The Governor’s Choice: Hawai‘i’s Undemocratic Cycle of Influence and Power
The governor’s power to fill vacant seats in the state Legislature has been used at least 82 times. Some appointees then launched big political careers.
Government & Civics
New CEO at OHA Explains Why She Took the Job and Her Goals for Serving the Native Hawaiian Lāhui
Stacy Kealohalani Ferreira joined the Office of Hawaiian Affairs on Nov. 1 after serving as budget chief for the state Senate and in several roles at Kamehameha Schools.
76% of Business Leaders Support Hawai‘i’s Emergency Housing Proclamation
That’s one finding in the BOSS and 808 surveys, which cover guns, government corruption, red-light cameras and more.
How to Replace Important Documents and Access Financial Aid After a Disaster
Here’s what residents and businesses impacted by the Maui wildfires should know about ordering replacement documents and applying for federal assistance. Plus, a list of local financial institutions offering emergency relief.
Lawsuits Challenge a Central Part of the Real Estate Business
The actions test the assumption that sellers must pay the commission for a buyer’s agent.
Bill Might Require Training for Volunteers Who Serve on Condo Boards
But it’s already hard to recruit people to the boards, says one critic, and such a requirement would make it even harder.
Update on Real Estate Bills Alive or Stalled at State Legislature
Bills about converting cesspools and reclassifying agricultural land have been sidelined, but other real estate legislation is either still alive or has been sent to the governor.
Hawaiʻi Realtors Legislative Agenda: Affordable Housing and Cesspools
The statewide association supports a bill that would allow the counties to reclassify up to 100 acres of nonessential agricultural land if at least half of it is for affordable housing.
My Job Is Overseeing Design and Construction of Honolulu Rail
Matthew Scanlon took on a bear of a project, but he says it will transform O‘ahu and make travel so much easier.
Hawai‘i Land Trust Preserves Special Places for Today and the Future
The nonprofit has protected over 20,000 acres, including shorelines, fishponds and sacred cultural sites.
The Reality of Abortion in Hawai‘i
Abortion is legal in the Islands, but access and support fall short. Khara Jabola-Carolus of the State Commission on the Status of Women explains what women really need.
Homeowners’ Omissions Provide More than $30 Million to Honolulu Treasury
More than a third of all owner-occupied homes on O‘ahu are not covered by property tax exemptions because owners did not submit the paperwork. You have until Sept. 30, 2022 to fix that oversight.
It’s Gotten Both Worse and Better for Struggling Working Families
The good news is that seventeen Hawai‘i nonprofits are helping working families become more financially stable, find affordable housing, and get involved in policy.
The Fundamentals of Land Court, Hawai‘i’s Legal “Enigma”
Here, a longtime real estate attorney explains the advantages – protecting against squatters rights is one – and challenges of Land Court.
Why Rent Relief in Hawai‘i Became a National Model
The government program helped over 13,000 households. One reason it succeeded may have been that people who had experienced housing instability had a seat at the decision-making table.
ADUs Seemed Like a Simple Solution to Hawai‘i’s Housing Crisis
But the reality of building accessory dwelling units was far more complicated, leading to just a trickle of affordable units. Could regulatory changes boost the numbers?
Can We Stop Illegal Fireworks from Entering Hawai‘i?
Tens of thousands of fireworks are smuggled in each year. While random searches of shipping containers would help, it won’t be easy or cheap.
Hawai‘i Supreme Court Diminishes the Power of Non-Compete Clauses
An employment attorney says the ruling, which follows a national trend, should persuade business owners and employers to review non-compete agreements.
Many Say a Rule Change Would Persuade More People to Volunteer
Members of key state boards must disclose their finances to the public. If a new law is passed, they would still need to disclose the sources of income and debts and what they own, but not the amounts and values.
My Job as a Family Mediator Is to Minimize the Fallout of Divorce
“It’s not divorce that’s bad for kids; it’s conflict,” says Katie Bennett.
Affordable Walk-up Apartments Are Coming Back, Thanks to Honolulu’s Bill 7
Small landowners and developers can use exemptions and waivers to build new multistory rentals on small residential lots – and help ease the housing squeeze.
Many Hawai‘i Defense Jobs Are Not Going to Locals. Advocates Want to Change That.
Despite its tarnished reputation amid the Red Hill water crisis, many think the U.S. military is the best bet for revitalizing the local economy.
Here's How Affordable Housing Policies Have Impacted Hawai‘i's Housing Supply
This report on affordable housing policies by county governments and state agencies provides different perspectives on what works and what doesn’t – and what might work better.
Politics Can Be Like “a Street Brawl Outside a Bar”
David Louie recalls his time as the state’s top lawyer (2011-14) in the memoir, “From the Desk of the Attorney General.” Here are behind-the-scenes excerpts.