Green might scale back promised income tax cuts; HMSA, Hawaii Pacific Health mull merger; Pearl Harbor ceremony held without survivors for first time, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Green Suggests Hawaiʻi Might Scale Back On Income Tax Cuts. Gov. Josh Green won’t be releasing his proposed new budget for another two weeks, but he is already floating the idea that he and lawmakers may reduce the scope of the whopping state income tax cuts they approved in 2024. Civil Beat.

Commentary: Why Doesn't The Hawaiʻi Legislature Have An Electronic Voting System? Most states have them, and some lawmakers argue it would improve transparency and jolt some of their colleagues out of their complacency. Civil Beat.

Hawaiʻi's biggest shipper is shifting its China business model. Companies that ship in goods from China have adopted a strategy to diversify their supply chains. Hawaiʻi shipping company Matson is shifting its service to accommodate this China Plus One strategy.  Hawaii Public Radio.

Lack of funding puts Hawaii tourism program on hold. The Hawai‘i Tourism Authority invested upwards of $700,000 to launch the regenerative tourism program Qurator, but with no funding to keep it running, the award-winning, state-backed initiative has been put on ice. Star-Advertiser.

Hiring slowing as costs, minimum wage increase. Employee hiring among private employers dropped nationwide by 32,000 positions in November in the latest measurement of the American economy that’s also affecting Hawaii’s job market. Star-Advertiser.

Sales increase for Hawaii retailers despite tariff and inflation worries. As holiday-season crowds swelled in Hawaii’s malls and smaller local storefronts, some independent retailers say this year’s shopping surge feels nearly counterintuitive — a boost to their bottom lines even as the national economy remains fraught with uncertainty. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Pacific Health, HMSA discussing possible merger. Two of Hawaii’s largest players, Hawaii Pacific Health, which runs four hospitals on Oahu and Kauai, and Hawaii Medical Service Association, the state’s largest health insurer, are exploring a partnership. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Pearl Harbor ceremony carries on as survivors skip this year. Veterans, dignitaries and community members gathered at Pearl Harbor on Sunday to mark the 84th anniversary of the surprise attack that pulled the United States into World War II.  Only 12 survivors are still alive — all centenarians — and this year none were able to make the pilgrimage to Hawaii to mark the event Sunday. Star-Advertiser. Associated Press.  Hawaii News Now. KITV4. 

Nagasaki atomic bomb survivors in Honolulu for WWII memorial events. Nagasaki atomic bomb survivors, known as the “hibakusha,” will host events to share personal stories of the 1945 World War II atomic bombing and engage in discussions of peace as this year marks the 80th anniversary. Hawaii News Now.

First of 10 towers at Mayor Wright Homes positioned to rise next year. The first phase of a more than $1 billion plan to redevelop one of Hawaii’s oldest and biggest public housing communities is on track to begin next year after a big recent financing commitment by a state board following over a decade of work. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiʻi Patients To Join New Lawsuit Against Army Doctor Accused Of Abuse. At least 10 women who were patients of Maj. Blaine McGraw when he was a resident at Tripler Army Medical Center are lining up to sue the OB-GYN and the Army. Civil Beat.

News outlets are closer to renewed access to Honolulu police communications. A bill ordering the Honolulu Police Department to share information with news outlets has passed through its final hearing at the Honolulu City Council, though some worry community reporting on social media will suffer. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Island

Council questions nonprofit spending. Hawaii County Council on Tuesday advanced a $6 million package of homelessness and housing grants out of committee, but not without sharply criticizing local service providers for what members described as inefficient spending, weak accountability and uneven delivery of services. Tribune-Herald.

Ag property tax measure advances. The Hawaii County Council voted unanimously Tuesday to advance Bill 103, Draft 2, a measure that would extend a 3% annual property assessment cap to certain former agricultural parcels that also qualify for the homeowner tax class. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaiʻi County leaders outline needs, priorities to state senators during Big Island visit. During their early November visit, members of the Senate Ways and Means Committee also met with county and community leaders to receive updates on projects and initiatives relating to biosecurity, economic development and sustainability, housing, culture, and workforce pathways, which are outlined in a 20-page report. Big Island Now.

Prized cattle reunited with owners thanks to new ag crimes task force. An agricultural crimes task force created and funded by “Duke’s Law” is starting to bear fruit. Tribune-Herald.

Enormous Lava Fountain Erupts At Kilauea, Destroys Webcam. Episode 38 in the ongoing Kīlauea summit eruption ended abruptly at 8:52 p.m. HST on Saturday evening after 12.1 hours of continuous lava fountaining. Big Island Video News.

Maui

'It's about balance': Maui nears final vote to phase out thousands of vacation rentals. A measure that would close about half of vacation rentals in Maui County passed the first reading in the full council by a narrow 5-3 vote this week. Now, it’s headed to a second and final reading on Dec. 15. Hawaii Public Radio.

Maui Council advances tax relief extension for Lahaina wildfire survivors. The Maui County Council unanimously passed a bill on first reading Friday that would extend real property tax relief for Lahaina wildfire survivors through June 2028. Maui Now.

Delayed Maui County Grants Leave Local Nonprofits in Limbo. The county says it is tightening up its oversight of public money to prevent fraud and abuse.  Civil Beat.

More Maui schools adopt e-bike bans or regulations following state Department of Education guidelines. It was not until last month, despite it being illegal under Hawaiʻi state law for children under the age of 15 to have or operate e-bikes, that the state Department of Education set new regulations that banned e-bikes at all elementary and intermediate schools in its system.  Maui Now.

Kauai

Kauaʻi grant aims to elevate sustainable tourism, cultural preservation efforts. The start of the new year could bring extra cash to some nonprofits on the Garden Isle through the annual Kauaʻi Cultural Program and Events Grant. Hawaii Public Radio.

Temporary service changes at Hanalei transfer station scheduled this week. Kaua‘i County Solid Waste Division reports that the transfer station serving the North Shore community will accept bagged trash only — no loose mixed waste — Friday (Dec. 12). The facility will also be completely closed to the public Saturday (Dec. 13). Kauai Now.

Green seeks $10B for use of military land, Hawaii teacher claims rights violation in Charlie Kirk discussion, Hawaii County Council delays vacation rental regs, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaiʻi Gov Wants $10 Billion From Feds For Military Land Leases. Gov. Josh Green wants to secure significant investments from the federal government for housing and environmental protection while also moving swiftly on a deal that would allow the Army to continue using thousands of acres of state land for training. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

Teacher says DOE response to Charlie Kirk class discussion violates her rights. A conservative legal group has sent a demand letter to the state Department of Education because of a classroom discussion about conservative activist Charlie Kirk. A middle school history teacher at a Hawaiʻi public school alleges that the department violated her First Amendment right to free speech. Hawaii Public Radio.

At least 7 dead in ‘catastrophic’ fiery crash of Honolulu-bound UPS plane in Kentucky. A UPS cargo plane bound for Hawaii crashed and exploded in a massive fireball Tuesday while taking off from the company’s global aviation hub in Louisville, Kentucky, killing at least seven people and injuring 11, authorities said. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. KITV4. 

The University of Hawaii announced a temporary grace period for registration holds across all 10 campuses Tuesday. A letter from UH President Wendy Hensel said students can register for Spring 2026 even with unpaid Fall quarter balances. Hawaii News Now.

New hemp registration requirements coming in 2026. The Hawaiʻi Department of Health (DOH) Office of Medical Cannabis Control and Regulation (OMCCR) is launching a statewide outreach and education campaign to help hemp retailers and distributors prepare for new registration requirements that take effect Jan. 1, 2026. Maui Now.

State Sen. Awa contests election ethics violation over social media video. The Hawaiʻi Ethics Commission is considering a violation against Oʻahu North Shore state Sen. Brenton Awa that could result in a nearly $1,000 fine. Awa appeared before the commission Monday to contest the violation regarding a video he posted on his official Instagram account. In issuing the violation notice, the commission said Awa's video used government resources for campaign purposes, which is against the law. Hawaii Public Radio.

Matson pays $6.4M in port fees to China since levies started. Honolulu-based ocean shipping company Matson Inc. has paid $6.4 million in port fees to China since they were implemented on Oct.14, CEO Matt Cox said Tuesday. Reuters.

Federal Cuts Mean Less Help For Hawai’i Domestic Violence Victims. Programs providing targeted outreach to Native Hawaiian and Filipino survivors are among those facing cuts. Civil Beat.

 1 dead, 1 sick from listeria infection in Hawaii. DOH said that the strain has been linked to prepared pasta meals that have since been recalled due to a potential listeria contamination — the source of the two Hawaii cases has yet to be determined. KHON2.

Oahu

Osprey command team relieved of duty. Maj. Gen. Marcus B. Annibale, commanding general of the Okinawa-based 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, relieved Lt. Col. Shaina M. Hennessey of her duties as commanding officer of Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 268, along with its senior enlisted leader Sgt. Maj. Jamie Lampley and the squadron’s unnamed executive officer. Star-Advertiser.

HPD using mounted license plate reading cameras in parts of Waikiki and Downtown. Honolulu Police have been using license plate reading cameras in their patrol cars for years. But they’ve recently started mounting them in fixed locations. And if police had their way, the cameras would be all over the island.  KHON2.

Uncertainty surrounding the distribution of SNAP benefits and ongoing furloughs during the government shutdown is causing multiple challenges for federal employees.  An Oʻahu food pantry added a day of distributions specifically for federal workers. Hawaii Public Radio.

‘Very painful,’ former Miss Hawaii fights to stop her husband from being deported.  With a cane in hand guiding her every step, former Miss Hawaii Cheryl Bartlett slowly walks along the garden of palms and hinahina she and her husband, Rogerio Araujo, grew together outside of their Makiki apartment.  Hawaii News Now.

Years of blight: Crumbling Waialae Ave home sparks safety fears. It’s one of the first homes you see driving into Kahala. Neighbors say the crumbling, overgrown property on Waialae Avenue has become a magnet for trouble, and they’re pleading for something to be done. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

County Council committee votes to delay start of STVRs law. A proposal to delay implementation of Hawaii County’s short-term vacation rental law until mid-2026 cleared a County Council committee Tuesday and now heads to the full council for final approval. Tribune-Herald.

State leaders support alternate Mauna Kea sites as option for Thirty Meter Telescope. Gov. Josh Green is pledging to help “promptly” establish a procedure to permit construction of a controversial telescope atop Mauna Kea on a site previously developed for observatory use. Star-Advertiser.

Hawai‘i Community College Sees Large Enrollment Increase. Hawaiʻi CC saw an enrollment of 2,489 students, an 8.7% rise, said to be one of the highest headcounts in years at the Hawaiʻi island-based college.  Big Island Video News.

BJ Penn charged with alleged assault of 45-year-old man outside Hilo residence. Hawai‘i Island police arrested and charged former UFC two-division champion 46-year-old Jay Dee “BJ” Penn of Hilo with third-degree assault following an incident early Tuesday morning (Nov. 4) in Hilo. Big Island Now. KITV4. 

Maui

Maui Council adopts dual track Kahului seat vacancy process, clashes over Bill 9 delay. The Maui County Council ended a contentious special meeting to determine a process to fill the vacancy left by the death of Council Member Tasha Kama with a final, tense 8-0 vote. Maui Now.

Maui’s King Kamehameha III school to reopen Wednesday. King Kamehameha III Elementary plans to reopen Wednesday after being closed Tuesday “out of an abundance of caution” due to Monday’s Kapalua wildfire which is now 100% contained. Star-Advertiser.

Maui fishers donate thousands of pounds of fish to feed hungry families. Fishers on 23 boats participated in the tournament, bringing in more than 4,800 pounds of fish, including marlin, mahi mahi, and ahi.  Hawaii News Now.

County of Maui seeking volunteers to serve on Boards and Commissions. Maui County boards and commissions need volunteers for more than 30 panels, including Liquor Control Commission, Maui Planning Commission, Police Commission, Salary Commission, Urban Design Review Board, Fire and Public Safety Commission and others. Maui Now.

Kauai

Mayor, county officials swear-in the county’s new attorney. Tyler Saito previously worked as a deputy county attorney and a deputy prosecuting attorney in the Kauaʻi Office of the Prosecuting Attorney. Kauai Now.

Mākua Beach Parking Woes May Be Eased Under Kauaʻi Mayor’s Plan. Parking has been a problem for decades at the main access point shared by Mākua Beach and Hāʻena Beach Park. An effort to fix it may be gaining momentum. Civil Beat.

Conservationists seek to reduce nēnē deaths on West Kauaʻi highway. The Mānā Plains Nēnē Project will focus on reducing car collisions with nēnē along a 5-mile stretch of Kaumualiʻi Highway in West Kauaʻi near the Kawaiʻele Waterbird Sanctuary. Hawaii Public Radio.

Honolulu rail inches toward downtown, Matson navigates shipping losses from China, COVID infects Hilo longterm care, jail facilities, UH football free on TV, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Phase 3 of Skyline Rail project breaks ground. Phase 3 of the $1.4 billion project will add six new stations and about three miles of elevated guideway from Middle Street to Civic Center.  Construction is expected to be complete by 2030. KHON2. HART press release. KITV4. 

HART to receive $112M state funding; the review before the reimbursement. Honolulu’s Skyline rail is a semi-autonomous entity of the City and County, but it does get funding from the state through general excise taxes as well as transit accommodation taxes. KITV4.

Matson navigates drop in Chinese business. Matson Inc. recently reported a 14.6% decline in cargo volume for its China service during the April-June quarter that included a rebound in mid-May after a 30% drop in April attributed to Trump tariff announcements. Star-Advertiser.

UH televising free football home games this season, ending pay-per-view. On Monday, UH and Spectrum Sports announced an agreement on a one-year deal in which the pay-per-view format of the past 22 years will be scrapped.  Star-Advertiser. Aloha State Daily.

The former Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement unveiled a new name, logo, and tagline as part of a broader rebranding initiative. The rebrand also introduces a new tagline: “Hawaiians Advancing Hawai‘i,” a reflection of the organization’s deep commitment to its homeland and people. Big Island Video News.

Oahu

Why This Honolulu Housing Strategy Is Not A ‘Super Successful’ Program. A new state law requires counties to let homeowners build two additional housing units on eligible properties. Honolulu is struggling to persuade people to build just one. Civil Beat.

Honolulu legislation seeks to create a downtown business improvement district. The pandemic changed the workplace, and downtown is on the cusp of more change: new investment by local developers and a push to rebrand downtown as DOHO to revitalize the financial district for those who live and work in this hub.  Hawaii Public Radio.

Mayor Wants To Buy Wo Fat Building In Chinatown For Housing. Developers ran out of money to convert the landmark former restaurant into a hotel. Star-Advertiser.

City continues roadwork on Kapiolani Boulevard. The city Department of Design and Construction on Monday began installing striping and pavement markers along a roughly half-mile stretch of Kapiolani Boulevard, from Waiaka Road to Date Street. Star-Advertiser.

Water Has Been Leaking From This State Building For Over A Month. Community members near the Diamond Head Health Center have noticed a steady stream of water leaking from the property around the clock. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Hawaii County planning commissions to consider household hennery bill. Bill 52 would permit residents in certain residential and mixed-use zones to raise hens and other female poultry for household egg production under specific regulations. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii County seeks dismissal of claims against officers. Hawaii County civil attorneys are attempting to have the county and unnamed police officers removed as defendants in a wrongful death lawsuit filed by family members of a Holualoa woman who claim the officers are at least partially responsible for the woman’s death from a drug-and-alcohol overdose. Tribune-Herald.

Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani and agent accused of sabotaging $240M Hawaii real estate project. A Hawaii real estate investor and broker are suing Shohei Ohtani, claiming the Los Angeles Dodgers star and his agent got them fired from a $240 million luxury housing development on the Big Island’s coveted Hapuna Coast that they brought him in to endorse. Associated Press.

As COVID-19 infection rates rise across Hawaii, Hilo Medical Center’s long-term care facility reported an outbreak among its residents and staff. A total of 13 people at the center tested positive for the coronavirus in the past week. The spike in infections at the care home comes after another outbreak among Hilo inmates that canceled visitation this past weekend at a reintegration facility in Panaewa.  Hawaii News Now.

BISAC’s behavioral health services earn highest level of accreditation. Big Island Substance Abuse Council earns accreditation for comprehensive behavioral health services, marking over 25 years of national recognition. Big Island Now.

Hilo-based youth circus club teaches LGBTQ+ teens aerial tricks and techniques. Last week was the grand opening of Aerial Arts Hawaiʻi's Queer Youth Circus Club. It’s a free social club that teaches self-identifying LGBTQ+ youth circus arts while connecting them with like-minded peers and instructors. Hawaii Public Radio.

Two-lined spittlebug continues to devastate Hawaiʻi Island ranches. The two-lined spittlebug has been a growing problem for ranchers on Hawaiʻi Island over the last couple years — and experts warn it’s also a threat for the whole community. Hawaii Public Radio.

Maui

Council to focus on budget adjustments, discounted water rates and Honuaʻula this week. The Maui County Council will meet Tuesday, Aug. 12 at 9 a.m. to consider the mayor’s requests to amend the fiscal year 2026 budget for the Department of the Prosecuting Attorney and Department of Water Supply a bill to establish discounted water rates for preservation and restoration of native species habitats. Maui Now.

Two years After Wildfire, Maui Homeowners Face A New Threat: Foreclosure. A local nonprofit, Hawaiʻi Community Lending, surveyed 257 Lahaina homeowners with mortgages affected by the fire and found their average balance was $696,983, more than twice the national average.  Civil Beat.

Guide To Keeping And Rebuilding Homes In The Wake Of 2023 Maui Wildfires. Two years after the devastating 2023 wildfires, homeowners may be facing the prospect of repaying mortgage loans previously in forbearance. Civil Beat.

Lahaina meeting to cover sewer project, housing programs, more. Maui County will host a Lahaina community meeting at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Lahaina Intermediate School cafeteria. Maui News.

Maui County finance department recognized for ‘excellence in financial reporting.  The Maui County Department of Finance Accounts Division was recently recognized by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada for excellence in financial reporting. Maui News.

Restaurant at historic Kula Lodge in Upcountry Maui burns. Maui Fire Department arrived Monday at 3:33 a.m.  to find the restaurant at 15200 Haleakala Highway engulfed in flames. They had the fire under control at about 5:30 a.m. Star-Advertiser. Maui News.  Maui Now. Hawaii News Now. 

Kauai

Governor says Kauai is strong. Gov. Josh Green, MD, had the opportunity for an in-person meeting with more than 300 people who attended the 27th Annual Governor’s Luncheon hosted by the Kauai Chamber of Commerce and Southwest Airlines at the Koloa Landing Resort. Garden Island.

East Kauaʻi community to discuss the future of transportation tonight. Community members are invited to participate in two more focused public workshops for the East Kauaʻi Community and Circulation Plan. Kauai Now.

Repaving project on Wawae Road will limit access to homes next week. Residents living off Wawae Road are asked to prepare for a repaving project that will fully close the road during the day next week in Lāwaʻi. Kauai Now.

Special session may not be needed, Matson stops shipping electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids, 2 women's bodies found in toppled banyan debris, Ellison now world's second-richest person, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Legislative special session may not be needed. State House Speaker Nadine Nakamura recently said dates remain reserved for a potential special session because federal funding decisions and their impact on Hawaii are still unclear. But Gov. Josh Green believes an immediate threat has passed, and that a special session isn’t needed. Star-Advertiser.

State held ‘fruitful’ talk with USDA to boost Hawaii exports. The added costs of President Donald Trump’s tariffs on international imports has hurt some local businesses, but the state’s agricultural industry is working to capitalize on the administration’s support for “made in America” and homegrown products by pushing to remove some of the restrictions on produce that cost Hawaii an estimated $760 million a year. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiʻi Public Defender Urges Governor To Bar Cops From Working With ICE. The state’s Office of the Public Defender has stepped into the convulsive national fray over immigration enforcement, asking Gov. Josh Green to issue an executive order largely barring law enforcement agencies from collaborating with federal immigration authorities. All four county police departments have existing contracts with Homeland Security Investigations — a division of ICE — and other federal law enforcement agencies such as the Drug Enforcement Administration, under which they work together on what officials have said are investigations unrelated to immigration.  Civil Beat.

Matson stops shipping electric vehicles to Hawaiʻi. Hawaiʻi’s largest shipping company told customers this week that it won’t ship electric vehicles to Hawaiʻi anymore. Matson has told customers in a letter that it will stop transporting not only electric vehicles to Hawaiʻi but also plug-in hybrids because of the fire risk. Hawaii Public Radio.

State Medicaid administrators seek to ensure coverage amid federal changes. About 60% of people on Medicaid in Hawaiʻi are currently working, but it’s not yet clear if they would all meet the hourly requirements in the new law. Hawaii Public Radio.

Federal cuts leave Hawaii stations scrambling. Hawaii’s public broadcasting stations are scrambling to make up for a sudden loss in federal funding — forcing Hawaii Public Radio to pull from reserves and hold an emergency fundraising drive, as PBS Hawaii said it remains committed to its community emergency preparedness mission despite the financial strain. Star-Advertiser.

Coalition forms to save Hawaii’s struggling film industry. Hawaii’s film industry is organizing amid a slump in shooting major television series and feature films to better fight for improved state incentives after a bruising legislative session earlier this year. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s visitor industry looks to isle residents to bolster business. Visitors to Hawaii like to see how the locals live, but increasingly, locals are staycationing or island- hopping like visitors due to the many kamaaina specials that have emerged as softening in Hawaii tourism has extended into the peak summer period. Star-Advertiser.

Bloomberg reports Ellison is now world’s second richest person. Oracle founder and Lanai majority landowner Larry Ellison has overtaken Mark Zuckerberg, who owns a large estate on Kauai, to become the world’s second-richest person with a net worth of $251 billion — up nearly $60 billion in 2025 — according to Bloomberg News. Maui News.

Oahu

Trial run for rail’s airport extension delayed, HART says. Segment 2 — built to run from the old Aloha Stadium in Halawa, past the airport, to the Middle Street Transit Center in Kalihi — is scheduled to open for public ridership by Oct. 1. Star-Advertiser.

Nonprofit pushes for new Ala Wai Watershed District. A local nonprofit that wants to advance investments in nature-based solutions to protect the watershed and its communities is circulating an unofficial draft bill requesting that the Honolulu City Council establish a so-called Ala Wai Watershed Special Improvement District No. 6. Star-Advertiser.

HPD to add officers to combat rising crime rate in West Oahu. The Honolulu Police Department is adding a dozen officers to its West Oahu patrol district to address a 24% increase in calls for service and a spate of shootings and violent crime. Star-Advertiser.

Waikīkī Restaurant War Reveals Gaps In Hawaiʻi Business Protections. The dispute between two restaurants with the same name on the same block underscores a weakness in the state’s trademark system. Civil Beat.

Twice Torched Bird Watch Overlook Remains Shut. The popular birdwatching spot in ʻEwa Beach had been closed, then reopened for barely a year before it was closed down again last August. Trespassing brings a hefty fine. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Hawaii County names new interim police chief. On July 18, Hawaii County named Deputy Chief Reed Mahuna as the interim chief of police effective Sept. 1. KHON2.

Big Island police recover remains of women from fallen banyan tree. Hawaii Island police on Sunday recovered the remains of two women from within the debris of a downed banyan tree, which had fallen on Kilauea Avenue in Hilo on July 12. Star-Advertiser. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now.  Hawaii News Now. 

Episode 29 of the Halemaʻumaʻu eruption abruptly ends after 13 hours.  Episode 29 of the ongoing Halemaʻumaʻu eruption ended abruptly around 6:35 p.m. on Sunday after over 13 hours of continuous lava fountaining. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now. 

New Electric Buses Headed To Hawaiʻi Island. 12 new battery-electric buses, manufactured by the Gillig company, are replacing diesel buses on Kauaʻi, Maui and Hawaiʻi Island. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Better late than never: ‘Ohana Hope Village nears completion 2 years after Maui wildfires. Just 11 days after the devastating Maui wildfires on Aug. 8, 2023, the privately funded ‘Ohana Hope Village broke ground in Kahului, moving fast to provide housing for people who had lost their homes. But the off-the-grid, 88-unit temporary village that initially was expected to take six months to build now is approaching the two-year mark. Maui Now.

Maui middle schoolers explore community challenges with 3D printers, coding, AI. A group of Maui middle school students has spent the summer 3D printing ʻohe kapala stamping sticks, creating scenes of the Hawaiian demigod Maui using virtual reality, and using drones in real-world applications. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kauai

5 new homes celebrated by Kauai Habitat for Humanity. The new homes were built with qualified homebuyers in partnership with USDA Sect. 502 Direct Loan to Homebuyers, down payment assistance from the County of Kauai HOME Investment Partnership program, Title Guaranty Hawaii, as well as many community donors and volunteers. Garden Island.

One lane of alternating traffic open on Kūhiō Highway near Hanalei River Bridge. Kaua‘i Emergency Management Agency reported just before 6 p.m. Sunday that Kūhiō Highway near Hanalei River Bridge is open to one lane of alternating traffic after being closed that morning and for much of the day because of being inundated from flood waters. Kauai Now.

Legislature opens with optimism, Russian spy ship spotted off Hawaii coast, parents sue Boy Scouts over child's shooting death at camp, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii Legislature Opens With Show Of Goodwill By Green, Lawmakers. Tax relief, mental health woes and an affordable housing crisis top the agenda for the 2023 session. House and Senate leaders used their opening day speeches to float proposals to enhance a state tax break for working families known as the earned income tax credit. House members also pledged to do more to help persons suffering from mental illness. Civil Beat. Associated Press. Star-Advertiser. Big Island Video News.  Big Island Now. Garden Island.  Hawaii News Now.  KITV4.

Hawaii Gov Signals He'll Sign Ethics Reform Bills That Land On His Desk. Putting pressure on lawmakers, Gov. Josh Green said Wednesday that he is strongly inclined to approve major parts of a package of government reform legislation if they are approved by the Hawaii Legislature. Civil Beat. KITV4.

House Speaker Saiki's opening remarks for the 2023 legislative session. House Speaker Scott Saiki stood before both newly-elected and long-time legislators on Wednesday to outline the issues he would like representatives to work on over the next four months. Hawaii Public Radio.

Advocates press Hawaii lawmakers for change.  Hundreds of people descended upon the grounds of the state Capitol for opening day at the Legislature Wednesday, many of them pushing for the change they want to see in the islands. Star-Advertiser.

Teachers seek opportunity to sit on the Hawaiʻi Board of Education again. The Hawaiʻi Board of Education consists of 11 members — including lawyers, former education administrators, and even a former U.S. diplomat. However, the board doesn't actually have any teachers on it.  Hawaii Public Radio.

Fentanyl Test Strips Save Lives. Why Are They Illegal In Hawaii? State Sen. Joy San Buenaventura plans to introduce a bill this session to decriminalize the test strips as Hawaii confronts more overdoses. Civil Beat.

Feeding feral chickens could bring $500 fine. A bill that would fine anyone $500 for feeding feral chickens is the latest attempt to lower the count of chicken complaints across the state. Star-Advertiser.

Coast Guard releases video of Russian ships in Hawaii waters. The Coast Guard announced Wednesday that it has been tracking what it believes is a Russian intelligence-gathering ship over “recent weeks” off the coast of the Hawaiian Islands and released video of the ship refueling at sea with another Russian vessel. Star-Advertiser. West Hawaii Today. Big Island Video News.  Big Island Now. Maui Now. Kauai Now.  KHON2.

Matson’s earnings plunge as shipping demand wanes. The state’s largest ocean freight transportation company said after the market closed Wednesday that volume from Hawaii, China, Alaska and Guam all declined from the year-earlier period. Star-Advertiser.

Former Chief Investigator Sues Hawaii Attorney General’s Office. Daniel Hanagami took on some of the state's high profile white collar and public corruption cases in the early 2000s. The state’s former chief investigator is suing the state Department of the Attorney General over allegations that the department discriminated against him because of his age when it fired him last year. Civil Beat.

Hawaii’s COVID variant report detects ‘Kraken’ in 3 counties.  Hospitalizations of COVID-19 patients are ticking up following the holidays, with an average of 94 per day over the past week, according to data from the Healthcare Association of Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

Hawai‘i Covid-19 positivity rate at 6.8%; 5 more deaths recorded. The state Department of Health today reported 1,068 new Covid-19 infections over the past week, bringing the total number of cases since the start of the pandemic to 375,925. DOH also reported five more deaths, bringing the state’s Covid death toll to 1,775. The state’s average positivity rate declined to 6.8% compared with 7.5% the previous week. Star-Advertiser. KITV4.

Oahu

Residents critical of Red Hill agreement. Top officials from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Navy weathered a barrage of criticism from residents who crowded a town hall meeting Wednesday evening to discuss a proposed regulatory agreement relating to the defueling of the military’s Red Hill fuel facility. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Ex-Defense Contractor Pleads Not Guilty To Mortgage Fraud In Hawaii. Former defense contractor Martin Kao indicated on Wednesday he plans to fight a new federal charge accusing him of lying on the mortgage application for his Kahala home. Civil Beat.

Hawaii woman gets 2 years for illegal lobbying of Trump. In addition to 24 months in prison followed by three years on federal probation, U.S. District Judge Leslie E. Kobayashi fined Lum Davis $250,000 and levied a $100 special assessment. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

UH gets big grant aimed at bolstering diversity SPED teacher ranks. A $1.6 million grant was awarded to the University of Hawaii at Manoa College of Education’s Department of Special Education to increase and retain more well-prepared bilingual/multilingual teachers of color. Hawaii News Now.

Over 400 citations issued from Oahu red light cameras. The Department of Transportation said 416 vehicles were photographed since the State started using cameras to catch red-light runners in November 2022. KHON2.

Paramedics have a warning for Hawaii drivers: Tailing ambulances isn’t just inconsiderate, it’s dangerous. Emergency medical crews say drivers trying to get ahead in traffic are using ambulances to clear the way. That’s a crime. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

4 former HCCC correctional officers sentenced in beating of inmate. Four former correctional officers with the Hawaii Community Correctional Center have been sentenced for assaulting an inmate and conspiring to cover up the abuse for years. Star-Advertiser. Big Island Now.  Kauai Now.  KHON2.

Parents of Hilo boy killed by assault rifle sue Boy Scouts of America. The lawsuit names as defendants: the Boy Scouts of America and the Boy Scouts of America Aloha Council, and a Honolulu-based group that oversees Scouting in the State of Hawai‘i, the U.S. territories of American Samoa, Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. Big Island Now. Hawaii News Now.  KITV4.

State eyes purchase in North Kohala for PONC preservation. Residents can nominate sites around the Big Island to be acquired and preserved through Hawaii County’s Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources Preservation Commission. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Solar project proposed for Piiholo. A solar panel energy project that could service more than 500 homes in the Piiholo area and lower electric cost for customers is being proposed off of Makawao Avenue just north of Piiholo Road.  Maui News.

Five tons of marine debris removed from Kahoʻolawe. An estimated five tons of marine debris was airlifted this morning from Kaho‘olawe to Maui, with most of it destined for recycling as “new life” products, according to the state Department of Land and Natural Resources. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai

Former Waimea instructor Victor Aguilar sentenced for sexual assault.  Former Waimea High School JROTC instructor Victor Aguilar pleaded no contest to one charge of sexual assault in the second degree on Wednesday for taking advantage of his underage student. Garden Island.

Conservation-based summer program accepting applicants on Kaua‘i. Kupu, a leading conservation and youth education nonprofit in the State of Hawai‘i, is preparing to host its 2023 Hawai‘i Youth Conservation Corps Summer Program. Kauai Now.

Experts tell House committee time to open Hawaii, UH to require employee vaccinations, mayor denies permit for Mandate Free Maui Unity March, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

 

Tourist at Waikiki ©2021 All Hawaii News

Pressure mounts on Gov. David Ige to ease COVID-19 restrictions. But Ige, known for his cautious approach, doesn’t seem ready to announce that Hawaii is fully open for visitors, just yet. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Tribune-Herald. Garden Island. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Potential extension of Hawaii homeless program being considered by lawmakers. Enacted in 2018, state legislation requires the creation of a minimum of six Ohana Zone program projects — three on Oahu and one each on Kauai, Maui and Hawaii Island. Star-Advertiser. KITV4.

Hawaii not seeing wave of evictions — so far. Hawaii has been without a state or federal eviction moratorium for more than a month, but the state appears to have avoided a dreaded spike in evictions so far. Star-Advertiser.

Profits continue to stack up for Matson Inc. Continued booming business from China has led Matson Inc. to forecast a record quarterly profit. The Honolulu-based ocean cargo carrier estimates that it will earn between $277 million and $286 million from business during the three months ended Sept. 30. Star-Advertiser.

University of Hawaii to require COVID vaccination for all employees in 2022. The University of Hawaii on Monday announced a new policy that requires all employees to be vaccinated against COVID-19, effective Jan 3, 2022. KHON2. Star-Advertiser. KITV4.

Gov. David Ige urges parents of young children to look to pediatricians for initial COVID-19 shots. Gov. David Ige is urging parents to initially look to their children’s pediatricians once COVID-19 vaccinations are approved as expected this month for children ages 5 to 11. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii records 4 new coronavirus-related deaths, 113 additional infections. The new confirmed and probable infection count by island includes 69 new cases on Oahu, 10 on Maui, 18 on Hawaii Island, 10 on Kauai and six Hawaii residents diagnosed outside the state. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Invitation to come today for redeveloping land around Aloha Stadium. A competition to redevelop 73 acres of state land around Aloha Stadium is expected to get underway today. Star-Advertiser.

HART: Howard Hughes To Seek $200 Million In Rail Condemnation Suit. The city’s legal costs in the eminent domain battle started at $4.6 million. Now, they’re poised to exceed $23 million. Civil Beat.

HPD officer facing criminal probe after near-fatal crash previously accused of civil rights violations. A Honolulu police officer accused of running a car off the road in Makaha last month was already part of a civil rights lawsuit. Hawaii News Now.

Kirby Offshore Marine Hawaii to close, lay off 72 people. Kirby Offshore Marine Hawaii LLC has informed the state Department of Labor and Industrial Relations that it will be closing at the end of the year and laying off 72 people. Star-Advertiser.

Crews begin massive clean-up of burned out auto graveyard in Central Oahu. Crews crushed and collected several junked cars at Poamoho on Monday to make way for the massive clean up of an estimated 1,000 burned out and derelict vehicles. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Building permit applications pile up in EPIC system. A backlog in building permits was expected, but it’s worse than contractors suspected — and the county previously reported — in the transition to an online permitting system for two county departments. West Hawaii Today.

EA finds no significant impact from flood-control project. An environmental assessment of a flood-control project of the Waiakea and Palai streams in Hilo was released Friday with a finding of no significant impact. Tribune-Herald.

State Cleanup Plan For Big Island Park Leaves Residents With Questions. Two state departments have settled on a plan for removing lead-contaminated soil at Kolekole Beach Park but have not yet identified the funding for it. Civil Beat. Tribune-Herald.

County Submits Final Designs for Hwy 137, Lower Pohoiki Rd Restoration/Realignment. The County of Hawai‘i has submitted final designs for Highway 137 restoration and the lower Pohoiki Road realignment to the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Big Island Now.

This Big Island Octopus Research Facility Is Drawing The Wrath Of Animal Rights Activists. But the Kanaloa Octopus Farm’s owner says the group is off target. The farm is trying to save the species, not serve it for dinner. Civil Beat.

Maui

Upcoming Community Budget Meeting for FY 2023, Oct. 12. Community members are welcome to provide input as Mayor Victorino begins formulating the proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2022-2023. Maui Now.

Maui Mayor Michael Victorino denies county permit for Mandate Free Maui Unity March set for Saturday. Event planners requested that the event include food, live music and tents on county property. Maui Now.

No at-home COVID testing kits? Problems rise for Maui restaurants and their workforce. Maui County still has the lowest vaccination rate in the state at just 62%. Hawaii News Now.

Median home prices back under $1 million. Maui County single-family home median sales prices dipped just below $1 million last month and realtors anticipate the market will remain steady until inventory ramps back up. Maui News.

Local investment group to buy Royal Lahaina Resort. Hawaii real estate firm BlackSand Capital has reached an agreement to buy the Royal Lahaina Resort, one of the original properties that helped establish Kaanapali as a beachfront resort destination on Maui’s west coast. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai

Present, future of electric vehicles discussed online. The present and future of electric vehicles on Kaua‘i will be discussed Wednesday, Oct. 13, during an online panel hosted by the Kaua‘i Climate Action Forum. Garden Island.

Kealaula at Pua Loke continues transitional housing goals. Kealaula at Pua Loke, a transitional housing complex in Lihu‘e with built-in outreach services, was lauded as a prime example of what the state’s piloting with its ‘Ohana Zone program. Garden Island.

Hawaii to lift restrictions for vaccinated U.S. travelers, local sentiment against tourists worsens, Ige signs electric vehicle legislation, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Locals Mostly T-shirt in Hilo June 17, 2021 ©2021 All Hawaii News

Hawaii resident sentiment toward tourism worsens, but majority believe issues are worth it. Only 53% of respondents said tourism has brought more benefits than problems in the 2021 HTA Resident Sentiment Survey conducted by Omnitrak and released by the Hawaii Tourism Authority today. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Will Lift Restrictions For Vaccinated US Travelers On July 8. Hawaii will lift quarantine and pre-travel testing requirements for domestic travelers from the mainland who can show proof of receiving a COVID-19 vaccination early next month, Gov. David Ige said Thursday. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now. Garden Island. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. KITV4.

Electric Vehicles Supported In Latest Hawaiʻi Bill Signings. Governor David Ige on Thursday signed three house bills into law that shared a common electrification of transportation theme. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now. Hawaii News Now.

Ige signs women’s caucus bills and other measures. Gov. David Ige on Thursday signed a slew of bills into law, including legislation from the Hawaii Women’s Legislative Caucus. Tribune-Herald.

Gutted with a Rusty Scalpel. A bill Gov. David Ige is threatening to veto and one he signed are the “winners” of this year’s Rusty Scalpel award from two public-interest groups. West Hawaii Today.

Remains from the USS Oklahoma that could not be ID’d will be reinterred at Punchbowl. At least 51 unidentified crew members of the USS Oklahoma were returned to Hickam Field on Thursday — and while no families were there to rejoice over the identification of a relative, as has been the case for 343 other crew mainly in recent years — the U.S. military gave the Dec. 7, 1941, heroes full honors. Star-Advertiser.

Hawai´i Vacation Rental Demand Surges in May. The total monthly supply of statewide vacation rentals was 572,900 unit nights (+71.8%) and monthly demand was 413,500 unit nights (+988.5%) over the course of the month. That resulted in an average monthly unit occupancy of 72.2 percent (+60.8 percentage points) for May, which was higher than the occupancy of Hawai´i’s hotels (61.5%). Big Island Now.

Matson Inc. ups dividend 30%, approves share buyback. Matson Inc., the state’s largest ocean transportation firm, announced Thursday a 30.4% increase in its dividend and said its board has approved a share repurchase program totaling 3 million shares. Star-Advertiser.

Native Hawaiian Health Care Systems to receive federal funding. U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz announced Thursday that Papa Ola Lokahi, a nonprofit organization that advocates for and coordinates health care for Native Hawaiians, and the five Native Hawaiian Health Care Systems will receive a total of $18.2 million in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now.

More Than Half Of Hawaii’s Inmates Have Been Vaccinated Against COVID-19. But a breakdown of individual facilities shows mixed results, with 89% inoculated at the Kulani Correctional Facility and 23% at the jail in Hilo. Civil Beat.

Hawaii cluster report highlights COVID-19 transmission in places of worship. The Hawaii Department of Health’s COVID-19 cluster report this week focuses on outbreaks in places of worship due to two clusters under investigation on Oahu and Kauai. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii reports 55 new COVID cases; no additional fatalities. Of the new cases, 29 were on Oahu, 10 were on Maui, seven were on Kauai, six were on Hawaii Island, and one was reported on Molokai. There were also two residents diagnosed out-of-state. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Another Questionable Million-Dollar Honolulu Rail Contract? Documents suggest a contract for federal lobbying services was already a done deal before it was put out to bid. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Police Department push for more recruits. The Honolulu Police Department is looking for qualified candidates to shore up staffing, increase officer safety and help fill 279 vacancies that cost the city more than $2.5 million in overtime expenses in a single quarter. Star-Advertiser.

HDOT Changes Plans For Farrington Highway Bypass After Community Protests. There is new hope for residents hoping to reroute Farrington Highway makai of Makaha Beach Park. Civil Beat.

Oahu driver licensing centers, satellite city halls to extend hours to meet demand. Driver licensing centers around Oahu will extend their hours starting July 1 to meet a growing demand for driver’s licenses, learner’s permits and state identification cards. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Fireworks, Other July 4th Celebrations Back on Big Island. The County of Hawaiʻi Department of Parks and Recreation on Thursday announced this year’s Fourth of July celebrations in Hilo and Kailua-Kona. Big Island Now.

EA For Kona Manta Viewing Site Moorings Open For Comment. The State of Hawaiʻi is planning to reconfigure and install additional day-use moorings at two popular manta viewing sites along the Kona coast. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Stage 1 Water Shortage Declaration for Upcountry Maui Takes Effect July 2.  Beginning July 2, the department will prohibit Upcountry water consumers from using water for irrigation, watering lawns, washing vehicles or other nonessential activities. Maui Now.

Maui County’s Vacation Rental Occupancy Increases to 75% for May. In May 2021, Maui County had the largest vacation rental supply of all four Hawaiian counties with 234,400 available unit nights, with an occupancy rate of 75%, according to the latest Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority Report on vacation rental performance. Maui Now.

Kahului Park Playground closes because of ‘deterioration of play features’. Kahului Park Playground on Maui is closed effective immediately because of the “deterioration of the play features,” the County of Maui’s Department of Parks and Recreation announced today. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now.

Maui restaurant with red DOH placard opts to close shop for good. Pizza in Paradise in Kahului was closed back in May for unsanitary conditions. During a routine inspection, health inspectors found live maggots in a pot of old food, roaches in the kitchen, and piles of customer trash. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai

KPD graduates six in 94th recruit class. The Kaua‘i Police Department held a small outdoor ceremony on Thursday for its 94th Police Recruit Class graduates. Garden Island.

Kaua‘i Museum new exhibit hall dedicated to Maryanne Kusaka. In a surprise move by the Kaua‘i Museum Board of Trustees, the museum’s new exhibit hall was dedicated Waimakua in honor of Kusaka, who is the current head of the Trustees. Garden Island.

Hawaiian commission approves Kapolei casino plan, Kilauea volcano creates economic boost with COVID-19 concerns, utility disconnection moratorium extended, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Casino gambling in Las Vegas Photo by Kvnga on Unsplash

Proposed Kapolei casino survives narrow vote to move forward. A controversial proposal to develop a casino resort on lands set aside for Native Hawaiians in Kapolei survived a narrow vote Tuesday at the Hawaiian Homes Commission and now heads to Gov. David Ige for his consideration. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Homes Commission Forwards Gambling Bill To The Governor. The proposal must still win approval from Gov. David Ige and the Legislature before becoming law. Civil Beat.

Hawaiian Homes Commission Approves Casino Gaming Legislative Proposal. The commission was divided on the matter, but DHHL says the initiative could be used to address the department's dire financial state. Big Island Video News.

In 5-4 vote, Hawaiian Homes Commission supports moving forward with casino proposal. The Hawaiian Homes Commission voted 5-to-4 Tuesday to move forward with a plan to build a casino resort that would generate revenue for Native Hawaiians programs. Hawaii News Now.

Full text of the proposed Kapolei casino legislation is here.

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Proposal Would Exempt Vaccinated Hawaii Travelers From Quarantine. The proposed policy change would not immediately be useful to most travelers while the COVID-19 vaccine supply is limited. Civil Beat.

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Public Utilities Commission extends suspension of utility disconnections due to nonpayments through March 31. The Public Utilities Commission has extended the suspension of service disconnections due to nonpayments for Hawaiian Electric customers another three months to March 31, 2021. Star-Advertiser.

Moratorium for electric service disconnections extended through March 2021. The Public Utilities Commission ordered on Tuesday, Dec. 22, that the moratorium on disconnections of electric service for nonpayment be extended through March 31, 2021. KHON2.

Hawaiian Electric extends moratorium on disconnections. Hawaiian Electric announced Tuesday it will extend the moratorium on disconnections for nonpayment through March 31, 2021.  West Hawaii Today.

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Gov. Ige reflects on 2020, tough decisions he made for Hawaii amid the pandemic. Like many others, Gov. David Ige was feeling positive at the start of 2020. Then, COVID-19 happened. KHON2.

How Decades Of Advocacy Helped Restore Medicaid Access To Micronesian Migrants. The change could help an estimated 25,000 people in Hawaii. Civil Beat.

Matson takes delivery of Matsonia. Matson Inc., the state’s largest ocean shipping company, took delivery Friday of the Matsonia, the second of two new Kanaloa-class combination container/roll-on, roll-off ships built for the company by General Dynamics NASSCO. Star-Advertiser.

HAWAII VIRUS TRACKER — Dec. 22: 66 New COVID-19 Cases. Health officials reported 66 new COVID-19 cases statewide on Tuesday including 51 on Oahu, six on Hawaii island, seven on Maui, and two residents diagnosed out of state. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Deadline extended to keep $250M Honolulu rail project grant. Language put into one of the bills that make up the gargantuan congressional pandemic relief package approved late Monday would keep alive the city’s hopes of receiving $250 million in federal grant money for its financially strapped rail project, U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz, D-Hawaii, said Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

From delays to activation trouble, city grocery card program faces more woes. The city’s grocery card program is facing a new round of criticism from recipients who say that can’t activate their cards. Hawaii News Now.

Mayor Caldwell Provides Update on City Cards. The $500 grocery gift cards were supposed to be in the mailboxes of 4,000 unemployed O'ahu residents by December 7th. Some report not receiving theirs until this week. KITV4.

2 more drivers from TheBus and TheHandi-Van test positive for COVID-19. City officials confirmed that two more drivers — one of TheBus and one of TheHandi-Van — have tested positive for COVID-19. Star-Advertiser.

Some Honolulu Police Officers Are Doubling Their Salaries With Overtime. Records show police officers’ overtime has increased while the crime-solving rate has declined. Civil Beat.

‘Phase 1B’ of Hawaii’s vaccination plan begins. The city is partnering with the State Department of Health (DOH) to administer nearly 3,700 COVID vaccines to first responders over the next six days. KHON2.

Honolulu first responders receive the first dose of COVID-19 vaccine. Honolulu’s first responders began getting vaccinated for COVID-19 today, after months of treating infectious coronavirus patients. Star-Advertiser.

Chiefs of Honolulu police, fire and emergency medical services among first responders to get COVID-19 vaccine. Leeward Community College is serving as a vaccination site for the next couple weeks for Oahu police officers, firefighters, lifeguards and emergency medical services staff. KITV4.

Kapiolani Medical Center puts up final contract offer in ongoing negotiations. A new offer from Kapiolani Medical Center is the latest development in negotiations between nurses and the hospital. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Crowds at Kilauea are a welcome nudge for the economy and a test of public health. Approximately 48 hours after the eruption began, nearby lodgings are also filling up fast. Hawaii News Now.

Kilauea eruption shows no signs of stopping. The eruption at Kilauea Volcano’s summit appears stable, and there’s no sign it will end anytime soon, although previous eruptions have lasted less than a day to more than 10 years. Star-Advertiser.

Latest Kilauea eruption confined to Halema‘uma‘u crater. Kilauea’s latest eruption might stoke fears of a repeat of 2018’s devastating lava flows, but for now, the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory says the lava is isolated at the summit. Tribune-Herald.

Kilauea Volcano Eruption Update. Now in its second day, Kīlauea's newest volcanic eruption continues, with no significant change. Big Island Video News.

Vog returns to West Hawaii: Officials warn of potential air quality hazards. West Hawaii residents awoke Tuesday to a blanket of vog for the first time in more than two years. West Hawaii Today.

Kīlauea Eruption May Cause Decline in Air Quality. Sunday’s eruption at Kīlauea Volcano has caused potential concern about air quality across the Big Island. Big Island Now.

Kīlauea Eruption Poses Air Quality Hazard With Increased Vog and SO2 Levels. The state Department of Health is advising the public of potential hazardous, poor air quality, due to the ongoing volcanic eruption at Kīlauea that began on Sunday, Dec. 20, 2020. Maui Now.

Local Dems pick Kahele replacement candidates. Three familiar names and four not quite as familiar will vie for an open state Senate seat this evening in virtual interviews with precinct officials who will select three Democrats to send to Gov. David Ige as candidates to fill the District 1 seat vacated by Kai Kahele, who was elected to Congress. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Scaled-back state budget includes funds for hospital, jail. Funding for hospital and harbor improvements and medium-security housing at Maui’s only jail made the cut in the governor’s latest budget proposal, which calls for sharp reductions amid a struggling state economy. Maui News.

Hawaiian Electric Opens Three electric vehicle fast chargers on Maui. Three new electric vehicle fast-charging stations are now open to the public at the Queen Kaʻahumanu Center in Central Maui, Piʻilani Village Shopping Center in South Maui and Lahaina Aquatic Center in West Maui, Hawaiian Electric announced today. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kauai mayor extends emergency measures. Currently, Kauai is in Tier 4, the least restrictive of the county's four-tiered system of guidelines for businesses and recreation limits. KITV4.

Council mulls visitors beach-park parking fee. To address overcrowding at beach parks, the County Council has offered a bill authorizing the county Department of Parks and Recreation to initiate a study to potentially institute a county-beach-park parking-fee structure. Garden Island.

County announces two new cases of COVID-19. The state Department of Health Kaua‘i District Health Office reported two new cases of COVID-19 on Tuesday. Garden Island.

Surfrider asks for help collecting derelict fishing gear. The Kaua‘i chapter of the Surfrider Foundation, in collaboration with the state Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation, has placed ocean-debris recycling bins at the Nawiliwili and Port Allen small boat harbors. Garden Island.