Acting lieutenant governor pulls double duty, tourism leader Hannemann retiring, Honolulu drafts goats for wildfire prevention while Kona tries to get rid of them, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii’s acting lieutenant governor outlines priorities stepping into new role. Acting Lt. Gov. Keith Regan splits his nearly 11-hour work days starting at 6 a.m. at his full-time jobs as state comptroller and head of the vast state Department of Accounting and General Services. Then walks across Punchbowl Street to spend his afternoons on the fifth floor of the state Capitol, where he is filling in as lieutenant governor. Star-Advertiser. KITV4.

Beyond The Bench: Mark Recktenwald Is Still Helping The Legal Profession. The recently retired Hawaiʻi Supreme Court chief justice is working with national legal advocacy groups, publishing articles and teaching a law class at UH Mānoa. Civil Beat.

Mufi Hannemann to retire after leading HLTA in tough times. Mufi Hannemann, a former Honolulu mayor and longtime leader in Hawaii’s visitor industry, announced Saturday that he will retire as president and CEO of the Hawai‘i Lodging and Tourism Association after more than a decade at the helm. Star-Advertiser. KHON2. 

Hawaii farmers hit by storm face long road to recovery. Farmers from the four major counties self-reported damages of more than $38.8 million, including more than $25 million in lost crops, with more than 4,600 acres impacted. Star-Advertiser.

Taxpayer funding to pay state legal claims tops $20M. The state is preparing to pay $20.4 million this year to settle legal claims that include a $1.2 million reimbursement of federal funding spent on COVID-19 rental assistance for undeserving households. Star-Advertiser.

University of Hawaii secures $33.5M to combat invasive species. University of Hawaii secures $33.5M to combat invasive species. Researchers at the University of Hawaii are leading nearly 100 projects backed by more than $33.5 million in funding to combat invasive species across the islands, underscoring the growing urgency to protect Hawai‘i’s fragile ecosystems, agriculture and public health. Star-Advertiser. Big Island Now. 

Oahu

Honolulu budget battle over potential cuts. A debate is unfolding at Honolulu Hale as city leaders weigh in on a proposed operating budget that’s drawing criticism over a controversial $41.5 million provision and deep cuts to a key economic agency. KHON2.

Honolulu Forced To Rehire Fired Paramedics After Botched Investigation. The paramedics, who were removed from their posts in August 2023 and brought back per an arbitrator’s order in 2025, are owed two years of backpay each. Civil Beat.

On-duty police officer indicted for sexual assault. Christopher John A. Oallesma, a 26-year-old Honolulu police officer has been indicted on multiple counts in the alleged sexual assault of a woman while he was on duty April 6 and 7. Star-Advertiser.

Murder Charges, Then Freedom: Teens’ Pretrial Release Questioned. The cases raise questions about leniency shown to young arrestees and the effectiveness of ankle monitors. Civil Beat.

Public access to Lake Wilson in Wahiawa is shut down. State officials said the closure is tied to ongoing concerns about low water levels and upcoming repairs to the Wahiawa Dam. KHON2.

Honolulu braces for rising costs as storm damage exceeds $100 million. Early estimates on the impacts of the back-to-back storms on city-owned properties and operations exceed $100 million, according to officials. But city leaders also say the final price tag could shift as assessments continue and as city agencies seek federal reimbursement. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. 

Goats and sheep deployed in East Honolulu to fight wildfire risk. Some 100 goats and sheep are busy munching away at the thick vegetation, including hardy koa haole trees, tall invasive California grasses, guinea grasses and other thorny brush along 3.3 acres of Laukahi Slopes Mini Park in the East Honolulu enclave. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Hilo Driver License Office To Relocate on May 11. The Hilo Driver License Office located at the police station will relocated to 120 Pauahi Street. This is the same space as the former Bank of Hawaiʻi branch, located on the first floor of the building. Big Island Video News.

Kona Man Dies In Waters Off Hōkūlia Shoreline. John Kauhaihao of Kealakekua, 64, was last seen picking ʻopihi. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now. Hawaii News Now. 

Ungulates unchecked: What to do about West Hawaii’s goat, sheep problem? Even as roadkill carcasses of wild sheep and goats pile up along West Hawaii highways, budget constraints for the Department of Land and Natural Resources continue to hamstring efforts to address the problem. Tribune-Herald.

DLNR: Nene killed in Keaukaha. The Department of Land and Natural Resources said the Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement received a call from the Hawaii Police Department regarding an injured nene, the state bird, along Kalanianaole Street in Hilo in the vicinity of Leleiwi Beach Park. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Mayor Bissen says former chief of staff’s lawsuit is politically motivated as he seeks reelection.  Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen is preparing to defend his seat and his first term against a slate of challengers and a lawsuit filed last week by his former chief of staff alleging retaliation for reporting suspected fraud. Maui Now.

Old Pioneer Mill site with smokestack sells for nearly $20M, future plans remain mystery. A group of local buyers has purchased 21 acres in Lahaina that include the historic 225-foot-tall Pioneer Mill Co. smokestack for $19.9 million, but the plans for the industrial property in the heart of the burn zone have not been made public. Maui Now.

County announces closures of Ukumehame Firing Range, Wahikuli Terrace Park. The Ukumehame Firing Range in West Maui remains closed following damage from March kona low storms, with no reopening date set. Maui News.

Teen Surfers Make Hawaiʻi History In First-Ever State Championship. For the first time in Hawaiʻi’s history, high school surfers had the opportunity to compete with the best of the best and vie for a state championship title across two days of competition. Nearly 180 students participated in Hawaiʻi’s first surfing state championship Friday and Saturday. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now. Maui News. 

Tour company calls accusations against driver on Road to Hana ‘lies’.  Maui police opened a disorderly conduct and criminal property damage investigation over a heated encounter on the Road to Hana that left several visitors rattled. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai

Nearly a thousand make 47th Visitor Industry Charity Walk a success. The course for the 47th Visitor Industry Charity Walk held on Saturday was abbreviated due to the Vidinha Stadium and the Kauai Police Activities League building construction. Garden Island.

End of an era at Kōloa Rum Co. as longtime president, chief executive officer Bob Gunter steps down. The man who helmed Hawai‘i’s award-winning producer of premium, small-batch Hawaiian rum stepped down as the company’s chief executive officer and president after nearly two decades. Kauai Now.

Devens confirmed as Supreme Court chief justice, state budget heading to full chambers after some 'green fee' tourist tax projects cut, feral cats kill 168 native seabirds on Kauai, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Senate confirms Devens as Hawaii Supreme Court’s chief justice. Associate Justice Vladimir Devens was confirmed today as chief justice of Hawaii’s Supreme by the state Senate following a 20-to-5 vote that reflected concerns over Devens’ failure to initially disclose his relationship with a powerful political action committee while applying to join the court as an associate justice two years ago. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii Public Radio.  Big Island Video News.

Climate Change Projects Key As Lawmakers Rush To Finish State Budget. The Legislature needs to make decisions on all tax and spending bills by Friday in order to conduct final votes next week. House and Senate leaders finalized a list of more than $120 million in “green fee” environmental protection and other projects late Thursday evening as they hurried to meet a critical Friday deadline to move the state budget forward. Civil Beat. Big Island Now.  KHON2.

Proposed Hawaii ‘Green Fee’ projects overhauled again. State spending gatekeepers at the Legislature have put a big stamp on Hawaii’s first batch “Green Fee” projects to be funded by a new tourism impact fee, shunting about 40% of recommendations from an advisory council. Star-Advertiser.

Automatic voter registration close to becoming law in Hawaiʻi. Senate Bill 2239 would replace the current “opt-in” system with an “opt-out” one. In the proposed system, during the application process, eligible residents would automatically be registered to vote — unless they explicitly decline registration. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kona Low storms drive March visitor spending down 1.6%. Back-to-back Kona Low storms in March hobbled Hawaiʻi’s tourism economy, triggering an estimated $300 million in lost revenue as flooding, flight cancellations and attraction closures disrupted spring break travel across the islands. Maui Now. Star-Advertiser. KITV4.

State Film Commissioner Donne Dawson retires after 25 years. Hawai‘i State Film Commissioner Donne Dawson will be retiring from the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism effective April 30, 2026, concluding 25 years of service managing the Hawai‘i Film Office and the state’s film program. Maui Now.

Oahu

City releases Oahu's 2026 Sustainability Report highlighting climate, transit gains. City leaders said the report reflects a coordinated effort across departments to address long-term environmental challenges. KITV4.

Hoʻomaluhia Botanical Garden prepares master plan as storm cleanup continues. Ho‘omaluhia Botanical Garden in Kāne‘ohe draws more visitors each year than any of Honolulu’s gardens — a whopping 730,000 in a year. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaiian Electric repairs key transmission line over Koolaus. Hawaiian Electric on Thursday announced the completion of repairs to a 138-kilovolt transmission line that carries electricity from Leeward Oahu to Windward Oahu, Waimanalo and East Honolulu. Star-Advertiser.

Iconic Tamashiro Market closes its doors after more than 80 years. Thursday, April 30, after more than 80 years, the Tamashiro Family closed their Kalihi fish market for the final time. More than just a place to shop, the landmark business and building have been a part of Hawaii’s history for generations. KHON2. Star-Advertiser. KITV4.  Hawaii News Now. 

Robyn Ah Mow opens up about why she is stepping down as Wahine coach. Ah Mow spent nine years and eight seasons in charge of the Rainbow Wahine volleyball program, compiling a 165-72 overall record with five consecutive Big West Conference championships from 2019 to 2024. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Saddle Road extension plan revived. The Hawaii Department of Transportation is reviving plans to extend the Daniel K. Inouye Highway in the South Kohala district from its current ending at Mamalahoa Highway (Route 190) westward to Queen Ka‘ahumanu Highway (Route 19). Tribune-Herald.

Kailua-Kona Confronts A Paid Parking ‘Epidemic’. Hawai‘i County Council members are struggling to tackle an issue that residents say is ruining the community. Civil Beat.

Big plans for Kawaihae Harbor. The Hawaii Department of Transportation is planning to begin a makeover of Kawaihae Harbor next year, including the widening of Kawaihae Road to build an 875-foot-long dedicated left turn and storage lane leading up to the harbor’s entrance. Tribune-Herald.

Konawaena High School rebuilds after the Kona low storms.  Severe flooding damaged 75 classrooms on their campus, put 5 elevators out of commission, and impacted their library and administrative offices. Hawaii Public Radio.

Maui

Maui Council Budget Committee slightly trims mayor’s $1.616 billion budget. The Maui County Council’s Budget, Finance and Economic Development Committee completed its review of Mayor Richard Bissen’s proposed fiscal year 2027 budget this week, unanimously adopting a revised spending plan of approximately $1.608 billion. Maui Now.

Report: ​​MEO aided nearly 55,000 Maui County residents in 2024-25. Maui Economic Opportunity assisted 54,780 Maui County residents from Oct. 1, 2024, through Sept. 30, 2025, according to the agency’s annual report. Maui News.

Maui kidney donor shares story hoping to inspire others. When Maui resident Rachel Bennett Steury gave away one of her kidneys to save the life of a person she had never met before, she felt like she was helping a larger movement. Maui News.

Kauai

‘Absolute Carnage’: Feral Cats Kill 168 Native Seabirds On Kaua‘i. The island’s latest massacre of endemic shearwaters brings the state’s feline problem to the forefront. Local scientists and staff have encountered several mass slaughters at that same area in the past 15 years. Civil Beat. Kauai Now. Hawaii News Now. 

Public invited to ‘Imi loa kapa. Free and open to everyone, “The Science of Kapa,” presented by Kaulele is open daily from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., starting May 18 and running through May 31 at the space located across from Ainofea in Kukui Grove Center. Garden Island.

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.