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After balking two years ago, state officials now feel there are sufficient safeguards to prevent private-paying clients from displacing those on Medicaid.

Critics say one of the options to pay for the over-budget Honolulu rail project — extending the general excise tax — would unfairly burden the poor.

The head of Hawaii’s aquatic resource division said he’s not sure lawmakers “knew what they were doing” when they passed the bill.

UPDATED: Leaders try to assure federal officials that the state is committed to coming up with money, but there no sign a deal has been reached.

A bill supported by environmental groups would prevent the state from issuing new permits for commercial collection of aquarium fish.

Legislators kept the issue at bay again last session, but two-thirds of poll respondents say it’s time to act.

Stressing how an island state is particularly vulnerable, elected leaders and environmentalists resolved to continue local efforts.

But the state’s top financial advisers decided not to try to predict what the Legislature might do with rail.

The longtime pro-business, pro-rail lawmaker has a history of ethics concerns, backroom dealing and a volatile temperament.

Council members, mayors and others remain frustrated by the influence a group of personal injury lawyers had on the decision.