Small Business Bills Tracked by NFIB in 2026 Hawaii Legislative Session
The National Federation of Independent Business monitored 22 bills affecting small businesses during Hawaii’s 2026 legislative session. Several potentially costly measures including minimum wage increases and expanded leave requirements were deferred or failed to advance. Bills to raise minimum wage to $18/hour by 2027 and eliminate tipped wage credits failed to advance. Legislation expanding collective […]
Two Americans Killed Fighting With Communist Group in Philippines
Two Americans, including one radicalized at San Francisco State University, died in a firefight while fighting for a designated terrorist organization in the Philippines. Both were involved with Filipino-American activist groups that allegedly serve as fronts for Communist recruitment. Lyle Prijoles, 40, and Kai Dana-Rene Sorem, 26, were killed fighting for the New People’s Army, […]
Young Brothers Gets Automatic 5% Annual Rate Hikes Despite Earlier Denials
Governor Green signed legislation allowing interisland shipper Young Brothers automatic annual rate increases up to 5% for three years, overriding utility regulators who had rejected the hikes. This follows a 25.75% rate increase in January. Young Brothers can now raise shipping rates up to 5% annually for the next three years automatically. The Public Utilities […]
Property Owners Sue Township Over Restrictive STR Rules in Class Action
Homeowners filed a class action lawsuit against Milton Township, claiming new short-term rental restrictions violate constitutional rights and are designed to eliminate STRs through excessive regulation. The lawsuit challenges restrictions including a seven-day minimum stay requirement and six-week annual rental cap. Property owners argue the ordinance bans basic activities like birthday parties and family gatherings […]
New Honolulu Police Chief Selection Raises Questions About Background
David Lazar has been selected as Honolulu’s new police chief pending FBI background check and contract negotiations. Questions have been raised about his past role on the transition team for a recalled San Francisco prosecutor. David Lazar was selected as Honolulu Police Chief by a 5-2 commission vote on May 20, 2026. He must complete […]
Hawaii Pays $118K After Court Rules Political Speech Law Unconstitutional
Hawaii officials agreed to pay over $118,000 in legal fees after a federal court struck down a state law that restricted online political speech and satire. The state chose not to appeal the ruling and settled the case brought by The Babylon Bee and a Hawaii resident. A federal court ruled Hawaii’s law censoring online […]
Federal Antitrust Case Targets Container Price-Fixing That Hit Supply Chains
Federal prosecutors indicted four major Chinese shipping container manufacturers and seven executives for conspiring to fix prices and restrict output from 2019-2024, roughly doubling container costs during the pandemic. The price-fixing conspiracy affected nearly all standard shipping containers worldwide and increased manufacturer profits by roughly 100 times during COVID-19. One executive was arrested in France […]
Townsend Gives STR Owners 60 Days to Get Required City Permits
Townsend commissioners approved new short-term rental ordinances requiring owners to obtain city permits within 60 days. The permits cost $250 annually and include safety requirements like smoke detectors and 24/7 contact availability. STR owners have 60 days from ordinance approval to obtain required city permits costing $250 per year. Safety requirements include smoke detectors, carbon […]
Hawaii Enacts Tax Structure Changes to Address $3B Revenue Shortfall
Governor Josh Green signed legislation making targeted changes to Hawaii’s tax structure in response to a projected $3 billion revenue shortfall from federal actions, as reported by multiple news outlets. The law preserves most income tax relief for low- and middle-income households while revising future tax adjustments and eliminating certain tax credits. Senate Bill 3125 […]
Hawaii Reports 70% Jump in Concealed Carry Permits, Maui Lower Than Average
Hawaii’s Attorney General released 2025 concealed carry permit statistics showing statewide increases, with Maui County having notably fewer permit holders relative to its population compared to other counties. Statewide concealed carry permits increased 70.5% to 3,764 total licenses by end of 2025. Maui County was underrepresented with only 6.3% of state permits despite having 11.3% […]