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.

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.

Luke receives AG target letter in bribery probe, more raises for Honolulu officials, lawsuit against Turtle Bay luxury resort headed to court, Kilauea volcano erupting again, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Green to meet with Lt. Gov. Luke after she gets target letter in bribery probe. Gov. Josh Green plans to meet with embattled Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke today after she received a letter from the state Attorney General’s office informing her that she is the target of a bribery investigation involving an “influential state legislator” who allegedly accepted $35,000 in a paper bag at a 2022 dinner. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.  KITV4.

Hawaiʻi Lawmakers Shelve Petition To Further Probe $35K Paper Bag Case. House Speaker Nadine Nakamura tabled the citizen petition with little advance notice or discussion. More than 900 petitioners asked the lawmakers to find out what happened in this transaction, determine if any laws had been broken and figure out what steps should be taken to address ethics problems at the Legislature.  Civil Beat.

A narrowed race for lieutenant governor leaves top state positions unchallenged. Following Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke's announcement that she will not be running for reelection, Kauaʻi Mayor Derek Kawakami is the only significant Democrat vying for the position. Unless someone decides by the June 2 deadline to enter the election for lieutenant governor, it could create an uncompetitive race for both of the state’s top executive positions. Hawaii Public Radio.

Supreme Court Chief Justice Nominee Faces Tough Questions From Senators. Besides his work for a powerful Hawaiʻi super PAC, lawmakers raised concerns about Vladimir Devens’ attendance at a controversial Honolulu cop’s retirement party. Civil Beat.

31 countries to send forces to RIMPAC this summer in Hawaii. The Navy announced Wednesday that the biennial Rim of the Pacific — better known as RIMPAC — will again this summer, from June 24 to July 31, bring troops, warships and aircraft from 31 nations to Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

Vegetation growth from recent rains may stoke wildfire risk. Torrential rains in March and April have turned Hawaiʻi's landscapes green with new plant growth. Much of that vegetation is thirsty invasive grasses, which dominate Hawaiʻi's unmanaged lands. Those grasses likely won't stay green for long. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

Honolulu salary panel OKs 4.7% pay raises for top city officials. The Honolulu Salary Commission on Wednesday approved a 4.7% pay increase for most of the city’s top elected and appointed officials, with changes set to take effect by July 1. The across-the-board adjustment for the 2027 fiscal year will raise the mayor’s annual salary to $236,712 from $226,080. Members of the nine-member City Council will see their yearly pay increase to $127,800 from $122,064, while the Council chair’s salary will rise to $138,264, up from $132,048. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu Traffic Cams Catch Speeders. But Most Don’t Get Tickets. Cameras at 10 major accident hot spots are catching red light runners and speeders. But ticketing more of them would overwhelm the state’s courts. Civil Beat.

Lawsuit against proposed luxury resort in Turtle Bay set to go to court. Kūpaʻa Kuilima and Earthjustice filed a lawsuit in state court to block the proposed development of a second resort on the Ritz-Carlton’s Turtle Bay property. Hawaii Public Radio.

Residents push back over West Oahu landfill concerns. The City presented its proposal for Makaiwa Hills to the Kapolei Neighborhood Board on Wednesday, and many said they will push back. KHON2. Hawaii News Now. KITV4. 

Macadamia chocolate manufacturer ending sales. Menehune Mac — Hawaii’s oldest existing macadamia nut candy manufacturer, founded in 1939 — has produced its final batch that owner Jimmy Chan hopes will last through Mother’s Day. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Council’s attempt to override Alameda’s veto falls short. The Hawaii County Council came one vote short Wednesday of overturning Mayor Kimo Alameda’s veto of a bill that would have created a commission tasked with advising county officials about construction codes. Tribune-Herald.

Sen. Hirono, Indo-Pacific Commander Discuss Pōhakuloa. Sen. Mazie K. Hirono (D, Hawaiʻi) told Admiral Samuel Paparo that the military should not "short-circuit" land lease discussions by seeking to condemn the land. Big Island Video News.

Hawaiʻi County could give state group $250K for invasive species management. Hawaiʻi Island lawmakers are considering giving the state $250,000 for invasive species management on the island, but have been critical about its efforts so far. Hawaii Public Radio.

Episode 45 of lava fountaining begins at the summit of Kilauea. Episode 45 of lava fountaining in Halemaʻumaʻu began at the summit of Kilauea at 1:34 a.m. on Thursday. Hawaii News Now.

Maui

Budget panel weighs department cuts amid property tax certification, stable revenue. Maui County Council Member Kauanoe Batangan has proposed an across-the-board 1.25% budget cut for non-first-responder departments that would yield somewhat more than $5 million in savings from Mayor Richard Bissen’s fiscal 2027 $1.61 billion budget proposal. Maui Now.

Mayor Bissen halts traffic-calming devices on County roads in Haʻikū in response to community concern. In response to Haʻikū community concerns, Mayor Richard Bissen temporarily halted future design and construction of proposed or pending speed tables, speed humps and similar traffic-calming devices on County of Maui roadways in Haʻikū. Maui Now.

Maui brands get new boost as iShoppes runs former DFS Hawaii sites at Kahului Airport. International Shoppes (iShoppes) was selected by the Hawai‘i Department of Transportation to provide retail and in-bond duty free concessions at the Kahului Airport on Maui. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kauaʻi Sea Scouts showcase donated 61-foot yacht at weekend open house. The Kaua‘i Sea Scouts recently received a donated $500,000 boat, Sun Seeker, and are welcoming the community to their open house. The Kauaʻi Sea Scouts will host the event from 4 to 6 p.m. on Saturday, April 25, welcoming boys and girls ages 12 to 18 to learn about the program, meet current members, and explore its new donated vessel “Sun Seeker.” Kauai Now.

Luke drops reelection bid, Native Hawaiian health, homelands programs under attack, chief justice nominee Devens' campaign fundraising ties questioned, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke quits reelection campaign amid controversy. Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke announced Sunday that she will not seek a second term in the Aug. 8 Democratic Party primary after being under a cloud of suspicion for months that she is the subject of a state Attorney General investigation into allegations of a powerful lawmaker accepting an illegal campaign donation. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.  Hawaii Public Radio.  Big Island Now.  Hawaii News Now. KHON2.  KITV4. 

Justice’s Past Political Activity Is Raising Fresh Questions For Some Senators. The nomination of Vladimir Devens to be Hawaiʻi’s next Supreme Court chief justice is scheduled for a hearing this week amid new concerns over his past leadership of a political action committee that spent hundreds of thousands of dollars to elect Gov. Josh Green. Civil Beat.

Hawaiʻi PUC Chair Appointment Advances In Senate. Governor Green’s appointment of Jon S. Itomura to serve as Chair of the Hawaiʻi Public Utilities Commission has passed committee. Big Island Video News.

Ag department criticized over policy to import goods with 'light' pest infestations. Lawmakers are questioning whether the state Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity should still lead Hawaiʻi’s efforts to manage invasive species. Hawaii Public Radio.

Bills on ICE rules, tax relief advance as Hawaii legislative session nears end. State legislators continue to move bills toward the end of session that would further tighten election and campaign laws, impose new rules for film tax credits, limit local law enforcement involvement with federal agents and roll back some promised Hawaii income tax breaks scheduled through 2031. Star-Advertiser.

Bill to ban disposable e-cigs gains ground. Senate Bill 2175 introduced by state Sen. Tim Richards (D-Kohala), would prohibit the sale or distribution of disposable electronic smoking devices in Hawaii, starting Jan. 1, due to the environmental problems they cause. Star-Advertiser.

Federal lawsuit challenges Native Hawaiian health scholarship program. A mainland advocacy group, led by former University of Pennsylvania’s medical school dean and retired kidney doctor Dr. Stanley Goldfarb, has filed a federal lawsuit challenging a decades-old scholarship program aimed at addressing health disparities among Native Hawaiians, marking the latest legal battle over programs that consider ancestry in eligibility. Star-Advertiser.

Trump proposes cut to Hawaiian Home Lands funding. Indigenous status of Native Hawaiians downplayed in bid to cut federal funds. In his proposed budget for the federal fiscal year beginning Oct. 1, Trump suggests that Native Hawaiians shouldn’t receive funding under the 1996 Native American Housing Assistance and Self Determination Act, or NAHASDA, because Hawaiians are a racial group and not a tribal nation. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. 

Cesspools increase contamination risks for areas hit hard by Kona lows. The Department of Health has identified 43,000 of 88,000 cesspools as posing a risk to water resources, with a total of 53 million gallons of raw sewage released each day.  Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Locked Up Too Long? Legal Tactic Challenges Hawaiʻi ICE Detentions. Big jump in “habeas corpus” petitions in Honolulu mirrors nationwide trend, a reflection of climbing ICE activity under the Trump administration. Civil Beat.

Archery range project proposed for Kaimuki park put on hold. A privately proposed $850,000 Japanese archery range and training facility at the city-owned Mau‘umae Nature Park in Kaimuki has been put on hold as city officials revisit the controversial plan following strong community feedback. Star-Advertiser.

Tangled utility lines complicate Aloha Stadium project. Developers have started demolishing parts of Aloha Stadium to make way for a new $650 million development. But now they must tackle the challenge of relocating utilities.  Hawaii Public Radio.

Waialua residents urged to boil water after E. coli discovered in source wells. The Hawaii Department of Health is warning customers of the Waialua Sugar Pump 2 water system to boil water before drinking or using it after E. coli bacteria was confirmed in the system. Star-Advertiser.

Confusing Donation Drops Run By For-Profits Targeted By Hawaiʻi Lawmakers. Drop off some old clothing, furniture or appliances at the big GreenDrop trailer at Mānoa Marketplace, and you might think you’re donating to the American Red Cross. In truth, the donation mainly supports Savers Value Village Inc., a for-profit international retailer that posted $1.7 billion in net sales in 2025. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Hawaii County STVRs measure advances. A Hawaii County Council committee voted unanimously April 7 to forward a controversial vacation rental bill to the county’s planning director and two planning commissions. Tribune-Herald.

‘Renovation Aloha’ Sued For Filming Native Hawaiian Bones. HGTV is releasing a re-edited version of the episode “Bones On The Big Island” after a Hawaiʻi judge ordered the original taken down. Civil Beat.

‘We’re trying to build a resilient, sustainable food system’: The Food Basket makes progress on new Hilo campus. The Food Basket is preparing to break ground on an $86 million Agricultural Innovation Park and Food Systems Campus — called Hoolako — on a 24.5-acre plot of old sugarcane land off of Ponahawai Street. Tribune-Herald.

Visitor from Kansas charged with attempted murder after snorkel tour incident. Police arrested and charged 21-year-old Avery Nissen of Overland Park, Kansas, with attempted murder following a stabbing incident Thursday aboard a boat off the Kona coast. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui AIDS Foundation At Risk Of Losing Money In Trump Budget. The president’s budget denounced the nonprofit as radical while proposing the funding cuts. Civil Beat.

Hāna farmers face years of recovery for crops lost in Kona storm. In the days after the storm, farmers woke up to another kind of nightmare — dozens of trees and plants uprooted and destroyed, undercutting their livelihood and leaving them with a long-term recovery. Maui Now.

Molokaʻi invasive species crew is 'all hands on deck' in CRB emergency response. Molokaʻi’s Lori Buchanan has been working to protect the island from invasive species for over three decades, and last week, one of her worst fears came true. The first two Coconut rhinoceros beetles were detected on Molokaʻi. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kauai

Pilot cites ‘vibration’ before fatal Kauai crash. The pilot of a tour helicopter that crashed off of Kauai’s Na Pali Coast killing three people on March 26 told federal investigators the aircraft experienced “high frequency vibration” and spun around twice before going down. Star-Advertiser. Kauai Now. 

Incumbents lead congressional money race, lawsuit accuses DLNR chief of harassment, Hart OKs eminent domain for rail, Aloha Stadium is coming down, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Incumbents Lead The Money Race For Congress. Will Outside Groups Wade In? Hawaiʻi’s U.S. Reps. Ed Case and Jill Tokuda have significantly more campaign cash than their challengers as races head toward mid-summer primaries. Civil Beat.

Harassment At Center Of Lawsuit Against Top Hawaiʻi Land Official. A former top executive in the state land management bureaucracy is suing his ex-boss Dawn Chang and the Department of Land and Natural Resources alleging he was forced out of his job. Former state Land Administrator Russell Tsuji claims he was accused of being a political mole and was assigned an impossible task in an effort to get rid of him. Civil Beat.

Lawsuit Demands More Information On Hiring Of UH President Wendy Hensel. The public has a right to review the Board of Regents’ discussions when it hired a new president and her special adviser, public interest attorneys say. Civil Beat.

Family Suing Kamehameha Schools Can Stay Anonymous For Now. Their identities will be revealed to the school’s attorneys and the judge presiding over the case. Civil Beat.

Oahu

HART OKs eminent domain for large properties. The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation will pursue legal action against two downtown area property owners to obtain land for two planned rail stations along the over-$10 billion Skyline extension into Kakaako, rail officials say. Star-Advertiser.

Commission to pick next HPD chief May 20. A search firm will detail who the top candidates are to serve as Honolulu’s 13th police chief out of a pool of 41 applicants during a confidential meeting of the Honolulu Police Commission on Monday. Star-Advertiser. KITV4. 

UH Mānoa receives over 100 water-related service requests in student housing. The first storm hit during the university’s spring break, meaning students could have left windows open or AC units on, which may have contributed to the excess bacteria growth. Hawaii Public Radio.

Large section of Aloha Stadium demolished as project proceeds. The dismantling of Aloha Stadium took a big step forward Thursday with the first section of seating pulled down from the steel structure. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. KITV4.

‘Really gross’: Windward Oahu school infested with millipedes. For weeks, students at Kalaheo High School in Kailua say thousands of critters have been crawling about campus. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

County budget of nearly $1B is under review. A Hawaii County Council committee reviewed Mayor Kimo Alameda’s proposed operating budget this week, which includes significant funding increases for public safety, waste processing and debt servicing for the next year. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaiʻi County Department of Environmental Management outlines its budget for council. Daniel Girvan, the new director of the Department of Environmental Management, gave a presentation to the Hawaiʻi County Council on Thursday about its priorities that include several wastewater projects for its proposed budget of $95.5 million for fiscal year 2026-27. Big Island Now.

New Parking Payment System Begins At Hilo Courthouse On Friday, April 17. Parking at Hale Kaulike will transition from individual meters to a centralized pay station located inside the courthouse lobby. Big Island Video News.

Hearing set for two East Hawaii men accused of smuggling fireworks. Darrel Goo, 52, of Keaau and Cy Tamura, 45, of Hilo, accused by federal authorities of illegally importing fireworks into Hawaii from the mainland U.S. and distributing them are due in court Monday in Honolulu. Tribune-Herald.

Puna man sentenced to 40 years for sexually assaulting minors. Joseph Donald Tibbs, a  45-year-old Mountain View man, was sentenced Wednesday to 40 years in prison for sexually assaulting two minors and other child abuse incidents that took place between February and May 2025. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Now. KHON2. KITV4. 

Maui

Maui Police Department aims for funding for staff shortages, law enforcement modernization. The Maui Police Department is requesting a $12.2 million budget increase next fiscal year, or 11.6% more than this year, to address staffing shortages and modernize public safety technology across Maui County. Maui Now.

Molokaʻi man dies following dog attack. Sylvester Apiki, 69, of Kaunakakai, died following a dog attack reported Tuesday afternoon. The incident was reported at 12 p.m. on April 14 at a home on Hoʻomalu Drive in Kaunakakai. Maui Now.

Lawmakers reject Molokai principal’s appointment to HTSB. The state Senate this week rejected Gov. Josh Green’s nomination of Molokai High School Principal Katina Soares to the Hawaii Teacher Standards Board following pointed floor debate over her leadership and communication record. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai

Worker removing invasive species on Kaua‘i trail rescued after suffering apparent leg injury. According to a preliminary report from Kaua‘i County, first responders aboard Air 1 responded to the scene shortly before 11:50 a.m. When they arrived on scene, approximately 2 miles into the trail, they discovered the 36-year-old resident. Kauai Now.

Judge rejects federal challenge to Hawaii fossil fuels lawsuit, state agrees to acquire decrepit Wahiawa Dam, gas prices continue to climb, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Judge rejects Trump administration bid to block Hawaii climate lawsuit. A federal judge on Wednesday dismissed a Trump administration lawsuit seeking to stop Hawaii from suing fossil fuel companies in state court over climate change, citing a “longstanding” policy against federal intervention in state court processes. Reuters. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii income tax cuts hang in balance as legislative session nears end. Leaders in the state House and Senate are expected to soon hash out differences over legislation put forth in January by Gov. Josh Green, who wants annual tax cuts slated for 2027 through 2031 repealed for all taxpayers in order to preserve revenue Green said is needed to offset federal cutbacks over several years. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii Public Radio. 

Former Hawaii AG works for the state and represents Luke. The Hawaii Attorney General decided there was no conflict with former state Attorney General David Louie representing Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke amid her election year controversies while he is also under contract with the state at $525 an hour to work on a long-standing civil case. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii gas prices continue climb higher into record territory. Gas prices in Hawaii are continuing to climb after reaching a new record high earlier this month. According to AAA Hawaii, the current average price for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline in Hawaii is $5.65.  Hawaii News Now.

State working group weighing benefits of gaming vs. potential problems. The group studying legalized gambling is about halfway through its process. And while they understand the benefits of the revenue gambling can bring, they’re weighing whether the benefits outweigh the potential problems. KHON2.

Trump issues disaster declaration following Kona-low storms. Hawaii has received federal approval to recoup at least 75% of the money it needs to recover and rebuild following the recent string of back-to-back Kona storms that hit Oahu, Maui and Hawaii Island from March 10-24 — and could see up to 90% reimbursement. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii Public Radio. Big Island Now.  KHON2. Hawaii News Now.

JABSOM researchers discover novel approach to cancer therapy. A lab in Hawaiʻi is chasing a bold idea. It centers on something so small it is easy to overlook; yet it may change how cancer is treated forever. They’re called nanobodies. KHON2.

Oahu

Honolulu council chair Tommy Waters’ reelection eligibility challenged. A registered voter sent an objection letter last month to the city clerk asking for a review of Waters’ eligibility. The letter submitted a written challenge to Waters’ filing paperwork seeking another term and asked for a review to determine if his candidacy complies with term limit provisions. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu Police Chief Candidates Getting Narrowed Down. Twenty community members have agreed to participate in panels that will interview semi-finalists next month. Civil Beat.

Wahiawā Dam Takeover: State Signs Off On Acquisition. The state is one step closer to acquiring the dam, which has a price tag for repairs in excess of $60 million. Directors of the Hawaiʻi Agribusiness Development Corp. have approved the $4.9 million purchase of the remaining land to acquire the 120-year-old Wahiawā dam and spillway, part of a larger deal by the state to acquire an irrigation system that runs from Wahiawā to the North Shore. Civil Beat.

How To Stop Your North Shore Farm From Flooding? Move, Developer Says. Waialua farmers were flooded again last weekend, the fifth time since February. A local developer says it’s time to look for new land, but for many that’s unfathomable. Civil Beat.

Oʻahu's North Shore businesses report losing half their revenue following recent flooding. A majority of businesses on Oʻahu’s North Shore report losing at least half of their expected revenue because of the recent flooding.That's according to data being collected by the North Shore Chamber of Commerce, which is surveying area businesses. Hawaii Public Radio.

Community pushing against planned archery dojo in Kaimuki.  Dozens of Kaimuki residents packed a neighborhood board meeting on Wednesday, April 15, in the hopes of stopping a plan to build an archery dojo at Mau’umae Nature Park. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

Making history: Sherry Bird is Hawaii Police Department’s first female deputy chief. A 28-year veteran of the department, Bird, 52, graduated in the same recruit class as Chief Reed Mahuna. As assistant chief of the department’s Administrative Services Bureau since February 2025, Bird was already the highest-ranking woman in the department’s history prior to taking the penultimate step upward. Tribune-Herald.

Three Hawaii County finalists for UH Board of Regents. Gov. Josh Green is considering three candidates for appointment to the University of Hawaii Board of Regents to fill one of two seats representing Hawaii Island. They are Chad Cabral, Makai Freitas and Wendy Laros. Tribune-Herald.

NPS seeks public input on trail plans at Kauleoli. The National Park Service is inviting the community to participate in a planning effort for the Kauleoli Unit of Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Now.

Maui

New fire station at Olowalu moves forward. The Maui Planning Commission approved on Tuesday a special use permit for the development of a fire station at Olowalu in West Maui, where there have been numerous wildfires. Maui News. Maui Now.

Maui Emergency Management Agency taking ‘posture forward’ stance in emergency activations. The agency’s fiscal 2027 budget requests include: six additional personnel including specialists for hazard mitigation and flood risk coordination; a request for $70,000 for consulting services to manage emerging hazards like electric vehicle battery incidents; a nearly $1 million request for hazardous fuels and vegetation removal across 1,100 acres; and the establishment of permanent offices and dedicated specialists for isolated communities like Molokaʻi and East Maui.  Maui Now.

New lanes to open on Puʻunēnē Avenue. The Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation notifies highway users that the newly added single lanes in both directions on Puʻunēnē Avenue (Route 3500) between West and East Wākea Avenues and Kuihelani Highway (Route 380) will open at 7 a.m., Thursday, April 16. Maui Now.

Kauai

22 sites around Kauaʻi found to have high bacteria levels, exceeding state standards. Surfrider Kauaʻi’s volunteer Blue Water Task Force tests coastal waters around the Garden Island for enterococcus bacteria, a fecal indicator bacteria. 22 sites around Kauaʻi found to have high bacteria levels, exceeding state standards. Kauai Now.

Kaua‘i Community Beetle-Mapping Project May Be A Model For Hawai‘i. Funded by a county grant, the project tracks coconut rhinoceros beetle feeding, breeding, treatment and trap sites. Civil Beat.

Election law changes could bring long lines, state attorney general investigates bribery allegations, Senate halts dedicated funding for tourism authority, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Will Hawaiʻi Voters Once Again See Long Lines On Election Day? Voters may be forced to wait in line this election season after the death of legislation that would have funded more county voter service centers. Civil Beat.

State investigators conduct 18 interviews in campaign contribution probe. State investigators have conducted 18 interviews and reviewed “thousands” of pages of documents as they continue to look into $35,000 in campaign contributions an influential state legislator allegedly accepted during a dinner with another lawmaker working as an FBI informant and a controversial lobbyist. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Residency bottleneck drives exodus of doctors.The University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine currently offers 23 accredited residency and fellowship programs, with additional programs in development. Star-Advertiser.

More Hawaiʻi Students Are Prepped For College. Will They Attend? Hawaiʻi has been pushing for more college and career readiness for high school students, but college enrollment is stagnant. Civil Beat.

Lawmakers look to protect victims of image-based sexual abuse. Hawaiʻi could soon give better protections to those who have intimate images of them shared without their consent. Hawaii Public Radio.

‘Exile’ of Hawaii’s prison population targeted for reduction or end. This year, more than a dozen members of Hawaii’s House of Representatives set out to force the state Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to bring back most of the roughly 800 Hawaii inmates from a privately operated Arizona prison within five years. Star-Advertiser.

Senate halts effort to restore dedicated tourism funding. After years of legislative skepticism and repeated restructuring, the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority appeared poised this session for a partial restoration of its dedicated funding — until the effort stalled in the state Senate. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Large fallen boulders shut down Kamehameha Highway north of Waimea Bay; 1 lane reopens. Installation of steel plates to protect the waterline from rockfall is expected to take 3 to 4 months. Contra-flow traffic in effect as 1 lane remains open.  KITV4. Star-Advertiser. 

Army to conduct annual prescribed burn at Schofield Barracks. The Army will conduct its annual prescribed burn of the Schofield Barracks training range complex this week to help with wildfire mitigation efforts. The burn will take place Monday, April 13, through Saturday, April 18, as part of the U.S. Army Garrison Hawaii’s natural resource management program to help manage invasive vegetation that can fuel wildfires and harm wildlife. Hawaii News Now.

Fatal Work Accident Spurs Hawaiʻi Immigrant’s Widow To Fight Back. An undocumented Chinese warehouse worker faced safety hazards at a Honolulu job site that a lawsuit says cost him his life after 87 weeks in the hospital.  Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Controversial housing resolution heads to full council. A Hawaii County Council committee last week recommended a favorable vote by the full council on a controversial resolution authorizing the Office of Housing and Community Development to lease homes it purchased with federal funds for “long-term permanent housing for underserved populations who face significant barriers to secure, safe and affordable housing.” Tribune-Herald.

Hawaiʻi Island Fire Department seeks public input for new strategic plan. Officials are inviting residents to complete a brief online survey and attend a series of community meetings to provide feedback on fire department operations.  Big Island Now.

$100K Tab For Failed Hawaiʻi Island Charter School May Fall To Taxpayers. Eight years after Hawaiʻi closed Kaʻu Learning Academy or financial mismanagement and faulty record keeping, taxpayers are on the hook for thousands of dollars worth of rent and property damage the school’s partners failed to pay.  Civil Beat.

Oahu halau with kumu from Keaukaha wins Merrie Monarch. Halau Hi‘iakainamakalehua, under the direction of kumu hula Robert Ke‘ano Ka‘upu IV, took both the overall and kane overall categories with 1,225 points.  Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now. 

Maui

Maui Council hears appeals for agriculture and animal shelter relief. Local farmers told Maui County Council members Thursday that the government is falling short of providing island agriculture the help needed to sustain operations. Maui Now.

Council committee reviews budgets for Departments of Water Supply, Management. The Maui County Council’s Budget, Finance and Economic Development Committee focused its fiscal year 2027 review Wednesday on addressing emergency resilience and the future of the island’s water infrastructure. Maui Now.

Molokai residents face challenges in flood recovery. Molokai was especially hit hard by the second of two Kona-low storms to sweep across Hawaii in two weeks last month. Star-Advertiser.

Ahupua‘a restoration in Molokai offers potential flooding remedy. The pair of Kona-low storms that hit the Hawaiian Islands in March showed no forgiveness when it descended upon Molokai. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai

About 140,000 gallons of wastewater spills near Kauai harbor. Kauai county officials warned the public  to stay out of Kikiaola Harbor after about 140,000 gallons of wastewater spilled on Friday from the Waimea Wastewater Treatment Plant. Star-Advertiser.

Powerful PAC backs Kawakami v Luke, Schofield one of two Army divisions testing AI, hotel sought for Hilo airport, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Rich, controversial PAC backing Kawakami in lieutenant governor race. A political action committee formed by the carpenters union and Pacific Resource Partnership has begun spending money to support Kauai Mayor Derek Kawakami in the lieutenant governor race, drawing criticism from incumbent Sylvia Luke. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii’s 2026 election includes a few high-profile challenges. Hawaii’s most interesting 2026 election races so far include Kauai Mayor Derek Kawakami’s Democratic primary challenge of incumbent Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke and opponents for the state’s two members in the U.S. House of Representatives. Star-Advertiser.

State lawmakers Monday to discuss Hawaiʻi Hurricane Relief Fund. Representatives from Hawaiʻi Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs Insurance Division, Hawaiʻi Property Insurance Association and Hawaiʻi Hurricane Relief Fund will cover the status of Act 296, aimed at stabilizing the state’s property insurance market and ensuring coverage remains available when private insurers are unable to meet demand. Big Island Now.

Construction bill advances amid support, labor concerns. Senate Bill 2024 would authorize the Hawaii School Facilities Authority to partner with private developers to design, finance and build public school facilities — including on privately owned land — and launch a pilot program to develop three new schools across the state. Star-Advertiser.

This May Be The Year For Reforming Hawaiʻi’s Child Welfare System. Bills to support families at risk for intervention by Child Welfare Services and fund domestic violence training for caseworkers are still alive at the Legislature. Civil Beat.

Hawaiʻi Banned Plastic Foam Food Containers. Are Bodyboards Next? Polystyrene, sometimes branded as Styrofoam, has long been a target for environmental advocacy groups. Civil Beat.

Lawmakers consider calling ‘action’ on enhanced film industry incentives. Three bills aimed at increasing taxpayer support for the film industry via rebates on spending recently advanced past the midpoint of the 2026 legislative session and are pending further discussion and possible passage. Star-Advertiser.

Federal cuts put growing strain on Hawaii nonprofits. As April marks Volunteer Month in Hawaii and across the country, nonprofit leaders say community serv­ice is no longer just encouraged — it is becoming essential. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

City Council mulls measure to enhance TOD communities. Private developers aiming to secure city-offered incentives like monetary grants or increased height and density allowances to build transit-oriented development projects near Skyline stations will first be required to provide greater benefits to surrounding communities, new city-initiated legislation dictates. Star-Advertiser.

Schofield soldiers lead the charge in Army’s AI testing. The U.S. Army has put the 25th Infantry Division at Schofield Barracks at the forefront of testing how it can use AI models and tools on the battlefield. The 25th is one of two divisions — the other being the 4th Infantry Division in Colorado — that is experimenting with these systems as part of the Army’s “Next Generation Command and Control Modernization” program. Star-Advertiser.

Waikīkī is a testing ground for mitigation against sea level rise. Hawaiʻi's dependence on coastal areas makes it vulnerable to sea-level rise. And thatʻs especially the case on the South Shore of Oʻahu.  Hawaii Public Radio.

North Shore businesses suffer in aftermath of Kona-low storms. Spring break is typically busy at Sharlyn Foo’s budget accommodations in Haleiwa. But last month, instead of welcoming surfers and families, Foo spent her days canceling reservations, refunding payments and responding to repeated calls from travelers asking whether Oahu’s North Shore was even open. Star-Advertiser.

Farmers next to Otake Camp are months away from being able to grow again. Much of the land next to the camp is still covered in at least half-a-foot of mud, now dry and cracked — and unusable for farming. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Island

Hotel sought for Hilo airport; some developers already have expressed interest. The Hawaii Department of Transportation has issued a notice of request for information (RFI) that seeks input from potential developers to gauge their interest and ability to build a hotel on state land adjacent to Hilo International Airport. Tribune-Herald.

Vote on Pahoa town rezoning bills postponed; goal of measures is to help revitalize the area. The Hawaii County Windward Planning Commission voted unanimously Thursday to postpone passing a slate of legislation intending to rezone parts of downtown Pahoa. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaiʻi Island lawmakers review county general plan. The county's Planning Department has been working on the latest version for more than 10 years. Hawaii Public Radio.

Pahoa Agricultural Park eyed for piggeries. Farmers at the Pahoa Agricultural Park would be allowed to raise pigs for food under a state House bill making its way through the Legislature. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui oceanfront condo damaged by 2025 flood did not survive 2026 storm. Owners association blames county inaction. Kīhei Kai flooded four times in the past five years after Maui County reconstructed a nearby bridge over Waiakoa Gulch on South Kīhei Road.  Maui Now.

Molokaʻi storm recovery needs start to shift — but there's still lots of mud. For nearly two weeks, volunteers at a temporary Manaʻe community hub on Molokaʻi's east end have been delivering supplies and checking on neighbors after massive flooding. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kauai

Kaua‘i Mayor’s $504 Million Budget Prioritizes Housing, Infrastructure. The proposed spending plan continues Mayor Derek Kawakami’s long-term focus on road resurfacing, bridge repairs and parks improvements. Civil Beat.

Hawaii ponders Trump's new rules for mail-in ballots, gas and electricity prices surge, more than 2T gallons of rain fell on the state in March, bomb threat at Keaau Post Office shuts down shopping center, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Trump’s executive order targets mail-in voting in all states. President Donald Trump attempted Tuesday to put federal controls on mail-in voting handled by states including Hawaii, where the vast majority of votes were cast by mail in recent elections. Scott Nago, Hawaii’s chief elections officer, said he was reviewing the order closely and how it may or may not impact elections scheduled for Aug. 8 and Nov. 3. Star-Advertiser.

Trump’s War In Iran Is About To Show Up In Your Electric Bill. The Aloha State burns foreign oil to generate most of its electricity. With prices soaring, electric bills are projected to increase 20-30% in the coming months. Civil Beat.

Hawaii gas prices up more than $1 per gallon in 1 month. California currently has the record for the highest average gas price at $5.88 per gallon. Hawaii is in second place, with each gallon averaging $5.45. KHON2.

The state is still waiting on more federal assistance, nearly two weeks after the second Kona Low caused widespread devastation. Gov. Josh Green submitted a request for a Presidential Disaster Declaration eight days ago, on March 23. Hawaii News Now.

Senate committee advances resolution reaffirming access to abortion care. The Senate Health and Homelessness Committee advanced a resolution that would reaffirm the state’s commitment to require hospitals to provide abortion care when it is necessary to stabilize the patient. Hawaii Public Radio.

2 trillion gallons of water inundate Hawaiʻi in March, trigger historic flooding. More than 2 trillion gallons of water — enough to fill 3 million Olympic-sized swimming pools — inundated Hawaiʻi in March. Statewide rainfall averaged 18.25 inches from March 1-23 — more than 2.6 times the standard March average of 6.85 inches. Big Island Now. Hawaii News Now. 

Gov. Josh Green appoints circuit court judges on Kaua‘i and Maui. On Tuesday, Gov. Josh Green announced Michael K. Soong has been appointed as a judge for the Fifth Circuit Court of Kauaʻi and Ni‘ihau. Also, Annalisa M. Bernard Lee was appointed to a judgeship with the Second Circuit Court in Maui. Kauai Now.

Alaska, Hawaiian Airlines to function under one app in April: Here’s what to do. The new app, simply titled “Alaska Hawaiian,” will provide travelers with all their travel needs without having to switch between separate Alaska and Hawaiian interfaces, the company said. KHON2.

Oahu

Storm damage tally for city about $100M, Honolulu officials say. Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s administration is still assessing the cost of the devastation wrought by two powerful Kona-low storms in March on city-owned properties and operations, but preliminary estimates put the damage at over $100 million. Star-Advertiser.

Pearl Harbor pollution trial against Navy begins. Wai Ola Alliance filed a lawsuit against the Navy in 2022, demanding the Navy close the Red Hill fuel storage facility and pay for past environmental violations tied to its fueling operations. Star-Advertiser.

Kaimukī’s Queen Theater Is Falling Apart. Honolulu Doesn’t Want To Step In. The venue, which over the decades went from family friendly theater to purveyor of pornographic films, will likely continue to sit empty. Civil Beat.

Reports of mold concerns inside UH Manoa dorms after Kona Low storms. For years, Frear Hall has been considered one of the campus’s more modern residence halls. But several students say excess moisture and repeated storms have left some rooms with persistent mold. Hawaii News Now.

Hokulani Elementary closed for the rest of school year due to storm damage. Students will resume in-person learning Thursday at nearby campuses while repairs are underway. Star-Advertiser.

Residents urged to combat mosquitoes by removing standing water. The state Department of Health traps thousands of mosquitoes every year and tests them for contagious viruses like Zika, dengue and chikungunya. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Island

Hawaii Island’s Kona low storm damage could top $59M. Gov. Josh Green and Mayor Kimo Alameda on Tuesday toured Hawaii Island sites damaged by the recent Kona low storm, including Konawaena High School, which was so badly flooded it is delivering its curriculum via distance learning for the remainder of the school year. Tribune-Herald.

Missing Members And Muscle, Hawaiʻi Ethics Board Struggles To Function. The volunteer board often cancels meetings for lack of quorum and doesn’t have a paid staff like other counties to shoulder some of the load. Civil Beat.

Police Make Arrest After Bomb Threat Shuts Down Keaʻau Shopping Center. 43-year-old Erick Smith of Volcano was arrested for first-degree terroristic threatening, after he allegedly told an employee that he left a bomb at the counter of a post office in the Kea‘au Shopping Center.  Big Island Video News. Big Island Now. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Water Discoloration Notice Issued For Waimea. The Hawaiʻi County Department of Water Supply says it is currently flushing the water system and investigating the possible cause of the discolored water.  Big Island Video News.

Hawaiʻi Island newlyweds recount immigration detainment that nearly tore them apart. Hawaiʻi Island resident Juan José Estrada Lopez was detained by ICE agents at his green card interview. He remained in the Honolulu FDC until late January. Hawaii Public Radio.

Maui

New hire at Maui Police Department arrested on suspicion of sexual assault while off duty. The 26-year-old Makawao man was taken into custody on Monday, March 30, 2026, following allegations of sexual abuse and remains detained. He has been placed on administrative leave without pay.  Maui Now.

Hawaiʻi Community Lending revives Kānaka Anti-Displacement Fund after storms. Hawai‘i Community Lending, a nonprofit community development financial institution, announced it has revived its Kānaka Anti-Displacement Fund following the devastating kona storms that have impacted communities across the state. Maui Now.

Sunken graves at Molokaʻi cemetery shock loved ones after severe rainfall. Kapaʻakea Cemetery, just east of Kaunakakai, is managed by Maui County, but families have traditionally cared for their own burial plots. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kauai

Kauai has good final Ocean Count for 2026. Cindy ‘Iwalani Among-Serrao, the Ocean Count coordinator and the Hawaii Island Program Coordinator for the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary, said that on Kauai, the total number of whales observed during the four-hour count period was 169. Garden Island.