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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Catherine Cruz/HPRPassengers disembarking in Honolulu spoke to HPR about their feelings towards the Green Fee and its additional tax for cruise passengers. -
HPR/Emma CairesA 2021 statewide survey revealed that half of respondents have missed school or work because of their period. The second version of the survey is now open.
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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. -
Senate Bill 2169 is awaiting the governorʻs signature to give ADC that authority, and argues that it will provide “a clear mechanism for the State to assemble strategically located agricultural lands and critical infrastructure.” -
Tom Moore of the Center for American Progress spoke to HPR's Maddie Bender about the national plan to take down Citizens United. -
Lawmakers in Hawaiʻi have passed a measure that's headed to the governor that would redefine corporations in a way that precludes spending on elections.
