Civil Beat Categories

Legislature 2021

Danny De Gracia: Hawaii Should Rise Up While ‘The Stars Are Aligned’ Cory Lum/Civil Beat/2018

Danny De Gracia: Hawaii Should Rise Up While ‘The Stars Are Aligned’

With Democrats in control, the Legislature needs to capitalize on the potential to pull in more federal money to rebuild.

Hawaii Lawmakers May Cut Solar Credits Nathan Eagle/Civil Beat

Hawaii Lawmakers May Cut Solar Credits

The credits help to develop renewable energy projects but also cost the state millions of dollars.

No More ‘Gifts Of Aloha’ For State Lawmakers Anthony Quintano

No More ‘Gifts Of Aloha’ For State Lawmakers

A ban on food items and other items of nominal value affects state officials and the business of lobbyists.

Ige Seeks $30 Million To Repair Capitol Reflecting Pools Cory Lum/Civil Beat

Ige Seeks $30 Million To Repair Capitol Reflecting Pools

Some lawmakers questioned the project, with one calling the maintenance costs a “nightmare.”

Hawaii Governor Weighs Income Tax Increases On Wealthy Residents Cory Lum/Civil Beat/2019

Hawaii Governor Weighs Income Tax Increases On Wealthy Residents

Ige’s chief of staff also suggests upping the “barrel tax” on fossil fuels to help balance the budget.

Hawaii Vector Control Branch Faces Budget Cuts (Again) Cory Lum/Civil Beat

Hawaii Vector Control Branch Faces Budget Cuts (Again)

The job losses could have serious effects on public health if another disease outbreak occurs.

Hawaii Will Collect More Taxes Than Expected, State Panel Says Cory Lum/Civil Beat/2020

Hawaii Will Collect More Taxes Than Expected, State Panel Says

The state Council on Revenues says Hawaii will collect $300 million more in taxes this year than previously projected.

State Finance Director Says Carbon And Sugar Taxes May Be Among Increases Cory Lum/Civil Beat/2020

State Finance Director Says Carbon And Sugar Taxes May Be Among Increases

Craig Hirai stressed that nothing is settled but dropped some hints about possible tax increases in a House Finance Committee hearing.

Proposed State Budget Would Cut 30% From Sex Abuse Treatment Funding Cory Lum/Civil Beat

Proposed State Budget Would Cut 30% From Sex Abuse Treatment Funding

The Ige administration budget would also “eviscerate” state enforcement of anti-discrimination laws.

Will Hawaii Legislature Reverse Ige’s Suspension Of The Public Records Law? Cory Lum/Civil Beat

Will Hawaii Legislature Reverse Ige’s Suspension Of The Public Records Law?

The governor’s order has been in effect since March, but it’s unclear if lawmakers will do anything about it next session despite their opposition to it.