AG issues cease and desist order to man allegedly posing as state's Chief Technology Officer, interisland flight fares rise, Ellison's private airline to assist Molokai medical patients, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii AG says man posed as state CTO at Bitcoin conference. The Hawaii Department of the Attorney General issued a cease and desist order against a man who they said is impersonating the state’s Chief Technology Officer at national conferences and on online platforms, according to a news release. Iqbal Khowaja is allegedly presenting himself as the “CTO of the State of Hawaii” at the Bitcoin 2026 conference currently underway in Las Vegas.  Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.  KITV4.  KHON2.

Soaring air fares hit interisland flights. Since the Iran War began, air fares on domestic flights have surged 18%, and international flights have risen by over $100 a ticket because of jet fuel prices that have doubled to over $220 a barrel. Hawaii News Now.

Anti-ICE Masking Bills In Hawaiʻi Doomed After Court Ruling. Advocates and lawmakers are pressing forward on other bills to limit police cooperation with immigration enforcement. Civil Beat.

3 things to know about proposed changes to the state's income tax plan. Under the current income tax plan, the state is expected to be in a $400 million financial hole by 2032 due to cuts in federal funding. The historic tax cut that started last year for all Hawaii residents, including its highest income earners, is expected to cost the state over $1 billion when it’s in full effect. Hawaii Public Radio. Big Island Now.

Aging Hawaiʻi: 60,000 More Housing Units Needed By 2050. New report projects population trends will lead to increased demand for affordable housing for kūpuna and says that departures of younger residents are creating a hole in the workforce. Civil Beat.

It’s Illegal To Ride A Moped Without A Helmet. Does Anyone Care? Hawaiʻi made moped helmets mandatory last year, but police aren’t issuing tickets and few riders appear to be voluntarily donning the protective gear. Civil Beat.

State seeks public review for statewide preservation plan draft. The State Historic Preservation Division of the Department of Land and Natural Resources said the 30-day review plan will guide how state and county agencies, Native Hawaiian organizations and communities work together to identify, protect and steward the state’s historic and cultural resources from 2026 through 2034. Hawaii News Now.

Tree planting effort to increase canopy at island schools. Ten schools have been selected to participate in the statewide Shade Trees for Schools program, a joint effort of the DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife’s Kaulunani Urban & Community Forestry Program and the Hawaiʻi Department of Education. The schools are located on Oʻahu, Maui, Lanaʻi, Kauaʻi and Hawaiʻi Island. Maui Now.

Oahu

Skyline reaches ridership record as downtown expansion continues. April has been a banner month for the Honolulu rail system, which made headlines in the past few weeks with some major achievements. Hawaii Public Radio.

Storms cripple Oahu’s North Shore, drive $325M in statewide tourism losses. The state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism estimates the storms already have triggered at least $325 million in statewide tourism losses, erased roughly 360,000 room nights, and pushed hundreds of small businesses — especially on Oahu’s North Shore and parts of Maui — into steep and ongoing revenue declines. Star-Advertiser.

City urged to improve stream maintenance and emergency monitoring. The Honolulu City Council and community members are calling on the City and County of Honolulu to improve its efforts to prevent, predict and respond to natural disasters. Hawaii Public Radio.

Frustrations over DMV processing delays on Oahu. The dealer center at Kapalama Hale is the only place car dealerships can process registrations and titles and they said there are thousands of cars needing to be processed. KITV4.

Meet Akamai: City’s AI voice assistant is ready to help. This AI-driven speech recognition tool is available 24/7 by quickly responding to routine, simple questions regarding driver’s licenses, motor vehicle registrations and state ID cards. KHON2.

Honolulu City Council mulls bill-rounding measure. The  city Department of Budget and Fiscal Services is proposing to round all cash payments for taxes, fees and services to the nearest nickel. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Police Commission Office In Hilo Closed Due to Staffing Shortages. The Hawai‘i County Police Commission office in Hilo is closed to the public due to staffing shortages. Members of the public may still pick up complaint forms and submit them using the office drop box. Big Island Video News.

Hawaii Commissions launch civil rights awareness campaign: ‘No Hate in the 808’. Hele-On buses across the island will soon feature a new informational advertisement to educate residents about their civil rights and provide resources for those facing discrimination. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Billionaire’s Private Airline Prepares New Moloka‘i Route. Lānaʻi Air was formed to fly guests in style to Larry Ellison’s luxury resorts. Now the company wants to help close the gulf in access to off-island doctors for Moloka‘i residents amid a shortage of air travel options. Civil Beat.

MEO welcomes Jared Appleby as CFO; Melissa Magonigle as HR Director. Jared Appleby and Melissa Magonigle joined the Maui Economic Opportunity executive leadership team in April as Chief Fiscal Officer and Human Resources Director, respectively. Maui Now.

Traffic-calming devices stir bumpy protest in Haiku. After seeing a petition with nearly 1,000 signatures on it, Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen placed a moratorium on the design and construction of proposed speed tables, speed humps, and similar traffic-calming devices in the area. Maui News.

Off-site parking required for state high school surf championship Friday-Saturday at Hoʻokipa. Spectators for the inaugural Hawai‘i High School Athletic Association Surfing State Championships (HHSAA) will only be allowed to access Ho’okipa Beach Park via free HHSAA event shuttles from the parking lot off Holomua Road on Friday and Saturday, the County of Maui Department of Parks and Recreation announced. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kekaha residents advised of planned April 30 water outage. A temporary water service shutdown is scheduled for portions of Kekaha on Thursday, April 30, as crews complete system upgrades, according to the Kauaʻi County Department of Water. Kauai Now.

Online registration for Summer Fun Program begins May 13. Registration for the county’s 2026 Summer Fun Program will open on May 13 at 8 a.m., through the county’s website, https://bit.ly/428VQLN, according to the Department of Parks and Recreation.  Garden Island.

Compromise income tax plan targets wealthy, state ballot order puts Republicans and Democrats last, Kauai electric utility to refund $2.7M, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Budget Committee Makes A Deal To Save State Tax Cuts. Part of the result is a new tax bracket created to boost state revenue from joint filers earning over $1 million, heads of household earning over $750,000 and single filers earning over $500,000. Star-Advertiser.Civil Beat. 

Senators criticize proposal to pause income tax breaks. Some state senators are criticizing the Green administration for its proposal to pause the historic income tax break for Hawaiʻi families. That criticism came during Monday's confirmation hearing for Seth Colby, director for the state Department of Budget and Fiscal Services. Hawaii Public Radio.

Gov. Blasts Auditor Report On Key Homeless Program. Gov. Josh Green blasted Hawaiʻi State Auditor Les Kondo’s preliminary report on his signature tiny homes project, accusing the Legislature’s watchdog of being overly aggressive and expressing an unwillingness to help the administration with the endeavor. Civil Beat.

Auditor warns legislators of initial kauhale concerns. State Auditor Les Kondo has sent an unusual memo to the state Legislature and the head of the state Department of Human Services warning of the need for “immediate attention” to address what Kondo called “improper use of public funds” even as his office continues to conduct an audit of Hawaii’s tiny home kauhale spending across Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiʻi Elections Officials Announce Political Party Ballot Order. With the 2026 Primary Election set for Aug. 8, the State of Hawaiʻi Office of Elections held a drawing on Tuesday to determine the order that political parties will appear on the ballot.  The party order was determined to be: Nonpartisan, Libertarian Party, Green Party, Republican Party, Democratic Party. Big Island Video News.

DUI bills die again in Hawaii Legislature. For the sixth consecutive year, bills aimed at lowering the blood-alcohol content threshold for drunken driving in Hawaii from 0.08% to 0.05% have failed legislative muster. Tribune-Herald.

Bill to ban student cellphone use in Hawaii is shelved. A state Senate committee deferred a bill last month that would have banned student cellphone use at public schools statewide after the Hawaii Board of Education adopted similar — yet more flexible — rules. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii state Senate to honor life and service of Colleen Hanabusa. The state Senate will celebrate her life and decades-long career in Hawaii politics on Thursday, May 7, in the Senate Chamber of the Hawaii State Capitol. Hawaii News Now.

‘Devil Weed’ Threatening Hawaiʻi Is Hitching A Ride In Turtles. Honu love to eat the aggressive seaweed smothering reefs in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. That’s raising hopes, but also concerns closer to home. Civil Beat.

Oahu

City seeks bill to round cash transactions amid penny shortage. To address the shortage, the city is asking the Honolulu City Council to pass a bill that would require rounding cash payments for taxes, fees, and other charges to the nearest five cents. KHON2.

West Oahu hillside eyed for new city landfill. The proposed dump site, known as Makaiwa Hills, spans roughly 150 acres and is owned by James Campbell Company LLC. It sits adjacent to the city’s 37-year-old Waimanalo Gulch Sanitary Landfill in Kapolei, which is scheduled to close by March 2, 2028. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiʻi Forest Reserves “Are Not Landfills”, Officials Chide. Roughly 200 rubber tires were recently discovered, dumped in the Honolulu Watershed Forest Reserve.  Big Island Video News. KHON2.

AI hazard detection system on hold amid federal funding pause. The Department of Emergency Management has been working towards an all-hazard AI detection project. But federal funding for the project has become tight. KHON2.

The Hawaii Department of Health fined a caregiver on Oahu for leaving clients unattended. The DOH Office of Health Care Assurance issued an order against Reymando Fiesta for leaving clients of the Community Care Foster Family Home unattended or without a qualified caregiver. KITV4.

Years-long closure of Waikiki bathroom ‘disappointing’ to many, some demand answers. For the past four years, the city has blamed the bathroom’s closure on vandals who flushed clothes down the toilets, as well as mechanical and electric issues with a pump, requiring more than $40,000 for repairs. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Community pushing to stop 36 large trees from being cut down at Honokaʻa County Park. The county has initiated a project to remove 36 mature Cuban mahogany trees because the roots were damaging two parking lots at the Honokaʻa Sports Complex and Skate Park. Big Island Now.

Recovery efforts underway after downtown Hilo fire. Nearly five months after a fire ravaged multiple buildings in downtown Hilo, the cause is still unknown, but the investigation into the incident has been closed by the Hawaii Fire Department. Tribune-Herald.

Renovations start at old Hilo hospital. The work is part of an effort by the Hawaii County Office of Housing and Community Development to establish a coordinated resource hub focused on housing stabilization, workforce readiness, behavioral health and wraparound services. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News.  Big Island Now.

Maui

Maui County proposes 2-million-gallon water storage tank in Kīhei. The Maui County Department of Water Supply is proposing a 2-million-gallon drinking water storage tank in central Kīhei to improve system reliability, and officials are now accepting public comments on the project. Maui Now.

New housing opportunity opens for Lahaina educators. Hawaiʻi educators have a new housing opportunity through a development under the state Department of Education. The $20 million housing project, called Ke ʻAla Punia, includes 47 rental units for educators and staff. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kauai

Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative returning money to members. Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative will be returning money to its members, some from 2025 and other money related to balances from 2002 and part of 2003. The Coop’s Board of Directors voted to return $2.7 million in total, according to a news release last week.  Kauai Now.

Hawaiʻi Helicopter Safety: Kauaʻi’s Waimea Canyon To Get Cameras. Weather was the main cause of aviation accidents in Hawaiʻi over the past 20 years. The FAA hopes a network of remote cameras can make the skies safer. Civil Beat.

Green fee tourist tax spending disputed, budget negotiations mired in income tax debate, buffalo herd may come to North Shore, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

‘Green Fee’ project spending faces shakeup. How the state spends nearly $130 million on initial projects to protect natural resources, mitigate disaster risk and improve visitor experiences under Hawaii’s new “Green Fee” program is facing reshuffling at the Legislature. Some powerful senators don’t want to fund about $65 million of projects recommended by an advisory council in January and instead have proffered their own list of suggested replacements. Star-Advertiser.

Debate Over Hawaiʻi Income Taxes Gums Up Budget Negotiations. A majority in the Senate last week described to a group of House members what sounded like a line in the sand over a pending Hawaii income tax relief bill that could dramatically affect how much revenue the state has to spend next fiscal year. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.

Hawaii secures $600K federal grant to boost specialty crops. The funding will support projects designed to enhance the competitiveness of locally grown fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, horticulture and nursery crops. KHON2.

Online scams stole $55M from kupuna last year. Kupuna in Hawaii over the age of 60 dropped more than $55 million to online scams last year, with fake investments, cryptocurrency and cryptocurrency wallet scams accounting for the biggest online losses. Star-Advertiser.

National Weather Service predicts El Nino this summer. Hurricane season is coming — and the likelihood of an El Nino cycle only will increase the probability that one could hit the Hawaiian Islands. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Oʻahu’s North Shore: Where The Buffalo Roam? If the state Board of Agriculture and Biosecurity approves, American bison from Montana will soon be on a plane to Hawaiʻi. Civil Beat.

A new University of Hawaii study on flooding in Waikiki highlights a rising threat. UH researchers predict that rising ocean levels will lead to more flooding in the low-lying area, eventually on a daily basis, and the waters will contain sewage. Hawaii News Now.

Teen vaping on the rise in Hawaiʻi: Schools install sensors to catch students in the act. More than 70 campuses, including Kamehameha, Mililani and Radford High Schools have installed vape detection sensors inside bathrooms and other private areas. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

Hawaiʻi Police Department to test, evaluate new external ballistic vest uniform. Hawaiʻi Police Department in May will embark on a 30-day operational test and evaluation of a new external ballistic vest uniform for patrol officers. Big Island Now.

DLNR marine initiative launches on Big Island in May. The state Department of Land and Natural Resources will host seven “talk-story” sessions on Hawaii Island next month seeking public input about incorporating local knowledge into plans for managing marine resources. Tribune-Herald.

Funds released for Waikoloa Village library: Building will cost at least $21M and could open in 2028. Gov. Josh Green has released $21 million in state funding to build a long-sought public library in Waikoloa Village. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui police commander suspended in connection with illegal fireworks incident. The head of MPD’s Criminal Intelligence Unit, Lt. Michael Vaituulala, has reortedly been suspended in connection with an illegal fireworks incident on New Year’s Day. Hawaii News Now.

Maui Fire Lawsuit Payouts Are Near. Few Survivors Will Break Even. Money could start flowing to victims by June, nearly two years after the settlement was finalized. Civil Beat.

Standoff continues over control of East Maui streams. Agriculture company Mahi Pono currently operates the East Maui Irrigation system, and has been vying for a 30-year lease to continue doing so. The county’s East Maui Water Authority has advocated that it’s better suited to manage the flow of Maui stream water as a public entity. Hawaii Public Radio.

LCLT opens homebuyer portal for Lahaina-rooted residents seeking path to homeownership. The Lahaina Community Land Trust has launched its homebuyer portal where Lahaina-rooted ʻohana can take the first step on the path to purchasing an affordable home. Maui Now.

Kauai

Senate confirms circuit court judges for Kauaʻi, Maui. Last week, the Hawaiʻi State Senate confirmed the appointment of Judge Michael K. Soong to the Circuit Court of the 5th Circuit on Kauaʻi. Kauai Now.

Legislature heads into conference committees, Devens narrowly cleared by Senate panel as chief justice, Honolulu mulls new jail, Sulla sentenced to 60 months for role in housing credit scam, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii Legislature enters final stretch as key bills hang in the balance. With the 2026 legislative session nearing its end, lawmakers at the Hawaiʻi State Capitol are racing to reach agreements on dozens of major bills now in conference committee. KHON2.

Legislature considers bills to address home insurance issues following disasters. United Policy Holders is a nonprofit that educates consumers on insurance policies. Their equal justice fellow, Sherry Peterson, is advocating for a measure that would have required insurers to annually give homeowners a replacement cost estimate and clearly state if the current policy is adequate. Hawaii Public Radio.

Bill proposes stricter requirements for companies collecting donations for charities. To ensure transparency, House Bill 1810 would require solicitors who collect donations for charities to display prominant signage explaining that the donations will be resold in for-profit stores. The measure also calls for more robust financial reporting to the public. Hawaii News Now.

Senate Panel Narrowly Approves Chief Justice Nominee. The Senate Judiciary Committee voted 3-2 Friday to confirm the nomination of Associate Justice Vladimir Devens as Hawaii’s next chief justice, sending its recommendation to the full Senate after hearings that weighed his legal experience and labor background over disclosure and past political activity. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. 

This Rich Hawaiʻi Super PAC Is Already Shaping A Key Statewide Election. Pacific Resource Partnership has become a major player in the state’s most important political races. A political action committee backed by Pacific Resource Partnership is again stepping up with loads of cash at a pivotal moment in Hawaiʻi politics. This time the independent expenditure committee — more commonly known as a super PAC — is called For A Better Tomorrow. Civil Beat.

Luke Fallout Continues With Third Target In Bribery Investigation. Former Hawaiʻi Public Utilities Commission Chair Leo Asuncion Jr. is another target of the state investigation into possible bribery and campaign finance violations. Civil Beat.

Gov. Green addresses questions about Luke’s future. Sylvia Luke was so affected emotionally and physically over a state Attorney General’s investigation, Gov. Josh Green said, he worried about her health and intentionally left her out of important meetings, such as the state’s responses to the back-to- back-to-back storms that began in March. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii leaders push Pentagon for bigger role in military land leases. Office of Hawaiian Affairs leaders spent three days in Washington, D.C., last week, holding talks with congressional lawmakers and Pentagon officials on the future of military-leased lands in Hawaii.  Star-Advertiser.

State unemployment rate rises but still lowest in the country. Hawaii’s unemployment rate inched up by one-tenth of a point in February to 2.3%, but remained tied with South Dakota for the fourth straight month as the lowest in the country. Star-Advertiser. Big Island Now. 

Oahu

New design urged for replacing Oahu jail. A state plan to replace Oahu’s dilapidated jail may be diverted by a legislative initiative to make the long-envisioned new facility more of a restorative place. The Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation  has received about $55 million mainly from the Legislature over the last decade to advance the OCCC replacement project. Star-Advertiser.

HTA targets North Shore gridlock in updated management plans. With Oahu’s North Shore unusually quiet after recent flooding drove visitors away, the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority is moving toward approval of a new round of destination management plans aimed at mitigating long-standing problems with traffic gridlock, dangerous roadside parking and overcrowded trails. Star-Advertiser.

‘Degassing’ of Red Hill tanks nearing completion, Navy says. Decommissioning the Red Hill Bulk Storage Facility will continue next week, with the Navy announcing Friday that it will be “degassing” Tank 11, which it called “another significant milestone.” Star-Advertiser.

Oʻahu's new flood maps could cost you. In a little more than a month, the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s updated Oʻahu flood maps go into effect. And thousands of properties are being added to the flood zone. Hawaii Public Radio.

Sea-level rise might increase tainted water. Waikīkī is at risk of sewage-contaminated flooding as sea levels continue to rise, according to a new study from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii Public Radio. 

Hawaii Island

Sulla sentenced for role in Hawaii County housing credits scam. A third Hawaii Island man has been sentenced for his role in a conspiracy to pay bribes to a Hawaii County official in connection with affordable housing development agreements worth more than $11 million. Former Big Island attorney Paul Joseph Sulla, 79, of Hilo was sentenced Thursday to 60 months in prison. Tribune-Herald.

Kawaihae Harbor Improvements Detailed In Draft Environmental Assessment. The Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation is planning to widen Kawaihae Road and improve the cargo yard. Big Island Video News.

County launches coastal management education tool. In addition to providing an overview of different coastal ecosystems in the county, the site allows users to search an address and select various filters to view potential coastal hazards and regulations specific to that site, among other features. Tribune-Herald.

Victoria Hanes takes reins as new CEO of HICHC. Hanes will succeed current CEO Richard Taaffe, who has held the position since 2005 when he started at West Hawaii Community Health Center, which merged with Bay Clinic in 2022 to form HICHC. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Lawsuit: Maui Mayor’s Former Chief Of Staff Claims Whistleblower Retaliation. Leo Caires, who served as Maui Mayor Richard Bissen’s chief of staff from January 2023 to October 2024, was met with hostility, demoted and ultimately fired after he uncovered and reported financial misconduct being carried out by other county employees, according to a lawsuit filed in circuit court. Civil Beat.

HIDOE opens 47-unit housing project on Maui to support Lahaina educators. The Hawaiʻi State Department of Education marked the opening of its Lahaina educator workforce housing development, a $20 million project designed to support teacher retention and strengthen public education on Maui. Maui Now.

Loss of land in storm complicates recovery for ‘Īao Valley residents. Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen said the county was looking at bringing soil runoff back to restore people’s properties. Maui Now.

Kauai

West Kaua‘i Residents Want This Remote Beach Park Reopened. The remote Polihale State Park is a popular West Kaua‘i beach for locals to swim, camp, fish and surf, but the park’s access gate has been closed for six weeks with boulders blocking the road.  Civil Beat.

‘Shared vision’: Blessing ceremony hosted for new Lima Ola Community Garden in ‘Ele‘ele. A shared vision of partners Kaua‘i County and Leadership Kaua‘i is now reality in ‘Ele‘ele with a new space that will bring community members together for food, connection and stewardship. Kauai Now.

Comptroller Regan named acting Lt. Gov. as Luke takes indefinite leave, Jones Act waiver extended 90 days, Honolulu inalienable right to food charter amendment faces axe, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Sylvia Luke on indefinite leave as Keith Regan becomes acting lieutenant governor. Gov. Josh Green announced on Thursday that state Comptroller Keith Regan — fifth in line in order of state government leadership succession — had accepted the job as acting lieutenant governor. Regan will continue serving as comptroller and director of the Department of Accounting and General Serv­ices while doing triple duty as acting lieutenant governor. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii Public Radio. KHON2.  Hawaii News Now. 

Hawaii Attorney General targets at least 3 in state bribery investigation. The state Department of the Attorney General emailed target letters last week not only to Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke and a lobbyist whom she dined with on Jan. 20, 2022, but also to a volunteer with her 2022 campaign for lieutenant governor. Star-Advertiser.

Trump extends Jones Act waiver 90 days to ease energy costs. President Donald Trump granted a 90-day extension to a shipping waiver that makes it easier to move oil, fuel and fertilizer around the United States, the White House said Thursday. Reuters.

Hawaiʻi Slashes Pay For Autistic Student Aides On Neighbor Islands. The education department offered more money for specialists serving autistic students on the neighbor islands. Four years later, it’s retracting its offer. Civil Beat.

New leadership positions aim to help move Hawaiʻi tourism into regenerative model. The Hawaiʻi Visitors and Convention Bureau appointed three new leaders to strengthen the organization as it evolves beyond the traditional destination marketing model. Maui Now. 

Oahu

Honolulu’s Right To Food, A Trailblazing Proposal, Faces The Axe. More than a dozen groups are calling on the Honolulu Charter Commission to disregard recommendations to kill a proposal to make food an inalienable right. Civil Beat.

Police seize 16 gaming machines, cash in Aiea raid. Officers from the Narco/Vice Gambling Detail, assisted by a District 3 Crime Reduction Unit, Forfeiture Detail and Specialized Serv­ices Division, recovered 16 gaming machines and more than $6,000 in cash, the Honolulu Police Department announced in a news release Thursday. Star-Advertiser. KITV4.

More sections of Aloha Stadium toppled. Dismantlement of the old Aloha Stadium remains on schedule despite the Kona-low storms of recent weeks, developers said Thursday, after a large section of the 50,000-seat structure was pulled down by Aloha Halawa District Partners, the private entity in partnership with the state in the New Aloha Stadium Entertainment District project. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Run! Ala Moana Crosswalk Has Pedestrians Counting Down The Seconds. Cars power through this busy Ala Moana pedestrian crossing, while walkers are still trying to reach the other side. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Research could resume at space simulation facility on Mauna Loa. A bubble-like structure on Mauna Loa’s northern slope could once again host simulation-based experiments meant to mimic conditions on Mars and the moon. The Hawaii Space Exploration Analog and Simulation, or HI-SEAS, facility was previously operated by the University of Hawaii at Manoa with funding from NASA until grant funding ran out. Tribune-Herald.

Civil Defense launches campaign to help residents apply for federal storm relief. Staff from Hawaii County Civil Defense Agency and volunteers will visit communities across Hawaii Island to provide help for residents and business owners applying for federal assistance to recover from the recent Kona low storms. Tribune-Herald.

Man accused of stealing from Kamehameha Schools Hawaii pleads not guilty. Zachary Heltz, a 32-year-old Honolulu man accused of embezzling almost $360,000 from Kamehameha Schools Hawaii when he was employed there has repaid $69,500 to the educational trust and has been making monthly $3,500 restitution payments. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui Resort’s Plastic Barrier To Save Beach Faces Public Pushback. Plans to install a 360-foot long plastic “erosion protection skirt” on Kāʻanapali Beach are in limbo following pushback from community members and environmental advocates who say the barrier could accelerate erosion and harm a neighboring beach that is beloved by locals. Civil Beat.

Habitat for Humanity Maui celebrates completion of its first Lahaina rebuild. The home was originally one of ten homes built by Habitat Maui in 2020 for a Lahaina family. Rebuilding it marks an important step forward as families begin returning to the neighborhood following the devastating 2023 wildfires. Maui Now.

Mayor Bissen announces 99th Maui County Fair will return to War Memorial in Wailuku. Highlighting last year’s successful comeback of the beloved fair, Mayor Richard Bissen on Thursday announced that the Maui County Fair is returning once again October 1-4, 2026. Maui Now.

Kalaupapa legacy honored with annual Dutton Day. Gov. Josh Green signed Senate Bill 2256 on Thursday as Act 4, establishing April 27 as Brother Joseph Dutton Day, formally honoring his contributions to Hansen’s disease patients in Molokai’s remote Kalaupapa peninsula. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now. 

Kauai

Lifeguards gain official first responder recognition on Kaua’i. The Kauaʻi County Council passed a resolution on Wednesday formally recognizing ocean lifeguards as first responders, a designation supporters say reflects the reality of their role on the front lines of emergency response. Kauai Now.

Kaua‘i residents invited to write messages for Shinnyo Lantern Floating Hawai‘i event. Community members are invited to write messages about loved ones who have passed on that will be sent over to O‘ahu for the upcoming annual remembrance ceremony next month at Ala Moana Beach Park. Kauai Now.

Luke receives AG target letter in bribery probe, more raises for Honolulu officials, lawsuit against Turtle Bay luxury resort headed to court, Kilauea volcano erupting again, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Green to meet with Lt. Gov. Luke after she gets target letter in bribery probe. Gov. Josh Green plans to meet with embattled Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke today after she received a letter from the state Attorney General’s office informing her that she is the target of a bribery investigation involving an “influential state legislator” who allegedly accepted $35,000 in a paper bag at a 2022 dinner. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.  KITV4.

Hawaiʻi Lawmakers Shelve Petition To Further Probe $35K Paper Bag Case. House Speaker Nadine Nakamura tabled the citizen petition with little advance notice or discussion. More than 900 petitioners asked the lawmakers to find out what happened in this transaction, determine if any laws had been broken and figure out what steps should be taken to address ethics problems at the Legislature.  Civil Beat.

A narrowed race for lieutenant governor leaves top state positions unchallenged. Following Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke's announcement that she will not be running for reelection, Kauaʻi Mayor Derek Kawakami is the only significant Democrat vying for the position. Unless someone decides by the June 2 deadline to enter the election for lieutenant governor, it could create an uncompetitive race for both of the state’s top executive positions. Hawaii Public Radio.

Supreme Court Chief Justice Nominee Faces Tough Questions From Senators. Besides his work for a powerful Hawaiʻi super PAC, lawmakers raised concerns about Vladimir Devens’ attendance at a controversial Honolulu cop’s retirement party. Civil Beat.

31 countries to send forces to RIMPAC this summer in Hawaii. The Navy announced Wednesday that the biennial Rim of the Pacific — better known as RIMPAC — will again this summer, from June 24 to July 31, bring troops, warships and aircraft from 31 nations to Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

Vegetation growth from recent rains may stoke wildfire risk. Torrential rains in March and April have turned Hawaiʻi's landscapes green with new plant growth. Much of that vegetation is thirsty invasive grasses, which dominate Hawaiʻi's unmanaged lands. Those grasses likely won't stay green for long. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

Honolulu salary panel OKs 4.7% pay raises for top city officials. The Honolulu Salary Commission on Wednesday approved a 4.7% pay increase for most of the city’s top elected and appointed officials, with changes set to take effect by July 1. The across-the-board adjustment for the 2027 fiscal year will raise the mayor’s annual salary to $236,712 from $226,080. Members of the nine-member City Council will see their yearly pay increase to $127,800 from $122,064, while the Council chair’s salary will rise to $138,264, up from $132,048. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu Traffic Cams Catch Speeders. But Most Don’t Get Tickets. Cameras at 10 major accident hot spots are catching red light runners and speeders. But ticketing more of them would overwhelm the state’s courts. Civil Beat.

Lawsuit against proposed luxury resort in Turtle Bay set to go to court. Kūpaʻa Kuilima and Earthjustice filed a lawsuit in state court to block the proposed development of a second resort on the Ritz-Carlton’s Turtle Bay property. Hawaii Public Radio.

Residents push back over West Oahu landfill concerns. The City presented its proposal for Makaiwa Hills to the Kapolei Neighborhood Board on Wednesday, and many said they will push back. KHON2. Hawaii News Now. KITV4. 

Macadamia chocolate manufacturer ending sales. Menehune Mac — Hawaii’s oldest existing macadamia nut candy manufacturer, founded in 1939 — has produced its final batch that owner Jimmy Chan hopes will last through Mother’s Day. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Council’s attempt to override Alameda’s veto falls short. The Hawaii County Council came one vote short Wednesday of overturning Mayor Kimo Alameda’s veto of a bill that would have created a commission tasked with advising county officials about construction codes. Tribune-Herald.

Sen. Hirono, Indo-Pacific Commander Discuss Pōhakuloa. Sen. Mazie K. Hirono (D, Hawaiʻi) told Admiral Samuel Paparo that the military should not "short-circuit" land lease discussions by seeking to condemn the land. Big Island Video News.

Hawaiʻi County could give state group $250K for invasive species management. Hawaiʻi Island lawmakers are considering giving the state $250,000 for invasive species management on the island, but have been critical about its efforts so far. Hawaii Public Radio.

Episode 45 of lava fountaining begins at the summit of Kilauea. Episode 45 of lava fountaining in Halemaʻumaʻu began at the summit of Kilauea at 1:34 a.m. on Thursday. Hawaii News Now.

Maui

Budget panel weighs department cuts amid property tax certification, stable revenue. Maui County Council Member Kauanoe Batangan has proposed an across-the-board 1.25% budget cut for non-first-responder departments that would yield somewhat more than $5 million in savings from Mayor Richard Bissen’s fiscal 2027 $1.61 billion budget proposal. Maui Now.

Mayor Bissen halts traffic-calming devices on County roads in Haʻikū in response to community concern. In response to Haʻikū community concerns, Mayor Richard Bissen temporarily halted future design and construction of proposed or pending speed tables, speed humps and similar traffic-calming devices on County of Maui roadways in Haʻikū. Maui Now.

Maui brands get new boost as iShoppes runs former DFS Hawaii sites at Kahului Airport. International Shoppes (iShoppes) was selected by the Hawai‘i Department of Transportation to provide retail and in-bond duty free concessions at the Kahului Airport on Maui. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kauaʻi Sea Scouts showcase donated 61-foot yacht at weekend open house. The Kaua‘i Sea Scouts recently received a donated $500,000 boat, Sun Seeker, and are welcoming the community to their open house. The Kauaʻi Sea Scouts will host the event from 4 to 6 p.m. on Saturday, April 25, welcoming boys and girls ages 12 to 18 to learn about the program, meet current members, and explore its new donated vessel “Sun Seeker.” Kauai Now.

Push to ban aquarium harvesting pits islands against each other, Honolulu narrows police chief candidates to 6, Western Governors Association tours Maui, Waikoloa faces more housing, no evacuation route, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Political ‘Hot Potato’: Where Should Hawaiʻi Ban Aquarium Fishing? The House and Senate have to work out major differences if the bill is to pass in the next two weeks. The push to ban aquarium fishing in Hawaiʻi has advanced farther in the current legislative session than it has in years, clearing both the House and Senate, but it’s also been heavily watered down to get that far, conservation advocates say. Civil Beat.

RKF Jr. declares public health emergency for Hawaii in wake of storms. U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. signed the declaration Tuesday to address the health impacts caused by the severe back-to-back storms, flooding, landslides, and mudslides that occurred from March 10 to 24. Star-Advertiser. KHON2.  KITV4. 

Pacific chief hopes for ‘consensus’ on Hawaii land leases. Adm. Samuel Paparo, who leads U.S. Indo-Pacific Command from Camp Smith on Oahu, testified Tuesday before the Senate Armed Serv­ices Committee on U.S. military posture and readiness in the region alongside Gen. Xavier Brunson, commander of U.S. forces in South Korea. Star-Advertiser.

Lawmakers urge government agencies to improve communications during disasters. Representatives from county, state and federal agencies met with the House Committee on Public Safety to discuss their response to the recent Kona low storms, and ways they can improve. Hawaii Public Radio.

Energy experts debate what will lower costs as oil prices rise. A future for Hawaiʻi without oil is on the horizon. State law prohibits Hawaiʻi from using fossil fuels for power generation after 2045. In the meantime, policymakers and energy experts are looking for a way to reduce energy costs. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaiian Airlines hopes launch of new app eases ongoing check-in woes. Starting Wednesday, travelers are asked to check in online or on the new Alaska Hawaiian app, and they will not be allowed to check in at kiosks in airport departure lobbies. The machines will only print out bag tags. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

iShoppes takes over DFS airport retail sites with heavy focus on local brands. International Shoppes is rolling out the most locally focused retail program in its airport portfolio, with local vendors accounting for about 60% of its merchandise now offered at Honolulu and Kahului airports — the highest share at any airport it operates. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Police Commission narrows Honolulu chief candidates to 6 semifinalists. The names of the semi-finalists have not been released. The commission is expected to select finalists during a May 6 meeting, with those names to be announced afterward. Hawaii News Now.

Charter Commission Panel Recommends Big Changes To HPD Oversight. A commission subcommittee is pushing forward a major overhaul of the Honolulu Police Commission including how the chief is selected and misconduct investigated. Civil Beat.

Panel considers 4.7% pay raise for city officials. The Honolulu Salary Commission today is set to adopt a 4.7% pay increase for most of the city’s top elected and appointed officials, including the mayor, managing director and nine-member City Council. Star-Advertiser.

City proposes new landfill in West Oahu, drawing opposition from landowner and lawmakers. The city is proposing a new municipal landfill in the Makaiwa Hills overlooking Kapolei. The plan targets residential-zoned lands owned by Makaiwa LLC, an affiliate of the James Campbell Company. Hawaii News Now.

DOH: No elevated pesticides, heavy metals, found in floodwater samples. The Hawaii Department of Health on Tuesday said that no elevated levels of pesticides or heavy metals were detected in samples of post-storm floodwaters collected from Oahu’s North Shore. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu’s Airport Has AI Theme Songs. The Internet Is Divided. The AI-generated tunes celebrating the islands are played hourly over the airport sound system. Some travelers think they misrepresent local culture. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

‘Not A Priority’: Frustrations Mount Over Missing Fire Evacuation Route. Hawai‘i County Council is weighing the mayor’s budget request to build more housing before finishing an evacuation route in Waikōloa. Civil Beat.

Kailua Village parking bill stalls again. A Hawaii County Council committee voted unanimously Tuesday to again postpone a controversial bill that would cap rates at privately owned parking lots in Kailua Village. Tribune-Herald.

8 neglected state-owned burial sites to be restored, including Mauna Ziona Cemetery in Kona. Hawaiʻi state officials will soon survey Mauna Ziona Cemetery in Kailua-Kona as part of a broader effort to restore eight neglected state-owned burial sites. Big Island Now.

Taking shape: Hilo Benioff Medical Center expansion makes progress. Among the new facilities are a new medical office building, expanded intensive and progressive care units, and a renovated family birthing center. Tribune-Herald.

‘We’re ready to go’: After 8 long years, lower Puna residents are eager to drive home. 71-year-old Deb Smith and her 72-year-old husband, Stan,  have been living at their 5-acre Kapoho Farm Lots property for over half a decade, coming and going via bicycle, hauling groceries, building materials and off-grid supplies over a treacherous, rocky 700-foot trail traversing mounds of black lava cinders at the border of the 2018 lava field. Tribune-Herald.

Maui 

Governor hosts WGA Policy Forum on disaster management; visits Ka Laʻi Ola in Lahaina, Maui. Gov. Josh Green is hosting colleagues at a Western Governor’ Association Policy Forum on disaster management and recovery, taking place on Maui this week. Maui Now.

Work to start on pedestrian bridge at ʻĪao Valley State Monument; Park closure continues since March storms. The DLNR Division of State Parks will begin critical upgrades to the pedestrian bridge crossing Wailuku River at ʻĪao Valley State Monument on April 27, 2026. The work will continue through June 26, 2026. Maui Now.

Lessons from the 2023 Lahaina wildfire continue to shape Hawaii’s disaster response. Nearly three years after the devastating 2023 Maui wildfires that killed 102 people and destroyed most of Lahaina, state leaders say Hawaii is making measurable progress in disaster preparedness and recovery, but also warn that entrenched systems, limited resources and a changing climate continue to test the pace of change. Star-Advertiser.

Residents displaced by Lahaina wildfire find a renewed sense of community. Michele Haia and Lehua I‘i often find themselves up until around 2 a.m., talking story long after most of Ka La‘i Ola has gone quiet. What began as a friendship before the Aug. 8, 2023, Maui wildfires deepened in the wake of displacement and loss — becoming something both women now describe as essential to healing. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai

Temporary Niumalu Bridge opens in Nāwiliwili, with replacement project planned for 2027. Traffic is once again flowing in Nāwiliwili after a key bridge reopened on Tuesday, but with a temporary twist. Kauai Now.