...Over the past five years, Hawaii's cumulative increase in higher education funding is more than 30%....

...“I commend the Building Division and its staff for implementing this system, which creates added efficiency of the plan review process and reduces costs and waste associated with building permits and development approvals,” said Mayor Derek S. K. Kawakami....

...instead of making resources scarcer, population growth has gone hand in hand with greater resource abundance....

...Former KKK leader David Duke appears to have switched his allegiance from President Trump to Democratic presidential candidate Tulsi Gabbard....

...This way of thinking could justify government intervention in nearly all aspects of a person's life....

...For every dollar that the San Francisco minimum wage went up, there was a 4 to 10 percent increase in the likelihood of restaurant closings....

...Toiya has been the acting director of the Department of Emergency Management since October of 2018, and previous served as deputy director since July 2017....

...Beginning April 1, homeowners won’t be allowed to offer their homes as short-term rentals unless their properties fall within designated “resort zones”—and they can face tens of thousands of dollars in fines for violating that law....

...Legislative Hearings Week 3....

...Report: 63 out of America’s largest 75 cities can’t pay their bills, acquired $330 billion in unfunded debt....

...Under the plea agreement, “(Lyon) is required to submit…an accurate and complete list of all business he is currently affiliated/involved with that involve federal contacts.”....

...Honolulu has a Taxpayer Burden of $23,000, earning it an "F" grade....

...Weekly Update from GovTrack.us....

...The terms will run from July 1, 2019 through June 30, 2023....

... Monday, February 4, 2019, the House Judiciary Committee will be hearing HB 1383 Relating to Marijuana in room 325 at 2:05 ....

...This year, our legislature once again is poised to consider revenue raising – namely, taxes in new and creative ways....

...Thin Crowd at Hilton Hawaiian Village as Tulsi Gabbard launches presidential campaign with Waikiki event....

...The Russian propaganda machine that tried to influence the 2016 U.S. election is now promoting the presidential aspirations of a controversial Hawaii Democrat....

...Under HB1191 HD1, the minimum wage for employees not receiving employer-sponsored health insurance will gradually increase until it reaches $15.00 in 2024, and $12.50 in 2024 for employees who are receiving employer-sponsored health insurance  (Editor's Note: This formula avoids re-writing State and County union contracts)....

...Notably, the draft policy excludes the Hawaii State Ethics Commission, which rendered the Souki decision last year....

...data set ranges from share of adolescents who visited a dentist in the past year to dental treatment costs to share of adults with low life satisfaction due to oral condition....

...The two largest health insurance providers in the State reported a total of 28 members that were recommended for medical transportation to the continental United States for treatment in 2016 and 2017. Insurance coverage was not provided in 11 cases, all of which involved members from a single insurance provider....

...on January 9, after hearing OHA's biennium budget request, members of the Senate Ways and Means Committee raised questions about the progress of the independent audit of OHA and its LLCs. A similar question was raised the next day at the House Finance Committee....

...Millions in out of state funds will attempt to influence Indiana abortion policies....

...The proposed Equality Act would add “gender identity” to the Civil Rights Act of 1964....

...Birds of a feather flock together....

...House Bill 1315 proposes an amendment to the Hawaii Constitution that would enshrine a “right” to housing....

"...The clients were also told to enter the country by flying into Hawaii instead of Los Angeles where clearing U.S. Customs was perceived to be more difficult...."

...Weekly update from GovTrack.us....

...Visitors to the Hawaiian Islands spent $17.82 billion in 2018, an increase of 6.8 percent compared to 2017....

"...we were unable to find a clear regulatory path forward for this innovative and sustainable model of dairy farming...."

...The Hawaiian Humane Society’s new community cat program coordinator will work with colony caregivers and volunteers to trap, neuter and then return sterilized cats to the colonies they came from....

...The recommendations not implemented are the ones where DHS actually has to go out and catch fraudsters, instead of just talking about it....

...Hawaii's GE Tax base is more than triple the average sales tax base for US states....

...Pre-K: Who Will Control Cash Flow, Positions?....

...The Judicial Council is seeking applicants to fill one upcoming vacancy on the Hawaii State Ethics Commission. The term will run from July 1, 2019 through June 30, 2023....

...After receiving the campaign contributions, Caldwell appointed the criminal Lyon to the juicy position July 30, 2014 for a term ending June 30, 2019....

...It is up to us to voice concerns and to make our voice heard.... 

...independent grand jury counsel for Hilo and Kona....

...Rep. Cynthia Thielen's bills this Legislative session....

...Campaign manager Rania Batrice and Gabbard’s consulting firm Revolution Messaging are set to depart after this weekend’s official kickoff in Hawaii.... Gabbard is leaning on her sister, Vrindavan, to fill the void....

...April 13 End of All-Mail Voting for Special Election....

...American Lung Association ‘State of Tobacco Control’ Report Finds Hawaii Must Do More to Prevent, Reduce Tobacco Use....

..."As we speak, a special meeting is taking place at the White House asking for Hawaii to be exempted from this ban," said Rep. Gene Ward....

...three revolving funds, and one trust fund with remaining balances which total approximately $120 million as of June 30, 2018, had no financial activity during our (5 year) review period....

...Hawaii Ranks 15th....

...Bills include tobacco restrictions, bullying prevention, safe places for youth....

...In addition to the 66 unprovoked attacks worldwide, there were also 34 provoked attacks. Those include instances where divers are bitten after harassing or trying to touch sharks, as well as attacks on spearfishers or people trying to feed sharks....

...Local rules that conflict with national ones threaten the growth of the entire U.S. drone industry....

...Mr. Ozawa was able to but did not object to any justice’s participation in this case before the final decision. Mr. Ozawa also did not raise any objection to Justice Pollack’s and Justice Wilson’s participation in the 2014 election challenge....