New state House member Iwamoto ready to serve

Kim Coco Iwamoto, 56, who will represent House District 25 beginning the next legislative session, pledged to be a strong advocate for marginalized voices and to provide the necessary resources her neighbors seek.

West Oahu is a new GOP stronghold

HONOLULU — The west side of Oahu has taken a political turn to the right after electing four Republican state House members, a state senator and two members of the Honolulu City Council.

Wave of new faces coming to Legislature

HONOLULU — The state House and Senate will welcome at least 11 new faces for the next legislative session, even before the Nov. 5 general election, which could result in more incumbent upsets.

Sister cities delegation visits Kaua‘i

LIHU‘E — A protocol sister city courtesy visit with Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami turned into an unexpected real life learning lesson at the Mo‘ikeha Building on Thursday.

Celebrating Tatiana Weston-Webb Day on Kaua‘i

LIHU‘E — A lot of people, including Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke, Senate President Ron Kouchi, Reps. Dee Morikawa, and Luke Evslin, took time out of their schedules to honor Olympic silver medalist Tatiana Weston-Webb at the Mo‘ikeha Building on Wednesday.

Voter apathy underscored by Hawaiian history

HONOLULU — Strong beliefs by some Native Hawaiians who refuse to vote or even acknowledge U.S. authority may be contributing to Hawai‘i’s history of low voter turnout — a trend likely to continue with expected lackluster numbers for the Aug. 10 primary election.

Voter Service Center opens in Lihu‘e

LIHU‘E — Harold and Rose Matsunaga whipped out their voting receipt on Monday as the couple strolled up the ramp leading to the Voter Service Center, which opened on Monday for the 2024 Primary Election.

New bill would nix building permit affidavits

HONOLULU — Among the many requirements to obtain a city-issued building permit, applicants must submit a sworn statement declaring they have no outstanding fines or liens payable to the City and County of Honolulu.

Ballot drop boxes ready to accept ballots

LIHU‘E — Ballot packets for the 2024 Primary Election were mailed on Wednesday, July 17, and the county’s Office of the County Clerk said voters should have either gotten their packets, or should be getting them, shortly.

Biden drops out of race

President Joe Biden on Sunday abruptly abandoned his campaign for a second term under intense pressure from fellow Democrats and threw his support to Vice President Kamala Harris to lead their party in a dramatic last-minute bid to stop former President Donald Trump from returning to the White House.

New laws signed for gun control, child protection

HONOLULU — On Tuesday, Gov. Josh Green signed bills addressing public safety and crime response, including implementing stricter regulations on the sale and ownership of ammunition, and extending the statute of limitations for victims of childhood sexual abuse.