Honolulu Civil Beat

1 day ago | civilbeat.org | Chad Blair

The legislation is part of a $4 billion deal that includes money from HECO, Kamehameha Schools and others. It’s not often that applause breaks out in the audience after a vote at the Hawaiʻi Legislature, but that happened Tuesday afternoon. The measure was House Bill 1001, and the subject was settling claims related to the August 2023 Maui wildfires.

2 days 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.

3 days ago | civilbeat.org | Chad Blair

A lot of people know each other on the Big Island, and thatʻs all the more reason to be above reproach, a council member says. It was an awkward moment for the Hawaiʻi County Council. Last week, the nine-member board was considering the mayor’s nomination of Rebecca “Kawehi” Inaba to serve on the island’s Leeward Planning Commission. The discomfort had nothing to do with her qualifications, experience or reputation.

3 days ago | civilbeat.org | Megan Tagami

Potential cuts to staff and construction funds for the state library system also come amid ongoing uncertainty around federal support. The Hawaiʻi State Public Library System is poised to lose nearly 25 staff positions and $27 million in funding for the maintenance and construction of its facilities, according to the most recent version of the state budget that lawmakers are considering.

3 days ago | civilbeat.org | Chad Blair

House Bill 126 was intended to require a conviction before property forfeiture is allowed. Lawmakers are backing away from requiring someone be convicted of a felony before seizing their property. A conference committee is expected to take up the issue one more time Monday. But last week they significantly watered down House Bill 126, which would have made it harder for law enforcement to take vehicles, houses, currency and other valuables as part of an investigation.