State Legislature

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.

Hawaiʻi drivers will soon be able to get a license plate with famed Hawaiian waterman Duke Kahanamoku. Money from the new plates will go towards promoting water safety.

A transformation is underway in how we keep ourselves cool. HPR's Savannah Harriman-Pote peels back the layers on the hidden world of air conditioning — and its climate costs.

State lawmakers approved a bill to protect local macadamia nut farmers. It now awaits the governor’s signature to become law. Similar to a coffee labeling measure passed this year, the macadamia nut bill would require sold packages to indicate if they contain foreign-grown nuts.

Most Hawaiʻi residents will likely see lower income taxes next year due to a measure passed by the state Legislature. Lawmakers say it's the biggest tax cut in state history: about $5 billion over the next five years. As HPR's Ashley Mizuo explains, some advocates say those changes could limit tax assistance for those who need it most.

Some advocates have concerns about recently-passed tax cuts; What does the reality of regenerative tourism look like?

As it stands, only 10% of coffee in packages labeled "Hawaiʻi grown" must be sourced locally. Growers say that's deceptive to buyers and harmful to the local industry. New legislation awaiting the governor's signature would require roasted, instant or ready-to-drink coffee marketed as "locally sourced" to have at least 51% local coffee. HPR's Mark Ladao has more.

The embattled Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority has come out of this legislative session with strong financial support. The Conversation talked to HTA chair Mufi Hannemann about surviving the session and his outlook for the visitor industry.

State Sen. Maile Shimabukuro will resign from her seat at the end of the month. She has represented West Oʻahu for the last 21 years.

Senate Bill 2305 would create the Silver Alert program within the Department of Law Enforcement.