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UPDATED. Big spending questions remain, but those will be resolved through individual bills later this week.

UPDATED: Hawaii lawmakers are considering a bill that could keep married couples together on the one hand, but risks displacing Medicaid clients in favor of private-pay clients.

Public outcry forced Gov. David Ige to withdraw first nominee Carleton Ching, but second choice for the job sails through.

Hawaii House and Senate conference committee leaves plenty of work to do next week before May 1 deadline.

There’s broad support for congressional delegation, Honolulu mayor, governor and president, but it varies some by age, gender and income.

“This process takes time,” says a spokesman for governor, but some wonder if filling the positions is simply not a priority.

House and Senate negotiators meet for the first day of conference committee, leaving much work to be done before the state budget is finalized.

A voting record that seems to value business concerns over the environment should persuade senators to reject a nominee who would be 87 by the end of his term.

Legislators are close to approving legislation that would license and heavily regulate production centers and dispensaries. It’s about time.

UPDATED Hawaii Gov. David Ige and senators oppose the plan to return to a pay-as-you-go approach for health benefits, setting up a tough battle to reach a deal before session ends.