks, creates economic uncertainty for Hawaii's businesses, particularly those reliant on federal funding or impacted by healthcare policy changes. The impasse in Washington centers on Affordable Care Act subsidies, adding to the financial strain on many island households.
The Hawaii Department of Education (DoE) is facing criticism after a teacher was disciplined for allowing a student-led discussion about free speech, sparked by the assassination of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk, on Constitution Day. This incident raises concerns about the DoE's stance on controversial topics and the potential chilling effect on classroom discussions.
Governor Josh Green is traveling to Washington D.C. to meet with federal leaders to discuss Hawaii's clean energy transition, wildfire recovery, healthcare infrastructure, and military readiness. These discussions hold significant implications for Hawaii's entrepreneurs, investors, and overall economic landscape.
Hawaii's Deposit Beverage Container program, also known as the "bottle bill," is under fire. A recent audit revealed significant problems, including reliance on self-reported data and alleged fraud, raising concerns for businesses and consumers alike.
The Hawaii County Police Commission is accelerating its search for a new police chief, with implications for local businesses. The selection process, aiming to be streamlined, could impact community safety and local economic activity.
The Honolulu City Council is actively reviewing the city's transit fare policy, aiming to prevent service cuts and fare hikes that could disproportionately affect low-income Oahu residents. This comes as the city grapples with a significant annual deficit in its public transportation system and considers various strategies to maintain operational efficiency.
Recent reports indicate that Hawaii's Tax Director, Gary Suganuma, is facing accusations of fostering a hostile work environment, prompting calls for investigation. This situation raises potential concerns for the business community regarding the department's operational effectiveness and fairness in tax enforcement.
The Hawaii County Police Commission is accelerating its search for a new police chief, with an application deadline approaching. This leadership transition has significant implications for local businesses and the overall safety and security climate on the Big Island.
Recent discussions in Hawaii highlight the issue of expired vehicle registrations and safety checks, raising concerns about fairness and compliance within the local business community. The Honolulu Police Department is actively issuing citations, but the prevalence of expired registrations suggests a broader challenge for vehicle owners.
A new report highlights a significant increase in child poverty rates across Hawaii, driven by the loss of pandemic-era financial aid and rising living costs. The report also projects the potential for even greater hardship, underscoring the critical role of public programs in supporting vulnerable families.
The Honolulu City Council is considering a resolution to overhaul its transit fare cost recovery policy, aiming to prevent service cuts and fare hikes that would disproportionately affect low-income riders. This move reflects ongoing challenges in balancing public transit funding, operational costs, and the need to maintain accessible transportation options for Oahu residents.
The Kamehameha Schools, a prominent private educational institution in Hawaii, is now the target of a lawsuit challenging its long-standing admissions policy that prioritizes students of Native Hawaiian ancestry. This legal action, brought by the same group that successfully challenged affirmative action in college admissions on the mainland, could have far-reaching implications for educational access and potentially influence business practices related to diversity and inclusion within the state.
The ongoing federal government shutdown presents a significant threat to Hawaii's economy, particularly impacting military personnel and the businesses that support them. This editorial examines the potential disruptions to paychecks and the broader implications for the state's economic stability.
Students for Fair Admissions, the group behind the Supreme Court case that overturned race-conscious college admissions, has filed a lawsuit against Kamehameha Schools. The suit challenges the institution's admissions policy, which gives preference to Native Hawaiian students, potentially impacting Hawaii's educational landscape and future workforce.
Students for Fair Admissions has launched a lawsuit against Kamehameha Schools, challenging its admissions policy that prioritizes Native Hawaiian ancestry. The lawsuit, spearheaded by Edward Blum, has ignited a controversy with potential ramifications for education and workforce development in Hawaii.
A Virginia-based nonprofit organization, Students for Fair Admissions, has launched a legal challenge against Kamehameha Schools, alleging that its admissions policy, which prioritizes students of Native Hawaiian ancestry, is discriminatory. The lawsuit could have significant ramifications for the school and its longstanding commitment to serving Native Hawaiian students.