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.
-
Hawaiʻi Symphony Orchestra/HPRThis is a step to getting public funds to help HSO bring its musical performances across the state. -
Mark Ladao/HPRState Sen. Michelle Kidani is retiring after 18 years in the Senate. The governor will choose a temporary successor. Voters will select a permanent one during the November general election.
-
Gov. Josh Green has until the end of the month to release his intent-to-veto list. He spoke to HPR's Bill Dorman about the results of this yearʻs legislative session and about exploring the use of liquefied natural gas. -
A handful of bills that passed through the Legislature this year focus on reforming Hawaiʻi's permitting processes to speed up housing construction, including shoring up a shortage of permitting staff. -
While money was tight at the state Legislature this year, it was still another successful year for local agriculture and food security. -
State Rep. Della Au Belatti announced her run for lieutenant governor, backing out of the race for Congress. -
Rocky Mould, executive director of the Hawaii Solar Energy Association, spoke to The Conversation's Catherine Cruz about the solar projects imperiled by the governor signing Senate Bill 3125 into law. -
The University of Hawaiʻi failed to get support from the state Legislature this year to pay and recruit college athletes, but officials believe it’s an “investment” that benefits the state. -
The new Hawaii law is aimed at curbing what is often called "dark money" in politics. -
The Hawaiʻi Solar Energy Association says nearly $500M in solar investments is in jeopardy.
