Restaurants haven't recovered from COVID-19 downturn, governor signs condo, energy bills, Boy Scouts settle wrongful death lawsuit, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii’s Restaurant Industry Still Hasn’t Recovered From The Pandemic. Even well-established eateries are struggling with high food costs, a shortage of workers and fewer Japanese tourists. Civil Beat.

Visitors arrivals, spending down in April as summer cooldown looms for Hawaii tourism. Visitors to Hawaii and their daily spending fell more sharply in April than they had in any month since the Aug. 8 Maui wildfires — an indication that even the peak summer season could prove soft. Star-Advertiser.

Governor signs bills benefiting condominium residents, owners. Gov. Josh Green on Thursday signed into law a package of bills benefiting condominium owners, associations and residents — another component of Green’s commitment to addressing statewide housing challenges. Star-Advertiser.  Big Island Video News.  Maui Now.

Bills providing improved access to clean energy approved by Gov. Josh Green. Addressing housing challenges in Hawai‘i, Governor Josh Green signed several bills Thursday aimed at benefiting condominium owners, associations, and residents statewide.  KITV4.

Military backs new work to locate, safely detonate wartime munitions dumped off Hawaii. An estimated 100,000 military bombs were sunk off Hawaii in the 1940s alone, according to a University of Hawaii researcher. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

City Ocean Safety facility on Windward coast begins work.  Honolulu Ocean Safety made history Thursday with a blessing ceremony for a groundbreaking $2.5 million project: the first facility tailored for lifeguard services in its 107-year history. Star-Advertiser.

‘Outside the box’: In a first, indoor Oahu mall to host volleyball championship. Volleyball fans across the state will see a historic first this weekend: The Hawaii Club Volleyball Championship is set for this Saturday and it will be played not at an arena or gym but at Windward Mall. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Hilo Councilwoman Sue Lee Loy Is Hoping To Move Up To The Legislature. State House Rep. Richard Onishi is retiring this fall, and longtime Hawaii County Councilwoman Sue Lee Loy moved to a rented home in Onishi’s Hilo district in April just weeks before filing to run for office there. Civil Beat.

Schatz visits HVNP, discusses funding.  Long-deferred maintenance projects are finally underway at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park after an infusion of millions of dollars in federal funds. Tribune-Herald.

Plaintiffs, Boy Scouts settle wrongful death case. A civil lawsuit filed by the family of an 11-year-old Boy Scout killed in 2023 by a rifle bullet at Camp Honokaia near Honokaa has been settled. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui Council Budgets $300,000 To Study Impacts Of Eliminating 7,000 Vacation Rentals. The council wants more precise information before taking action that could cost thousands of jobs and millions in lost tax revenue. Civil Beat.

No Water, No Problem? Council Is Steering $33 Million Toward West Maui Housing Project. Paul Cheng, a Texas developer with a criminal past, says he'll use the money to construct phase one of Pulelehua, the island's largest affordable housing project in decades. Civil Beat. Maui Now.

Maui County donates Kahului lots for affordable housing development. Maui County has donated seven lots in Kahului to the nonprofit Nā Hale O Maui for affordable housing.  Hawaii Public Radio. Maui Now.

Maui firefighter charged with sex assault has history of domestic violence. A battalion chief with the Maui Department of Fire and Public Safety charged with continuous sexual assault of a girl under age 14 has a history of domestic violence, according to state court records. Star-Advertiser. KITV4.

‘We can’t afford to wait’: Effort to build new West Maui fire station gains momentum. A Hurricane Lane After Action Report included recommendations for more resources, but it went largely ignored by county officials. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai

Fourth annual Kaua‘i Poke Fest approaches. Final preparations are underway for the fourth annual Kaua‘i Poke Fest with Sam Choy and friends as more than 20 competitors prepare to compete for the title of Hawai‘i’s Best Poke on June 8 at Kōloa Landing Resort. Kauai Now. KITV4.

Hawaii governor signs bill allowing greater density on residential lots, Covid-19 increasing in the islands, Honolulu mulls video surveillance at popular tourist spots, insurance premiums shoot up after disasters, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii governor signs housing legislation aimed at helping local residents stay in islands. Solving Hawaii’s housing crisis by building more units. Keeping local families in Hawaii is what Governor Josh Green hopes will happen after he signed new affordable housing legislation into law on Tuesday. Senate Bill 3202: Requires counties to adopt or amend ordinances by December 31, 2026, to allow for at least two accessory dwelling units (ADUs) on all residentially zoned lots. KHON2. KITV4. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiʻi Health Department’s new Respiratory Disease Dashboard shows increasing COVID-19 activity. COVID-19 activity is on the rise, according to a new Respiratory Disease Activity dashboard released by the Hawai‘i State Department of Health. Maui Now.

Bill to create 'harm to students registry' for local schools awaits governor's signature. The registry could contain information on school employees, contractors or volunteers who were found to have inflicted harm on a student. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawai‘i gender pay gap largely driven by motherhood, according to latest report. Full-time working women in Hawaiʻi made 86 cents for every dollar earned by a man, while the national average was 84 cents for every dollar, according to data between 2015 to 2022 from the American Community Survey (ACS). Big Island Now.

In wake of disasters, homeowners report soaring rates for property insurance. Homeowners and agents tell HNN insurance premiums have shot up by as much as tens of thousands of dollars each year for everything from single-family homes to condos. Hawaii News Now.

Military labs in Hawaiʻi and Nebraska identify World War II soldiers decades after they died. A federal lab tucked away above the bowling alley at Offutt Air Force Base near Omaha and a sister lab in Hawaiʻi are steadily answering those lingering questions, aiming to offer 200 families per year the chance to honor their relatives with a proper burial. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

Honolulu City Council considers video surveillance at East Oʻahu scenic areas. To help deter thieves from breaking into cars at East Oʻahu scenic spots, the Honolulu City Council is considering a resolution to allow surveillance cameras. Hawaii Public Radio.

‘It doesn’t cut it’: Low-flow beach showers prompt complaints as city tries to save water. It all started as an effort to save water at beaches across Oahu, but pushback is increasing to the showers that are designed to use about one-tenth of the water as the current showers. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii to host 27 Pacific nations for first FestPAC celebration. The 13th Festival of Pacific Arts & Culture, the world’s largest celebration of Pacific Islanders will be hosted on Oahu for the first time in its 52-year history. Officials are calling it a once-in-a-lifetime event. KHON2.

An Affordable Complex to Open in Wahiawā, with Eight More Projects Underway. After a slow start, Honolulu’s Bill 7 – designed to get more low-rise rental units built on unused land – is seeing results. Hawaii Business magazine.

Hawaii Island

EPA talks dismal state of the Hilo Wastewater Treatment Plant. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently reached a consent decree with Hawai’i County on its aging sewage system, including the Hilo treatment plant. EPA Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator Martha Guzman was in the islands last week. Hawaii Public Radio.

No signs of imminent eruption at Kīlauea despite continued unrest, experts say. Heightened seismic unrest beneath the Kīlauea summit continued over the past day. According to the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, it is impossible to say whether this increase in activity will lead to an intrusion or an eruption, or simply continue as seismic unrest at depth. Big Island Now.

Maunakea Park Playground To Close For Repairs. The County of Hawai‘i Department of Parks & Recreation says the closure is needed to allow for the installation of a new safety surfacing system. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Land Board rejects plea for contested case hearing from Nakoa luxury yacht owners. The Board of Land and Natural Resources has rejected a request from the owners of the luxury yacht Nakoa for a formal contested case hearing to fight a $1.8 million fine assessed last month. Maui Now.

Maui County to purchase Kula parcel that encompasses community center. Maui County will be purchasing land in Kula that currently houses the community center and other public use facilities.  Hawaii Public Radio.

Kauai

Washington visitor dies in waters off beach park in Kauai. A Washington visitor died after being pulled from waters off ‘Anini Beach Park in Kauai on Friday afternoon. Kauai police officials say the victim has been identified as 70-year-old David Kositsky. Hawaii News Now.

At 92, Kauai veteran receives high school diploma years after making a difficult decision. There was a special guest of honor at Kauai High School’s graduation ceremony on May 24. Sitting quietly on stage among school administrators and dignitaries in a red cap and gown was 92-year-old Stanley Oshima. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Hawaii wins $916M judgment in Plavix lawsuit, below-average hurricane season forecast, Honolulu officials mull short-term rental regulations, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Pharmaceuticals Ordered To Pay Hawaii Nearly $1 Billion For Deceptive Business Practices. The drug companies hid information from doctors who prescribed Plavix, which can have outsized negative effects on Asians and Pacific Islanders. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser.  Tribune-Herald.  Big Island Video News. Hawaii News Now.  KHON2.

Below-average hurricane season is forecast for Hawaii. With a developing La Nina climate pattern and cooler waters in the forecast, officials said the basin is likely to experience one to four tropical cyclones during the hurricane season, which runs from June 1 through Nov. 30. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.  Tribune-Herald.  Big Island Video News.  Big Island Now.  Hawaii News Now.

Dry season forecast to be drier-than-normal. The extra rainfall through April added to what the state has gotten so far this month, including from last week’s kona low and the heavy rains and thunderstorms that drowned the Big Island the week before, will provide a buffer against the earlier onset of expected drought conditions later this summer — and wildfire weather. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Now.

After Lahaina, Hawaii Fire Crews Take Stock Of Their Ability To Communicate In A Crisis. Fire departments across the state are reevaluating their emergency communication capabilities after the Maui wildfires, when the vulnerability of the island’s cellular network — and a lack of advanced communication tools in fire vehicles — complicated efforts by first responders as they confronted one of the worst disasters in Hawaii’s history. Civil Beat.

Native Seeds Could Soon Be Fueling New Growth On Burned Out Acreage Across Hawaii. The federal government is funneling millions of dollars to a University of Hawaii initiative aimed at increasing the number of seeds for hardy native and non-invasive plants that can compete against the dominant invasive grasses that fuel wildfires. Civil Beat.

Derek Turbin elected chair person of the Democratic Party of Hawai‘i Convention. Delegates Also Approve Resolutions, Amend Party Constitution and Bylaws, Select National Delegates, and Choose Presidential Electors. Maui News.

US Pacific Fleet announces 29th RIMPAC exercise.  Approximately 29 nations, 40 surface ships, three submarines, 14 national land forces, over 150 aircraft and more than 25,000 personnel will participate in the biennial Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise scheduled June 26 to Aug. 2, in and around the Hawaiian Islands. Maui Now. KHON2.

Oahu

Honolulu officials weigh regulations for short-term rental market with new state law. In 2022, the city implemented a law to increase the minimum amount of time that residential homes could be rented from 30 days to 90 days. However, a federal court ruled that the city could not enforce its regulation. Hawaii Public Radio.

More homeless housing planned for Oahu. The city and state have opened — and plan to open — more homeless housing across Oahu following the closure of some shelters and reduced bed space during the COVID-19 pandemic. Star-Advertiser.

Across Oahu, a growing dilemma: How to care for kupuna living on the streets. Dr. James Ireland, director of Honolulu’s Emergency Services Department, says he’ll call a meeting with the hospitals and other stakeholders to remind them of C.O.R.E. services. That’s the Crisis Outreach Response and Engagement Program — for patients who need medical treatment but don’t need the emergency room.  Hawaii News Now.

Embattled rail CEO says she’s been bullied, harassed by HART board. Embattled rail CEO Lori Kahikina said Tuesday that she no longer wants the job if she continues to be bullied and harassed by the HART board. Hawaii News Now.

West Loch disaster 80 years ago prompted military reforms. Tuesday marked the 80th anniversary of a deadly — and often forgotten — disaster in Hawaii that prompted major reforms in the U.S. military. Star-Advertiser.

Charter school students name Kaiwi’s monk seal pup Pa‘aki. Kaiwi’s newest monk seal pup born this month at Kaimana Beach has been named Pa‘aki, according to Hawaii Marine Animal Response. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Emergency evacuation route planned for Waikoloa Village. Private landowners have pledged to fund and grant the County of Hawaii the new route or egress down to the highway. KITV4.

Hawaii Island to host 2024 Native Hawaiian Convention. The Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement has opened registration for its 2024 Native Hawaiian Convention, which will be held from Sept. 17-19 at Hilton Waikoloa Village on Hawaii Island. Tribune-Herald. KHON2.

Maui

Decision Due Soon On Where To Build A New Elementary School In Lahaina. The Hawaii Department of Education hopes to choose a permanent campus for King Kamehameha III Elementary by next month. Civil Beat.

Maui County Hopes To Provide Housing For Seniors, Even A Few Units At A Time. Maui County is buying two condo units in Kaanapali to create more affordable housing options for kupuna displaced by the Aug. 8 wildfires that destroyed most of Lahaina and parts of Upcountry.  Civil Beat.

Kauai

Meetings strive to give a voice to homelessness. The County of Kaua‘i Housing Agency opened its series of meetings on Tuesday to collect information for its five year homelessness strategic plan. Garden Island.

Polls shows solid support for restoration of Coco Palms Resort. As demolition work progresses on the Coco Palms Resort, a new poll shows robust support for the restoration of the once-renowned property that was destroyed by Hurricane Iniki in 1992. Garden Island.

Green may veto rainy day funding, income tax cuts could also benefit wealthy, Maui shifts property tax burden from homeowners to vacation rentals, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii Governor May Nix Plan To Put More Money Into The State Rainy Day Fund. Green says the state cannot afford to put another $300 million into the budget reserve fund, which already has about $1.5 billion. Civil Beat.

Concerns rise for low-income families over Legislature's recent tax cut measure. Most Hawaiʻi residents will likely see lower income taxes next year due to a measure recently passed by the state Legislature. Hawaii Public Radio.

Keeping peace is crucial, officer declares at LANPAC.  The Association of the U.S. Army kicked off its annual Land Power in the Pacific Symposium on Tuesday at the Sheraton Waikiki, bringing in attendees from 30 countries. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii brown water health risks aren’t just in the ocean. At least seven brown water advisories were issued since Monday and ranged from Kauai to Hawaii Island. KHON2.

How do officials plan to address state infestation of coconut rhinoceros beetle? State and county legislators met at Kapalama Elementary School on Tuesday to address the statewide infestation of the coconut rhinoceros beetle. KHON2.

Oahu

Campaign Contributions Or Bribes In Disguise? Closing Arguments Begin In Kaneshiro Bribery Trial. Prosecutors tried to convince jurors money given to Keith Kaneshiro's campaign was part of a conspiracy to bribe the former Honolulu prosecutor, but defense attorneys maintain it was legal. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Rail Authority To Seek Damages For Delays In Completing Airport Segment. Imposing liquidated damages on contractor STG would be a turnabout. Last year it was the contractor that demanded cash compensation from the city for project delays. Civil Beat.

Second chance, former inmate hiring program, supports Waikiki’s Aloha Ambassadors. The Waikiki Business Improvement District Aloha Ambassador program will expand to 24 hours, seven days a week this summer and is projected by year’s end to remove 500,000 pounds of trash and serve over 350,000 visitors. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu homeless figures to be released.  The latest number of homeless people who were counted across Oahu in January will be released today in the latest benchmark of homelessness in Honolulu. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Waikoloa Library project moves ahead. The long-sought public library for Waikoloa Village is a step closer to becoming a reality. The state Office of Planning and Sustainable Development last week published a final Environmental Assessment for the project, with a finding of no significant impact. Tribune-Herald.

County wants private land for Puna road. Hawaii County will seize portions of a pair of private properties in lower Puna in order to complete the reopening of Pohoiki Road. Tribune-Herald.

Court urges parties to settle in case of house on wrong lot. In the case of a house built on the wrong property lot on Hawaii Island, after weeks of appearing in court Kailua-Kona, both sides were ordered by a judge to meet in a closed session to try to come up with an agreement. KITV4.

Maui

Maui Council Holds Down Property Tax Rates For Local Homeowners. The county plans to shift more of the revenue burden onto vacation rental and investment property owners. Civil Beat. Maui Now.

Vacant Land Sales Around Lahaina Have Jumped Since The Wildfires. As remediation efforts proceed, some local residents have bought property within minutes of the town. Civil Beat.

Maui project aims to restore landscape, mitigate axis deer damage and reduce erosion above Kīhei. A collaborative project to protect against erosion, reduce flood risk, mitigate axis deer damage, and improve water quality is being implemented in an 11-acre area mauka of Kīhei.  Maui Now.

Condo and house sales rise on Maui during April, along with prices. The median sales prices for both categories also saw notable increases as single-family homes rose by 16.9%, while condominiums climbed by 8.4%, compared to April 2023. Maui News.

On Molokai, health care providers struggle with low payments, high costs — and little support. The island of Molokai has only a third as many doctors as a communities of similar size on the mainland. But experts say roots of the health care crisis there — economics and isolation — exist in rural areas on every island. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai

DLNR finalizing investigation into cruise ships reported close to Na Pali Coast. The state Department of Land and Natural Resources says it’s awaiting a final report following its investigation into two cruise ships that came too close to the shore of the Na Pali Coast earlier this month.  Kauai Now.

FEMA spending millions on empty buildings for Maui fire survivors, AG Lopez acting governor, government wraps up case in Kaneshiro bribery trial, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Attorney General Anne Lopez serving as acting governor.  Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke served as acting governor from the evening of May 4 through Tuesday evening when Hawaii Attorney General Anne E. Lopez is serving as acting governor from the evening of May 7 until Gov. Josh Green’s return May 9.  Green has been in California since May 4 to attend the Milken Institute Global Conference. Maui News.

Deadline effectively set for Justice Department to decide on Alaska-Hawaiian deal. The DOJ said it would decide within 90 days of the two airlines declaring substantial compliance with the DOJ's second and presumably final document request.  Hawaii Public Radio.

Campaign Spending Commission Fines Kaniela Ing Another $18,000.  The Campaign Spending Commission fined former state Rep. Kaniela Ing $18,000 Wednesday for failing to make records available to the commission and falsifying nearly two dozen campaign finance reports during his time as a state representative from 2012 to 2018.  Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

‘Follow the money’ witness wraps up government’s case in Kaneshiro trial. After 22 days of testimony, the government rested its case in the federal bribery trial against ex-city Prosecutor Keith Kaneshiro and his co-defendants. Hawaii News Now.

Will Honolulu reach its goal to drop emissions by 45% in the next year?  Ben Sullivan, the deputy director for the Office of Climate Change, Sustainability and Resiliency, said that Honolulu is on track to achieve closer to a 15% reduction, which is well below the stated goal. Hawaii Public Radio.

City outlines wildfire preparations on Oahu. In the wake of the deadly Aug. 8 Maui wildfires, the City and County of Honolulu says it’s begun efforts to better respond to future wildfire threats on Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

Federal witnesses defend Navy’s Red Hill response. Government witnesses are taking the stand this week to defend the Navy’s response to the Red Hill water crisis and sow doubts about the severity of the contamination as a federal mass tort lawsuit on behalf of affected families continues. Star-Advertiser.

Residential development planned for former St. Francis School campus. The 11.2 acre campus on the east side of Manoa Valley is already zoned for residential use. The Avalon Group purchased it for $23.5 million and wants to turn it into Aria Lane Manoa, with 76 single-family homes and 26 townhomes. Prices haven’t been set yet. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Growing Demand Puts Pressure On Honolulu’s Sports Fields. Sports leagues are proliferating while the number of fields remains stagnant. One solution: Letting leagues play on school fields during off-hours. Civil Beat.

Plans to redo Paradise Cove at Ko Olina revived.  New development partners are advancing a previously delayed plan to revitalize one of Hawaii’s oldest and most popular tourist attractions, Paradise Cove Luau. Star-Advertiser. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

Public clashes with Army over PTA lease.  During a public comment meeting at 'Imiloa Astronomy Center in Hilo on Wednesday, Big Islanders continued to urge the U.S. Army to abandon the Pohakuloa Training Area instead of extending its lease of state land. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News.  KITV4.

Visitor spending on Hawaii Island leaps to $854.2 million in the first quarter. Visitor spending on Hawaii Island leaped to $854.2 million in the first quarter from $741.1 million in the first quarter of 2023 and from $646.4 in the first quarter of 2019, according to a monthly report from the state of Hawai‘i Department of Business, Economic Development &Tourism. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

FEMA Is Still Spending Millions On Hundreds Of Empty Housing Units For Maui Fire Survivors. The agency has found available housing but is struggling to get people to move in. On Friday, it ends its support for the emergency hotel program. Civil Beat.

County issues RFP for After-Action Report of Maui Emergency Management Agency’s coordination of the Aug. 8 wildfire. Maui Mayor Richard Bissen announced the County of Maui has issued a Request for Proposals to conduct an After-Action Report assessing the coordination of Maui County Emergency Management Agency’s response to the Maui Wildfires that occurred in August 2023. Maui Now.

Residents invited to offer feedback on draft South Maui Community Plan at May 14 meeting. The Maui Planning Commission will review the latest draft for the South Maui Community Plan during a public meeting from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 14, 2024. Testimony will be accepted. Maui Now.

New Maui Ethics Board Member Instructed Not To Participate Due To Legal Dispute. The short-handed panel desperately needs more members, but a lawsuit is pending over the county's selection process. Civil Beat.

Kauai

US Navy, NASA seek continued use of lands at Pacific Missile Range Facility, Kōkeʻe park. The U.S. Navy and NASA want to continue using more than 8,000 acres of state land on Kaua‘i after existing real estate agreements expire in 2027 and 2030. Kauai Now.

Visitor spending tops $700 million in first quarter on Kaua‘i. Total visitor spending surged to $719.4 million in the three-month period ended March 31, compared with $660.9 million in the three-month period ended March 31, 2023, and $481.9 million in the three-month period ended March 31, 2019. Garden Island.

Green projects rosier state budget, no ban on Maui vacation rentals; Senate advances $19B supplemental budget, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Rosier state budget picture projected by Gov. Green. Gov. Josh Green reassured the public and Hawaii’s Legislature on Wednesday that Maui wildfire response and recovery expenses shouldn’t overwhelm state finances. Star-Advertiser.

Governor’s spending plan for the State. The governor’s latest spending plan for the State includes skipping a $300 million deposit into the state’s retirement and benefit trust fund. KHON2.

Hawaii Senate Committee’s Spending Plan Includes Hundreds Of Millions For Maui Fire Costs. Senators also gave preliminary approval to a $19 billion supplemental budget bill to pay for state government operations for the coming year year. Civil Beat.

State Digital Equity Plan approved. The Department of Commerce National Telecommunications and Information Administration accepted Hawaii’s 293-page Digital Equity Plan on Tuesday after it underwent federal review. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

DPP launches more tech to speed permit process. To solve the months-long delay to obtain a building permit, the city Department of Planning and Permitting announced new technological initiatives it hopes will improve the speed at which the city issues them to the public. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

Attorney for alleged victim takes stand in bribery trial against former city prosecutor. There were fireworks on day four of a bribery trial against ex-city Prosecutor Keith Kaneshiro and campaign donors from a high-profile engineering firm. Hawaii News Now.

EPA’s integrity is questioned for withholding Red Hill tests. In early March the Navy notified the Environmental Protection Agency that it had detected “unvalidated test results” finding high levels of total petroleum |hydrocarbons, or TPH, in water samples taken from an on-base school and a home in the Aliamanu Military Reservation — both of which had their water systems flushed. Star-Advertiser.

HECO apologizes after new safety measures leave thousands of Mililani residents in the dark.  Hawaiian Electric Company recently made changes to improve safety in areas with a wildfire risk, such as Mililani. However, for residents, that has meant more power outages within the last month. Hawaii News Now.

New Rule Helps Hawaii’s Agriculture Department Stop The Spread Of Little Fire Ants. The interim rules have been signed by the Department of Agriculture in a bid to curb the spread of the stinging ants on Oahu. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Merrie Monarch Festival clinches top spot in USA Today’s list of best cultural celebrations. The Merrie Monarch Festival has been voted as USA Today’s Best Cultural Festival in the nation. A panel of experts put together the list of 20 exceptional nominees. Hawaii News Now.

Legal battle brewing after house built on wrong HPP lot. A woman who purchased a vacant lot in Puna was surprised to find out a $500,000 house was built on the property by mistake. Associated Press.

Hawai‘i Army National Guard Dedicates New Facility In Hilo.  The new Combined Support Maintenance Shop #2 facility at the Keaukaha Military Reservation was celebrated on Wednesday. Big Island Video News.

Maui

No need for ban on short-term rentals in West Maui, Gov. Green says. There will be no need for a ban on short-term rentals in West Maui to get the remaining 3,109 survivors of the Aug. 8 wildfires out of hotels and into long-term housing, Gov. Josh Green said Wednesday ahead of what could have been a moratorium starting Monday. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Associated Press. Maui Now.  KHON2.  KITV4.

Maui to receive $35 Million in federal funding for senior housing. The Hawai’i Public Housing Authority will receive more than $35 million in federal funding to rebuild and restore federal public housing facilities that were damaged and destroyed during the Maui fires last year, according to a press release from senator Brian Schatz. Maui News.

How Much Should People Know About A School’s Safety Plan? The Department of Education is at odds with the teachers union and some Lahaina parents over how much information the public should have access to when it comes to safety plans. Civil Beat.

Kauai

Community groups reach legal settlement with KIUC, state on West Kaua‘i hydro project. In a settlement reached between West Kauaʻi community groups, the State, and Kauaʻi Island Utility Cooperative, the utility has agreed to withdraw its environmental assessment and “finding of no significant impact” for its proposed hydro project called the West Kauaʻi Energy Project. Kauai Now.

Governor's green fee dies in Senate, Board of Education to get new leader, Honolulu council delays gift ban bill, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

The Senate Just Killed Green’s Plan For A Climate Fee For Visitors. For a third consecutive year, state lawmakers have chosen to not pass a fee that would be charged mainly to tourists to better manage and protect Hawaii’s fragile environment, which remains under heavy strain from constant foot and vehicular traffic and under siege by invasive species.  Civil Beat.

Hawaii Governor Appoints Dozens To Powerful Hawaii Boards And Commissions. They include the UH Board of Regents and authorities with jurisdiction over land use, public utilities, education, housing and community development. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Board Of Education To Get New Leader For The Third Time In 2 Years. The Senate is being asked to confirm seven picks for the 11-member board, including  former state lawmaker Roy Takumi to replace Warren Haruki as BOE chair. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser.

Governor Names Four To Mauna Kea Stewardship, Oversight Authority. Four appointments to the Mauna Kea Stewardship and Oversight Authority were announced by Governor Josh Green on Sunday.  Big Island Video News. Big Island Now.

Rules that help set real estate agent commissions could soon change in Hawaii. A $418-million lawsuit settlement against the National Association of Realtors could lead to a drop in costs for buying and selling a home in Hawaii. KITV4.

BAC measure dies again. Legislation that would reduce the threshold for drunken driving from 0.08% blood alcohol content to 0.05% is dead for this year. Tribune-Herald.

Shaka inches closer to becoming the official state gesture. Senate Bill 3312 and its companion House Bill 2736 would establish the shaka as the first “state gesture” of the United States, in part as an effort to claim the familiar — and merchandisable — symbol for Hawaii before others get there first. Tribune-Herald.

Oahu

Council delays gift ban bill for city workers. The draft measure, materializing after corruption scandals at city agencies including inside the Honolulu Police Department and the city Department of Planning and Permitting, would prohibit gifts to the mayor, prosecuting attorney, Council members, city administration officers or any person employed by the city. Star-Advertiser.

City Council opposes state bill to allow more dwelling units on residential properties. On Monday the council formally approved a resolution opposing SB3202 and its now-dead House companion bill, which would allow up to two additional dwelling units on residential properties in urban areas.  Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Island

Hilo gun rights advocate George Young dies at 74. George K. Young Jr., a retired U.S. Army Ranger master sergeant and Vietnam War veteran whose decade-long legal battle resulted in the feds ruling Hawaii’s counties must issue concealed-carry gun permits to law-abiding citizens, died March 19 at home in Hilo.  Tribune-Herald.

Narcan vending machines pop up islandwide as Hawai‘i Island Fentanyl Task Force battles rise in opioid overdoses. For the past few years, Hawai’i County leaders and community partners have been working to get Narcan, also known as naloxone, into the hands of the public as a way to combat the growing opioid crisis and rise in fentanyl, where one fatal overdose is occurring every seven days on Hawai’i Island, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Big Island Now.

Maui

Governor to announce plan to house Lahaina survivors.  Gov. Josh Green today plans to outline how he intends to house displaced Maui wildfire survivors days ahead of a rally and march by a Lahaina group to urge Green to use his emergency powers to force owners of West Maui short-term vacation rentals to house evacuees. Star-Advertiser.

$35M in federal funds to help rebuild Maui public housing. The Hawaii Public Housing Authority will receive more than $35 million in federal funding to rebuild low-­income, public and senior housing that was destroyed during the Aug. 8 Maui fires. Star-Advertiser.

Sugimura requests financial analysis of proposed water source development in Kula. Council Member Yuki Lei Sugimura has requested a financial analysis of a potential water source development agreement between the County of Maui and Free Market Ventures, LLC. Maui Now.

Kaiser Permanente to open new temporary modular clinic in West Maui. A new temporary modular health clinic will open its doors in West Maui on Thursday. The clinic will be located at the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and run between the hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.  Hawaii Public Radio.

Kauai

Hale Halawai ‘Ohana O Hanalei to manage $7,285,000 for flood mitigation. A nonprofit organization with deep roots in the North Shore of Kaua‘i is being tasked with administering and distributing a flood mitigation grant. Garden Island. Kauai Now.

Public invited to open house at Kaua‘i District Health Office. The free event will take place on April 5 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the district office located at 3040 Umi St. in Līhuʻe.  Kauai Now.

Green touts tourism on Japan trip, state arts funding, free school meals in jeopardy, second phase of Honolulu Skyline on track, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Gov. Green in Japan to help boost tourism. Gov. Josh Green, who is in Japan this week meeting with Japanese officials and business leaders, is working on lowering barriers to travel between Japan and Hawaii through a “Travel Corridor” that expands Global Entry, beefs up biometric screening and pursues “preclearance” status. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now.

Hawaii State Arts Programs Could Be On The Chopping Block In The Legislature This Year. A 59-year-old program that pays for art in public spaces is facing significant changes and budget cuts under a bill being considered Tuesday in the Senate. Civil Beat.

Legislative deadline looms over universal free school meals bill. A bill to provide universal free school meals in Hawaiʻi is once again in jeopardy at the state Legislature. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Corruption Offenders Are Getting Reduced Sentences — With One Notable Exception. Changes to federal sentencing guidelines mean dozens of Hawaii prisoners, including those in high-profile corruption cases, are now eligible for early release. Civil Beat.

Lawmakers Advance Bill To Stabilize Soaring Insurance Costs For Condo Owners. Hawaii lawmakers are seeking to stabilize Hawaii’s condominium insurance market against sharply rising premiums and a declining availability of hurricane insurance that has sent ripples through Hawaii’s housing market. Civil Beat.

Dangerous dogs bill advances: Measure would create harsher penalties for their owners. A proposal to strengthen state laws regarding vicious dogs will reach another milestone today following weeks of overwhelming public support. Tribune-Herald.

Bill advances allowing pedestrians to safely jaywalk. Legislators appear willing to make jaywalking legal across the islands — when safe — arguing in a Senate bill that pedestrians’ judgments are better at reducing injuries and deaths than traffic lights and traffic markings. Star-Advertiser.

UH Hopes To Retain Authority Over Construction Projects. University of Hawaii officials are pushing for passage of a bill that would reinstate the authority of the UH president over construction and related professional services. Civil Beat.

Advocates rally for stalled ‘clean elections’ bill. More than a dozen advocates from the Clean Elections Hawaii Coalition gathered Monday at the state Capitol rotunda to urge legislators to reconsider implementing a comprehensive public financing program for Hawaii’s political candidates, commonly referred to as “clean elections.” Star-Advertiser. KITV4.

2 Finalists Will Interview For Top Job At Law Enforcement Standards Board. The candidates for the position of administrator of the Hawaii Law Enforcement Standards Board will have their final job interviews in public, the board determined during a meeting Monday.  Civil Beat.

Longtime Hawaii Public Safety Official Ted Sakai Dies at 77. Former Hawaii Department of Public Safety Director Ted Sakai died Monday after a long struggle with lung cancer, corrections officials said. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Big Island Press Club celebrates retired judge, dishonors Hawai‘i emergency administrator. The Big Island Press Club has awarded its annual meritorious Torch of Light Award to retired Intermediate Court of Appeals Judge Daniel Foley, and its Lava Tube Dishonor Award to Hawai‘i Emergency Management Agency Administrator Col. (Ret.) James Barros. Big Island Now.

Oahu

Honolulu Council could receive 3% salary hike. The proposed pay jump comes less than a year after the city’s top elective panel received a controversial 64% salary increase while the Honolulu mayor’s nearly 12.6% pay jump ultimately surpassed similar compensation granted to Hawaii’s governor. Star-Advertiser.

Second segment of Skyline gets one step closer to test phase as track work gets underway. Work is happening on the rail tracks that Skyline is not yet using between Aloha Stadium and Middle Street. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu Police Department plans to buy neighboring property to its headquarters. HPD currently leases several off-site office spaces and warehouse properties for evidence and vehicle storage. KITV4.

‘We can’t sit idly,’ Mayor Blangiardi addresses affordable housing. Mayor Rick Blangiardi announced the creation of the Department of Housing and Land Management, which combines the Office of Housing with the Department of Land Management. KHON2.

Acid attack suspects plead not guilty in ‘murder for hire’ case. Two men, charged Tuesday in a superseding indictment for the Jan. 23 “murder for hire” acid attack on Chinese-language teacher Danying Zhang, pleaded not guilty this morning to all charges including conspiracy to commit attempted first-degree murder and/or attempted second-degree murder and/or first-degree assault. Star-Advertiser. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

More housing, hotels for Kona: Lili‘uokalani Trust plans to develop nearly 70 acres. A draft environmental assessment for the Lili‘uokalani Trust Makalapua Project details plans for a mixed residential/hotel/commercial development on land adjacent to the Old Kona Industrial, Kona Commons and Old Kona Airport Park. West Hawaii Today.

Breeani Kobayashi announces candidacy for Big Island mayor. Hilo native Breeani Kobayashi has announced her candidacy for Hawaiʻi County mayor, joining Kimo Alameda and current mayor Mitch Roth in the 2024 race for leadership of the Big Island. Big Island Now.

Experts: Take rat lungworm disease seriously. Franny Brewer, program manager at Big Island Invasive Species Committee, hosted an information session Saturday in Hawaiian Paradise Park about rat lungworm as part of BIISC’s education series. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Hawaiʻi Attorney General to release ‘Phase One’ report on Maui wildfire investigation, April 17.  The Phase One report analyzes how the fire incident unfolded, based on science, during the first 24 to 72 hours of the fire and its aftermath, and includes a comprehensive timeline of events. Maui Now.

Over 60 subpoenas served in probe of Maui disaster response. The findings from the first phase of a state investigation into how government agencies handled the Maui wildfires that destroyed Lahaina and killed at least 101 people have been delayed and won’t be released until April, but 64 subpoenas have been issued in the probe since November. Star-Advertiser. Associated Press.

5 more candidates check out nomination papers for Maui County Council seats. Since early February, five new candidates have checked out nomination papers from the Hawaiʻi Office of Elections for Maui County Council seats. Maui Now.

Company buys historic Maui sugar mill, 300 acres with eye toward potential redevelopment. An Oahu-based construction company has bought the Puunene Mill on Maui. The new owner, Nan Chul Shin, purchased approximately 300 acres from Alexander & Baldwin in Central Maui last Thursday. Hawaii News Now.

New fishing rules for Kīpahulu are based on traditional practices, driven by community. Kīpahulu on Maui is now officially home to Hawaiʻi’s third community-based subsistence fishing area. Hawaii Public Radio. Maui News.

Kauai

Pacific Biodiesel expands fuel crop project to Kauaʻi, eyes building 2nd refinery. For close to three decades, Pacific Biodiesel has been plugging away in Hawaiʻi using crops for fuel and recycling cooking oil waste from restaurants. Hawaii Public Radio.

Legislature mulls tax breaks, panel rejects UH Regents chair, Green releases $175M plan for Maui fire victims, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii Counties Fight To Keep Excise Tax As Lawmakers Advance Other Relief Measures. Measures that won preliminary approval in the House Finance Committee would increase standard deductions and adjust tax brackets for inflation. Civil Beat.

Senate Panel Rejects Confirmation Of Interim UH Regents Chair. By a unanimous vote, the Hawaii Senate Higher Education Committee on Tuesday rejected the nomination of Alapaki Nahale-a to serve a four-year term on the University of Hawaii board of regents. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser.  Hawaii News Now.

Maui Fires: Money For Victims, Housing For Survivors Are Hawaii Governor’s Priorities in $175M package. Gov. Josh Green renewed threats of a moratorium on vacation rentals in West Maui, citing a need for 850 long-term rentals. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser.  Associated Press.  Maui Now.  KITV4.

A bill restoring counties’ regulation of tobacco products may die in state House. A measure that would restore the counties’ power to regulate the sale of cigarettes, tobacco products and e-cigarettes appears to be stalled in the House Finance Committee, and it may die there Wednesday if no action is taken. Maui Now.

Report finds increase in Hawaiʻi's small farm closures, yet remaining prove profitable. Hawaiʻi lost hundreds of its smallest farms and thousands of acres in recent years, but local agriculture has been “significantly” more profitable. Those are some of the findings in the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Census of Agriculture, which was released this month. Hawaii Public Radio.

Agency disputes affordable housing loss projection. A risk assessment of potential Hawaii affordable housing losses presented Tuesday at the Legislature is overblown, according to a state agency that helps finance such housing. Star-Advertiser.

Legislature tries to play catchup on drone technology. A pair of bills in the state Legislature would establish “misuse of uncrewed aircraft” as a felony offense in Hawaii. Tribune-Herald.

Lawsuit filed to protect midwifery in Hawaiʻi. A lawsuit was filed Tuesday by the Native Hawaiian Legal Corporation an the Center for Reproductive Rights challenging a midwifery law that they say is preventing pregnant people in Hawaiʻi from using skilled midwives for their pregnancies and births, as they have for generations.  Maui Now.

Bill to create alert program for missing kūpuna advances in the House. The House Finance Committee advanced a bill on Monday that would create a statewide alert system for missing kūpuna with cognitive impairments or developmental disabilities. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

HART postpones discussion on scrapping internal audit. A call to scrap a previously sought top-down internal review of the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation was postponed this week. Star-Advertiser.

Revised plan extends moving period for outgoing Ulu Ke Kukui tenants having to find shelter by late February. The Ulu Ke Kukui apartments, which sit on Hawaiian Home Lands, are being repurposed into long-term affordable rentals for Native Hawaiians on the DHHL waiting list. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Island

Merrie Monarch organizers release 2024 list of participating halau, judges. On Tuesday, organizers announced on Instagram who will be competing and presiding over the world’s biggest Hula competition. Hawaii News Now.

Surveyors to assess topography of Waipi‘o Valley Road for future safety improvements. Safety improvements on Waipiʻo Valley Road are slated to begin March 4. Control Point Surveying will conduct comprehensive surveying work to facilitate the enhancement of safety measures of the county roadway. Big Island Now.

Fire Closes Puʻuʻeo Community Center In Hilo. The Pu‘u‘eo Community Center at Clem Akina Park in Hilo is closed for the week, following a fire that damaged the building over the weekend.  Big Island Video News. Big Island Now.

Certified global, drink it local: Beer pros place Keaau business among ‘Best New Breweries of the Year’. Wailuku Brew Works in Shipman Business Park has been in business only seven months.  Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Bill to establish a nine-member Lele Community District Board for burned Lahaina lands heads to decision making. While the measure puts key decision making in the hands of elected Lahaina community members, some opposed to the bill worry that establishing a new authority under the department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism’s Hawaiʻi Community Development Authority lacks precedent and raises concerns about centralizing power away from the affected community. Maui Now.

Temporary Kamehameha III Elementary School campus transferred to DOE, set to open April 1. The US Army Corps of Engineers announced on Tuesday the successful installation and turnover of the newly constructed temporary campus for King Kamehameha III Elementary School students to the Hawai‘i State Department of Education. Maui Now. KHON2.

Kalaupapa Tours Remain Shut Down 4 Years After Pandemic Closure. One would-be tour provider said the National Park Service has revoked the application process for companies that want to reinstate tours of the isolated peninsula on Molokai. Civil Beat.

Kauai

Kauai Fire Deals $20 Million Blow To Affordable Housing. The controversial project was nearing completion when it burned down over the weekend. Civil Beat.

Tour helicopter crashes on remote Kaua‘i beach, injuring one passenger. According to a preliminary report, a Jack Harter helicopter carrying one pilot and four passengers crashed at Honopū Beach, with one passenger suffering a back injury. Kauai Now. Hawaii News Now.  KHON2.

Tax hikes sought on wealthy, smokers, hotel stays; bill paving way to remove Trump from ballot advances; state may sell naming rights to Convention Center, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Green Wants To Make Targeted Changes To Hawaii’s Tax Code. Will The Legislature Go For It? Gov. Josh Green is asking the Legislature for tax increases aimed at the ultra-wealthy and smokers along with his earlier proposals for income tax relief to help working families, but both requests may be a tough sell in this election year.  Civil Beat.

Proposed increase to Hawaiʻi's accommodations tax makes progress in the House. A measure that would increase the state’s vacation tax by 1% and apply an additional flat surcharge on accommodations per night is making its way through the Legislature. Hawaii Public Radio.

HTA seeks additional funds for destination management. The Hawaii Tourism Authority is still fighting for its life in the state Legislature but has come out swinging with a request to increase its budget by $9 million, add 14 more staff positions and raise salaries for its top executives. Star-Advertiser.

Bill advances that could remove Trump from Hawaii ballot.  A bill that could have far-reaching implications for the general election, may set up a process to bar former President Donald Trump from the ballot in Hawaii. KITV4.

Legislation to eliminate Hawaii’s tip credits deferred for vote again. Senate Bill 2784 has divided employees and employers over whether to pay tipped employees at least Hawaii’s minimum wage and has been deferred for a second time. Star-Advertiser.

Tenant screening fee law to protect renters set to go into effect. A new law regulating tenant screening fees, in an effort to protect renters and provide more transparency in the rental application process, will take effect May 1. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii Department Of Education Is Nowhere Close To Meeting Its Mandate To Buy More Local Food. The Department of Education has blown past the deadline for a report intended to detail progress toward its mandated goal to buy more local food, delivering mixed messages to lawmakers about its progress in the meantime. Civil Beat.

Hawaii tourism outlook is flat amid challenges, economists say. The forecast for Hawaii tourism in 2024 is “same old”: a year of flat visitor arrivals, which aren’t even expected to recover to Hawaii’s benchmark 2019 level until after 2025. Star-Advertiser.

Bill aimed at targeting repeat violent offenders moves through legislature. A three strike rule aimed at locking up habitual offenders for felonies is moving through the legislature. KHON2.

Hawaii Could Join National Police Misconduct Database. If Only It Could Finally Get Its Police Standards Board To Work. A House bill would allow state law enforcement agencies to have more information on potential new hires. Civil Beat.

Bill exploring geothermal use on Hawaiian Home Lands passes first hearing. Senate Bill 2650 would set aside funds to continue the exploration of geothermal hot spots on lands overseen by DHHL.  Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

A bill at the state legislature proposes selling naming rights to Convention Center. Should Hawaii's Convention Center be allowed to sell advertising and marketing on and in the facility? That's what a Senate committee considered on Thursday.  KITV4.

$4.25 million in Waimanalo park upgrades is pending, city says.  A proposed $4.25 million improvement project to repair or replace Waimanalo Beach Park’s aging pavilion, comfort stations, recreation building and related facilities is the topic of a Feb. 21 community meeting, the city says. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Update On Two Maunakea Telescope Removal Projects.  The University is working on the termination of the CSO sublease, and is preparing for the removal of the Hōkū Keʻa teaching telescope.  Big Island Video News.

Public input sought on Papaaloa Park. Two years after the demolition of the Papaaloa Gym, residents are asked to weigh in on a plan to improve the park where the building once stood. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News.

DLNR: Uncle Billy’s demolition still on schedule. The state Department of Land and Natural Resources says it expects to complete the demolition of the former Uncle Billy’s Hilo Bay Hotel by November. Tribune-Herald.

Community gathers to dedicate Rockne Freitas Way.  Rockne Freitas may have been an all-pro NFL player for 11 years, but his legacy lives on as a great leader and visionary in higher education in Hawaii. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Rebuilding Lahaina: An Oversight Board, A Dedicated Tax Stream, Even A Bank. Lawmakers are considering a number of bills that aim to play a role in the West Maui town's recovery after the Aug. 8 fires. Civil Beat.

School meals will be free for 6 Maui schools impacted by wildfires. Six Maui schools will provide free meals for all students for the remainder of the school year due to a federal food program aimed at serving students who attend schools in high-poverty areas. Hawaii News Now.

Maui welcomes Wall That Heals. The traveling three-quarter-scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington D.C. is scheduled to be on continuous display at the stadium through Wednesday at 1 p.m. Admission is free.  Maui News.

Māla Tavern marks first business on Lahaina's Front Street to reopen after the fire. It’s lunchtime and Māla Ocean Tavern is packed with excited locals and tourists. You would never think from the inside that it’s just steps away from Lahaina’s burn zone. Hawaii Public Radio.

Lahainaluna football players, coaches serve as honorary coin toss captains at Super Bowl. It was a very special moment for four Lahainaluna High School football captains as they represented Lahaina and the entire state of Hawaii as honorary coin toss captains at Super Bowl LVIII on Sunday. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Kauai

Below-average rainfall recorded in January at the wettest location on Kaua‘i. During January, the lack of trade winds resulted in most of the normally “windward” gauges along the north- and east-facing slopes recording below-average monthly rainfall totals. Normally “leeward” gauges on the south- and west-facing slopes had mostly above-average rainfall totals. Kauai Now.

Kauaʻi police urge community to take precautions against vehicle break-ins. With a recent surge in vehicle break-ins at the trailheads of popular hiking spots in the Kapa‘a and North Shore areas, the Kauaʻi Police Department is urging the public to take precautions to minimize the risk of being targeted by criminals. Kauai Now. Garden Island.