Hawaii House seeks free school lunch for all students, state panel researches legalized gambling, eight applicants to be interviewed for Big Island police chief, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Bill would feed every public school student for free. Every public school student — regardless of family income — would receive free meals at school under a bill introduced Thursday by nearly half of all 51 House members. Hawaii’s public schools — not including charter schools —currently educate about 150,000 students across the state. As of Dec. 30, just over 10,400 students qualify for reduced-price meals. Star-Advertiser.

State panel begins research for legalized gambling. A new state working group that critics say will pave the way for legalized gambling in Hawaii held its first meeting Thursday under a directive to deliver results for the Legislature to consider about a year from now.The Tourism and Gaming Working Group, which stems from a resolution state lawmakers adopted last year after a divisive vote, is in part tasked with developing a comprehensive tourism gambling policy framework for Hawaii. Star-Advertiser. KHON2. 

House GOP Caucus Wants Voters To Pick Chief Election Officer. Hawaiʻi GOP lawmakers rolled out their priorities for the legislative session on Thursday in an announcement that was critical of their Democratic counterparts for focusing too much on the Trump administration and its potential impact on the state budget. Civil Beat. KHON2. KITV4. 

Shoring up the state's social safety net is a focus of 2026 Legislature. The state Legislature is back in session, and its focus this year will be on federal funding impacts and addressing the cost of living in Hawaiʻi.  Hawaii Public Radio.

Microsoft Global Outage Impacts Hawaiʻi State Senate. The Hawaiʻi State Senate reports it is experiencing delays in email communications due to the global Microsoft Exchange outage. Big Island Video News.
 
Hawaiʻi Democrat Seeks Federal Review Of Native Hawaiian Contracting Program. U.S. Rep. Ed Case is walking a thin line between his longstanding concerns about the SBA program and his desire not to join in the Trump administration’s anti-DEI campaign. Civil Beat.

FAA redesigning Hawaii flight paths. The Federal Aviation Administration is redesigning flight paths nationwide, starting in Hawaii, and residents are using the process as an opportunity to speak up. Hawaii News Now.
 
Oahu 

Illegal gameroom crackdown brings new city law. Arcade-style games aren't just for kids anymore, the Honolulu Police Department (HPD) said some are being used for illegal gambling. KITV4.

Hawaii red light, speed camera program to expand. The Hawaii Department of Transportation is expanding its red light and speed camera program on Oahu. KHON2.

HART board of directors cancels today’s meeting. A scheduled meeting today for the board of directors of the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation was canceled. The meeting, which was to start at 8 a.m. with the convening of committees prior to the full board meeting, was rescheduled to Jan. 30. Star-Advertiser.

Kaiser Permanente begins construction on new oncology wing. Kaiser Permanente Hawaii celebrated the start of construction on a new hematology and medical oncology wing at Moanalua Medical Center. The 12,500-square-foot wing will be on the first floor of the hospital’s Diamond Head Tower and nearly triple the size of the existing space.  Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Seven men and a woman in running for Big Island’s top cop. Eight applicants, including two current members of the Hawaii Police Department, will be interviewed by the Hawaii County Police Commission for the vacant chief’s position. The two local candidates are Interim Chief Reed Mahuna and Assistant Chief Kenneth Quiocho.  Other applicants are Chad Janis, captain of the Yakima Police Department in Yakima, Washington; Jennifer Krauss, assistant chief of the Cheverly Police Department, in Cheverly, Maryland; Anthony Kumamaru, retired lieutenant of the Las Vegas Department of Public Safety in Nevada; John Matagi, a captain of Washington State Patrol; Timothy Wilson, former chief of police in Niue, South Pacific; Paul Yang, retired lieutenant, San Diego Police Department, California. Tribune-Herald.   Big Island Video News.  Big Island Now. KHON2. 

Maui

Maui Properties Get State Money For Preservation. After an emotional and sometimes tearful two-day meeting in Wailuku, the state Legacy Land Conservation Commission announced it had chosen four iconic properties to recommend for purchase under a cash-strapped state-funded program that rescues at-risk real estate. Civil Beat.

Maui Powerhouse Gym announces plans for facility and retail village adjacent to Kahului Costco. Maui Powerhouse Gym has announced the acquisition of a 2.2-acre property adjacent to Costco in Kahului, paving the way for a new flagship gym and wellness-focused commercial village designed to serve the Maui community for generations.  Maui Now.

Kauai

Kauaʻi Security Guard Made Off With $400K. Police Still Haven’t Caught Him. A former Loomis employee is accused of stealing cash from a truck that was making deliveries to three banks on the island. Civil Beat.

Invasive ramie moth caterpillar found on Kauai. An invasive pest that has already spread through the islands of Maui, Hawaii and Oahu has now been detected on Kauai. The state Department of Land and Natural Resources said that a single live ramie moth caterpillar was reported to the Kauai Invasive Species Committee.  Hawaii News Now.

Legislature opens session amid financial uncertainty, 'dark cloud'; $149M federal funding finalized for high-speed internet; federal judge dismisses Jones Act lawsuit, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Legislature facing uncertain federal spending cuts as session begins. The 2026 legislative session opened Wednesday with House and Senate leaders bracing for the likelihood that Hawaii will have to make up for more cuts to federal funding in 2026 after providing millions to compensate for reduced federal funding last year, including responding to the record-­long 43-day federal government shutdown and long lines that followed at pop-up food banks across the islands. But exactly how much the state may have to pay again this year — and how it will pay for it — remains unclear. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.  Hawaii Public Radio.  Big Island Now.  Hawaii News Now.  KITV4.

Hawaiʻi Lawmakers Start New Session Under ‘Dark Cloud’. The investigation into a possible $35,000 bribe to a legislator can’t be ignored even as lawmakers promise more work on perennial state issues such as affordable housing. Civil Beat.

Crowds flood state Capitol to advocate for causes. Representatives and senators were eager to meet them. They opened the doors to their Capitol offices to welcome guests, shake hands and offer snacks and refreshments. Star-Advertiser.

$149M in high-speed internet funding finalized. Hawaii has received final federal approval to begin spending nearly $149 million to expand high-speed internet access statewide, marking one of the largest digital infrastructure investments in state history, officials announced Wednesday. Star-Advertiser. Kauai Now. 

New report puts questions about nuclear power in Hawaiʻi on the back burner. The Hawaiʻi State Energy Office determined advanced nuclear technologies are not appropriate for Hawaiʻi at this time. Hawaii Public Radio.

DBEDT director talks challenges ahead for Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority. A $500,000 transfer between two funds at the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority was the headline from a Senate committee hearing last week. Lawmakers grilled Jimmy Tokioka, director of the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, on whether he had the authority to move the funds. Hawaii Public Radio. 

Hawaii ranked the worst state in which to drive. A study just released by the personal finance website WalletHub rated Hawaii the worst state in the U.S. in which to drive. The same study found Vermont the best state to drive in, followed by Iowa, with Kansas, Nebraska and Indiana rounding out its top five. Tribune-Herald. Hawaii News Now.

Multi-million dollar renovation coming to Hawaii governor’s official residence. Washington Place was once the private home of Queen Liliuokalani and is now the official residence of Hawaii’s governor — there are new plans to give the building a $7.3 million facelift. KHON2.

Oahu

Public Access To North Shore Beach Has Been Cut Off. The state plans to conduct a site visit and open a formal investigation if authorities determine a violation has occurred at Mokulēʻia. Civil Beat.

Honolulu traffic is some of the worst in the country, but improvements are on the way. According to a recent study done by TomTom Traffic Index, Honolulu ranks third in the country for the worst traffic. This includes an average travel speed of just 17.8 miles per hour, an average travel distance of just 4.4 miles in 15 minutes, and an estimated 88 hours spent sitting in traffic per year for Honolulu drivers. KHON2.

Honolulu police say more staff were needed on New Year’s Eve. During Wednesday’s Honolulu Police Commission meeting, HPD assistant chief Brian Lynch told the commission that although there were about 250 officers on patrol, more staff were needed to handle drone operations and hundreds of emergency calls for fireworks and criminal reports. Hawaii News Now.

Navy to begin to ventilate and decommission 9th tank at Red Hill. The Navy will begin ventilating another tank at the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility (RHBFSF) this month, marking it as the ninth of 14 in its decommissioning process. KITV4.

Coast Guard considers demolishing aging housing complex in Wailupe. There’s a small U.S. Coast Guard family housing project in Wailupe that’s being considered for demolition because of its age.The Wailupe Family Housing is tucked away on three acres just off Kalanianaole Highway next to the Wailupe Fire Station. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

AI-powered parking system debuts at Kona, Hilo airports on Big Island. A new ticketless parking system was launched at Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keāhole and Hilo International Airport to streamline entry and exit for drivers parking at the Big Island airports. Vehicles are identified by license plate recognition, eliminating the need for tickets. Parking fees are charged automatically through an online account. Big Island Now.

South Kohala Water Restriction Downgraded. The Water Restriction Notice issued for an area along the South Kohala coast has been downgraded to a Water Conservation Notice. The Hawaiʻi County Department of Water Supply says the mandatory 25% percent reduction in water use in the affected areas, issued back in December 2025, has ended. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now. 

Maui

With ‘tougher session’ ahead, Maui Nui lawmakers strategize on seeking funding for fire recovery, housing. As the 2026 Hawaiʻi State Legislature session kicks off today, funding to rebuild public projects like Lahaina’s Front Street Apartments and measures to boost the local economy will be among the priorities of Maui Nui’s state lawmakers. Maui Now.

Bill to accelerate property tax relief hits speed bump.  A proposal to provide expedited property tax relief to local homebuyers stalled Tuesday after Maui County finance officials cautioned that the county’s tax system is designed to be “retroactive” and cannot easily handle mid-year adjustments for now. Maui Now.

Fire Ant Invasion Has Reached A Tipping Point On Maui. The population of tiny stinging ants has surged despite efforts to control the invasive species. Experts fear devastating consequences if the infestation spirals out of control. Civil Beat.

Kauai

Kauaʻi’s Kouchi, Nakamura lead opening day of 33rd Hawaiʻi State Legislature. House Speaker Nadine Nakamura and Senate President Ronald Kouch welcomed lawmakers back to the State Capitol for the opening of the 2026 session that runs through May 8. They set a tone that balanced ceremonial tradition with the heavy responsibilities facing the state.  Kauai Now.

Federal judge dismisses Kōloa Rum Company’s constitutional challenge to Jones Act. A federal judge dismissed on Tuesday the Kōloa Rum Company’s constitutional challenge to the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, commonly known as the Jones Act, which requires all shipping between U.S. ports be conducted on vessels that are U.S. built, owned and registered, and crewed primarily by U.S. citizens. Kauai Now.

Sign wavers took to the streets prompted by the anniversary of Trump’s inauguration. A group estimated at more than 200 people gathered on Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026, for a “Light the Night For Democracy” gathering on the Kaumualii Highway sidewalks fronting Kauai Community College. Garden Island.

Attorney General opens corruption investigation as state Legislature goes into regular session, skeptical Supreme Court mulls Hawaii gun laws, council members push to stop resumption of aquarium fishing, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

AG opens state investigation into alleged corruption. The state Department of the Attorney General changed course Tuesday after an agreement with federal authorities to share evidence — opening an investigation into an unnamed politician who was mentioned in a corruption probe and allegedly accepted $35,000 in a paper bag. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. KHON2. 

Power Players: Our Guide To Who To Keep An Eye On In The 2026 Legislature. Civil Beat political writers and editors have been watching legislative sessions and legislators up close for decades. The players change over time but one thing stays the same: The people at the top have tremendous power and are not afraid to use it, sometimes ruthlessly and often behind closed doors. Public participation is limited. Civil Beat.

Gov. Green on immigration, health care and 2026 legislative priorities. As the state Legislature gears up for a new session, there are plenty of issues on the table. Concerns about the cost of living are deepened by rising health care premiums for tens of thousands across the islands. Hawaii Public Radio.

Limiting immigration enforcement, school cellphone ban among key bills. Dozens of bills are positioned to be introduced in the legislative session that begins today, including measures that would ban cellphones in public schools, bar law enforcement officers from covering their faces, prevent the Hawaii National Guard from helping federal agents deport immigrants in the state, make another effort to prohibit nepotism in the Legislature and Judiciary and give citizens the power to decide contentious issues themselves. Star-Advertiser.

Housing committee chairs lay groundwork to reserve homes for residents. Chairs of both legislative housing committees are considering bills to reserve housing for Hawaiʻi residents. Hawaii Public Radio.

Gov. Josh Green blasts misinformation on measles. During a news conference Tuesday hosted by Protect Our Care, a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit, Green lambasted U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for spreading misinformation about vaccines that prevent diseases such as measles. Star-Advertiser.

Supreme Court seems likely to strike down Hawaii’s restrictions on guns in stores and hotels.  Conservative U.S. Supreme Court justices signaled skepticism Tuesday toward a Hawaii law that restricts the carrying of handguns on private property open to the public without the owner’s permission, appearing ready to expand gun rights again. Reuters. Associated Press. Hawaii News Now. 

Hawaiʻi library system hopes to secure funding amid federal uncertainty. The federal Institute of Museum and Library Services gives about $1.5 million to Hawaiʻi's library system annually. But an executive order last summer slashed funding for IMLS, which ended grants for state library systems. Hawaii Public Radio.

State To Spend Millions To Replace Fire Control Systems In Honolulu, Maui. Fire suppression systems in the recently built rental car facilities at the Honolulu and Maui airports contain toxic chemicals known as PFAS, and the state Department of Transportation estimates it will now cost $23 million to entirely replace the two systems. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Man surrenders to police following barricade situation in Kalihi. Honolulu police arrested a 47-year-old man involved in a barricade situation Tuesday in Kalihi. Police issued an alert around 3 p.m. stating there was an active barricade situation on Skyline Drive. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. 

Hawaii Island

Lawmakers try to block reopening of aquarium fishing. Some elected officials are making a new push to stop aquarium fishing from returning to Hawaii waters. In a unanimous vote earlier this month, a Hawaii County Council committee approved a resolution urging the state legislature to introduce a measure to ban aquarium fishing for all islands. Hawaii News Now.

Hawai‘i Island delegation discusses priorities for upcoming State Legislature session. With the 33rd Hawaiʻi State Legislature to begin Wednesday, three Big Island lawmakers who sit on the powerful Senate Ways and Means Committee say their priority is to ensure residents’ receive the basic needs of health care, food and housing amid looming federal cutbacks. Big Island Now.

Speed Limit Changes To Take Effect On Hilo Airport Road. Changes are being made on Kekūanāoʻa Street, also known as Airport Road, to maintain safety and to keep traffic flowing efficiently. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now. 

Newborn Big Island monk seal doing well in hospital. Monk seal RU72 was just 3 days old when experts decided to intervene, and admit her into the care of the specialized hospital run by The Marine Mammal Center. Star-Advertiser.

Maui

Maui Planning Commission to consider light industrial future for historic Pāʻia Sugar Mill. The Maui Planning Commission will consider a proposal Tuesday to transform nearly 20 acres of the historic Pāʻia Sugar Mill site into a light industrial and commercial hub. Maui Now.

Comment period opens for CDBG-DR Action Plan amendment. Proposed updates to Maui County’s Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery Action Plan are available on the Hoʻokumu Hou website. Maui News.

A New Insight Into Mysterious Tiger Shark Mating Behavior Off Maui. New research reveals what is attracting tiger sharks to areas off of Olowalu during whale breeding season. A study released last week from the University of Hawaiʻi Mānoa has found that tiger shark mating events in Hawaiʻi may directly coincide with humpback calving season. Civil Beat.

Kauai

Wireless Emergency Notification System test scheduled. The Kauai Emergency Management Agency (KEMA) is advising the public of a planned test of the Wireless Emergency Notification System (WENS) at 5:30 p.m. on Jan. 26.  Garden Island.

Temporary bridge in Anahola to reopen in March. The temporary bridge over Olokauha Stream on Anahola Road is anticipated to reopen in mid-March after issues with construction materials delayed the project. Kauai Now.

Recktenwald joins Justice Department resistance, Honolulu tackles Waikiki squalor spots, thousands commemorate overthrow anniversary, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Retired chief justice joins resistance to Trump’s Justice Department. Former Hawaii chief justice Mark Recktenwald is helping bring together about 40 other former chief justices to defend their colleagues and judicial institutions from President Trump’s criticism of judges and control of the Justice Department. Hawaii News Now.

Deputy Sheriffs Are Beefing Up Hawaiʻi Traffic Enforcement. After a 20% surge in highway deaths last year, deputies will help crack down on speeding in school zones on weekdays and drunken driving on weekends.State sheriff’s deputies traditionally do not focus on traffic enforcement, but state Transportation Director Ed Sniffen told Civil Beat his department has committed $2 million in federal highway safety funding to pay overtime for deputies to work on the traffic crackdown. Civil Beat.

Hawaiʻi AG To Supreme Court: Gun Control Is Hawaiian Tradition. A case questioning whether Hawaiʻi gun owners need explicit permission to carry their weapons onto private property will be argued before the U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday. Civil Beat.

Allies try to adapt to shifting U.S. priorities. Last week in Waikiki, senior military leaders, diplomats and defense contractors from around the world met in Waikiki for the now annual Honolulu Defense Forum to talk about how they can cooperate in the Pacific as many of them see increasing challenges from China, Russia and North Korea. Star-Advertiser.

Thousands join ‘Onipa‘a march to remember illegal overthrow of Hawaiian Kingdom. About 6,000 people on Friday marched from Mauna‘ala to ‘Iolani Palace for the annual ‘Onipa‘a Peace March, commemorating 133 years since the illegal overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

Council members who nixed pay raises are now collecting 6-figure salaries. Three Honolulu City Council members who rejected a contentious 64% pay increase for the nine- member panel nearly three years ago now annually draw six-figure, city-funded salaries, city pay documents state. Star-Advertiser.

City Has Few Options To Address Pockets Of Squalor In Waikīkī. Owners of blighted properties won’t say what they’re planning to do with vacant lots and deteriorating buildings in Waikīkī, and there’s little that public officials can do about it. Civil Beat.

Beach Boys return to prime Waikiki concession spot. The Pacific Island Beach Boys has returned to its prime concession spot on Kūhiō Beach after an eight-year absence. The nonprofit was awarded a five-year city lease for board rentals, surfing lessons and canoe rides. Hawaii News Now.

Flashing Crosswalk Broken For Months On A Busy Road. Pedestrians need to be extra careful in this popular Mōʻiliʻili crosswalk. City says an upgrade is in the works. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Tetairoa McMillan, other pro athletes invest in Hilo-based beverage company. The Waimānalo-raised NFL rookie, a wide receiver for the Carolina Panthers, Devin Williams, a pitcher for the New York Mets; and Jerami Grant, a veteran NBA forward for the Portland Trail Blazers, has joined Hilo-based Waiākea Hawaiian Volcanic Beverages as athlete investors and impact partners. Aloha State Daily.

Hundreds rally in Hilo to honor Martin Luther King, protest Trump administration. An estimated 250 protesters lined the makai side of Kamehameha Avenue along the Hilo Bayfront on Monday for a Martin Luther King Jr. Day demonstration, undeterred by an overcast, intermittently rainy morning. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News. 

Maui

Maui County Council committee to review real property tax exemption reforms. The Maui County Council’s Special Committee on Real Property Tax Reform will meet at 9 a.m. Tuesday in the Council Chambers to consider legislation aimed at easing the tax burden for residents and streamlining exemption deadlines. Maui Now.

Maui Planning Commission to weigh zoning changes for new Haʻikū Fire Station. The Maui Planning Commission is scheduled to consider land use changes and zoning amendments for a new Haʻikū Fire Station during its meeting Jan. 27. Maui Now.

Maui fire survivors face housing uncertainty as FEMA assistance nears expiration.  Nearly 1,000 families who survived the 2023 fires are facing uncertainty as their FEMA housing assistance is set to expire next month. Hawaii News Now.

Free Medical Flights Start For Some Neighbor Island Residents. State pilot program to help connect people with services on Oʻahu expected to begin later this month for Molokaʻi and in February for Lānaʻi. Civil Beat.

Family responds to road rage allegations on Hana Highway. This much is clear: the road rage incident that happened on the popular Road to Hana last Friday ended with a shattered windshield and a few minor injuries. But as to how it all unfolded? Depends who you ask. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai

Lydgate Beach Parkʻs Bynum Bridge to close temporarily for structural improvements. Bynum Bridge at Lydgate Beach Park in Līhuʻe will be closed for scheduled maintenance from Jan. 26 to Jan. 29, the Kauai Department of Parks and Recreation announced. Officials said the work is necessary to improve the bridge’s structural support. Kauai Now.

InterFaith Roundtable of Kauai leads Martin Luther King Jr. Day in Hanapepe. Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Kauai was a time for people to engage in many facets of the national, state and county holiday, thanks to efforts by the Interfaith Roundtable of Kauai, in partnership with the Kauai Soto Zen Temple in Hanapepe. Garden Island.

Hawaii a beacon of hope to the late Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.

 

We in Hawaii have a special kuleana -- responsibility and privilege -- to uphold the message of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., who in a 1959 address to a special session of the Hawaii Legislature, praised Hawaii for its ethnic diversity, a place where he saw 'the glowing daybreak of freedom and dignity and racial justice' in the 'tragic and often dark midnight of man’s inhumanity to man.'

That's why King and other civil rights leaders wore lei on that famous march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama. 

"We look to you for inspiration and as a noble example, where you have already accomplished in the area of racial harmony and racial justice, what we are struggling to accomplish in other sections of the country, and you can never know what it means to those of us caught for the moment in the tragic and often dark midnight of man’s inhumanity to man, to come to a place where we see the glowing daybreak of freedom and dignity and racial justice," King said in his address to the Hawaii Legislature.

Five years after those words, King carried a bit of Hawaii to Alabama. That five-day, 54-mile march from Selma, where an Alabama state trooper had shot and killed church deacon Jimmie Lee Jackson, to the state capital, helped bring King to the forefront of the nation's imagination, spurring the cause of nonviolent protest that would be picked up and championed by an entire generation, fomenting the hope of equality for all mankind.

The lei were no artifice. King had strong Hawaii ties, from his 1959 address to the Hawaii Legislature to his relationship with the Rev. Abraham Kahikina Akaka, older brother of Sen. Daniel Akaka, D-Hawaii. Abraham Akaka, kahu (shepherd) of Kawaiahao Church in Honolulu, developed a close friendship with King when King came to Honolulu in 1964 to participate in a Civil Rights Week symposium at the University of Hawaii, according to Akaka's obituary in the Honolulu Star-Bulletin.  Abraham Akaka later sent the lei to King as a gift, according to a 1991 article in Jet Magazine by Simeon Booker.

Here's the text of King's speech, as recorded in the Journal of the Hawaii House of Representatives:

The following remarks were made by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on Thursday, September 17, 1959 at the Hawaii House of Representatives 1959 First Special Session:

“Mr. Speaker, distinguished members of the House of Representatives of this great new state in our Union, ladies and gentlemen:

It is certainly a delightful privilege and pleasure for me to have this great opportunity and, I shall say, it is a great honor to come before you today and to have the privilege of saying just a few words to you about some of the pressing problems confronting our nation and our world.

I come to you with a great deal of appreciation and great feeling of appreciation, I should say, for what has been accomplished in this beautiful setting and in this beautiful state of our Union. As I think of the struggle that we are engaged in in the South land, we look to you for inspiration and as a noble example, where you have already accomplished in the area of racial harmony and racial justice, what we are struggling to accomplish in other sections of the country, and you can never know what it means to those of us caught for the moment in the tragic and often dark midnight of man’s inhumanity to man, to come to a place where we see the glowing daybreak of freedom and dignity and racial justice.

People ask me from time to time as I travel across the country and over the world whether there has been any real progress in the area of race relations, and I always answer it by saying that there are three basic attitudes that one can take toward the question of progress in the area of race relations. One can take the attitude of extreme optimism. The extreme optimist would contend that we have come a long, long way in the area of race relations, and he would point proudly to the strides that have been made in the area of civil rights in the last few decades. And, from this, he would conclude that the problem is just about solved now and that we can sit down comfortably by the wayside and wait on the coming of the inevitable.

And then segregation is still with us. Although we have seen the walls gradually crumble, it is still with us. I imply that figuratively speaking, that Old Man Segregation is on his death bed, but you know history has proven that social systems have a great last-minute breathing power, and the guardians of the status quo are always on hand with their oxygen tents to keep the old order alive, and this is exactly what we see today. So segregation is still with us. We are confronted in the South in its glaring and conspicuous forms, and we are confronted in almost every other section of the nation in its hidden and subtle forms. But if democracy is to live, segregation must die. Segregation is a cancer in the body politic which must be removed before our democratic health can be realized. In a real sense, the shape of the world today does not permit us the luxury of an anemic democracy. If we are to survive, if we are to stand as a force in the world, if we are to maintain our prestige, we must solve this problem because people are looking over to America.

Just two years ago I traveled all over Africa and talked with leaders from that great continent. One of the things they said to me was this: No amount of extensive handouts and beautiful words would be substitutes for treating our brothers in the United States as first-class citizens and human beings. This came to me from mouth of Prime Minister Nkrumah of Ghana.

Just four months ago, I traveled throughout India and the Middle East and talked with many of the people and leaders of that great country and other people in the Middle East, and these are the things they talked about: That we must solve this problem if we are to stand and to maintain our prestige. And I can remember very vividly meeting people all over Europe and in the Middle East and in the Far East, and even though many of them could not speak English, they knew how to say ‘Little Rock.’

And these are the things that we must be concerned about – we must be concerned about because we love America and we are out to free not only the Negro. This is not our struggle today to free 17,000,000 Negroes. It’s bigger than that. We are seeking to free the soul of America. Segregation debilitates the white man as well as the Negro. We are to free all men, all races and all groups. This is our responsibility and this is our challenge, and we look to this great new state in our Union as the example and as the inspiration. As we move on in this realm, let us move on with the faith that this problem can be solved, and that it will be solved, believing firmly that all reality hinges on moral foundations, and we are struggling for what is right, and we are destined to win.

We have come a long, long way. We have a long, long way to go. I close, if you will permit me, by quoting the words of an old Negro slave preacher. He didn’t quite have his grammar right, but he uttered some words in the form of a prayer with great symbolic profundity and these are the works he said: ‘Lord, we ain’t what we want to be; we ain’t what we ought to be; we ain’t what we gonna be, but thank God, we ain’t what we was.’ Thank you.”

At the conclusion of his address, there was much applause. 

US Supreme Court to tackle Hawaii's strict gun law, statewide doctor shortage worsens, tourists attacked on Maui's iconic road to Hana, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii’s strict gun law faces Supreme Court scrutiny in landmark case. Hawaii’s gun laws, long among the strictest in the nation, will be the focus of arguments before the U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday. The court is taking up the state’s ban on firearms on private property that is open to the public, such as stores and hotels, unless the owner explicitly allows it. Associated Press.

Democrats lay out their agenda for the 2026 session. State officials are preparing for the possibility that federal funding cuts for Hawaii could continue in 2026, with Gov. Josh Green considering the possibility of dipping into the state’s $1.6 billion “rainy day fund” to compensate for lost support.  Star-Advertiser.

 We Asked Hawaiʻi Lawmakers: Did You Take $35,000 In A Paper Bag? Civil Beat contacted all the potential suspects. Many were quick to deny involvement. Some let others speak for them. Others remain silent.  Civil Beat.

Statewide doctor shortage has worsened, a new report finds. The Hawaii Physicians Workforce Report Opens in a new tab found the state short of 833 full-time equivalent doctors in 2025 compared to 768 in 2024, with the greatest gaps continuing on neighbor isles. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiʻi Judges Face More Threats. Courts Want Armed Guards To Help. The Judiciary is seeking $3.25 million to hire private security as the Department of Law Enforcement, which protects the courts, faces staffing shortages. Civil Beat.

DAGS proposes in-house staff for complex real estate projects. A state agency wants to hire a special team of highly paid experts in an effort to save Hawaii taxpayers money on complex public real estate redevelopment projects involving private partners. The state Department of Accounting and General Services is proposing to start with three positions, including a special project executive with annual pay of about $220,000, which rivals the annual salary of Gov. Josh Green. Star-Advertiser.

UHERO forecast of mild recession puts focus on family support services. As Hawaii edges into what economists describe as a mild recession, social service providers say growing economic uncertainty is already being felt by families struggling to afford housing, food and transportation. Star-Advertiser.

State Capitol showing its age as session set to begin. The Capitol first opened in 1969, replacing Iolani Palace as Hawaii’s seat of government, and has undergone extensive repairs ever since. Star-Advertiser.

State Capitol pools conversion submerged by procurement failure. Plans have been dashed to inaugurate Hawaii’s next governor against a resplendent new backdrop outside the state Capitol after a contracting snafu to create a decorated glass panel lanai atop long-empty reflecting pools. Star-Advertiser.

Foreign Oil Floods Into the Islands — But Venezuelan Crude Is Too Tainted. Over the past decade, crude from countries, such as Libya, Russia and Argentina have helped keep the lights on in the Aloha State. In fact, since 2016 data tracked by the Hawaiʻi State Energy Office shows that only about one-fifth of the islands’ oil was domestic. Civil Beat.

Oahu

City reviews oversight agreement in Chinatown. The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation’s planned construction of the more than $10 billion Skyline into Chinatown may coincide with the city’s desire for an updated agreement with the state to gain greater oversight over historical sites and future development projects along that portion of the rail line’s route. Star-Advertiser.

Young professionals express concerns with state legislators. Sixty young professionals like Jordan Odo got to meet nine young state legislators and City Council members Wednesday night to lobby for issues they believe in, especially the need to make Hawaii more affordable. Star-Advertiser.

Researchers investigate whale carcass at Waimanalo Beach. Researchers were seen at Waimanalo Beach removing a whale carcass that washed up over the weekend.  KHON2. KITV4. 

Hawaii Island

County: Bridge to Moku‘ola will be reconstructed. Hawaii County officials have decided, after consulting with an engineer, that it would be more prudent to reconstruct the pedestrian bridge between Waiakea Peninsula and Moku‘ola (Coconut Island) than to simply repair the damaged section. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaiʻi County Offers Right-of-Way Permits Through EPIC. Online payments are also being accepted for Grading, Grubbing, and Stockpiling Permits, officials say. Big Island Video News.

Hilo Forest Reserve Cabins Reopen For Camping. The Keanakolu Bunkhouse and Ranger cabins have been closed since October due to drought and dry conditions in the area. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Maui police investigate alleged attack against tourists on Road to Hana. Texas couple David and Angie Carroll's visit went awry after a confrontation on the Road to Hana last Friday. What was supposed to be a scenic drive ended with an alleged attack and damage to their rental car. David claims he was also called a racial slur. Hawaii News Now.

Oceanside property owners on Lahaina’s Front Street face dilemma: Sell to Maui County or wait to rebuild? The county has reached out to owners in hopes of turning the makai side of Front Street into a connected stretch of open space to protect against flooding and create more shoreline access.  Maui Now.

Updates to Maui County’s CDBG program available for public review. Proposed updates to Maui County’s Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery Action Plan are now available to view on the Hoʻokumu Hou website. This is the official online site for the Office of Recovery Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery Program. Maui Now.

Lawmakers prioritize ‘community concerns’ after $8M released for Lahaina Boat Harbor. State officials announced the release of $8 million in Capital Improvement Funds for the reconstruction of a major part of the Lahaina Small Boat Harbor.The funds are for the reconstruction of the outer marginal wharf after the harbor was destroyed in the August 2023 wildfires. Hawaii News Now.

US Senate bill includes millions for East Maui rainforest, Kahului Harbor maintenance. A bipartisan appropriations deal passed by the US Senate on Thursday includes millions of dollars in federal funding designated for the acquisition of East Maui rainforest lands, maintenance for Kahului Harbor and an assessment of Maui watersheds. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kauai to benefit from nearly $5 million in new earmark funding. Of the share designated for Kauai, the County of Kauai, Department of Water is earmarked for $1 million. This project supports the installation of a water storage tank to increase water storage capacity in the Kilauea community. The new storage tank will support approximately 2,800 full-time residents and 6,500 acres of agricultural lands. Garden Island.

Legislature may consider lowering cruise ship tax, Kaiser Permanente workers release strike notice, Capitol reflecting pool replacement project delayed, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii cruise ship tax under fire before getting started. Hawaii’s Legislature will be asked to consider amending part of a 2025 state law that attempts to tax cruise ship passengers but is tied up in federal litigation. State Sen. Lorraine Inouye (D, Hilo-Pepeekeo) plans to introduce a bill this month that would reduce the Transient Accommodations Tax charge on cruise ship fares by applying the 11% rate only to cabin cost instead of a cruise’s total base price divided by the number of days a ship is in port. Star-Advertiser.

Courts Blocked Green Fee For Cruises. This Company Is Still Charging It. Passengers currently aboard The Pride of America were irked to see the tax appear on their invoices despite a court injunction. orwegian Cruise Lines  representatives say the company will refund its passengers if the industry ultimately prevails in court. Civil Beat.

Lawmakers prepare to address federal changes impacting health care and social services. State lawmakers will face the federal impacts on the state’s healthcare systems and social services when they reconvene next week. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Republicans have plans this session to attack state’s housing crisis. According to local Republican lawmakers, a recent survey found that 91% of adults say buying a home in Hawaii is a problem. KHON2. KITV4.

Kaiser Permanente workers announce plan to strike. About 200 Hawaii workers plan to walk off the job Jan. 26.  Another strike appears imminent at Kaiser Permanente. The United Nurses Associations of California/Union of Health Care Professionals on Thursday delivered a 10-day strike notice to Kaiser executives. The strike is set to begin Jan. 26 at hospitals and clinics across Hawaii and California. Star-Advertiser. Big Island Now.  Hawaii News Now. KHON2. KITV4.

Delays have increased the cost of Hawaiʻi Capitol reflecting pools. Rising construction costs and objections over a state bid are delaying a project to fix the dilapidated reflecting pools at the Hawai‘i State Capitol, state officials in charge of the multi-million dollar project told lawmakers Wednesday. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

Status of bus contract talks worries Honolulu City Council. After months of back-and-forth negotiations, Oahu Transit Services Inc., which operates TheBus and TheHandi-Van routes on behalf of the City and County of Honolulu, remains at odds with its labor union that represents 1,400 bus operators, mechanics and support staff. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu satellite city halls to modernize with cashless property tax payments. Residents can now pay their property taxes with a major credit card as part of Oahu’s satellite city halls effort to eventually go cashless. KITV4.

City and County Martin Luther King Jr. holiday schedule released. The City and County of Honolulu released its schedule for Memorial Day along with the schedule for the rest of its operations and the traffic and parking regulations that will be in effect for Monday, January 19, 2026. KITV4.

Hawaii Island 

Search for new Hawaii County fire chief begins. The Hawaii County Fire Commission on Thursday named Deputy Fire Chief Daniel Volpe — who has been acting chief since the Dec. 14 death of Chief Kazuo Todd — temporary fire chief as the search for a permanent first firefighter begins. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaiʻi Fire Officials Embraced Prevention. Then Kazuo Todd Died. The Hawaiʻi County Fire Commission has appointed a temporary replacement but filling Todd’s shoes within the State Fire Council presents a bigger challenge. Civil Beat.

Mauna Kea oversight board begins series of workshops on the mountain’s future. The Mauna Kea Stewardship and Oversight Authority began a series of statewide workshops Thursday as it prepares to take over management of the mountain. Hawaii News Now.

$450K released for Boys and Girls Club center. The capital improvement program grant-in-aid funds will support construction, improvements and maintenance of the youth resource center, helping ensure a safe and supportive space for keiki and families in East Hawaii. Tribune-Herald.

KWXX Hoʻolauleʻa returns to downtown Hilo this Saturday. The free, family-friendly event runs Saturday from 4:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. and features four stages of continuous live music, performances by more than 20 Hawaii artists, and more than 40 local food and craft vendors. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Now. 

Maui

FEMA extension uncertain; Mayor urges wildfire survivors to take alternate housing, if available. With the end of temporary federal emergency assistance now set for the end of next month, Mayor Richard Bissen advised Lahaina wildfire survivors Wednesday night to take a permanent housing alternative, if available. The looming deadline affects 946 households still relying on direct rental assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Maui Now.

Report: Maui home sales surge as prices decline. Realtors Association of Maui report showed single-family house resales increased by 22.2 percent. The median price fell by 2 percent. As for condominiums, resales jumped 41.5 percent, with the median sales price dropping 25.6 percent. The surge in sales suggests buyers are responding to the significant price reductions. Hawaii News Now.

Hale Makua announces new ‘CarePlex’ and workforce housing initiatives on Maui. Hale Makua Health Services, a Maui-born nonprofit serving the island for 80 years, today announced two landmark projects inspired by the community.  Maui Now.

Kauai

Kaua‘i County offices will be closed for Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Closures also include the following facilities: All neighborhood centers, The Puhi Metals Recycling Center, The Kekaha Landfill, HI5 Redemption Centers, All refuse transfer stations. Kauai Now.

Survey finds support for Hawaii military presence, feds investigating state transgender athletics policies, Honolulu hires search firm for police chief, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Survey finds broad support for Hawaii military presence. Hawaii residents generally support the military’s presence in the islands, which employs 73,072 Department of Defense employees and pumps billions into the local economy each year, officials with the state Department of Business Economic Development and Tourism announced Wednesday. DBEDT’s online survey of 541 adult island residents showed that 62% of residents feel “positively” about the military’s presence in Hawaii, with 74% agreeing that it “strengthens” Hawaii’s economy. Star-Advertiser. KHON2.

Feds Investigating Hawaiʻi Schools’ Policies On Transgender Athletes. The Hawaiʻi Department of Education is one of 18 school districts and educational institutions across the country being investigated for allowing transgender athletes to participate in school sports, according to an announcement from the U.S. Department of Education on Wednesday.  Hawaiʻi’s education department allows transgender student athletes to join the high school sports teams of their choice. Civil Beat.

House Majority outlines top priorities for 2026 legislative session. Housing, Native Hawaiian issues and preserving the social safety net are among priorities when the Hawaiʻi State Legislature will convene in regular session on Wednesday, Jan. 21. Maui Now.

Public Defenders Got 20% Raises, But Hawaiʻi Isn’t Paying Them. The public defense attorneys typically earn far less than lawyers at other state agencies. Six months after a move to address the disparity, the money still hasn’t materialized. Civil Beat.

State Lawmakers Want To Protect Hawaiʻi Kids From AI Chatbots. Worried that children are being exploited by chatbots, lawmakers will again push for a bill to require organizations that use artificial intelligence in commercial transactions to publicly disclose that information to consumers. Civil Beat. KITV4.  Hawaii News Now.

Handbook rewrite, incorrect memo prompt concerns for Hawaiian Airlines. A policy rewrite and a misworded memo about it caused concern for employees and frequent flyers of Hawaiian Airlines. The last bullet point was highlighted: “In an effort to align our language to be inclusive for our entire employee population across the entire U.S., the Hawaiian words have been removed.” Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Honolulu Police Commission hires firm to find next HPD chief. The Honolulu Police Commission has entered into a $121,900 contract with an executive search firm from California as part of the ongoing effort to hire the city’s 13th police chief. Star-Advertiser.

$1.1M grant for Hawaiʻi's medical school seeks to further AI development. The funding comes from the American Medical Association as part of its national “Transforming Lifelong Learning Through Precision Education” grant program. The John A. Burns School of Medicine plans to use the money to develop AI systems to have a humanistic approach when teaching medical students about rural health. Hawaii Public Radio.

A Fight During Work Hours Wasn’t Enough To Get This City Inspector Fired. Honolulu hired Bryan Porcello despite at least eight convictions, and only fired him after his arrest for allegedly bailing a woman out of jail for sex.  Civil Beat.

Pilot program puts Honolulu police officers in 3 schools. The Honolulu Police Department and state Department of Education have launched Oahu’s first formal school resource officer pilot program, placing officers at Waianae, Kapolei and Kaimuki high schools through the current school year. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

ACLU Hawaii sues federal government to seek release of immigration detainee  who was detained during his green card hearing. ACLU comes to aid of Captain Cook man taken by ICE. The American Civil Liberties Union of Hawaii filed a habeas corpus petition Tuesday in U.S. District Court seeking the release of 42-year-old Captain Cook man Jose Estrada Lopez, who has been incarcerated without charges or bail at the Federal Detention Center in Honolulu. Tribune-Herald. Hawaii News Now. 

Interim Police Chief addresses arrests of two Hawaiʻi Island officers. Two Hawai‘i Island police officers appeared Wednesday afternoon in Hilo Circuit Court, where they pleaded not guilty to charges levied against them by the State of Hawai‘i Attorney General involving alleged unconstitutional searches of an arrestee’s belongings in May 2023. Big Island Now.

PONC program accepting nominations through Jan. 31.  The Hawaii County Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources Preservation Commission (PONC) is accepting nominations from the public through Jan. 31 for lands to be considered for preservation. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Jacky Takakura named Maui County Planning Director. Mayor Richard Bissen has appointed Jacky Takakura, a former Deputy Planning Director, to serve as County of Maui Planning Director. Her appointment takes effect Feb. 1 and is subject to confirmation by the Maui County Council. Maui Now.

Longtime kalo farmer announces run for Maui County Council. A longtime kalo farmer, Bobby Pahia, has announced his bid for a seat in the Maui County Council. Pahia announced Wednesday afternoon that he is running for the Upcountry residency seat currently held by Yuki Lei Sugimura, who is running for mayor. Hawaii News Now.

Maui braces for possible end to FEMA rental assistance and more housing strain for fire survivors. Nearly 1,000 households displaced by catastrophic wildfires on the Hawaiian island of Maui are anxiously awaiting word on whether federal assistance helping them stay housed will be left to expire, forcing them to find new housing or pay more for it in one of the tightest and most expensive rental environments in the country. Associated Press.

Kauai

New public pre-K classroom to help increase education access on Kauai. King Kaumualii Elementary in Lihue is now the fifth out of Kauai’s nine public elementary schools to offer public pre-K. Hawaii News Now.

Kapa‘a Satellite DMV site open, available to assist East Kaua‘i residents. Kaua‘i County Division of Motor Vehicles reminds the public that — while services are somewhat limited and by appointment-only — its Kapa‘a satellite location is open and available to assist East Kaua‘i residents. Kauai Now.

Hawaii’s largest coffee farm warns of mass layoff. Kauai Coffee Co. has told state and county leaders that it is being forced to lay off the 136 employees of its 3,100-acre Garden Isle farm. In December, Brue Baukol executives told the Honolulu Star-Advertiser that the company was committed to keeping Kauai Coffee open and was exploring ways to preserve, improve, or potentially manage the business itself. Star-Advertiser. KHON2.