Fraud alleged in homeless village construction, Honolulu and HGEA finalize $41M Covid hazard pay settlement, teachers learn their rights vs ICE, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Manager Alleges Potential Fraud In Homeless Village Construction. A licensed contractor employed as a construction manager for the state’s Kauhale Initiative has written to Gov. Josh Green, alleging violations of building codes, contract terms and other issues with the homeless housing program — allegations that the initiative’s developer denies. The allegations involve the nonprofit HomeAid Hawaiʻi, and CM&D, which HomeAid has hired to manage the sprawling statewide initiative. Civil Beat.

Advocates explain rights regarding ICE agents. Advocates and educators gathered virtually Tuesday evening to share critical guidance with Hawaii families and public school staff on how to respond if U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents show up at school. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Criminals Mailing Illegal Fireworks To Hawaiʻi Mostly Get Away With It. People are sending undeclared explosives via U.S.P.S. on a regular basis. Few face arrest or prosecution.  Civil Beat.

Hawaii high school surfing still a tough wave to catch. Lawmakers passed House Bill 133, which has the backing of Gov. Josh Green and would appropriate $685,870 in each of the next two fiscal years to help cover expenses for public high schools in regional athletic leagues that include surfing as an interscholastic sport, which is something that currently exists only on Maui. Star-Advertiser.

Bomb threat delays Hawaiian Airlines flight to Honolulu. A Hawaiian Airlines flight from San Diego bound for Honolulu Tuesday morning was stopped shortly before takeoff after a passenger allegedly threatened to bomb the aircraft. Star-Advertiser. Associated Press. Maui News. Hawaii News Now.

Sweet potato to become part of the regular menu in Hawai‘i’s public schools. Approximately 372 pounds of local Okinawan sweet potatoes were distributed to 91 participating schools. The effort is part of the Hawai‘i Department of Education’s farm-to-school initiative, which aims to enhance food sustainability in Hawai‘i and aligns with the goals of Act 175 to improve student health while supporting local farmers. Big Island Now.

Oahu

HGEA finalizes $41 million hazard pay settlement. Honolulu Mayor Rick Blan­giardi’s administration has finalized a multimillion-dollar settlement with the Hawaii Government Employees Association involving dangerous COVID-19-era work. Star-Advertiser.

Army official discusses proposed return of state land on Oʻahu. A week after a brutal seven-hour public hearing before the state Land Board over the military's land lease at Pōhakuloa on the Big Island, the U.S. Army released a report signaling it was considering drastically pulling back on its footprint on Oʻahu. Hawaii Public Radio.

Judge Rules Miske’s Mother Can’t Represent Granddaughter’s Interests. The mother of convicted racketeering boss Mike Miske, who died last year, had been seeking guardianship of his granddaughter. Civil Beat.

Waikiki will step up safety efforts this summer. There will be new enhanced patrols starting up and a plan to tap into hundreds of private cameras overlooking public areas. KITV4.

Fire prevention pilot program in Oʻahu neighborhood park turns to lamb-scaping. The 3.5-acre Laukahi Slopes Mini Park in the middle of a Waiʻalae Iki neighborhood on Oʻahu is hilly and overgrown with trees, bushes and grass — a fire risk. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Island

Thousands on the Big Island could face cuts in SNAP benefits. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program helps 21,472 Hawaii Island households by providing an average of $365 in monthly federal support for food, according to state DHS statistics from mid-May. Tribune-Herald.

Hokule‘a, Hikianalia head to Hilo. The Hokule‘a and Hikianalia voyaging canoes are expected to arrive in Hilo this afternoon, and celebrations honoring their trans-Pacific journey will be happening this weekend.  Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Federal lawsuit details graphic sexual harassment allegations against Pāʻia Inn owner. A federal lawsuit alleges that Pāʻia Inn owner Michael Baskin used drugs to try to engage in sexual acts with female employees, some teenagers, while in his hotel room, and the young women were “unable to consent” because “they were under the influence of drugs and alcohol.” Maui Now.

Maui woman breaks silence on her disappearance. Hannah Kobayashi, a Hawaii woman who Disappeared rom Los Angeles International Airport in November, kicking off an international search before resurfacing in Mexico a month later, spoke out on social media this week about her “loss, pain and suffering.” New York Times.

Kauai

Graduation time: Public high school graduations this Friday. Friday marks a milestone for nearly 700 seniors in the three public high schools on Kauai as the students and their support group of family, relatives and friends celebrate graduation. Garden Island.

Full closure scheduled on Temporary Kapa‘a Bypass Road later this month. A full closure of the Temporary Kapa‘a Bypass Road (Route 5600) is scheduled for later this month to install new striping and paving markers on the newly paved road, according to Hawai‘i Department of Transportation. Kauai Now.

Judiciary programs win legislative approval, Carvalho wants to be Kauai mayor again, Honolulu airport faces baggage handler layoffs, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Chief Justice Says He’ll Retire On High Note After Rare Legislative Success. In his last year on the Supreme Court, Mark Recktenwald helped secure funding for Judiciary programs throughout Hawaiʻi. Civil Beat.

Many UH med school grads plan to stay in Hawaii amid physician shortage. As Hawaii faces a shortage of nearly 800 physicians, a very special ceremony was held Sunday for some of the state’s newest doctors. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Proposed Cuts To Food Stamps Program Could Be ‘Horrific’ In Hawai‘i. Under Republican proposals, Hawaiʻi could face more than $100 million in new costs to maintain the food stamp program. Civil Beat. Some 157,600 residents — roughly 1 in 9 — will receive SNAP benefits this year. Civil Beat.

Judge Blocks Trump Health Funding Cuts For Hawaiʻi, Other States. Hawaiʻi could have lost more than $89 million for critical community health programs, the Attorney General’s Office said. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

Student Debt Puts Hawaiʻi’s Older Adults At Risk Of Social Security Cuts. People who stopped paying their student loans during the Covid-19 pandemic could soon start facing reductions in their monthly Social Security benefits. Some 8,400 adults aged 62 or older in Hawaiʻi owe roughly $440 million in federal student loans, according to the U.S. Department of Education.  Civil Beat.

Federal funding for Hawaiian Home Lands on chopping block.  President Donald Trump is proposing to eliminate the Native Hawaiian Housing Block Grant program as part of a rough budget plan for the next federal fiscal year beginning Oct. 1. Star-Advertiser.

UH researchers, faculty suffering from federal cuts. As of Friday, 77 grant awards at the University of Hawaii had been terminated, stopped or were being phased out. Of those, 66 grants have been terminated, amounting to $83 million in federal dollars, according to a UH spokesperson. Star-Advertiser.

Airline outlook weakens as Hawaii heads into peak summer travel season. The outlook for airline seats into Hawaii softened this month with losses widening into the peak summer tourism season, exacerbating concerns that demand for leisure travel will hold amid worldwide economic uncertainty. Star-Advertiser.

Bill passes allowing darker tints on vehicles. The state Legislature has passed a major reform bill for vehicle window tinting laws, which marks the most significant update since originally enacted in 1983, the House of Representatives announced Friday. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Dozens of workers face layoffs at Honolulu airport. A company that provides baggage-handling services to the airlines at Honolulu's Daniel K. Inouye International Airport is ending its operations there. That means dozens of workers will lose their jobs.  Hawaii Public Radio.

Concern for University Lab School as officials discuss possible ‘UH CampusTown’. The prospect of a mixed-use development to create a more vibrant atmosphere for students at the University of Hawaii at Manoa is drawing fire from supporters of University Laboratory School who fear the K-12 campus would be displaced in the process. Star-Advertiser.

State agency’s preschool production pipeline bulges while other projects hit roadblocks. Inside what looks like it could’ve been an art classroom at a Moiliili elementary school, a former engineer is leading a small team on a big quest to develop preschool classrooms, teacher housing and a more than $300 million new school. Star-Advertiser.

The newest kauhale, Alana Ola Pono, moves 11 people into long-term homes. The Alana Ola Pono kauhale represents the newest of 21 that have gone up around the state, with more planned in Waimanalo and Kapolei, on Middle Street and off of Nimitz Highway by Daniel K. Inouye International Airport. Star-Advertiser.

Straub Benioff Medical Center to see new facilities. The Straub Benioff Medical Center is undergoing a massive transformation, according to Hawaiʻi Pacific Health. KHON2.

Honolulu Council might widen surveillance at parks. Overt video monitoring at city-owned parks prone to high crime has advanced under a new Honolulu City Council resolution. Star-Advertiser.

Miske’s Trust: A Look At His Moves To Control His Fortune From The Grave. In amending his revocable living trust shortly before he died, Michael J. Miske confirmed his granddaughter is the primary beneficiary. It is the first time the provisions of Miske’s trust have been made public. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Hōkūleʻa and Hikianalia to make final stop in Hilo ahead of global, 3-year voyage. The canoes are expected to arrive in Hilo on Tuesday afternoon and stay for more than a week to engage with the community and make final voyage preparations.  Big Island Now.

Zoo fees revisited: County mulls charging admission to popular attraction. Hawaii County is holding another hearing to consider proposed entry fees for Pana‘ewa Rainforest Zoo &Gardens. Tribune-Herald.

Reservations for bunkhouse, cabins open daily. The Department of Land and Natural Resources’ Division of Forestry and Wildlife has announced that the Keanakolu Bunkhouse and Ranger Cabins off Mana Road are now available for camping reservations seven days a week. Tribune-Herald.

Military presence at Pōhakuloa Training Area critical to community safety. But at what cost to the land, native species? In the summer of 2022, when the Mana Road fire burned more than 44,000 acres of land, destroyed some homes and livestock, and threatened Waikōloa Village, small Hawaiʻi County received help from the U.S. Army. Big Island Now.

Maui

Maui Council passes fiscal 2026 budget on first reading; final reading set for June 3. The Council will hold another public hearing on tax rates at 9 a.m. May 27 in the eighth floor Council Chambers of the Kalana O Maui Building. Maui Now.

For Immigrants After Lahaina Wildfire, Survival Is A ‘Daily Challenge’. A new survey shows that many immigrants are struggling with housing, jobs and stress after the 2023 fire. Civil Beat.

This Molokaʻi dental provider's waitlist is 1 year long. Expanded services are coming soon. If you live on Molokaʻi and need to see a dentist, you may have to wait as long as one year. The Molokaʻi Community Health Center is one of just two dental providers on the island, and right now, its wait list is 10 pages long. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hoʻoikaika Partnership awarded $100,000 grant. Hoʻoikaika Partnership, a coalition of more than 75 organizations working to prevent child maltreatment and strengthen families across Maui County, has been awarded a $100,000 grant from the Maui Strong Fund of the Hawai’i Community Foundation. Maui News.

Kauai

Carvalho announces mayoral candidacy. Bernard Carvalho Jr. is a council member who served as Kauai’s mayor from 2008 through 2018. Garden Island.

More than 160 walk through rain at Kauai Community College graduation. More than 160 Kauai Community College students braved the Friday afternoon showers to participate in the 60th Annual Kauai Community College Commencement held on the Puhi campus. Garden Island.

Līhu‘e transfer station again taking trailer loads and construction, demolition waste. Kaua‘i County Public Works Solid Waste Division announced Friday that waste disposal restrictions on construction and demolition debris as well as trailer loads — which have been in effect since September 2024 — are lifted effective immediately at the Līhu‘e transfer station. Kauai Now.

Budget will be priority in summer special session, Maui mulls private swimming pool moratorium, crime boss Miske's 9-year-old granddaughter in line for part of $25M fortune, federal trial begins in $11M affordable housing scam, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Lawmakers will prioritize the state budget when special session convenes. Senate and House leaders are weighing details of a special session amid talk of a possible recession. Lawmakers are looking at dates at the end of August, September, and the week before Thanksgiving, as three possible five-day blocks to set aside if they would need to return to a special sessions. Hawaii Public Radio.

Legislation could help farms provide more fresh produce for school meals. House Bill 1293 seeks to exempt state Department of Education purchases of local edible produce and packaged food products of less than $250,000 from the electronic procurement system requirement. Star-Advertiser.

'The show must go on': Local arts and cultural programs work to stay afloat amid losing grant money. Several culture and arts organizations in Hawai‘i received a letter from the National Endowment for the Arts stating that their grants have been canceled. Hawaii Public Radio.

It was crunch time again at the Legislature. It’s not unusual for lawmakers to be dashing about, sometimes hectically, on this key procedural deadline under which members of conference committees are tasked with resolving differences on many bills where a pending draft is not satisfactory to leaders in the House or Senate or both. Star-Advertiser.

Police, state support legislation to monitor parts for ghost guns.  Honolulu police and state law enforcement officials are hoping a proposed piece of federal legislation will help stop the proliferation of untraceable, homemade firearms in Hawaii. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.  KHON2.  KITV4.

EPA orders closure of 5 illegal cesspools on Kauai, Big Isle.  More than $231,000 in fines  were issued to the property owners, including the Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Foundation, Haili Moe Inc. and Hale Nanea, citing violations of the Safe Drinking Water Act. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Honolulu Can Fine Airbnb, Vrbo for Illegal Vacation Rentals. It Never Has. Like other tourist destinations, Honolulu passed a law to hold booking platforms accountable for illegal listings. But the city hasn’t cited any company, even as illegal rentals flourish. Civil Beat.

Mike Miske’s 9-year-old granddaughter part of legal battle over his fortune. Crime boss Mike Miske’s 9-year old granddaughter could get a portion of his assets, valued at over $25 million. The federal government filed a civil forfeiture lawsuit in an effort to take his assets: homes, luxury vehicles, cash, artwork and boats. Hawaii News Now.

DPP combats coconut rhinoceros beetles in urban Honolulu. Damage linked to the palm tree-killing coconut rhinoceros beetle has become more obvious in urban Hono­lulu, according to city officials. Star-Advertiser.

Health department cites Par Hawaii Refining for hazardous waste violations. The Hawaii Department of Health issued a notice of violation and order against Par Hawaii Refining for violating the state’s hazardous waste management laws. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Federal trial begins for men accused of housing credits scam. A federal trial is set to start today for two Hilo attorneys --  attorneys Paul Sulla Jr., 78, and Gary Zamber, 55 — along with 64-year-old businessman Rajesh Budhabhatti -- accused of receiving Hawaii County affordable housing credits and land conveyances worth at least $10.98 million, with no intention of developing affordable housing. Tribune-Herald.

Fraud expert aims to educate community in Pāhoa this Thursday. AARP elder fraud expert Paul Greenwood, a former deputy district attorney, will be hosting a free “Fight Fraud Together” presentation beginning at 10 a.m. at the Pāhoa Neighborhood Facility on Thursday.  Big Island Now.

Maui

Maui County mayor unveils program to help Lahaina rebuild. The Deferred Payment Loan Program, announced Monday, is designed to help middle-income, gap-group families who may not qualify for federal disaster recovery funds but continue to face significant financial barriers to reconstruction. Maui News. Maui Now.

Maui Looks Elsewhere To Fund Fire Prevention Projects After Trump Cuts. Wildfire is the biggest threat facing Maui, according to the county’s draft Hazard Mitigation Plan but FEMA cuts could require a pivot to other funding sources. Civil Beat.

Maui County Council to consider moratorium on private swim pools in West Maui. According to Maui County Council, supplying water to support stable housing for West Maui residents is an urgent priority and a private swimming pool is an amenity that requires a large quantity of potable water without serving any essential housing needs. Maui News.

Kauai

Planning Department reminds the public of upcoming events. The Planning Department reminds and invites the public to attend two upcoming events, at which they may share their input regarding the Kauai Climate Action and Action Plan and the East Kauai Community Plan. Garden Island.

Green forms national pro-science PAC, ex-Honolulu police chief released from prison, Land Board rejects Pohakuloa EIS, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaiʻi Governor Creates National PAC To Support 'Pro-Science Candidates'. Josh Green appeared with his Heal America political action committee partners while on a state-sponsored trip. At the same time that he was in Washington, D.C., at Hawaiʻi taxpayer expense opposing the nomination of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to lead the Department of Health and Human Services, Gov. Josh Green was quietly launching a national political action committee that aims to work for health care, homelessness, gun control and “pro-science candidates for federal office.” Civil Beat.

State pushing speed cam expansion despite failed bill. DOT issued a request for proposals seeking 100 additional cameras on Oahu and 20 cameras each for the three neighbor island counties. Star-Advertiser.

A Series Of Child Abuse Deaths Failed To Spur Major Reform. The legislative session was punctuated by an arrest in yet another child death, but lawmakers did not act on recommendations of a child welfare task force. Civil Beat.

Fireworks legislation awaits Gov. Green’s signature. The year-old state Department of Law Enforcement would get new funding and an increased mandate to crack down on illegal fireworks under pending legislation. Star-Advertiser.

Lawmakers pass bill establishing lottery system for leasing cabins on public lands. House Bill 1348, introduced by Kaua‘i state Rep. Dee Morikawa, requires the Hawai‘i Board of Land and Natural Resources to lease public lands for recreation-residence use by public lottery under certain conditions and restrict participation in the public lottery to residents of the county in which the leased land is located under certain conditions. Kauai Now.

Hawai‘i Tourism Authority official placed on leave pending investigation.  Isaac Choy, vice president of finance and acting chief administrative officer, was placed on leave Friday at the direction of the state Department of the Attorney General and the Department of Human Resources amid allegations he made racist and sexist remarks on the job. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii to receive $700M in drug settlement over blood thinner. Hawaii will receive $700 million in a landmark settlement from pharmaceutical giants Bristol Myers Squibb and Sanofi following more than a decade of litigation over the blood thinner Plavix and its lack of efficacy in Asian American, Pacific Islander and Native Hawaiian populations, Gov. Josh Green announced Friday. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Electric parent touts financial strength. Hawaiian Electric Industries Inc. on Friday reported net income of $27 million for the January-March period, down from $42 million a year earlier. Star-Advertiser.

GMO Seed Companies In Hawai‘i Earn More Money With Less Land. Hawaiʻi’s genetically modified seed industry has been on the decline for at least a decade, but it is still worth more financially than any other agricultural commodity in the state. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Former police chief Kealoha released from federal prison, but he’s not a free man yet. Kealoha is back home after serving most of his seven-year sentence. His official release date is set for May 18, 2026. He will serve the remainder of his time under home monitoring. Hawaii News Now.

Bill seeks to offset Honolulu’s sewer fee hike. Honolulu City Council Chair Tommy Waters has sponsored legislation to defray costs associated with the city’s planned 10-year, 115% sewer fee rate hike that is slated to start this summer. Star-Advertiser.

City Council requests to restore Sand Island’s Native name. City lawmakers are leading the push to return Sand Island’s name to its Native Hawaiian name Mauliola, which means “breath of life” or “power of healing.” Star-Advertiser.

Developer Wants To Use Hawaiian Home Lands Powers To Skirt Zoning Rules. Land swap could clear the way for commercial development on land set aside for housing. Commissioners say it’s worth it for the revenue. Civil Beat.

June closures are planned at Koko Head Shooting Complex. The shooting complex at 8102 Kalanianaole Highway will close weekdays from June 2 through 23. Weekend access to all of the facility’s firearm and archery ranges will be open and available under their regular weekend schedules. Star-Advertiser.

Queen’s, Kapi‘olani seek labor board review. The Hawaii Nurses’ Association is at an impasse with The Queen’s Medical Center since the employer filed an appeal with the National Labor Relations Board. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Land Board rejects Pohakuloa EIS but lease negotiations to move ahead. The state Board of Land and Natural Resources voted Friday to reject the Army’s Final Environmental Impact Statement on its proposal to renew its lease on state owned land on on Hawaii Island that makes up its Pohakuloa Training Area. Star-Advertiser.  Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaiʻi County increases support for coconut rhinoceros beetle eradication. The county  recently awarded $250,000 to Big Island Invasive Species Committee to combat the beetle and other pests. In addition, the county is continuing to assist Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture by providing the use of 75-foot boom trucks to treat palm tree crowns for coconut rhinoceros beetles. Big Island Now.

Maui

Maui community receives largest wave of wildfire survivors to date. The largest wave of displaced Maui fire survivors, who are losing their temporary hotel housing this month, will move into Ka La‘i Ola, a modular housing project mauka of the Lahaina Civic Center designed specifically for survivors who are ineligible for Federal Emergency Management Agency assistance. Star-Advertiser.

Lahaina burn zone slowly transforming from ‘ghost town’ to big construction zone. Many streets in the burn zone have homes under construction. In Lahaina, eight homes have been completed so far, and 368 building permits have been issued, with 301 others being processed. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kauaʻi drinks up in April with overwhelmingly above average rainfall totals. April rainfall totals were abnormally high around Kauaʻi with the majority of the island seeing three to six times their normal averages. Kauai Now.

State to establish insurer of last resort for condo owners, ICE raids hit Maui and Big Island, LA Rams to hold minicamp on Maui, Fox cancels North Shore lifeguard drama, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Will Reforms Stabilize Hawaiʻi Condo Insurance Costs? New bill establishes state insurance and loan programs after years of false starts, allowing the government to serve as the insurer of last resort for condo associations. Civil Beat.

ICE raids lead to arrests, teachers detained. Federal agents served search warrants, detained and arrested more than two dozen people in Kona on suspicion of immigration law violations, and detained a group of Maui teachers from the Philippines as part of an ongoing effort by President Donald Trump’s administration to deport undocumented immigrants. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

An Inside Look At The Sudden Shake-Up In House Leadership. Regardless of how Rep. Chris Todd came to replace Rep. Kyle Yamashita as chair of the Finance Committee, the repercussions were immediate. Todd said Wednesday he wants to relax the iron grip the committee has traditionally held on almost all legislation, which has created a procedural bottleneck that kills significant bills every year. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now.  KITV4.

Golden Week sees slight bump in Japanese visitors. Golden Week, a traditional holiday time for Japanese travelers, attracted more visitors to Hawaii than last year but still brought only about half the volume of 2019. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Fox cancels North Shore lifeguard drama ‘Rescue: HI-SURF’. Fox will not renew “Rescue: HI-Surf,” the prime-time television drama about the daily life of lifeguards on Oahu’s North Shore, after one season, according to various entertainment news sources. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

 Honolulu city inspector with 35 convictions accused in sex-for-freedom plot. An inspector with Honolulu’s Department of Planning and Permitting office has been placed on leave after records allege he held a young woman captive attempting to extort her for sex.  Hawaii News Now.

'It's a landmark': Hawaii Theatre asks for state support to keep the show going. The Hawaii Theatre has a knack for survival, going through two pandemics in its 103-year-old lifespan. Yet it’s still able to keep its marquee sign illuminating Honolulu's Chinatown neighborhood. Hawaii Public Radio.

E-bikes top the list of concerns at Kapolei Town Hall.  A town hall for residents in the Kapolei and Ewa Beach neighborhoods had one topic that was top of mind for those attending -- e-bikes. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Army explains why discovery of burial objects left out of environmental impact statement. The state land board is poised to make a decision on Friday impacting the future of live-fire military training at the Pōhakuloa Training Area (PTA) on Hawaiʻi Island. Hawaii News Now.

Mobile Vending Stand Operators Sought For County Parks. Concessions will be awarded for Onekahakaha, Reed's Bay, Cooper Center, Isaac Hale, Old Airport, and the Pana‘ewa Rainforest Zoo. Big Island Video News.

Public Hearing Set For Panaʻewa Zoo Fees. The hearing on proposed rules changes for the Pana‘ewa Recreational Complex will be held on June 3 at the Aging and Disability Resource Center in Hilo. Big Island Video News.

UH Hilo student earns NASA honors. Jeffrey “Raven” Kromer, a senior at the University of Hawaii at Hilo, has received a national travel grant from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory to present his research later this month at the 8th International Planetary Dunes Workshop in Alghero, Sardinia, Italy. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui Fire Survivors Uprooted Again As FEMA Starts Charging Rent. The Federal Emergency Management Agency is trying to reduce the load on the island’s housing stock but the continual need to relocate is frustrating residents. Civil Beat.

‘Where’s the money?’ Applicants wait for funds from Maui County program to help build ‘ohana housing. Housing Director Richard Mitchell told the council in an April 11 letter that county attorneys are working on the legal documents so the department can distribute the money, but he did not give a timeline.  Maui Now.

Maui Council advances voluntary deed restriction program, targeting Molokaʻi as pilot. Bill 57, introduced by Molokaʻi Council Member Keani Rawlins-Fernandez, aims to help residents afford housing by offering county funding with legally binding conditions that ensure publicly subsidized homeownership remains in local hands. Maui Now.

LA Rams plan to hold June minicamp on Maui. The camp will feature two days of on-field workouts at War Memorial Stadium in Wailuku, with one day open to the public. Associated Press. Maui Now.  KHON2.

Kauai

Waimea breaks ground for gym. A group of people representing contractors for the proposed Waimea High School gymnasium talked on Wednesday, ahead of the groundbreaking ceremony scheduled to take place at the site of the new facility on the Waimea High School campus. Garden Island.

Repair work on one-lane Kīpū Bridge to further reduce lane width. Kaua‘i County Department of Public Works and contractor Kaikor Construction Group notify the public that construction related to upcoming repairs on Kīpū Bridge will reduce its lane width. Kauai Now.

Yamashita ousted as Finance Committee chair, April shipping down 30%, Trump lawsuits pile up, hundreds of Kauai workers owed back pay, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Yamashita Ousted As Chair Of State House Finance Committee. House Speaker Nadine Nakamura told the 51-member House in a memo that Rep. Kyle Yamashita has been replaced by Rep. Chris Todd to lead the powerful House Finance Committee. The change is effective Wednesday. Lawmakers say Democrats were disappointed with his leadership, especially with the Hawaiʻi Legislature facing financial uncertainty from Trump. Civil Beat.

Native history exempt from DEI, CRT restrictions. The U.S. Department of Education said Native Hawaiian, American Indian and Alaska Native history will not be categorized as “diversity, equity and inclusion” or “critical race theory” under the federal government’s new directive for the nation’s schools. Star-Advertiser.

Matson cargo business from China is broadsided by Trump trade tariffs. The U.S.-led trade war with China has delivered a hard initial blow to one of Hawaii’s largest companies, ocean cargo transportation firm Matson Inc. On Monday, Matson said its container volume sank about 30% in April from a year earlier. Star-Advertiser.

Businesses in Hawaii pessimistic about tariffs and economy. Some 37% of Hawaii businesses said tariffs make them “very concerned,” while another 40% are “somewhat concerned,” adding up to a whopping 77% of businesses feeling tariff anxiety, according to a new survey by ProService Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

Bills to increase food security go to governor. With statistics showing the state of Hawaii imports about 90% of the food its residents consume, a pair of bills with the goal of improving food security has made it through the Legislature and to Gov. Josh Green. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaiʻi Fireworks Reforms Put Enforcement Onus On Police. For years, law enforcement agencies said the law held them back from effective fireworks prosecutions. A reform measure awaiting the governor’s OK counts on them to step up. Civil Beat.

 Trump Lawsuits: Tracking Hawaiʻi’s Legal Actions Against The White House. A new database will track Hawaiʻi lawsuits against executive orders and other actions taken by the second Trump administration. Civil Beat.

20 attorneys general ask judge to reverse deep cuts to U.S. Health and Human Services. Attorneys general in 19 states and Washington, D.C., are challenging cuts to the U.S. Health and Human Services agency, saying the Trump administration's massive restructuring has destroyed life-saving programs and left states to pick up the bill for mounting health crises. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii blocks Trump’s order to dismantle libraries, museums and more. The dismantling of three federal agencies (Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) and Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS)) was halted on Tuesday, May 6, 2025 through a court order the State of Hawaii won. KITV4.

Hawaiʻi moves ahead with lawsuit against oil industry despite pushback from Trump. The day before the state filed its lawsuit against the oil industry, the federal government filed its own complaint against Hawaiʻi in an attempt to block the state's legal action. Hawaii Public Radio.

Commentary: Hawaiʻi’s Working Families Need More Support. Advocates for working families are concerned that bad things are coming with federal cuts and hoped the Legislature would do more to increase the state’s safety net. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Longtime Chinatown business facing tariffs says Hawaiʻi's lei will survive. Mother's Day is this weekend, and graduations are just around the corner, making it the busiest time of year for lei makers. But tariffs are raising the price of flowers, and families are feeling a squeeze in their budgets.  Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu real estate market favors buyers, but sales lower despite high inventory. Amid a growing inventory of single-family homes and condominiums on Oahu, year-to-date sales volumes in both markets remained depressed in April from the same period in 2024 but rose slightly from March’s numbers, according to a monthly report released Tuesday by the Honolulu Board of Realtors. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu EMS unveils new ambulances. In a line that stretched the length of one of the park’s parking lots, the city showed off 16 brand-new or newly refurbished ambulances — namely, 14 Emergency Medical Serv­ices rigs and two Crisis Outreach Engagement and Response Sprinter vans — meant to respond to a myriad of lifesaving emergencies and medical care incidents across Oahu, on a 24/7 basis. Star-Advertiser.

Controversy over Royal Summit youth treatment facility in Aiea. In the quiet Royal Summit neighborhood, residents are riled up over a new residential program for teens with histories of sexual behavior problems. KITV4.

Straub discharges final burn patient from Aliamanu fireworks explosion. Charmaine Benigno was the last survivor of the New Year’s Day explosion in Aliamanu to be discharged in Honolulu. Hawaii News Now. Star-Advertiser.

The Aloha Stadium Swap Meet set to make its move. After years of discussion and planning, the Aloha Stadium Swap Meet and Market place is just weeks away from relocating. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

Big Island journalist on uncovering the housing corruption case set for trial. Alan Scott Rudo, a former Hawaiʻi County housing official, pleaded guilty to taking bribes and is awaiting sentencing. Three others, including Hawaiʻi Island attorneys Paul Joseph Sulla Jr. and Gary Charles Zamber, go to trial next week in Honolulu's federal court before Judge Jill Otake. Hawaii Public Radio.

County Seeks Proposals For Affordable Housing Production Program. The County’s Office of Housing and Community Development is seeking non-profit and for-profit organizations, public agencies, and community land trusts who may be eligible for Affordable Housing Production (AHP) Program funding. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now.

Hawaii County seeks public input on proposal to charge admission at zoo. The new proposal said that keiki and kupuna who are county residents would still be free, but adult residents would pay $4.  Hawaii News Now.

Hawaiian warrior’s feathered cape returns home to Hawaii Island. Chief Keaoua Kekuaokalani wore the ahuula when he was killed in the Battle of Kuamoo in 1819. The Smithsonian Museum in Suitland, Maryland, had held the cape since 1869. Hawaii News Now.

Maui

Maui Health achieves ACS Level III Trauma Center verification. Maui Health announced that Maui Memorial Medical Center has been verified as an American College of Surgeons (ACS) Level III Trauma Center.  Maui News.

3 Hawaiian Immersion students from Maui ask for help to get to D.C.  Three Hawaiian language immersion students from Ke Kula Kaiapuni ʻo Kekaulike on Maui are calling on the community to help raise $12,000 to represent Hawaiʻi at the 2025 National ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi Showcase in Washington, D.C., this June. Maui Now.

Kauai

Hundreds of workers owed back pay. The U.S. Department of Labor is actively seeking hundreds of workers who are owed their share of more than $3.8 million in unpaid overtime deliberately withheld by a Kilauea staffing agency and Lihue cleaning contractor following a federal investigation and litigation. Garden Island.

Namahana School gifted $1 million for new middle school classrooms. An anonymous donor couple gifted $1 million to a public charter school on Kaua‘i, which will go toward building middle school classrooms. Kauai Now.

Legislature kills youth marriage ban bill, controversy roils state tourism agencies, Land Board to take up Army's lease of Pohakuloa Training Area, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Adults Can Still Marry Teens At 15 After Death Of Proposed Ban In Hawaiʻi. Fifteen-year-olds can’t get a driver’s license or vote in elections, but they can get married in Hawaiʻi – one of a shrinking number of states that allows underage marriage. A bill that would’ve outlawed the practice, raising the legal age of marriage to 18 without exceptions, passed the Hawaiʻi House of Representatives this year but failed to gain traction in the Senate. Civil Beat.

Hawaiʻi Primes Itself To Battle Biosecurity Threats. After mounting public pressure, state lawmakers have stepped up to tackle biosecurity threats in Hawai‘i, from the coconut rhinoceros beetle to the coffee berry borer and beyond. The Legislature added new positions, increased funding and passed landmark legislation this past session. Civil Beat.

Legislation to help wrongfully imprisoned immediately after release fails to advance. There will be no additional help for those wrongfully convicted of crimes in Hawaii. Legislation died waiting to be introduced in the Senate Ways and Means Committee. Hawaii News Now.

Measure limiting state art agency's special fund heads to the governor. House Bill 1378 heads to the governor’s office for final approval. The measure would give the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts $300,000 annually for the next two years to support performing arts.  Hawaii Public Radio.

Senator seeks tourism ousters amid racism, sexism complaints. State Sen. Kurt Fevella called on Gov. Josh Green to seek the resignations of two top state officials from the two main state agencies overseeing tourism on Monday due to allegations of a hostile work environment, which he said included alleged racist and sexist comments against Native Hawaiians. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.  KHON2.

Help With Housing Continues To Elude The Hawaiian Community. The Legislature rejected most of the Hawaiian advocates proposals to put more money and initiatives to help get people off the waitlist. Civil Beat.

$10M investment Hawaiʻi Community Lending enables zero-down mortgages for Native Hawaiians on Hawaiian Home Lands. Northern Trust and Hawaiʻi Community Lending announced a historic $10 million investment in HCL’s new Kūpaʻa Hale Loan program, helping to make zero-down mortgages available to Native Hawaiians on Hawaiian Home Lands. Maui Now.

Gene Ward remembered by family and colleagues. A memorial was held Monday morning to honor Rep. Gene Ward, one of Hawaiiʻs longest serving lawmakers. KHON2.

Oahu

Maryknoll School teacher burned in acid attack offers public thanks. Danying Zhang, a Chinese national who suffered severe burns to 50% of her body and face in a Jan. 23, 2024, acid attack made her first public appearance Monday, to thank the public for their generous donations totaling more than $193,000. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.  KHON2.

Community supporter, politician John Henry Felix dedicated his life to public service. Former Honolulu City Council member John Henry Felix — who witnessed the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor as a boy, became an Eagle Scout at the age of 15, later held court at the Pacific Club over back-to-back breakfast meetings, was a proud descendant of his Portuguese ancestry and active in multiple business and philanthropic endeavours — died at his independent living facility in Hawaii Kai early Monday morning at the age of 94. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Waterman Clyde Aikau had a ‘joyous’ way of life. Clyde Aikau, esteemed waterman, dedicated community member and younger brother of big-wave surfer and voyager Eddie Aikau, died Saturday evening at his Waimanalo home. He was 75. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.  KHON2.  KITV4.

Hawaii Island

Military talks options for Pōhakuloa Training Area lease. This week, the state land board will take up the final environmental impact statement on the proposed leases at the Army's Pōhakuloa Training Area on Hawaiʻi Island. Hawaii Public Radio.

Voluntary water conservation notice remains in place for North Kona customers. Hawai‘i County Department of Water Supply is asking customers to voluntarily reduce their water use by 10% to help the department maintain an adequate water supply and pressure as the county crews address issues with electrical equipment and the water supply is being redistributed. Big Island Now.

Maui

Proposal puts moratorium on swimming pool construction in Lahaina. Councilwoman Tamara Paltin will be proposing a moratorium on the construction of swimming pools in Lahaina until further notice. Hawaii News Now.

Maui residents invited to weigh in on drinking water supply. Over the next week, six community meetings will be held across Maui in a collaboration between the county’s Department of Water Supply and the national nonprofit US Water Alliance. Hawaii Public Radio.

Lahaina organizer appointed to Maui County Board of Water Supply. Advocating for water rights flows through Lahaina-native Paele Kiakona's blood.  KITV4.

Private landowners in Maui Nui sought to assist in axis deer control. Axis deer continue to negatively impact Maui Nui forested watersheds, agricultural land and population centers. Maui Now.

Kauai

Charity Walk not pau, yet. Ron Wiley, the Charity Walk emcee, said the Saturday walk, which sent nearly a thousand walkers onto the three-mile Lihue loop, was not quite at the $700,000 goal. Garden Island.

Kauaʻi communities encouraged to share feedback on Climate Adaptation Plan. The county of Kauaʻi is seeking public input after completing a draft of the Climate Adaptation and Action Plan, which includes 79 bold actions to help Kauaʻi prepare for climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Kauai Now.

Traffic deaths up 51%, Legislature ends regular session, state seeks to tap private security cameras for realtime surveillance in Waikiki, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii traffic deaths up 51% from same time last year. It’s been a deadly year on Hawaii roadways with the state seeing a 51% increase in fatalities compared to this time last year, and experts warn the deadliest days are ahead. From January 1, 2025 to May 2, 2025 there have been 50 deaths on Hawaii roads; compared to 33 the same time in 2024. KHON2. KITV4.

Hawaiʻi Residents Could Face Electric Rate Hike In 2026. Utility regulators have given Hawaiian Electric Co. the green light to pursue its first major rate increase in more than five years. The result could mean higher electric bills for residents and businesses by the end of 2026.  Civil Beat.

Potential Medicaid cuts would be ‘devastating’ for Hawaii. In Hawaii, Medicaid is administered as Med-QUEST, and provides health care coverage for more than 400,000 residents. It provides health care for 1 in 3 keiki and covers 1 in 3 births in the state. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiʻi Legislature Adjourns — For Now. Before ending the regular session for the year, lawmakers stashed away money to shield Hawaiʻi from federal budget cuts. The Legislature adjourned its 2025 session on Friday with a promise to return in the months ahead to aid programs facing federal funding cuts from the Trump administration. To accomplish that, lawmakers have set aside a $200 million fund that can be tapped for resources should federal dollars run dry.  Civil Beat.

Legislative session ends with hotel, cruise ship room tax increase to aid Hawaii’s climate fight. Tourists — and local residents — who book hotel rooms and cruise ship cabins will begin providing $90 million to $100 million annually in new funding for Hawaii to adapt to climate change and prevent future wildfires, under legislation that Gov. Josh Green plans to sign into law. Star-Advertiser.

How major bills fared at the Capitol. Here is the status of major bills following the end of Hawaii’s annual 60-day legislative session on Friday. The bills listed as passed were approved by both the House and Senate. Acts refer to bills that have already been signed into law by Gov. Josh Green. Star-Advertiser.

$50M in grants set aside for Hawaiʻi nonprofits affected by federal cuts. Lawmakers passed a measure this week that will give $50 million in grants to nonprofits that have been impacted by federal cuts. A four-member selection committee is exempt from having to hold their meetings in Public. Hawaii Public Radio. Star-Advertiser.

Commentary: Bolder Action Needed To Protect Hawaiʻi’s Environment. Legislators passed a historic new green fee. They also kicked some of Hawaiʻi’s most daunting environmental challenges down the road. Civil Beat.

Hawai‘i Tourism Authority under scrutiny amid allegations of hostile work environment. A state senator and some Hawai‘i Tourism Authority board members and former staff say the two main state agencies overseeing tourism failed to respond promptly to complaints about a hostile work environment — including alleged racist and sexist comments — that they said contributed to the recent resignations of five Native Hawaiian members of HTA’s leadership team. Star-Advertiser.

Hawai‘i mourns passing of Prince David Kawānanakoa. Hawai’i Gov. Josh Green has ordered that flags be flown at half-staff until sunset May 9 in honor of Prince David Klaren La’amea Kaumuali’i Kawānanakoa. According to the governor’s office, Prince David Kawānanakoa died Thursday. Maui News.

Oahu

State seeks access to surveillance feeds from Waikiki businesses. The state is pitching a plan to Waikiki hotels and businesses that would allow real-time access to the footage from their private security cameras to help monitor crime and maintain public safety. The Safety Via Technology initiative, referred to as SVT, and partnerships with private businesses is used in cities such as San Francisco and Miami and is being explored in other tourist hubs. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu police say new recruitment tactics are working. After a change in recruitment tactics, the Honolulu Police Department says more people are applying to become officers.Last year, it got more than 2,000 applications — a 20% increase from 2023. Hawaii Public Radio.

Will A Ban On Wheelies Stop The ‘Absolute Mayhem’ On Oʻahu Roads? Bike stunts are good fun for some, but the number of e-bike accidents that EMS responded to on Oʻahu nearly tripled from 2022 to 2024. Civil Beat.

Hawaii state lawmakers advance illegal fireworks measures. With the horrific and disturbing aftermath of this year’s New Year’s explosion in Salt Lake still fresh on their minds, state lawmakers in both the House and Senate approved four key measures in the effort to prevent a similar tragedy from happening. Hawaii News Now.

Investigation underway after newly renovated playground destroyed by arson. Officers responded to a fire at Wahiawa District Park at around 11 p.m. Thursday and found the playground structure fully engulfed in flames. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Ancient auwai are the kuleana of a Nuuanu neighborhood. There were 14 original auwai in Nuuanu that fueled the entire wetland of kalo by directing the flow of water from the elevated Nuuanu Stream to pass through downstream loi kalo before returning to the central ditch and, eventually, back to the stream. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Board seeks comment on proposed island name change. The Hawai‘i Board on Geographic Names is scheduled to vote in its upcoming June meeting on its proposal, first floated in March 2024, to change the official name of the largest island in the Hawaiian Archipelago from the “Island of Hawai‘i” to simply “Hawai‘i.” Tribune-Herald.

Survey to assess emergency preparedness level of east Hawaiʻi County households next week. The Hawaiʻi Department of Health Hawaiʻi District Health Office will conduct a Community Assessment for Public Health Emergency Response (CASPER) survey to assess the emergency preparedness level of east Hawaiʻi County households in the North and South Hilo, Puna and Kaʻū districts from next week. Survey teams will go door-to-door to 30 randomly selected census blocks. Big Island Now.

Maui

Eight judges confirmed across Hawaiʻi including Toma on Maui. Sonya H. Toma was confirmed as District Family Court Judge, Second Circuit. Maui Now.

Utility work to impact traffic on Honoapiʻilani between Lahainaluna and Hinau, May 5-9. Hawaiian Electric crews and contractors will be upgrading utility poles using bucket trucks on Honoapi‘ilani Highway between mile markers 21 and 22 between Lahainaluna Rd. and Hinau St. in the West Maui area from Monday, May 5 to Friday, May 9, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kauai sanctuary is hugely popular with native and transpacific water birds. West Kauai’s Mana Plain is attracting larger numbers of native waterbirds and migratory shore birds than DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) biologist Jason Vercelli has ever seen in his 18 years of work in the wetlands. Garden Island.

Kauaʻi communities encouraged to share feedback on Climate Adaptation Plan. The county of Kauaʻi is seeking public input after completing a draft of the Climate Adaptation and Action Plan, which includes 79 bold actions to help Kauaʻi prepare for climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Kauai Now.

Hawaii among 4 states sued by Trump administration for climate policies, state sues fossil fuel companies, ICE targets coffee workers' kids, Legislature blocks proposed landfill location on Oahu, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Justice Department sues Hawaii, Michigan, Vermont and New York over state climate actions. The U.S. Justice Department filed lawsuits against four states this week, claiming their climate actions conflict with federal authority and President Donald Trump’s energy dominance agenda.  Associated Press. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii sues big oil companies over climate change. The 196-page civil complaint filed Thursday in Oahu Circuit Court accuses Exxon Mobil, Chevron, ConocoPhillips, Shell, BP, Aloha Petroleum, Phillips 66, Woodside Energy Hawaii, BHP Hawaii, Equilon and the American Petroleum Institute of lying to the public about how fossil fuels cause climate change. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiʻi AG says the state is 'fully engaged' in responses to Trump administration. Trump's executive orders have triggered more than 200 lawsuits. Hawaiʻi has joined other states in at least 14 of the legal challenges. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaiʻi Consumer Advocate Pushes Back Against Young Brothers’ Rate Hike. The state watchdog could get behind a more modest increase if public utility regulators investigate the interisland shipper’s relationship with its parent company. Civil Beat.

Hundreds of bills have passed the Hawaiʻi Legislature. Here are 6 you should know about. State lawmakers passed over 200 bills on Wednesday. That’s a lot to keep track of, so with the legislative session ending on Friday, HPR is narrowing it down to the important bills we’ve been tracking. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Marines field new weapons in the Philippines. A unit of Hawaii Marines is in the Philippines fielding new weapons for the first time amid simmering tensions with China. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Legislature Blocks Honolulu’s Proposed Landfill Location. Supporters applauded the bill for safeguarding drinking water, but the decision once again delays the closure of the city’s current site in Nānākuli. Civil Beat.

East-West Center offers buyouts to 80% of employees. The East-West Center is offering buyouts to 80% of its 137 employees as federal funding concerns continue under Donald Trump’s efforts Opens in a new tab to slash the State Department’s budget by half next fiscal year. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Council OKs merged housing department. During a special meeting Wednesday, the City Council voted 6-1, with Radiant Cordero dissenting, to adopt Resolution 86, which advanced the mayor’s plan to create the city Department of Housing and Land Management. Star-Advertiser.

Military couple demands child abuse probe at Navy day care. A military couple is demanding justice, saying their daughter was abused at a U.S. Navy day care. Evie, who was nearly 2 years old, had been attending day care at the Navy’s Ford Island Child Development Center (CDC) since she was baby.  Hawaii News Now.

Falling power poles stir concerns of wildfire risks, but mitigation efforts are underway. Hahaione Valley in East Oahu is like so many other valleys around the state. It’s lush and green -- and the slopes are dotted with power poles that largely go unnoticed. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

ICE Takes Aim At Immigrant Kids In Big Island’s Coffee Belt. President Trump has said he wants to deport hardened criminals. But on Hawaiʻi, agents are snaring undocumented children and their adult relatives. At the start of March, a Big Island first grader was taken into custody at his elementary school by a Hawaiʻi Police Department school resource officer. Civil Beat.

Salvation Army’s Kona Thrift Store To Close, May 17. The Kona Corps is shifting focus to maximize support for its other local social services and The Salvation Army’s Kona Preschool. Big Island Video News.

Kilauea bursts into the night sky in 19th episode. Kilauea's latest episode began with fountains spouting from the volcano, filling more pools of lava on Thursday night. KITV4.

Maui

Nearly 20% of fire survivor families in FEMA rental housing have missed a payment. FEMA says 175 families in the program have missed at least one rental payment since March. That’s almost 20% of the 984 households currently in the program. Hawaii Public Radio.

Proposed Maui shipping increase raises worries. Some Maui County residents and elected officials are expressing concerns about a requested temporary rate increase of 25% by Interisland shipper Young Brothers, especially in light of efforts to rebuild Lahaina devastated by the 2023 wildfire. Maui News.

Kauai

JABSOM expands family medicine residency program to Kauai. More family doctors are coming to Kauai as the University of Hawaii’s medical school is expanding its family medicine residency program. Hawaii News Now.

Water conservation request for Hanalei and ‘Anini areas ongoing. Department of Water customers in the Hanalei Community and ʻAnini Beach areas remain under a water conservation request due to a mechanical failure on the water system’s pump station. Kauai Now.

Kaua‘i teen graduates high school, college at the same time. A Kaua‘i student is making history on the island as she prepares to walk the graduation stage not once, but twice in May. KHON2.

250 bills on the way to the governor, assault weapons bill fails in last-minute drama, HECO liability cap passes despite committee chairs' objections, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

The state Legislature gave final approval to about 250 bills Wednesday during several hours of voting that included a surprise defeat of a gun- control measure. Approved bills now poised to become law pending decisions by Gov. Josh Green include measures to turn up illegal fireworks pursuit and punishment, regulate future catastrophic wildfire damage liability and fund the state government for the next two fiscal years as risks of an economic downturn loom due to federal government policies. Star-Advertiser. KHON2.  KITV4.

In Last-Minute Drama, Legislature Shelves Bill To Ban Assault Weapons. The legislation was opposed by gun-rights advocates who warned that hunters and Native Hawaiians would be harmed by the restrictions. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

Lawmakers Pass HECO Bill Over Objections Of Committee Chairs. The controversy involves a cap on HECO’s liability for future wildfires. Hawaiʻi lawmakers on Wednesday passed a bill intended to help shore up Hawaiian Electric Co.’s credit rating despite strong opposition from House and Senate committee chairs who helped vet the measure. Civil Beat.

Bill to support climate research with state dollars dies amid federal cuts. Senate Bill 657 proposed the creation of a climate data hub within the University of Hawaiʻi’s School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology, using $2 million in state funds to support the work of 15 researchers affiliated with the Coastal Research Collaborative. Hawaii Public Radio.

Can’t Afford A Lawyer? Good Luck Getting Help On Neighbor Islands. Lawmakers are taking steps to address a severe shortage of court-appointed attorneys across the state, but lawyers and judges say it may not be enough to solve the problem. Civil Beat.

Tariff fears extend to Hawaii shipping. Looming tariff hikes that have already begun to affect shipping routes and consumer behavior could have outsized effects in Hawaii, where nearly all goods must be imported — many of them from China. Star-Advertiser.

Native Hawaiian groups raise alarm after Trump fast-tracks deep-sea mining. Native Hawaiian and environmental leaders are raising the alarm after President Trump signed an executive order to fast-track the deep-sea mining industry. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Approved state budget includes $30M to develop new Oʻahu jail. Hawaiʻi lawmakers passed the state budget Wednesday that includes $30 million to hire a developer to build a new jail to replace the deteriorating and overpopulated Oʻahu Community Correctional Center. The build cost has been estimated at $1 billion. Hawaii Public Radio.

City’s planned 115% sewer fee hike under Council scrutiny. To publicly avert what one city official termed “rate shock,” Mayor Rick Blan­giardi’s administration and Hono­lulu City Council are now offering competing ideas to deal with proposed city sewer fee rate hikes expected this summer. Star-Advertiser.

City announces new department dedicated to affordable housing. For the first time in nearly three decades the city will now have a fully staffed department dedicated to building affordable housing. The City and County of Honolulu announced Wednesday the launch of Department of Housing and Land Management (DHLM) after the Honolulu City Council approved the reorganization of four departments to manage with the city’s housing initiatives.  Hawaii News Now.

Empty homes tax on Oʻahu owners could generate nearly $300M over a decade, study finds. An empty homes tax could net the City and County of Honolulu nearly $300 million in revenue over the first decade. Hawaii Public Radio.

State’s largest seed bank loses federal funding for online database project. The Lyon Arboretum's seed conservation lab was awarded a $250,000 federal grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services three years ago to digitize its collection of rare Hawaiian seeds. In early April, researchers learned the grant had been terminated. Hawaii Public Radio.

Civil Beat Series On Papahānaumokuākea Wins National Science Reporting Award. Judges for the National Headliner Award said the work turns readers into explorers and allows them to share the thrill, discoveries and importance of environmental/scientific research. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

IRONMAN Championship Returns To Single-Day Race In Kona, October 2026. The IRONMAN World Championship will return to a single day event in Kona in October 2026, with men and women racing together on the same day.  Big Island Video News. Big Island Now.

New warning sirens installed in Waikoloa Village. The sirens at Pu‘u Nui Park and Kamakoa Nui Park were recently installed as part of the Statewide Outdoor Warning Siren System and will be tested, along with the rest of the network, at 11:45 a.m. today. Tribune-Herald.

Violation issued to Matsuyama Food and Fuel for underground storage tanks. A Department of Health inspector conducted an inspection on Sept. 11, 2024, and confirmed the installation and operation of two 20,000-gallon and one 15,000-gallon underground storage tanks. MATS4 LLC did not apply for or obtain a permit prior to installation or operation. Big Island Now.

Maui

Kamaʻāina housing bill dies in Senate amid statewide affordable housing crisis. However, the Maui County Council will consider its own legislation to use voluntary deed restrictions to pave the way for affordable housing. Maui Now.

West Maui watershed restoration engages Native Hawaiian students. The forests stretching from Honokōwai all the way up to Honokōhau, and the watersheds they protect, have been managed for nearly two decades from the top of the mountains to the ocean. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kauai businesses frustrated with Wailua sewage spill. Residents and businesses say they’re frustrated after the Wailua Coco Palms sewer pump station failed last week, sending wastewater through their neighborhood. They said the station has been a problem for years with no permanent fix in sight. Hawaii News Now.

Uahi Ridge breaks ground. Uahi Ridge is being developed in partnership with the County of Kauai, Mark Development, Waa Partners, LLC., 3 Leaf Holdings, Inc., and the Hawaiian Community Development Board. Garden Island.