Mahi Pono director of community relations Tiare Lawrence told a politically active local businessman in January that there would be “a lot of money available” if he ran against South Maui State Representative Tina Wildberger in this year’s election. The businessman recently confirmed the conversation to MauiTime, but asked that his name not be used in print. The phone call … [Read more...] about Mahi Pono Plays Politics: What’s the end game?
Legislature
Nothing Is Dead in the Land of the Zombies: The twisted legislative saga of the “Corporate Water Theft” Bill
The passage of HB1326, the so-called “Corporate Water Theft Bill” that affects the future use of East Maui’s water, has morphed from a civics lesson into an episode of “The Walking Dead.” In the past week alone, the bill has been alive, dead, undead, and buried-but-still-moving. It has become so toxic that few lawmakers even want to discuss it anymore. Currently, HB1326 is … [Read more...] about Nothing Is Dead in the Land of the Zombies: The twisted legislative saga of the “Corporate Water Theft” Bill
Hawaii ethics watchdog Les Kondo gets to keep his job
And it seems one of the more surreal controversies in state politics is now at an end. After months of speculation, backbiting, teeth-gnashing and a little hand-wringing now and then, the state Ethics Commission has decided that Les Kondo can keep his job as the commission’s executive director. “The head of the State Ethics Commission is keeping his job even though some of … [Read more...] about Hawaii ethics watchdog Les Kondo gets to keep his job
Is The Hawaii Legislature Criminalizing Homeless People?
Today, Civil Beat’s Chad Blair posted a good run-down on bills pending in the Hawaii Legislature that would criminalize homeless people in various ways. House Bill 33 would ban public urination and defecation, HB 2409 would prohibit people from lying down at a bus stop and HB 1660 would prohibit people from “obstructing” a public sidewalk. “I've been reporting on Hawaii's … [Read more...] about Is The Hawaii Legislature Criminalizing Homeless People?
Hawaii Attorney General Says Legislative Special Session On Same Sex Marriage Is Constitutional
Anyone out there worried that the state Legislature’s upcoming Oct. 28 special session that’s slated to consider a bill legalizing same-sex marriage may be in some way unconstitutional (either state or federal) can rest easier, Attorney General David M. Louie said on Oct. 15. “The authority to enact legislation recognizing marriages between two individuals of the same sex is … [Read more...] about Hawaii Attorney General Says Legislative Special Session On Same Sex Marriage Is Constitutional