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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Jason Ubay/HPRNatural disasters and a tourism slowdown due to high fuel prices will pose budgetary challenges during the next legislative session -
Sylvia Flores/HPRHawaiʻi's top Democrats celebrate the results of the 2026 general election and share their thoughts for the future.
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A new audit slammed the lack of oversight for the state’s Kauhale Initiative, and identified nearly $13.7 million in “questionable” and possibly “unauthorized” payments using public funds. -
Gov. Josh Green said the state has identified about $686 million in damages from storms and an earthquake so far this year, and estimates at $319 million in resilience projects. -
Gov. Green speaks after assessing storm damage on Kauaʻi after Hurricane Lowell. -
State Senate President Ron Kouchi shares updates on how his home island of Kauaʻi is recovering after Hurricane Lowell. -
The late artist Satoru Abe's Volcano sculpture has been at Aloha Stadium for the last 45 years. -
A tropical cyclone is developing southeast of Hawaiʻi, which could strengthen and bring heavy rains. -
Recent departures at the state Legislature will lead to new lawmakers this year. It's one of the best opportunities for newcomers to win elections in Hawaiʻi. -
Retired federal public defender Ali Silvert explains why lawmakers are pushing to convene a special session in light of the bribery case involving Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke.
