Retirement: Those golden years when you can enjoy leisure, spend time with family and perhaps travel. But is this dream truly within reach? With many private-sector workers at significant risk of not having enough retirement income to meet basic needs, State lawmakers see a crisis, and are considering a measure to address this problem.

At the estimated cost of $525 million, the Governor wants to build a new State jail in Hālawa to replace the outdated and overcrowded O‘ahu Community Correctional Center in Kalihi. A lawmaker has a different, lower-cost replacement idea for OCCC: Buy the underutilized federal detention center near the Daniel K.

We love the convenience of plastic, but our to-go containers and other common items may end up as unsightly litter along roadsides and find their way into streams, ending up in the ocean where the plastic injures or kills marine life.

Dogs in a yard. Dogs at the park. Dogs at the beach. Dogs in restaurants? It’s possible. State lawmakers are considering bills that would give restaurants the option of allowing dogs in dining areas, under certain conditions. It’s a move fully supported by the Hawaiian Humane Society. State health officials have concerns.

Pot, dope, weed, pakalōlō … all words that people use for marijuana. Medical marijuana is already legal in Hawai‘i. Is it time to legalize marijuana for recreational use? Ten other states have already said yes. Supporters point to possible tax windfalls from retail sales. Opponents cite potential health problems and federal laws against marijuana.

As of 2019, Hawai‘i joined six other states – California, Colorado, Montana, Oregon, Vermont and Washington – plus the District of Columbia that allow terminally ill, competent adults, to get a prescription to end their lives. Hawai‘i’s law is called “Our Care, Our Choice.” Despite strict safeguards, the law is not supported by all.

One of the problems mentioned most by people living in Hawai‘i is the lack of affordable housing across all islands. Statewide, the median price of a house is reported at more than $600,000 – and prices keep going up. But we don’t hear very often what’s being done about the problem.

The New Year brings a new session of the Hawai‘i State Legislature. What are the biggest issues facing lawmakers this year? What are the priorities? How much will lawmakers spend in the continuing battles to reduce homelessness and fix public schools? What will they do to reduce the cost of owning a home and […]

What are the biggest issues facing Hawaiʻi’s state lawmakers in 2020? Raising the minimum wage from the current $10.

The Waikīkī Natatorium War Memorial was built to honor those from Hawai‘i who served and died in the first World War. A plan has resurfaced to restore the dilapidated and decaying landmark. Some say the pricey plan is worth it; others disagree. What are your thoughts? Join the conversation on INSIGHTS.