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.
-
Mark Ladao/HPRThe state's $20.3 billion budget has been finalized. The measure passed out of its last committee late Thursday night. It will next go for a final vote before both the full House and Senate. -
Rogelio V. Solis/APIn its current form, Senate Bill 2471 is attempting to redefine such “artificial persons” and reduce their ability to spend on elections.
-
The Senate and House money committees have come to a compromise on a measure that would impact the historic income tax cut that went into effect last year and several popular tax credits. -
Some state senators are criticizing the Green administration for its proposal to pause the historic income tax break for Hawaiʻi families. -
Hawaiʻi Gov. Josh Green on his reaction to Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke's target letter and his decision to name Keith Regan, the state comptroller, as acting lieutenant governor. -
State insurance commissioner Scott Saiki speaks on Oʻahu's new flood maps and the importance of flood prep after the Kona low storms. -
Former Lt. Gov. Doug Chin explains the state's line of succession as current Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke takes a leave of absence amid a bribery investigation. -
A package of bills aimed at providing more guardrails for homeowners' insurance continues to move through the Legislature. It's largely in response to experiences of Lahaina fire survivors. -
Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke announced that she will take a leave of absence, without pay, indefinitely. Gov. Josh Green has named Keith Regan, the state comptroller, as acting lieutenant governor. -
Representatives from county, state and federal agencies met with the House Committee on Public Safety to discuss their response to the recent Kona low storms, and ways they can improve.
