HPR's coverage of the 2024 Hawaiʻi legislative session
Hawaiʻi Public Radio is tracking the latest news inside the Hawaiʻi State Capitol as bills approved in regular session, which ran from Jan. 17 to May 3, go to the governor's desk for decision-making.
Gov. Josh Green has until July 10 to sign a bill into law, let a bill pass without his signature, or deliver a veto.
The Legislature can override a veto in special session by a two-thirds vote in each chamber.
At the start of the session, lawmakers warned they would face tough decisions focusing on Maui's recovery and balancing core government functions.
In the end, they provided funding for Maui, approved more regulations for short-term rentals, cut income taxes and invested in biosecurity measures.
On this page, you'll also find interviews from HPR's The Conversation with state lawmakers, appointed officials and elected leaders.
Have a legislative tip or story idea for Hawaiʻi Public Radio? Contact us at news@hawaiipublicradio.org.
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The change comes after a new law expands the time frame for parents to apply for financial help for child care and preschools in the state.
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Forty-eight political candidates have signed the Our Hawaiʻi Pledge, a commitment to turn down campaign donations of over $100 from sources such as corporate lobbyists, developers, hotels and military contractors. HPR's Ashley Mizuo has the story.
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The governor has cut in half what was once a $20 million biosecurity bill, raising some concerns about invasive species management in the state. The cut was meant to compensate for a costly income tax break measure that also passed this year. HPR's Mark Ladao has more.
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The party put forward current state Rep. Cedric Gates, former state Rep. Stacelynn Eli, and Cross Makani Crabbe. The problem? They’re all running for office in the August election.
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Gov. Josh Green has approved the state's $10.3 billion budget following a tumultuous legislative session. Out of the 260 bills that the Legislature passed, all but seven were signed into law. HPR's Ashley Mizuo reports.
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Selling firearm ammunition to anyone younger than 21 years old is now illegal in Hawaiʻi. Gov. Josh Green just signed a bill setting the age limit for buying, owning or controlling ammo. HPR's Ashley Mizuo explains.
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Gov. Josh Green has signed off on an extension to a fee levied on the ocean tourism industry to support marine conservation efforts. Ocean operators will pay $1 per customer into a special fund until at least 2031.