HPR's coverage of the 2024 Hawaiʻi legislative session
Hawaiʻi Public Radio is tracking the latest news inside the Hawaiʻi State Capitol as bills approved in regular session, which ran from Jan. 17 to May 3, go to the governor's desk for decision-making.
If Gov. Josh Green intends to veto a bill, he must inform the Legislature of his plan by June 25. Green has until July 10 to sign a bill into law, let a bill pass without his signature, or deliver a veto.
The Legislature can override a veto in special session by a two-thirds vote in each chamber.
At the start of the session, lawmakers warned they would face tough decisions focusing on Maui's recovery and balancing core government functions.
In the end, they provided funding for Maui, approved more regulations for short-term rentals, cut income taxes and invested in biosecurity measures.
On this page, you'll also find interviews from HPR's The Conversation with state lawmakers, appointed officials and elected leaders.
Have a legislative tip or story idea for Hawaiʻi Public Radio? Contact us at news@hawaiipublicradio.org.
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As wildfire risk increases across the country, more states are seeing impacts to their budgets. But it's hard to get a clear picture on exactly how much states are spending on wildfire management, said researcher Colin Foard.
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According to this year's Point in Time Count, the amount of people experiencing homelessness increased by about 12%. For those unsheltered, the increase was higher at 17%. Throughout one day in January, volunteers surveyed Oʻahu's homeless population. HPR's Ashley Mizuo reports on the latest data.
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Senate Bill 3202 would allow two accessory dwelling units, or ADUs, to be built on residential properties. Most of the opposition came from lawmakers who represent urban Honolulu.
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It’s the end of the state’s legislative session, and lawmakers have made it clear that invasive species are a top priority. The state Department of Agriculture is receiving substantial support for its invasive species programs and staff.
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State lawmakers appropriated funds for more firefighting equipment and a state fire marshal after the deadliest U.S. wildfire in more than a century ripped through the historic Maui town of Lahaina and exposed shortcomings in the state’s readiness for such flames.
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Measures aiming to improve language access in Hawai‘i passed their final reading in the House and Senate on Wednesday. The bills will head to the governor’s office for final approval.
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Hawaiʻi's internet connectivity currently relies on three main undersea cables — two are nearing the end of their operational lifespans. The new cables, funded by Google, will connect Hawaiʻi to Japan, the continental United States, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and Guam.