Hawaii

Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell elected in November 2012 has announced his nominations for budget director and deputy director.

Hawaii received an "F" in a study grading states on the quality of the government spending data the state provides online.

Fewer governors have been focusing on pension reform in their state of the state addresses this year, but most who propose reform follow through, according to Loop Capital Markets.

Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell announced a five-year plan Monday to fix and repave 900 miles of road over the next three years.

Sales of municipal bonds in the Far West region grew by almost a quarter in 2012 compared to a year ago, spurred by record low interest rates that led to an increase in refinancing.

Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell reaffirms commitment to alternative transit options following the release of a study placing Oahu's rush hour traffic second in the nation behind Los Angeles.

Hawaii's unemployment drops to lowest rate since 2008.

Construction delay costs for a $5.2 billion elevated rail line planned for Oahu totaled $6 million -- 31% less than lawsuit-related delays were expected to cost the city.

The stream of new appointments to fill downstream positions created by death of long-time U.S. Senator Daniel Inouye continues.

Mayor Kirk Caldwell, who was officially inaugurated Wednesday and installed as the 14th mayor of the City and County of Honolulu, and pledges new era of cooperation with the city council.

A federal ruling will allow the $5.2 billion Honolulu elevated rail transit project to move forward, securing $1.5 billion in federal funding approved on Dec. 20.

Hawaii Senate president Shan Tsutsui was named lieutenant governor replacing Brian Schatz, who will fill the late U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye's vacant position.

Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie Wednesday appointed Lt. Gov. Brian Schatz to fill the U.S. Senate seat left vacant by the death of Sen. Daniel Inouye earlier this month.

Honolulu officials said new construction and improved value on existing property resulted in a $4.1 billion increase in assessed value on the Island of Oahu.

An agreement signed Wednesday by City and County of Honolulu officials and the Federal Transit Administration will provide $1.5 billion in New Starts funding for the region's elevated rail project.

Maui County, Hawaii Mayor Alan Arakawa said the county's decision to price $70.2 million in bonds competitively worked out well with all-in interest costs of 2.18%.

Hawaii sold $866.9 million of general obligation bonds in mid-November achieving an all-in interest cost of 2.6%, Finance Director Kalbert Young said.

The Federal Transit Administration notified Congress on Monday that it will sign by year-end a $1.55 billion full funding grant agreement to help fund Honolulu’s $5.2 billion elevated rail project.

Kirk Caldwell, a supporter of Honolulu’s planned rail transit system, beat rail opponent Ben Cayetano to win the mayor’s office in a race that was effectively a referendum on the rapid transit line.

Hawaii Finance Director Kalbert Young is concerned that other bond sales rescheduled after Hurricane Sandy could impact the Aloha State's $900 million sale planned for next week.