With all 76 members of the Legislature up for reelection, lawmakers are expected to shy away from those potentially controversial tax measures this year.
A Cautious Legislature, Locked In The Capitol, Played It Safe - Honolulu Civil Beat
A Cautious Legislature, Locked In The Capitol, Played It Safe
Critics hoped the pandemic would be the catalyst for significant changes to address long-term problems facing Hawaii. But the budget shortfall dominated the 2021 session. Reading time: 10 minutes.
The past year was a time of astonishing political foment on the mainland, with Black Lives Matter protests demanding law enforcement reforms and an abrupt shift to a liberal, activist government with the election of President Joe Biden.
But the Hawaii Legislature remained locked in a Capitol building that was closed to the public during the pandemic, and its leaders behaved as if they couldn’t hear all the noise outside.
Hawaii House Speaker Scott Saiki s High-Profile Agenda Is Raising Questions - Honolulu Civil Beat
Hawaii House Speaker Scott Saiki’s High-Profile Agenda Is Raising Questions
Saiki has empowered the House to be a much-needed political player this year. But concerns about his methods and his ultimate goal are growing. Reading time: 13 minutes.
House Speaker Scott Saiki offered a taste of his intentions on the House floor last July as the Legislature dramatically shut down at the height of the pandemic.
“We know that this is the most challenging time that Hawaii has faced since statehood,” said Saiki, standing at the speaker’s rostrum. “It will not be easy to reopen Hawaii incrementally while still assuring public health and safety, but this is when we need to lead.”