Debate over vacation rental regulation; Lawmaker on interisland shipping concerns; The Long View with Neal Milner: Democracy or Authoritarianism?; Making streets more pedestrian friendly; Parent challenges masks in schools policy
Debate over vacation rental regulation
This morning a debate is under way over the fate of a bill that would allow counties greater authority over online hosting platforms, which has fueled the runaway vacation rental issues across the state. HPR's Kuuwehi Hiraishi has been monitoring the hearing and tells us more, including the recent agreement between the County of Kauai and vacation rental platform Airbnb.
Lawmaker on interisland shipping concerns
Some of the most critical issues are being heard in this year's compressed Hawaii State Legislative Session. One issue is interisland shipping. A proposal to try and remedy a situation with the ailing interisland Young Bros. barge service is stalled in the House today. Senate Majority Leader Kalani English, who represents Lanai, Molokai and Maui, discusses the complicated issue.
The Long View with Neal Milner: Democracy or Authoritarianism?
A national panel that surveys voters looks at their changing viewpoints over time. Despite our division, distrust and dysfunction, most Americans continue to believe in and support our democracy, but there is a small percentage that favors a more authoritarian type of governance.
Making streets more pedestrian friendly sooner
COVID-19 has more Honolulu residents out walking. "Quick Build" projects could it keep it that way. Civil Beat reporter Marcel Honore tells us more about the relatively inexpensive street improvements. Click here to read the story at CivilBeat.org.
Parent challenges masks in schools policy
Wearing a mask is mandatory at some stores, offices and some schools. One parent of two Punahou School students isn't keen on the idea of mandatory masks in schools, and she has shared her concerns with the Hawaii Association of Independent Schools and State Department of Education Superintendent Christina Kishimoto.