Legislature may consider lowering cruise ship tax, Kaiser Permanente workers release strike notice, Capitol reflecting pool replacement project delayed, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii cruise ship tax under fire before getting started. Hawaii’s Legislature will be asked to consider amending part of a 2025 state law that attempts to tax cruise ship passengers but is tied up in federal litigation. State Sen. Lorraine Inouye (D, Hilo-Pepeekeo) plans to introduce a bill this month that would reduce the Transient Accommodations Tax charge on cruise ship fares by applying the 11% rate only to cabin cost instead of a cruise’s total base price divided by the number of days a ship is in port. Star-Advertiser.

Courts Blocked Green Fee For Cruises. This Company Is Still Charging It. Passengers currently aboard The Pride of America were irked to see the tax appear on their invoices despite a court injunction. orwegian Cruise Lines  representatives say the company will refund its passengers if the industry ultimately prevails in court. Civil Beat.

Lawmakers prepare to address federal changes impacting health care and social services. State lawmakers will face the federal impacts on the state’s healthcare systems and social services when they reconvene next week. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Republicans have plans this session to attack state’s housing crisis. According to local Republican lawmakers, a recent survey found that 91% of adults say buying a home in Hawaii is a problem. KHON2. KITV4.

Kaiser Permanente workers announce plan to strike. About 200 Hawaii workers plan to walk off the job Jan. 26.  Another strike appears imminent at Kaiser Permanente. The United Nurses Associations of California/Union of Health Care Professionals on Thursday delivered a 10-day strike notice to Kaiser executives. The strike is set to begin Jan. 26 at hospitals and clinics across Hawaii and California. Star-Advertiser. Big Island Now.  Hawaii News Now. KHON2. KITV4.

Delays have increased the cost of Hawaiʻi Capitol reflecting pools. Rising construction costs and objections over a state bid are delaying a project to fix the dilapidated reflecting pools at the Hawai‘i State Capitol, state officials in charge of the multi-million dollar project told lawmakers Wednesday. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

Status of bus contract talks worries Honolulu City Council. After months of back-and-forth negotiations, Oahu Transit Services Inc., which operates TheBus and TheHandi-Van routes on behalf of the City and County of Honolulu, remains at odds with its labor union that represents 1,400 bus operators, mechanics and support staff. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu satellite city halls to modernize with cashless property tax payments. Residents can now pay their property taxes with a major credit card as part of Oahu’s satellite city halls effort to eventually go cashless. KITV4.

City and County Martin Luther King Jr. holiday schedule released. The City and County of Honolulu released its schedule for Memorial Day along with the schedule for the rest of its operations and the traffic and parking regulations that will be in effect for Monday, January 19, 2026. KITV4.

Hawaii Island 

Search for new Hawaii County fire chief begins. The Hawaii County Fire Commission on Thursday named Deputy Fire Chief Daniel Volpe — who has been acting chief since the Dec. 14 death of Chief Kazuo Todd — temporary fire chief as the search for a permanent first firefighter begins. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaiʻi Fire Officials Embraced Prevention. Then Kazuo Todd Died. The Hawaiʻi County Fire Commission has appointed a temporary replacement but filling Todd’s shoes within the State Fire Council presents a bigger challenge. Civil Beat.

Mauna Kea oversight board begins series of workshops on the mountain’s future. The Mauna Kea Stewardship and Oversight Authority began a series of statewide workshops Thursday as it prepares to take over management of the mountain. Hawaii News Now.

$450K released for Boys and Girls Club center. The capital improvement program grant-in-aid funds will support construction, improvements and maintenance of the youth resource center, helping ensure a safe and supportive space for keiki and families in East Hawaii. Tribune-Herald.

KWXX Hoʻolauleʻa returns to downtown Hilo this Saturday. The free, family-friendly event runs Saturday from 4:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. and features four stages of continuous live music, performances by more than 20 Hawaii artists, and more than 40 local food and craft vendors. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Now. 

Maui

FEMA extension uncertain; Mayor urges wildfire survivors to take alternate housing, if available. With the end of temporary federal emergency assistance now set for the end of next month, Mayor Richard Bissen advised Lahaina wildfire survivors Wednesday night to take a permanent housing alternative, if available. The looming deadline affects 946 households still relying on direct rental assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Maui Now.

Report: Maui home sales surge as prices decline. Realtors Association of Maui report showed single-family house resales increased by 22.2 percent. The median price fell by 2 percent. As for condominiums, resales jumped 41.5 percent, with the median sales price dropping 25.6 percent. The surge in sales suggests buyers are responding to the significant price reductions. Hawaii News Now.

Hale Makua announces new ‘CarePlex’ and workforce housing initiatives on Maui. Hale Makua Health Services, a Maui-born nonprofit serving the island for 80 years, today announced two landmark projects inspired by the community.  Maui Now.

Kauai

Kaua‘i County offices will be closed for Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Closures also include the following facilities: All neighborhood centers, The Puhi Metals Recycling Center, The Kekaha Landfill, HI5 Redemption Centers, All refuse transfer stations. Kauai Now.

RNC sues Hawaii over voter rolls, teens who filed climate lawsuit say state's interisland travel producing too much carbon, state airports won't play video blaming Dems for shutdown, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Republican National Committee Sues Hawaiʻi Over Voter Rolls. Chief Election Officer Scott Nago failed to address the RNC’s questions about what records the state maintains regarding voter rolls, the suit says, adding that this violates Hawai‘i’s open records law and federal disclosure requirements. Civil Beat.

Hawaii won’t play airport video blaming Dems for shutdown. The state Department of Transportation will not play in Hawaii’s airports a Trump administration video that blames Democrats for the ongoing federal shutdown. Star-Advertiser. KITV4.

Teens Who Sued Hawai‘i Say State’s Climate Plan For Aviation Doesn’t Fly. Interisland flights are Hawaiʻi’s biggest transportation carbon producer, making up more than half of all emissions related to civilian travel in the state. Civil Beat.

5-day strike begins at Kaiser Permanente hospitals across Hawaii. Hundreds of unionized workers showed up in force Tuesday morning for the first day of a scheduled five-day strike at Kaiser Permanente hospitals across Hawaii. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii Public Radio. Associated Press. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. 

UH eyes revamping budget allocations amid record enrollment. In the past, enrollment growth would result in additional funds allocated for infrastructure costs and hiring lecturers. With the new model, the appropriate money will automatically be allocated to the campus based on the enrollment for that semester. Hawaii Public Radio.

Meadow Gold issues recall for chocolate milk distributed at Hawaii schools. The chocolate milk, made and packaged out of state, is being voluntarily recalled due to potential quality control issues. Approximately 70,000 units were distributed in Hawaii since they were received on Sept. 29, 2025.  Hawaii News Now. KHON2. KITV4. 

Oahu

Honolulu City Council postpones fare increases for public transit. The Council’s Budget Committee voted unanimously to postpone Bill 54 — a measure formally requested by the city Department of Transportation Services — citing the need to further study a measure that calls for a new fare structure for the city’s public transit system. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu Transit Services, union at odds. Oahu Transit Services, which operates TheBus and TheHandi-Van routes for the City &County of Honolulu, is urging its 130,000 daily riders of TheBus to consider alternative transportation after officials say they received inquiries about a possible strike by bus drivers. Star-Advertiser.

Will 4 New Stations And A $1 Million Ad Campaign Attract More Rail Riders? Mayor Rick Blangiardi says the city must overcome “almost two decades of negativity and cynicism.” Civil Beat.

 Real estate company faces $2.4M fine from DOH for unauthorized discharge into Kahaluu wetlands. Fill materials were illegally discharged into the wetlands on Wailehua Road from 2015 to 2016 . The Hawaii Department of Health (DOH) issued a $2.4 million fine against real estate company Wailehua I, LLC for unauthorized discharge into the wetlands in Kahaluu. KITV4. Hawaii News Now. 

State warns of possible bird flu case in sick Manoa duck. State officials are urging caution after a presumptive case of avian influenza has been identified in an ailing duck at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. Star-Advertiser. KHON2. 

Hawaii Island

Drought conditions prompt water conservation notice in South Kohala. Prolonged lack of rainfall and dry conditions have prompted Hawai‘i County to issue a water conservation notice for both residential and commerical accounts in South Kohala till further notice. Big Island Now. Hawaii News Now. 

Low-Level PFOS Detected In Pepeʻekeo Water System Well; amount within acceptable federal standards. Low levels of perfluorooctanesulfonic acid, or PFOS, have been detected for the first time in a Pepeʻekeo water well. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now.

Officials, supporters gather for blessing of Hilo’s Hale Na Koa ‘O Hanakahi. The $58 million project produced four two-story buildings on the 5.6 acre property at the corner of West Kawili and Kapiolani Streets. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

New hotel zoning weighed to preserve some vacation rentals amid housing crisis debate. A Maui County Council investigative group has recommended creating two new hotel zoning districts to allow some existing short-term vacation rentals in apartment-zoned districts to continue operating, a proposal that drew sharp public debate over balancing economic concerns with residents’ urgent need for housing. Maui Now.

Controversial Bill To Phase Out Maui Vacation Rentals Could Get Watered Down. A temporary investigative group recommended rezoning thousands of apartment-zoned units so they can be used as both short- and long-term rentals. Civil Beat.

Paʻia Elementary School to reopen on Wednesday. Paʻia Elementary School on Maui will reopen to students and staff on Wednesday following its closure for fire cleanup and environmental testing, the state Department of Education said . Star-Advertiser. Maui Now. 

No hunting proposed for Kula forest reserve. A draft management plan proposes no hunting of game animals, except possibly birds, at the new Kamehamenui Forest Reserve in Kula. Maui News.

Kauai

Kaua‘i charter boat spies its first humpback whale of 2025-26 season. Humpback whales — or kohola in Hawaiian — travel about 3,200 miles each winter from Alaska to Hawai‘i to give birth, mate and care for their young.  Kauai Now.

Blessing held for the Poipu Road Safety and Mobility Project. The County of Kauai held a blessing ceremony in Koloa on Tuesday to mark the start of the Poipu Road Safety and Mobility Project, a major infrastructure effort aimed at improving safety and accessibility along one of South Kauai’s busiest corridors. Garden Island. Kauai Now. 

Hawaii readies nation's first climate impact fee on tourists, Kaiser Permanente workers vote to strike, inaugural high school surfing championships coming this spring, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Conference showcases nexus between green fees, tourism. Members of the Green Fee Advisory Council updated Hawaii’s visitor industry Monday on the process that they are using to ensure that the nation’s first-ever climate impact fee strengthens Hawaii’s environment, builds resilience and enhances the visitor experience. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiʻi is getting less rainfall than in the past. Is that shift permanent? Overall, last month was the driest August for Hawaiʻi since at least 1991. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kaiser Hawaii workers vote to authorize a strike. The vote signals the possibility that thousands of health care workers, including hospital aides, medical assistants, nurses, and lab technicians, among others, could walk off the job if no agreement is reached by the end of month, when contracts expire. Star-Advertiser. Tribune-Herald.  Big Island Now.  Hawaii News Now. KITV4. 

Ruling opens door for challenges to HMSA prior authorization decision. The Hawaii Supreme Court has cleared the way for customers of the state’s largest health insurance company to sue over coverage denials that they believe harmed them or their families.  Hawaii News Now.

Here’s Where Hawaiʻi School Enrollment Is Dropping Fastest. The state is looking at redistricting schools and closing campuses amid an ongoing decline in enrollment. Civil Beat.

Surfing State Championships Coming To Hawaiʻi Schools This Spring. Surfing has been a high school sport since 2004, but a lack of funding and state support has kept many schools from starting their own competitive teams. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser.  Big Island Now. 

Coral in Hawaiʻi waters officially named after furry 'Star Wars' lookalike. A species of deep-sea coral has been named after the beloved "Star Wars" character Chewbacca. Its long shape makes it look like it’s standing upright, and its extended, flexible branches resemble the famous character’s fur. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

Alleged discrepancies in HFD fund under Council discussion. The City Council’s Budget Committee is set today to discuss an audit that showed that a Honolulu Fire Department fund to support fire prevention efforts islandwide was instead allegedly used to finance the department’s operations, staffing and new fire equipment purchases with little to no oversight. Star-Advertiser.

Red Hill whistleblower describes ‘cover-up’ during May 2021 fuel leak. A whistleblower turned over a mountain of evidence years ago, which includes never-seen-before photos of the initial spill. Hawaii News Now.

Invasive Beetles Are Overrunning Oʻahu. Could New Methods Offer Relief? The agriculture department has been focusing on coconut rhinoceros beetles on other Hawaiian islands, leaving Oʻahu largely to fend for itself. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Salary Commission to discuss raises for top officials, County Council. The Salary Commission is proposing to mirror Hawaii Government Employees Association alary increases for executives and elected officials for the next four years: 3.5% increase for year one; 3.79% increase for year two, 4% increase for year three, and 4% increase for year four. Tribune-Herald.

Council OK’s effort to acquire Honolulu Landing property. The Hawaii County Council has given full approval to a resolution urging the Department of Finance to move ahead with acquiring 364 acres of culturally and environmentally significant coastline in Puna known as Honolulu Landing. Tribune-Herald.

Hakalau Bridge Project Begins September 24. Work to rehabilitate the bridge will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Maui Balances Compassion With Fire Safety In Homeless Encampment Sweeps. County leaders say they are prioritizing the community as a whole but critics feel it’s scapegoating. Civil Beat.

With debris transfer nearing completion, attention turns to future of site. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers estimates some 400,000 to 500,000 tons of debris will be moved from the temporary disposal site at Olowalu to the permanent location at Puunene next to the Central Maui Landfill. Maui News.

Maui to host first-ever Hawaii high school surfing championship May 1-2. After almost three decades of work to bring surfing into the mainstream of high school sports on Maui, the first Hawaii High School Athletic Association surfing state championship will be decided on the Valley Isle. Maui News. Maui Now. 

Kauai

Coordinated Hunt in Kauaʻi’s Kalalau Valley reduces feral animal population. Kalalau Valley has long struggled with populations of feral pigs and goats, which damage native plants, cause erosion, and create public health and safety concerns for campers and hikers. Kauai Now. Hawaii News Now. 

Hawaii issues own vaccine guidance ahead of federal plans, Kaiser Permanente workers mull strike, Hawaii County unveils vacation rental study, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaiʻi And Western States Issue Vaccine Guidance Ahead of CDC Meeting. California, Oregon, Washington and Hawai‘i formed a health alliance earlier this month and published vaccine recommendations the day before a federal panel was set to take up the issue. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser.  Associated Press.

Hawaiʻi Supreme Court: OHA Trustees Bound By State Ethics Code. The court also upheld dozens of charges against former Trustee Rowena Akana. Civil Beat.

Erosion of democratic norms focus of state Senate committee informational briefing. Committee members will receive an informational briefing beginning at 10 a.m. on Sept. 18 from Colin Moore, a University of Hawaiʻi Economic Research Organization professor. Big Island Now.

Kaiser Permanente hospital workers in Hawaiʻi vote on strike authorization. More than 1,900 Kaiser Permanente hospital workers in Hawai‘i have begun casting ballots in a strike authorization vote this week, while tensions rise over ongoing contract negotiations. Big Island Now. Hawaii News Now.  KHON2. 

Here's what you need to know about a new fee on your HECO bill. A small portion of Hawaiian Electric customers' bills will now be put in a new state trust fund to pay developers of future renewable energy projects. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaiʻi High School Seniors Could Face Major Spike In Graduation Costs. A proposal from the state education department would raise the maximum cost for caps and gowns from $25 to $125. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Honolulu Overtime Pumps Up Pensions, Costs Taxpayers Hundreds Of Millions.  Public pension spiking fueled by Honolulu employee overtime has cost taxpayers a quarter of a billion dollars over the last seven years, based on department-by-department data the county provided. Civil Beat. KITV4.

City sells $217M in bonds to upgrade wastewater system. The city asserts bond proceeds will finance the costs of certain improvements, including design and construction of projects that rehabilitate Oahu’s existing wastewater system, expand system capacity and upgrade treatment processes. Star-Advertiser.

HPD moves forward with plans for school resource officers at three high school campuses. Honolulu’s interim police chief, Rade Vanic, wants to start a pilot program that would result in law enforcement officers being on campus in some schools. Hawaii News Now.

How Chaminade and HPU are handling the latest federal DOE cuts. Administrators  are still trying to get their arms around the impact of losing what’s known as Title III grants, which is federal money set aside for minority serving institutions like UH, Chaminade University and Hawaiʻi Pacific University. Hawaii Public Radio.

Living in Hawaiʻi just got even pricier: 3 new reports. To live comfortably in 2025, a Honolulu household needs between $225,751 and $280,000 a year, respectively. That amount covers basic needs, discretionary spending, long-term savings and taxes. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

STVRs study unveiled: Report to County Council highlights economic, social impacts. A new study commissioned by the Hawaii County Council is shedding light on the substantial economic and social impact of short-term vacation rentals across Hawaii Island. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News. 

Council mulls another pedestrian safety bill. Bill 82, which passed out of the council’s Policy Committee on Public Works and Mass Transit with a 7-0 vote, will now be considered by the full council. It serves as a follow-up to a previously vetoed measure, offering revisions in response to legal concerns. Tribune-Herald.

High bacteria count notification issued for Lehia Beach Park in Leleiwi. Hawai‘i Department of Health is retesting waters at Lehia Beach Park in Hilo’s Leleiwi community, located on the easternmost edge of the East Hawai‘i town, after bacteria levels of 288 per 100 mL were detected during recent routine beach monitoring. Big Island Now.

Maui

Maui County mulls buying water system amid drought. Maui County is open to acquiring water system infrastructure from a company that can’t meet demand amid a historic drought, though it’s unclear how such an acquisition might help affected customers suing the system’s owner. Star-Advertiser.

State hopes change in course will salvage Sentry golf tournament on Maui.  State officials say they still hope to have the Sentry golf tournament played in Hawaii after the PGA said it could not be played at the Kapalua course that has hosted it for years. Hawaii News Now.

Open house for temporary disposal site restoration plan Sept. 20.  There will be an open house regarding plans for the temporary wildfire debris storage site at Olowalu from 10 a.m. to noon Sept. 20 at the Lahaina Resource Center. Maui News.

Maui Council green-lights fast-track affordable housing at Kahului Civic Center site. Located on 3.4 acres of state land at 153 West Kaʻahumanu Ave., the Hawaiʻi Housing Finance and Development Corp. project, developed by EAH Housing, will feature two six-story buildings with 303 residential units and 298 parking stalls. Maui Now.

Poor Protection Of Molokaʻi From Invasive Beetles Called An Emergency. The loss of plants to invasive species would threaten the island’s food security and calls for more serious action. Civil Beat.

Kauai

Kaua’i County holding series of community meetings about future of island’s water. The sessions come after a recently completed Water Systems Investment Plan – a comprehensive island-wide water system study aimed at improving Kauaʻi’s water infrastructure. Kauai Now.

KIUC warns of false claims by solar PV companies on island. The Kauai Island Utility Cooperative said it has received reports from members saying that solar PV and battery system salespersons have provided them with inaccurate or incomplete information on how solar installations interact with KIUC’s electric grid, rates and programs. Star-Advertiser.

 

Maui emergency chief quits, Justice Department investigates Lahaina fire; cell service, 911, sirens, electric and water failures illustrate lack of preparedness, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Maui Emergency Chief Quits Amid Scrutiny Of Lahaina Fire Response. Herman Andaya faced a mountain of criticism for his agency's decision not to activate sirens that could have saved lives. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser.  Associated Press. Maui Now.  Hawaii News Now.

U.S. Department of Justice probes cause of Lahaina fire.  A U.S. Department of Justice fire investigation team is in Hawaii to determine the origin and cause of the Lahaina wildfire that killed more than 110 people and destroyed the 5-square-mile heart of town. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.

Judge pursuing legal action against Hawaii power companies after his house burns down. Retired Maui Chief Circuit Court Judge Shackley Raffetto is suing Maui Electric Co., Hawaiian Electric Co. and Hawaiian Electric Industries over the fire that reduced his house in Kula to ashes. Star-Advertiser. KITV4.

Fragile Fiber Lines In Lahaina Were Burned And Battered, Taking Out 911 And Cell Service. The utter collapse in communications during the deadly wildfire in Lahaina points to an urgent need to protect miles-long runs of above-ground fiber optic lines that form the backbone of Hawaii’s cellular phone and broadband networks.  Civil Beat.

New data reveals dozens of power grid malfunctions as Maui wildfires began. While the official cause of the Lahaina fire has not yet been determined, the focus appears to be centering around Hawaii’s largest power utility. Hawaii News Now.

Maui water pumps can work without HECO power.  Hawaiian Electric Co. executives, under widespread criticism and facing an onslaught of lawsuits, have maintained a key reason for not shutting off power early on Aug. 8 as wildfires began spreading on Maui was that electricity was needed to keep water pumps working for the firefighters battling the blazes. Star-Advertiser.

Arrivals to Maui down 80% as tourists cancel, change plans amid wildfire disaster. Government and tourism officials have repeatedly asked visitors not to travel to West Maui for the foreseeable future as the recovery work continues. But they’ve also taken paints to say the rest of Maui remains open. Hawaii News Now.

Concerns over ‘climate gentrification’ rise after devastating Maui fires. With a housing crisis that has priced out many Native Hawaiians as well as families that have been there for decades, concerns are rising that the state could become the latest example of “climate gentrification,” when it becomes harder for local people to afford housing in safer areas after a climate-amped disaster. Associated Press.

Green’s proclamation allows vehicles other than buses to transport students. In response to an ongoing school bus shortage, Gov. Josh Green has issued an emergency proclamation allowing vehicles other than school buses to be used to transport students. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now.  KHON2.

State Ag Corporation Hires New Leader. The Agribusiness Development Corp.’s board announced on Thursday that Wendy Gady will take on the role of executive director, following a four-month search.  Civil Beat.

Kaiser Permanente, Hawaiʻi Health Systems reach new contract agreement. Kaiser Permanente and Hawaiʻi Health Systems Corp., after months of talks, have reached an agreement in a new 4-year contract covering service rates for Kaiser members at all of the health system’s Hawaiʻi facilities. Big Island Now.

Oahu

Red Hill task force trains roving fire watch. Joint Task Force Red Hill, the organization the Pentagon set up to drain the massive fuel tanks at the Navy’s underground Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility, announced Thursday that it has completed training for its roving security and fire watch team. Star-Advertiser.

Paddle Out for Lahaina planned at Kūhiō Beach in Waikīkī on Saturday. Duke Kahanamoku Ocean Festival, together with Nā Kama Kai, invites the public to come together on Saturday, Aug. 19, for family and friends affected by the Lahaina fires with a community paddle out to “Queens” surf break in Waikīkī on Oʻahu. Maui Now. KITV4.

Hawaii Island

Design work begins for new Papa‘aloa gym. Hawaii County has hired a design consultant and is working on a contract to begin work on the new Papa‘aloa gym. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Friends, family remember dead as list of Maui fatalities grows. The death toll from the disaster is well beyond 100, with an estimated 1,000 people still unaccounted for. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Lahaina residents pick up supplies, process loss as road access reopens. Kahele Alipio and her family fled her ill-fated Lahaina Surf apartments “to wherever there was blue skies” as the fire approached and the town was choked with dark smoke on the afternoon of Aug. 8. Maui News.

Work underway to move those impacted by Maui wildfires from emergency shelters to hotel rooms. Work is underway to close all the emergency shelters on Maui, with the goal to have anyone affected by the deadly wildfires placed in hotel rooms by next week. Maui Now. Associated Press.

Lahaina Fires Leave Businesses And Livelihoods In Ruins. The Maui tourist hub hosted nearly 1,000 business establishments, most of which were burned to the ground. Civil Beat.

Maui County Waives Property Tax For Buildings Destroyed By Fire. Waivers and refunds apply only to residential buildings damaged by the wildfires. Civil Beat.

DOE works to reopen Maui schools, accommodate affected students. King Kekaulike High School, damaged during last week’s disaster on Maui, will begin a phased reopening next week, the state Department of Education said Thursday night. Star-Advertiser.

Lahaina survivors face contaminated air and water and emotional issues.  The state Health Department continues to warn Lahaina residents that the air they breath could contain toxic substances such as asbestos and arsenic after the fire burned historic wooden homes and structures dating back to the late 1800s. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai

New county finance department leaders sworn in. Michelle L. Lizama was announced as the County of Kaua‘i director of finance and Chelsie A. Sakai as the deputy director of finance on Wednesday during a swearing-in ceremony at the Mo‘ikeha Building, Lihu‘e Civic Center. Garden Island.

State mulls reclaiming military lease land, cannabis bills advance, first segment of Honolulu rail could open soon, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Proposed task force would plan environmental restoration of former military land. A proposal to establish a Surplus Military Land Task Force is making its way through the state Legislature. Senate Bill 521 would help the state determine and plan for the future use of land currently under military lease. Hawaii Public Radio.

Cannabis bills move forward despite mixed signals from Green’s team. Gov. Josh Green says he supports legalizing cannabis for adults 21 and older, but his newly installed department heads haven’t backed two bills advanced by the Senate on Thursday that would accomplish that goal. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Tribune-Herald.

Attorneys volunteering to help TMT, Kahuku wind turbine protesters clear arrest records. About 250 people were arrested during non-violent protests involving Native Hawaiian issues over recent years, such as the movements to stop the construction of telescopes on Mauna Kea and Haleakala, as well as protests against erecting wind turbines in Kahuku and development at Hunananiho in Waimanalo. KITV4.

Reverse Vending Machines Proposed In Hawaii Legislature. A pilot program to encourage the machines, House Bill 1410, is being discussed as a way to improve the state’s current redemption rate of 60%. The goal is to raise the percentage of eligible containers being redeemed at redemption centers.  Civil Beat.

Bill at state legislature would ban disposable wipes in all of Hawaii.  The purpose of House Bill 268 is to protect the plumbing. If passed, it would prohibit the sale or distribution of disposable wipes in the state. KITV4.

Kaiser reaches tentative deal with striking mental health workers. If ratified by union members, it will end a nearly six-month strike that the union says is the longest work stoppage by mental health care workers in U.S. history. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.  KHON2.

An Arizona Jury Fails To Agree On Death Sentence For A Hawaii Inmate. An Arizona jury has been dismissed after the jurors reported they could not reach a unanimous decision on whether a Hawaii prisoner should be executed for a 2010 murder in that state. Civil Beat.

Oahu

The Honolulu City Council Members Are More Like You Than You Might Think. Earning $69,000 a year means even the Honolulu City Council feels pressed by high housing costs and taxes. Civil Beat.

Some HART leaders see Ala Moana Center and UH as end points.  Despite budget constraints, some at the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation expressed their desire this week to see the rail project extended to its original end point of Ala Moana Center — and, if future funding were to become available, see the line move closer to the campus at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.

Office of Hawaiian Affairs Kakaako Makai bill advances.  The state Office of Hawaiian Affairs succeeded in advancing a bill to permit residential development on 31 acres it owns in Kakaako Makai past a pair of Senate committees Thursday after a contentious public hearing last week. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Island

UH President Gives Maunakea Chemical Spill Update. At a Thursday Board of Regents meeting, President David Lassner talked about the recent coolant leak at the UH 88-inch observatory.  Big Island Video News.

New playground equipment for Waikōloa Village park sits in storage container for months. Since late September, new playground equipment for Pu‘u Nui Park in Waikōloa Village has been sitting in a locked 40-foot Matson storage container taking up a big chunk of the parking lot. When it will be installed, nobody knows. Big Island Now.

‘Forever in our hearts’: Kona icon Norman Sakata dies at 96. West Hawaii mourned the passing of a local icon this week at the news of the passing of Norman Sakata, founder of the Kona Coffee Festival, Lions Club member and scoutmaster.  West Hawaii Today.

Maui

500 UPW workers vote to strike in dispute over pay; Maui Health hopes for agreement. Nearly 500 frontline healthcare workers at Kaiser’s Maui Health System have voted to strike in a dispute over pay, but Maui Health is hopes an agreement can still be reached.  Maui Now. Hawaii News Now.

The median sales price for a Maui County home is only one in state to top $1 million.  Although some counties saw a drop in home prices at the start of the new year, Maui County was the only one in the state to exceed a $1 million median for single-family homes. Maui Now.

Kauai

Anahola students call for statewide Hawaiian Honeycreeper Day. A class of fourth grade students in Anahola are campaigning for members of Hawai‘i’s Legislature to create a statewide day recognizing and celebrating Hawai‘i’s threatened and endangered honeycreepers. Garden Island.

Missing romance novelist, actress traced to Kaua’i after leaving Wyoming jail. Romance novelist and actress Faleena Hopkins — who wrote the “Cocker Brothers” and “Werewolves of New York” series and starred in the 2020 drama “Just One More Kiss” — went missing 16 days ago and now Wyoming police officers believe she is on Kaua’i after tracing pings of her new phone to the island. Kauai Now. Hawaii News Now.

Tourism marketing contract rescinded, Pearl Harbor attack remembered, Mauna Loa lava flow near military area raises concerns, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Lucrative Hawaii tourism marketing contract rescinded again. Mike McCartney, whose term heading the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism ended at noon Monday, said in two letters that his decision is “final and binding” and that he is confident the Hawaii Tourism Authority, the state agency that solicited bids and awarded the contract, will solicit new bids that split the desired work in two pieces. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.  Hawaii News Now.  KITV4.

81 years since Pearl Harbor attack, thousands to remember the ‘everlasting legacy’.  Thousands will gather Wednesday to mark another year since the Dec. 7 attack on Pearl Harbor and honor all those who sacrificed their lives. At the same time, many will celebrate the future that came after — when once bitter enemies became loyal friends and allies. Hawaii News Now.

Stemming the tide of corruption: Commission submits 31 proposals for change. A commission created to recommend ways to stem the tide of corruption in Hawaii state and local government has released an ambitious agenda that includes 31 proposals for the 2023 Legislature that convenes next month. West Hawaii Today.

More Hawaii households in poverty, report finds.  An Aloha United Way report, based on a 2022 statewide survey, found that while 9% of Hawaii households were below the federal poverty line in 2019, that percentage ballooned to 15% in 2022. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.  Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii government workers can switch insurance providers.  State and county government workers can now switch out their Kaiser Permanente health insurance for a Hawaii Medical Service Association plan — with no questions asked — if they are struggling to access behavioral health services due to a prolonged strike of Kaiser’s mental health clinicians that has entered its fourth month. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Honolulu Permit Applicants May Get Refunds If Approval Takes Too Long. Currently, the Honolulu Department of Planning and Permitting can cancel permit applications that have been in its system for 365 days, and the applicant forfeits their entire plan review fee. Civil Beat.

City to end free COVID-19 testing program on Oahu.  The City and County of Honolulu announced today that it will cease its free COVID-19 testing operations at the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport and other sites after Dec. 30. Star-Advertiser. KHON2.

Military refuses to release video of toxic spill at Red Hill, sowing new suspicion and concern. The state Health Department is demanding that the military release video of the latest spill at the Red Hill fuel facility. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu home sales plunge amid rising interest rates. Sales of single-family homes nose-dived 48.2% in November to 192 from 371 in the year-earlier period while condominium sales tumbled 43.4% to 340 from 601, according to data released Tuesday from the Honolulu Board of Realtors. Star-Advertiser.

Wahiawa’s New ‘Ad Hoc Mayor’ Has The Vision And The Power To Help His Hometown. Wahiawa, once a global agricultural center and now a down-on-its-heels urban hub in the middle of Oahu, has an important benefactor: Hawaii Sen. Donovan Dela Cruz, the often controversial chairman of the state’s powerful Senate Ways and Means Committee. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Commission names final four for Big Island police chief. The Hawaii County Police Commission on Tuesday revealed the four finalists to succeed Paul Ferreira, who retired Aug. 31 as the county’s police chief. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Now.

New Hawaiʻi County Council sworn in Monday.  The nine members of the new Hawai‘i County Council — all chosen by their communities to make the Big Island better — were sworn in Monday during the Hawai‘i County Inaugural Ceremony at the Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium in Hilo.  Big Island Now.

Mauna Loa lava flow edges closer to Saddle Road. Lava from the Mauna Loa eruption closed the distance to Daniel K. Inouye Highway to just 1.5 miles, Hawaii County Civil Defense reported Tuesday afternoon. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News.  Big Island Now.

Pohakuloa Training Area munitions raise concerns as Mauna Loa lava creeps closer.  A day after an unexploded training ordinance was found on Old Saddle Road by a civilian visitor, the press peppered county and military officials with questions about what other possible munitions remain on the terrain of the training area. KITV4.

‘We feel so lucky’: Crowds flock to Maunakea VIS to see Mauna Loa eruption. Thousands of residents and tourists braved the cold and the possibility of altitude sickness last weekend to see one of the best views of the Mauna Loa eruption — from its sister volcano, Maunakea. Tribune-Herald.

Access and air quality are top of mind for Hilo High during Maunaloa eruption.  Public schools on Hawaiʻi Island remain open despite the Maunaloa eruption. While there is a degree of excitement among some teachers and students — there’s also a level of anxiety. Hawaii Public Radio.

Maui

Whale spotted off Maui with “blunt force injuries” likely caused by a vessel strike. A whale in distress, spotted in West Maui waters last week, suffered from blunt force injuries, likely caused by a vessel strike either on its migration to Hawaiʻi or while in feeding grounds, according to the Pacific Whale Foundation.  Maui Now. KHON2.

Input sought on mosquito suppression efforts to address impacts of avian malaria on Maui. Haleakalā National Park is seeking public input on an environmental assessment for the “Suppression of Non-native Mosquito Populations to Address the Impacts of Avian Malaria on Threatened and Endangered Forest Birds on Maui.”  Maui Now. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai

DHHL plan includes 190 lots on Kaua‘i.  The final draft of the state Department of Hawaiian Home Lands plan to spend a historic $600 million allocation indicates it will fund the development of 190 lots on Kaua‘i. Garden Island.

Liquor investigators checking Kaua‘i businesses.  Department of Liquor Control investigators will be conducting compliance checks at Kaua‘i businesses this holiday season. Investigators will also work directly with business owners to identify minors using false identification to buy alcohol, the County of Kaua‘i announced Tuesday. Kauai Now. Garden Island.
 

Coral reef task force considers Hawaii experiences, Congress mulls new sea-based nuclear weapons, snorkeler recovering from Maui shark attack, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Heart-shaped coral in Hawaii ©2022 All Hawaii News

Coral reef task force panel details Hawaii leadership on marine resources management. A recent panel discussion during the 45th annual U.S. Coral Reef Task Force meeting focused on the leadership Hawaii is showing the country and the world in the face of mounting challenges to conserve ocean resources. West Hawaii Today.

Congress quietly debates new sea-based nuclear weapons amid China tension. The expansion of nuclear arms at sea could have implications for the Navy’s Hawaii-­based Pacific Fleet, and members of Hawaii’s congressional delegation sit on key committees that will determine the program’s future. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii could see bump in visitors from Japan as travel restrictions ease. The Japanese government on Wednesday is significantly easing border controls by eliminating requirements for pre- departure COVID-19 tests for travelers who have received at least three vaccine doses, and increasing daily entry caps to 50,000 from 20,000. Star-Advertiser.

Affordable housing in Hawaii: A top campaign issue where results are hard to assess. For  the governor, mayors, legislators and county council members after the Nov. 8 general election, moving the needle on an issue that has been a chronic problem for decades likely will be more than difficult and hard to measure. Star-Advertiser.

Lack Of Working Video Cameras At Hawaii Prisons Complicates Abuse Investigations. The Women’s Community Correctional Center has a long history of allegations of sexual misconduct, and broken cameras make it harder to prove cases. Civil Beat.

Kaiser mental health workers spend Labor Day walking picket lines as strike enters 2nd week. Kaiser’s mental health employees said they haven’t received pay raises to match the cost of living increases because — even though they organized four years ago — they don’t have a contract with Kaiser. But Kaiser said it offers attractive pay packages and has hired 28 clinicians in its mental health division since the beginning for 2021. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Honolulu City Council grapples with strategies for shoreline communities amid climate change. A proposed measure, Bill 41, would increase the general 40-foot shoreline setback to between 60 and 130 feet, depending on the location and size of the property. Star-Advertiser.

City plans to overhaul Oahu’s land use ordinances. For the first time in nearly 30 years, the city is overhauling its land use ordinances, proposing large- scale changes that would affect agricultural land, wind farms, housing and short-term rentals. Star-Advertiser.

Protecting The Past By Managing The Future Of Ka‘ena Point. A new federal designation could bring more money for a place brimming with cultural and environmental resources. But some worry it could bring more people too. Civil Beat.

Hundreds of Red Hill water samples never tested for fuel. The Navy did confirm Dec. 2 that its Red Hill shaft had been contaminated with jet fuel. But there is little data from early on to indicate what specific chemicals may have been present at dangerous levels in the drinking water system. Star-Advertiser.

Shortened rail line means nearly quadruple jump in Kakaako boardings, exits. The end of the line at Halekauwila and South streets near the state Circuit Court building will be known as the Civic Center station, where bus traffic also will dramatically increase. Star-Advertiser.

Think twice before running a red: HDOT nears rollout of red light cameras. Drivers on Oahu might want to think twice before running a red light. Soon, they could be fined without ever being stopped by police. Hawaii News Now.

Paid parking in effect for nonshoppers at Ala Moana Center. Ala Moana Center has established paid parking zones to accommodate people who need parking for nearby business or leisure activities outside of the shopping center. Star-Advertiser.

Residents question curbside painting service that’s ‘City & County approved’. The city is investigating a puzzling painting job. The service offers to paint addresses on the curb so it can be spotted by first responders. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

‘Not quite across the finish line’: County and state work toward Paniolo extension. The extension of Paniolo Avenue all the way to Queen Kaahumanu Highway could become reality sooner than the much-vaunted extension of Saddle Road, but don’t hold your breath — neither will happen overnight. West Hawaii Today.

Commission OKs cell tower on Kaumana. The Windward Planning Commission on Thursday approved an application for a permit to build a 180-foot cell tower on the upper end of Kaumana Drive. Tribune-Herald.

Council committee to consider two West Hawaii mini-developments. Some 22 acres of agricultural land in West Hawaii could become mini-developments totaling 26 new house lots under two rezoning requests a County Council panel is set to consider Tuesday. West Hawaii Today.

Common ground: Josh Green and Duke Aiona vow to fast track reform at Hilo Medical Center. Two candidates vying to be Hawaii’s next governor tackle the issue of health care on the Big Island — specifically addressing the situation at one of the state’s most overcrowded and understaffed hospitals. Hawaii News Now.

Maui

Snorkeler recovering from shark attack on Maui. A 51-year-old woman from France remains at Maui Memorial Medical Center after suffering serious injuries in a shark attack Saturday afternoon on Maui’s north shore. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now. Maui News. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

County mulls lower retirement age to help recruit police. Change would require update to state law; unfunded liabilities stand in the way. A proposal to eliminate the requirement that police officers be 55 years old before they can retire is gaining support as a way to help recruit and retain police officers. Maui News.

Major conservation conference comes to Maui this week. The National Association of Conservation Districts Pacific Southwest Regional Conference will take place in Lahaina this week, highlighting cooperative efforts on many levels. Maui Now.

Maui County seeks public input for kupuna and caregiver plans. The Maui County Office on Aging is seeking public input that will help guide future plans. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kauai

Kaua‘i mayor, council member, top official raises to go before council. A resolution set to go before County Council Wednesday would increase the maximum salaries of the mayor, department leadership, and council members by 15%. Garden Island.

High housing costs on Kauaʻi contribute to labor shortage. Kauaʻi has some of the same challenges as the rest of Hawaiʻi — high housing costs and a severe labor shortage. The pressures in this small community just seem a bit higher. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaiian hula teacher honored on quarter, Boy Scout dies after shot at camp shooting range, Kaiser mental healthcare workers go on strike, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

U.S. Mint releases Edith Kanaka‘ole commemorative coin design. The U.S. Mint released its new commemorative quarter design Monday that will honor Edith Kanaka‘ole, a renowned kumu hula and the first Native Hawaiian to be featured as a part of the American Women Quarters Program. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii Public Radio. Maui Now. Kauai Now. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Hawaii tourism arrivals hit recovery benchmark in July — but not all residents embracing the rise. July brought the highest monthly count of visitors since January 2020 — a benchmark that is creating economic hope for the pro-tourism crowd and angst from those concerned about whether the numbers can be properly managed to avert the threat of overtourism. Star-Advertiser.

Kaiser mental health therapists in Hawaii launch second strike. Kaiser Permanente’s mental health therapists in Hawaii went on strike today, still unable to come to an agreement on a contract four years after unionizing. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Research: 32 species can host rat lungworm disease. New research from the University of Hawaii at Manoa shows rat lungworm disease can be transmitted by many species, not just slugs and snails. Tribune-Herald. Maui Now. Kauai Now.

Hawaii Inmates Returning From An Arizona Prison Test Positive For Covid-19. So far 21 prisoners who were on the flight from Arizona have caught the coronavirus. Civil Beat.

Oahu

3 Honolulu police officers cleared in 2019 fatal shooting of Michael Kahalehoe in a Kapolei gas station parking lot. No charges will be filed against the three officers who fired the fatal shots, following the completion of an investigation by the Honolulu Police Department’s Professional Standard’s Office and the Department of the Prosecuting Attorney. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

An Increase In ‘Violent, Brazen’ Crime Raises Concerns On Oahu. The number of murders, aggravated assaults, forcible sex assaults and robberies on the island climbed about 5.6% in the first seven months of the year compared to the same period a year earlier, according to the statistics. Civil Beat.

New body-cam video shows events that led to HPD chase ahead of serious crash. Newly released body camera videos show the moments before an unauthorized chase by Honolulu police on Sept. 12, 2021. The videos also show that HPD supervisors were aware that witnesses were pointing the finger at officers from the beginning. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Child dies in apparent shooting accident at Hawaii island Boy Scout camp. Hawaii island police are investigating an apparent shooting accident that fatally wounded a boy Sunday afternoon at Camp Honokaia, a Boy Scouts of America facility. Star-Advertiser. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Pause to face confirmation hearings: Acting DPW director seeks permanent post. A Hawaii County Council committee plans a Sept. 6 confirmation hearing to consider Mayor Mitch Roth’s appointment of Acting Public Works Director Stephen Pause to the permanent position. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaiian Electric Asks Customers To Conserve Power This Week. The Hawaiʻi Island power utility hopes to avoid rolling outages, as Hamakua Energy Partners - the island’s largest independent power producer - is unavailable. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now.

Volcano Transfer Station loses recycling program. Volcano residents will have to travel farther afield to recycle HI-5 containers after the redemption center at the Volcano Transfer Station closes at the end of September. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now.

Maui

Maui County to vote on creating an ʻŌiwi Resources Department in general election. The proposed ʻŌiwi Resources Department would ensure proper management of native cultural resources, including the Hawaiian language, cultural practices, and natural resources. Hawaii Public Radio.

Updated bill to protect native birds from outdoor lighting goes before Maui Council. Councilmember Kelly Takaya King announced today that a revised version of the bill to protect native Hawaiian seabirds from outdoor lighting will be reviewed Wednesday at 9 a.m. in the Climate Action, Resilience and Environment Committee. Maui Now.

Park Maui mulls zip code check for free, discounted spots. An upcoming pilot program that aims to address growing parking demands in heavily used county parks and beaches proposes requiring a Maui County zip code to qualify for free parking, an idea backed by most residents at a meeting Wednesday. Maui News.

July 2022 visitor arrivals to Hawaiʻi recover 92.4% from 2019. Visitor arrivals on Maui have recovered to near pre-pandemic levels, with July 2022 arrivals coming in at -1% from 2019. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kauai Is Building One Of The Nation’s Longest Predator-Proof Fences. One of the longest predator-proof fences in the country is under construction at the Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge on the North Shore of Kauai. When complete, the $1.7 million project will span 2.1 miles, enclosing 168 of the refuge’s 199 acres to protect native seabird species – some of which are uncomfortably close to extinction. Civil Beat.

Hawai‘i Foodbank Food Drive Day makes a haul of it. Kaua‘i hosted seven sites, each one operating from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., across the island, accepting the top needed commodity of money, and other nonperishable foodstuffs to replenish the Puhi facility. Garden Island.