Cruise ships may prevail in fight to avoid paying for tourist impact, Legislature protects income tax cuts, resists ICE crackdown in bills sent to governor at sine die, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Effort To Get Cruise Ships On Board With Green Fee Is Sputtering. Some legislators worry the state will lose its case to uphold cruise ship payments and with it millions in environmental funding. That leaves the state in an all-or-nothing court battle to secure the approximately $26 million in annual cruise ship payments included in the  original green fee law. Civil Beat.

HTA’s tourism management plan targets several islands with shuttle proposal. The Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority is rolling out a new statewide tourism management strategy aimed at addressing one of residents’ biggest complaints — traffic and overcrowding at tourism hot spots. KHON2.

Tax cuts preserved, immigration enforcement limited as Legislature sends final bills to Green. Hawaii taxpayers — except for the highest income earners — will continue to benefit from historic tax breaks after legislators wrapped up their 60-day session by increasing the state’s $1.6 billion “rainy day fund” by $50 million and adding new limits on county and state law enforcement cooperation with federal immigration enforcement efforts. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. KITV4. 

With Immigrant Protection Bills, Hawaiʻi Joins States Resisting ICE Crackdown. While fears of retaliation blocked similar bills last year, reaction to national events and realities of local enforcement eased passage of immigrant legislation in 2026. Civil Beat.

Hawaii shelters inadequate against hurricanes. With a potential El Nino cycle increasing hurricane threats to the Hawaiian Islands, state and county officials warn that most existing shelters are insufficient to protect residents beyond a Category 1 storm. Star-Advertiser.

University of Hawaii grads face uncertain job market. With University of Hawaii graduations continuing through Saturday, students preparing for life after college are weighing a job market shaped by competition, cost of living, artificial intelligence and the growing expectation that a degree alone may not be enough. Star-Advertiser.

From trucking to technocrat: How did former Maui official Keith Regan land in state’s second-highest post? Keith Regan has held several high-level leadership positions, first in Arakawa’s administration during his three terms as Maui County mayor and later in state government on Oʻahu. Maui Now.

Oahu

Council, mayor clash over proposed $41M emergency account. A dispute is emerging between the Honolulu City Council and Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s administration over a proposed provisional account intended to help fund future city emergencies following two Kona-low storms that caused more than $100 million in damage to city operations and properties. Star-Advertiser.

Detained Immigrants Could Wait 19 Months For Their Day In Honolulu Court. Asylum hearings are being curtailed, and more removal orders issued as DHS looks to reduce backlog of cases. Civil Beat.

‘Renovation Aloha’ Hosts Fined For Illegal Airbnbs In Latest Misstep. The home flippers behind the hit HGTV show “Renovation Aloha” now owe $40,000 to the city of Honolulu for operating two illegal short-term rentals through the rental site Airbnb. Civil Beat.

Kona-low recovery: ‘People are still struggling out there’.  For days after flood­waters tore through Otake Camp on Oahu’s North Shore, 77‑year‑old Grace Visaya slept in her car. Star-Advertiser.

Care home operator pleads no contest to endangerment of patient’s welfare. Ederlina U. Manzano, 64, an Oahu care home operator has pleaded no contest to criminal endangering the welfare of an incompetent person, in this case an 87-year-old woman who was under her care. Star-Advertiser.

Crews work to repair 20-inch water main break in Waimanalo. The Board of Water Supply reported a water main break on Hihimanu Street between Makulama Street and Ahiki Street. BWS officials are asking some Waimanalo residents to continue conserving water as crews work to repair a 20-inch main after discovering a second leak. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

‘It’s gonna be very devastating’: Five Hawaii Island early childhood education sites to close. The Mountain View Ka Pa‘alana Preschool -- part of a network of early childhood education programs across the state run by the nonprofit Partners in Development Foundation — is slated to close at the end of this school year, along with 16 of its other Ka Pa‘alana, Tutu and Me and other early childhood education programs, due to lack of federal funding. Tribune-Herald.

County approval sought for festival that has irritated neighbors. The Hawaii County Windward Planning Commission on Thursday will decide the fate of the “Falls on Fire” Festival — a controversial “Burning Man”-inspired gathering in Papaikou hosted by Pennsylvania video game executive Andrew Tepper. Tribune-Herald.

Hilo tsunami clock memorial to be moved? The Hilo tsunami clock — a landmark along Kamehameha Avenue at the edge of the Grand Naniloa Golf Course — might find itself with new digs as part of the Waiakea Peninsula revitalization. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui Council shakeup: Chair Lee won’t seek re-election to Wailuku-Waiheʻe-Waikapū seat. Maui County Council Chair Alice Lee will not seek re-election this year. Instead, the veteran council member will support the candidacy of Marvin Moniz, a longtime state Department of Transportation airports manager, to succeed her in the Wailuku-Waiheʻe-Waikapū residency seat. Maui Now.

84 affordable senior homes proposed for historic Wailuku Mission grounds. A plan to build 84 affordable rental homes for low-income seniors on one of central Wailuku’s most historically significant properties is now open for public comment through June 8. Maui Now.

Kula resident Brad Sultzer and his wife Donna are dealing with close to $100,000 in storm damage. The Kona Low storm turned a stream into a raging river that ripped through their Polipoli Road property, along with neighboring homes and the road itself. Hawaii Public Radio

Mental health needs remain key to wildfire recovery. Survivors of the Maui wildfires still face profound emotional and psychological challenges nearly three years after the deadliest U.S. wildfire in more than a century killed more than 100 people, destroyed more than 2,200 structures and displaced an estimated 10,000 residents. Star-Advertiser.

Homeowners could get up to $100K with Molokaʻi deed restriction pilot program. A Maui County pilot program on Moloka’i is offering homeowners up to $100,000 in exchange for deed restrictions on their property. The sale of the home would be restricted for 25 years under the program. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kauai

Kaua‘i County’s DMV and Real Property offices to close for training. The Division of Motor Vehicles and the Real Property Assessment and Collections Section will be closed on Wednesday, May 13, to accommodate staff training. Kauai Now.

Acting lieutenant governor pulls double duty, tourism leader Hannemann retiring, Honolulu drafts goats for wildfire prevention while Kona tries to get rid of them, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii’s acting lieutenant governor outlines priorities stepping into new role. Acting Lt. Gov. Keith Regan splits his nearly 11-hour work days starting at 6 a.m. at his full-time jobs as state comptroller and head of the vast state Department of Accounting and General Services. Then walks across Punchbowl Street to spend his afternoons on the fifth floor of the state Capitol, where he is filling in as lieutenant governor. Star-Advertiser. KITV4.

Beyond The Bench: Mark Recktenwald Is Still Helping The Legal Profession. The recently retired Hawaiʻi Supreme Court chief justice is working with national legal advocacy groups, publishing articles and teaching a law class at UH Mānoa. Civil Beat.

Mufi Hannemann to retire after leading HLTA in tough times. Mufi Hannemann, a former Honolulu mayor and longtime leader in Hawaii’s visitor industry, announced Saturday that he will retire as president and CEO of the Hawai‘i Lodging and Tourism Association after more than a decade at the helm. Star-Advertiser. KHON2. 

Hawaii farmers hit by storm face long road to recovery. Farmers from the four major counties self-reported damages of more than $38.8 million, including more than $25 million in lost crops, with more than 4,600 acres impacted. Star-Advertiser.

Taxpayer funding to pay state legal claims tops $20M. The state is preparing to pay $20.4 million this year to settle legal claims that include a $1.2 million reimbursement of federal funding spent on COVID-19 rental assistance for undeserving households. Star-Advertiser.

University of Hawaii secures $33.5M to combat invasive species. University of Hawaii secures $33.5M to combat invasive species. Researchers at the University of Hawaii are leading nearly 100 projects backed by more than $33.5 million in funding to combat invasive species across the islands, underscoring the growing urgency to protect Hawai‘i’s fragile ecosystems, agriculture and public health. Star-Advertiser. Big Island Now. 

Oahu

Honolulu budget battle over potential cuts. A debate is unfolding at Honolulu Hale as city leaders weigh in on a proposed operating budget that’s drawing criticism over a controversial $41.5 million provision and deep cuts to a key economic agency. KHON2.

Honolulu Forced To Rehire Fired Paramedics After Botched Investigation. The paramedics, who were removed from their posts in August 2023 and brought back per an arbitrator’s order in 2025, are owed two years of backpay each. Civil Beat.

On-duty police officer indicted for sexual assault. Christopher John A. Oallesma, a 26-year-old Honolulu police officer has been indicted on multiple counts in the alleged sexual assault of a woman while he was on duty April 6 and 7. Star-Advertiser.

Murder Charges, Then Freedom: Teens’ Pretrial Release Questioned. The cases raise questions about leniency shown to young arrestees and the effectiveness of ankle monitors. Civil Beat.

Public access to Lake Wilson in Wahiawa is shut down. State officials said the closure is tied to ongoing concerns about low water levels and upcoming repairs to the Wahiawa Dam. KHON2.

Honolulu braces for rising costs as storm damage exceeds $100 million. Early estimates on the impacts of the back-to-back storms on city-owned properties and operations exceed $100 million, according to officials. But city leaders also say the final price tag could shift as assessments continue and as city agencies seek federal reimbursement. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. 

Goats and sheep deployed in East Honolulu to fight wildfire risk. Some 100 goats and sheep are busy munching away at the thick vegetation, including hardy koa haole trees, tall invasive California grasses, guinea grasses and other thorny brush along 3.3 acres of Laukahi Slopes Mini Park in the East Honolulu enclave. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Hilo Driver License Office To Relocate on May 11. The Hilo Driver License Office located at the police station will relocated to 120 Pauahi Street. This is the same space as the former Bank of Hawaiʻi branch, located on the first floor of the building. Big Island Video News.

Kona Man Dies In Waters Off Hōkūlia Shoreline. John Kauhaihao of Kealakekua, 64, was last seen picking ʻopihi. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now. Hawaii News Now. 

Ungulates unchecked: What to do about West Hawaii’s goat, sheep problem? Even as roadkill carcasses of wild sheep and goats pile up along West Hawaii highways, budget constraints for the Department of Land and Natural Resources continue to hamstring efforts to address the problem. Tribune-Herald.

DLNR: Nene killed in Keaukaha. The Department of Land and Natural Resources said the Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement received a call from the Hawaii Police Department regarding an injured nene, the state bird, along Kalanianaole Street in Hilo in the vicinity of Leleiwi Beach Park. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Mayor Bissen says former chief of staff’s lawsuit is politically motivated as he seeks reelection.  Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen is preparing to defend his seat and his first term against a slate of challengers and a lawsuit filed last week by his former chief of staff alleging retaliation for reporting suspected fraud. Maui Now.

Old Pioneer Mill site with smokestack sells for nearly $20M, future plans remain mystery. A group of local buyers has purchased 21 acres in Lahaina that include the historic 225-foot-tall Pioneer Mill Co. smokestack for $19.9 million, but the plans for the industrial property in the heart of the burn zone have not been made public. Maui Now.

County announces closures of Ukumehame Firing Range, Wahikuli Terrace Park. The Ukumehame Firing Range in West Maui remains closed following damage from March kona low storms, with no reopening date set. Maui News.

Teen Surfers Make Hawaiʻi History In First-Ever State Championship. For the first time in Hawaiʻi’s history, high school surfers had the opportunity to compete with the best of the best and vie for a state championship title across two days of competition. Nearly 180 students participated in Hawaiʻi’s first surfing state championship Friday and Saturday. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now. Maui News. 

Tour company calls accusations against driver on Road to Hana ‘lies’.  Maui police opened a disorderly conduct and criminal property damage investigation over a heated encounter on the Road to Hana that left several visitors rattled. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai

Nearly a thousand make 47th Visitor Industry Charity Walk a success. The course for the 47th Visitor Industry Charity Walk held on Saturday was abbreviated due to the Vidinha Stadium and the Kauai Police Activities League building construction. Garden Island.

End of an era at Kōloa Rum Co. as longtime president, chief executive officer Bob Gunter steps down. The man who helmed Hawai‘i’s award-winning producer of premium, small-batch Hawaiian rum stepped down as the company’s chief executive officer and president after nearly two decades. Kauai Now.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Oahu

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

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

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

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

Hawaii Island

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

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

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

Maui

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

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

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

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

Kauai

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

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