Honolulu City Council

Updated: 6/4/2020,12:50 p.m.

Where we stand

Hawaii recorded two new coronavirus cases today. The state health department reports the number of recorded cases now stands at 655; deaths remain at 17.

The Honolulu City Council approved a twin-tower condominium project that is expected to add nearly 1,000 residential units.

UPDATED: 1/30/2020, 1:20 p.m.

The Honolulu City Council is continuing efforts to address concerns about the Department of the Prosecuting Attorney following the departure of Keith Kaneshiro. The prosecutor, who is the subject of a federal investigation, has been on paid leave.

The Honolulu City Council on Wednesday approved one of the strictest bans on plastics in the country, closing loopholes in the existing ordinance on plastic bags and prohibiting single-use utensils and Styrofoam containers.

The Honolulu City Council is expected to pass the strictest ban in the state on single-use plastic products.

A measure banning single-use plastic and polystyrene products from Oahu restaurants is moving to the full City Council for a final vote after amendments, although some businesses remain opposed to it.

A measure to restrict single-use plastics and polystyrene containers on Oahu is moving forward at the City Council.

The Honolulu City Council Budget Committee amended a bill that would allow companies that rent small vehicles, such as electric scooters to pay to reserve parking spaces.

A bill being considered in Honolulu would create a new property tax category for homeowners operating bed-and-breakfast establishments.

While showing off the new renovations at Ala Moana Beach Park on Thursday, Mayor Kirk Caldwell slammed critics of his plan to add a playground to the park.

Amendments may be made to a bill that would ban use of plastic bags, utensils and Styrofoam containers by restaurants. The measure, Bill 40,  continued to advance at the Honolulu City Council Wednesday with the unanimous backing of its members.

The ongoing effort to ban use of plastic bags, utensils and styrofoam containers moved forward at the Honolulu City Council Thursday. 

Although the city prohibited stores from offering single-use plastic bags in 2015, an exemption allowed Oahu restaurants to still use plastics to transport prepared food. 

Bill 40 would eliminate the exemption and add plastic utensils to the list of proposed single-use items to be banned. Styrofoam containers are also on that list.

HONOLULU — New short-term rental rules could impact Hawaii's tourism industry by decreasing the amount of lodging for potential visitors, officials said.

Updated: July 29, 8:32 a.m

A Honolulu City Council committee is proposing new plans for the controversial Honolulu Prosecutor’s Safe House. The Safe House was previously used by the City’s Prosecuting Attorney to house victims of domestic abuse. 

Local construction unions will get preference in large city projects under a bill making its way through Honolulu City Council.

The Honolulu City Council recently approved 160 designated parking stalls for car-sharing services, but some council members have raised questions about whether the city's policies on the reserved spots for ride-sharing operations are fair to companies and taxpayers.

A bill designating Honolulu as a sanctuary city died on Thursday, prompting the question: how progressive is Hawaii? States, counties and cities across the country have adopted sanctuary policies to protect unauthorized immigrants and limit the role of local law emforcement agencies in immigration enforcement but similar efforts have not gained traction in the islands.

The Honolulu City Council on Wednesday approved increases in property taxes for hotels/resorts and residential condos and houses over $1 million not used as primary residences -- all to help cover a $12.8 billion operating budget for the next fiscal year.

A Honolulu City Council committee voted Thursday to challenge city funding of attorney fees for former Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha.

Several City Council members are urging Mayor Kirk Caldwell to stop work on changes to the Waimanalo Bay Beach Park.

The Honolulu City Council on Tuesday overrode Mayor Kirk Caldwell's veto of a bill that increases the standard home exemption on property taxes while advancing his proposal to hike the tax rate on hotels and resorts.

Updated: May 8, 2:13 p.m.

A leadership shakeup today at the Honolulu City Council landed Ikaika Anderson the chairmanship of the council while Tommy Waters was sworn in to represent East Honolulu following a court challenge and months of delays. The changes came as the council also took up the contentious issue of short-term vacation rentals.

Honolulu officials have approved a bill that would lower property taxes by about $70 for most Oahu homeowners.