Beth Fukumoto

2 weeks ago | civilbeat.org | Beth Fukumoto |Patti Epler

If lawmakers want to ensure public money is used wisely, they ought to pay closer attention. When lawmakers debated Hawaiʻi’s new “green fee” this year, they faced a choice: create a new special fund as a dedicated account for climate projects or route the money into the general fund, where the Legislature would have greater oversight and flexibility. They chose the latter.

1 month ago | civilbeat.org | Beth Fukumoto |Richard Wiens

Gov. Josh Green wanted the money to go into special environmental funds. Instead, lawmakers retain a say in how it’s spent. It was one of the most high-profile environmental policy wins of the year: Lawmakers increased taxes on visitor accommodations with the goal of funding climate resiliency and environmental protection projects. Gov. Josh Green called it “a historic piece of legislation,” but he didn’t get everything he wanted in the final bill.

1 month ago | civilbeat.org | Beth Fukumoto |Richard Wiens

They have big majorities in the House and Senate, but legislators still don’t fulfill all of their party’s promises. Hawaiʻi Democrats control the Legislature, and their party platform checks many of the policy boxes for the country’s most progressive politicians. But in 2025, did their actions match their rhetoric? Let’s take a look at where Democratic legislators delivered on their platform and where they didn’t.

1 month ago | civilbeat.org | Beth Fukumoto |Richard Wiens

The Republican caucuses have grown in the Legislature thanks to the 2024 election. The 2025 legislative session ended just as Donald Trump marked his first 100 days back in the White House. His second-term agenda is pretty much what he and the Republican Party told voters it would be: aggressive immigration enforcement, expanded parental rights, new tariffs and deep cuts to federal agencies.

2 months ago | civilbeat.org | Beth Fukumoto |Richard Wiens

Commentary Taking a calculator to the bills — and overriding issues — that are still at play this session. Taking a calculator to the bills — and overriding issues — that are still at play this session. Every legislative session in Hawaiʻi opens with lofty promises. This year was no exception.