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Party identification has increasingly become a significant way that people assess character.

Watch Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell argue with state Sen. Sam Slom over his word choices during a recent legislative hearing on a possible extension of the rail tax.

They passed two pro-rail measures but council members are concerned they’re still not getting the full picture on the rail project.

Swirling around the Hawaii Senate are factional loyalties and inside politics that may outweigh questions about the qualifications of the nominee to head the Department of Land and Natural Resources.

The Hawaii congresswoman’s national rise invites closer scrutiny of her family ties to an offbeat religious community. Her fiancé and chief of staff also grew up in families affiliated with the sect.

Sen. Brian Schatz and two local benefactors are co-hosting a Kailua fundraiser for the Hawaii congresswoman next month.

The 2nd District representative chose Kainoa Penaroza because she did not want a Washington “political insider.”

UPDATE: The former Hawaii governor has lodged a complaint with the Federal Election Commission alleging the super PAC coordinated with U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono’s campaign in 2012.

Meanwhile, environmental and cultural groups are already criticizing Hawaii’s new governor for his nominee to head the Department of Land and Natural Resources.

Citing close Hawaii ties, the Democratic minority leader flew to Honolulu for the new congressman’s ceremonial swearing-in.