#Hawaii House of Representatives

Chair Tarnas emphasized that the proposed legislation intends to protect constitutional rights and clarify state policies, while not interfering with the lawful responsibilities of federal authorities.

The Hawaiʻi State Legislature will convene in regular session on Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026, marking the second year of the 33rd Legislature. As the legislative session begins, the House Majority Caucus has outlined its top priorities for the upcoming year.

Governor Josh Green today announced the appointment of Daisy Hartsfield to serve as the State Representative for House District 36, filling the vacancy created by the appointment of former Rep. Rachele Lamosao to the Senate seat for District 19.

The Hawaiʻi House of Representatives is inviting applications for temporary staff positions for the upcoming 2026 Legislative Session, offering residents the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in state government and public service.

“These bills address urgent health needs in our community — from mental health to medical cannabis access, and care for those with disabilities,” said House Committee on Health Chair Gregg Takayama.

The Hawaiʻi State Legislature has passed House Bill 477, advancing efforts to modernize the state’s unemployment insurance (UI) system. The bill aims to streamline interactions for both claimants and employers, while laying the groundwork for long-overdue improvements to the system.

Rep. Gene Ward today announced his retirement from the Hawaiʻi State House of Representatives due to ongoing health concerns. Ward had been in public service for more than three decades including more than 27 years working for his constituents in District 18.

Democratic West Maui Rep. Elle Cochran has the second-highest rate of full-day absences so far this year at 80%, second-only to Republican Rep. Gene Ward, who has been absent every day through the 20th day of this year’s lawmaking session.

The state Office of Elections released the final results of the 2024 elections for Hawaiʻi voters. The final printout was posted by the State Office of Elections at 7:10 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024 after voters had a chance to cure deficiencies with their ballot envelopes. Results from the 2024 Hawaiʻi General Election are being posed here as they become available, with a focus on races impacting Maui County.

The House of Representatives welcomes applications for various session staff roles during the 2025 Legislative Session. These positions include legislative aide, committee clerk, program budget analyst, data-entry clerk, receptionist, service aide, support staff for remote hearings, legislative attorney and more.

The House of Representatives officially adjourned sine die, marking the conclusion of the 32nd Legislature on Friday. House Committee on Finance Chair Kyle T. Yamashita (D-12 Upcountry Maui) said, “We approached the crafting of the state budget with careful consideration, reflecting the House’s dedication to fiscal prudence, accountability, and transparency. As we commenced this legislative session, our immediate […]

The House of Representatives on Thursday passed House Bill 2526 HD2 SD1, which increases the statutory penalties for repeat offenders who drive without a license or while on a suspended license. Upon a third conviction within five years, the offense would become a Class C felony, carrying a maximum term of five years in prison.

Bretman Rock Sacayanan Laforga, a social media personality hailing from West Oʻahu, was recognized by the Legislature’s Filipino Caucus and the Hawaiʻi House of Representatives.

The state House of Representatives on Wednesday approved the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 operating and capital improvement budget, amid a fiscally challenging year that prioritizes addressing wildfire-related expenses after the Aug. 8 tragedy in Lahaina and Upcountry Maui.

House Bill No. 2329 allocates $150,000 to establish a one-year pilot program to reduce the population of rose-ringed parakeets on the Garden Isle.

It could be if legislation co-introduced by several Big Island state lawmakers is passed. House Bill 2736 would designate the uniquely Hawaiian hand sign as the official gesture of the state.

The Rescue Tube Foundation has expanded to over 600 stations across Hawaiʻi’s beaches, the US mainland and internationally.

The House of Representatives is currently welcoming applications for various session staff roles during the 2024 Legislative Session. These positions include legislative aide, committee clerk, program budget analyst, data-entry clerk, receptionist, service aide, support staff for remote hearings, legislative attorney and more.

The Hawaiʻi House of Representatives officially adjourned sine die on Thursday, marking the end of the 32nd legislative session. Throughout the past four months, House leaders said the chamber made significant progress on the priority areas of affordable housing, financial relief for low-income families, mental health services, and protecting Hawaiʻi’s natural resources.

For nearly three years, the COVID-19 pandemic forced the Hawaiʻi State House and Senate to operate solemnly online, but Wednesday the public was back and the mood was festive.