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The utility is working with lawmakers on a plan that would make the state take over energy contracts if HECO defaulted, a situation lawmakers say is unlikely to occur.

Updated: Since he took office, Gov. Josh Green has pushed for a green fee to offset tourism’s impact on climate and the environment in general. So far, Legislature has balked.

The governor is also budgeting $400 million in each of the next two years to settle claims from the Lahaina wildfire victims.

Rep. Kyle Yamashita has been talking about shifting millions of dollars in tax surcharge revenue from the counties back to the state.

The new Hawaii island trustee wants the office to have a better relationship with the Legislature.

Lawmakers are considering creating an agricultural crime commission and other measures to bolster laws that apply to agricultural theft, vandalism and trespass. 

Officials say higher salaries would help attract more qualified people to the jobs.

The Malama Ohana panel wants an ombudsman’s office to do investigations of deaths or serious injuries to children who received services from CWS.

The governor’s office said the plan means more money for Hawaii families and promised no government services will be cut. But skeptics are worried.

While the District 39 contest went to an automatic recount, two other tight races did not thanks to an election law change.