A bill to establish an independent commission to oversee the state’s jails and prisons clears the House and heads to the Senate.

Gov. Ige has until Dec. 22 to replace Marcus Oshiro, the veteran Democratic lawmaker who took a job with the state labor board. 

Most of the money came from developers, laborers and contractors with a stake in the Honolulu rail project. 

County councils say state lawmakers should follow open meeting laws, even though they’re not legally required to.

Gifts to elected and appointed leaders include sticky notes valued at $1, PB&Js at up to $5, and trips to Taiwan worth $5,750.

State attorneys are headed to court to defend a new state law that requires pregnancy clinics to tell women about abortion services.

UPDATED Justices rule the state’s practice of approving all properly prepared applications is inadequate.

Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell thanks lawmakers while the governor promises to work next session for a “fair distribution” to counties of hotel tax money.

Legislative leaders said efforts by Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell to derail the plan actually helped unite them.

UPDATED: The $2.4 billion measure now moves to the full House, where a final vote is expected Friday.