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They’re back.

The state Capitol has come alive again with lawmakers, staff, lobbyists, reporters, citizens and other denizens of the legislative world. It truly is a remarkable place with intriguing people and plenty of interesting stories to tell.

This session is already shaping up to be an exciting one. New leadership in both the House and the Senate is livening things up. The budget is butting up against nearly every public-employee union contract that’s up for renewal

There are headline-grabbing issues too like guns and marijuana and gay marriage.

We’re keeping an eye on a number of political reform measures — from strengthening lobbying laws to a better elections process. And political hot potatoes like the Public Land Development Corporation, taxes and liquefied natural gas are making things even more interesting.

So hang on. It’s sure to be a whirlwind 60 days.

Meanwhile, here are 10 stories to get you tuned up and plugged in:

• Is It Time To Beef Up Hawaii’s Lax Lobbying Law?

• Hawaii State Rep. Karen Awana Owes Thousands In Overdue Fines

• DC808: On The Wire — Going To The Inauguration

• FACT CHECK — HPD: Research Links Marijuana to Violent Behavior

• UH Students: We Had No Idea Our Dorm’s Security Cameras Were Broken

• Political Musical Chairs? Hawaii Gov. Abercrombie Fills All The Seats

• Will Hawaii Have a Solar System on Every Rooftop? Gov Hopes So

• Abercrombie’s Jeopardy Challenge: What Is Uninspiring?

• Off The Beat: Why Should We Have To Take A Lawmaker To Court?

• Delay In HECO’s Energy Plan Is Driving Up Costs For Developers