Luke exceeds budget with staff raises, Green aids 3rd medical victim in less than a month, tax break for Oahu homeowners, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke Has Already Overspent Her Budget — On Staff Raises. The overage comes as Luke, the former longtime House Finance chair, is poised to more than double her office budget to more than $2.3 million for the next fiscal year. Civil Beat.

Gov. Green comes to aid of passenger ejected from pickup bed.  Gov. Josh Green, a medical doctor, treated another victim of a traffic accident today when a 25-year-old Kauai man was ejected from the back of a pick-up truck and suffered an apparent concussion while traveling in front of Green’s vehicle.  It was the third time the governor has come to a motorist's aid since May. Star-Advertiser.

It’s a first for the state. The transportation department’s “Freeway Service Patrol” is now sponsored by GEICO. It’s a first for the state. The transportation department’s “Freeway Service Patrol” is now sponsored by GEICO. KHON2.

Luke: Despite progress, domestic violence survivors still grapple with stigma, lack of support. Hawaii has made progress in addressing domestic violence and broadening support to survivors, but there’s most work to be done, Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke told advocates Thursday. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Gas strike forcing several businesses to close. The ongoing Hawaii Gas strike is beginning to take its toll on local businesses that are being forced to close because of interrupted service. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Officials warn of Hawaii wildfire risks with extended drought. Drought conditions are expected to kick in later this summer and last longer than usual, extending the high fire risk, according to National Weather Service forecaster Derek Wroe. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii Public Radio.  Tribune-Herald.  Big Island Now. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Council approves $350 rebate for owner-occupants and say they’re just getting started. The $3.4 billion budget passed by the Honolulu Council on Wednesday night included a $54 million tax break for owner-occupant property owners. Hawaii News Now.

Electronic filings of building permits to be required. Beginning July 1, the city’s Department of Planning and Permitting will require all building permits needing plans and all building permit applications for commercial projects to be submitted only through its electronic plan review system. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Rail: Trains, Tracks And Base Yard To Be Officially Turned Over To The City. The transfer of billions of dollars in assets clears the way for the Department of Transportation Services to open the Honolulu rail system to the public on June 30.  Civil Beat. KITV4.

Honolulu Conspiracy Trial Pushed To October 2024. Ex-city attorney Donna Long, former managing director Roy Amemiya and former Honolulu Police Commission chair Max Sword stand accused of improperly executing a retirement payout to disgraced police chief Louis Kealoha in 2017.  Civil Beat.

After nearly 5 years of repairs, Pearl City public pool finally reopens. The Pearl City District Park pool reopened for public use Thursday after being closed for nearly five years due to numerous improvements. Hawaii News Now.

King Kamehameha Day celebrations kick off today. The holiday celebrates the legacy of King Kameha­meha I, who is known for unifying the Hawaiian Islands under a single governance in 1810. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now

Hawaii Island

State judge rules officer accused of harassment can’t carry firearms. A state judge has ruled that a Hawaii County police officer who pulled a gun on a Big Island man in a police station parking lot cannot carry firearms. Hawaii News Now.

Kilauea advisories lowered as eruption resumes, wind vortex forms. Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists lowered Kilauea’s alert level from warning to watch and aviation advisory code from red to orange. Star-Advertiser. Big Island Now.

Kona Community Hospital moves forward on supplemental wastewater treatment facility. According to the DEA, KCH is proposing a redundant wastewater treatment system with a capacity of 50,000 gallons-per-day (gpd) to supplement its existing 50,000-gpd system, which requires a shutdown to perform critical repair and maintenance.  West Hawaii Today.

Weekend events in Hilo, Kona to honor King Kamehameha I. The event will start with the ceremonial ho‘okupu and lei draping beginning at 9 a.m. Sunday at the statue on Kamehameha Avenue. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Committee to discuss general excise tax and Central Maui’s wastewater facilities. Maui County Council’s Budget, Finance and Economic Development committee will meet June 9 at 9 a.m. to discuss the county’s new authority on general excise tax. Maui Now.

Shoreline advocates block machines at Kā’anapali Beach, seek community input on dune restoration. The groups want the state to issue a stop work order, expressing concern saying cumulative impacts of multiple resorts “stockpiling sand” in front of hotels covers up encroaching dirt fill and vegetation that they say is causing the steep erosion scarp.  Maui Now.

Maui County Is Trying To Bring Relief To Farmers And Ranchers During Times Of Drought. Amid forecasts of less available water, officials want to ensure food producers have enough for their crops and livestock. Civil Beat.

Long-awaited farmland on horizon for lessees. More than 30 years ago, 58 native Hawaiian beneficiaries were selected by the state Department of Hawaiian Home Lands for leases on Molokai and have been waiting to occupy their agricultural lots ever since. Maui News.

Maui County waitlist reopening for Section 8 rent subsidy program. The County of Maui is reopening its waitlist for the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program that provides rental assistance to eligible low-income households with federal funding from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development. Maui Now.

Kauai

Green signs law for community-based concessions in state parks. This Revamped State Park On Kauai Is A Case Study For Beating Overtourism, Officials Say. New crowd control and parking enforcement measures at Haena could help bring special places back into balance statewide. Civil Beat. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News.  Hawaii News Now.

Road closures for King Kamehameha Day Parade on June 10. The King Kamehameha Day Parade will be held in downtown Lihu‘e on Saturday. The parade starts at 9:30 a.m.  Garden Island. Kauai Now.

Hawaii bans vaping imports, reward offered for identification of monk seal killer, Oahu median home price again tops $1M, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii law bans import of e-cigarettes, e-liquids. It is now illegal to import electronic smoking devices and e-liquids into the islands after Gov. Josh Green signed a bill into law Tuesday as part of a years-long and continuing effort to prevent children from becoming addicted to nicotine.  Star-Advertiser. Tribune-Herald.  Big Island Video News. Hawaii News Now

Hawaii lawmakers take steps to prevent fentanyl deaths. The deaths of two men from Hawaii following a suspected fentanyl overdose involving five people in a Waikiki hotel room over the weekend has spurred Hawaii lawmakers, including Gov. Josh Green, to move forward on measures designed to prevent deaths from the potent synthetic opioid. Civil Beat.  KITV4. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiʻi Attorney General prevails in federal challenge to hemp regulations. The U.S. District Court for the District of Hawaiʻi entered judgment in favor of the Hawaiʻi Department of Health and the Director of Health in a lawsuit challenging the Department’s regulations prohibiting the sale of Delta-8 and Delta-10 THC products processed from hemp. Big Island Now. Kauai Now.

Gov. Green signs 22 bills into state law. The bills cover a myriad of issues, including raising salaries and pay for benefits of Hawaiʻi’s public employees. Big Island Now.

NOAA offers reward to help find Hawaiian monk seal killer. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Office of Law Enforcement is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information that leads to a successful prosecution of those responsible. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Associated Press. Big Island Now. Hawaii News Now.  KHON2.

Report: High levels of bacteria detected at multiple Hawaii beaches. The Surfrider Foundation’s Blue Water Task Force released its latest clean water report that identified three Hawaii waterways as priority beaches with high bacteria rates. Hawaii News Now.

State’s Embattled Ag Corporation Has Chance For A Reset As It Seeks New Leadership. The Agribusiness Development Corp. is taking steps to fill the leadership vacuum left by the sudden death of executive director James Nakatani in April. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Honolulu Council to review mayor’s proposed $3.41B budget.  The Honolulu City Council is expected today to review and consider approval of Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s proposed $3.41 billion executive operating budget and a nearly $1.1 billion capital improvement plan for the 2024 fiscal year, which begins July 1. Star-Advertiser.

Amid outrage over proposed 64% raise, council to consider measure that would ban outside income. The controversial 64% raise for City Council members is still slated to take effect without a vote in about three weeks. But a related plan ― to ban outside income ― is on the agenda at Wednesday’s council meeting. Hawaii News Now.

Computer Glitches Are Causing Concerns Over The Integrity Of Oahu’s Neighborhood Board Elections. Questions are flying about the results of the recent Honolulu Neighborhood Board elections, with some people complaining they were unable to vote online because of computer glitches amid surprisingly low voter participation in areas known for high levels of civic engagement. Civil Beat.

Environmental risks will persist after Red Hill tanks are drained. Ever since thousands of gallons of jet fuel spewed from a pipeline at Red Hill in November 2021 and made its way into the Navy’s drinking water system, sickening military families, environmentalists and water officials have had their sights set on ensuring that the fuel in the facility’s massive underground tanks that sit just 100 feet above an aquifer is permanently removed. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu median home price tops $1M again amid high rates. Single-family resales fetched $1,109,000 in May, up 10.9% from $999,995 in April and down just 3.9% from the record $1,153,500 in the year-earlier period, according to data released Tuesday from the Honolulu Board of Realtors. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Big Island EV charging plan withdrawn after criticism. A proposal to require some Big Island gas stations to install electric vehicle charging stations was roundly rejected Tuesday after criticism from gas station owners. Tribune-Herald.

Managing director defends sweep of homeless at Kona park. Hawaii County on Tuesday responded to the American Civil Liberties Union of Hawaii regarding concerns raised in a letter that demanded the county stop evicting people from homeless encampments without first providing adequate shelter. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News.  Big Island Now.

Group to sue over Kailua-Kona sewage discharges.  A group of citizens intends to file a civil suit against Hawaii County over the discharge of sewage into a popular local harbor in Kailua-Kona. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Sheriff recruitment open on Maui. Deputy sheriff recruitment is now open through June 12 on Maui and Oahu, the state Department of Law Enforcement announced Monday.  Maui News.

Woman sent to prison for embezzling $59K to feed addiction. A Wailuku woman who embezzled at least $59,000 from her former employer to support her opioid addiction was sentenced in federal court on Oahu last week to one year and one day in prison. Maui News.

 
/Kauai

Solid Waste Division leaders to provide Kekaha Landfill update. Local environmental groups will tackle Kaua‘i’s ongoing landfill crisis with guest speakers from the Kaua‘i County Solid Waste Division on June 14, at this month’s Kaua‘i Climate Action Forum. Kauai Now.

Domestic arrivals dropping. The number of people getting off domestic flights at Lihu‘e Airport dropped 7.5 percent in May, as passenger counts fell further behind the record-setting pace of 2022. Garden Island.

Green names business leader to head Board of Education, Honolulu council members mum on their huge pay hikes, Kauai tour operators irked by boat limits, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Green Selects Business Leader To Head BOE.  Gov. Josh Green has named Warren Haruki, a former CEO of Maui Land & Pineapple Co., as the next chair of the state Board of Education.  Civil Beat.

‘This is crazy’: Analysis finds billions in schools construction money unspent. More than $2 billion in school construction is going unspent and nearly half of that money is set to lapse next year. Hawaii News Now.

State senator calls for audit of Hawaii Film Office. The director of the state Department of Economic Development, Business and Tourism said he is looking into Sen. Kurt Fevella's accusations of the state’s film office. Hawaii Public Radio.

Gov. Green signs laws limiting places to carry guns; mandating active shooting training at schools.  On National Gun Violence Awareness Day, Hawaiʻi Gov. Josh Green signed laws that prohibit firearms at a variety of places — including hospitals, beaches, stadiums, movie theaters and bars that serve alcohol — and mandates active shooting training at all public and charter schools in the state. Kauai Now.

'House the Hawaiians': DHHL leader's plan to buy land with $600M budget. The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands says it's on track to use one-third of its $600 million budget by the end of this fiscal year. That could provide housing opportunities for 2,000 beneficiaries. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii gas and union workers resume contract negotiations amid strike. Progress has been made in contract negotiations with Hawaii Gas for hundreds of union workers. Hawaii News Now.

2020 census data details Hawaii households. With high housing costs and a strong sense of ohana, Hawaii once again leads the nation in multigenerational households, with 9% of the state’s 490,267 households comprising three or more generations, according to the census data released May 25. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Only 3 of 9 Council members comment on pay hikes.  Less than a month remains before the Honolulu City Council sees a more than 64% pay boost and Mayor Rick Blangiardi and top city executives receive a nearly 12.6% salary increase. Star-Advertiser.

Louis Kealoha Asks Judge For ‘Mercy’ In Letter From Prison. Former Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha says he is throwing himself “at the mercy” of a judge who will decide whether he’s on the hook to pay $500,000 in a civil lawsuit. Civil Beat.

$50M state budget item at center of transparency debate. An effort to fund initial construction of an elaborate state, county and federal first-­responder agency campus on Oahu survived a contentious and somewhat opaque legislative budgetary practice this year. Star-Advertiser.

TSA deploys new technology at Honolulu airport. The Transportation Security Administration has been investing in new technology to screen travelers and their personal property in the security checkpoints at Hawaii airports with the goal of enhancing security and improving screening efficiency, which comes in handy as the traditional summer rush of travelers begins. Star-Advertiser.

OCCC selects new warden. The state Department of Public Safety has announced the selection of John Schell as the new warden for the Oahu Community Correctional Center. Star-Advertiser.

‘Plan is to fix what’s there,’ says Dillingham Ranch’s new owner. Historic Dillingham Ranch, the Mokuleia property where local business tycoon Walter F. Dillingham established his home more than a century ago, was sold this spring for $36.5 million to the Nolan family, which has ties to Hawaii and intends to keep it in agriculture. Star-Advertiser.

‘Bait And Switch’? These West Oahu Residents Say They’re Victims Of A Big Developer. A lawsuit filed by Hoopili residents says power lines that were supposed to be buried are now towering above the subdivision. Civil Beat.

Solving Honolulu’s Bike Commute, One Sketchy Intersection At A Time. From "leading intervals" to "bike boxes," the city's avid cyclists have plenty of ideas to make the streets more accessible. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Tempers flare at PGV meeting. Decades of frustration boiled over Thursday during a public meeting about a planned expansion of Puna Geothermal Venture. Tribune-Herald.

16 New Treatment Beds Opened For Substance Recovery. Big Island Substance Abuse Council announced two separate homes, with eight treatment beds each, have opened on Hawaiʻi Island. Big Island Video News.

Dismantling of CSO mirror to ease move; decommissioning to be complete by end of summer. The decommissioning of the Caltech Submillimeter Observatory on Maunakea will no longer require several road closures. Tribune-Herald.

This ‘Retired’ Big Island Attorney Is Still A Fierce Advocate For The Little Guy. Will Rosdil came out of retirement to take on the case of a man who lost his home to foreclosure. He's still at it. Civil Beat.

Maui

Maui County’s $1.07 billion budget will be up for second and final reading before the Maui County Council at its meeting Tuesday, Council Chairwoman Alice Lee announced.  Maui News.

Sand replenishment project for Kaanapali Beach in limbo. Hotels and condos along Maui’s famous Kaanapali Beach are divided over whether to move forward with a controversial $10 million beach restoration project nearly three months after the board that oversees the state Department of Land and Natural Resources pulled its support for shouldering half its costs. Star-Advertiser.

County breaks ground on new water source project in West Maui.  The Maui County Department of Water Supply project will develop the Kahana Well, which is currently an exploratory well, and other improvements, such as constructing a well pump, control tank, chlorination system housing, electrical upgrades, access road and other work. Maui News.

Kauai

Tour Boat Companies Say Bill To Beat Overtourism Would Sink Their Business. Roughly 25 sightseeing boat tour companies have permits to operate out of Kikiaola Small Boat Harbor, the gateway to the 17-mile Na Pali Coast.  Civil Beat. Garden Island.

Kauai Forest Bird Recovery Project fights to save the aikikiki from extinction. The birds are quickly vanishing, likely due to avian malaria. And if not taken out by malaria, Aikikiki are prey to rats. Hawaii News Now.

Canoe club faces fines after cinder blocks placed on coral, Hawaii joins interstate compact to lure doctors, census shows state population aging, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Damage to be assessed after moorings were placed on coral during Hawaiʻi Island canoe regatta. 16 cinder block lane markers were found resting on coral structures during the Founders Regatta hosted by the Keauhou Canoe Club on Saturday. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now. Maui Now.

Hawaii moves to lure mainland doctors. Doctors from other states may soon be able to quickly acquire licenses to practice medicine in Hawaii after state lawmakers passed a bill this month enabling the governor to join the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact, an agreement among states that streamlines the licensing process. Star-Advertiser.

The aging of Hawaii is accelerating, 2020 census shows.  The U.S. Census Bureau’s demographic profile released Thursday shows there were 282,451 people age 65 and older in Hawaii, representing 19.4% of the state’s total population of 1.45 million. That’s a 45% increase from the number of residents in that age group who were counted in 2010, when they comprised 14.3% of the population, or 1 in 7 residents. Star-Advertiser.

Slight summer cool-down predicted for Hawaii tourism.  A rush of travelers to Hawaii is expected for the Memorial Day weekend, the kickoff to summer, but there are signs in the state’s visitor industry that the season may not be as robust as last year. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Green to name new HTA board members; De Fries’ future uncertain. Gov. Josh Green on Friday morning said in an online interview he would be appropriating more than $60 million for tourism promotion, marketing and management when he signs the state budget into law in mid-June. Tribune-Herald.

Solar loan program gets $100M recharge. The Legislature this year appropriated a $100 million infusion to an agency nicknamed Hawaii’s Green Bank to continue lending money to households with low and moderate incomes for installing rooftop solar systems while also expanding the program to finance energy storage systems. Star-Advertiser.

State funds for late rent, mediation to be revisited. Key state lawmakers are vowing to revisit a bill that died in the final days of the legislative session that would have required mediation between landlords and tenants before filing for eviction, while providing landlords millions in emergency rent relief. Star-Advertiser.

New $15 Million Grant Seeks To Address Root Causes Of Health Disparities In Hawaii. Hawaii Island Community Health Center will use the funding to elevate children's access to care. Civil Beat.

Hawaii private-school tuitions rise with inflation. While increases in the average tuition for Hawaii’s private schools statewide for this fall will be smaller than expected at about 2.3%, some prominent schools are raising their tuition by much more as they start to catch up with the past two years’ inflation and rate hikes that were delayed or cut back during the COVID-19 pandemic. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Calls Mount For The Honolulu City Council To Vote On Salary Increases. Many constituents feel that the increases are a "slap in the face," and they want more accountability. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Council Members Seek To Make The Chamber A Full-Time Job Amid Pay Criticism. Two measures would ban council members from having other jobs in a move aimed at ensuring they focus all their attention on the public's business. Civil Beat.

‘This Is Gold’: An Unprecedented Push To Restore Urban Honolulu Watersheds From Ridge To Reef. A nearly $8 million project will take the Hawaiian approach to land management and apply it to busy parts of town. Civil Beat.

Pay per wave: Native Hawaiians divided over artificial surf lagoon in the birthplace of surfing. The project has landed in court and reflects the unease some Native Hawaiians feel about the commercialization of what long has been a cultural touchstone. Associated Press.

Kuhio Beach hours to change for safety, cleanliness’ sake. The city Department of Parks and Recreation is making plans to extend Kuhio Beach Park’s daily closure by an extra two hours — a move that will broaden the park’s shutdown from midnight to 5 a.m. Star-Advertiser.

24 people cited at Kaʻena Point State Park, most for access during off hours. Eighteen people were cited Saturday night for being in a closed area, in violation of Ka‘ena Point State Park closure hours on Oʻahu; and five others were cited for not having special access permits, according to the state Department of Land and Natural Resources. Maui Now.

Hawaii Island

Mayor Roth To Hold Island-Wide Town Hall Circuit. Mayor Mitch Roth announced the debut of his town hall series, “Sustainable Horizons: Mayor Roth’s Community Impact Check-in,” aimed at providing updates and fostering engagement with communities across Hawaiʻi Island. Big Island Video News.  Big Island Now.

Keck Observatory director retiring after nearly 40 years. When Hilton Lewis began working at the W. M. Keck Observatory in 1986, astronomy was a very different field. Tribune-Herald.

HVO clears final hurdle in move to UH-Hilo.  In a couple of years, Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists and support staff should be able to move from their temporary headquarters at Hilo Iron Works and a Keaau warehouse and into fancy new digs at the University of Hawaii at Hilo. Tribune-Herald.

Keaau Middle School top site for proposed new library. A draft environmental assessment for a proposed new library to serve the Keaau and Mountain View communities was published Tuesday and lists five preferred sites for the 13,900-square-foot building, but rates a site at the Keaau Middle School as the most preferred. Tribune-Herald.

64 Cats Captured, Relocated From Waikoloa. An effort to catch and relocate a large number of feral cats from a parking lot in the Waikōloa Resort area is underway, with 64 cats already reported captured, spayed/neutered, and rehomed. Big Island Video News.

Maui

County water directors to discuss water rate increases. Maui County Water Supply Director John Stufflebean and Deputy Director James “Kimo” Landgraf will discuss possible water rate increases and other important issues on the county radio show at 7 a.m. Thursday on KAOI. Maui News.

Hawaii Lawmakers Did Not Fund The Overpass To Kihei’s New High School. The ongoing effort to build a protected pedestrian crossing over a bustling highway to Kihei’s new high school has hit yet another barrier: Lawmakers didn’t put money in the state budget this past session to build it. Civil Beat.

Kauai

Emergency preparedness survey to be conducted on Kaua‘i. The state Department of Health Kaua‘i District Health Office said it will conduct a Community Assessment for Public Health Emergency Response (CASPER) survey from June 6-9. Garden Island. Kauai Now.

County offers free composting bins. The County of Kaua‘i Department of Public Works Solid Waste Division announced two new distribution points on the North Shore for Earth Machine Home Composting Bins — ‘Aina Ho‘okupu o Kilauea and the Hanalei Initiative. Garden Island.

Tourist tracking app proposed, militant Hawaiian sovereignty member sentenced for threats against government officials, DOE returns millions not used for local food programs, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Tourist tracking app could be part of Hawaii visitor management plan. Hawaii hosts about 10 million visitors a year, and they often tend to go to the same locations — so crowds and traffic can make the experience unpleasant. But lawmakers and the CNHA, which one the destination stewardship contract from the Hawaii Tourism Authority say a smart phone app could be the key. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii DOE Has Returned Millions Of Dollars That Could Have Bought Local Food. Hawaii's congressional delegation wants to know why the money it fights for is not being used by the Department of Education. The Department of Education has blamed miscommunication as the reason it failed to use $650,000 in federal money meant to assist schools in buying local food. In 2022 the DOE handed back just over $1.1 million in federal funds allocated under the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program, a program designed to feed and educate children about their food. Civil Beat.

Man who threatened government officials gets 37 months. A 44-year-old man found guilty of posting social media threats to behead then-Lt. Gov. Josh Green, Mayor Rick Blangiardi and the Waianae Small Boat Harbor master following a dispute over nonpayment of $30,000 in mooring fees by the leader of a militant Hawaiian sovereignty group was sentenced to 37 months in federal prison Tuesday morning. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Green signs bills to regulate domestic abuse interventions, restraining orders. Green signed two bills on Friday that would amend referral requirements for restraining orders to only when alleged child abuse allegations arise and would require court-ordered interventions, or anger management, for certain criminal offenders. Hawaii Public Radio.

Sustainable aviation fuel produced in Hawaiʻi expected by 2025. Since about half of the state's petroleum use comes from aviation, local companies Pono Pacific and Par Hawaiʻi plan to collaborate on a Hawaiʻi-based sustainable airplane fuel. Hawaii Public Radio.

New invasive species imperils Hawai‘i’s aquatic ecosystem. A multi-agency working group has discovered a new invasive species off Hawai‘i’s coastline that threatens to upend the island chain’s marine ecosystem by outcompeting and suffocating its coral reefs. Garden Island.

Where have all the workers gone? Hawaii’s chief economist explains. “Now hiring” signs are now a common sight around Oahu and Maui. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Plan for new Oahu jail gets partial, delayed funding. Hawaii lawmakers included $10 million in their budget bill for the state Department of Public Safety to continue planning and design work on a replacement for Oahu Community Correctional Center. Star-Advertiser.

‘180 Degrees’ Different: Former HPD Chief Louis Kealoha Is Telling His Side Of The Story. A soon-to-be released book by a former TV reporter asks readers to view a notorious corruption scandal through a new lens. Civil Beat.

‘What should the public expect?’ Concerns over access to rail station sparks action. The first phase of the Honolulu rail system will take passengers from East Kapolei to Aloha Stadium, but a stop along the way is raising concerns among the community. KHON2.

Military Team Seeks To Drain 100M Gallons Of Fuel From Red Hill Without ‘A Single Drop’ Leaking. Amid pressure to act quickly, the Joint Task Force says it's preparing for worst-case scenarios and proceeding with caution. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

Outrigger expands again, purchases Ka‘anapali Beach Hotel. Outrigger Hospitality Group announced Tuesday that it is acquiring the Ka‘anapali Beach Hotel — its sixth beach resort purchase over the past two years. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Hilo nursing home says it is clear of active COVID cases. The 252-bed nursing home recently suffered from an outbreak that was reported to the Hawaii Department of Health in early April, with 93 cases, including 76 residents and 17 staff. Star-Advertiser. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaiʻi Island nonprofit loses funding for housing mediation program. The West Hawaiʻi Mediation Center on Hawaiʻi Island received a state grant for a new restorative justice program but won’t get funding renewed for its popular landlord-tenant mediation program.  Hawaii Public Radio.

Gymnastic reprieve. In a July 2021 Special Permit Application, Kona Aerial Gymnastic Team Inc. submitted documentation stating the use of an existing agricultural warehouse structure located off Hualalai Road, approximately 700 feet east from its intersection with Queen Ka’ahumanu Highway for gymnastics classes and fitness training, which is currently ongoing in violation of the parcel’s zoning. West Hawaii Today.

DLNR IDs women cited for illegally feeding Waikoloa feral cats. The Department of Land and Natural Resources on Tuesday released the names of the two women cited by state conservation officers April 18 during a protest by feral cat activists at Queens’ Marketplace Shopping Center. Tribune-Herald.

Roundabout slated for Hilo: Work on project could start in 2025. The long-anticipated project would reconfigure the intersection between Bayfront Highway, Kamehameha Avenue and Waianuenue Avenue in an effort to mitigate traffic congestion at the northern entrance into town. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Maui County May Buy The Lanai Passenger Ferry. The privately owned ferry service is a critical mode of transportation for the island's 3,000 residents. A ferry service that’s a vital link for Lanai residents traveling to and from Maui for work and medical appointments may sell its assets, creating uncertainty about the future of travel on the tiny island. Civil Beat.

April’s hotel occupancy, revenue down from 2022. Occupancy at the county’s hotels was at 65.4 percent in April, 6.8 percentage points lower than the 72.2 percent occupancy seen at the same time in 2022, according to the Hawaii Hotel Performance Report released last week.  Maui News.

Nexamp to update community on proposed shared solar project, Lipoa Solar. Nexamp will share information about its Community Based Renewable Energy (CBRE) shared solar project proposed to be built mauka of Pi’ilani Highway in Kīhei above the Maui Research and Technology Park. Maui Now.

Rockfall threat shuts down portion of key highway on Maui.   A small portion of Hana Highway will be closed for up to one month, Maui County officials announced Tuesday. This comes after recent rockfall damaged the road in Kipahulu and smashed through the windshield of a car. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai

Liquor license renewals due June 30.  The deadline to renew liquor licenses for Fiscal Year 2023-24 is on June 30 at 4:30 p.m., according to the Kaua‘i Department of Liquor Control. Kauai Now.

Now that rats are eradicated at Palmyra Atoll, seabird ‘discotheques,’ decoys result in chick. A tiny grey-backed tern chick has been observed at Palmyra Atoll, validating that seabird attraction efforts are working, according to The Nature Conservancy of Hawai‘i and Palmyra. Kauai Now.

Three Hawaii beaches in top 10 ranking, Gov. Green helps rescue driver, Craig Angelos named UH athletic director, Katherine Kealoha loses bid to be released from prison, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Oahu, Maui and Kauai crack top 10 in 2023 national beach rankings. Hawaii placed three beaches on the list, more than any other state. Those locations were Duke Kahanamoku Beach on Oahu, Wailea Beach on Maui and Poipu Beach on Kauai. Associated Press.

Tourism, construction still Hawaii’s recession buffers. Economist: It’s ‘hard to be pessimistic’ amid positive signs in the local economy. Despite heightened risks, Hawaii economists believe the state is still likely to avoid an outright recession due to tourism and construction activity softening the hit. Maui News.

Car dealership inventory increasing as demand remains high. Those in the market for a new car may have better luck finding a car that meets their needs, dealerships said car inventory is improving while the ticket price on cars is on a downward trend. KHON2.

Hawaiian monk seal population continues to increase. Hawaiian monk seal populations have grown to an estimated 1,605 in 2022, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. This number is up from an estimated 1,564 in 2021.  Spectrum News.

Oahu

Mayor Insists City Didn’t Downplay Health Concerns Over Kailua Sewage. Blangiardi and the state health director pushed back against assertions made by state clean water supervisors monitoring the situation. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Vacant Homes Would Be Taxed At Higher Rate Under Possible City Plan. Honolulu officials are considering ways to boost city income and expand the pool of rental housing by raising the property taxes on homes that have been left vacant by their owners. Civil Beat.

Katherine Kealoha Fails In Effort To Get Out Of Prison.  A request from disgraced former Honolulu prosecutor Katherine Kealoha to end her 13-year prison sentence early has been officially rejected. In a ruling on Wednesday, U.S. District Court Judge J. Michael Seabright denied Kealoha’s petition. Civil Beat. KHON2.

HPD Investigation Of Makaha Cops Is Wrapping Up, Commission Told. More than a year and a half after four police officers allegedly ran a car full of people off the road, the Honolulu Police Department is just about done with its investigation of the incident.  Civil Beat.

New homeless facility that long sat idle will soon house medical respite beds. In a major development, the city says it’s on track to open a medical respite facility for the homeless in early June inside an Iwilei housing project that’s been sitting empty for more than a year. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Craig Angelos approved as next Hawaii athletic director. Craig Angelos is the new University of Hawaii at Manoa athletic director, starting June 5, after he was approved by the UH Board of Regents today at Honolulu Community College. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.  KHON2.

Oil-fired power plant proposed for conversion. Hawaiian Electric is seeking to redevelop an 85-year-old power plant in Pearl City as part of meeting a state goal for a 100% renewable energy supply by 2045. Star-Advertiser. Associated Press.

What will replace Pali Lanes? 2 years after its closure, the answer remains unclear. It’s been nearly two years since an iconic Kailua landmark closed its doors for good. That’s got community members wondering what the future of Pali Lanes actually looks like. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Hawai‘i County Council approves first reading of $1.19 billion budget for FY 2023-24. During a special meeting on Thursday, the Hawai‘i County Council approved the first reading of the County’s proposed fiscal year 2023-24 operating and capital budgets that total nearly $1.19 billion. Big Island Now.

Gov. Green, others help driver in overturned vehicle on Big Island. Green was traveling on Waikoloa Road to attend the Waikoloa Solar + Storage ribbon-cutting ceremony when he and his security detail saw an overturned vehicle sometime before 10 a.m. Star-Advertiser. Big Island Now.  Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

AES opens its newest solar plus storage site amid Hawaiʻi's push for renewables. The AES Corporation has started operating its Waikoloa Solar + Storage Project, capable of generating up to 30 megawatts and storing 120 megawatt-hours. Hawaii Public Radio. West Hawaii Today.

CSO Decommissioning Delay Due To Mirror Removal. Officials say CSO is finalizing the design of a special cradle that can carry the telescope mirror down the mountain. Big Island Video News.

Maui

MPD plan: Recruiting, community relations among top priorities. Around 42 percent of Maui County residents said they have a favorable impression of the Maui Police Department, while 24 percent saw the department unfavorably, according to a survey of 402 residents included in MPD’s recently released strategic plan. Maui News. Maui Now.

Nexamp to provide update on two Upcountry shared solar projects. Nexamp will host two virtual community meetings to provide updates on two Upcountry shared solar projects–Piʻiholo Road Solar and Makawao Solar. Maui Now.

Kauai

Marriott hiring for several positions on Kaua‘i. Positions are available at The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas, Marriott’s Kauai Beach Club, Marriott’s Kauai Lagoons – Kalanipu’u and Marriott’s Waiohai Beach Club properties. Kauai Now.

Preschool program ahead of schedule, under budget, tax collections take downturn, 5th Honolulu pleads guilty to taking bribes to expedite building permits, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

‘Just the beginning’: State ahead of schedule, under budget on ambitious Ready Keiki preschool program. The state on Wednesday signed the first 11 contracts for Ready Keiki preschool program at a cost of about half previous estimates. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Hawaii tax collections turned red in April. The state Council on Revenues at a Monday meeting projected that Hawaii tax collections for the fiscal year ending June 30 will slip 1%. Star-Advertiser.

State takes closer tax look at cash-based businesses. Some businesses may not report all their sales or income to the State Tax Department. That can be a problem for ones that deal mainly with cash. KITV4.

Hawaii housing units increase as population declines, census data reports. Hawaii’s housing shortage eased somewhat with the addition of 6,071 housing units from 2020 to 2022, with help from the state’s declining population, according to new U.S. Census Bureau estimates. Star-Advertiser.

Governor lists accomplishments, wish list at in-person town hall.  Nearly six months into his term, Gov. Josh Green wanted to use his first in-person town hall appearance to highlight the progress that’s been made since he took office. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Ex-city official pleads guilty to taking cash bribes. Jocelyn Godoy, the fifth city employee who took cash bribes to move plans through the city Department of Planning and Permitting entered a plea of guilty Wednesday as part of an agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Council revisits proposal to tax houses that sit empty on Oʻahu. Members of the Honolulu City Council’s recently assembled real property taxation working group met Tuesday to talk over proposals that could affect more than 130,000 island households. Hawaii Public Radio.

Honolulu City Council to offer 50% property tax break to businesses impacted by rail construction. The rail is preparing to welcome riders for the grand opening of the first phase of the project in June, but construction along Dillingham Blvd. further down the line is still years from completion. KHON2.

Oʻahu Business Recovery Grant portal closes following short-lived reopening. The Chamber of Commerce of Hawaiʻi and the City and County of Honolulu reopened the Oʻahu Business Recovery Grant portal on Monday, and closed it shortly after.  Hawaii Public Radio.

Despite accelerated timeline, military’s Red Hill plan doesn’t account for up to 400,000 gallons of fuel. The Department of Defense has released an ambitious timeline for defueling the underground Red Hill facility, saying that crews will begin emptying the tanks in October. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

A Rough-And-Tumble Oahu Park Is Finally Getting Some Love As Rail Opening Looms. Community input is helping resuscitate Makalapa Neighborhood Park. Civil Beat.

Kaneohe Bay Pollution Is Prompting Congressional Attention. Hawaii delegation wants to get money to upgrade a failing wastewater treatment plant. Marine Corps Base Hawaii needs to upgrade its aging wastewater treatment plant after being fined nearly $250,000 last year for discharging high levels of fecal bacteria into the popular bay. Civil Beat.

Humane Society to open second Oahu location. The Hawaiian Humane Society is opening its second facility — the Kosasa Family Campus at Ho‘opili — on Saturday in Ewa Beach with a grand opening celebration. Star-Advertiser. KHON2. KITV4.

Hawaii Island

Council kicks ag bills down the road. The future of a property tax break for farm owners is uncertain after Hawaii County Council members discussed Wednesday whether to scrap a bill that would overhaul the process. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaiʻi County Council gives favorable recommendation to new sustainability office.  A bill that would create a new cabinet-level Office of Sustainability, Climate, Equity and Resilience moved a step forward Tuesday with a favorable recommendation by the Hawaiʻi County Council’s Governmental Operations and External Affairs Committee. Big Island Now.

Hawaii County Police Department implements year-round recruitment for Police Officers. The decision to accept applications throughout the year aims to make it more convenient for aspiring police officers to join the force. Hawaii News Now.

Waipiʻo Valley Road Rockfall Work Set For May 22. County officials estimate Waipiʻo Valley Road will be temporarily closed from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday for approximately six weeks, as crews work to address potential rockfall hazards in the area. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Input sought on plan that calls for fewer air tours at Haleakala. The draft air tour management plan would authorize up to 2,412 air tours per year on a defined route within the air tour management plan planning area. On average, there were 4,824 air tours per year reported at Haleakala National Park from 2017 to 2019. Maui News.

Three new doctors join Kaiser Permanente Hawaiʻi on Maui, Oʻahu. Jennifer Villa, MD, joins the behavioral health department at Kaiser Permanente Maui Lani Medical Office. Maui Now.

Kauai

Seabird restoration project begins at critical Kaua‘i cultural site. Several governmental, cultural and conservationist groups have teamed up to restore seabird populations at Nu‘alolo Kai, one of Kaua‘i’s most significant cultural and historic sites. Garden Island.

Green granted $200M discretionary spending, Tokioka named DBEDT director, cruise ships return with a vengeance, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii’s cruise ship tourism picks up steam. The winds are shifting for Hawaii’s cruise ship trade as bookings catch up with pent-up demand for travel after the state went almost two years without a single sailing. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Gov. Green’s $200M ‘pot of money’ under scrutiny. Some House members who voted in protest against the new state budget ended the legislative session with questions about how leaders of both chambers ended up granting Gov. Josh Green power to use $200 million — accompanied by “safeguards” — to spend any way he wants. Star-Advertiser.

Green Picks Former Legislator Tokioka To Lead the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. James “Jimmy” Kunane Tokioka is a former member of the Kauai County Council and Hawaii State House of Representatives with a background in the hotel industry. He left the Legislature last year to be Green’s director of the airports division in the state Department of Transportation. Civil Beat. Big Island Video News.  Maui Now.  Garden Island. Kauai Now.

How major bills fared at the Capitol. Here is the status of major bills following the end of the 60-day legislative session known as “sine die.”  Star-Advertiser.

Chaos at the Capitol is part of lawmaking in Hawaii. Many bills fell by the wayside amid the rush, or “cattle call” as some observers called it, including legislation where agreement was lacking but also some bills where no conference committee quorum could be arranged or a key lawmaker was elsewhere when their vote was needed. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Legislature Delivers Mixed Bag On Climate, Environment Solutions. Lawmakers punted on key cesspool measures, but they made some progress on conservation and the state's zero-emission goals. Civil Beat.

Hawaii doctors to get more from Medicaid. Hawaii doctors are poised to get paid more for treating Medicaid patients after state lawmakers inserted $60 million into the state biennium budget to boost reimbursement rates for the government insurance plan that primarily covers low-income and disabled residents. Star-Advertiser.

Health advocates praise vape bill’s passage. Senate Bill 975 Opens in a new tab taxes electronic smoking devices and e-liquids at the same level as other tobacco products and prohibits the shipping of vaping products to anyone other than licensed retailers. Star-Advertiser. Tribune-Herald.

HMSA employees say executive compensation came as a shock. Employees at the Hawaii Medical Service Association say they’re angry after learning that top executives at their company raked in large pay increases during the COVID-19 pandemic while at the same time curtailing pay raises and benefits for regular employees. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Honolulu reduces workforce vacancies, but slightly. To drive down the more than 3,000 vacancies plaguing the ranks of the city’s workforce, Mayor Rick Blangiardi in 2022 sought to quash the six-month wait it took to fill an average City and County of Honolulu employee position. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Council Members Hope To Strengthen New Historic Preservation Commission. The Oahu Historic Preservation Commission, the city’s newest oversight board, is going to be more muscular and better staffed than originally envisioned, if City Council members Tommy Waters and Esther Kiaaina have their way. Civil Beat.

Grant to foster traditional watershed management. Groups led by Malama Maunalua, have been awarded an $8 million National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration grant to utilize the traditional ridge-to-reef ahupuaa strategy to address habitat degradation in the Niu, Kuliouou, and Wailupe watersheds of Maunalua Bay. Star-Advertiser.

Joint Task Force-Red Hill releases investigation into November forever chemical spill. Six months ago, the U.S. Navy reported a 1,300 spill of a highly concentrated Aqueous Film Forming Foam at the infamous Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility on Oʻahu. Hawaii Public Radio. Maui News.

Hawaii Island

Scientists look to cull invasive beetle decimating Hawaii coffee. Researchers plan to import a population of parasitic wasps to manage an invasive insect devastating Hawaii’s coffee industry. Tribune-Herald.

Coffee bill passed – Bill expands current coffee-labeling requirements. Although it’s not what coffee farmers were hoping for, the first step to protect the name Kona and other geographic names for the coffee grown and produced in the state was passed through the Hawaii Senate and awaits Gov. Josh Green’s signature. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii Island hospitals awarded nearly $70M. The state Legislature has awarded Hilo Medical Center, Hawaii island’s largest hospital, $50 million for its long-awaited expansion project to help address overcapacity. The Legislature also appropriated Kona Community Hospital with $18.5 million to make urgently needed infrastructure repairs. Star-Advertiser.

Ceremony celebrates Edith Kanaka‘ole’s commemorative coin. Hundreds of people filled the University of Hawaii at Hilo’s Performing Arts Center on Saturday to honor the legacy of Edith Kanaka‘ole, a revered Hawaiian educator, composer, singer and dancer. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Now. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Maui County lawmakers mull wins, defeats as session ends. Lawmakers feel Maui County fared well this legislative session, with funding for a variety of local projects, bills passed to address the lack of medical professionals as well as legislation and funding to help ease the housing crisis. Maui News.

With One Airline Left, Molokai And Lanai Residents Struggle To Access Medical Care. Living on Hawaii’s least populated islands means specialized medical care is not readily available. It’s always been part of the reality on Molokai and Lanai, but the challenge has become increasingly severe due to air travel options. Civil Beat.

Kauai

Meeting Tuesday is on further Kawaihau Road improvement plans. The county Department of Public Works will hold a public meeting on May 9 frm 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the St. Catherine Church Coyle Hall to review the developing design concepts for the Kawaihau Road Improvements Project, for the area from St. Catherine Church to Ka‘apuni Road. Garden Island.

Mongoose captured at Nawiliwili Harbor on Kauaʻi. While mongoose populations are well-established on O‘ahu, Maui, Moloka‘i and Hawai‘i Island, the Kaua‘i Invasive Species Committee continues to successfully prevent the animal from gaining a foothold on the Garden Isle. Kauai Now.

Sea turtle nesting season, Legislature wraps up session today, young Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders have highest cancer death rate, more news fro all the Hawaiian Islands

Beachgoers asked to be mindful of sea turtles during nesting season. People should keep a respectful distance of at least 10 feet from sea turtles and their nests, during this time, and avoid shining bright lights near them after dusk. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii lawmakers wrap up event-filled session today.  The 32nd Legislature comes to a close today — officially called “sine die” — after nearly five months of debate, testimony and haggling over legislation following a shaky start between then-new Gov. Josh Green and the state Senate that rejected three of his Cabinet nominees, a modern-day record. Star-Advertiser.

Last Minute Tweaks To Land Use Bill Create A Stir. Proponents argue counties need to have more power over designating land. Rep. Tory Hashimoto and Sen. Lorraine Inouye have been in damage control after pushback on a land-use bill that was drastically changed and back loaded during conference committee. Civil Beat.

New measure may prohibit large vehicles on far-left freeway lanes. State Senators and Representatives voted to pass a bill prohibiting oversized commercial vehicles from using the far-left lane if there are three or more lanes on the roadway.  KHON2.

State releases $75M in funding for preschool construction; lawmakers question. After the state released $75 million to pay for the construction of new preschool classrooms last week, the Hawaii Department of Education compiled a list showing where the money would be spent. But Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke — who is spearheading the state’s $200 million preschool expansion plan — said the list isn’t accurate. Hawaii News Now.

150 full scholarships for aspiring teachers offered in private initiative. In one of the largest private efforts in recent history to ease Hawaii’s chronic shortage of schoolteachers, full-tuition scholarships for 150 people to become teachers through an online bachelor’s degree program were announced Wednesday under a partnership between Kamehameha Schools and Chaminade University. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii food insecurity persists post COVID-19. Even as Hawaii distances itself from the harshest effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, anti-hunger advocates say that elevated food insecurity among residents has not only persisted but is growing. Star-Advertiser.

Gov. Green introduces kauhale concept to a global audience. Governor Josh Green, M.D. shared the kauhale concept with influential attendees of the 26th Annual Milken Institute Global Conference, taking place in Los Angeles, California.  Maui Now.

Efforts aimed at retaining health care providers near passage. In addition to raising Medicaid reimbursement rates, state lawmakers are trying several other approaches to retain health care providers in Hawaii. Tribune-Herald.

Study: Young Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders Face Nation’s Highest Cancer Death Rate. The death rate from cancer in the United States is highest among young Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders compared to any other race group, according to a new study by the National Cancer Institute.  Civil Beat.

Hawaii reports 787 new COVID-19 cases, 8 more deaths.  The state’s average positivity rate was at 8.0%, about the same as 7.9% reported on April 26. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Pandemic relief grant for Oʻahu small business owners reopens. A program that awarded grants to small businesses throughout the pandemic will reopen this month. This time around, the program is expanding its eligibility requirements to allow more small businesses to apply.  Hawaii Public Radio.

Army Corps Still Won’t Restore Forests As Part Of Ala Wai Flood Control Project. Residents want more details on why the agency keeps rejecting that approach. The public has until Monday to comment. Civil Beat.

Police Commission Postpones Decision On Legal Representation For 2 Makaha Cops. The Honolulu Police Commission postponed making a decision on whether it would provide taxpayer-funded legal representation for two police officers charged with felonies for their alleged role in a 2021 pursuit in Makaha that injured six people. Civil Beat.

Health Dept. looks to spend $100M to renovate rundown headquarters building. The state Health Department has told lawmakers it wants to spend $100 million to renovate its rundown headquarters building. Under the preliminary plan, the building would also house mental health treatment beds, but lawmakers are not sure if the project is viable. Hawaii News Now.

$2 increase to Honolulu Zoo ticket prices is proposed. The Honolulu Zoo’s admission fees for residents might rise for the first time in over a decade, the city says. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii Public Radio.

‘It shakes our house’: Raised crosswalks surprising drivers and rattling homes in Windward Oahu. Windward residents say a raised crosswalk meant to slow traffic along Kailua Road is ineffective and a nuisance. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Hydrogen measure supports an ‘alliance’ between county, two other cities. Despite serious misgivings, the Hawaii County Council on Wednesday signed onto a pledge by Mayor Mitch Roth to work with two other cities to develop hydrogen infrastructure. Tribune-Herald.

Kapapala Ranch Navigates Act 90 Land Transfer.  The Hawaiʻi DLNR Land Division gave an update on its compliance with Act 90 during an April 28th land board meeting, including the status of lands at Kapapala Ranch. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Maui Police Release Partial Bodycam Video From Fatal Molokai Shooting. The video shows three minutes of the incident up to shots being fired. Civil Beat. Maui Now.

Removal of grounded boat near historic site begins. Vessel ran aground in Lahaina Harbor two months ago. Maui News.

Kauai

$10.7 million verdict in Kaua‘i construction dispute. A jury at the Fifth Circuit Court in Lihu‘e determined on April 26 that the Jared and Donna Murayama 1997 Trust committed a breach of contract and fraudulent misrepresentation in business dealings with Kalani Construction. Garden Island.