There are always winners and losers in every proposed budget, but some of the guests at this year's budget banquet might be consuming more than makes sense, while others could use more than breadcrumbs.

Mayor Rick Blangiardi announced last week the new Oʻahu landfill would be built in Wahiawā. That's made Westside politicians and residents very happy. But concerns are being raised over potential problems for the island's water supply.

The Honolulu City Council is slated to vote on a new tax on homes that stand empty, a measure supporters say will force owners to rent the properties and help provide badly needed housing for local residents. But critics say it's unfair to the property owner and will be hard to enforce anyway.

The University of Hawaii Board of Regents strongly defends the hiring of its new president -- and the company that conducted the search -- even though she was accused of harassment and discrimination at two previous schools.

Under pressure from condo owners and boards, the Honolulu City Council may weaken proposed long-delayed legislation to mandate sprinklers in all residential high-rises.

Donald Trump's pick of Tulsi Gabbard to be director of national intelligence places the former Hawaii congresswoman once again under intense scrutiny.

Maui County pro-development candidates running for the county council were boosted by hundreds of thousands of dollars from a new super PAC with ties to the Hawaii carpenters union. All the candidates appear to have won reelection although one race was still too close to call.

There are contested races for councils in Maui, Hawaii and Kauai counties and a hot race for Big Island mayor. But all of Oahu's races were settled in the primary.

The Honolulu Police Commission recently discussed public concerns that holding its meetings behind tight security inside the police department might intimidate citizens who have a beef with a cop from showing up to complain. Commissioners opined people should not be scared and that moving the meeting would be inconvenient for the police chief and staff.

Will Hawaii follow the lead of other states in limiting cell phone use in public schools?