Keohokalole challenges Case for Congressional seat, Green extends solar tax credit another year, new GoFundMe rules for Hawaii nonprofits, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Experience Or New Energy: Case Squares Off Against Keohokalole for Congress. U.S. Rep. Ed Case, who is seeking a fifth consecutive term, faces his most challenging primary race since returning to Congress in 2018. Case, a Democrat, is seeking his fifth term representing Hawaiʻi’s 1st Congressional District, which covers urban Oʻahu from Hawaiʻi Kai to ʻEwa. But if he’s to return to Washington in 2027 he’ll need to stave off a challenge from 42-year-old state Sen. Jarrett Keohokalole, who’s now his main opponent in the contest. Civil Beat.

Gov. Josh Green preserves 2026 Hawaii solar tax credit. Gov. Josh Green signed an executive order that would preserve solar credits for projects this year, delaying any changes to the program prompted by Act 24 until 2027. Green had signed Act 24 May 21 that reduced tax credits for several industries to help the state balance its budget and partly offset nearly $3 billion in anticipated lost revenue from the federal government.  Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. KHON2.

There’s One Big Flaw With The AG’s Track Record On Medicaid Fraud. A single settlement with a dialysis company accounted for the lion’s share of funds recovered by Hawaiʻi’s fraud unit, now facing federal scrutiny. Civil Beat.

New law changes fundraising for Hawaii nonprofits.  Beginning July 1, Hawaii’s Act 205 will require online charitable fundraising platforms, including GoFundMe, to obtain written permission from nonprofits before allowing users to donate to them or create fundraisers on their behalf. Star-Advertiser.

DHHL legal settlement distribution nears end. A genealogical hunt to find beneficiaries of a $328 million Hawaii legal settlement is nearing a likely incomplete end after more than two years of difficult and often emotionally searing work. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Convention center forced to postpone dozens of projects. The Hawai‘i Convention Center is moving ahead with critical leak repairs during its two-year shutdown, but state lawmakers’ rejection of a $55 million funding request means many of the upgrades needed to keep the venue competitive will be pushed off for years. Star-Advertiser.

Navy plans Red Hill water treatment facility. Five years since the Red Hill fuel leaks contaminated drinking water that serves 93,000 Oahu residents, sickening many, the Navy has completed its environmental assessment for a Red Hill Water Treatment Facility. Star-Advertiser.

Circus producer sues city over alleged ticketing failures, lost sales. The  lawsuit alleges the city required Showmakers Inc., a Honolulu- based producer of a circus featuring acrobats and motorcycle stunts rather than animal acts, to sell tickets exclusively through Ticketmaster LLC as a condition of using the city-owned venue at 777 Ward Ave. Star-Advertiser.

OHA reconsiders exploring KITV/KIKU deal. The Office of Hawaiian Affairs will reconsider its vote against funding due diligence for a possible acquisition of KITV and KIKU, reviving a proposal the Board of Trustees narrowly rejected last month. Star-Advertiser.

New Haleiwa farm expands opportunities for immigrant and refugee farmers. Community leaders, elected officials and immigrant farmers gathered at the North Shore Friday to bless Pacific Gateway Center’s new 80-acre Haleiwa farm, celebrating a project they say will strengthen Hawaii’s food security while creating economic opportunities for refugees, immigrants and survivors of human trafficking. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu condo owners pay some of the highest fees in the country. More than 60% of Oʻahu condominiums sold this year have maintenance fees of $800 a month or more. That’s up from just 20% in 2019. Hawaii Public Radio.

Military and civic leaders celebrate Flag Day and the U.S. Army’s founding. Military and civic leaders gathered Sunday on the grounds of the Pearl Harbor National Memorial to recognize Flag Day — the celebration of the official adoption of the American flag in 1777 — as well as the anniversary of the U.S. Army’s founding in 1775. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Hilo Harbor project hits snag. A $62 million planned expansion of Hilo Harbor will include traffic-flow improvements along Kalanianaole Street, promising relief to beach-goers, school commuters and residents of Keaukaha fed up with frequent gridlocks caused by cargo trucks entering and exiting the port. But the project’s timetable continues to be pushed back by breakdowns in negotiations over five privately owned properties adjacent to the port which the state needs to acquire before work can begin. Tribune-Herald.

Lawsuit trying to stop Kamehameha School’s Keauhou Bay plan to have hearing about consultant’s role. The main goal of the lawsuit's petitioner is to stop a proposed 150 bungalow development that is part of the nonprofit's management plan, which also includes a new cultural education center. Big Island Now.

Waikoloa Village residents ramp up demand for a new road. Wildfires in recent years on Hawaii Island and Maui have driven Waikoloa Village residents to seek proactive solutions to the looming danger of traffic bottlenecks in the event of a full-scale evacuation. The village is home to roughly 7,000 full-time residents with only one way in and out: Waikoloa Road. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

3 Democrats Compete For West Maui House Seat In Primary. House District 14 has gone Democrat for decades. But its two-term incumbent, Rep. Elle Cochran, traded teams in March and is running as a Republican.  Civil Beat.

Cost of Government Commission releases sweeping review of Maui County Boards and Commissions. The report identifies seven cross-cutting issues affecting the County’s governance infrastructure and recommends a mix of eliminations, restructurings and reforms. Maui Now.

Maui Health celebrates new CT scanner made possible with Oprah Winfrey donation. The June 8 ceremony brought together the hospital’s Imaging team, Kahu Kimokeo Kapahulehua, and Winfrey, whose gift to Maui Health Foundation funded the advanced diagnostic equipment. Maui Now.

Dead coconut rhinoceros beetles found in Waikapu traps. State agriculture officials have confirmed the discovery of dead coconut rhinoceros beetles in Waikapu, prompting additional surveys and monitoring efforts as Maui continues to guard against the destructive invasive pest. Maui News.

Kauai

Kauai County seeking to expand part of Kekaha Landfill by 2030. Kauai County is aiming to vertically expand a portion of the Kekaha Landfill — the only permitted landfill on the island — as it’s expected to reach its maximum capacity in 2030. Star-Advertiser.

Want to live like a rockstar? Former Carlos Santana estate up for sale on Kaua‘i’s North Shore. The $13 million former Santana home is next door to another larger 6.87-acre estate also up for grabs for a mere $32.5 million by the same seller. Kauai Now.

Trump proclamation reopens Pacific marine monuments to commercial fishing, 4th-ranking state official now acting governor, scientists warn of El Niño dangers, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Trump signs proclamation to open marine monuments to commercial fishing. President Donald Trump on Thursday signed an executive proclamation that will roll back protections for some 500,000 square miles of waters at Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument, the largest contiguous marine conservation area in the world and home to thousands of marine species, many of which exist nowhere else on Earth. It also reverses protections for portions of the Mariana Trench, and certain waters surrounding Rose Atoll in American Samoa. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.  Bloomberg. Hawaii News Now. 

Finance Director Seth Colby temporarily acting as governor. The fourth-highest ranking state official in Hawaii’s line of succession will be in charge of the islands until Monday, while Gov. Josh Green, Acting Lt. Gov. Keith Regan and Attorney General Anne Lopez will simultaneously be off island for separate trips, leaving Seth Colby, the newly confirmed director of the Department of Budget and Finance, in charge. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

El Nino officially arrives — with warning. As El Nino officially takes hold in the Pacific, the National Weather Service on Thursday warned there’s a likely chance it could rank “among the largest El Nino events in the historical record going back to 1950.” Star-Advertiser. Associated Press. 

Oahu

NOAA: Monk seal pup in Waikiki to be relocated upon weaning. As with previous Hawaiian monk seals born at Kaimana Beach, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has decided that after weaning, the pup will be relocated to a remote and less crowded location. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. 

State Rep. Christopher Muraoka's Dogs Are ‘Terrorizing’ People, Neighbor Says After Attack. A neighbor who says he was attacked by the dogs in March says the animals have been menacing neighbors for two years. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

HPD: Eight extra officers deployed to patrol Saddle Road.  Police have increased their presence on the Daniel K. Inouye Highway since June 4, in response to five recent fatalities on the Big Island’s main east-west traffic artery and the declaration of a traffic emergency by the state. Tribune-Herald.

Tropic Care To Return to Hawaiʻi Island in June 2026. From June 19 to June 28, uniformed military members “will deliver no-cost medical, dental and optometry care at multiple primary sites and outreach locations,” officials say. Big Island Video News.

Researchers deploy sensors in aftermath of 6.0 quake. Following the magnitude-6.0 earthquake that rocked Hawaii Island on May 22, researchers from the University of Hawaii have been at work trying to better understand the cause and implications of the event, which damaged about 150 structures. Tribune-Herald.

3 Big Island men in race to unseat Hawaiʻi Gov. Green. Who else from the island is running for state, U.S. seats? In Hawaiʻi for the 2026 elections, the primary will be held on Aug. 8 and the general election on Nov. 3.  Big Island Now.

Maui

Kepaniwai Heritage Gardens in ‘Īao reopens; Caution urged near storm damaged pavilions. Kepaniwai Heritage Gardens in ‘Īao Valley, reopened Saturday after severe damage from back-to-back Kona low storms in March, according to the County of Maui Department of Parks and Recreation. Maui Now.

Police: Haiku couple car-jacked by armed man on Hana Highway. A Haiku couple was treated for minor injuries after an armed robbery Wednesday morning near Hoʻokipa Beach Park, according to Maui police. Maui News.

Relief arrives after cargo delays leave Molokai stores running low. The first cargo barge in more than three weeks arrived on Molokai and Lanai yesterday, bringing long-awaited supplies to residents and businesses. KHON2.

Kauai

Two separate Kauai homes burn in one day, causing $1.8M in damages. The first fire was reported at a residence near ‘Anini Beach and the second at a home in the Kapahi area of Kapa’a. No injuries were reported in either incident. KITV4.

Kaua‘i Shrimp: Harvesting Pounds From Ponds To Help Feed Hawai‘i. The shrimp farm has been part of West Kaua‘i’s agricultural landscape for decades. Civil Beat.

Man arrested over Gov. Green death threats, Maui wildfire settlement money faces delays, floating homeless encampments cleared on Oahu, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Montana man arrested over Gov. Green death threats. Eric Lee Boltz, a 51-year-old Montana man, was arrested Tuesday and is facing federal criminal charges after he allegedly left nine voicemails threatening to kill Gov. Josh Green and his family. Star-Advertiser. Kauai Now. 

Governor’s VIP Airport Lounge: See Inside The Guest Book. For 60 years, the Governor’s Airport Lounge next to the cultural gardens in Terminal 2 of Daniel K. Inouye International Airport has been the primary venue for greeting and saying farewell to VIPs, including presidents, queens like Elizabeth II, and kings like Elvis. Civil Beat.

Survey links understaffing to long patient wait times at Kaiser Permanente. A new survey revealed that many Hawaiʻi behavioral health professionals at Kaiser Permanente believe understaffing in their departments has led to inefficient care. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu 

Honolulu Council Member Is Shoo-In, But Can He Get More Done? Honolulu City Council member Matt Weyer has the distinction of being both sidelined by the council majority and running unopposed for reelection.  Civil Beat.

Floating homeless encampments, tons of debris cleared from Kalihi waters. An estimated 25 to 30 people and dozens of their dogs lived in 25 or so hardened floating structures — the biggest was two stories tall and had two kitchens. City, state and nonprofit agencies teamed up to clear out floating homeless structures near Kahauiki Village. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. 

Debris site at Central Oahu park deemed safe after testing, city says. The Honolulu Department of Environmental Services says soil testing at a former storm debris pile at Patsy T. Mink Central Oahu Regional Park found no harmful levels of contamination. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu police seize $11K in cash, 18 gambling machines in Mililani. Honolulu police on Tuesday afternoon shut down an illegal gambling room on Waimakua Place, seizing 18 gambling machines, more than $11,000 in cash and illegal drugs to collect as evidence. Star-Advertiser.

David Briscoe, AP journalist who chronicled Philippines’ democratic revolution, dies at 82. David Briscoe, a journalist for The Associated Press who chronicled the collapse of dictatorship and the rebirth of democracy during a dramatic period of upheaval in the Philippines, has died, his family said. He was 82. Associated Press.

Hawaii Island

Kahuku Unit management plan, EA open for comment; talk story sessions planned. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park invites the community to share feedback on the Comprehensive Site Management Plan and Environmental Assessment for the park’s Kahuku Unit in Ka‘u. Tribune-Herald.

Lead removal project paves way for $78M rehabilitation of Hakalau bridge. Work to remove lead contamination from the ground beneath the Hakalau Stream Bridge started on June 4, according to the state Department of Transportation. Tribune-Herald.

New building opens at East Hawaii Health Clinics in Hilo. Hilo Benioff Medical Center held a grand opening celebration Wednesday for a new building at East Hawaii Health Clinics. Medical Office Building 3 is the new home of urgent care, neurology, general surgery, gynecologic surgery, plastic surgery and vascular surgery. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui attorney warns fire survivors settlement money could be delayed as some lawyers ‘likely’ to fight ruling. A Maui lawyer is warning clients that first payments from the $4 billion settlement may not arrive this week as expected. Hawaii News Now.

West Maui water quality testing finds few impacts after Lahaina wildfire.  Hui O Ka Wai Ola, a network of marine citizen scientists, found that salinity has increased in Maui at nearly all sites due to extreme drought, turbidity levels are always above state Department of Health standards, and nitrate levels often exceed those standards, according to a report released over the weekend by the hui. Maui Now.

County seeks input on plans to restore Lahaina Royal Complex. Maui County officials are developing a Lahaina Royal Complex Master Plan aimed at restoring portions of the historic center of the Hawaiian Kingdom, including Mokuhinia Pond and Moku’ula Island. Maui News.

Ranching Could Soon Come To An End On Moloka‘i. Paniolo Blame TB Testing. Quarantine rules to prevent bovine tuberculosis are crippling the industry — and a way of life — on rural Hawai‘i island. Civil Beat.

Kauai

Kaua‘i residents invited to attend invasive pest meeting. Organized by the University of Hawaiʻi at Manoa’s College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience, the two-day gathering, slated for Aug. 11-12, centers around the theme, “Protecting Island Ecosystems: Biosecurity, Invasive Species, and Resilience.”  Kauai Now.

Drivers rarely reimbursed for vehicle damage from road conditions, Honolulu considers regulating Waikiki buskers, Hawaii joins nationwide ballistic testing network, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

If Hawaiʻi Roads Damaged Your Car, Don’t Expect A Payout. The Department of Transportation receives and rejects the most claims, data shows. Tort claimants seeking financial damages from state agencies last year cost $249,344.72, according to data from the Department of Accounting and General Services. But most people don’t receive any money. Civil Beat.

Hawaii joins national network of gun crime evidence. Hawaii joined the rest of the nation recently by joining a computer network run by the U.S. Department of Justice that captures, stores and compares digital images of ballistic evidence pulled from shell casings found at gun crime scenes. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.  KHON2.

Bill banning cash crypto purchases at kiosks awaits governor’s decision. Hawaiʻi Gov. Josh Green has until the end of the month to send his intent-to-veto list to lawmakers. Among the legislation he is considering is a bill that would ban using cash to buy cryptocurrency at kiosks. Hawaii News Now.

UH athletics to get $5M for NIL compensation. Bank of Hawaii, First Hawaiian Bank, Matson shipping company and community leaders Jack Tsui and Walter Dods are each contributing $200,000 a year to help the University of Hawaii retain and recruit student-athletes and also provide Title IX-­compliant opportunities. Star-Advertiser.

Getting up to SPEED: New task force continues work to streamline permitting process. The task force during its May 27 meeting reviewed outcomes from the 2026 Hawai‘i Legislative Session, including measures from the first round of Permitted Interaction Groups and discussed legislation tied to prior recommendations and broader permitting reform priorities. Kauai Now.

FEMA deadline is Saturday to seek Kona-low storm aid. The Federal Emergency Management Agency on Tuesday reminded the public that Saturday is the deadline to apply for aid from its individual assistance program that can help local homeowners and renters on Oahu, Hawaii island and islands of Maui County cover losses from the March 10-24 storms if their primary residence suffered damage. Star-Advertiser.

New survey tracks changes in Hawaiʻi period poverty. A 2021 statewide survey revealed that half of respondents have missed school or work because of their period. The second version of the survey is now open to track how trends have changed and if recently enacted laws have increased period product accessibility. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

Pursuing performers: Should Waikiki buskers be regulated? Street performers help bring Waikiki to life, but some residents said the entertainment is causing problems. City leaders are now looking at new rules to crack down on unregulated performers. KHON2.

Honolulu budget leaves out support for storm-impacted farmers. Oʻahu farmers still reeling from the Kona low storms didn’t get the funding assistance they asked for from the Honolulu City Council, so city support for them may be sparse. Hawaii Public Radio.

‘Aloha’ to Aloha Stadium, final tripping event. Another major chapter in the history of Aloha Stadium came to an end Tuesday as crews carried out the final stadium tripping event, marking a significant milestone in the dismantling of the iconic facility. KHON2.

Workers fear for safety at overcrowded state hospital. The union representing staff at Hawaii State Hospital says it is considering filing a grievance over unsafe conditions as overcrowding increases while staff resources fall. Nearly 390 patients were in the mental health facility this weekend, according to sources. The hospital was built for about 300 patients. Hawaii News Now.

Some Kapolei residents frustrated for now being ticketed for no parking area. Residents at a Kapolei townhouse complex said they’re feeling frustrated, as authorities are now cracking down on the street parking they’ve been using for years. KHON2.

Council approves potential purchase of Queen Theater. Legislation aimed at pushing the city to acquire and restore the long-derelict Queen Theater in Kaimuki into a public, multipurpose venue has received Hono­lulu City Council approval. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Dramatic Shakeup Coming To Hawai‘i County Council. Priorities, alliances and leadership could change with four open seats this election. Three council members — Ashley Kierkiewicz, Matt Kealiʻi-Kleinfelder and Rebecca Villegas — are termed out. Michelle Galimba is not seeking another two-year term. This could lead to a dramatic shift in how the council operates. Civil Beat.

Hawaii police issue 300+ citations on deadly highway. In less than a week, Big Island police issued more than 300 citations during traffic enforcement on the Daniel K. Inouye Highway, also known as Saddle Road. KHON2.

‘Terrified’ Kids’ Long-Held Concerns About Dentist Surface After Viral Video. Dr. Andrew Choy is one of few pediatric dentists in the Hilo area accepting Medicaid. Parents who say he’s traumatized their kids now drive four hours round trip to visit someone else.  Civil Beat.

Emergency officials say 18 homes destroyed in South Kona quake. Civil Defense told HPR that 18 homes were destroyed, and 104 homes sustained major damage during the May 22nd earthquake. Hawaii Public Radio.

A wet start to the dry season in East Hawaii. June 1 marked the official start of the dry season for most of Hawaii, but that might not be apparent after the rainfall East Hawaii has received so far this month. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

County to provide update on zoning code rewrite June 17. The Maui County Department of Planning is inviting residents, businesses and other stakeholders to learn more about the ongoing rewrite of Title 19 of the Maui County Code, the set of laws governing how land and buildings throughout the county can be used and developed. Maui News.

Public comments due July 8 on Lahaina sewer force main replacement project. Public comments are being accepted through July 8 on a draft environmental assessment for a Maui County project to replace a sewer force main in Lahaina. Maui Now.

6 tons of trash removed from Pūlehu Road, 34 abandoned vehicles tagged during ‘routine cleanup’. The area has a known history of people living in vehicles along that stretch. Maui Now.

Hawaiʻi Immigrant Charged With Voting Illegally Amid Trump Crackdown. The case is the first in at least 40 years in Hawaiʻi involving a noncitizen. A Maui resident who emigrated from the Philippines more than a decade ago was arraigned in federal court Tuesday on charges of voting illegally, the first such case in Hawaiʻi ​​in at least 40 years involving a noncitizen. Civil Beat.

Kauai

Friends mourn Sergio ‘Tito’ Reyes, who was murdered after his shift at Mexican restaurant in Hanalei. They remember the 37-year-old chef as a person who loved cars, DJing, arts, the beach, his job, his friends and his family, whom he regularly sent money to in Guatemala. Kauai Now.

Applegate supporters take to the streets. Candidate for Kauai County Council Paul Applegate joined about 30 of his campaign supporters in waving support signs and greeting motorists on Friday in Hanapepe, fronting the Kauai Soto Zen Temple and the Hanapepe Armory. Garden Island.

HMSA delays medical reimbursement changes, Kanakaole tapped to head DLNR, Grassroot Institute sues over campaign contribution limits, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

HMSA Delays The Change Threatening Patient Access After Governor Steps In. Change of heart extends insurance reimbursement shift for six months. Hawaiʻi’s largest health insurer is giving primary care doctors more time to adapt to a dramatically different reimbursement model that doctors say threatens their ability to keep their doors open after Gov. Josh Green intervened. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser. KHON2.

Suit challenges campaign spending activity law. The nonprofit Grassroot Institute of Hawaii filed a federal lawsuit Friday seeking to invalidate the new state law, which intends to bar campaign spending activity by companies, labor unions and other organizations that had such abilities protected in a 5-4 U.S. Supreme Court decision in 2010 under a case called Citizens United v. Federal Elections Commission. Star-Advertiser.

Green appoints Kanaka‘ole to head BLNR, DLNR. Gov. Josh Green announced Monday that Dawn Chang will retire as chairwoman of the Board of Land of Natural Resources and director of the Department of Land and Natural Resources, effective July 1. Green appointed Hawaii Island native Ryan Kanaka‘ole to serve as chairman of the board and director of the department. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now.

Proposed guidelines reignite fight over aquarium fishing. After lawmakers refused to stop aquarium fishing this year, fishers are pushing for new limits, spurring debate over whether the controversial practice can be done sustainably.  Hawaii News Now.

Hawaiʻi advocates say monk seal protection falls short amid harassment case. Hawaiian monk seals have been on the endangered species list for 50 years. But advocates of marine mammals say they need more protection from people, including enforcement and education. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

$3M in illegal rental fines uncollected a year after foreclosure threat. A year after the Honolulu City Council approved foreclosure on a short-term rental owner, the case remains unresolved — and nearly $3 million in fines remains uncollected. Hawaii News Now.

Agency unveils homelessness central response command center. The facility will will serve as a central command center for homelessness response efforts, gathering data from across Oahu and helping connect individuals with housing, support services and other resources. Star-Advertiser. KHON2. 

‘Cannot Happen Again’: Lawmaker Targets Doctors Who Impregnate Patients. After learning a beloved North Shore gynecologist was accused of using his own sperm to inseminate patients without their consent, Rep. Amy Perruso is seeking to outlaw this behavior. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Annual EPIC system update scheduled later this week. Hawaiʻi County Department of Public Works and Planning departments will perform the annual update to the county’s Electronic Processing and Information Center — or EPIC — beginning early Thursday morning, June 11. The EPIC site will be unavailable from 1 a.m. June 11 through 8 a.m. Friday, June 12. Big Island Now.

$6M in renovations planned for UH Hilo theater. The Performing Arts Center at the University of Hawaii at Hilo has changed very little throughout its over 50-year lifespan, manager Lee Barnette-Dombroski said. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Man gets 2 years prison time for filing false FEMA claims. A man who stole more than $60,000 with his ex- girlfriend from the Federal Emergency Management Agency by lying about being victims of the deadly 2023 West Maui wildfires and the 2025 Los Angeles wildfires was sentenced to two years in federal prison Friday. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now.  KITV4.

West Maui Taxpayers Association to host candidate forum June 25.  The West Maui Taxpayers Association will host its 2026 Primary Candidates Night on June 25 at the Lahaina Civic Center Social Hall. Maui News.

Empty Shelves: Young Brothers Misses 3 Shipments To Molokaʻi In 21 Days. The shipping monopoly has missed its past four shipments to the Friendly Isle, leaving residents frustrated by empty store shelves and costly alternatives. Civil Beat.

Kauai

Kauaʻi police said financial dispute reason Billy Sinclair allegedly killed a 37-year-old in Hanalei. The victim, who was identified by his cousin on Facebook as Tito Reyes, was killed where he worked at a restaurant in Hanalei, police said. Kauai Now. Garden Island. KHON2. 

Mike Coots joins county council race. Kauai-born photographer, ocean advocate, author and shark attack survivor Mike Coots announced his campaign for the Kauai County Council on Sunday. Garden Island.

Lackluster primary predicted, electric bills to drop on two islands, JERO and HECO close to power plant deal, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Primary elections unlikely to stir voter enthusiasm, turnout. There is little expectation that voters will turn out in droves for the upcoming Aug. 8 party primaries following the 2024 presidential election year, when only 32.3% of all of Hawaii’s registered voters bothered to vote in the primary, a record low since widespread mail-in voting began in 2020. Star-Advertiser.

Commentary: Hawaiʻi Primary Shows There’s Still Hunger For Public Service. At first blush the August primary election would seem to be a bit of a yawner. But dig a little deeper and voters will find a lot of competitive races across the ballot, especially for county-level offices. Civil Beat.

2024 House recount shows importance of every vote. Republican Rep. Elijah Pierick and Democratic Campbell High School teacher Corey Rosenlee know firsthand that every vote matters after their razor-thin race in 2024 flipped from a Rosenlee victory to a win for Pierick by just 11 votes. Star-Advertiser.

Many Hawaii electric bills dipping in June. A typical residential bill on Oahu is edging down 2.5% for June after a 14.4% increase in May that followed a 14% increase in April, according to Hawaiian Electric. On Kauai, the decrease for June is 3.9%.  For Maui County and Hawaii Island June bills for typical residential customers are still higher because of the timing of oil purchases. Star-Advertiser.

Can refusal of sobriety test implicate driver? A challenge to whether a driver’s refusal to take the voluntary field sobriety test can be treated as evidence of guilt is before the Hawaii State Supreme Court. Star-Advertiser.

Healthcare legislation addressed vapes, medical debt. While legislators approved some bills addressing the use of vapes among youth in Hawaii, along with others that expand health services for kupuna, other bills seeking to address the state’s chronic doctor shortage and protect patients’ rights failed. Star-Advertiser.

See How Your Beach Stacks Up To Hawai‘i Water Pollution Standards. “Can I get sick if I swim there?” That’s one question the Surfrider Foundation wants to answer for residents of Oʻahu, Maui and Kauaʻi with its latest water quality report. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Honolulu Council: Powerful Incumbent Faces Challengers Old And New. Voters spanning Waikīkī to East Honolulu get to decide this year whether to replace Council Chair Tommy Waters or elect him to a third term. Waters will also have to defend himself against political and legal challenges to his eligibility for the office. Civil Beat.

HPD’s interim chief ready for next chance to protect community. Twice in the last five years interim Chief Rade Vanic was asked to lead the Honolulu Police Department during abrupt leadership changes, but his greatest policing accomplishment came as a sergeant training officers. Star-Advertiser.

Gov. Green says JERA and HECO close to deal to bring natural gas to Oʻahu. JERA has proposed building a new facility that would burn natural gas for power on Oʻahu. The governor told HPR a deal could happen as soon as June 8. Hawaii Public Radio.

Potential West Oahu hillside landfill site spared. Makaiwa Hills, a West Oahu hillside property recently touted as the most viable location for Oahu’s next municipal solid waste landfill is now off the table, city officials say. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu homes sales slightly stronger in May; condo sales lag. The Honolulu Board of Realtors on Saturday published data showing the island’s single-family home sales increased 8.5% year-over-year to 255 transactions in May compared to 235 a year earlier. Condo sales continued to lag behind 2025 volume, falling 9.4% year-over-year with 339 closings compared to 374 in May 2025. Star-Advertiser.

Family faces mounting fines after home fell onto shoreline. When their Rocky Point home fell onto the shoreline a little more than four years ago, the Guerrero family didn’t have time to grieve. Star-Advertiser.

Closing time for Hub Coworking Hawaiʻi locations. The owners of a coworking business are closing their two locations in Honolulu at the end of this month. The move will end memberships for 500 people.  Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Island

Council votes down proposal that sought to limit responsibilities of the mayor. The Hawaii County Council voted 5-3 Wednesday in opposition of a bill that would transfer many of the executive powers vested in the mayor’s office to a newly created “county manager” position in what Mayor Kimo Alameda described as a “total power grab.” Tribune-Herald.

Panel defers bill regarding STVRs. The Hawaii County Windward Planning Commission voted unanimously Friday to defer a bill seeking to overhaul vacation rental rules. Bill 147 would lengthen the rental period considered “short-term” to stays less than 180 consecutive days — as opposed to 30 days under current rules — and set occupancy limits, reduce “quiet hours,” and restrict the types of activities allowed on rental properties. Tribune-Herald.

Emergency roadwork on Saddle Road begins today. The state Department of Transportation on Monday will begin work on the Hilo side of Daniel K. Inouye Highway that authorities hope will end a spate of crashes which have resulted in five fatalities this year — all within a period of less than a month. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News.

Councilwoman proposes Hamakua Coast trail. Although parts of the region are largely inaccessible on foot, a proposal for a new trail through the area, running from Hilo to Waipio, could someday change that. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaiʻi CC Chancellor Susan Kazama Announces Retirement. Hawaiʻi Community College Chancellor Susan Kazama will step down on July 31, after a 40-year career with the University of Hawaiʻi. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Polls show incumbent Bissen, challenger Sugimura dueling for top spot in 10-candidate mayoral primary race. The race for Maui County mayor features a crowded field of 10 candidates, but two of three polls show County Council Vice Chair Yuki Sugimura with an early lead over incumbent Richard Bissen with two months to go before the August 8 primary election. Maui Now.

Maui Council passes $1.6 billion budget; adds security funding after terroristic threatening arrest. The Maui County Council gave final approval Thursday to a $1.6 billion fiscal year 2027 budget, sending the spending plan to Mayor Richard Bissen’s desk, but not before adding $50,000 for Maui County campus security. Maui Now. Maui News. 

Judge Caps Maui Fire Legal Fees At $222M. A Maui judge has significantly reined in legal fees related to the $4.03 billion Maui wildfire settlement, awarding victims’ lawyers a fraction of the $1 billion they had sought.  he order is an enormous victory for fire victims who will be able to retain the bulk of the settlement money rather than see a large share go to their attorneys. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Costliest repairs to Lahaina Harbor still ahead as dredging gets underway. Lahaina Harbor has been the most visible sign of recovery in an area where most businesses have yet to rebuild and charred historic buildings hopeful of being restored and sensitive areas remain off limits to the public in the wake of the August 2023 wildfire. Maui Now.

Lacking funds, Maui Wildfire Exposure Study has halted, facing an uncertain future. The Maui Wildfire Exposure Study has offered a healthcare lifeline to fire-impacted Maui residents. It also provided a model for tracking the long-term effects of the disaster. Hawaii Public Radio.

Dying At Home Is Harder For These Hospice Patients Stuck On Oʻahu. Medical facilities on Moloka‘i aren’t equipped to provide the level of treatment some residents need, but when they fly to Honolulu for advanced care it can be difficult to make it back to spend their remaining days on the island. Civil Beat.

Condo sales, median price both down in May. There there were 58 single-family home sales in May, up 3.6% from the same month last year. The median sales price fell 9% to $1,174,500 from $1.29 million in 2025. Maui News.

State addresses ‘misconceptions’ over plans for popular Maui beach. Following a slew of rumors on social media, the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) clarified its proposal for upgrades at Makena State Park.  Hawaii News Now.

Kauai

Hawai‘i Health and Harm Reduction Center opens new Kauaʻi office. The opening comes just months after H3RC expanded to Kauaʻi following the closure of Mālama Pono Health Services, ensuring critical public health and support services remain available to residents of Kauaʻi.  Kauai Now. Garden Island. 

Thousands turn out to celebrate Pride Month. Several thousand people — including parade participants, spectators and shoppers — turned out Saturday to celebrate the 8th annual Kauai Pride Parade and Festival hosted by the YWCA of Kauai. Garden Island.

Hawaii Medicaid fraud unit decertified, immigration judge fired, UH-Manoa names new chancellor, Sandy Ma to head Honolulu Ethics Commission, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

State sets up Medicaid fraud task force after funding cut. Hawaii is setting up a task force to work with the state Attorney General to fight Medicaid fraud after President Donald Trump cut $3 million a year in federal support citing the state’s failure to obtain a criminal conviction between 2022 and 2025. Star-Advertiser. KITV4.

Hawaiʻi’s Medicaid fraud unit decertified: Trump cuts funds to Hawaii fraud unit, threatening state’s Medicaid funding. Hawaii stands to lose around $3 million in federal funding to fight Medicaid fraud after failing to consistently bring criminal cases, the Trump administration said Thursday. Star-Advertiser. KHON2.  KITV4.

Longtime Hawaiʻi Immigration Judge Fired As Trump Purge Continues. An ongoing purge by the Trump administration has claimed longtime Honolulu Immigration Court judge Clarence Wagner, who said no reason was given for his May 21 firing. However, he said he and colleagues had been under mounting pressure to get through a deep backlog of asylum and deportation cases more rapidly. Civil Beat.

Green establishes emergency response protocols ahead of travel. The Office of Gov. Josh Green announced Thursday he will be traveling out-of-state from Monday through June 23 to spend time with family. While traveling, the news release said, Green will retain executive authority and remain in regular contact with state leadership and cabinet members. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii incumbents with no challengers will cruise to victory. Twenty one incumbent Council members and state legislators have a clear path to reelection with no political opposition, and will return to office following the Aug. 8 party primary elections. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Can Tommy Waters Even Run For A Third Honolulu Council Term? Honolulu Council Chair Tommy Waters is taking advantage of an ambiguity in the City Charter and hoping the courts don’t rule against his effort to get reelected. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Ethics Watchdog Has New Leader. The Honolulu Ethics Commission selected attorney Sandy Ma as its next executive director on Thursday at a public meeting that followed a closed-door interview process. Civil Beat.

UH Board of Regents approves Vassilis Syrmos as new chancellor. Vassilis Syrmos first joined UH Manoa’s faculty 35 years ago. Throughout that time, he served as the University’s Interim Provost, Vice President for Research and Innovation and Associate Chancellor for Research. KHON2.

City says no landfill for Makaiwa Hills. The City had previously called Makaiwa Hills in West Oahu the only viable option, but that location is now off the table.  KHON2. KITV4. 

6 juveniles charged; 7th suspect arrested in North Shore mob beating. The arrests were made in connection with an attack that occurred Saturday, May 30, at Waialēʻe Beach, commonly known as “Dead Man’s Curve.” Hawaii News Now. KHON2. KITV4. 

Lake Waimaluhia shoreline access partially reopens. Loko (Lake) Waimaluhia is set to partially reopen this weekend after repair work and a reinforced pathway down to the lake have been completed. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Police target Saddle Road: HPD steps up enforcement after another fatal crash. Officers will maintain a heightened enforcement presence focused on identifying and addressing hazardous violations — including speeding, impaired driving, distracted driving and seat belt violations, according to HPD. Tribune-Herald.

1 dead in fiery fatal collision near 18-mile marker on Daniel K. Inouye Highway in Hilo. There have been three fatal crashes resulting in five deaths since Jan. 1 on Daniel K. Inouye Highway, also known as Saddle Road. Big Island Now. KHON2.

County seeks to acquire land to expand Puna road despite resistance from owner. The Hawaii County Council voted 7-1 Wednesday in favor of a resolution calling for the acquisition of 3.74 acres of land along Government Beach Road in Puna using eminent domain — a move that has angered the property’s owner. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Kihei man, 30, to be sentenced in laser assault on FBI aircraft. Jesse Kong will be sentenced June 17 after he pleaded guilty to facilitating a laser assault of an FBI pilot in a case federal officials are using to highlight the dangers of impairing a pilot’s vision. Star-Advertiser.

Waiʻānapanapa State Park facility improvements project begins July 6. The project includes a new comfort station adjacent to the park’s eastern parking area and resurfacing of Honokalani Road. Maui Now.

Ukumehame Firing Range set to reopen Friday. The Ukumehame Firing Range is expected to reopen Friday after repairs were made to storm-damaged berms and surrounding areas, according to the County of Maui Department of Parks and Recreation. Maui News.

Kauai

Kauaʻi County triples budget for homeless services. Grants for Kauaʻi County houseless programs would have received $500,000 under the original proposed budget, but will now receive $1.5 million. Hawaii Public Radio.

Bulosan seeking re-election to county council. Addison Bulosan announced his campaign for re-election to the Kauai County Council in a press release ahead of the ballot deadline. Garden Island.

Feather cape gifted to Mercy Whitney returns to Kauai. Following more than 200 years, an ‘ahu‘ula, or feather cape, that was gifted by King Kaumuali‘i to Mercy Whitney in honor of her work as a teacher, was returned to Kauai. Garden Island.