HPR's coverage of the Hawaiʻi legislative session
Hawaiʻi Public Radio is tracking the latest news inside the Hawaiʻi State Capitol as lawmakers work throughout the 2026 legislative session from Jan. 21 to May 8.
Hawaiʻi's Legislature operates on a biennial (two-year) system. 2025 was the first year of the upcoming biennium. Bills that did not pass in 2025 can be revived this year at the same legislative stage.
Keep checking this page to find interviews from HPR's The Conversation with state lawmakers, appointed officials, and leaders such as Gov. Josh Green, Senate President Ron Kouchi and House Speaker Nadine Nakamura.
Want more legislative coverage straight to your email? Subscribe to our weekday news newsletter, Akamai Recap, using the form at the bottom of the page or by clicking here.
Have a legislative tip or story idea for Hawaiʻi Public Radio? Contact us at news@hawaiipublicradio.org.
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Office Of Gov. Josh GreenOne law provides annual step increases for public and charter school teachers while the other provides better protection for school officials against harassment. -
Picasa/NOAAA new law allows the state to give more authority to grassroots organizations that do conservation work.
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The Campaign Spending Commission is asking prosecutors to investigate alleged violations by Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke. -
The new law comes as local leaders try to curb the growing use of nicotine through e-cigarettes, or vapes, especially among Hawaiʻi’s youth. -
Gov. Josh Green signed two bills into law to enhance human trafficking awareness and support survivors of domestic violence. -
A new state law focuses Hawaiʻi’s marine-related policies to help facilitate its ocean economy and properly steward its natural resources. -
The state Campaign Spending Commission will consider on Wednesday whether to refer Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke to prosecutors for alleged violations of campaign finance laws. -
The Honolulu Department of Planning and Permitting also rejected a permit for a controversial gondola project on O‘ahu’s North Shore. -
Gov. Josh Green has signed a $20 billion state budget for the upcoming fiscal year meant to account for federal cuts while maintaining benefits and services for residents. -
For the first time in more than 20 years, the ʻAha ʻŌpio o OHA program let 37 Native Hawaiian teenagers play lawmakers last week at the Hawaiʻi State Capitol.
