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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Jamm Aquino/Honolulu Star-Advertiser, PoolFour defendants in Hawaiʻi's high-profile government bribery case have pleaded not guilty to their charges. -
Cassie Ordonio/HPROn the Long View, HPR contributor Neal Milner gives analyzes the grand jury indictments against former Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke.
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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. -
Gov. Josh Green explains why members of Hawaiʻi’s National Guard are deployed in the nation’s capital and responds to the calls to bring them back. -
The Legislature appropriated $3 million to start the Hanai Memory Network Program. -
Gov. Josh Green has signed two bills into law on Tuesday that ensure people are protected and have tools for artificial intelligence use. The bills take effect immediately.
