Kauai Mayor Kawakami to run for lieutenant governor, UH professional assembly endorses Luke, aquarium fishing ban remains in play in Legislature, Tokyo firm releases Oahu LNG plant plans, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Kauai mayor launches bid to unseat Lt. Gov. Luke.  Kauai Mayor Derek Kawakami plans to challenge Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke’s reelection bid as speculation at the state Capitol continues over whether Luke is the focus of an investigation regarding the “influential state legislator” who allegedly accepted a $35,000 bribe in a bag. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Kauai Now.  KHON2. 

University of Hawaiʻi Professional Assembly endorses Sylvia Luke for lieutenant governor. The University of Hawaii Professional Assembly board of directors and leadership team issued a statement Tuesday reaffirming its support for Sylvia Luke as lieutenant governor in the upcoming election.  Kauai Now.

Oahu

LNG electric plant proposed. Tokyo-based JERA Co. Inc. submitted its plan Tuesday for the roughly $2 billion liquefied natural gas project to state officials Tuesday after signing a collaboration agreement with Gov. Josh Green on Oct. 6 during a visit to Japan by the governor, according to the Hawaii State Energy Office. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.

Navy continues ‘degassing’ of Red Hill facility fuel tanks. The Navy this week continues the decommissioning, shutdown and remediation process at the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility, beginning the process of “degassing” Tank 12 of the World War II-era fuel farm. Star-Advertiser.

6 Oʻahu communities to pilot including food waste in green compost bins. Recycling food waste curbside is the goal of a new pilot program launching next month in six communities across Oʻahu.  Hawaii Public Radio.

North Shore Oʻahu farms face long-term cleanups after heavy rains and flooding. Farmers on Oʻahu's North Shore are dealing with the damage caused by some of the worst flooding they've seen in years. Hawaii Public Radio.

High-rise residents stuck without elevators, hot water days after storm. Residents at The Diamond Head Vista on Pualani Way in Waikiki have been getting their steps in since Friday’s storm. The high-rise has 35 floors. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

A Do-Or-Die Moment For One Of Hawaiʻi’s Most Contested Trades. A proposed aquarium fishing ban is in play as state aquatic resource officials move to revive the controversial fishing practice. Civil Beat. 

Kailua Village parking bill stalls again; measure aimed at capping fees draws spirited discussion. Hawaii County Council members again sparred with property managers Tuesday during committee discussions about a proposed bill that would limit fees at private parking lots in downtown Kona. Tribune-Herald.

Ready for another Kona low storm? Another system is forecast to hit the Big Island later this week. As the Big Island works to recover from the Kona low pressure storm that caused flooding and power outages over the weekend, a smaller, weaker Kona low system is forecast to arrive later this week. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News.  Big Island Now.

Maui

Mayor Bissen seeks $15 million in emergency funds for storm repairs. Mayor Richard Bissen is requesting $15 million from the Maui County Council to cover emergency repairs and rising operational costs following the recent destructive Kona low storm. The Council will take up the emergency funding request during an emergency meeting at 8:45 a.m. Friday. Maui Now.

Maui braces for weeks-long recovery after Kona low, prepares for incoming storm. Maui County is grappling with widespread damage and a prolonged recovery effort after a powerful Kona-low storm swept across Hawaii over the weekend, flooding neighborhoods, cutting off roads and straining already limited infrastructure — even as another storm threatens to slow cleanup and deepen the damage. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii Public Radio.

Iwi Kūpuna Desecrated During Lahaina Fire Cleanup, Lawsuit Says. A family is suing a Maui landowner and the state for not protecting Native Hawaiian remains as required by law. Civil Beat.

Kauai

Measles virus detected in Kauai wastewater raises health concerns. Department of Health monitors positive wastewater detection of measles in Kauaʻi. A wastewater sample collected from a site in east Kauaʻi County on Feb. 25 has tested positive for the measles virus, according to the Hawaiʻi Department of Health. Kauai Now. KITV4.  

Luke discloses $7,800 unreported campaign contributions from 2022, Hawaiian Airlines to lay off 48 more employees, Green issues emergency proclamation ahead of Kona low, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Lt. Gov. Luke discloses $7,800 in unreported 2022 donations. Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke did not report $7,870 in campaign donations and $3,882 in spending during the first six months of 2022, according to a statement released by her campaign on Friday. Luke detailed the unreported donations and expenditures in a Wednesday audit released by her campaign on Friday, the same day she filed an amended report with the Hawaii Campaign Spending Commission. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. KITV4.

48 Hawaiian Airlines employees to be laid off. The company notified the state that the cuts affect 48 Hawaii-based, non-union employees whose jobs will end in May or June. KHON2.

Hawaii gas prices tick up amid nationwide spike. Hawaii gas prices have risen only a little in the past week amid a large increase nationally, and it’s uncertain whether a spike driven by the war in Iran could be around the corner. The average price per gallon for regular gas Monday in Hawaii was $4.52, up 3% from $4.39 a week earlier, according to AAA. Star-Advertiser. KHON2. 

Rental car companies might have to pay full GET on fleet purchases. The state House of Representatives passed a law that would subject rental car fleet purchases to the full general excise tax instead of the current wholesale tax rate of 0.5%. The measure will next be heard by the Senate. Hawaii Public Radio.

Finding housing with pets can be rough. State bills seek to improve access. In Hawaiʻi, it’s rough to find landlords who allow pets, and it’s even harder for renters in affordable and publicly funded housing. Hawaii Public Radio.

Former Hawaii lawmaker Bertrand Kobayashi awarded Japan’s Order of the Rising Sun. Former state legislator Bertrand Yoshito Kobayashi was formally presented on March 3 with the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette, one of Japan’s highest honors, in recognition of his decades-long work strengthening ties between Japan, Hawaii and the United States. Star-Advertiser.

Sharks Are Taking A Larger Bite Of Hawaiʻi Fishermen’s Catch. At least 1 in 4 licensed fishing trips lose catches — and profits — to sharks in Hawaiian waters. Scientists are developing chemical repellents and magnetic fields as deterrents. Civil Beat.

Gov. Green issues emergency proclamation ahead of expected storm to Hawaiian Islands. A Kona low weather system is expected to produce prolonged heavy rainfall that could lead to flash flooding statewide, with the highest likelihood of flooding impacts across the smaller islands and urban areas, according to a news release from the governor’s office. Big Island Now. KITV4.  Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. 

Oahu

Council reviews mayor’s $5 billion budget for 2027. The Honolulu City Council had its first review Monday of the city’s proposed $5.08 billion budget package for the 2027 fiscal year, which begins July 1. Star-Advertiser.

Developer chosen for transit-oriented affordable housing project in Kalihi. The City and County of Honolulu has selected nonprofit developer EAH Housing to transform the former Dee Lite Bakery property in Kalihi into new transit-oriented affordable housing. The city-owned site at 1930 Dillingham Blvd. and 1907 Eluwene St. sits directly across from the future Mokauea (Kalihi) Skyline Station. Hawaii News Now.

Kaimuki residents voice concerns over new bus route 200 changes. Route 9 used to travel through the main areas of Kaimukī town — connecting riders to places like the library, post office, and Leahi Hospital. But more than a year ago, the route changed to Route 200… now running along Alohea Avenue and 7th Avenue. KITV4.

Mike Miske Killed Himself To Protect $20 Million Estate, Prosecutors Say. The convicted crime boss died of a fentanyl overdose in federal prison in December 2024, before he had been sentenced. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now. 

Hawaii Island

‘No Trespass’ Signs Thwart County Inspections Of Kona Dome House. Vacation rentals aren’t permitted on farmland under state law, but recent legal battles show some Big Island landowners want to test that. Civil Beat.

Applications Open For Koa Canoe Logs From Kapāpala. Individuals and organizations can apply acquire a koa canoe log for use in kālaiwaʻa, the construction of traditional Hawaiian canoes. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Mayor Bissen appoints Margaret Willis as new County Director of Human Concerns. Citing successful houseless programs in major California cities and her deep experience addressing human needs with compassion, Mayor Richard Bissen appointed Margaret “Maggie” Willis as the new County of Maui Director of the Department of Human Concerns. Maui Now.

Attorney provides snapshot of immigration enforcement on Maui. Longtime Maui immigration attorney Kevin Block says that enforcement activity on the island has changed dramatically, and that his clients are skipping medical appointments and reducing their inter-island travel out of fear. Hawaii Public Radio.

County in historic negotiations to acquire key West Maui water systems. Maui County is in the process of acquiring key water systems in West Maui that are currently privately owned. Mayor Richard Bissen announced the historic move in his recent State of the County address. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hoʻōla LTRG and Mennonite Disaster Service mark milestone with completion of their first two rebuilt homes in Lahaina. Some 100 community leaders, volunteers, partner organizations, and supporters gathered for two private home blessings and dedications to celebrate the Yadao and Kahahane families’ return home and recognize the collective efforts that made these rebuilds possible. Maui Now.

Kauai

Rudy Tai formally sworn in as Kaua‘i Police chief. Rudy Tai officially began his tenure on Monday as Chief of Police of the Kaua‘i Police Department, following his appointment by the Kaua‘i Police Commission. Kauai Now.

Kauaʻi Wants To Get Tough On Beachfront Home Renovations As Tides Climb. As beaches shrink, the proposal would revise the county’s shoreline setback rules to ensure that coastal homes truly being rebuilt are relocated inland. Civil Beat.

Spending a day at the Capitol. The Kauai delegation to the Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities numbered 42 of the 656 attendees at the Day at the Capitol. The event was celebrated on March 4 in observance of Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. Garden Island.

New life for state's film industry, Legislature mulls misdemeanor charges for officials who don't report bribery, bill would protect gender-affirming care providers, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

After a dry spell, three film and television productions underway in Hawaii. Hawaii’s film industry is staging a comeback, with three major film and TV productions getting underway in the islands. The Netflix series “Untamed” is the first series since “Rescue HI Surf,” which was canceled in May of last year. It was a blow for a sector that generated over $320 million for the state’s economy in 2024. Hawaii News Now.

The Success Of Hawaiʻi’s Food And Farm Bills Could Depend On One Thing. As Hawaiʻi continues to pinch pennies and fill holes created by federal cuts, lawmakers may have to choose between bills designed to bolster local food or fight invasive species. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke stays silent on state subpoenas. Twelve days after Hawaii’s attorney general said she issued multiple subpoenas and completed interviews in a criminal investigation born out of a federal political bribery case, Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke will not say if she has been subpoenaed by state investigators. Star-Advertiser.

Measure could allow misdemeanor charge for failure to report bribery. Senators advanced a measure Tuesday that would allow elected officials to be charged with a misdemeanor if they're found to have failed to report bribery. Hawaii Public Radio.

Legislative Caucuses Can Help Make The Difference In Getting Bills Passed. Lawmakers combine forces to push measures helping women, kids and working families. Civil Beat.

Lawmakers consider bill to protect gender-affirming care providers. HB1875 would not create any new care standards or practices, but it seeks to ensure that those providing gender-affirming care would be safe from out-of-state legal actions, insurance policies, or licensing consequences. Hawaii Public Radio.

State support could energize movement to equip more homes with plug-in solar. On Tuesday afternoon, the state House Committee on Consumer Protection and Commerce deferred one of two remaining balcony solar bills after the Office of the State Fire Marshal and other fire and law enforcement agencies raised concerns that the National Electrical Code would need to be updated to ensure the safe installation of these systems. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

More Design Delays Could Push Back Honolulu Rail Project — Again. The city center segment of the $10B rail project is supposed to open in March 2031, but an outside consultant questions whether that plan is still feasible. Civil Beat.

Red Hill: Fears linger over Navy reopening water shaft. After waiting hours to hear the latest update on the Red Hill water crisis cleanup at a lengthy meeting Tuesday with the Commission on Water Resource Management, concerned community members learned the Navy had left the meeting. Star-Advertiser.

36 city parks designated as ‘On-Leash’ allowing for dogs on leashes. The Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation has added 36 new on-leash dog parks. That move doubles the number already in place. KHON2.

Changes coming to high-traffic Hawaii offramp, intersections. Transportation officials said there have been over 12 serious crashes near the Koko Head offramp in recent years. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

Hilo Officer pleads no contest to tampering with evidence in search case. Hawaii Police Department Officer Blane Kenolio pleaded no contest Wednesday to a charge of tampering with physical evidence. The charge stemmed from Kenolio’s unconstitutional search of an arrestee’s belongings on May 24, 2023, inside the Hilo Police Station. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now. KITV4.

Hawaiʻi County Changes Mulch Loading Fees For Commercial Customers. Hawaiian Earth Recycling, will be charging commercial customers $5 per cubic yard at the Kealakehe Recycling and Transfer Station. Commercial customers will be charged $20 per cubic yard at the East Hawaiʻi Organics Facility. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now.

Maui

Plan floated to solve West Maui water crisis. The plan, presented by TY Management Corp. to the state Commission on Water Resource Management on Tuesday, intends to benefit Maui County, financially struggling Maui Land &Pineapple Co., a state agriculture development agency, Native Hawaiian taro farmers, other small farmers, Kapalua homeowners and TY. Star-Advertiser.

Treecovery helps Maui wildfire recovery. In December, Treecovery, three Rotary Clubs, Maui County, and the Lahaina Restoration Foundation helped with a native-planting at Keawaiki Park near Lahaina Harbor. Maui News. 

Controversial $13M Nāpili home now offering partial ownership to buyers. Cohana Homes, which describes itself as a vacation home co-ownership company, is offering 25% ownership of the house for $3.55 million apiece. The entire 7,344-square-foot house at 5385 Lower Honoapi‘ilani Road is listed with a value of $12.9 million. Maui Now.

Kauai

State Senate confirms new circuit court judge for Kaua‘i.  The Hawai’i State Senate voted to confirm Stephanie R.S. Char, Gov. Josh Green’s selection to fill the vacancy in the Fifth Circuit Court of the Fifth Circuit, created by the retirement of Judge Kathleen N.A. Watanabe in August 2025. Kauai Now.

Group created to protect Kauai from CRB. CRB Action Kauai, a new community-driven initiative, has formed to support Kauai residents, landowners, farmers, businesses and community groups responding to the growing threat of the Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle (CRB), an invasive pest impacting coconut and other palms across the island. Garden Island.

Gluck appointed to Intermediate Court of Appeals, Epstein associates vacationed in Hawaii, advocates continue push for special prosecutor in bribery investigation, Luke speaks out, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Gov. Green appoints Daniel Gluck to Intermediate Court of Appeals. Gov. Josh Green on Monday announced the appointment of Daniel Gluck as an Associate Judge for the Intermediate Court of Appeals. A graduate of Cornell University and Harvard Law School, Gluck previously served as Executive Director and General Counsel of the Hawai‘i State Ethics Commission, the Legal Director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Hawai‘i and an attorney in private practice. Maui Now.

Epstein associates vacationed in Hawaii, emails show. Nonprofit advocates say emails highlight local sex trafficking concerns. Emails connected to late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein show his associates vacationed in Hawaii, according to a Hawaii News Now review of documents posted to a public website called Jmail, created by two tech innovators. Hawaii News Now.

Climate Funding Under New Hawai‘i Tax Could Be Cut By Millions. Legislation to instead charge a per-passenger fee would recoup less than half of all the green fee revenues cruise ships were expected to generate. As the cruise industry and the state spar in court over Hawaiʻi’s new green fee, state lawmakers are moving full steam ahead to remove those ships from the landmark climate law and have them instead pay a new fee of around $10 per passenger. Civil Beat.

Clean government groups push for special prosecutor.  Advocates for campaign finance and other “clean government” reforms on Monday renewed the call for the appointment of a special prosecutor to conduct an independent probe of allegations that an unidentified “influential state legislator” accepted $35,000 in a paper bag. Star-Advertiser.

Lt. Gov. Luke addresses campaign finance report errors in new video. Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke posted a video Monday addressing what she says is an innocent mistake in her campaign finance reports. Luke said she’s embarrassed, but never acted in bad faith.  Hawaii News Now.

Tax break halt still alive, gambling bills dying in Hawaii Legislature. Efforts to legalize any form of gambling again appear dead this year but the state Legislature continues to move bills that would eliminate future tax cuts, limit free school lunches to public charter students and prohibit ICE and local law enforcement from covering their faces. Star-Advertiser.

More Local Food? These State Agencies Aren’t Buying It. Few departments met the official 10% goal last year. While cost, quality and lack of consistent supply are concerns, the current pace doesn’t bode well for the larger push to wean the islands off imported food. Civil Beat.

Rising child care costs strain families despite wage gains. With Hawaii’s cost of living ranking among the highest in the nation, state leaders are accelerating public preschool and child care subsidy expansions aimed at helping working families afford early education. Star-Advertiser.

Kaiser Permanente ends strike; talks progress. The United Nurses Associations of California/Union of Health Care Professionals, which represents 31,000 workers in California and Hawaii, said they would return to work at 7 a.m. today after walking off the job four weeks ago. Star-Advertiser. Associated Press. Maui Now. 

HMSA Proposal: Hawaiʻi Health Care Could See Radical Transformation. The deal, which would bring together the state’s largest health insurer and one of its biggest hospital companies under a new umbrella organization called One Health, is likely to touch the lives of some 760,000 Hawaiʻi residents and their doctors. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Council OKs HPD transparency legislation. The City Council is formally on record commending Honolulu police for policies favorable to transparency, including not wearing masks when encountering members of the public. Star-Advertiser.

Rail expansion might come down the line faster for Kapolei than UH Mānoa. The planning phase to extend the Honolulu rail to the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa can now start, but a new segment on its other terminus, on the Kapolei side, could come first. Hawaii Public Radio.

Global Entry halt affects international arrivals at Honolulu airport. HDOT expects limited impact on processing times for international arrivals at the airport. Recent investments in modernizing federal inspection facilities and deploying advanced technologies have enhanced passenger facilitation and operational efficiency.  KITV4.

Farmer rescues co-worker from flood in Waialua. A former firefighter, Chris Greer, did not hesitate when his co-worker needed him after being trapped in flood water Saturday at their workplace, Laulau Solutions farm in Waialua. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

House bill would allow for up to 10-year extensions of Mauna Kea leases. A House bill that would authorize the Mauna Kea Stewardship and Oversight Authority to extend existing astronomical observatory leases and subleases for up to 10 years has advanced despite concerns from state departments and overwhelming opposition from residents around the state. Big Island Now.

Rising home insurance in lava zones prompts subsidy proposal. House lawmakers have advanced a measure that would subsidize home insurance for low-income families in lava zones. Insurance premiums on property in lava zones on Hawaiʻi Island have spiked since the 2018 Kīlauea volcanic eruption. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hilo YWCA Demolition, Construction Of New Campus Examined In Draft EA. Under the proposal, the existing pool house and swimming pool would be demolished, and a new preschool facility would be constructed. Big Island Video News.
 
Maui

As focus turns to Lahaina commercial rebuilds, owners face daunting challenges. As Lahaina commercial property owners navigate a daunting post-fire road to rebuilding, some are finding it so challenging that they’re not sure if they’ll be able to reconstruct at all. Hawaii Public Radio.

Two recruits graduate, joining the ranks of the Maui Ocean Safety division. Kelson Lau and Kevin Smallwood completed the 12-week-long training program that covered not only an extensive variety of ocean rescue skills, but also Emergency Medical Responder and CPR skills, ATV/UTV and RWC operation, and communication protocols.  Maui Now.

Kauai

Former state public safety employee on Kaua‘i pleads guilty to embezzling government funds. A former Hawai‘i Department of Public Safety employee waived indictment and pleaded guilty to first-degree theft and official misconduct during a hearing on Monday in Fifth Circuit Court on Kaua‘i. Lisa Kuwamura, who worked as an account clerk for the Sheriff Division – Kauaʻi Section, manipulated computer records that tracked her time and attendance between Oct. 1, 2021, and June 20, 2024, in order to receive more than $64,000 in unearned compensation. Kauai Now.

Endemic pueo killed by collision with vehicle on Kauaʻi’s westside. A pueo, a Hawaiian short-eared owl revered in local culture as an ancestor spirit/guardian, was found dead on a road outside of ‘Ele’ele early Monday morning, underscoring ongoing concerns about vehicle collisions involving Kauaʻi’s native birds. Kauai Now.

An exchange of lifesaving knowledge and culture. The Kauai Ocean Safety Bureau (OSB), in partnership with the Okinawan Lifesaving Association, hosted a certificate ceremony on Friday at the Moikeha Rotunda.  Garden Island.

Governor seeks to borrow against new 'green fee' tourist tax, military wants Oahu to be hub of Pacific arms manufacturing, Air Force plans 7 new telescopes on Haleakala, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Initial ‘Green Fee’ projects are caught in funding dilemma. Gov. Josh Green is proposing to use debt instead of new special tax revenue to pay for an initial 18 “Green Fee” environmental improvement projects costing $42.2 million. The plan, which has aggravated some state lawmakers, would increase Green Fee project costs due to the interest on such debt while also freeing up a stream of cash specifically created for such projects to instead potentially fund other state needs. Star-Advertiser.

Lawmakers push for more transparency on Green Fee fund allocations. State lawmakers are working on how they will spend millions of dollars generated for climate projects by the new Green Fee on hotels and cruise ships. Two bills that would create more oversight for the selected projects advanced out of their first committees on Thursday. Hawaii Public Radio.

Special Interests Are Fueling Gov. Josh Green’s Anti-RFK Jr. Super PAC. A political action committee Hawaiʻi Gov. Josh Green launched last year to push back against U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s vaccine skepticism and support candidates who believe in science-backed medicine raised nearly $500,000 during 2025, according to federal campaign spending records.  Civil Beat.

Questions over Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke likely to inspire challengers. Democratic and nonpartisan elected officials across the state are quietly calculating the financial and political costs of challenging Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke by the June 2 filing deadline while suspicions swirl whether Luke is the target of an ongoing investigation by Hawaii’s attorney general. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiʻi AG says 'no conflict' in investigation into alleged $35K lawmaker exchange. Hawaiʻi Attorney General Anne Lopez reaffirmed her position Friday that there is no conflict of interest in her department’s investigation into an “influential lawmaker” who allegedly accepted $35,000 in a paper bag during a January 2022 meeting. Hawaii Public Radio. Maui Now.

Rep. Daniel Holt leaves state House for Hawaii DLNR job. State Rep. Daniel Holt resigned from the state House Friday following his appointment to serve as an executive assistant to Hawaii Department of Land & Natural Resources Chair Dawn Chang. The Hawaii Democratic Party now has 30 days to give Gov. Josh Green a list of potential candidates to replace Holt in the House. Green will then have 60 days to select Holt’s replacement. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii Public Radio.

String Of ‘Devastating’ Suicides In Hawaiʻi Prisons Continues. Corrections officials are asking for millions of dollars this year to hire dozens of health care workers to improve mental health services inside. Civil Beat.

Demand soars as loan relief keeps health care workers home. Under bills being considerred by the Legislature, those who receive a total annual loan amount of $50,001 or more would be required to work in Hawaii for three years instead of two. Star-Advertiser.

Group says military contributes 16% of Hawaiʻi's gross domestic product. The U.S. Department of Defense awarded more than $3 billion in contracts in Hawaiʻi in 2023. That's according to a recent report from Hawaiʻi's Military and Community Relations Office, or MACRO. Hawaii Public Radio. Big Island Now. 

Sea-level rise concerns most Hawaii residents, UH study finds. The majority of Hawaii residents recognize that sea-level rise is happening — and the opinion is shared across political party lines, according to a new statewide survey by University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization, which asked more than 1,300 residents in Hawaii, Honolulu, Kauai and Maui counties various questions on their opinions about sea-level rise. Star-Advertiser.

Lei legislation aims to bolster Hawaii flower farm industry. Buying lei made only with natural materials from Hawaii nei could be a new requirement for state agencies under an effort at the Legislature aimed at helping the local floriculture industry. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Military wants Hawaii to be a hub for Pacific arms manufacturing. Michael Cadenazzi, the assistant secretary of defense for industrial base policy, visited the Honolulu Community College’s Advanced Manufacturing Program Facility — which has $12 million worth of machines funded by his office — and “The Forge,” a new facility at Schofield Barracks with on-site tools for 3D printing, casting and forging and the ability for what military officials call “rapid prototyping.” Star-Advertiser.

Pentagon mulls ending tuition assistance at HPU. The Pentagon is mulling terminating tuition assistance to service members attending dozens of universities, including Hawaii Pacific University. The military branches have begun to compile lists of colleges and universities that may have a “moderate to high risk” of being impacted, meaning the Pentagon wouldn’t fund any active-duty service members’ higher education there. Star-Advertiser.

Council works to boost agritourism oversight. To prevent abuse, members of the Honolulu City Council say they want to strengthen the oversight of agritourism activities on Oahu’s agricultural lands. Star-Advertiser.

Where Are Honolulu’s Wāhine Lifeguards? 19 Out Of 20 Are Men. Hawaiʻi has some of the lowest rates of female lifeguards in the country. As more women surfers claim a spot in the lineup, there’s hope that might change. Civil Beat.

Illegal rentals hurt hotel sector, deepen housing crisis. Honolulu’s hotel sector pumps more than $12 billion a year into the local economy and supports nearly 64,000 jobs, but industry leaders warn those gains are increasingly at risk as illegal vacation rentals drain housing from residents and erode public support for tourism. Star-Advertiser.

Kakaʻako residents frustrated over dog ban at Ward Village park. The developer Howard Hughes Corp. promised residents a pet-friendly neighborhood, but it has now walked back its pitch to residents. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Island

Higher tax rate eyed for Hawaii County homes worth $4M or more. The Hawaii County Council’s Finance Committee on Feb. 4 voted 7-1 to forward with a favorable recommendation to the full council a measure that would add a new, higher rate of residential property tax for property with a net taxable value of $4 million or more. Tribune-Herald.

County, former department head exonerated in trial. Following a civil jury trial presided over by Hilo Circuit Judge Henry Nakamoto, the county and Douglass Adams — former director of the Department of Research and Development — have been found legally not liable of all allegations in a lawsuit regarding the county’s hiring processes. Tribune-Herald.

County installs roundabout by in Hilo by HCC. The roundabout replaces the previous T-intersection at Kawili and Manono streets and was installed Friday as part of the ongoing Kawili Street paving project. Tribune-Herald.

Episode 42 Lava Fountains Erupt At Kīlauea Volcano. Episode 42 of the ongoing Halemaʻumaʻu eruption ended abruptly at 11:38 p.m. HST on February 15 after 9 hours and 48 minutes hours of continuous lava fountaining. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now. 

Maui

Air Force advances plans to build 7 more telescopes on Haleakalā as fuel spill cleanup continues. Activists are gearing up for another fight as the U.S. Air Force outlines plans to build up to seven more telescopes on the summit, even though it has not finished the cleanup of a 700-gallon fuel spill from 2023.  Maui Now.

Maui Housing Policy Divides Top Candidates For Mayor This Election. The mayoral election on Nov. 3 will give voters their first opportunity since the fires to decide who should steer the county for the next four years as it grapples with those issues. With four months before the candidate filing deadline, Maui County Council member Yuki Lei Sugimura has emerged as Maui Mayor Richard Bissen’s top challenger. Civil Beat.

Open house offers chance to learn more about Maui’s new water conservation rules. The Maui County Department of Water Supply will host an open house from 5:30-7 p.m. Feb. 25 to discuss recent amendments to the county’s water conservation rules and what those changes mean to the community. Maui News.

Kauai

$6M OHA emergency fund offering help to Kauai Residents. OHA’s Hawaiian Council Outreach Team will be on Kauai on Monday, Feb. 16, to provide in-person assistance through its ‘Ola Emergency Relief Fund program. KHON2.

New mural ‘inspires responsibility,’ honors Kauai man killed by impaired driver. Students from Waimea High School and community members painted a new mural to limit impaired driving and remember a Kauai man killed in a hit-and-run crash. Hawaii News Now.

East, southeast shores to remain under high surf advisory. Strong trade winds will maintain relatively short period high surf along east-facing shores of Kauaʻi lasting into Wednesday. Kauai Now.

Gov. Josh Green takes the high road: a commentary

 

Poor Josh Green.

Right at the start of his gubernatorial reelection year, right on the cusp of actualizing his long drive to make a name for himself on the national political scene, the governor has been thrown a curve ball by his lieutenant.

Green announced Thursday he’d canceled his planned trip to the National Governors Association annual winter meeting in Washington, D.C. in order to tend to the controversy at home. Had Green left the state, Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke would have been acting governor under state law.

“This annual winter meeting is important to the collaborative work I do on behalf of the people of Hawaiʻi,” Green said in a statement. “However, in light of recent events and to ensure steady leadership for our state during this time, I have canceled out-of-state travel for this month, including my attendance at this long-planned conference.”

It’s hardly fair.

In Hawaii, gubernatorial candidates don’t get to pick their running mate because the lieutenant governor is chosen in a separate race. So the winning governor is stuck with whomever the people picked in the primaries.

Seventeen states elect a lieutenant governor independently, while 26 states elect the governor and lieutenant governor on a joint ticket. Seven states, including Hawaii, nominate candidates in separate primaries, but they run on a single joint ticket during the general election.

At issue is an ongoing federal investigation into a long-simmering bribery case that had already sent two state lawmakers – Sen. J. Kalani English and Rep. Ty J.K. Cullen – to federal prison. Cullen, who turned government witness, secretly taped an “influential” lawmaker accepting $35,000 in a paper bag, according to federal court filings.

Luke, who at the time of the initial investigation was chairwoman of the powerful House Finance Committee, disclosed earlier last week that she accepted $10,000 in campaign checks from Cullen’s associates during a 2022 dinner with Cullen and his associates, but she denied she was the legislator taking $35,000 in a paper bag, as described n court filings.

Accepting $5,000 for a statewide campaign isn’t a crime. 

But as it turns out, Luke’s donations from those individuals weren’t reported to the state Campaign Spending Commission until just last week, after Honolulu Civil Beat started asking questions. Kudos to Civil Beat for flushing this information out of the shadows through its relentless reporting.

But back to the governor.

I must say that Green has been the most open, accessible and forthcoming public official in the 20 years I’ve been working in the state as a government reporter covering four of the most recent Hawaii governors. 

I started covering Green when he was in the state House representing Kailua-Kona, and continued covering him when he progressed to the state Senate and then to lieutenant governor and then to governor. One thing about Green, as a transplant from the U.S. continent, he was never part of the old gang Democratic Party here, always somewhat an outsider, and the more moderate of the party faithful, as far as that went.

His accessibility to the press was such, that when he was still also serving as an emergency room doctor, we would joke that he’d answer our calls even if he had his hands in a patient. OK, maybe not quite, but you get the idea. The man was accessible.

Despite his obvious pleasure in hobnobbing on the national scene, despite the efforts he makes to help not just Hawaii, but humanity, Green is making the right choice. Despite his disappointment in not being able to attend the NGA conference this week, he’s taking the high road.

“As I’ve previously stated, regarding the investigation, accountability is essential — no one gets a free pass,” Green said. “We are in an active phase of this effort led by our Attorney General and I want to see all of the facts released to the people of our state as expeditiously as possible. This needs to be resolved for the good of our public trust.”

You might disagree with his policies, but you can’t disagree with his openness to explain them. And really, isn’t that all we can ask of our elected officials?

Nancy Cook Lauer, who’s covered state and local governments for more than 30 years in Hawaii and Florida, is the publisher of All Hawaii News (www.allhawaiinews.com)

Green cancels trip to National Governors Association conference in light of turmoil over Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke, state DOE bans student cellphone use in public schools, lawmakers mull using taxpayer money for UH athletes, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Uproar over Sylvia Luke forces Green to cancel out-of-state trip. Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke will not serve as acting governor this month after Gov. Josh Green announced Thursday that he has canceled his scheduled trip to Washington, D.C., to attend the National Governors Association meeting, as questions swirl over whether Luke is the focus of a state investigation. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii Public Radio.  KHON2. 

Analysis: What Happens When The Governor Can't Trust His Lieutenant Governor? The two may seem like a team but the Legislature is the only authority that can remove an elected official from office in Hawaiʻi. Civil Beat.

Lobbyist at center of ‘paper bag’ case under federal investigation. Lobbyist Tobi J. Solidum’s company, Geopolicy Development Group LLC,  who donated $10,000 to Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke, during a January 2022 dinner is a target of a federal investigation into possible public corruption and an alleged $7 million COVID-19 funding fraud, sources said. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii environmental leaders condemn EPA rollback. State and local environmental leaders strongly condemned President Donald Trump’s move on Thursday to rescind a scientific finding, the loss of which effectively deregulated greenhouse gas emissions under the Environmental Protection Agency — with the state Energy Office calling it “one of the largest environmental rollbacks in U.S. history.” Star-Advertiser.

State Board of Education adopts new policy on student cellphone use; implementation begins next school year. The state Board of Education has adopted a statewide policy establishing new rules for student cellphone use in public schools. The rules ban cellphone use during school hours for elementary, middle and intermediate school and during instructional time in high school. Tribune-Herald.

Proposals to recruit UH athletes with taxpayer money get mixed feedback. State lawmakers are moving along a request by the University of Hawaiʻi to use taxpayer money to help attract and pay student athletes — although pushback against the idea has been prevalent. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

Donations scandal puts shadow over city COVID testing program. A $100 million COVID testing program organized by a central figure in an ongoing donations scandal is facing new scrutiny with critics calling the effort a wasteful use of taxpayer money. Tobi Solidum organized a plan for the National Kidney Foundation Hawaii to become a city contractor for testing with subcontractors including his own company and H2O Process Systems, owned by his friend, Milton Choy. Hawaii News Now.

Lobbyist Under Fire Tied To Taxpayer-Funded Kidney Center That Was Never Built. Records show firms associated with politically connected contractor Dennis Mitsunaga collected nearly $1.8 million for a Kapolei building that has never materialized. Civil Beat.

New 4-year bus pact reached with Local 996, OTS says. Following 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, announced Thursday hat it had reached an agreement with its labor union that represents hundreds of bus operators, mechanics and support staff. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Royalty Burial Grounds: Lawmakers Punt On Oversight Woes. Lawmakers are hesitant to move quickly on the sensitive issue and want a task force to come back in two years with a proposal for how to oversee Mauna ‘Ala. Civil Beat.

Waikīkī's Kūhiō Beach Park set to get $1M facelift. Waikīkī’s Kūhiō Beach Park will see $1 million invested into improving its safety, cleanliness, and long-term stewardship. Hilton Grand Vacations is donating the money to the Waikīkī Business Improvement District as part of its Ka Haku Resort deal, which is expected to open its Hilton club later this year. Hawaii Public Radio.

Frustrations aired over long-standing Mapunapuna tidal flooding. The intersection of Ahua and Kilihau streets in Mapunapuna has been notorious for years for flooding during high tides and heavy rains. And community members are demanding to know if there’s any way to keep the tide at bay. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. 

40 affordable rental units for Native Hawaiians coming to Leeward coast. Department of Hawaiian Home Lands is set to redevelop its first affordable rental housing project in the area. The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands conducted a ceremonial blessing on 40 affordable rental units that will soon house Native Hawaiian families in Maili. Hawaii News Now. 

Hawaii Island

In State of the County address, Alameda focuses on affordability, housing, homelessness. Among the factors that must be considered, he said, are building codes, roads, energy costs, wastewater and water services, workforce development, home insurance and mortgage rates, property taxes, and support services for the homeless. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Now. 

Wastewater spill at treatment plant in East Hawai‘i forces shoreline closures. Portions of East Hawai‘i shorelines are closed following a wastewater spill at the Pāpaʻikou Treatment Plant, which resulted in a discharge of up to 98,300 gallons of fully treated, insufficiently disinfected wastewater. Big Island Now.

High bacteria levels detected in waters off Hilo Bay and Spencer Beach Park.  Levels of 150 per 100 mL were detected during a recent test at Canoe Beach, and levels of 624 per 100 mL were discovered at Spencer. Big Island Now.

Maui

Schatz secures $1 million earmark to improve Molokaʻi Airport. US Sen. Brian Schatz of Hawai‘i secured $1 million in congressionally directed spending, also known as an earmark, in this year’s appropriations deal for Moloka‘i Airport. Maui Now.

HCF’s Maui Strong Fund and House Maui program award $6M to expand housing pathways for wildfire survivors. Hawai‘i Community Foundation (HCF) announced a combined award of $6.34 million to Hawaiian Community Assets (HCA) to expand the Ua Hale A‘ela program, a transformative initiative providing safe, affordable housing and clear pathways to homeownership for families affected by the devastating Maui wildfires. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kauaʻi Mayor Campaign Fundraising: Rapozo Outpacing Carvalho. County Council Chair Mel Rapozo is raising and spending more money than his council colleague Bernard Carvalho Jr. in their bid to be Kauaʻi’s next mayor. Civil Beat.

Kauai police show off new training simulator. The department officially unveiled the MILO Training Range in late 2025, which allows officers to engage in real-time, immersive scenarios, including traffic stops, active shooter responses, domestic disturbances, and mental health crises. Hawaii News Now.

Hours adjusted at public swimming pool on Kaua‘i due to staffing issues. Staffing issues at the Kapa‘a Swimming Pool are forcing the county to adjust the facility’s hours. Kauai Now.

Broadband bills signed, vacation rental laws stir public in two counties, Honolulu council shakeup, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

New Hawaii law creates broadband office to close connectivity gap. Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke, serving as acting governor while Gov. Josh Green is out of state, on Monday signed two bills into law aimed at closing Hawaii’s digital divide by establishing a centralized state Broadband Office and expanding digital literacy services. Star-Advertiser. Tribune-Herald.  Hawaii News Now. 

What Is Farming? Hawaiʻi Moves To Broaden Allowed Agricultural Uses. The Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture plans to overhaul its rules this summer to allow more than just agricultural production on 25,000 acres under a new agricultural enterprise lands program. Civil Beat.

Hawaii keiki face mixed trends in well-being vs. mainland peers. Hawaii’s children are increasingly affected by housing instability and parental job insecurity, ranking the state among the worst in the nation for economic well-being, according to the 2025 KIDS COUNT Data Book released Monday by the Annie E. Casey Foundation. Star-Advertiser.

Report shows use of Hawaiian language growing at home. Once banned in public schools in Hawaii, the Hawaiian language continues to make a comeback, rising as a spoken language among households by more than 48% in less than 10 years. Maui News.

ACLU of Hawai‘i asks county leaders not to collaborate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Hawaiʻi is urging county leaders in the state to refrain from assisting the federal government with immigration enforcement. Kauai Now.

Will Cuts To Pension Benefits Hurt Efforts to Recruit New Hawaiʻi Judges? The Hawaiʻi Salary Commission approved hefty pay raises for judges to help attract more applications for the bench. Then lawmakers voted to cut judges’ pension benefits. Civil Beat.

How The Māmaki Tea Industry Shut Down A Bill Regulating Its Products. Opponents of the measure said the bill would hurt the industry it was intended to help. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Council shake-up follows close vote on sewer rate increase. The face-off at the Honolulu City Council over sewer fees now has political fallout for two council members. Two days after council chair Tommy Waters lost that vote, two members who voted against him are losing their leadership positions. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu condo buyers gaining advantages in slowing market. The Honolulu Board of Realtors reported that condominium sales plummeted 22% in May to 374 from 478 in the same month last year, representing the biggest year-over-year decline for any month in the last 11 months. Star-Advertiser.

Parking rates are going up at Honolulu airport. Hourly parking rates at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport are going up starting July 1.  Hawaii News Now.

City seeks development partner for West Oahu affordable housing project.  On Monday, the Honolulu Department of Housing and Land Management put in a request for qualifications to help develop 13 acres of land near Wakea Street and Kamokila Boulevard. Hawaii News Now.

With insecticide planned for hundreds of trees in urban Honolulu, farmers want a natural way to fend off coconut rhinoceros beetles. Crews are injecting about 800 trees from Kakaako Waterfront Park through Kewalo Basin to Magic Island with an insecticide called Xytect. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Hawaiʻi County Council seeks more oversight with passage of vacation rental bill. The Hawaiʻi County Council has passed a measure requiring short-term rental owners to register their units with the county. Hawaii Public Radio.

Lawmakers offer updates about recent legislative session. House Bill 818, which would’ve established the Waiakea Peninsula Community Development District, died after passing over to the Senate, which didn’t schedule any hearings about the measure. Tribune-Herald.

Kona Airport Runway To Close Overnight On Wednesday, June 11. Runway 17-35 at the Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keāhole will close from 10 p.m. on June 11 to 6 a.m. on June 12, as part of an ongoing runway rehabilitation project. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Emotions Are High As Maui Considers Phasing Out Short-Term Rentals. Dozens of people turned out to testify on Mayor Richard Bissen’s effort to convert short-term rentals into long-term housing in a bid to ease the affordable housing crisis. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

50 trucks will spend 5 months moving Lahaina fire debris to permanent landfill. Fifty trucks will spend five months hauling Lahaina wildfire debris to a landfill in the center of Maui starting next Monday, Maui County said. There’s enough debris to fill five football fields five stories high. Associated Press. Maui News. 

Maui Humane Society selected for national lost pet technology pilot program. The Maui Humane Society has been selected as one of 25 shelters around the country to participate in a program called Network Neighbors to help more lost pets get back home. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kauai

Three graduate from Kauai Police Department 101st Recruit Class. One of the few remaining items needing attention by Police Chief Todd Raybuck before Thursday was the administering of oath to three graduates of the 101st Police Recruit Class on Monday at the Kauai Veterans Center. Garden Island.

Although bacteria rates are rising, federal funding cuts threaten water quality testing. In its national annual report, Surfrider Foundation revealed that Waikomo Stream at Kōloa Landing in Poʻipū was on a list of the top ten beach bacteria hotspots. Kauai Now.

 

UH faces uncertainty over state, federal funding; Maui mayor's salary outpaces governor's; Honolulu official cleared to take trip from no-bid contractor, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

UH faces uncertainty over Senate budget. The University of Hawaiʻi needs an additional $37.9 million for programs and services at its 10-campus system for fiscal year 2026, which begins July 1. Kalbert Young, UH vice president for budget and finance and chief financial officer, noted that the budget proposal recently passed by the Senate includes a more limited level of general fund support for UH in several key areas, compared to the versions put forward by the governor and the House. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.

The State Spent Millions On Housing For The Homeless But Doesn't have Receipts To Back It All Up. Since late 2023, the state has issued more than $37.1 million in no-bid contracts to HomeAid Hawaiʻi to build small dwellings as part of Gov. Josh Green’s signature Kauhale Initiative.While HomeAid has provided the Department of Human Services with balance sheets and supporting documents showing how it used state money for some of its projects, the state doesn’t have receipts or other documents detailing the specific use of public money for other projects. Civil Beat.

Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke on the push to send more Hawaiʻi produce nationwide. Luke recently returned from a visit to the U.S. Department of Agriculture in the nation's capital. It's the second time a Hawaiʻi delegation has ever visited.  Hawaii Public Radio.

Proposed Rule Change On Endangered Species Of Particular Concern in Hawaiʻi. Hawaiʻi has more endangered species than any other state, so elimination of habitat protections could be felt deeply here. Associated Press.

Lawmakers May Reduce Court Fines For Youth, But Judges Have Already Cut Back. The amount of fines imposed by judges has dropped, raising questions about whether lawmakers need to do anything. Civil Beat.

Oahu

City to lose over $11 million in federal funding. The biggest losses will mean a $4.8 million cut for planning for a potential rapid transit bus program for the Waianae Coast, followed by a $3 million loss in federal funding for special needs housing improvements. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Council OKs City Director’s Free Trip To Poland. A Honolulu department head’s trip to Poland next month will be funded by a private company that has signed a no-bid contract with that department after City Council members voted Wednesday to approve the gift. Civil Beat.

City Council approves new development plan for Honolulu's urban core. The primary urban core is Oahu’s most populated area, with about 350,000 people packed in from Kahala to Pearl City and all the valleys in between. Hawaii News Now.

Plans presented to develop areas around East Kapolei rail stations. A meeting in Kapolei on Wednesday night focused on developing the land around the rail transit stations. KITV4.

Treatment facility for boys with behavioral problems gets pushback from area residents. The state has approved a new live-in treatment facility for up to five boys who have behavioral problems stemming from sexual abuse or trauma. The home run by Catholic Charities Hawaii is in the quiet “Royal Summit” neighborhood in Aiea. Hawaii News Now.

Warning extended: Speed cameras catch 30k speeders weekly. It was supposed to last two months, but now the state’s new speed camera warning period is getting a major extension.  KHON2.

Parking fees coming to Keeaumoku Walmart, Sam’s Club lot. To deter non-shoppers from taking up space in the lot meant for customers only, Walmart hired Secure Parking Hawaii to begin parking enforcement starting May 1. KHON2.

State seeks more attorneys to become court-appointed guardians ad litem. A guardian ad litem is a court-appointed attorney who is there to protect the interests of a person who cannot take care of themselves. But there are only two doing this work for the island of Oʻahu.  Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Island

HPD, UH Hilo partner for new internship program. The Hawaii Police Department kicked off its Kalounui internship program in March with an event at the University of Hawaii at Hilo. Tribune-Herald.

Lifeguard certification course to be offered in Kapa‘au. The Hawaii County Department of Parks & Recreation is offering a lifeguard certification course at Kohala Swimming Pool at Kamehameha Park in Kapa‘au. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Maui mayor’s salary to outpace Hawaiʻi governor’s until mid-2028. Starting July 1, Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen will earn $245,000 annually — more than Hawaiʻi Gov. Josh Green‘s salary through the end of their current terms in office in 2026.  Maui Now.

Maui Department of Housing announces FY 2026 Affordable Housing Fund Annual Plan. The County of Maui Department of Housing announced the release of its Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Affordable Housing Fund (AHF) Annual Plan, which outlines key investments and initiatives designed to address the growing demand for affordable housing across Maui County. Maui Now.

Kekaulike Avenue to reopen a month ahead of schedule following storm-related repairs. Officials with the state Department of Transportation say Kekaulike Avenue between Waiakoa Road and ʻAlae Road will be reopened by noon, Thursday, April 17. Maui Now.

Kauai

Lives of federal conservation workers on Kauaʻi upended by Trump administration. On Valentine's Day, four employees who worked across Kauaʻi’s three USFWS refuges lost their jobs. Hawaii Public Radio.

Water conservation request continues for Hanalei, ‘Anini areas. Kaua‘i County Department of Water officials issued the request April 4 after a pump station mechanical failure that continues to affect the water storage supply. Kauai Now.

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

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

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

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

Oahu

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hawaii Island

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

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

Maui

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

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

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

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

Kauai

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

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