#ways and means committee

A state Senate committee has advanced a bill that uses the “Vienna Model” of housing in Austria, where limited-profit housing associations create a sustainable cycle of money available for future development.

The Hawaiʻi State Legislature has opened its grant-In-aid application process for the 2026 legislative session, inviting eligible organizations to apply for state funding. Organizations must complete an eligibility verification process, which requires documentation to prove the grantee meets standards for an award under state law. “Local nonprofits provide critical safety net programs in our communities […]

The purpose of the briefings is to ensure public dollars are being spent responsibly and on priorities that meet the needs of Hawai’i’s residents prior to the start of the legislative session.

The Senate Committee on Ways and Means released its budget informational briefings schedule for the upcoming 2026 legislative session to ensure responsible spending of public funds on resident priorities. The briefings, which are held before the session begins on Jan. 21, are designed to provide both legislators and the public with a clear understanding of […]

Maui County’s three-member delegation to the Hawaiʻi State Senate says its assigned leadership and committee roles position them to advocate effectively for wildfire recovery and resources during what is expected to be a financially difficult legislative session.

Two Senate committees voted Thursday to recommend passage of a bill to legalize adult personal use of cannabis Hawaiʻi and establish taxes on its retail sale and medical use.

“The State needs to be better prepared for wildfires,” said Senator Donovan Dela Cruz, Chair of the Committee on Ways and Means. “Our Committee believes these forward thinking bills make sure we are not as susceptible to another catastrophic wildfire, and that we stand ready to efficiently and strategically respond if we find ourselves facing fire again.”