CHAD BLAIR/Honolulu Civil Beat

Honolulu Civil Beat
Senate slashes millions of dollars from University of Hawaii budget request
But, according to an analysis of the state budget posted Friday by UH News, the Senate thinks the university can do just fine with less money in its operating budget — just $5 million total, to be exact. A similar amount is allocated for the next fiscal year.
 
Marijuana legalization gets initial approval from 2 House committees in Hawaii Legislature
The state has long since allowed for medical cannabis use and more recently its sale at dispensaries — and has decriminalized possession of up to 3 grams of pot for all adults. And yet, state legislators are still wrestling with what to do about the recreational use of paka lōlō.
 
Women’s Court may be renewed on Oʻahu and expanded to other islands
When the Oʻahu Women’s Court was established in 2022 to offer an alternative to incarceration, officials had a goal of admitting 20 participants a year.
 
Hawaii voters asked to ensure protection of same-sex marriage
Twenty-six years later, voters will have an opportunity to reverse that decision, which has already been made irrelevant — at least for now — by a U.S. Supreme Court decision legalizing same-sex marriage nationally.
 
Hawaii governor wants more legal advice before filling Senate vacancy
The seat became open when Sen. Maile Shimabukuro resigned on May 31.
 
Groups oppose veto of bill to limit governor’s power to cut off electronic media in emergencies
House Bill 2581, currently awaiting action by Gov.
 
Fewer candidates filed for election in Hawaii this year than in the past 10 years
A few of the most competitive primary races in Hawaii can be found in the Legislature, but the 2024 primary is also distinguished by the fact that dozens of incumbents lawmakers have no challenger and will effectively advance to the Nov. 5 general election.