State trails under review, Hawaii offers 'just in case' abortion pills, Amazon pursuing Kapolei expansion, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

The Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources is updating its “Na Ala Hele Program Plan” on hiking trails and access for the first time since 1991. DLNR manages a statewide inventory of more than 120 publicly accessible trails in Hawaii. The 855 miles of trails are used for hiking, mountain biking and hunting. Star-Advertiser.

New cellphone limits coming for Hawaii students. Hawaii parents will begin receiving notices from their children’s schools about a new statewide cellphone policy that will restrict when students can use their phones on campus beginning this fall. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii AG joins others pushing back against Vance’s Medicaid allegations. Five attorneys general from New York to Hawaii on Tuesday pushed back against Vice President JD Vance’s insistence that blue states overlook Medicaid fraud and abuse, saying all 50 states experience abuses. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiʻi offers 'just in case' abortion pills. Hawai’i is one of two states to adopt “Just in Case Abortion Pills” through a Planned Parenthood affiliate. This is the first time a Planned Parenthood organization is offering abortion medication ahead of pregnancy. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

Fund To Help Hungry Appears On Its Way To Honolulu’s November Ballot. Fund would use existing property tax revenues to support programs to help people who experience food insecurity access locally produced food products. Civil Beat.

Honolulu's affordable housing project hasn't delivered so far, UHERO report says. The University of Hawaiʻi Economic Research Organization reviewed the city's Bill 7 program and sent its report to the Honolulu City Council on March 27. Hawaii Public Radio.

Amazon pursuing expansion in Kapolei. Amazon is seeking to develop a five-floor warehouse and order fulfillment center containing 2.8 million square feet of space at a Kapolei business and industrial park where 1,562 employees split in two daily shifts and assisted by robots would process packages for local delivery. Star-Advertiser. KHON2. 

2 charged in alleged bribe of Army official. Two Florida men are facing federal criminal charges after they allegedly bribed a U.S. Army official with $1.25 million over five years to steer contracts to them from the military’s Hawaii-­Pacific Innovation Campus. Star-Advertiser.

Red Hill Registry seeks more participants, feedback. The University of Hawaii at Manoa has launched Red Hill Registry, which aims to track health outcomes of the 2021 Red Hill water crisis to inform research and clinical guidance on fuel exposure. Star-Advertiser.

City-owned plantation homes crumbling in Ewa Villages. Seven city-owned plantation homes are deteriorating in Ewa Villages while the city and state struggle to provide affordable housing. The houses were part of the Ewa plantation renovation project that promised affordable housing in renovated plantation homes. Hawaii News Now.

Fine Print Reveals Who’s To Blame For North Shore Flooding — To An Extent. The answer is unclear, largely due to the patchwork of land use agreements made during Dole’s decades-long land sell-off.  Civil Beat.

Destructive Hawaiʻi floods displaced residents. Where do they go now? Hundreds of families across O‘ahu's North Shore have been left to pick up the pieces after the second Kona low storm swept through the low-lying areas of Haleʻiwa and Waialua. Hawaii Public Radio. Hawaii News Now. 

Summer Fun: How Long Is The Waitlist In Your Neighborhood? Summer programs in Honolulu face high demand, while some sites in Leeward and Central Oʻahu still have open spots two weeks into the registration period. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

$4 Million Released For Hilo Airport Improvements. State Sen. Lorraine R. Inouye (D, District 1) announced on Tuesday that Governor Josh Green released the CIP funding for the design of T-Hangar and West Ramp improvements at the Hilo airport. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now.

Kona Earthquake Left Catastrophic Water Supply Damage For Hundreds. In Kona’s coffee belt, up to 500 farmers and others have lost their primary sources of water — and will be relying on trips to county spigots for the foreseeable future. Civil Beat.

Quake damaged nearly 150 properties. At least five homes in South Kona sustained such substantial damage during last week’s 6.0-magnitude earthquake that they’ve been deemed “destroyed,” the Hawaii County Civil Defense Agency said Tuesday. Tribune-Herald.

Progress made on Volcano School of Arts and Sciences’ expansion. A new site covers 14.9 acres and, upon its anticipated completion in 2032, will allow VSAS to serve an additional 287 students, according to Principal Kalima Kinney. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Lawyer says tourist accused of hurling rock at Hawaiian monk seal has been doxed and threatened. The defense attorney for Igor Lytvynchuk, 38, from Washington state accused of hurling a coconut-sized rock at an endangered Hawaiian monk seal says his client was trying to protect sea turtles and has since been physically assaulted, threatened and doxed.  Associated Press. Maui Now. Maui News. Hawaii News Now. 

Timeline for repairs to sinkhole on South Kīhei Road rests on federal funding for Kona Low Storm recovery. The County Department of Public Works’ pursuit of emergency federal funding and the complexity of repairs are shaping the timeline for permanent restoration of South Kīhei Road near Kamaʻole Beach Park II, where a sinkhole forced the closure of both lanes during severe weather in March. Maui Now. Maui News. 

Maui school successfully launches garden to cafeteria lunches. The māla (garden) at Hāna High and Elementary School has everything from ʻuala (sweet potato) to corn and many other crops, providing a hands-on learning opportunity for students. Hawaii News Now.

Wind gusts caused pilot to lose control, crash off Kalaupapa, FAA finds. A training aircraft crashed into the water while approaching Kalaupapa Airport on Molokai at about 11:40 a.m. Monday, according to preliminary findings from the Federal Aviation Administration. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai

Kaua‘i unemployment rates for April slightly below state average. Kaua‘i County’s unemployment rate sits slightly below the state average at 2.3%, according to a news release from the Hawai‘i State Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. Kauai Now.

Taylor Shigemoto enters Kauai County Council race. Taylor H. Shigemoto formally filed his nomination papers with the Elections Division office on Friday. Garden Island.

Record numbers of cattle shipped out of state, Oahu to get more traffic cameras in bill before Green, islands commemorate Memorial Day at military cemeteries, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaiʻi Is Sending These Animals To The Mainland In Record Numbers. Local cattle are moving offshore despite state efforts to boost slaughterhouse capacity in the islands. Nearly 55,000 shipments of cattle have been made from the islands in the past three years and almost 80% of those were headed out of Hawai‘i, according to state agricultural statistics. Civil Beat.

Dual airline brands create some push back for Alaska Airlines. About 250 Hawaiian Airlines flight attendants reassigned to Seattle to staff new long-haul international routes may no longer wear flowers in their hair, lei or aloha shirts on certain flights — a highly visible change as Alaska Air Group works to merge operations while keeping two distinct brands. Star-Advertiser.

HMSA’s Latest Move Could Worsen Doctor Shortage. The insurer denied that an upcoming change in its payment model should come as a surprise to doctors, but many say the action will imperil small primary care practices. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Oahu traffic cameras would increase under bill before Green. Oahu drivers could see as many as 10 new red-light or speed cameras each year through a program that already has generated $763,000 since 2022. Star-Advertiser.

New Haleiwa agriculture park helps immigrants, refugees start farm businesses. A new 80-acre agriculture park in Haleiwa is growing more than crops. It’s helping refugees plant roots. Hawaii News Now.

Waipahu park to close for 3 months for field renovations. An extensive effort to rejuvenate the play field at Darrell T. Young Waikele Community Park in Waipahu will continue with a three-month resting period for the field that’s scheduled to begin today, city park officials say. Star-Advertiser.

Green sea turtles, a visitor draw, also face harassment. The love for turtles has caused pandemonium — including a constant stream of visitors who want to photograph the turtles, creating not only traffic woes as they dart across a busy, two-lane highway to get to Laniakea, but genuine concerns about disturbances to the sea turtle. Star-Advertiser.

Gov. Green, military leaders honor fallen service members at Memorial Day ceremony. Gov. Josh Green hosted the ceremony alongside state and military leaders, veterans organizations and members of Hawaii’s congressional delegation at the Hawaii State Veterans Cemetery. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. KITV4. 

Hawaii Island

Chronic No Shows And Tardiness Plague Hawaiʻi County Council. To address no shows at their meetings, the Hawaiʻi County Council adopted a measure to tighten up the definition of unexcused absences, giving the chair greater power to decide when to dock pay.  Civil Beat.

Management plan of polluted Hilo Bay watershed moving forward with $2 million federal grant. Hilo Bay is the state’s largest watershed, covering about 470 square miles from the summits of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa to the sea. But for decades, polluted rain runoff, untreated sewage in groundwater and other factors have led to poor water quality in the bay and its sub-watersheds, negatively impacting endangered habitats and local communities. Big Island Now.

Final EA Published on 4-Mile Creek Bridge Replacement. The plan to replace, raise, and widen the Four Mile Creek Bridge comes with proposed traffic changes at the intersection of Haihai Street and Kilauea Ave. Big Island Video News.

‘Some did not come home’: Speakers reflect on meaning of service as community honors fallen veterans. More than than 100 people gathered Monday morning at East Hawaii Veterans Cemetery No. 2, to celebrate the most somber and patriotic of American holidays. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Facility upgrades proposed for Mākena State Park on Maui. In June, the DLNR Division of State Parks will submit to the Maui Planning Commission a proposal for phased construction that is aimed at improving the overall beach experience at the popular Mākena State Park. Maui Now.

2 rescued after plane goes down off Molokai’s Kalaupapa Airport. Two Oahu men made their way across two miles of open ocean to get to shore at Kalaupapa National Historical Park this morning after their single-engine plane went down west of Molokai’s Kalaupapa Airport, according to Maui fire officials. Star-Advertiser. Maui News.  Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Maui County remembers service members who paid the ultimate sacrifice. About 4,300 flags and lei were placed at gravesites across the Maui Veterans’ Cemetery in Makawao for Memorial Day. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai

Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative among the highest in state for renewable energy generation in 2025. Kauaʻi Island Utility Cooperative achieved a 52.8% Renewable Portfolio Standard for 2025, second highest in the state behind Hawai‘i Island.  Kauai Now.

Thank you, veterans! Hundreds of people took advantage of sunny weather to visit the Kauai Veterans Cemetery to honor veterans and their families resting in the hallowed ground during the Kauai Veterans Council Veterans Day ceremony. Garden Island.

Health officials perplexed by snorkeling deaths, 28 homes damaged in magnitude 6.0 earthquake, OHA mulls purchase of KITV4, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Health Officials Are Perplexed By Hawaiʻi Snorkeling Deaths. Snorkeling claims the lives of dozens of tourists each year. Some who lost loved ones or nearly drowned themselves say not enough is done to warn people of the risks. Civil Beat.

Hawaii law aims to curb corporate influence in elections but faces hurdles. The new law attempts to bypass the effects of the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2010 ruling in Citizens United v. Federal Elections Commission, which has paved the way for corporations and other outside groups, including labor unions, to spend unprecedented amounts of money on U.S. elections. While it was meant to counter Citizens United’s impact, the Hawaii law restricts enforcement to state-regulated organizations, so it has also raised concerns that it actually might allow entities incorporated in other states to fill the void in political spending in the islands. Star-Advertiser.

Attorney General Lopez provides biweekly update on public corruption investigation. State political investigation continues after 2nd Cabinet member leaves. In the wake of a second top administration official stepping down amid an ongoing criminal investigation, Gov. Josh Green’s office said it is not aware of any other state agency or individuals being included in the probe and that the governor is not “involved in the investigation in any way.” Star-Advertiser. Maui Now. 

Leadership Turmoil And Staffing Shortfalls Plague Child Welfare System. Former Hawaiʻi Department of Human Services Director Ryan Yamane is not the only top child welfare official departing the agency as lawmakers made some efforts this year to improve the system. Civil Beat.

Stalled work to determine OHA ceded land claims revived. Hawaii lawmakers have set out a modified path to determine how much revenue from ceded lands the state owes the Office of Hawaiian Affairs and resolve a nearly half-century dispute. Lawmakers also agreed to distribute $55 million in withheld ceded land revenue to OHA as part of the newly amended legislation, Senate Bill 903, on top of a set annual $21.5 million contribution that OHA regards as far below what is owed. Star-Advertiser.

Prayers push politics aside for Hawaii family members of Tulsi Gabbard. Prayers poured in for the family of Tulsi Gabbard on Friday after the former Hawaii political office holder announced her resignation as director of national intelligence in Washington, D.C., to support her husband battling bone cancer.  Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Voters Could Add Immigrant Protection Measures For HPD In November. In the wake of state legislation seeking to protect immigrants from overzealous federal crackdowns, a Honolulu charter amendment proposal with similar goals is inching forward at the city’s charter commission. Civil Beat.

North Shore homeowners fined nearly $2M for shoreline barriers. Three North Shore homeowners who together amassed a total of nearly $2 million in state fines for illegal shoreline armoring have begun removing the unpermitted structures they installed to shield their Rocky Point properties from erosion. Star-Advertiser.

OHA weighs purchase of KITV-KIKU from Allen Media Group. The Office of Hawaiian Affairs declined to say whether it has entered negotiations with a broadcast company or whether an offer has been made or is imminent. But sources close to the potential deal said the agency’s acquisition target is the Allen Media Group-owned KITV-KIKU, the local ABC affiliate and a station featuring Japanese and Filipino programming. Star-Advertiser.

‘Save the Queen’: Kaimukī residents urge the City to buy dilapidated Queen Theater. The Honolulu City Council's Zoning and Planning Committee on Thursday passed a resolution that would add Queen Theater to the roster of government buildings. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Island

Big Island residents report damage from magnitude 6.0 quake. No injuries were reported but Hawaii County officials received reports Saturday from the Civil Defense Agency that at least 28 houses were damaged, including a post-and-pier home in South Kona that collapsed and is considered unlivable due to extensive damage to its foundation, said Tom Callis, spokesman for the Mayor’s Office. Star-Advertiser. Big Island Now. Hawaii News Now. 

County to use eminent domain to widen Puna road. A Hawaii County Council committee unanimously approved a resolution Tuesday to acquire 3.74 acres of land along Government Beach Road in Puna using eminent domain in order to widen the winding, one-lane scenic seaside route. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

HECO installing sturdier replacement poles in Lahaina, with plans for limited underground lines. Nearly three years after a downed power line sparked the destructive and deadly 2023 Lahaina wildfire, Hawaiian Electric is beginning a two-year, hardening project in the seaside town to replace wooden utility poles with stronger ones made of steel or composite fiberglass. Maui Now.

Hoʻonani Village project recommended for first reading passage by full Council; calls for deferral set aside. Bills 163 and 164 would expand the Maui Island Plan’s urban growth boundary and change the Wailuku-Kahului Community Plan designation from agriculture to business-multifamily for approximately 166 acres near Pūlehu and Hansen roads and Maui Veterans Highway. The site is part of a larger parcel that Hoʻonani Development plans to transform into an approximately 1,608-unit workforce housing community with light industrial, commercial, office and open space components. Maui Now.

Kula Hospital's future uncertain amid ongoing post-storm closure. Kula Hospital was home to more than 100 long-term patients when severe flooding and rain in March damaged the facility. Hawaii Public Radio.

‘She’s up with the saints’: Meli Watanuki, one of Kalaupapa’s last living patients, dies at 91. A beloved member of the Kalaupapa community who loved to dance hula, never missed morning Mass and helped restart tours to the historic town last fall has died, leaving just two survivors of Hansen’s disease living full time on the isolated peninsula on Moloka‘i’s north coast. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kauaʻi farmers and small businesses find new home at Anahola Marketplace. A new weekly farmers market focused on local food, small businesses and community connection is set to launch June 1 at Anahola Marketplace on Kauaʻi’s North Shore. Kauai Now.

No swimming advised following shark sighting at Hanalei Bay. According to a preliminary report, ocean safety officials report that a 6- to 7-foot shark was sighted fronting the Pavilion Tower in Hanalei Bay today, May 24, at approximately 2:15 p.m. Lifeguards will reassess the area later on Monday, May 25. If there are no other sightings, the beach will reopen to ocean activities at 2:15 p.m. Kauai Now. Garden Island. 

Busy cyclone season predicted, Green signs income tax cuts bill, coastal water pollution worsens, Japanese developer advances $2B LNG power plant plan for Oahu, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaiʻi urged to prepare for intense El Niño hurricane season. ‘Very busy year:’ Central Pacific forecast calls for 5 to 13 tropical cyclones. The Central Pacific hurricane outlook forecast was released Thursday, showing a 70% chance that there could be five to 13 tropical cyclones, which include tropical depressions, tropical storms and hurricanes, in the region this season. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii Public Radio.  Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News.  Big Island Now. Hawaii News Now.  KHON2.  KITV4.

New water quality report shows more chronic coastal water pollution in Hawaii.  Three beach areas in Hawaii have the dubious distinction of being among the top ten coastal areas in the U.S. with the highest rates of bacteria that exceed recreational health standards. Hawaii News Now.

Gov. Green signs income tax bill, others into law. Gov. Green signs bills to strengthen and protect essential public services. Gov. Josh Green signed four measures into law Thursday, including a bill that preserves a vast majority of income tax relief from Act 46, Session Laws of Hawai‘i 2024, for low- and middle-income households, while revising certain future tax bracket and rate adjustments and repealing or sunsetting selected tax credits. Maui Now. KHON2.  KITV4.

Outlook on state finances improves. The Council on Revenues has somewhat downgraded its forecast for Hawaii general fund revenue growth next fiscal year, but also improved its outlook for the current fiscal year that results in an overall net benefit. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.

Hawaiʻi Teachers Win Raises, But Some Schools Are Still Crumbling. Teachers say lawmakers made significant progress boosting educator morale and retention this session, but debates about campus repairs and construction are ongoing. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Developer wading into regulatory waters for proposed Oahu LNG power plant. An affiliate of Japan’s biggest energy company has begun to seek federal regulatory approval for part of a proposed $2 billion Oahu power plant fueled by imported liquefied natural gas. Star-Advertiser.

City Council OKs $70K settlement in HPD car crash. The Honolulu City Council voted on May 13 to authorize a settlement agreement in the lawsuit, Jonathan Lefiti v. Dejanira Seale, an HPD officer, and the City and County of Honolulu, stemming from a rear-end collision that allegedly caused serious injuries to occupants of the other vehicle. Star-Advertiser.

UH students and faculty speak out against 'time, place and manner' policies. Members of the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Faculty Senate met with school leaders to discuss what they perceive as a concerning change to campus free speech policies. Hawaii Public Radio.

New Oahu field use rules causing concern among youth leagues. The City has a new pilot program to better manage sports fields permits on Oahu. KHON2.

North Shore lifeguard rescues sea turtle tangled in fishing line at Waimea Bay. About 50 yards offshore fronting the lifeguard tower, a large honu was stuck in a fisherman’s line with multiple hooks. Hawaii News Now.

Developers break ground on Waianiani at The Cove, new West Oahu entertainment venue. The ground breaking and blessing for Waianiani at The Cove was held on Thursday, a new oceanfront entertainment and cultural destination coming to West Oahu. KITV4.

Hawaii Island

County Council tweaks property tax rates. Hawaiʻi County Is Taxing Homes Of The Rich, But Others Get A Break. Council chair flexes to keep a more aggressive proposal off the agenda. Civil Beat. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Now. 

Management plan in the works for Hilo Bay watershed. Efforts are underway to develop a watershed management plan for Hilo Bay, which has a long history of poor water quality, high bacteria levels and brown water advisories. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Axis deer impact survey is open through June 30.  The DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife is asking residents of Maui, Moloka‘i and Lāna‘i to participate in a short survey describing how axis deer are impacting their lives. Maui Now.

Will Patient Death Halt Kalaupapa Access? ‘No One Really Knows’. The National Park Service is working with the late Meli Watanuki’s estate and tour operators on options to continue. Civil Beat.

Kauai

Accessibility improvement project at Līhuʻe Airport to begin May 26. Construction work that will improve pedestrian safety and accessibility at Līhuʻe Airport is scheduled to begin May 26, according to the Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation. Kauai Now.

Chan and Zuckerberg donate $1.48M for new imaging technology at Wilcox Medical Center. Dr. Priscilla Chan and her husband, META CEO Mark Zuckerberg, have donated $1.48 million to support new imaging technology at the Wilcox Medical Center in Līhuʻe. Kauai Now. Garden Island. 

Luke Evslin files for re-election. State Rep. Luke Evslin (D-Wailua, Hanamaulu, Kapaia, Lihue, Puhi, Omao) filed his nomination papers Wednesday to seek re-election to House District 16.  Garden Island.

Concealed firearms carry licenses jump 70%, defense contractors arrested for bribery, conspiracy; Lazar picked for Honolulu police chief; Mauna Loa Atmospheric BaselineObservatory road restored, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Statewide concealed carry licenses climb in Hawaii. The Hawaii Department of the Attorney General has released new 2025 statewide statistics on concealed carry firearm licenses. According to the report, 3,764 people in Hawaii held a valid license to carry a concealed handgun as of Dec. 31, 2025. Officials said that marks a 70.5% increase from the 2,207 license holders reported at the end of 2024. Hawaii News Now.

Two defense contractors arrested for bribery and major fraud conspiracy scheme involving Hawaiʻi-Pacific Innovation Campus. The Justice Department announced criminal charges against Leonard Pick, 62, of Palm Beach Shores, Florida, and Brian Kent, 59, of Tampa, Florida, for allegedly orchestrating a bribery and major fraud conspiracy that corrupted the competitive procurement process for a Department of War technology innovation lab in the Pacific. These indictments result from ongoing federal investigations into fraud and collusion in the defense contracting industry in Hawaiʻi.  Maui Now.

Jarrett Keohokalole files for Congress, launches campaign focused on affordability. Hawaii State Sen. Jarrett Keohokalole has officially filed to run for Hawaii’s First Congressional District, launching a campaign centered on affordability, health care and what he calls the need for new leadership. Keohokalole filed his candidacy on Wednesday, setting up a challenge to longtime U.S. Rep. Ed Case. KITV4.

Oahu

Police commission taps retired deputy chief from San Francisco to lead HPD. For the first time in the 94-year history of the Honolulu Police Department, an officer who never worked in Hawaii will lead the largest law enforcement organization in the state. Honolulu police commissioners voted 5-2 to appoint David Lazar, 55, as the 13th chief of HPD.  Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii Public Radio.  Hawaii News Now. KHON2. KITV4.

Oahu homeless count shows slight uptick, but some improvements. The 2026 Oahu Point-in-Time Count Community Report conducted on Jan. 26 identified 4,539 people experiencing homelessness on the night of Jan. 25 — a roughly 1% increase from the 4,487 counted in 2024. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.

Raised crosswalks in Kailua to be removed, prompting lane closures. State officials say lane closures are scheduled next week for the removal of two raised crosswalks that were installed on Kailua Road about four years ago. Star-Advertiser.

Marine institute shores up Moku o Loʻe against climate change. The Hawaiʻi Institute of Marine Biology has released its Mālama ʻĀina Plan, which guides how the islet will adapt to climate change. Hawaii Public Radio.

Vigilante Curb Painting Has ʻAiea Resident Seeing Red. Red paint on public curbs is reserved for Honolulu bus stops, but at The Pearl One condominiums, the enamel has been more widely applied. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

General plan bill advances in County Council. The Hawaii County Council voted 6-3 on Wednesday in favor of passing a long-term public planning document that has garnered significant public outcry, at times described by council members as “personal attacks,” “vilifying comments,” “conspiracy theories” and “AI psychosis.” Tribune-Herald.

Council holds public meeting on proposed property rates. The Hawaii County Council held a public hearing Tuesday seeking feedback on plans to raise property tax rates for nonresidents and owners of second homes in a push to make up for an estimated $15 million budget shortfall. At the same time, many island residents would see a reduction in their property taxes. Tribune-Herald.

Permits granted to carry concealed guns up 54%. According to a report released Wednesday by the state Department of Attorney General, the total number of active concealed-carry licenses in Hawaii County as of Dec. 31, 2025, was 656. That’s 231 more licenses than reported as of Dec. 31, 2024, or a 54% increase. Tribune-Herald.

Mauna Loa Observatory Road Restored, 3 Years After Lava Flow. Access to NOAA’s Mauna Loa Atmospheric Baseline Observatory, or MLO, has been restored following the late-2022 eruption of Mauna Loa volcano. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Maui County committee defers overnight parking ban, discusses water fee overhaul. The Maui County Council’s Water and Infrastructure Committee deferred action Monday on a proposed overnight parking ban on three industrial area streets in Kahului after hearing community concerns about its impact on homeless people living out of their cars and the need for safer alternatives. Maui Now.

Maui Council committee advances $4M budget amendment for Hālau of ʻŌiwi Arts. A Maui County Council committee recommended first reading approval Tuesday of a $4 million bond funding request for the Hālau of ʻŌiwi Arts project in Wailuku, even as council members raised pointed questions about why items originally represented as part of the project had been dropped before construction began. Maui Now.

Schatz visits site of future Hālau of ‘Ōiwi Art in Wailuku. U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz recently visited the construction site of the future Hālau of ‘Ōiwi Art in Wailuku to view ongoing work on the cultural center, which will serve as a hub for hula and Native Hawaiian arts as well as a disaster resilience facility. Maui News.

Kauai

Kauai Fire Department blesses three brush trucks and high water rescue vehicle. The Kauai Fire Department (KFD) held a blessing on Wednesday to welcome three new brush trucks and a new high water rescue vehicle in front of the Historic County Building in Lihue.  Garden Island.

Maui's marshy wetlands can play a role in Hawaiʻi's climate solution. Wetlands can store up to five times as much carbon as forests. They’re rich in native biodiversity, and can help protect coral reefs from runoff and absorb floodwater during storms.  Hawaii Public Radio.

State DHS director Yamane quits amid Hawaii corruption probe, toll road for Mauna Kea proposed, SHOPO touts Lambert for Honolulu police chief, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii AG’s corruption probe prompts state director to quit. Former  state lawmaker Ryan Yamane abruptly retired as director of the Department of Human Services on Tuesday after being questioned by state investigators about allegations of public corruption involving Hawaii’s COVID-19 testing contracts. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.  KITV4. 

Oahu

Stakeholders evaluate transparency in process to pick Honolulu's chief of police. Has the Honolulu Police Commission engaged enough with stakeholders and the public as a whole as it’s set to appoint a new police chief? It depends on who you ask. Hawaii Public Radio.

Honolulu police union supports Lambert for chief, survey says. The union representing Honolulu Police Department officers wants former HPD Maj. Mike Lambert to be the city’s 13th police chief, citing his institutional knowledge, proven record of leadership and “deep cultural competency.” Star-Advertiser.

City to seek other sites for archery range project. Private plans to build a traditional Japanese archery range and training facility at city-owned Mau‘umae Nature Park in Kaimuki have been abandoned, as city officials and the project’s sponsor seek a new location following community opposition, park officials announced Tuesday. Star-Advertiser. KHON2.

Skyline improvements to come with $500M in construction contracts. More than 300,000 people rode Skyline last month – the most ever and the first time it crossed that number. While it is in operation, officials acknowledge it is still a work in progress.  KHON2.

‘It’s Just Tiring’: 24 Hours Inside Hawai‘i’s Homeless Crisis. More than a dozen Civil Beat reporters and photographers set out to chronicle the reality of homelessness on Oʻahu on Jan. 26, the day of the homeless census. Here’s what they saw.  Civil Beat.

Kaiser cancer center receives $5M for expansion. Kaiser Permanente Hawaii announced Tuesday that it has received a $5 million grant from The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust to support construction of the new Kaiser Permanente Hawaii Cancer Center at Moanalua Medical Center. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Charter Amendment Would Pull Power Away From Hawaiʻi County Mayor. A divided County Council is moving forward with plans to let voters decide if a county manager system would work better for the Big Island. Hawai‘i County’s mayor would become more of a figurehead under a proposed charter amendment that shifts significant executive powers to an appointed county manager. Civil Beat. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Now.

DHHL Considers Tolls For Mauna Kea Access Road. The proposals have pitted two Native Hawaiian organizations against each other. The Hawaiian Homes Commission is considering proposals to charge fees to visit Mauna Kea and use those funds to pay for reforestation efforts and restoration of cultural sites. Civil Beat.

Council considers new requirements for nonprofits. A Hawaii County Council committee on Tuesday unanimously approved a bill that would require nonprofits applying for county grants to certify they have policies governing nepotism, conflicts of interest and auditing. Tribune-Herald.

Alameda asks state for help in wake of recent traffic deaths. Mayor Kimo Alameda on Monday sent a letter to Gov. Josh Green requesting assistance from the state to improve traffic safety on Hawaii Island. As of Tuesday, there had been 13 traffic fatalities in 2026 on Hawaii Island roads, including eight in the past two weeks. Big Island Video News.  Big Island Now.  Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Grand Taste to showcase a perfect pairing: Maui Chefs + Maui Agriculture. A total of 12 Maui chefs will create 12 original recipes and compete for top honors in Grand Taste at Maui AgFest on Saturday, May 30. This popular event gives attendees a chance to sample delicious creations from some of Maui’s hottest chefs, and then to vote on their favorite. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kauaʻi judge keeps development ban in place at former Princeville golf course. Fifth Circuit Court Judge Stephanie Char on Tuesday denied a request by Starwood Capital Group to resume certain ground-disturbing work at the abandoned Makai Woods Golf Course in Princeville, keeping an existing injunction in place while the case remains on appeal. Kauai Now.

Kauai USDA safety inspector convicted of federal child exploitation charges. U.S. Department of Agriculture safety inspector Roger Wesley Biggs, 40, led a secret online life, grooming vulnerable boys and coercing them into producing sexually explicit images. Hawaii News Now.

Raised crosswalks to be installed in Hanalei overnight Thursday. The Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation will close one lane of traffic from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. on Thursday, May 21, for the installation of the three crosswalks as part of the Kūhiō Highway Resurfacing and Safety Improvement Princeville to Waikoko project. Kauai Now.

More than 700 to graduate this weekend. More than 700 high school seniors earned eligibility for graduation from the three public high schools that will celebrate graduation exercises on Friday, according to the Kauai Complex Area, Hawaii Department of Education. Garden Island.

Green mulls pausing gas taxes, Honolulu forces mentally ill homeless into treatment facilities, bill gives Maunakea management board extra time, Maui County to buy MLB water assets, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Gov. Green considering pausing state, county gas tax during summer to ease prices at pump. Gov. Josh Green says he’s considering pausing state and county gas taxes for part of summer. The state gas tax is 16 cents a gallon. The county’s tax ranges from 16 to 24 cents. Depending on your vehicle, that could mean a savings of $4-to-$6 every time you fill up. KHON2.

EPA Just Walked Back Hawaiʻi’s Plan To Retire Its Dinosaur Power Plants. By throwing a wrench in the state’s Regional Haze State Implementation Plan, advocates say HECO can sidestep rules years in the making. Civil Beat.

Candidate Faced Little Vetting For Charter School Board. The Hawaiʻi education board reviews applications to the state charter school commission. Some school leaders say the process should be more rigorous. Civil Beat.

Hawaiʻi Board of Education commits to better communication. As the school year comes to a close, the Hawaiʻi Board of Education is committing to higher standards of communication and transparency with its community. Hawaii Public Radio.

Partnerships formalized to expand locally sourced school meals in Hawaiʻi. State leaders gathered at Mililani High School to sign a joint memorandum of agreement formalizing a statewide partnership to expand the use of locally sourced foods in Hawaiʻi public school meals and strengthen Hawaiʻi’s agricultural and food systems. Maui Now.

Oahu

Council authorizes $350K contract to defend against Hitachi litigation. A private law firm with a longstanding role defending the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation in court will be paid more to advise the city as it navigates ongoing legal disputes with the prime contractor of the city’s more than $10 billion Skyline project. Star-Advertiser.

Crisis teams use new law to get mentally ill homeless into treatment on Oahu. Pilot program allows involuntary transport to mental health facilities with law enforcement backup. About 60 people from across the island have been taken to hospitals or mental health crisis centers. Of those, six would not go willingly and had to be handcuffed and driven in patrol cars to the treatment facility. Hawaii News Now.

Tour of problems at Oahu Community Correctional Center. The state wants to build a new billion dollar jail to replace the current Oahu Community Correctional Center. KHON2.

Coast Guard, partners respond to oil spill at Ala Wai Harbor. The Coast Guard said it is working with the state Department of Health and the Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation on the response. Hawaii News Now.
 
Hawaii Island

Bill gives Maunakea authority more time to take over management of summit area. House Bill 2592 extends the start date of the Maunakea Stewardship and Oversight Authority's assumption of management of the summit area from June 2028 to December 2029 and gives it the power to extend existing observatory leases on the mountain prior to the transfer date. Tribune-Herald.

Funds Released for Restoration of East Hawaiʻi Cultural Center. Governor Josh Green released $200,000 in general obligation bond funds for a Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Grant-in-Aid (GIA) project supporting the restoration of the Kalākaua Street building. Big Island Video News.

State Funds Released for Goodwill Hilo Campus. Governor Josh Green has released $500,000 in general obligation bond funds for a Capital Improvement Program Grant-in-Aid to help bring Goodwill’s newly acquired Hilo campus facility up to code, and expand its operational capacity to better serve the East Hawaiʻi community. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now. 

Maui

Maui County agrees to buy Maui Land & Pineapple Co. water assets. If the sale goes through, and negotiations are successful with other water system owners like Kameha­meha Schools and West Maui Land to acquire key assets — including the Olowalu and Launiupoko irrigation and water companies — public stewardship of drinking and irrigation water will increase to 65% and drinking water alone will increase to 93%. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now.  Maui News.

Maui’s Speed Bump Bonanza Is Driving Some Locals Crazy. The county has installed dozens of traffic-calming devices to improve public safety. Some residents say it has gone too far. Civil Beat.

Kauai

Kaua‘i Looks To Triple Homeless Funding On Heels Of Lower Count. The County Council also increased funding for invasive species mitigation and mental health programs as part of its ongoing review of next year’s budget. Civil Beat.

Political forum draws a crowd. The Kapaa Business Association 2026 Political Forum was an opportunity for the voting public to get to know the political candidates for the offices of Kauai mayor, the Kauai County Council, and Hawaii state representatives. Garden Island.

Developer of Kauai condos files for bankruptcy over ‘predatory lending agreement’. A divisive development of 279 luxury condos under construction on Kauai’s south shore is now in financial trouble. After pre-selling about $100 million worth of units, developer Meridian Pacific filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy over its Kauanoe o Koloa project, days before a scheduled hearing for a lawsuit against it.  Hawaii News Now.

Free property tax relief workshops scheduled in May, June, July. Kaua‘i property owners are invited to three free summer workshops beginning this month to learn about available property tax relief programs. Kauai Now.