Tulsi Gabbard faces rocky Senate confirmation as national intelligence director, Benioff funds Keaau medical center, teachers' school projects, embattled Kauai police chief announces retirement, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Gabbard’s Past Could Complicate US Senate Confirmation. Trump’s nomination of former Hawaii congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard to be national intelligence director is likely to renew questions about her beliefs and background. Gabbard, 43, also has significant baggage, notably her support for autocratic leaders like Vladimir Putin of Russia and Bashar al-Assad of Syria. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser. National Public Radio.  KHON2. KITV4.

Hawaii Schools Superintendent could receive pay raise, contract extension. A Board of Education committee suggested a 4% salary increase for Keith Hayashi, which would raise his annual salary to $249,600, effective July 1, 2024. KHON2.

Lynne and Marc Benioff fund $2.5M for Hawaii public school teachers’ projects. The Hawaii Department of Education said the $2.5 million is part of a fall campaign that will go to more than 3,500 teachers at 268 campuses in Hawaii, including 251 public schools and 17 charter schools. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now.

This Remote Hawaiian Island Had Vanished. In early October 2018, a Category 3 storm ripped through this stretch of the Pacific Ocean, erasing East Island, battering nearby Tern Island and obliterating part of the unique and thriving reef system. Here’s Why Its Comeback Is Crucial. The storm destroyed a primary nesting site for endangered sea turtles and monk seals. East Island’s reemergence in this remote atoll has become an unexpected sign of resilience against climate change. Civil Beat.

Oahu

ACLU prepares to file suit against HPD, city over arrests of sober drivers at DUI checkpoints. The American Civil Liberties Union is demanding the Honolulu Police Department change arrest policies at DUI checkpoints or face a lawsuit. Hawaii News Now.

UH Cancer Center leader Dr. Naoto Uenoʻs own medical history drives his quest for expanded access. The UH Cancer Center recently renewed its National Cancer Institute designation, which it has maintained since 1996. Hawaii Public Radio.

How Kaimuki’s Queen Theater Went From Playhouse To Porn Hub. The former movie palace has languished for almost 40 years, prompting the Honolulu City Council to take steps toward condemning the valuable property. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Bill regarding home repairs passes. Small-scale home repairs could become easier to make if Mayor Mitch Roth signs a bill that exempts repair projects below a certain cost from needing a building permit. Tribune-Herald.

Kea‘au to get $60M health center. Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff and wife Lynne, Big Island residents, recently pledged $25 million toward the project, and Gov. Josh Green, a physician, has pledged to work to secure a matching $25 million for construction. Tribune-Herald.

Skyrocketing parking costs in downtown Kona keeping residents away, hurting businesses. Over the past few years, the patchwork of parking lots along and around Kailua-Kona’s touristy Aliʻi Drive from King Kamehameha Kona Beach Resort to Coconut Grove have drastically increased their parking rates, with some previously free places to park transitioning to pay lots. Big Island Now.

Hawaii appeals court hears case on State’s responsibility on Peter Boy’s death. Three years ago, Peter Boy’s surviving siblings and estate won a partial judgement in their wrongful death lawsuit, alleging the state failed to act on clear signs of abuse. A failure they believe led to his death.  KHON2.

Fire Weather Watch For Hawaiʻi, Power Shutoffs Possible. Dry fuels, low relative humidity and strong trade winds could result in critical fire weather conditions for leeward areas on Friday. Big Island Video News.

Maui

FEMA extends assistance to Maui survivors; Schatz asks for further aid. The Federal Emergency Management Agency has approved Hawaii’s request to extend Financial Assistance and Direct Temporary Housing Assistance for an additional year, now through Feb. 10, 2026. Star-Advertiser.

Kupuna who survived Maui wildfires offered affordable housing. The non-profit, J. Walter Cameron Center, is launching Na Hale Kupuna (NHK), an affordable housing project funded by Maui County’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and the federal CARES Act. NHK offers seven long-term condominium units in West, Central, and South Maui. Hawaii News Now.

Unplugging the Puʻunēnē Avenue bottleneck; relief ahead for Central Maui motorists. State Department of Transportation Director Ed Sniffen called the $25.5 million widening of the remaining portion of Puʻunēnē Avenue from two to four lanes a “capacity completion” project. Maui Now.

Some wish Lahaina’s 225-foot-high smokestack would be torn down. A preservation group is pushing to repair a near-century old relic of West Maui’s sugar plantation. Meanwhile, some critics wish the landmark would be torn down. Hawaii News Now.

Test plot growth at Maui Gold Pineapple ‘better than anticipated,’ sources say. About a year and a half ago, new owner Todd Domeck of Maui Gold Pineapple Company committed to completely eliminate fumigants from its practice and focus more on regenerative farming. Maui Now.

Kauai

Embattled Kauai police chief announces retirement. Faced with disciplinary proceedings and an investigation over alleged retaliation, the head of the Kauai Police Department is retiring next year. Chief Todd Raybuck announced his decision in an internal memo sent to the full department Wednesday. Hawaii News Now.

Fire weather watch in effect Friday for all leeward portions of state, including Kaua‘i, Ni‘ihau. The combination of dry fuels, low relative humidity and strong trade winds could spark critical fire weather conditions for leeward sections of the state at the end of this week. Kauai Now.

Corteva sees the faces of hunger in Lihue. The group of representatives from Corteva Agriscience, including Yael Claussen, Kristen Ma and Archie Acoba were silent on Wednesday morning when they rolled into the Kauai Independent Food Bank loading area. Garden Island.

Tropical storm watch issued as Hone strengthens, Harris loses support of 6 Hawaii delegates over Gaza stance, Honolulu gets more time to find landfill site, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Tropical storm watch issued for Hawaii Island as Hone strengthens slightly. A tropical storm watch has been issued for Hawaii Island as Tropical Storm Hone is expected to bring severe weather this weekend. A flood watch has also been posted for Hawaii Island ahead of the storm, which could become a hurricane late Sunday. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.  KITV4.  Star-Advertiser.  Associated Press.

Superintendent Says He’s Managing School Facilities Better. In his self-evaluation, Keith Hayashi says he wants to change contracting methods and use DOE lands more efficiently. Civil Beat.

Backing of Israel costs Harris support from Hawaii delegates. Objections to U.S. policy over the war in Gaza led six of Hawaii’s 31 delegates to the Democratic National Convention in Chicago to withhold their support for Vice President Kamala Harris following internal debate. Star-Advertiser.

The DNC Is A Highly Controlled Pep Rally. Hawaii Delegates Say It’s Still Important. The Democratic convention is no longer a place for hammering out party values and selecting candidates, but attendees say it still holds value — even for states with little political sway. Civil Beat.

Behind on electric bills? A spike in disconnections has the state seeking solutions. The Public Utilities Commission estimates that 6,000 households had their power cut in 2023 due to missed payments, which is about double the number of disconnections that occurred in 2019. Hawaii Public Radio.

ACLU Wants Federal Authorities To Probe Recent Murder, Violence At Arizona Prison. Hawaii is holding 1,000 prisoners at the Saguaro Correctional Center that had a murder, stabbing and fatal drug overdoses in recent months. Civil Beat.

Oahu

State grants Honolulu more time to find new landfill. The state Land Use Commission on Thursday officially granted Honolulu’s request to find Oahu’s next municipal landfill by the end of this year. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Struggles To Find A Remedy For Abandoned Homes Taken Over By Squatters. Neighborhood boards across Oahu are asking the city to seize such properties, which are prone to fire. But the city says that the foreclosure process is unwieldy and expensive. Civil Beat.

Navy talks Red Hill remediation plan amid detection of new chemicals. The Navy intends to keep its remediation schedule outlined in a Red Hill work plan approved by state and federal regulators. It comes amid calls by the Honolulu Board of Water Supply for more frequent testing of its monitoring wells.  Hawaii Public Radio.

Honolulu police sergeant’s son gets minimum 15 years for murder. Circuit Judge Shanlyn Park prefaced her sentencing of a Honolulu police sergeant’s son, convicted of murdering 18-year-old Haaheo Kolona on Round Top Drive, with empathy for Kolona’s mother, saying that as a mother she can understand. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.  KITV4.

Family confirms death of missing military spouse Mischa Johnson. The military has still not officially confirmed Johnson's death, but her family took to social media, pleading for help to get justice for Mischa. KITV4.

Ewa Beach resort developer offers hotel site for sale. The master developer of Ocean Pointe and Hoakalei Resort has listed for sale a lagoon-front piece of land for development of an initial hotel or timeshare complex at the 1,100-acre project in Ewa Beach. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Concerns over Hawaiʻi Island agriculture tax program prompt roll-out delays. A new agricultural tax program is being rolled out on Hawaiʻi Island, but some officials are trying to delay it to appease the worries of local producers. Hawaii Public Radio.

Port Condition Whiskey Set For Hawaiʻi County Seaports Due To Tropical Storm. The U.S. Coast Guard Captain of the Port has set port condition Whiskey for the seaports of Hilo and Kailua-Kona in expectation of sustained gale force winds arriving within 72 hours. Big Island Video News.

8 East Hawai‘i school bus routes to be reinstated next week. School bus service for nearly 200 students, most of them on the Big Island, will be restored starting next week as 8 previously suspended East Hawai‘i routes are reinstated. Big Island Now.

Storm preparations underway on Hawaii Island as Hone expected to bring rain, wind and waves. With potential severe weather ahead, local, state and federal agencies are closely monitoring the forecast. Hawaii County has partially activated its Emergency Operations Center and said they’re keeping a close watch on the Hilo area. Hawaii News Now.

Maui

Lahaina financial awards available for about 400 eligible DOE workers. Gov. Josh Green this week announced a new initiative — Lahaina Honoring Employees’ Resilience and Optimism, or HERO, Awards — to recognize state Department of Education employees who have played critical roles in keeping Lahaina schools open following the Aug. 8, 2023, Maui wildfires. Star-Advertiser.

Conservationists hope millions of mosquitoes will help save Hawaiʻi's native birds. In an effort to save endangered native forest birds, the multi-agency partnership Birds, Not Mosquitoes has been releasing sterile male mosquitoes on Maui. Hawaii Public Radio.

County places embattled Economic Development Director on paid leave. Mayor Bissen enacts several measures in response to internal audit, ethics findings. The County of Maui Office of Economic Development Director Luana Mahi is now on paid leave, pending an investigation regarding her involvement in the alleged misuse of grants and public funds.  Maui News. KHON2.

Public comments sought for draft Honolua to Honokōhau Management Plan. Public comments are due Sept. 9 on a draft environmental assessment for the Honolua to Honokōhau Management Plan, a project by the state Department of Land and Natural Resources State Parks Division to help with planning for the 244-acre coastline on the north shore of West Maui. Maui Now.

Kauai

KFD battling brush fire in East Kauai. As of 8:30 p.m. Thursday night, the blaze had burned up to 15 acres of land and was only 20% contained. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Kaua‘i educator among finalists for Hawai‘i State Teacher of the Year. The Kaua‘i teacher among the finalists is Leah ʻAiwohi, who teaches Computer Science, STEM and Career Technical Education at Kaua‘i High School. Kauai Now.

Kapa‘a Bypass rehabilitation work begins. The weekday closure of the Kapa‘a Bypass Road for rehabilitation started this week. Garden Island.

Fewer than half of Hawaii schoolchildren proficient in math and reading, state lawmaker wrongly claims hundreds of thousands in property tax exemptions, activists decry 'timid' stance on cockfighting, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Fewer than half of Hawaii’s keiki proficient in reading and math. A new study reports that fewer than half of Hawaii’s students are proficient in reading and math and that Hawaii is ranked among the bottom third of states nationally for economic well-being, indicating a need for more state action supporting keiki and families. Star-Advertiser.

State Lawmaker Wrongly Claims Hundreds Of Thousands Of Dollars In Property Tax Exemptions. House Rep. Micah Aiu has owned a Kinau Street apartment near downtown since 2018 but has been living in Moanalua, which he represents, since 2021. Civil Beat.

Activists decry Hawaii’s ‘timid’ stance on cockfighting as they push for tougher laws nationwide. Animal Wellness Action, based in Washington D.C., says Hawaii is among the weakest states for cockfighting laws. Hawaii News Now.

'Inappropriate behavior' alleged in lawsuit against top officials at Department of Law Enforcement. A commander in the Sheriff Division of the Department of Law Enforcement filed a lawsuit Tuesday against the department's top officials, alleging inappropriate behavior including sexual harassment. KITV4.

Prices Have Abruptly Skyrocketed At The Arizona Prison That Houses Many Hawaii Inmates. A contractor that provides store orders for more than 1,000 Hawaii convicts at a privately run prison in Arizona has jacked up its prices, a move critics condemn as “price gouging” that is causing hardship for the Hawaii inmates and their families. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Honolulu Finally Fires Electrical Inspector Who Approved His Own Jobs. Arthur Suverkropp was officially let go as of April 29, according to his former employer, the Honolulu Department of Planning and Permitting. Civil Beat.

Council, retailers wish to ignite fireworks bill. In spite of government seizures to quash illegal fireworks on Oahu, the Honolulu City Council is pushing a new measure to allow some currently banned “consumer fireworks” — namely, ground-level fountains and sparklers — to be legally sold to those with permits, during designated periods like New Year’s Eve and the Fourth of July. Star-Advertiser.

Plan for vacant publicly-funded units unveiled, but timeline for filling them still uncertain. For nearly two and a half years, 27 brand new low-income units have sat vacant in Iwilei because the city was unable to find a property manager to run the place. Now, the state is in charge of operations. Hawaii News Now.

State moves forward with plan to acquire HPU’s former Windward Oahu home. The 123-acre property has potential for housing in student dorms and as a temporary headquarters for the state Department of Health. Hawaii News Now.

How could Waikiki respond to sea level rise? These researchers have some ideas. By the end of the century, sea level rise will reach nearly 6 feet, the current estimates predict. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Falls of Clyde is a step closer to being removed from Honolulu Harbor. The ship has already been delisted from the state and national registers of historic places, and a Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation environmental assessment on its removal was released this month. Hawaii Public Radio.

Porn Producer Is Waging War In Honolulu Against Alleged Copyright Pirates. An adult film company known variously as a “copyright troll” and “the Steven Spielberg of porn” is campaigning in Honolulu to stop alleged piracy of its “high-end, artistic and performer-inspiring motion pictures” distributed on sites with names like “Tushy,” “MILFY” and “Vixen.” Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Hilo housing complex for veterans will offer 92 units. Big Island veterans should be able to move into a long-awaited Hilo housing development by September. Tribune-Herald.

Above average rain in May unlikely to ease dry season concerns. Hilo International Airport recorded 9.75 inches of rain in May, 139% of its norm. Piihonua, on the Mauna Loa slope above Hilo, received 22.21 inches, 165% of its May average. Tribune-Herald.

King’s Landing Settlement Plan Draft EA Published. The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands has published a draft environmental assessment for the planned settlement of King's Landing, where beneficiaries have already been living for 40 years. Big Island Video News.

Maui

EIS preparation notice issued for Mākena Mauka development, with 850 to 900 homes. Public comments are due July 8 for an environmental impact statement preparation notice for Mākena Mauka, a proposed 1,041-acre, master-planned residential community located within the Mākena Golf & Beach Club in South Maui. Maui Now.

Recovery plan workshop for Lahaina Town South residents. The Lahaina Town South neighborhood will have a planning workshop this Saturday through the county's Office of Recovery and Department of Planning. Hawaii Public Radio.

A Return To Lahaina? Camping Out On His Vacant Lot Sounds Perfect To This Fire Victim. After 10 months living in a resort condominium paid for by the federal government, Mario Siatris just wants to get back to his land. Civil Beat.

Environmental Groups Seek Injunction In Maui Seabird Case. Conservation Council for Hawaii and the Center for Biological Diversity say the Grand Wailea Resort must be barred at certain times of the year from using bright lights at night. Civil Beat.

Hawaiian Electric launches Public Safety Power Shutoff program to enhance wildfire safety on Maui, Molokai. Starting July 1, Hawaiian Electric is launching its Public Safety Power Shutoff program to reduce the risk of wildfire. Maui News.

Kauai

DHHL Is Finding It’s Not So Easy To Just Buy An Apartment Building For Families On The Homelands Waitlist. A rental project for Kauai families on the state Department of Hawaiian Home Lands waitlist is in limbo as millions of dollars in tax credits it needs to move forward this summer are likely to be rejected by the state housing finance agency. Civil Beat.

Kaua‘i rainfall totals above average for month of May. The U.S. Geological Survey’s rain gauge on Mount Waiʻaleʻale had the highest monthly total of 45.64 inches (148% of average) and the highest daily total of 6.18 inches on May 13. The Kalāheo and ʻŌmaʻo gages posted their highest May totals since 2011. Kauai Now.

Interior Department issues new Hawaiian language guidance, Green pushes climate fee, Saiki, Roth out-raising challengers, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Department of the Interior releases new guidance to honor, elevate Hawaiian language. A comprehensive new Departmental Manual chapter underscores the Department’s commitment to further integrating Indigenous Knowledge and cultural practices into conservation stewardship. Kauai Now.

Full text of new Department of the Interior chapter can be found here.

Bill to raise Hawaii DOE superintendent pay cap sparks controversy. Hawaii DOE Superintendent Keith Hayashi currently makes $240,000 a year. A bill would raise that cap to $350,000, but there’s no shortage of frustration when talking about pay increases for government officials. Hawaii News Now.

Lawmakers consider bills to address childcare staffing shortages. SB 2603 and its companion bill, HB1964, would require the Department of Human Services to establish a childcare subsidy and bonus program for workers caring for children six weeks to 3 years old. KITV4.

Hawaii’s Governor Wants To Finally Get A Climate Fee Passed, But Will It Be Enough? The state is falling short by hundreds of millions of dollars each year to protect its environment, conservationists say. The new proposal would raise about $70 million annually. Civil Beat.

Bills would regulate short-term rentals. A bill that seeks to give the counties the power to control short-term rentals — even phase them out— is moving in the state Legislature. Other bills under consideration are geared to encouraging better regulation of short-term rentals, or providing incentives to convert them into longer-term housing. Star-Advertiser.

House Speaker Well Funded In Rematch With Persistent Opponent. Scott Saiki has 10 times the amount of cash in his campaign war chest compared with Kim Coco Iwamoto. Civil Beat.

Wildfire issues take center stage among Hawaii lawmakers. Predicting wildfires using artificial intelligence, banning new overhead high-voltage power lines and paying for catastrophic fire property losses could be in Hawaii’s future depending on state lawmaker decisions this year. Star-Advertiser.

HECO-Backed Bill Would Help Protect Utilities From Litigation Over Wildfire Damage. Utilities, insurers, large landowners and the state would pay into a "wildfire relief fund" to help pay for property damage claims. Civil Beat.

HECO’s Board Chair Is Suing His Own Utility Over The Maui Fires. Timothy Johns has recused himself from some HECO decisions, as an activist shareholder calls for overhauling HECO's board. Civil Beat.

Hawaii’s New $120M Undersea Cable Project Is A ‘Serious Poke’ To Shake Up The Market. The state will retain a 20% ownership interest in the interisland network, which will compete with Hawaiian Telcom. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Lawmakers Consider Banning Excessive Delirium As A Cause Of Death. The term already isn't being used by the Medical Examiner's Office and most doctors, officials said. But advocates want to ban it officially. Civil Beat.

Hawaii retail market faced exodus, but some are optimistic. Times are tough for those in retail, but some retailers are still forging ahead with the opening of new stores, with hopes of betters times to come. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

HART mulls scrapping internal audit. A plan to scrap a previously sought top-down internal review of the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation is underway. Star-Advertiser.

29 Honolulu police officers disciplined in 2023. Twenty-nine Honolulu police officers were disciplined in 2023 in connection with 28 incidents, including covering up police pursuits that ended in crashes and acquiring parts to build a ghost gun. Star-Advertiser.

Navy water system sees increase in tap water, air quality complaints. The Navy is responsible for maintaining water quality, as the water purveyor for the water system, and is therefore primarily responsible for water testing, under regulatory oversight by the state Department of Health and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Star-Advertiser.

Backlog of repairs plagues UH Manoa student housing as officials try for revitalization. Serious plumbing problems are a major reason the 656-bed Hale Wainani apartments are considered by UH officials to be at risk of becoming the next aging UH student housing complex to be closed, following the neighboring 530-bed Hale Noelani apartment complex, which has been shuttered and silent for nearly seven years. Star-Advertiser.

New housing development planned at former Saint Francis School campus. Saint Francis School closed its doors in 2019, and developer Avalon Group has bought the property for $23.35 million, according to brokerage firm CBRE. Star-Advertiser.

Concerns rising for Oahu's homeless kupuna. The city and state are working together to find more health care and social service workers to help homeless people on the streets and develop the most appropriate course of treatment. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Big Island Mayor Outpaces Lone Challenger In Election Fundraising. Mitch Roth's war chest is tens of thousands of dollars larger than that of rival candidate Kimo Alameda with nine months to go before the election. Civil Beat.

‘Safe Spaces’ plan underway: County officials eyeing possible sites for homeless camps. Homeless individuals could begin congregating in Hawaii County-authorized “Safe Spaces” in Hilo and Kailua-Kona under a new housing initiative. Tribune-Herald.

National park launches volcano summit makeover. Nearly six years after the 2018 Kilauea eruption landed crippling blows to the buildings and roads of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, the National Park Serv­ice has launched a $28 million project to rehabilitate the summit area of Kilauea Volcano. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii Public Radio.

Maui

Bill seeks to expedite rebuilding of homes and businesses in Lahaina and Upcountry Maui. Bill 21 (2024), submitted by the county’s Department of Public Works, would amend the Maui County Code in an effort to broaden the applicability of emergency-repair provisions and clarify the review and approval procedures for emergency-repair permits.  Maui Now.

Developer selected for proposed ʻUkiu Energy biofuel-powered generator project on Maui. The ʻUkiu Energy 40-megawatt (MW) biofuel-powered generator proposed by Ameresco Inc. is aimed at helping to move Hawai‘i closer to its clean energy goals, while adding critical grid reliability with firm renewable energy.  Maui Now.

Kaiser to open temporary West Maui Clinic in Kaanapali. Kaiser Permanente recently announced plans to open a temporary West Maui Clinic on the grounds of the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort in Kaanapali.  Star-Advertiser.

HECO, Maui County may be sued for harm to seabirds from streetlights and power lines. The Conservation Council for Hawaiʻi and the American Bird Conservancy, represented by Earthjustice, submitted notice this week that they may file a lawsuit seeking to "put an end to HECO's and the County's illegal conduct," according to a statement.  Hawaii Public Radio.

Kauai

Vidinha Stadium to temporarily close for repairs. Director of Parks and Recreation Pat Porter said the repairs are needed to extend the life of track. Track users, including the Kaua‘i Interscholastic Federation, may continue to use it until the main track and field replacement projects get underway. Kauai Now.

Connecting to Kaua‘i’s endangered forest birds. Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami issued a Makahiki o na manu proclamation dedicating the year to raising awareness about native forest birds. Garden Island.

Schools superintendent to reorganize department following $2B construction fund backlog, Kaneshiro bribery trial set, Red Hill fuel lingers in water, volcano air tours limited, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

With $2B in unspent construction money, schools Superintendent Keith Hayashi pledges to overhaul process. Hawaii’s school superintendent is promising to reorganize his department to deal with a huge backlog of school construction projects. Hawaii News Now.

Leadership roles in limbo as Hawaii Tourism Authority preps for Legislature. The Hawaii Tourism Authority has less than a month to shore up uncertainties surrounding its budget, leadership for the agency and for some key contractors before the state Legislature convenes its 2024 session. Star-Advertiser.

Prisons Director And Corrections Commission Agree To Keep Talking And Meeting. After a brief impasse, Department of Public Safety Director Tommy Johnson is once again participating in meetings. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Judge denies ex-city prosecutor’s last ditch effort to have public corruption case thrown out. A bribery trial is set to begin in February for Keith Kaneshiro, Honolulu’s longest-serving city prosecutor, and his campaign donors from an engineering firm. Hawaii News Now.

Petroleum From Red Hill Leaks May Be Lingering In Pearl Harbor Drinking Water. A new EPA report lends credence to complaints that residents say were otherwise falling on deaf ears. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser. KITV4.

State crews continue slope assessment following Pali Highway landslide. Pali Highway’s townbound lanes remains closed following a landslide Wednesday, and state officials say assessments of the slope are ongoing. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.  KITV4.

Hawaii Island

HVNP air tours limited: New management plan puts substantial restrictions on overflights. Air tours above Hawaii Volcanoes Natural Park will be cut by nearly 90% under a long-awaited new Air Tour Management Plan. Tribune-Herald.

Telescope removed from Caltech Submillimeter Observatory atop Maunakea; decommissioning paused until spring. The Leighton telescope has been taken out of the Caltech Submillimeter Observatory and removed from Maunakea on the Big Island for shipment to Chile for re-use. Big Island Now.

$18M federal grants slated for Big Island road and sidewalk safety improvements. The Big Island is slated to receive a share of more than $18 million in federal grants to the State of Hawaii from the U.S. Department of Transportation for projects to improve safety on roads and sidewalks. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

County of Maui launching online portal to improve public records request process. The County of Maui aims to make it easier for residents to request and receive public records in accordance with Hawai’i law, thanks to software technology modernization, the county Department of the Corporation Counsel announced Thursday. Maui Now.

Maui lawmakers outline latest measures aimed at averting wildfires. During a press conference Thursday, Maui county council members discussed three bills they hope will help prevent wildfires on the island.  KITV4.

Maui Starts Building Temporary Landfill For Wildfire Ash And Debris Despite Public Concerns. The county has proposed making Olowalu the permanent site to store 400,000 cubic yards of contaminated material but the mayor will make the final decision. Civil Beat.

Options Expanding For Displaced Maui Families Struggling To Find Housing. A philanthropic partnership led by the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement is offering a direct leasing program and increased stipends for hosts. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now.  KHON2.

Kauai

State intends to declare traffic emergency zone on Kaua‘i due to instability of slope by ‘Opaeka‘a Falls Scenic Lookout. A traffic emergency zone designation allows the state to expedite procurement and permitting to take action to construct improvements to protect access to the state road. Anyone wishing to comment on the designation may do so through a virtual public meeting to be conducted within 24 hours of the designation. Kauai Now.

School facilities official out amid construction backlog controversy, superintendent pay raise deferred, Land Board to mull new ocean stewardship fee today, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Official Overseeing Hawaii School Facilities Is Out Amid Funding Controversy. Assistant Superintendent Randall Tanaka’s departure follows the department’s controversial plan to lapse $465 million in capital improvement projects that would have supported improvements ranging from new classrooms to play structures on school campuses. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

Decision deferred on $10K pay raise for schools superintendent. A proposal to raise the salary of state schools Superintendent Keith Hayashi by $10,000, to $250,000, was held back in a state Board of Education committee Thursday, but a separate proposal to expand the criteria used to evaluate him was amended and approved. Star-Advertiser.

Regents to revise plan in UH president search. Following nearly six hours of board debate and public testimony at a University of Hawaii Board of Regents meeting Thursday, the regents voted to make significant changes to a proposed plan for finding the next UH president, to make it more transparent and include more stakeholders’ input. Star-Advertiser.

New Rules For Ocean Users, Taking Certain Fish Go To Hawaiʻi Board. A new rule on ocean stewardship user fees, and amendments for the sustainable harvest of important reef fish, go to the BLNR on Friday. Big Island Video News.

 Study documents harm to coral reefs from overfishing. Aquatic biologists have long known the importance of algae-eating fish to the overall health of coral reefs. But new research documents just how important species like surgeonfish and parrotfish are to Hawaii’s coral reefs. Star-Advertiser.

Pearl Harbor survivors reflect on anniversary of day of infamy. At the age of 102, Harry Chandler returned to Pearl Harbor for the first time since he survived the infamous surprise attack on the base on Dec. 7, 1941. Star-Advertiser. Associated Press. Hawaii News Now.  KHON2.

Hōkūleʻa is back in Hawaiʻi to train the next generation of navigators. Over the last six months, Hōkūleʻa traveled more than 2,800 miles and visited 45 communities from Juneau, Alaska, to Long Beach, California, as part of the Moananuiākea Voyage. Hawaii Public Radio. Big Island Now.  Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Honolulu City Council passes bill to address the City’s 2,000+ position vacancies. The Honolulu City Council passed a bill Wednesday addressing hiring deficiencies in the City and County of Honolulu, which has more than 2,000 position vacancies. Maui Now.

Hawaii Lobbyist Pleads Guilty To Illegal Drug Possession At Vet Clinic. The politically connected former president of an Oahu veterinary clinic has admitted she improperly obtained drugs for animals using the credentials of an unknowing veterinarian who no longer worked there.  Civil Beat.

Kualoa Ranch considers having Haiku Stairs on its property. The Friends of Haiku Stairs, the group attempting to block the city’s demolition of the once legally accessible steel steps built along a sheer ridgeline above Kaneohe, isn’t the only entity interested in the Windward Oahu landmark. Star-Advertiser.

HPD corporal placed on restricted duty, had police powers removed after crash that seriously injured motorcyclist. Body camera footage HPD didn’t want the public to see captured the actions of an off-duty HPD corporal shortly after a crash records show he caused. Vasai Isala Jr. recently slammed his subsidized vehicle into the back of a motorcyclist, seriously injuring the rider. Hawaii News Now.

Despite previous settlement, city tries to deny liability in near-fatal crash involving 4 officers. Four Honolulu police officers charged criminally for a crash that critically or seriously injured six people were acting outside the scope of their duties. That’s according to the city, which does not want to be held liable for the alleged actions. Hawaii News Now.

2 HPD Officers Disciplined For Working An Unauthorized Side Job On The Clock. Sgt. Jefferey Pohaku and Cpl. Mark Montez provided security in uniform for a company in 2018 and 2019 without prior permission from the police department. Civil Beat.

1 Million Sea Urchins Have Now Been Deployed To Eat Kaneohe’s Invasive Seaweeds. Officials with the state Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Aquatic Resources, which houses the Anuenue Fisheries Research Center where the urchin are grown, notes a measured decrease in invasive seaweeds on every reef that has been stocked with lab-reared urchins. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

New law streamlines building permit process. The law, which began life as Bill 84, amends and streamlines parts of the County Code regarding the issuance of building permits and permit extensions, standardizing the time it takes to receive them. Tribune-Herald.

Kona low system provided some drought relief, but dry conditions expected to persist. The Kona low system that swept over the state at the end of November gave Big Islanders, especially those using water catchment systems, a welcome respite from the drought. Tribune-Herald.

Renewable energy project in the works. A community meeting was held Wednesday to provide updates about the Kalaoa Solar Project, a proposed 40-acre renewable energy facility on state Department of Hawaiian Home Lands property in Kalaoa. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

November’s Kona low brought flash flooding, some relief to drought conditions on Maui. On Maui, the National Weather Service’s latest precipitation summaries found that the US Geological Survey’s rain gage at West Wailuaiki Stream had the highest monthly total of 23.89 inches (120% of average), and the highest daily total of 9.83 inches on Nov. 30.  Maui Now.

Department of Health: Maui air monitoring in November shows good quality in wildfire-impacted areas. Air monitoring and sampling conducted in wildfire-impacted areas of Maui between Nov. 8 and 15, 2023, shows good air quality, according to the Hawaiʻi Department of Health. Maui Now.

Kauai

Proposal to rebuild Coco Palms Resort on Kauai remains an issue for residents. State Board of Land and Natural Resources will review a permit application to develop a resort in Wailua where it once stood. KITV4.

Passenger count plunges at Lihu‘e Airport in November. The number of people getting off domestic passenger flights at Lihu‘e Airport dropped below 60,000 in November, marking the second lowest total for any month this year. Garden Island.

GoFarm Hawai‘i returning; free participation to applicants referred by employers. GoFarm Hawai‘i will offer free participation to applicants recommended by employers in agriculture, food systems, or farm-to-table. Kauai Now.

Raise proposed for state schools chief, flags at half staff for Pearl Harbor Day, protected birds nesting in Skyline construction path, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Pay raise, expanded evaluation proposed for state schools chief.  Proposals to raise state schools Superintendent Keith Hayashi’s annual salary by $10,000 to $250,000, and to expand his annual evaluation criteria to include performance in high-priority areas such as school facilities and Maui emergency response, are scheduled to be considered today by a state Board of Education committee. Star-Advertiser.

House Abruptly Cancels Hearing On Plans To Lapse School Construction Funds. Lawmakers had planned to have a public discussion about the unpopular decision to delay or even scrap an array of public school projects, but then called it off. Civil Beat.

Major takeaways from Gov. Josh Green's 1st year in office address. Gov. Josh Green reflected on his one year in office with a video message released Tuesday, specifically noting the "difficult challenges" the state has faced over the past several months. Hawaii Public Radio. Maui News.

Governor orders flags to fly at half-staff today in honor of Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. At the direction of the U.S. President Joe Biden, Hawaiʻi Gov. Josh Green has ordered the U.S. and state flags be flown at half-staff from sunrise to sunset today at the state Capitol in Honolulu, all state offices and agencies and the Hawaiʻi National Guard in honor of Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. Kauai Now.

USS Pearl Harbor makes Hawaii pit stop. The USS Pearl Harbor stopped in its namesake port this weekend as it concluded a Pacific deployment — its last for a while as the ship prepares for a round of repairs and upgrades. Star-Advertiser.

‘I owe them’: At 103, Pearl Harbor survivor makes trip to honor comrades lost in Dec. 7 attacks. Pearl Harbor survivor “Ike” Schab is back in Honolulu. The 103-year-old was greeted with applause Sunday as he got off his flight from Portland. Hawaii News Now.

New funding program for commercial farmers to start agroforestry. Commercial farmers have a chance at the gift of a federal grant aimed at building food security with agroforestry practices. The Hawaiʻi ʻUlu Cooperative and The Nature Conservancy are shepherding the program. Hawaii Public Radio.


Oahu

Federally protected birds are nesting in path of future Skyline rail route. As the rail project moves into the next section of Oahu, a group of bird advocates says it's concerned about white terns, because hundreds of the native Hawaiian birds have nests in urban Honolulu. KITV4.

Hawaii lawmakers want habitual bad drivers off the road. A state lawmaker and City Council chairperson Wednesday urged Oahu motorists to slow down and asked for a renewed focus on getting habitual bad drivers off the road. Star-Advertiser.

Personal lockers on beaches proposed to prevent beach theft. According to tourism officials, the Waikiki Safe and Sound Campaign from September 2022 dramatically lowered rates of property and violent crimes. KHON2.

Home sale volume down, prices mixed on Oahu in November. Oahu’s housing market experienced relatively small and mostly negative changes in sales and prices of previously owned homes last month. Star-Advertiser.

Waianae town hall provides updates on game rooms, crimes. At a public meeting Tuesday on crime on Oahu’s West Side, officials provided updates on ongoing efforts related to illegal game rooms and crime prevention at public parks and in schools. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Hawai‘i County Council approves hiring outside counsel for defense against civil lawsuit claiming Clean Water Act. The Hawai‘i County Council approved hiring outside counsel to defend the County in a civil lawsuit filed by a local nonprofit that accuses the County of violating federal laws by discharging treated sewage into waters around Honokōhau Bay through groundwater. Big Island Now.

Kia’s rezoing request rejected: Millie’s Deli, New Saigon won’t be replaced by auto dealership. After impassioned support from community members, a pair of Keaukaha restaurants have been spared eviction and won’t be replaced by a car dealership in two years. Tribune-Herald.

HPD detective pleads not guilty.  A Hawaii Police Department detective accused of lying to a Hilo grand jury in March pleaded not guilty Wednesday to charges of perjury and tampering with a government record. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Blessing marks construction of new Kaiāulu o Kūku′ia affordable housing and Bezos Academy preschool. An estimated 200 affordable rentals are under construction in Lahaina as part of the Kaiāulu o Kūku′ia project, which includes Hawaiʻi’s very first Bezos Academy preschool.  Maui Now. Hawaii News Now.

Housing project’s timing depends on Lahaina recovery. The timing of construction for the next phase of the Villages of Leiali’i subdivision mauka of the Lahaina Civic Center “will follow recovery of the project’s surrounding area” impacted by the fires, the state Department of Hawaiian Home Lands said in a report last month. Maui News.

Army Corps of Engineers making progress on temporary elementary school in Lahaina. The US Army Corps of Engineers is making progress on the project to design and install modular buildings for a temporary elementary school in Lahaina, which will fill the void created by the loss of King Kamehameha III Elementary that was destroyed in the Aug. 8 fire. Maui Now.

Hawaii’s Weak Biosecurity Is Threatening Maui’s Recovery Efforts. The work requires a ton of compost and mulch. But without a local composting facility, that will have to be shipped in — a gateway for invasive species. Civil Beat.

FEMA invites Maui property owners to Direct Lease informational event. The Federal Emergency Management Agency is inviting short-term rental property owners to its Direct Lease Industry Day this Friday.  Star-Advertiser.

Parcel on Honokohau Bay purchased. Na Mamo Aloha ‘Aina o Honokohau, a Honokohau-based nonprofit organization, in partnership with the County of Maui and Hawai’i Land Trust has completed the purchase of 1.447 acres on Honokohau Bay in Kaanapali.  Maui News.

Kauai

Kaua‘i rancher accused of cattle theft. A cattle company owned by a billionaire Idaho businessman is suing a former Kaua‘i ranch employee for allegedly stealing nearly 200 cows and having them slaughtered without authorization. Garden Island.

Raises, positions added at top of school bureaucracy, North Korea satellite reported spying on Hawaii, Ala Wai flood plan hits $1B, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Top Leadership Of Hawaii School System Continues To Grow — And So Does Their Pay. Student enrollment numbers continue to fall even as the number of superintendents gets larger. Civil Beat.

North Korea has a satellite spying on Hawaii and Guam. A security expert explains why we should care. Last week, North Korea released photos of leader Kim Jung Un looking at photos of Pearl Harbor, Hickam Air Force Base and military bases on Guam it claims were taken by the satellite. Hawaii News Now.

New CEO at OHA Explains Why She Took the Job and Her Goals for Serving the Native Hawaiian Lāhui. Stacy Kealohalani Ferreira joined the Office of Hawaiian Affairs on Nov. 1 after serving as budget chief for the state Senate and in several roles at Kamehameha Schools. Hawaii Business Magazine.

State Legislature working group tackles wildfire prevention in Hawaiʻi. The working group will digest all the testimony and issue a final report on Dec. 15, in time to draft legislation for the upcoming 2024 legislative session that starts Jan. 17.  Big Island Now.

Former State Sen. Whitney Anderson Dead At 91. He served in the Hawaii Legislature for 20 years. Whitney Anderson, who was the Hawaii Senate Minority Leader from 1997 until 2000, died Saturday in Waimanalo. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser.

Training And Staffing Issues Surround Death Of A Nurse At Hawaii State Hospital. The killing of Justin Bautista, a licensed practical nurse at the Hawaii State Hospital, has raised questions as to what exactly was expected of him in a typically lower-skilled role he had held for four years. Civil Beat.

Commentary: A Baby's 'Bizarre' Death Exposes Hawaii’s Penchant For Secrecy In Child Welfare Cases. It took extensive digging and luck to find the kind of information about the unpublicized case that's readily available on other states' websites and is crucial to improving the child welfare system. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Water Board to vote on rate hike of over 50%. If adopted by the agency’s board of directors, a new 5-1/2-year water rate schedule will see higher rates phased in, with the first 10% increase kicking in Feb. 1 and the next 10% hike to occur July 1. Star-Advertiser.

Latest plan for Ala Wai flood control reaches $1B.  The Army Corps of Engineers and the city have unveiled the latest proposal to protect Waikiki and neighboring communities against a potential flooding disaster. Star-Advertiser.

Navy working to speed up upgrades at Pearl Harbor sewage plant. The Navy is ramping up efforts to complete upgrades to its troubled wastewater plant at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-­Hickam as the facility ages. Star-Advertiser.

Flight data recorder recovered from Navy plane in Kaneohe Bay. The flight data recorder of a large U.S. Navy plane that overshot a runway and ended up in the water near Honolulu this week has been recovered as the military continues to plan for the aircraft’s removal. Associated Press. Hawaii News Now.

Navy plane still resting in shoal of Kaneohe Bay.  The Navy war plane that slid off a runway at Marine Corps Base Hawaii a week ago while trying to land in rainy weather continues to rest in shallow water about 100 feet off the runway, with at least two points of the 42-foot-high P-8A sitting on coral reef. Star-Advertiser.

The Miske Files: When Two Cops Refused To Let A Blown-Off Traffic Stop Slide. Documents in the federal case against Mike Miske alleging murder and organized crime activities tell the story of how two Honolulu police officers got caught up in what would turn out to be a much bigger case. Civil Beat.

HPD looks to recruit more women to bolster staffing. There are 240 women serving the city as police officers, about 13% of the department’s more than 1,800 officers, up from 212, or about 12%, in 2015.  Star-Advertiser.

Close encounter between police ATV and kids on beach raises questions about training, resources. There are growing concerns about training for HPD officers after a close encounter on a North Shore beach involving children and officers patrolling on ATVs. Amid a shortage of officers, the recent incident on Oahu’s North Shore is also prompting questions about how resources are being used. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

County measure would allocate $17M to affordable housing projects. Under a bill currently pending discussion by the County Council, $17.3 million will be distributed via the county’s newly formed Affordable Housing Production Program between a series of projects in East and West Hawaii to create 1,176 new affordable housing units. Tribune-Herald. KITV4.

Aquarium fishing ban sought: Groups urge DLNR to draft new rules.  Big Island environmental groups hope to end the commercial aquarium fishing industry in Hawaii once and for all next month. Tribune-Herald.

National Park Units Seek Public Input On Draft Accessibility Plans. Draft Accessibility Plans are in the works for Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park, Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park, and Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historical Site. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Council committee to discuss new procurement process for emergency-medical services. Council member Shane M. Sinenci announced that the Water Authority, Social Services and Parks Committee will receive a presentation from the state Department of Health Monday at 9 a.m. on the new procurement process for emergency-medical services in Maui County. Maui Now.

Deadline approaching for Maui wildfire victims. The deadline for people and businesses affected by the deadly Aug. 8 Maui wildfires to apply for federal assistance through the Federal Emergency Management Agency and U.S. Small Business Administration is Dec. 11. Star-Advertiser.

Deadline for Maui County Agriculture Micro Grant nears, Nov. 30. Maui Economic Opportunity reminds small farmers and ranchers that the application deadline for the Maui County Agricultural Micro Grant Program 4.0, which offers up to $25,000 in grants, is about a week away.  Maui Now.

Kauai

Kaua‘i-born Hawaiian monk seal returned to Garden Isle waters after 5 months in Kona mammal hospital. A 7-year-old female Hawaiian monk seal was returned to its home in Kaua‘i waters after five months of treatment at the Kona mammal hospital for kidney stones, possible pneumonia and a fractured canine tooth that had become infected. Kauai Now.

Board of Education reduces exec raises, students bounce back from pandemic learning loss, LGBTQ flag flap at Ewa Middle School, Oahu $100M first responder complex unlikely, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Proposed raises for Hawaii DOE executives reduced.  A proposal to dramatically raise salary ranges for 25 top state Department of Education executives had to be scaled back after it drew angry reactions Thursday not only from scores of school-level employees and their union, but several state Board of Education members as well. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Student Recovery From Pandemic Learning Loss ‘Exceptional’ Analysis Finds.  The analysis done by the mainland consultant Center on Assessment found overall that students learned at a faster rate after the pandemic than they did before, and that mathematics needs a “steeper recovery” than English in public schools.  Civil Beat.

Hawaii Climate Experts Highlight Positive Points In An Otherwise Dire International Report. Scientists, activists and policymakers in Hawaii say they are not surprised by the heightened warnings contained in the latest report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change but they have some reasons for optimism. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Pushes For Ban On Deep-Sea Mining. Sea mining could bring adverse effects on the marine floors of Hawaii, creating clouds of mud that push away fish, destroying seabeds and imposing irreversible damage on the seafloor, environmental advocates argue.  Civil Beat.

Foodborne illness complaints, yellow placard violations up. Health officials have been increasing their restaurant site inspections, leading to an uptick in violations. KHON2.

Deadly fungus detected in Hawaii patient. There has been one confirmed case in Hawaii of Candida auris, a deadly fungus that has sparked national concern as it’s spread rapidly through hospitals and other health care facilities in about two dozen states.  Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

The First Responders Park Bill Is Dying. Rep. Amy Perruso says she won't advance a bill to fund the state's first responders campus amid questions about the project's relevance. When Hawaii Senate President Ron Kouchi introduced a measure to provide at least $100 million to build a campus for first responders on 243 acres of agriculture land in central Oahu, the Kauai senator hailed the controversial project as necessary for Oahu’s law enforcement and public safety workers. Civil Beat.

4 Honolulu police officers plead not guilty in Makaha crash. Four Honolulu police officers accused of chasing a vehicle with six Maili Beach Park partygoers in September 2021 entered not-guilty pleas Thursday to charges that they caused a crash, fled the scene and conspired to cover it up. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.  Associated Press. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

After spate of tragedies on Oahu roads, city prosecutor pushes for jail time in more traffic cases. In the wake of several high-profile fatal crashes, Honolulu’s prosecutor has changed his policy on plea agreements in traffic court in hopes of making the roads safer. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Honolulu councilors paid the least compared to neighbor islands. A 60% salary increase for Honolulu City Council Members and its Chair, recommended by the salary commission, is renewing interest in the process.  KHON2.

Lawmaker’s post questioning LGTBQ flags at Hawaii school draws backlash. Freshman state Rep. Elijah Pierick recently paid a visit to Ewa Makai Middle school, something that public officials often do. What was less usual — and what’s drawing broad criticism — is a video he posted on his Instagram page about that visit. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Ownership of historic Waiāhole Valley up for debate after proposed 600% rent increase.  Rent lease negotiations between the state and nearly 100 tenants in Waiāhole Valley are sparking conversations about the future of this rural, agricultural community. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Island

Woman Cited For Taking Nēnē Gosling From Hilo Park. A 57-year-old woman was cited this morning after allegedly taking a nene gosling from Wailoa River State Recreational Area in Hilo and driving away with it. Star-Advertiser. Big Island Video News.  Big Island Now. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Hawaiʻi Community College opens student center stocked with basic necessities. The Kahuaola Basic Needs Center is located at the Manono Campus and is stocked with food, hygiene products and clothes available for pickup. Hawaii Public Radio.

Maui

Waiehu rental project’s fate remains undecided. After four meetings, a Maui County Council committee on Wednesday was unable to come to a decision on a 120-unit rental housing project in Waiehu, whose fate could now be determined by the Department of Housing and Human Concerns director. Maui News.

Maui’s mayor wants to buy company that controls water flow to thousands of acres.  Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen says he is reviving a long talked about plan to buy a company that controls the water flow to thousands of acres. Hawaii News Now.

Maui vacation rental supply and unit demand up from 2022, but down from pre-pandemic. While gains were realized in month-over-month data, Maui’s vacation rental supply, unit demand and occupancy in February remained down double-digits from pre-pandemic levels in 2019.  Maui Now.

Maui doctor charged in federal prescription drug investigation. A 74-year-old Maui doctor faces four federal counts of unlawful distribution of controlled substances after he allegedly illegally prescribed hydrocodone, Xanax and Valium to an undercover federal agent on Maui. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now.

Mosquito release plan aims to save forest birds on Maui. State and federal officials are moving forward with a plan to release millions of incompatible male mosquitoes into the East Maui wilderness in an effort to save the region’s threatened and endangered forest birds. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kawakami administration breaks down $402 million Kaua‘i budget proposal.  The budget process opened Thursday with a display of goodwill between the Kaua‘i County mayor and Kaua‘i County Council chair. Garden Island.

Coast Guard leads multi-agency exercise at Kukuʻiula Small Boat Harbor on Kauaʻi. At Kuku’iula Small Boat Harbor near Po’ipū, the U.S. Coast Guard and several state, county and volunteer agencies conducted a full-scale search and rescue drill on Thursday morning to practice working collaboratively during emergencies. Kauai Now. Garden Island.