Richard Borreca

Hawaii

Political Columnist and Reporter at Honolulu Star-Advertiser

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Articles

On Politics: Economic green shoots found in Maui-grown tequila

5 days ago | staradvertiser.com | Richard Borreca

One of the things that Hawaii does better than most is grow stuff. Growers learned long ago how to turn sugar cane into sugar and it was quickly followed by growing pineapple. So it just makes sense that new products cultivating in the islands’ rich fertile soil could be a natural hit. Now the interest is shifting down the bar to tequila. Business interests are watching to see if Hawaii- grown tequila-based products could be Hawaii’s next big success.
On Politics: Plunging into state Capitol’s ‘waterless’ pool revamp

1 week ago | staradvertiser.com | Richard Borreca

You can say a lot, both good and bad, about what goes on inside the building, but you have to agree that the Hawaii State Capitol is a graceful, beautiful structure of great symbolism. When it was dedicated in 1969, the $25 million building was described as “the largest architectural job ever undertaken in Hawaii.
On Politics: Green goes to Washington with med cred on vaccines

1 month ago | staradvertiser.com | Richard Borreca

Hawaii Democrat Gov. Josh Green is firmly engaged in one of the state’s fiercest battles: managing our health care. Green, of course, speaks as the state’s elected leader, but among the nation’s 50 state leaders, Hawaii’s governor is the only one who is also a former emergency room physician.
On Politics: Time for Hawaii Republican Party to regroup on Kauai

1 month ago | staradvertiser.com | Richard Borreca

To keep up with Hawaii’s Republicans, watch Kauai. It will be the spot where Hawaii’s Republicans conclude their annual state convention next week. Kauai has been the scene of several annual gatherings of Republicans that trace much of the power of the local GOP. Although it is hardly a bastion of GOP power, Kauai has been the location of several pivotal Republican conventions and should show exactly what the GOP has to offer the state.
On Politics: Legislators OK ‘green’ tax, oust House Finance chair

1 month ago | staradvertiser.com | Richard Borreca

Hawaii’s state Legislature ended the annual session by making history with a new tax and then making a scene by shuffling some of the jobs held by legislative leaders. First, at the behest of Gov. Josh Green, legislators pushed up the hotel room tax from 10.25% to 11% starting in January. Green wants this new money. He campaigned on the issue, saying he will use it for environmental protection and strengthening defenses against natural disasters fueled by the climate crisis.
On Politics: Gov. Green scores environmental victory and political win with passage of climate tax

1 month ago | staradvertiser.com | Richard Borreca

Sometimes raising taxes becomes a politically good thing. For instance, Gov. Josh Green has won the hard battle for his new tax bill as the state Legislature closes the current session. The early indications show the first-term governor came away with a big victory by raising taxes. And the Legislature is adjourned, but expected to return later in the year.
On Politics: Online betting, legalized gambling aren’t sure bets

2 months ago | staradvertiser.com | Richard Borreca

Gambling in Hawaii is a 50-50 choice. Decades of polling show that about half of the folks don’t like it — and the rest love it, or have mixed feelings, but don’t hate it. So what is a politician to do? The most popular reaction to questions about legalizing gambling is to call for a study. The churches and the county prosecutor are against gambling, with polls going back decades showing the voters split.
On Politics: Lawmakers hand-wring over cuts, as raises handed out

2 months ago | staradvertiser.com | Richard Borreca

Even in the quiet, before the closing-day speeches in the first days of May, this year’s state Legislature is significant. The promise is that they will be back for a special session. The Legislature last convened a special session in 2017 to address rail project funding. Now the new dates for the special session being considered are August, September or November. Legislative leaders think by then more information could be available.
On Politics: It’s a taxing situation, as state extracts revenues

2 months ago | staradvertiser.com | Richard Borreca

Here are some questions that many folks across the USA should be able to answer: When is tax day? As in when are your taxes due? Or, what does April 15th mean to you? Yes, April 15 is coming right up. As you can imagine, there is nothing simple or uncomplicated when talking about taxes. Surprisingly, the simplest information about the bad news about taxes in Hawaii comes from the state Tax Department (https://tax. hawaii.gov/blog/blog14-comparing-hawaii-income-taxes).
On Politics: Let’s hope long-time obstacles won’t trip mayor’s goals

Mar 23, 2025 | staradvertiser.com | Richard Borreca

Rick Blangiardi, the former local and national broadcast executive, is starting his second term in his new career as one of Honolulu’s major political and government leaders. After a series of successful positions running network TV stations in Seattle and San Francisco, the former University of Hawaii football player and assistant coach took on local politics and is starting his second four-year term as Honolulu’s mayor.