40k business filings backlogged in Hawaii Business Express system, secrecy surrounds new Maui data center, new Honolulu license plate honors Duke Kahanamoku, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Software firm Salesforce is helping free up roughly 40,000 backlogged business filings. At least 20 tech experts from the cloud-based software firm Salesforce recently began helping the state Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs fix problems with its new registry system that other information technology contractors retained by DCCA deployed in July with flaws using a Salesforce platform after years of delays and budget increases. The new Hawaii Business Express system was initially expected to be finished by May 2023. Star-Advertiser.  Hawaii News Now. 

Hawaiʻi House Republicans: We'll 'fight for the people' despite heavy election losses. The blue wave that swept the country on Election Day last week helped topple four House Republicans in Hawaiʻi, leaving the GOP with only six of 51 seats in the chamber. Hawaii Public Radio.

State Senate announces leadership, committee assignments. Sen. Ronald Kouchi will serve as president of the Hawaii State Senate when the 34th Legislature convenes Jan. 20, with Lorraine Inouye as vice president, Dru Mamo Kanuha as majority leader and Rachele Lamosao as majority floor leader. Maui News.

SNAP benefits could be cut for thousands of Hawaii residents. Thousands of Hawaii residents could potentially lose food assistance benefits, under proposed changes by the federal government. On average 141,000 people in Hawaii receive SNAP benefits every month. KITV4.

Hawaiʻi’s top-rated nursing homes revealed by U.S. News & World Report. The right care can make a difference in a person’s recovery, safety and quality of life. For families across Hawaiʻi, the latest U.S. News & World Report rankings offered a starting point for comparing facilities. KHON2.

Oahu

Lawsuit alleges ‘rogue’ Honolulu Council members violated Sunshine Law in leadership selection. Kaimuki resident Tim Garry has sued the City and County of Honolulu and the City Council, alleging five “rogue” Council members violated Hawaii’s Sunshine Law by secretly discussing and potentially deciding the panel’s next leadership slate during an Oct. 5 gathering at Zippy’s Waipahu. Star-Advertiser.

This Kāneʻohe Couple Hopes To Resolve Permit Issues Before They Die. The homeowners say the permit department is MIA, and they’re worried how an outstanding issue could impact their kids’ inheritance. Civil Beat.

Sextortion, cybercrimes focus of high school safety lessons. In light of recent reports of bullying on Hawaiʻi school campuses and threats that have led to lockdowns, Kaimukī High students are getting valuable lessons from their school resource officers on navigating today’s challenges. Hawaii News Now.

Duke Kahanamoku license plate available on Oahu starting Monday. A new license plate honoring Olympic swimmer and surfing icon Duke Kahanamoku will be available to purchase Monday. The City and County of Honolulu said the commemorative plate will be available to purchase at all Oahu satellite city halls.  Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

Hawaii National Guard concludes Lala response and recovery operations. Soldiers and airmen assigned to the 93rd Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Enhanced Response Force Package worked alongside Hawaii County, cultural practitioners, archaeologists and other subject-matter experts to conduct the sensitive recovery mission with care and respect for the affected community.  Tribune-Herald.

12-Unit Supportive Housing Complex Opens in Kona. HOPE Services hosts ceremony for Kani Leʻa housing project in Kona. Kani Le‘a is located in Kailua-Kona and features 12 two-bedroom, one-bathroom apartments, each with its own kitchen. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News. 

Maui

How Much Water Will The Future Maui Data Center Use? The Military Won’t Say. The nearly $100 million facility received special exemptions that skirted the traditional oversight provided by the county. Civil Beat.

County’s temporary Safe Parking Program in Central Maui launches with 20 individuals. The County of Maui has completed its three-day coordinated cleanup of Pūlehu Road and launch of its temporary Safe Parking Program in Central Maui. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now. 

New Lahaina marketplace restores businesses by Front Street. The first storefronts returned to Lahaina’s commercial core Tuesday as the ‘Ulu o Lele Marketplace opened on the former Outlets of Maui site, marking a major milestone in the town’s recovery more than three years after the Aug. 8, 2023, wildfire devastated the community. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. 

Kauai

‘Free Palestine’ Stickers Get Librarian Criminally Convicted On Kauaʻi. A Kauaʻi librarian said her pro-Palestine sticker at a local falafel business was advocacy. The Jewish community saw an antisemitic attack.  Civil Beat.

Local filmmakers expand casting for $1.8 million Kauaʻi adventure film, ‘Thackeray’. From acting to behind-the-scenes production, Kauaʻi residents of all experience levels are invited to get involved in the new action adventure film. Kauai Now.