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.
-
Maui County CouncilCochran was elected to her seat in 2022 and is up for reelection this year. Her move to the other side of the aisle increases the House Republicans’ numbers to 10. -
Mengshin Lin/APCampaign finance has been a topic of interest this legislative session. HPR’s Ashley Mizuo reports on how allegations of an unknown lawmaker accepting $35,000 in a paper bag have impacted the Legislature.
-
About 40% of people in the state are renters. HPR's Ashley Mizuo reports on two measures that aim to improve protections for tenants and provide resources to better understand their rights. -
The Hawaiʻi House of Representatives passed a package of bills that would increase protections for immigrants. The measures have cleared a significant step in the legislative process. -
Five community health centers are asking for state support to finance new solar microgrids. HPR’s Savannah Harriman-Pote spoke to leaders at the centers about how this initiative would help them weather rising costs. -
Some Hawaiʻi lawmakers think the state should be doing more to help the producers of lei made with locally grown, fragrant flowers. Ideas include labeling requirements that would identify Hawaiʻi-made lei and a prohibition on state agencies buying imported ones. -
Common Cents Consulting is auditing her campaign spending reports. In this first report, it found “no significant discrepancies,” which it defines as any single donation over $6,000. -
Since 1970, rental car companies have not had to pay the general excise tax when buying cars for their fleets. Instead, those companies pay a wholesale tax rate of 0.5%. -
One bill would get rid of breed and size restrictions in public housing and open existing public housing to pet owners. -
The Senate is attempting to recoup funds by reducing sweeping income tax cuts that went into effect last year and by reevaluating tax credits for things like renewable energy.
