State Legislature

Gov. Josh Green signed various agriculture and biosecurity bills into law, including one that the governor had previously intended to veto.

Gov. Josh Green has signed into law several bills related to the state Judiciary, including a $400 million budget and a permanent program to help rehabilitate women in the criminal justice system.

The state's Preschool Open Doors program now has expanded eligibility thresholds, offering tuition subsidies to more families.

State lawmakers on Monday grilled HTA for its lack of progress to improve the state's tourism industry, its handling of tourism-related contracts and internal operations. This comes after Gov. Josh Green reportedly plans on asking all the members of the board to resign.

HPR's government reporter Ashley Mizuo spoke with Chief Justice Recktenwald about these judicial wins and his retirement.

The new chair of the House Committee on Agriculture and Food Systems said his focus will be on legislation addressing biosecurity and food security in the state. Rep. Cory Chun was appointed as the committee chair following recent changes in House leadership.

Following an outcry from local farmers, Gov. Josh Green announced his intention to veto a labeling bill that would have affected māmaki sold in Hawaiʻi. As part of a broader, years-long trend to protect local farmers, consumers and the “Hawai'i-grown” label, state lawmakers introduced House Bill 496 and let it sail through this year’s legislative session.

This legislative session was one of the most successful for the Judiciary: better compensation, more judge positions and more diversion programs. HPR's Ashley Mizuo reports on why that branch of government was able to get most of its legislative package passed.

House Bill 796 would sunset several income tax credits, including one that offers people up to $5,000 back for the installation of a rooftop solar system. Green expressed his intent to veto the measure on Friday.

On Monday, Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke, who's serving as acting governor, signed House Bill 934 to create a Hawaiʻi State Broadband Office within the state Department of Accounting and General Services.