HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – After a failed bill at the state legislature prompted a top law enforcement official to step down, Gov. Josh Green called out the lawmaker he believes could have prevented the measure’s death and the director’s departure.

Department of Law Enforcement Director Mike Lambert decided to leave his post after House Bill 2358, which would adjust the retirement system, did not move forward.

“I’m just bummed about the scenario altogether,” Lambert said.

The measure, which would have allowed Lambert to keep his pension earned as a Honolulu police officer, did not get a hearing in the Senate Labor and Technology Committee.

Green ridiculed state Sen. Brandon Elefante, who chairs the group, for not scheduling a hearing.

“It really stinks when a single legislator just refuses to do the job and people should hear that. They should hear from me that he blew this one and he owes it to the people to do better on public safety in the future,” Gov. Josh Green said.

We reached out to Elefante and are waiting to hear back.

To keep his full benefits he earned after serving more than 20 years at HPD, Lambert decided to return to the department.

If he were to remain in his current role, and receive less pay than he would at HPD, he would lose out on about $20,000 a year in retirement pay.

The former department major has to serve five more years until he can earn his pension, which he hopes to do as the next Honolulu police chief, which he vied for four years ago.

“I’m a much stronger candidate this time around, I think some of the concerns were I didn’t have any executive experience, I was able to check box that, some were concerned with my youth and I’m four years older,” Lambert added.

When Lambert leaves DLE, deputy director Jared Redulla will serve as acting director until a permanent one is appointed.

“I’m sure Deputy Redulla will do a very good job,” Green commended.

Lambert plans to step down in late June or early July.

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The Hawaii Department of Taxation will consider requests from taxpayers adversely affected by the recent Kona Low storms to waive penalties and interest for late filing and payment of state income taxes, but will not offer blanket relief like the IRS is providing for federal taxes. Affected individuals and businesses must submit a specific form to the state describing how the disaster impaired their ability to meet tax obligations.

Why it matters

The Kona Low storms hit Hawaii right during tax season, overwhelming residents and businesses focused on rebuilding. While the IRS is automatically granting federal tax deadline extensions, the state requires a more burdensome process for taxpayers to request relief, raising concerns about accessibility and equity.

The details

The Hawaii Department of Taxation (DOTAX) announced it will consider waiving penalties and interest for late state income tax filings and payments from April 20 to July 20, 2026, but only on a case-by-case basis. Taxpayers must submit Form L-115, the Tax Relief Request for State Declared Disasters, describing how the Kona Low storms impaired their ability to meet tax obligations. DOTAX says it will not preauthorize or preapprove waivers, and will notify taxpayers if additional information is needed after the form is filed.

• The Kona Low storms occurred between March 10 and March 23, 2026.
• The IRS is granting federal tax deadline extensions until July 8, 2026.
• The state of Hawaii’s tax relief period runs from April 20 to July 20, 2026.

What they’re saying

What’s next

Affected Hawaii taxpayers must submit Form L-115, the Tax Relief Request for State Declared Disasters, to the Hawaii Department of Taxation by July 20, 2026 to request a waiver of penalties and interest for late state income tax filings and payments.