Formation of Tropical Storm Lala likely by weekend, Jones Act waiver extended, 5 judges recuse themselves in Tommy Waters election appeal, Land Board to dive into Maui water wars, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Tropical Storm Lala forecast to form Wednesday or early Thursday. NWS continues monitoring possible tropical cyclone as it approaches Hawaiʻi. A developing cyclone is approaching the state with possible severe weather over the weekend. Conditions will vary from island to island, so best to be prepared for strong winds and heavy rain as well as large life-threatening surf along east and southeast shores through Sunday. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Trump-Backed Program Offers Money For Students. Will Hawaiʻi Take It? An infusion of scholarship money could help families pay for private school tuition and other educational expenses. But Hawaiʻi will have to cross political lines to get it. Gov. Josh Green initially said Hawaiʻi would not participate in the scholarships, but he is now waiting for the federal government to release program regulations in September before consulting with other state agencies.  Civil Beat.

Trump extends Jones Act waiver for 90 days, narrows scope. President Donald Trump has extended for 90 days a waiver allowing foreign-flagged ships to transport oil and other commodities between U.S. ports, but imposed new limits after shipbuilders and their allies in Congress argued the policy was undermining the domestic maritime industry, the White House said. Reuters.

Office of Hawaiian Affairs plans televised candidate forums for 2026 trustee election. Forums will be presented in partnership with ʻŌlelo Community Media and Hawaiʻi’s local media networks, pre-recorded Oct. 3 and then broadcast statewide during the week of Oct. 12, providing broad public access. Kauai Now.

Oahu

Five judges recuse themselves from Tommy Waters’ ineligibility appeal. Five of the seven judges on the state Intermediate Court of Appeals have recused themselves from Honolulu City Council Chair Tommy Waters’ appeal of the ruling that found him ineligible to seek a third consecutive term.  Star-Advertiser.

“A slap in the face”: Honolulu Office of Economic Revitalization folds after county cuts funding. Honolulu’s Office of Economic Revitalization is ceasing operations this Friday — a decision made weeks after the City Council cut a majority of its funding and staff positions in early July. Hawaii Public Radio.

New Sand Island technology modernizes wastewater treatment for Oahu. A new Membrane Bioreactor Facility at the Sand Island Wastewater Treatment Plant separates solids out of the water more effectively than older methods. KHON2.

Hawaiian Council buys Sea Life Park, assumes stewardship. Hawaiian Council has acquired Sea Life Park in Waimanalo, placing the landmark marine attraction under Native Hawaiian stewardship for the first time and expanding the organization’s growing portfolio of tourism and cultural enterprises. Star-Advertiser.

NOAA confirms deaths of 2 endangered monk seal pups. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said it got a report last Wednesday of a deceased monk seal entangled in an unattended fishing net about 10 yards offshore of an area west of Mokuleia Beach Park. he pup’s death follows that of another monk seal, RUO2, known to most as ‘Umi‘umi, several months ago. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Measures to combat fentanyl advance. A Hawaii County Council committee last week supported two measures aimed at addressing fentanyl-related overdoses across the island. One would equip the Hawaii Police Department with portable devices capable of detecting trace amounts of fentanyl. The second would allow for the installation of distribution boxes for naloxone — a fast-acting overdose reversal medication — at county buildings in Hilo and Kona. Tribune-Herald.

Young Brothers plans modified cargo acceptance, availability at Port of Kawaihae. Hawai‘i shipping company Young Brothers will have modified cargo acceptance and availability at the Port of Kawaihae this month. Big Island Now.

Two Wildland Fires Close Daniel K. Inouye Highway. The highway was closed in both directions Tuesday afternoon between Old Saddle Road Junction and Highway 190 Junction. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now. Hawaii News Now. 

Maui

State opposing county plan for East Maui water system. A Maui County effort to take control of the island’s largest water system has stalled after the state land department moved to block it, drawing criticism from environmentalists and traditional farmers. Hawaii News Now.

Bissen swept all districts in Maui County mayoral primary, including Sugimura’s backyard. Incumbent Mayor Richard Bissen won every district of Maui County in Saturday’s primary election, including West Maui, where the recovery from the 2023 wildfires was the biggest test of his first term, as well as Upcountry, the home district of challenger Yuki Lei Sugimura. Maui Now.

Maui County Council votes to expand fare-free bus access. Bill 95 expands eligibility for the fare-free bus access program to include more residents and gives authorization to the county's the director of transportation to suspend enforcement of fares for special events, parades or emergency closures for up to 14 days in a fiscal year. Aloha State Daily.

Haʻikū Fire Station project stalls as Maui County Council panel wrestles with land title dispute. After more than 17 years of planning, the proposed Haʻikū Fire Station has hit a legal stumbling block significant enough for council members to seek legal advice in a closed executive session and delay further consideration for two weeks. Maui Now.

Maui Police Leader Accused Of Taking Bribes Will Stay In Jail For Now. Entertainer is linked to Maui officer accused of corruption. A Maui police lieutenant accused of taking bribes to protect organized crime allegedly watched over a Jan. 1 illegal aerial fireworks party hosted by the founder of country reggae group Maoli, according to state and federal court records. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. KHON2. Hawaii News Now. 

Brothers arraigned in Maui labor trafficking case. Maui police arrested two men Monday on labor trafficking, extortion and document-related charges following the execution of search warrants at a Kihei residence. Maui News.

Report shows Maui housing gains while jobs and incomes lag. Three years after devastating wildfires swept through Maui, the island’s recovery is showing meaningful progress in housing — but economic challenges, including weak employment and lower household incomes, continue to weigh on fire-affected residents, according to a new report from the University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. 

Kauai

Public invited to review proposals for County of Kauaʻi grant program. The Office of Economic Development’s Innovation Grants Program is designed to support projects that bring innovative solutions to Kauaʻi in the areas of small business, technology, transportation, agriculture, local manufacturing, creative industries, workforce development, circular economies, tourism destination management, and product development. Kauai Now.

Inspection of Wailua–Kapaʻa sewer collection system scheduled. A comprehensive inspection and condition assessment of the Wailua–Kapaʻa sewer collection system will begin Aug. 19. The County of Kauaʻi Department of Public Works describes this as a critical step toward strengthening wastewater infrastructure serving the eastside communities of Wailua, Kapaʻa and Waipouli. Kauai Now.

Fire weather signs installed at Westside fire stations. The Kaua‘i Emergency Management Agency, in partnership with the Kaua‘i Fire Department and the Department of Public Works, has installed new fire weather signs at the Hanapepe and Waimea fire stations to help residents and visitors stay aware of wildfire conditions and the year-round risk of wildfires on Kaua‘i. Garden Island.

Comptroller Regan named acting Lt. Gov. as Luke takes indefinite leave, Jones Act waiver extended 90 days, Honolulu inalienable right to food charter amendment faces axe, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Sylvia Luke on indefinite leave as Keith Regan becomes acting lieutenant governor. Gov. Josh Green announced on Thursday that state Comptroller Keith Regan — fifth in line in order of state government leadership succession — had accepted the job as acting lieutenant governor. Regan will continue serving as comptroller and director of the Department of Accounting and General Serv­ices while doing triple duty as acting lieutenant governor. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii Public Radio. KHON2.  Hawaii News Now. 

Hawaii Attorney General targets at least 3 in state bribery investigation. The state Department of the Attorney General emailed target letters last week not only to Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke and a lobbyist whom she dined with on Jan. 20, 2022, but also to a volunteer with her 2022 campaign for lieutenant governor. Star-Advertiser.

Trump extends Jones Act waiver 90 days to ease energy costs. President Donald Trump granted a 90-day extension to a shipping waiver that makes it easier to move oil, fuel and fertilizer around the United States, the White House said Thursday. Reuters.

Hawaiʻi Slashes Pay For Autistic Student Aides On Neighbor Islands. The education department offered more money for specialists serving autistic students on the neighbor islands. Four years later, it’s retracting its offer. Civil Beat.

New leadership positions aim to help move Hawaiʻi tourism into regenerative model. The Hawaiʻi Visitors and Convention Bureau appointed three new leaders to strengthen the organization as it evolves beyond the traditional destination marketing model. Maui Now. 

Oahu

Honolulu’s Right To Food, A Trailblazing Proposal, Faces The Axe. More than a dozen groups are calling on the Honolulu Charter Commission to disregard recommendations to kill a proposal to make food an inalienable right. Civil Beat.

Police seize 16 gaming machines, cash in Aiea raid. Officers from the Narco/Vice Gambling Detail, assisted by a District 3 Crime Reduction Unit, Forfeiture Detail and Specialized Serv­ices Division, recovered 16 gaming machines and more than $6,000 in cash, the Honolulu Police Department announced in a news release Thursday. Star-Advertiser. KITV4.

More sections of Aloha Stadium toppled. Dismantlement of the old Aloha Stadium remains on schedule despite the Kona-low storms of recent weeks, developers said Thursday, after a large section of the 50,000-seat structure was pulled down by Aloha Halawa District Partners, the private entity in partnership with the state in the New Aloha Stadium Entertainment District project. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Run! Ala Moana Crosswalk Has Pedestrians Counting Down The Seconds. Cars power through this busy Ala Moana pedestrian crossing, while walkers are still trying to reach the other side. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Research could resume at space simulation facility on Mauna Loa. A bubble-like structure on Mauna Loa’s northern slope could once again host simulation-based experiments meant to mimic conditions on Mars and the moon. The Hawaii Space Exploration Analog and Simulation, or HI-SEAS, facility was previously operated by the University of Hawaii at Manoa with funding from NASA until grant funding ran out. Tribune-Herald.

Civil Defense launches campaign to help residents apply for federal storm relief. Staff from Hawaii County Civil Defense Agency and volunteers will visit communities across Hawaii Island to provide help for residents and business owners applying for federal assistance to recover from the recent Kona low storms. Tribune-Herald.

Man accused of stealing from Kamehameha Schools Hawaii pleads not guilty. Zachary Heltz, a 32-year-old Honolulu man accused of embezzling almost $360,000 from Kamehameha Schools Hawaii when he was employed there has repaid $69,500 to the educational trust and has been making monthly $3,500 restitution payments. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui Resort’s Plastic Barrier To Save Beach Faces Public Pushback. Plans to install a 360-foot long plastic “erosion protection skirt” on Kāʻanapali Beach are in limbo following pushback from community members and environmental advocates who say the barrier could accelerate erosion and harm a neighboring beach that is beloved by locals. Civil Beat.

Habitat for Humanity Maui celebrates completion of its first Lahaina rebuild. The home was originally one of ten homes built by Habitat Maui in 2020 for a Lahaina family. Rebuilding it marks an important step forward as families begin returning to the neighborhood following the devastating 2023 wildfires. Maui Now.

Mayor Bissen announces 99th Maui County Fair will return to War Memorial in Wailuku. Highlighting last year’s successful comeback of the beloved fair, Mayor Richard Bissen on Thursday announced that the Maui County Fair is returning once again October 1-4, 2026. Maui Now.

Kalaupapa legacy honored with annual Dutton Day. Gov. Josh Green signed Senate Bill 2256 on Thursday as Act 4, establishing April 27 as Brother Joseph Dutton Day, formally honoring his contributions to Hansen’s disease patients in Molokai’s remote Kalaupapa peninsula. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now. 

Kauai

Lifeguards gain official first responder recognition on Kaua’i. The Kauaʻi County Council passed a resolution on Wednesday formally recognizing ocean lifeguards as first responders, a designation supporters say reflects the reality of their role on the front lines of emergency response. Kauai Now.

Kaua‘i residents invited to write messages for Shinnyo Lantern Floating Hawai‘i event. Community members are invited to write messages about loved ones who have passed on that will be sent over to O‘ahu for the upcoming annual remembrance ceremony next month at Ala Moana Beach Park. Kauai Now.

Building permit streamlining bill advances, state to rehab Wahiawa dam, some want Jones Act waiver permanent, Maui mayor seeks $1.6B budget, flood fallout lingers, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Bill aims to speed up building permit process. Two state Senate committees approved a bill Monday requiring annual training for permitting agency employees in a push to streamline building permit approvals. House Bill 1964 calls for greater professional development for state and county workers involved in the permitting process, like building plan reviewers, inspectors and policy staff. Tribune-Herald.

Here's why some want the Jones Act waiver to be permanent. A week has passed since President Donald Trump announced he was waiving the Jones Act for 60 days to ease the pressure on shipments of oil and fertilizer across the globe. Hawaii Public Radio.

University of Hawaiʻi Board of Regents to fill four open seats representing three counties. The Candidate Advisory Council for the University of Hawaiʻi Board of Regents has presented a list of candidates to Gov. Josh Green to fill seats representing Oahu, Maui and Hawaii Islands. Big Island Now.

Office of Hawaiian Affairs approves nearly $4 million in disaster aid for Native Hawaiian households. The Office of Hawaiian Affairs has activated about $3.96 million in disaster aid to support Native Hawaiian households and communities affected by the recent floods and rains across the state. Kauai Now.

Power outages can quickly become emergencies for families with home medical devices. Power outages from this month's storms have sent ripples through the health care system. Access to power is crucial for people who rely on certain medical devices like oxygen.  Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

Council OKs changes to zoning rules for housing. A Honolulu City Council measure designed to relax zoning rules to allow more infill housing projects in the city’s urban core was approved on its third and final reading Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

State moving forward with rehab of hazardous Wahiawa Dam. The state is working to jump-start safety upgrades on the privately owned Wahiawa Dam, which last week neared a feared failure point that triggered emergency evacuations for thousands of residents on Oahu’s North Shore.  Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. 

North Shore residents, officials tread a fine line on recovery and tourism after flooding. Officials are walking a fine line, trying to help those communities while making sure the state’s main economic driver isn’t impacted. Parts of the North Shore and Waialua are open, but business has taken a hit. Hawaii News Now.

Flying Blind: Honolulu Officials Held Off On Evacuations As North Shore Flooded. By the time emergency management officials told people it was time to evacuate in Waialua and Haleʻiwa, some residents had already been swimming for their lives. Civil Beat.

EMS loses ambulance in flood, rescues family on North Shore. The City and County of Honolulu lost a new ambulance to flash floods while responding to a call early Friday morning on Oahu’s North Shore. Star-Advertiser.

City to open help center in Waialua; North Shore boil water notice lifted. City officials said  they will open a Community Assistance Center on Thursday at Waialua District Park for residents affected by Kona-low storm flooding, and the Board of Water Supply said the boil water notice has been lifted for all of Haleiwa and Waialua. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii Public Radio. KHON2. KITV4. 

Man Institutionalized Due To Mistaken Identity Will Get $975K Settlement. The man could also receive a $200,000 payment from the state. In a case of mistaken identity, a man who was wrongfully arrested and detained at a Hawaiʻi state psychiatric hospital for two years is set to receive a $975,000 payout from the City and County of Honolulu. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Updated Water Restriction Notice For Kawaihae, South Kohala Resorts. Customers, including irrigation users, are required to reduce water use by at least 25 percent. Big Island Video News.

South Kona school closures extended following damaging storm. Konawaena Middle School and the Hawaiian immersion school, Ke Kula ‘O ‘Ehunuikaimalino in South Kona, will be closed through April 1 as cleanup continues after campuses were flooded during the Kona low storms.  Big Island Now.

Big Island hunting to temporarily revert to standard rules used 2 years ago. They included adjustments to season lengths, bag limits and tag requirements for several hunting areas on Hawaiʻi Island. Big Island Now.

Maui

Maui Mayor’s $1.6 Billion Budget Focuses On Housing, Water, Fire Recovery. The proposed spending plan sets aside money to buy private water systems and wells. County will rely on emergency reserves for recent storm damage. Civil Beat. Maui Now.

Department of Housing undergoes pre-budget scrutiny. The Maui County Council’s Housing and Land Use Committee conducted a preliminary review last week of the Department of Housing in preparation for the Council’s annual budget deliberations. Maui Now.

Second Kona low storm showed flood risks in Lahaina’s fire-bared landscape. West Maui received some of the most rain on the island during the second Kona low to wallop Hawai‘i in two weeks. Two rain gauges in Lahaina logged more than 6 inches each from 8:45 a.m. Saturday to 8:45 a.m. Sunday, while Honolua recorded more than 7 inches and Olowalu saw over 5 inches, according to the National Weather Service.  Maui Now.

Kauai

2 more candidates join Kauaʻi mayoral race to replace term-limited Derek Kawakami. Former Kauaʻi County finance employee Laura Lindsey and businessman Megeso-William Denis have entered the 2026 race for Mayor of Kauaʻi to replace term-limited Derek Kawakami. The two political newcomers join a field that already includes three well-known political figures on the Garden Isle: former Kauaʻi mayor and current councilmember Bernard Carvalho Jr., Kauaʻi County Council Chair Mel Rapozo and Councilmember Felicia Cowden. Kauai Now.

Homeless Program Grants awarded. Of the 12 proposals received, 10 were eligible for consideration. A selection committee reviewed and scored all the eligible projects and selected the top five proposals to fund for a total of $500,000. Garden Island. Kauai Now. 

Jones Act waived for 60 days, tax and fee hikes loom in the Legislature, Blangiardi targets housing, affordability in State of the City address, new Kona low looms, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Trump orders Jones Act waiver amid Iran war.  The White House on Wednesday announced a 60-day waiver of the Jones Act.  The waiver, a rare exception to the century-old law, temporarily would allow foreign-flagged vessels to move ‌fuel, fertilizer and other goods between U.S. ports in hopes of curbing sharp price increases and supply disruptions from the intensifying conflict. Star-Advertiser.

‘Very Scary’ Stack Of Bills Seek To Boost Taxes On Lots Of Stuff In Hawaiʻi. A stack of bills under consideration by lawmakers would increase taxes or impose new levies on cars, liquor, real estate, capital gains and more. Civil Beat.

Hawaiʻi House Approves $10B State Budget That Prioritizes Essential Services. The budget now passes to the Senate which will continue fine-tuning the state’s spending priorities for the coming fiscal year. Civil Beat.

Lower DUI threshold draws mixed reviews. Hawaii lawmakers are considering lowering the state’s legal blood alcohol limit for drivers from 0.08 to 0.05. Star-Advertiser.

Lawmakers push new protections for kids online. Lawmakers at the Capitol are advancing new efforts to protect kids online – from artificial intelligence to social media. KHON2.

‘Left To Struggle’: Hawaiʻi Parents’ Long Wait For Paid Family Leave. Several bills over the years have been pared back to studies and advocates are impatient. But the state says it must get it right.  Civil Beat.

New storm poses threat across Hawaii. The National Weather Service issued a flood watch for Oahu, Maui, Molokai and Hawaii Island from 6 p.m. today to 6 p.m. Sunday, warning of widespread rain and potential flash flooding. Star-Advertiser. KITV4.  Hawaii News Now. 

Oahu

Honolulu Mayor Blangiardi targets housing, affordability. Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s sixth State of the City address Wednesday evening focused on affordability, or lack thereof, for those who live and work on Oahu. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.  KHON2. KITV4.

Spreadsheet error inflated benefits of LNG by up to $1.2 billion, expert says. As Hawaii considers a proposal from Tokyo-based JERA Co. Inc. to build a liquefied natural gas-fueled power plant on Oahu, the state’s top energy official has acknowledged a spreadsheet error in a key LNG study, while stopping short of accepting independent experts’ claims that the mistake overstated projected benefits by as much as $1.2 billion. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii Public Radio. 

Hawaii Island

Second Hawaiʻi Police Officer Pleads No Contest In Evidence Tampering Case. Noah Serrao, a 29-year-old Hawaii Police Department officer, pleaded no contest Tuesday to charges of perjury, making a false sworn statement in official matters, and tampering with a government record. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now. 

Areas Reopen In Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.  Some sections of the park reopened Wednesday morning, but other areas remain closed due to major storm and volcanic impacts. Big Island Video News.

Konawaena High will transition to distance learning during storm repairs. Hawai‘i Department of Education reported Tuesday evening, March 18, that the school will be closed March 23-27 to students to allow time for cleanup and repair work. School staff will use that week to prepare for distance learning. Big Island Now. Hawaii News Now. 

Maui

Monthly cash payments could boost disaster survivors. A Maui nonprofit tries it out.  Some 69 households are enrolled in an experimental program sending Lahaina fire survivors cash for one year, an effort to stabilize some of the most at-risk during the island’s protracted recovery. Associated Press.

Maui Food Bank coordinates airlift of 2,000 pounds of food to Hāna. The Maui Food Bank is coordinating with the Maui Emergency Management Agency and Maui United Way to load helicopter flights to deliver 2,000 pounds of shelf-stable food to Hāna residents cut off by the recent “March Kona Low” storm system.  Maui Now.

‘Worst it’s ever been’: In Hāna, power and roads still limited days after storm. Three days after leaving the office when a Kona low storm knocked out the power at Hāna Health, Executive Director Cheryl Vasconcellos returned to work on Monday to face thousands of dollars worth of spoiled vaccines and damaged crops on the clinic’s 15-acre organic farm. Maui Now.

Historic Maui home to be demolished after Kona storm triggers partial collapse.  The historic Baldwin Home will need to be torn down and rebuilt after one of its stone walls collapsed after a recent Kona storm, days after stabilization work began. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai

Recent storms cause overflow, resulting in a wastewater spill of 70,000 gallons per day. An ongoing wastewater spill of about 70,000 gallons per day at the Līhuʻe Wastewater Treatment Plant remains confined within the facility and does not pose a risk to public health at this time, county officials say. Kauai Now.

Kaua‘i County officials gather to bless water line improvements project in Hanalei. Contracted with Koga Engineering & Construction Inc., the $3.1 million project will upgrade the water main infrastructure to meet current water system standards, including existing fire flow requirements.  Kauai Now. Hawaii News Now. 

Legislature opens session amid financial uncertainty, 'dark cloud'; $149M federal funding finalized for high-speed internet; federal judge dismisses Jones Act lawsuit, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Legislature facing uncertain federal spending cuts as session begins. The 2026 legislative session opened Wednesday with House and Senate leaders bracing for the likelihood that Hawaii will have to make up for more cuts to federal funding in 2026 after providing millions to compensate for reduced federal funding last year, including responding to the record-­long 43-day federal government shutdown and long lines that followed at pop-up food banks across the islands. But exactly how much the state may have to pay again this year — and how it will pay for it — remains unclear. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.  Hawaii Public Radio.  Big Island Now.  Hawaii News Now.  KITV4.

Hawaiʻi Lawmakers Start New Session Under ‘Dark Cloud’. The investigation into a possible $35,000 bribe to a legislator can’t be ignored even as lawmakers promise more work on perennial state issues such as affordable housing. Civil Beat.

Crowds flood state Capitol to advocate for causes. Representatives and senators were eager to meet them. They opened the doors to their Capitol offices to welcome guests, shake hands and offer snacks and refreshments. Star-Advertiser.

$149M in high-speed internet funding finalized. Hawaii has received final federal approval to begin spending nearly $149 million to expand high-speed internet access statewide, marking one of the largest digital infrastructure investments in state history, officials announced Wednesday. Star-Advertiser. Kauai Now. 

New report puts questions about nuclear power in Hawaiʻi on the back burner. The Hawaiʻi State Energy Office determined advanced nuclear technologies are not appropriate for Hawaiʻi at this time. Hawaii Public Radio.

DBEDT director talks challenges ahead for Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority. A $500,000 transfer between two funds at the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority was the headline from a Senate committee hearing last week. Lawmakers grilled Jimmy Tokioka, director of the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, on whether he had the authority to move the funds. Hawaii Public Radio. 

Hawaii ranked the worst state in which to drive. A study just released by the personal finance website WalletHub rated Hawaii the worst state in the U.S. in which to drive. The same study found Vermont the best state to drive in, followed by Iowa, with Kansas, Nebraska and Indiana rounding out its top five. Tribune-Herald. Hawaii News Now.

Multi-million dollar renovation coming to Hawaii governor’s official residence. Washington Place was once the private home of Queen Liliuokalani and is now the official residence of Hawaii’s governor — there are new plans to give the building a $7.3 million facelift. KHON2.

Oahu

Public Access To North Shore Beach Has Been Cut Off. The state plans to conduct a site visit and open a formal investigation if authorities determine a violation has occurred at Mokulēʻia. Civil Beat.

Honolulu traffic is some of the worst in the country, but improvements are on the way. According to a recent study done by TomTom Traffic Index, Honolulu ranks third in the country for the worst traffic. This includes an average travel speed of just 17.8 miles per hour, an average travel distance of just 4.4 miles in 15 minutes, and an estimated 88 hours spent sitting in traffic per year for Honolulu drivers. KHON2.

Honolulu police say more staff were needed on New Year’s Eve. During Wednesday’s Honolulu Police Commission meeting, HPD assistant chief Brian Lynch told the commission that although there were about 250 officers on patrol, more staff were needed to handle drone operations and hundreds of emergency calls for fireworks and criminal reports. Hawaii News Now.

Navy to begin to ventilate and decommission 9th tank at Red Hill. The Navy will begin ventilating another tank at the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility (RHBFSF) this month, marking it as the ninth of 14 in its decommissioning process. KITV4.

Coast Guard considers demolishing aging housing complex in Wailupe. There’s a small U.S. Coast Guard family housing project in Wailupe that’s being considered for demolition because of its age.The Wailupe Family Housing is tucked away on three acres just off Kalanianaole Highway next to the Wailupe Fire Station. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

AI-powered parking system debuts at Kona, Hilo airports on Big Island. A new ticketless parking system was launched at Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keāhole and Hilo International Airport to streamline entry and exit for drivers parking at the Big Island airports. Vehicles are identified by license plate recognition, eliminating the need for tickets. Parking fees are charged automatically through an online account. Big Island Now.

South Kohala Water Restriction Downgraded. The Water Restriction Notice issued for an area along the South Kohala coast has been downgraded to a Water Conservation Notice. The Hawaiʻi County Department of Water Supply says the mandatory 25% percent reduction in water use in the affected areas, issued back in December 2025, has ended. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now. 

Maui

With ‘tougher session’ ahead, Maui Nui lawmakers strategize on seeking funding for fire recovery, housing. As the 2026 Hawaiʻi State Legislature session kicks off today, funding to rebuild public projects like Lahaina’s Front Street Apartments and measures to boost the local economy will be among the priorities of Maui Nui’s state lawmakers. Maui Now.

Bill to accelerate property tax relief hits speed bump.  A proposal to provide expedited property tax relief to local homebuyers stalled Tuesday after Maui County finance officials cautioned that the county’s tax system is designed to be “retroactive” and cannot easily handle mid-year adjustments for now. Maui Now.

Fire Ant Invasion Has Reached A Tipping Point On Maui. The population of tiny stinging ants has surged despite efforts to control the invasive species. Experts fear devastating consequences if the infestation spirals out of control. Civil Beat.

Kauai

Kauaʻi’s Kouchi, Nakamura lead opening day of 33rd Hawaiʻi State Legislature. House Speaker Nadine Nakamura and Senate President Ronald Kouch welcomed lawmakers back to the State Capitol for the opening of the 2026 session that runs through May 8. They set a tone that balanced ceremonial tradition with the heavy responsibilities facing the state.  Kauai Now.

Federal judge dismisses Kōloa Rum Company’s constitutional challenge to Jones Act. A federal judge dismissed on Tuesday the Kōloa Rum Company’s constitutional challenge to the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, commonly known as the Jones Act, which requires all shipping between U.S. ports be conducted on vessels that are U.S. built, owned and registered, and crewed primarily by U.S. citizens. Kauai Now.

Sign wavers took to the streets prompted by the anniversary of Trump’s inauguration. A group estimated at more than 200 people gathered on Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026, for a “Light the Night For Democracy” gathering on the Kaumualii Highway sidewalks fronting Kauai Community College. Garden Island.

Jones Act bill reintroduced in Congress, state reels from federal workforce cuts, Honolulu council postpones emergency services director confirmation, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Bill To Reform Jones Act Reintroduced In Congress. U.S. Rep. Ed Case says the federal law drives up costs for imported goods to places like Hawaiʻi. Three legislative proposals introduced Friday in Congress seek to amend a century-old federal law that the introducers say “creates crippling monopolies on shipping lifelines” for remote jurisdictions such as Hawaiʻi and Alaska. Civil Beat.

Cuts to Hawaii’s federal workforce loom. Hawaii was home to about 35,500 federal civilian workers last year, according to the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. Eugene Tian, DBEDT’s chief economist, said this group represents 5.6% of Hawaii’s workforce. Star-Advertiser.

Senate bill advances to strip county council approval of state-funded housing projects. A bill to exempt state-financed housing developments from county council approval has passed second reading on the Hawaiʻi Senate floor and advanced to the Ways and Means Committee. Maui Now.

Should Hawai‘i Families Be Allowed To Opt Out Of School Vaccines? Roughly 1 in 5 students in Hawaiʻi were missing required vaccines last year. Doctors say that’s a growing health threat, but efforts to toughen state law are drawing intense criticism from parents opposed to vaccines. Civil Beat.

Bullying of teachers persists; DOE lacks resolution. Lawmakers for the third time have introduced a bill aimed at strengthening workplace safety for educational workers following concerns from advocates about the state Department of Education’s handling of harassment issues. Star-Advertiser.

The price of hunger: Navigating the cost burden of free meals for Hawaiʻi students. Several bills this legislative session opt for either universal free breakfast and lunch, or for free meals for students who are currently eligible for reduced-pricing. To date, no one has publicly gone on record to oppose supplying free lunches to students in Hawaiʻi.  Hawaii Public Radio.

Marijuana legalization bill alive in Senate. Two Senate committees voted Thursday to recommend passage of a bill to legalize adult personal use of cannabis Hawaiʻi and establish taxes on its retail sale and medical use. Maui Now.

Counties are closer to getting back authority over tobacco regulations. County councils were the lead authorities to pass tobacco regulations until 2018 when the state Legislature passed Act 206, a tobacco law that preempts and nullifies county-level regulations and gives state lawmakers that authority. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaiʻi Airports System successfully issues $849M of bonds, largest in its history. The Hawai‘i Department of Transportation announced that the state’s Airports System has successfully raised $849 million in bond financing to fund approximately $600 million of essential projects to upgrade and expand airport infrastructure, including runway repairs, terminal renovations, security enhancements and the construction of new facilities.  Maui Now.

Hirono, colleagues introduce bipartisan bill to promote wildfire mitigation through grazing. US Sen. Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) on Friday announced her support for the bipartisan Wildfire Resilience Through Grazing Research Act, introduced alongside Sens. Alex Padilla (D-CA), Jerry Moran (R-KS) and James Lankford (R-OK). The bill aims to promote research on using grazing as a strategy to mitigate wildfires, reduce fuel loads and support post-fire recovery efforts. Maui News.

Bill targets owners of properties hosting illegal massage parlors. A bill at the state Legislature would identify trafficked sex workers as victims while simultaneously going after landlords and property owners who allow massage parlors that pose as legitimate businesses but are actually illegal houses of prostitution.  Star-Advertiser.

Bill would subsidize fencing to control ungulates. A proposal to help subsidize the installation of animal control fences is the only survivor of four bills in the state Legislature aimed at controlling pigs, goats and sheep. Tribune-Herald.

Oahu

City Council committee postpones reappointment of emergency services director. Dr. Jim Ireland has led the city’s Department of Emergency Services for the past four years. A City Council committee got an earful from detractors who say he doesn’t deserve another four, because the department is in worse shape than it was when he began. Hawaii News Now.

 State senators killed a bill on Thursday that would have permitted casinos on Oahu. Senate Bill 893 would have granted 20-year licenses for casinos at the new Aloha Stadium Entertainment District and at the Hawaii Convention Center. Hawaii News Now.

Long-time Makaha surfing competition highlights growing impact of coastal erosion. Rocks and berms that support nearby Farrington Highway were covered with sand last year. This year, winter swells pushed the sand elsewhere down the beach. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Hawai‘i County launches task force to address nearly 700 vacancies. There are fewer hours at transfer stations and public pools; slower response to maintenance of roads, tree trimming, parks and fields; clerk shortages that sometimes result in no one answering phones when the public calls the county for help. Big Island Now.

Police discipline reported: HPD terminations, suspensions documented for lawmakers. One Hawaii Police Department officer was fired in 2024, one terminated in 2023 is in binding arbitration hoping to regain his badge, while a third discharged in 2023 has returned to the force as a result of his grievance. Tribune-Herald.

New Hawaiʻi County Parks and Recreation director highlights projects to finish, projects to begin. Hawaiʻi County’s new Parks and Recreation Director Clayton Honma, who is returning to a position he knows well, plans to focus this time around on “safe, recreational facilities and programs for everyone – visitors and residents.” Big Island Now.

Funding is sought again for Puna alternate traffic route study. State officials are still seeking to restore funds for a study of alternate traffic routes into Puna, even as Hawaii County officials try to figure out what went wrong. Tribune-Herald.

Highly venomous sea snake found ashore in Hilo. A highly venomous yellow-bellied sea snake was found washed up on the shore at Honoli‘i Beach in Hilo last week, according to the state Department of Agriculture. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Maui fire survivors soon have to pay rent for FEMA housing. Some still don't know how much. There are more than 1,100 Maui fire survivor households in FEMA’s direct lease housing, a program in that FEMA pays property owners to house survivors. That program ends Feb. 28. Hawaii Public Radio.

These Are The Stories Lahaina Wildfire Survivors Never Got To Tell. Court documents filed in a wildfire compensation lawsuit give an unprecedented look at the struggles fire survivors continue to face. Written statements filed with the courts by more than three dozen people offer rare insights into the night of the fire, and the lingering effects of disaster. Civil Beat.

County releases report on strategies to reduce and prevent homelessness. The County of Maui Department of Human Concerns on Friday released “Recommendations to Address Homelessness in Maui County,” a report offering strategic solutions to reduce and prevent homelessness across the county. Maui Now.

Catholic Charities Hawai‘i’s new Maui Support Center for first responders receives blessing. From first responders to educators, therapists, disaster case managers and more, Catholic Charities Hawai’i’s Maui Support Center hopes to be a vital resource for public servants.  Maui News.

Kauai

Momentous milestone reached in fight against often-deadly avian malaria on Kauaʻi. It seems counterproductive, at the least, to release hundreds of thousands of 6-legged, flying harpoons into a place where a portion of their population is spreading a plague that has several species of native Hawaiian honeycreepers — some endemic only to Kaua‘i — fighting for their very existence. Kauai Now.

Kauai launches new ‘PulsePoint Respond App’. Officials in Kauai have launched their latest tool this week that now connects everyday heroes to those in need before the arrival of emergency responders. Garden Island.

Ala Wai flood project unveiled, meth lab, explosives found in Kapolei, union fights outsourcing building permit approvals, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Army Corps unveils plan to handle Ala Wai flooding. While the controversial concrete walls around the Ala Wai Canal remain in the plan, another contentious proposal has been dropped: the Manoa District Park detention basin. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii May Subsidize Pay For Child Care Workers. A bill proposes the creation of a two-year pilot program in a bid to attract more qualified child care professionals in the state. Civil Beat.

Have A Complaint About Your Condo? You May Get Slapped With Paying For The Lawyers Who Fight You. Condo association lawyers and lobbyists have successfully shot down efforts by lawmakers to ban "excessive" fees on owners. Civil Beat.

UH population biologist stresses continued COVID risk. Hawaiʻi’s COVID positivity rate has more than doubled since the beginning of March. The state Department of Health reported a 9% positivity rate last week. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

Proposal to outsource reviewers for building permits in Honolulu faces pushback. A measure before the Honolulu City Council that would allow the Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) to outsource consultants to review building permit applications has drawn criticism from the head of the largest union representing government workers. KITV4.

Rep. Case calls for Jones Act waiver for Red Hill defueling. U.S. Rep. Ed Case is urging the Biden administration to grant Hawaii a Jones Act waiver to aid in the defueling of the Navy’s underground Red Hill Fuel Storage Facility. The Department of Defense plans to move the 104 million gallons of fuel in the tanks around the Pacific region in a new “distributed” posture to support its operations.  Star-Advertiser.

Early childhood program to receive nearly $15M in federal funding. The grant will go to the Honolulu Community Action Program, the nonprofit that operates the Head Start and Early Head Start program on Oʻahu. Hawaii Public Radio. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

State toning down rent hike for Waiahole Valley tenants. The cost to live on and in some cases farm state-owned land in Waiahole Valley won’t go up as much from historically very low rates under a new compromise with roughly 100 tenants in the rural community subsidized by Hawaii taxpayers. Star-Advertiser. KITV4.

This Elderly Woman Was Threatened With Eviction — Over 50 Cents. The management of a state-owned affordable apartment property for seniors is threatening to terminate the lease of an elderly resident over a 50 cent debt.  Civil Beat.

Agents discover suspected drug lab, explosives while executing search warrant at West Oahu home. Agents with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration conducting a search warrant of a suspected clandestine methamphetamine production lab in the 92-500 block of Awawa Street in Kapolei at about 2 p.m. Tuesday afternoon found “volatile chemicals and materials that could endanger area residents,” according to release from the DEA. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

County considers new dedications for ag land. The County Council Finance Committee discussed a pair of bills Tuesday that together would repeal the current commercial agricultural dedication process and install an updated one with multiple new categories of use. Tribune-Herald.

Board OKs telescope decommission. The Board of Land and Natural Resources approved on Friday a conservation district use application from UH-Hilo’s Center for Maunakea Stewardship regarding the decommissioning of the university’s Hoku Ke‘a observatory. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Now . Big Island Video News.

HHSC gives notice it will drop insurance provider. Hawaii Health Systems Corporation operates several Big Island hospitals including Hilo Medical Center, Ka‘u Hospital and Kona Community Hospital, among others. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaiʻi County offering $3,000 bonuses for landlords participating in housing programs. The Hawaiʻi County Office of Housing and Community Development is offering $3,000 sign-on bonuses for Hawaiʻi Island landlords that rent to people with federal housing assistance vouchers. Big Island Now. Big Island Video News.

Hawaiian Homes Nominee For West Hawaiʻi Gets A Hearing. Hawaiian Homes Commission nominee, Makai Freitas, appeared before the Senate Committee on Hawaiian Affairs on Monday. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Maui County faces ‘serious’ occupational safety violations after death of firefighter. The County of Maui has agreed to pay state fines for occupational safety violations tied to the death of a 24-year-old firefighter during a flood in Kihei earlier this year. Hawaii News Now.

Maui County Is Struggling To Get The Apartments It Bought Last Year Up And Running. In a town with rental pressures, Lahaina Crossroads has been an affordable foothold. Civil Beat.

Critical funding for West and South Maui secured in Senate Budget draft. Some key items included are: appropriations for the Lahaina Bypass North, a grade-separated crossing for Kūlanihākoʻi High School, critical repairs for Māla Ramp, and a new wastewater facility for Waikapū. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kauaʻi bus shelters improved through murals, storytelling. Local nonprofits recently worked with Kaua‘i artists to improve three bus shelters with vibrant murals. Kauai Now.

Hawaii set to test ranked-choice voting, Supreme Court explains redistricting decision, NTSB says deadly Kauai tour helicopter crash 100% preventable, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

 

Ballot testing in Hawaii ©2022 All Hawaii News

Ranked-choice voting set to be used in some special elections. Hawaii is set to use ranked-choice voting for the first time after state law‑ makers passed a bill that would test the voting method in certain winner-take-all special elections. Star-Advertiser.

Supreme Court explains reapportionment decision: Majority and dissenters release long-awaited opinions. Hawaii Supreme Court justices have released their opinions on why they voted as they did in a divided ruling that dismissed a challenge to how the state Reapportionment Commission determined boundary lines for state legislative districts. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii police officers’ union endorses former Honolulu councilman in Lt. Gov. race. The state’s police union is putting its support behind Ikaika Anderson in the race for Lieutenant Governor. Hawaii News Now.

Stiffer penalties ahead: Bill doubling prison term for fatal DUI crashes awaits Ige’s signature. A measure increasing the penalty on a person convicted of first-degree negligent homicide while driving under the influence of an intoxicant is one step away from becoming law. West Hawaii Today.

A ‘poor tool’ for justice? Bail reform measure heads to Gov. Ige for consideration. A bill passed last week by state Legislature would eliminate the use of monetary bail and require defendants to be released on their own recognizance for certain nonviolent offenses. Tribune-Herald.

Lawmakers request audit of driver’s ed program: Goal is to reduce backlog of students awaiting instruction. House Concurrent Resolution 125 requests a performance audit of the Hawaii driver’s ed programs to examine administrative policies and procedures. Tribune-Herald.

US Rep. Ed Case says White House is open to Jones Act exemption amid fuel import monopoly. U.S. Rep. Ed Case says it’s time for the Biden Administration to support an exemption for Hawaiʻi when it comes to the federal 1920 Jones Act. That law requires any cargo, including fuel, transported between two U.S. ports to be carried on U.S.-built and U.S-flagged ships. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

Honolulu City Council picks projects for COVID-19 relief funds. Honolulu City Council members Tuesday added about $167 mil­­­lion in projects they want funded through the federal American Rescue Plan Act to the proposed city budget, with a focus on housing and job development. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu to launch agricultural grant program for farmers. A new $3 million federally funded agricultural grant program for farmers, ranchers and other growers on Oahu is being developed by Honolulu’s city government to support local agriculture. Star-Advertiser.

HART says $330M park-and-ride facility may need to be relocated to cut costs. The CEO of the rail authority said they may have to relocate a massive park-and-ride structure in order to cut costs on the embattled project. The 1,600-stall garage slated for the industrial area by the Pearl Highland Shopping Center has been put on hold because it could cost $330 million. Hawaii News Now.

Spending over $100 per bird, city discusses more effective ways to combat feral chickens. Over the last two months, traps in 5 locations have caught 67 chickens. Hawaii News Now.

Crime On Oahu Is Bouncing Back To Pre-Pandemic Levels. The number of homicides and car thefts have spiked on Hawaii’s most populous island, according to HPD data. Civil Beat.

Waikīkī opens first all-rental property in decades. Līlia Waikīkī sits across from the International Market Place on Kūhiō Avenue. Monthly rents start at $2,300 for studios to $6,255 for three-bedroom units. Hawaii Public Radio.

Document shows sailor found dead last year at Pearl Harbor served aboard a deeply troubled submarine. More than a year after a submariner died of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound while on guard duty at Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard, a Navy report on its investigation into the command climate aboard the USS Charlotte shines a light on the toxic work environment he and his crewmates endured in the months leading up to his death. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

NELHA to grow research village, add visitor center. NELHA has announced plans to build new innovation center, which will expand the research campus located in North Kona. Also planned is a visitors center where the community can host events, such as concerts, birthdays, etc., at the Hawaii Ocean Science Technology Park, also known as the Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii Authority. West Hawaii Today.

2022 Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament Cancelled. The event is called off due in part to uncertainty around travel logistics as well as rapidly rising costs. Big Island Video News.

Celebration of Life Lantern Floating Event Returns to Reeds Bay. The Celebration of Life Lantern Floating Event returns after a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Big Island Now.

Maui

Lawsuit against Maui County remains despite council’s vote to allow Taser sales. Maui residents are the only ones in Hawaiʻi who can’t buy a Taser in their county, and the representative of a lawsuit against the county said the legal pressure won’t stop until that changes.  Maui Now.

State’s $192M housing, civic center project in Kahului advances. A $192 million Kahului plan to develop 300 affordable and market-rate units, along with a civic center for state office space, cleared a hurdle in the approval process. Maui Now.

Developer wants to turn proposed hotel site into apartment complex. Six-story Hotel Wailuku on pause, landowner supportive of new plans for site. Lokahi Global Corporation’s proposal envisions a four-story housing building and a four-story parking structure on a piece of property near the corner of Main and Market streets. Maui News. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Pacific Island Nations Want More Renewable Power. Climate Financing May Help. Maui-based Mana Pacific is helping to give Pacific nations greater access to renewable energy infrastructure through collective buying power and resource sharing. Civil Beat.

Kauai

Kauai helicopter crash that killed 7 was ‘100% preventable,’ report says. Federal investigators blamed a deadly 2019 helicopter crash on Kauai on the pilot’s decision to keep flying into worsening weather, and in a report today they accused regulators of lax oversight of air tours that are popular among tourists to the islands. Associated Press. Garden Island. Hawaii News Now.

The Kauai Landfill ‘Conundrum’ Could Quickly Become A ‘Public Health Hazard’. The island’s only landfill is filling up fast. But the places available to put a new landfill are severely limited. Civil Beat.

Altered Mauna Kea management plan advances, Case pushes for Jones Act waiver, Legionnaires’ disease pops up in Waikiki, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Mauna Kea visitors ©2022 All Hawaii News

Bill seeking new management for Mauna Kea advances in Senate. A bill that would establish a new authority to oversee the stewardship of Mauna Kea’s summit advanced in the state Senate on Wednesday with changes intended to provide a more gradual transition away from the University of Hawaii. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii Public Radio. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News. Hawaii News Now.

Case urges Jones Act waiver, calls out Matson, Pasha. U.S. Rep. Ed Case on Wednesday criticized the two main ocean cargo companies shipping goods between the mainland U.S. and Hawaii — Matson Navigation Co. and Pasha Hawaii Transport Lines — for opposing his request to President Joe Biden to exempt Hawaii from the Jones Act for the duration of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Tribune-Herald.

Legislative Bill calls for audit of State's Agricultural Parks. The House Agricultural Committee voted on Wednesday to advance two resolutions calling for an audit of the state's 10 agricultural parks. KITV4.

Hawaii State Hospital continues to bar visitors. As COVID-19 vaccines became widely available through the first half of 2021, hospitals, nursing homes, prisons and jails throughout the country began reopening their facilities to in-person visitation, helping ease the isolation and loneliness that had gripped many since the start of the pandemic. But the Hawaii State Hospital, which houses mentally ill patients referred by the courts, has continued to bar visitors. Star-Advertiser.

Local Habitat for Humanity branches receive $9.25M from unexpected national gift. Habitat for Humanity Maui and Kauaʻi Habitat, organizations that build and renovate homes for low-income residents, are among 82 Habitat affiliates gifted $436 million by Scott. Hawaii Public Radio.

University of Hawaii to suspend COVID-19 vaccine, testing requirements. Starting Saturday, the University of Hawaii 10-campus system will suspend its mandatory vaccination rule for students and employees. Star-Advertiser. KITV4.

Foodland to close its 7 pharmacies, transfer all prescriptions to Longs Drugs. Foodland Super Market, Ltd. today announced it will be transferring all prescriptions from its Foodland Pharmacies to Longs Drugs, and closing all seven of its pharmacy locations by mid-April. Star-Advertiser. Garden Island. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii’s Indoor Mask Mandate Is Finally Ending. The two-year requirement will expire at midnight Friday, leaving a perplexing patchwork of mask choices and policies for locals and tourists to navigate. Civil Beat.

Hawai‘i reports 827 Covid-19 cases, 5 additional deaths in past week. The statewide test positivity rate is 2.9%. -- the positivity rate in Honolulu County is 3.6%; on the Big Island it's 1.5%; in Maui County it's 2.3%; and on Kauai it is 2.8%. Since the start of the pandemic, there have been 239,591 total infections to date. KITV4.

Oahu

New parking rules, restrictions proposed for short-term rentals. New rules prohibiting on-street parking for vacation rentals in communities zoned as rural, residential or apartment use will be considered before the City Council as soon as next month. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

Former Honolulu corporation counsel Donna Leong did not lie to the FBI, attorney says. The city’s former corporation counsel entered a not guilty plea today to new charges that she made false statements to agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation about who she spoke with and how she organized a $250,000 separation settlement with former Honolulu police Chief Louis Kealoha. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.

State Investigation: Hawaii Investment Firm CEO Falsified Campaign Donations. JL Capital CEO Timothy Lee is accused of eight counts of illegal contributions to Keith Amemiya and Kym Pine in the 2020 Honolulu mayoral election. Civil Beat.

City prosecutor clears 2 HPD officers in fatal shooting of machete-wielding man. Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney Steve Alm said during a news conference this morning that the use of deadly force resulting in the death of Elia S. Laeli, 41, was justified, and no charges will be filed against the two officers. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

Lawmakers request prioritization of affordable housing if water shortage affects building projects. The Honolulu Board of Water Supply says it will consider a request by state lawmakers to prioritize affordable housing if new development projects are curtailed because of water shortages. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Health Department investigating 2 cases of Legionnaires’ disease in Waikiki. The Hawaii Department of Health today said it is investigating two cases of Legionnaires’ disease in guests who stayed at The Grand Islander by Hilton Grand Vacations in Waikiki. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now.

Hawaii Island

County to halt COVID-19 testing beginning Saturday. County-sponsored testing began on March 23, 2020, and administered 90,310 PCR tests islandwide throughout the two-year period. West Hawaii Today

Bus’n out with buses: Electric, hydrogen and fossil fuel buses forming new Hele-On fleet. Hawaii County is planning to jump into electric buses in a big way with 10 new buses planned as early as next year and an East Hawaii charging network as a pilot project. West Hawaii Today.

Are rising energy costs an emergency? Council members receive update from Hawaiian Electric. During a Tuesday meeting of the County Council Committee on Regenerative Agriculture, Water, Energy and Environmental Management, council members heard an update from Hawaiian Electric about the rising energy costs on the island stemming from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News.

Department of Hawaiian Home Lands breaks ground on project in Kealakehe. The state Department of Hawaiian Home Lands broke ground Wednesday on a 125-lot project in Kealakehe. Star-Advertiser. West Hawaii Today. Big Island Video News.

Police: Excavators unearth grenade in Keaukaha. Police say that an excavation company uncovered what appeared to be an old, unexploded military-style hand grenade last week while digging a hole for a utility pole. West Hawaii Today. Big Island Now. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Maui

Committee wants Ethics Board to look into Napili home’s approval process. Construction resumes on controversial structure after stop-work order lifted. Maui News.

Mama’s Fish House owner, Maui County reach agreement over shoreline violation. Maui Planning Commission on Tuesday heard a settlement agreement that proposed the landowner pay a lesser fine of $25,000 in exchange for committing to a costlier, five-year beach nourishment project fronting the restaurant. Maui News.

Piʻilani Highway roundabout at Kūlanihākoʻi to proceed. The State of Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation is developing the proposed intersection improvements to provide access to the new high school and slow higher speed traffic along Piʻilani Highway. Maui Now.

New emergency proclamation signed for Maui County’s axis deer problem related to drought. Last year, large numbers of axis deer started migrating into agricultural and developed areas, seeking food and water during a period of drought in Maui County. Maui Now.

Kauai

County required to update plumbing code. A bill making the necessary changes was introduced to the Kaua‘i County Council on Wednesday, with letters of support from the Plumbing &Mechanical Contractors Association of Hawai‘i and Plumbers and Pipefitters UA Local 675. Garden Island.

Kauaʻi taro farmers champion measure that could change water lease process across Hawaiʻi.  Kauaʻi taro farmers champion measure that could change water lease process across Hawaiʻi. In Waiʻoli Valley on Kauaʻi’s north shore, one group of taro farmers is pushing for legislation that could be a game changer for taro farmers across the islands. Hawaii Public Radio.