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/HPRRecent 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. -
Craig Fujii/Civil Beat via APRetired 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.
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HPR interviews Hawai’i residents to hear their reactions to the new age restriction on truck bed-riding. -
A grand jury indicted Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke and four others on felony bribery charges stemming from an alleged 2022 incident. -
John Choi said he decided to run after seeing many powerful Democrats rally behind Kauaʻi Mayor Derek Kawakami. -
The upcoming elections will bring big changes in representation for residents in Chinatown, Iwilei and Liliha areas. -
Sen. Karl Rhoads, longtime chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, looks back on his career after 20 years of service in the state Legislature. -
Lawmakers have now raised the minimum legal age for riding in truck beds from 12 to 16. Gov. Josh Green, who witnessed a truck bed accident in 2023, signed the bill into law. -
HPR spoke with local residents and Rep. Scot Matayoshi to discuss the recent law banning the sale of disposable e-cigarette devices in the state. -
Act 235 ensures extra grants and scholarships do not hurt the amount of aid a student is eligible for under the Hawaiʻi Promise Program.
