Blangiardi began his address Wednesday evening saying that the city faces many challenges, but that “ there is none greater and none more consequential to the people of Hawaiʻi than our affordability crisis.”

The state House passed the state's $20.5 billion budget, which starts in July. HPR's Ashley Mizuo reports that it incorporates impacts from federal funding while trying to preserve essential government services.

A bill moving through the Capitol is looking to exempt meat from those animals from some state inspection and transportation rules — as long as they're donated to an organization specifically to feed those in need.

Kauaʻi County Mayor Derek Kawakami has announced he will run for lieutenant governor, challenging current Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke for her spot on the fifth floor of the Hawaiʻi State Capitol.

Cochran 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.

Campaign 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.

Who should pay for future climate disasters? Sen. Jarrett Keohokalole suggested that fossil fuel companies should bear some financial responsibility in a press conference last week.

The crossover deadline means that if a bill was introduced in the House, it needed to pass by Thursday and be sent to the Senate, and vice versa.

The parent of Mokulele Airlines is planning to launch the first electric passenger air service in Hawaiʻi. It's part of a partnership that includes purchasing up to 100 electric aircraft.

Kauaʻi Mayor Derek Kawakami delivered his final State of the County address and continues to warn residents about storm and flood conditions.