Keohokalole challenges Case for Congressional seat, Green extends solar tax credit another year, new GoFundMe rules for Hawaii nonprofits, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Experience Or New Energy: Case Squares Off Against Keohokalole for Congress. U.S. Rep. Ed Case, who is seeking a fifth consecutive term, faces his most challenging primary race since returning to Congress in 2018. Case, a Democrat, is seeking his fifth term representing Hawaiʻi’s 1st Congressional District, which covers urban Oʻahu from Hawaiʻi Kai to ʻEwa. But if he’s to return to Washington in 2027 he’ll need to stave off a challenge from 42-year-old state Sen. Jarrett Keohokalole, who’s now his main opponent in the contest. Civil Beat.

Gov. Josh Green preserves 2026 Hawaii solar tax credit. Gov. Josh Green signed an executive order that would preserve solar credits for projects this year, delaying any changes to the program prompted by Act 24 until 2027. Green had signed Act 24 May 21 that reduced tax credits for several industries to help the state balance its budget and partly offset nearly $3 billion in anticipated lost revenue from the federal government.  Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. KHON2.

There’s One Big Flaw With The AG’s Track Record On Medicaid Fraud. A single settlement with a dialysis company accounted for the lion’s share of funds recovered by Hawaiʻi’s fraud unit, now facing federal scrutiny. Civil Beat.

New law changes fundraising for Hawaii nonprofits.  Beginning July 1, Hawaii’s Act 205 will require online charitable fundraising platforms, including GoFundMe, to obtain written permission from nonprofits before allowing users to donate to them or create fundraisers on their behalf. Star-Advertiser.

DHHL legal settlement distribution nears end. A genealogical hunt to find beneficiaries of a $328 million Hawaii legal settlement is nearing a likely incomplete end after more than two years of difficult and often emotionally searing work. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Convention center forced to postpone dozens of projects. The Hawai‘i Convention Center is moving ahead with critical leak repairs during its two-year shutdown, but state lawmakers’ rejection of a $55 million funding request means many of the upgrades needed to keep the venue competitive will be pushed off for years. Star-Advertiser.

Navy plans Red Hill water treatment facility. Five years since the Red Hill fuel leaks contaminated drinking water that serves 93,000 Oahu residents, sickening many, the Navy has completed its environmental assessment for a Red Hill Water Treatment Facility. Star-Advertiser.

Circus producer sues city over alleged ticketing failures, lost sales. The  lawsuit alleges the city required Showmakers Inc., a Honolulu- based producer of a circus featuring acrobats and motorcycle stunts rather than animal acts, to sell tickets exclusively through Ticketmaster LLC as a condition of using the city-owned venue at 777 Ward Ave. Star-Advertiser.

OHA reconsiders exploring KITV/KIKU deal. The Office of Hawaiian Affairs will reconsider its vote against funding due diligence for a possible acquisition of KITV and KIKU, reviving a proposal the Board of Trustees narrowly rejected last month. Star-Advertiser.

New Haleiwa farm expands opportunities for immigrant and refugee farmers. Community leaders, elected officials and immigrant farmers gathered at the North Shore Friday to bless Pacific Gateway Center’s new 80-acre Haleiwa farm, celebrating a project they say will strengthen Hawaii’s food security while creating economic opportunities for refugees, immigrants and survivors of human trafficking. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu condo owners pay some of the highest fees in the country. More than 60% of Oʻahu condominiums sold this year have maintenance fees of $800 a month or more. That’s up from just 20% in 2019. Hawaii Public Radio.

Military and civic leaders celebrate Flag Day and the U.S. Army’s founding. Military and civic leaders gathered Sunday on the grounds of the Pearl Harbor National Memorial to recognize Flag Day — the celebration of the official adoption of the American flag in 1777 — as well as the anniversary of the U.S. Army’s founding in 1775. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Hilo Harbor project hits snag. A $62 million planned expansion of Hilo Harbor will include traffic-flow improvements along Kalanianaole Street, promising relief to beach-goers, school commuters and residents of Keaukaha fed up with frequent gridlocks caused by cargo trucks entering and exiting the port. But the project’s timetable continues to be pushed back by breakdowns in negotiations over five privately owned properties adjacent to the port which the state needs to acquire before work can begin. Tribune-Herald.

Lawsuit trying to stop Kamehameha School’s Keauhou Bay plan to have hearing about consultant’s role. The main goal of the lawsuit's petitioner is to stop a proposed 150 bungalow development that is part of the nonprofit's management plan, which also includes a new cultural education center. Big Island Now.

Waikoloa Village residents ramp up demand for a new road. Wildfires in recent years on Hawaii Island and Maui have driven Waikoloa Village residents to seek proactive solutions to the looming danger of traffic bottlenecks in the event of a full-scale evacuation. The village is home to roughly 7,000 full-time residents with only one way in and out: Waikoloa Road. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

3 Democrats Compete For West Maui House Seat In Primary. House District 14 has gone Democrat for decades. But its two-term incumbent, Rep. Elle Cochran, traded teams in March and is running as a Republican.  Civil Beat.

Cost of Government Commission releases sweeping review of Maui County Boards and Commissions. The report identifies seven cross-cutting issues affecting the County’s governance infrastructure and recommends a mix of eliminations, restructurings and reforms. Maui Now.

Maui Health celebrates new CT scanner made possible with Oprah Winfrey donation. The June 8 ceremony brought together the hospital’s Imaging team, Kahu Kimokeo Kapahulehua, and Winfrey, whose gift to Maui Health Foundation funded the advanced diagnostic equipment. Maui Now.

Dead coconut rhinoceros beetles found in Waikapu traps. State agriculture officials have confirmed the discovery of dead coconut rhinoceros beetles in Waikapu, prompting additional surveys and monitoring efforts as Maui continues to guard against the destructive invasive pest. Maui News.

Kauai

Kauai County seeking to expand part of Kekaha Landfill by 2030. Kauai County is aiming to vertically expand a portion of the Kekaha Landfill — the only permitted landfill on the island — as it’s expected to reach its maximum capacity in 2030. Star-Advertiser.

Want to live like a rockstar? Former Carlos Santana estate up for sale on Kaua‘i’s North Shore. The $13 million former Santana home is next door to another larger 6.87-acre estate also up for grabs for a mere $32.5 million by the same seller. Kauai Now.

Hawaii Medicaid fraud unit decertified, immigration judge fired, UH-Manoa names new chancellor, Sandy Ma to head Honolulu Ethics Commission, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

State sets up Medicaid fraud task force after funding cut. Hawaii is setting up a task force to work with the state Attorney General to fight Medicaid fraud after President Donald Trump cut $3 million a year in federal support citing the state’s failure to obtain a criminal conviction between 2022 and 2025. Star-Advertiser. KITV4.

Hawaiʻi’s Medicaid fraud unit decertified: Trump cuts funds to Hawaii fraud unit, threatening state’s Medicaid funding. Hawaii stands to lose around $3 million in federal funding to fight Medicaid fraud after failing to consistently bring criminal cases, the Trump administration said Thursday. Star-Advertiser. KHON2.  KITV4.

Longtime Hawaiʻi Immigration Judge Fired As Trump Purge Continues. An ongoing purge by the Trump administration has claimed longtime Honolulu Immigration Court judge Clarence Wagner, who said no reason was given for his May 21 firing. However, he said he and colleagues had been under mounting pressure to get through a deep backlog of asylum and deportation cases more rapidly. Civil Beat.

Green establishes emergency response protocols ahead of travel. The Office of Gov. Josh Green announced Thursday he will be traveling out-of-state from Monday through June 23 to spend time with family. While traveling, the news release said, Green will retain executive authority and remain in regular contact with state leadership and cabinet members. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii incumbents with no challengers will cruise to victory. Twenty one incumbent Council members and state legislators have a clear path to reelection with no political opposition, and will return to office following the Aug. 8 party primary elections. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Can Tommy Waters Even Run For A Third Honolulu Council Term? Honolulu Council Chair Tommy Waters is taking advantage of an ambiguity in the City Charter and hoping the courts don’t rule against his effort to get reelected. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Ethics Watchdog Has New Leader. The Honolulu Ethics Commission selected attorney Sandy Ma as its next executive director on Thursday at a public meeting that followed a closed-door interview process. Civil Beat.

UH Board of Regents approves Vassilis Syrmos as new chancellor. Vassilis Syrmos first joined UH Manoa’s faculty 35 years ago. Throughout that time, he served as the University’s Interim Provost, Vice President for Research and Innovation and Associate Chancellor for Research. KHON2.

City says no landfill for Makaiwa Hills. The City had previously called Makaiwa Hills in West Oahu the only viable option, but that location is now off the table.  KHON2. KITV4. 

6 juveniles charged; 7th suspect arrested in North Shore mob beating. The arrests were made in connection with an attack that occurred Saturday, May 30, at Waialēʻe Beach, commonly known as “Dead Man’s Curve.” Hawaii News Now. KHON2. KITV4. 

Lake Waimaluhia shoreline access partially reopens. Loko (Lake) Waimaluhia is set to partially reopen this weekend after repair work and a reinforced pathway down to the lake have been completed. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Police target Saddle Road: HPD steps up enforcement after another fatal crash. Officers will maintain a heightened enforcement presence focused on identifying and addressing hazardous violations — including speeding, impaired driving, distracted driving and seat belt violations, according to HPD. Tribune-Herald.

1 dead in fiery fatal collision near 18-mile marker on Daniel K. Inouye Highway in Hilo. There have been three fatal crashes resulting in five deaths since Jan. 1 on Daniel K. Inouye Highway, also known as Saddle Road. Big Island Now. KHON2.

County seeks to acquire land to expand Puna road despite resistance from owner. The Hawaii County Council voted 7-1 Wednesday in favor of a resolution calling for the acquisition of 3.74 acres of land along Government Beach Road in Puna using eminent domain — a move that has angered the property’s owner. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Kihei man, 30, to be sentenced in laser assault on FBI aircraft. Jesse Kong will be sentenced June 17 after he pleaded guilty to facilitating a laser assault of an FBI pilot in a case federal officials are using to highlight the dangers of impairing a pilot’s vision. Star-Advertiser.

Waiʻānapanapa State Park facility improvements project begins July 6. The project includes a new comfort station adjacent to the park’s eastern parking area and resurfacing of Honokalani Road. Maui Now.

Ukumehame Firing Range set to reopen Friday. The Ukumehame Firing Range is expected to reopen Friday after repairs were made to storm-damaged berms and surrounding areas, according to the County of Maui Department of Parks and Recreation. Maui News.

Kauai

Kauaʻi County triples budget for homeless services. Grants for Kauaʻi County houseless programs would have received $500,000 under the original proposed budget, but will now receive $1.5 million. Hawaii Public Radio.

Bulosan seeking re-election to county council. Addison Bulosan announced his campaign for re-election to the Kauai County Council in a press release ahead of the ballot deadline. Garden Island.

Feather cape gifted to Mercy Whitney returns to Kauai. Following more than 200 years, an ‘ahu‘ula, or feather cape, that was gifted by King Kaumuali‘i to Mercy Whitney in honor of her work as a teacher, was returned to Kauai. Garden Island.

Hawaii GOP seeks Trump supporters to help increase state representation, Waikiki homelessness drops 90%, AT&T withdraws Kauai cell tower plan after community opposition, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaiʻi Republicans: We Need The 'Trump People' To Turn Out The Vote. The minority party hopes to capitalize on recent gains in the Hawaiʻi Legislature, but the biggest elephant in the room is Trump. To build on gains in the Legislature, Hawaiʻi Republicans were told Saturday at their state convention at the Kroc Center in ʻEwa Beach, is to inspire hardcore Donald Trump supporters in a year when he is not on the ballot. Civil Beat.

Hawaii’s fight against Medicaid fraud plagued for over a decade. Behind the verbal sparring last week between federal and state officials over policing Medicaid fraud, data shows Hawaii’s recent record on the subject is in some respects worst in the nation. In each of the last four years, Hawaii’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit has produced no indictments and no convictions for fraud — something no other state has done. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiʻi Residents With Unpaid Medical Bills Could Soon Get Help. The Legislature this year passed a bill to cancel unpaid medical debt for lower-income Hawaiʻi residents. Civil Beat.

Patient access bill raises free speech debate. House Bill 1961 makes it unlawful for someone to intentionally, knowingly or recklessly interfere with access to a healthcare facility or disrupt its operations through physical obstruction, repeated disruptive phone calls or threats against patients, workers, owners or property. Star-Advertiser.

Requiring Judges To Consider Past Trauma Of Youth Offenders Aim Of New Law. The proposed law, which awaits the governor’s signature, would also bar youth who have been trafficked or sexually abused from being charged as adults for crimes in which their abuser is the victim. Civil Beat.

Long-term care advocates says Hawaii lawmakers need to do more. As Hawaii’s population ages and long-term care costs continue to rise, two measures aimed at addressing elder care and dementia support are headed to Gov. Josh Green for signature, but critics say much more help is needed. Star-Advertiser.

Stricter E-Bike Regulations Planned For Hawai‘i. The new bill would mandate helmets for anyone under 18, ban wheelies or stunt riding on public streets, and place other age restrictions on riding. Civil Beat.

Expanding childcare tax credit could boost workforce. A new report from the University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization argues that expanding Hawaii’s childcare tax credit could partially pay for itself by helping more parents stay in — or return to — the workforce, even as the state faces mounting concerns over childcare affordability, shrinking provider capacity and staffing shortages. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii poses unique challenges in removing unexploded military munitions. More than a century of military training has left untold numbers of undetonated bombs and other munitions across the Hawaiian Islands. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Homelessness drops 91% in Waikiki core. A point-in-time count on April 16 found 201 people experiencing homelessness across Waikiki and nearby areas, down from 251 in September 2022, according to WBID and the University of Hawaii. The steepest decline came along Kalakaua and Kuhio avenues and Kuhio Beach, where unsheltered homelessness fell about 91%. Star-Advertiser.

Nonprofit acquires building in Chinatown for homeless youth. Residential Youth Services and Empowerment will develop the new four-story property into affordable housing and provide workforce development support for young adults from 18 to 24 years old. Hawaii Public Radio.

Honolulu Police Chief Candidate Investigated In Georgia Over Conduct. Former Glynn County, Georgia Police Chief Scott Ebner, now a finalist for the Honolulu chief job, has been under investigation for months over allegations of inappropriate behavior with a subordinate but apparently failed to mention that to a hiring consultant who recommended him as a top candidate for the Honolulu job. Civil Beat.

Largest affordable housing project celebrates grand opening. Construction of the 90-unit Makiki Banyan began in late March of 2025. There are 80 one-bedroom units and 10 two-bedroom units. The community also includes 33 parking stalls. KHON2.

As Oʻahu landfills approach capacity, deconstruction beats demolition. Oʻahu's two landfills are both approaching capacity. But for certain kinds of waste, recycling is making some progress.  Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii’s worst flooding in 20 years leaves farmers struggling and fewer veggies at the market. Across Oahu’s North Shore, an area famed for its big-wave surfing, the small farms that help supply the island’s food are struggling after back-to-back storms in March brought the state’s worst flooding in two decades. Associated Press.

‘Distasteful’: Flood victims say landlord is raising rent as they recover from Kona low. A water main break flooded 14 units on Koali Road in Manoa back in October. Months later, residents said the apartments were swamped again during the second Kona Low storm. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Property tax hikes eyed: County faces $15 million budget deficit. The Hawaii County Council will hold a public hearing Tuesday to consider raising property tax rates for nonresidents and those with second homes in an effort to close the gap on an estimated $15 million budget shortfall. Tribune-Herald.

Public Meeting On Hilo Bay Set for Saturday, May 23. A Community Listening Fair for the Hilo Bay Resilience and Watershed Management Plan will be held on Saturday, May 23, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Aupuni Center Conference Room (101 Pauahi Street in Hilo). Big Island Video News.

Partial funding allocated for Outpatient Care Center in Kona. Plans for an Outpatient Care Center in Kailua-Kona are moving forward after $50 million was allocated for the project in the recent state budget, an investment in health care infrastructure that West Hawaii Region of Hawaii Health Systems Corporation CEO Clayton McGhan said is “much-needed” in the area. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui Council advances $1.6 billion budget, splits 5-4 on mayoral spending limits. The Maui County Council unanimously passed a $1.6 billion fiscal year 2027 budget on first reading Friday, approving a contested shoreline stabilization grant after a lengthy discussion and splitting 5-4 on election-year spending limits on the mayor’s office. Maui Now.

Expansion plans of Lāna‘i luxury resort are economic win to some residents, cultural loss to others. Last month, Pūlama Lāna‘i asked the Hawai‘i Land Use Commission to rezone about 170 acres from agricultural and rural to urban land so it can build nine villas and five more spa units for Sensei Lāna‘i, a Four Seasons Resort perched on the windswept slopes of Kō‘ele. Maui Now.

Sne Patel to run West Maui seat in state House. LahainaTown Action Committee President Sne Patel has announced his candidacy for the state House District 14 seat representing West Maui. Maui News.

Kauai

AT&T Withdraws Controversial Kaua‘i Cell Tower Plan. A telecommunications company has called off a contentious plan to build a 125-foot cellphone tower in a rural Kaua‘i neighborhood where cell service is weak but locals’ distaste to fix the problem with a large installation — even one disguised as a pine tree — is strong. Civil Beat. 

Arryl Kaneshiro files for re-election. The Elections Office accepted the nomination documents on Friday from Kauai County Council member Arryl Kaneshiro. Garden Island.

Vance says Hawaii lax on Medicaid fraud enforcement, neighbor island homeless count dips, Washington man arrested for throwing rock at monk seal, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Neighbor Island Homeless Count Dips, But There Are Ominous Signs. The number of people experiencing homelessness on the neighbor islands decreased slightly between 2024 and 2026, according to data released Wednesday. Over the course of six days in January, volunteers and nonprofit workers in Kauaʻi, Hawaiʻi and Maui counties identified 1,863 people sleeping in shelters and transitional housing, camping in cars and tents, and living in other unsheltered conditions — a 2% dip from the last count. Civil Beat.

Vance singles out Hawaii as weak on Medicaid fraud policing. Federal officials declared a nationwide Medicaid fraud crackdown Wednesday, citing Hawaii as a state having little concern for prosecuting program theft. Vice President JD Vance cited Hawaii, where about 387,000 residents are enrolled in Medicaid under its branded Med-QUEST program, as one state operating a largely federally funded Medicaid Fraud Control Unit that isn’t effective at protecting the health insurance program funded mostly through federal taxes. Star-Advertiser. KITV4.

Agribusiness Development Corp. can use eminent domain for ag under new bill. The state Agribusiness Development Corporation could be given the power of eminent domain to acquire land for agricultural purposes, under Senate Bill 2159 awaiting the governor's signature. Hawaii Public Radio.

Luxury Home Tax Pitch To Fund Hawaiian Homes Flopped. Now What? The state Department of Hawaiian Home Lands came away with some funds but will need to look for other revenue sources. Civil Beat.

Native Hawaiian education programs receive reprieve from federal funding cut. Federal funding for Native Hawaiian education programs will continue for at least another year after U.S. Department of Education Secretary Linda McMahon vowed not to cut the Native Hawaiian Education Program, offering a temporary reprieve to organizations across Hawaii that had warned of widespread service reductions and closures. Star-Advertiser.

Will Hawaiʻi Forfeit $5 Million For Teacher Apprenticeships? State leaders say the program will improve teacher retention and recruitment by providing more mentorship and financial support to prospective educators. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Honolulu City Council passes bill on excessive barking and nuisance pets. The Honolulu City Council has passed a bill increasing fines for nuisance animal violations, including excessive barking. First-time fines could jump to $250, with repeat offenses reaching up to $1,000. The measure now heads to the mayor for final approval. KITV4.

Honolulu Police Chief Finalists Share Their Visions For The Department. The three finalists talked about technology, ICE collaboration and transparency.All three finalists vying to be Honolulu’s next police chief say expanding the police department’s use of technology and improving transparency and trust by the community would be top priorities. Civil Beat.

Finalist sees staffing as critical to effective policing. Scott Ebner, one of three finalists seeking to serve as Honolulu’s next police chief, also was in the running for the job in 2022 and believes addressing the department’s staffing shortfall is critical to all aspects of policing on Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

City bridge work has residents decrying ‘Carmageddon Kailua’.  The City and County of Honolulu on March 30 began a project to rehabilitate North Kalaheo Bridge on Kalaheo Road  and Monday closed the Kailua-bound lane of the bridge to start the next phase of the project. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Homeless count dips slightly on Big Island. Since 2022, the Hawaii County Council has earmarked more than $33 million in Homelessness and Housing Fund grants through the Office of Housing and Community Development to a variety of projects combating the problem. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News.  Big Island Now.

Federal budget cut ends Hawaii National Guard job program for youths. The Academy will shut down due to federal budget cuts after the current class graduates on June 22, 2026. Big Island Video News. Hawaii News Now. Big Island Now. 

Hawai‘i Island’s Next General Plan Splits County Council. The council wants to approve the county’s next long-term guiding document before the November election brings new members on board. Civil Beat.

Maui

Maui unsheltered homeless jumps 40% as overall numbers remain flat, new count shows. Unsheltered homelessness on Maui climbed 40% while overall numbers remained essentially flat, according to results from the 2026 Homeless Point in Time Count released Wednesday. Maui Now.

Maui Council to weigh $1.6 billion budget at Friday meeting. The Maui County Council will take up a $1.6 billion budget Friday morning, following a committee recommendation to trim Mayor Richard Bissen’s proposal by reducing capital improvement projects while still increasing funding for day-to-day operations. Maui Now. Maui News.

Bobby Pahia files for Maui County Council with four generations of family by his side​. Family business owner and agriculture leader Bobby Pahia officially filed his nomination papers for the Maui County Council on Monday, marking the occasion with a show of family unity spanning four generations. Maui Now.

Federal agents arrest visitor accused of throwing rock at Hawaiian monk seal. A 38-year old Washington man is facing federal criminal charges for allegedly stalking an endangered Hawaiian monk seal known as Lani and hurling a large rock at its head in the nearshore waters off Lahaina on May 5. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now.  Maui News.  KHON2.  Hawaii News Now. 

Kauai

Homelessness report released. Kauai's report showed total homelessness, sheltered and unsheltered, decreased by 1 percent, from 523 in 2024 to 516 in 2026. Unsheltered homelessness decreased by 5 percent, from 464 in 2024 to 440 in 2026, and sheltered homelessness increased by 28 percent, from 59 in 2024 to 76 in 2026. Garden Island.

New Kauaʻi ordinance makes more land owners eligible for agriculture tax dedication. The ordinance is intended to support the long-term sustainability of agriculture on Kaua‘i by addressing challenges faced by agricultural property owners and operators when multiple uses occur on dedicated agricultural parcels, according to a county news release. Kauai Now.

Free breakfast and lunch available this summer at 3 Kauaʻi public schools. As part of a statewide effort to ensure students have continued access to nutritious food while school is out, three public schools on Kauaʻi will provide free summer meals for children beginning June 9 , the Hawaiʻi State Department of Education announced. Kauai Now.

Hurricane Henriette intensifies north of Hawaii, federal court halts commercial fishing in Pacific protected zone, campaign contributions plummet during legislative session, Rapozo runs for Kauai mayor, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Henriette becomes a hurricane in the Pacific Ocean but is not forecast to threaten land. Tropical Storm Henriette rapidly strengthened into a hurricane Sunday in the central Pacific Ocean with further strengthening expected, but it poses no threat to land, the National Hurricane Center said. The storm was located about 445 miles (720 kilometers) north-northeast of Hilo, Hawaii, with maximum sustained winds of 80 mph (130 kph).  Associated Press.

Court halts commercial fishing in Pacific sanctuary. Commercial fishing that recently resumed in a vast protected area of the Pacific Ocean must halt once again, after a judge in Hawaii sided this week with environmentalists challenging a Trump administration rollback of federal ocean protections.  Associated Press. Star-Advertiser. Big Island Now. Hawaii News Now.

Campaign Donations Plummeted During Legislative Session. This year, members of the House and Senate reported raising just over $45,000 during the session that ran from mid-January to early May. That’s 10 times less than in previous years and the lowest in at least a decade. Much of that dropoff could be attributed to a ban on in-session donations from lobbyists, which went into effect last year. Civil Beat.

Hawaii hospitals brace for cuts to Medicaid.  Because of changes written into H.R. 1 H.R.1 — signed by President Donald Trump on the Fourth of July, hospitals across the U.S., including Hawaii, are expecting a significant reduction in reimbursements after patients lose their health insurance. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Honolulu City Council OKs new Ocean Safety Commission. The Honolulu City Council voted unanimously Wednesday to confirm five people to serve as inaugural members of the city’s Ocean Safety Commission. Star-Advertiser.

Ala Wai encampments face new city crackdown. The city Department of Enterprise Services is cracking down on homeless encampments at the Ala Wai Golf Course with new signage marking the grassy perimeter — where homeless encampments have existed for years — as private property. Star-Advertiser.

Latest bargaining cycle covers thousands of Hawaii workers.  UNITE HERE Local 5 members, whose contract at the Ilikai Hotel &Luxury Suites expired in June 2024, rallied outside the hotel waving red flags and wearing placards that read “Respect Our Guests, Respect Our Work.” Star-Advertiser.

Friends help Hawaii Theatre after insurance premiums rose 4,500%. Rising insurance premiums have left the Hawaii Theatre in a tough spot on top of rising maintenance costs, smaller audiences since the pandemic, and diminishing grants for the arts. Star-Advertiser.

Jail Security Chief Says He Wanted Top Gang Members Moved Before Killing. Some current and former OCCC inmates are proving to be reluctant witnesses at the manslaughter trial. Civil Beat.

Boat aground in Kewalo Basin awaits salvage. A boat that ran aground Saturday now awaits commercial salvage.  On Sunday, the U.S. Coast Guard said the 75-foot vessel is secured to the seawall at Kewalo Basin. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.  Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Inaba: Council won’t override mayor’s veto of Bill 59. The bill, approved 7-2 by the council on July 9, would have prohibited pedestrians from soliciting rides, jobs, business, or other services within 15 feet of a roadway unless vehicles were legally parked. Tribune-Herald.

Community invited to share input at Mauna Kea stewardship Talk Story in Nāʻālehu. The Mauna Kea Stewardship and Oversight Authority is holding a Talk Story on Wednesday in Nāʻālehu to foster continued engagement with community members and residents across the Big island. Big Island Now.

$30.9M wastewater project kicks off in Pahala to shut down aging cesspools by 2027. Construction of a new wastewater collection system is underway in Pahala, marking a key milestone in Hawaii County’s effort to shut down large capacity cesspools, or LCCs, in the Ka‘u District as required under federal law. Tribune-Herald.

Drought grips Big Island. Conditions on the island range from abnormally dry to extreme drought, and the absence of rain has left many areas quite dry and prone to wildfires. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui County Reaches Grim Milestone In Fire Victim Identification. The police forensic team has determined that nothing more can be done to separate and identify the last partial remains. Civil Beat.

Mixed messaging, other challenges stymie Maui’s tourism industry. Lahaina continues to rebuild, but employers and employees have had to adjust to a diminished economy, and the Lahaina Small Boat Harbor — once the hub of Maui’s ocean tourism industry — remains months, if not years, away from reopening. Star-Advertiser.

Piece by piece, the people of Lahaina rebuild their homes and truck away the ashes. In Lahaina, home construction is picking up and fire debris is being transferred to its final resting place. But for survivors, recovery is a very uneven journey. Hawaii Public Radio.

Returning to Lahaina: Neighbors reunite as destroyed communities build back. On a recent day in Lahaina’s Wahikuli subdivision, about a mile from Komo Mai Street, staccato blasts from nail guns and hammering rang out over a landscape that includes over a half-dozen homes rising on one street, surrounded by many more under construction on neighboring blocks. Star-Advertiser.

Hundreds honor victims during paddle-out on anniversary of 2023 Maui wildfires. Scores of people paddled through the waves on their surfboards to create the paddle-out ceremony with some paddlers and boaters honoring individuals who perished. Maui News.

Tribute on two year wildfire anniversary brings Maui community together in healing. During the third and final 2025 Kuhinia Maui gathering marking the second anniversary of the Maui wildfires, hundreds of community members came together at Lahaina Civic Center to pay tribute to lives lost through songs, speeches and multicultural and multigenerational presentations. Maui Now.

Kauai

Mel Rapozo jumps into Mayor’s race. In an Aug. 7 formal press release from Mel for Mayor 2026, the current Council Chair, Mel Rapozo, announced his candidacy for Mayor of the County of Kauai in the 2026 election. Garden Island.

Kaua‘i County Mayor Kawakami completes successful Sister City, cultural exchange visit to Japan. Kaua‘i County Mayor Derek Kawakami and a delegation from the Garden Isle recently returned from a successful diplomatic and cultural exchange visit to Japan, reaffirming Sister City relationships that span generations and opening new doors for educational, cultural and economic collaboration between Kaua‘i and its Japanese counterparts. Kauai Now.

New Kauai charter school welcomes its first students. On the first day of the Department of Education school year calendar, Namahana Public Charter School opened its doors Monday to its first cohort of students in the seventh and eighth grades. Star-Advertiser.

Hale Kipa’s container farm program turns youth shelter residents into farmers. Vulnerable youth and Hale Kipa’s emergency youth shelter residents grow fresh produce, learn about farming, earn a stipend and invest in the community at a recently installed agricultural facility built entirely inside of a shipping container. Garden Island.

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.

Traffic deaths up 51%, Legislature ends regular session, state seeks to tap private security cameras for realtime surveillance in Waikiki, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii traffic deaths up 51% from same time last year. It’s been a deadly year on Hawaii roadways with the state seeing a 51% increase in fatalities compared to this time last year, and experts warn the deadliest days are ahead. From January 1, 2025 to May 2, 2025 there have been 50 deaths on Hawaii roads; compared to 33 the same time in 2024. KHON2. KITV4.

Hawaiʻi Residents Could Face Electric Rate Hike In 2026. Utility regulators have given Hawaiian Electric Co. the green light to pursue its first major rate increase in more than five years. The result could mean higher electric bills for residents and businesses by the end of 2026.  Civil Beat.

Potential Medicaid cuts would be ‘devastating’ for Hawaii. In Hawaii, Medicaid is administered as Med-QUEST, and provides health care coverage for more than 400,000 residents. It provides health care for 1 in 3 keiki and covers 1 in 3 births in the state. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiʻi Legislature Adjourns — For Now. Before ending the regular session for the year, lawmakers stashed away money to shield Hawaiʻi from federal budget cuts. The Legislature adjourned its 2025 session on Friday with a promise to return in the months ahead to aid programs facing federal funding cuts from the Trump administration. To accomplish that, lawmakers have set aside a $200 million fund that can be tapped for resources should federal dollars run dry.  Civil Beat.

Legislative session ends with hotel, cruise ship room tax increase to aid Hawaii’s climate fight. Tourists — and local residents — who book hotel rooms and cruise ship cabins will begin providing $90 million to $100 million annually in new funding for Hawaii to adapt to climate change and prevent future wildfires, under legislation that Gov. Josh Green plans to sign into law. Star-Advertiser.

How major bills fared at the Capitol. Here is the status of major bills following the end of Hawaii’s annual 60-day legislative session on Friday. The bills listed as passed were approved by both the House and Senate. Acts refer to bills that have already been signed into law by Gov. Josh Green. Star-Advertiser.

$50M in grants set aside for Hawaiʻi nonprofits affected by federal cuts. Lawmakers passed a measure this week that will give $50 million in grants to nonprofits that have been impacted by federal cuts. A four-member selection committee is exempt from having to hold their meetings in Public. Hawaii Public Radio. Star-Advertiser.

Commentary: Bolder Action Needed To Protect Hawaiʻi’s Environment. Legislators passed a historic new green fee. They also kicked some of Hawaiʻi’s most daunting environmental challenges down the road. Civil Beat.

Hawai‘i Tourism Authority under scrutiny amid allegations of hostile work environment. A state senator and some Hawai‘i Tourism Authority board members and former staff say the two main state agencies overseeing tourism failed to respond promptly to complaints about a hostile work environment — including alleged racist and sexist comments — that they said contributed to the recent resignations of five Native Hawaiian members of HTA’s leadership team. Star-Advertiser.

Hawai‘i mourns passing of Prince David Kawānanakoa. Hawai’i Gov. Josh Green has ordered that flags be flown at half-staff until sunset May 9 in honor of Prince David Klaren La’amea Kaumuali’i Kawānanakoa. According to the governor’s office, Prince David Kawānanakoa died Thursday. Maui News.

Oahu

State seeks access to surveillance feeds from Waikiki businesses. The state is pitching a plan to Waikiki hotels and businesses that would allow real-time access to the footage from their private security cameras to help monitor crime and maintain public safety. The Safety Via Technology initiative, referred to as SVT, and partnerships with private businesses is used in cities such as San Francisco and Miami and is being explored in other tourist hubs. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu police say new recruitment tactics are working. After a change in recruitment tactics, the Honolulu Police Department says more people are applying to become officers.Last year, it got more than 2,000 applications — a 20% increase from 2023. Hawaii Public Radio.

Will A Ban On Wheelies Stop The ‘Absolute Mayhem’ On Oʻahu Roads? Bike stunts are good fun for some, but the number of e-bike accidents that EMS responded to on Oʻahu nearly tripled from 2022 to 2024. Civil Beat.

Hawaii state lawmakers advance illegal fireworks measures. With the horrific and disturbing aftermath of this year’s New Year’s explosion in Salt Lake still fresh on their minds, state lawmakers in both the House and Senate approved four key measures in the effort to prevent a similar tragedy from happening. Hawaii News Now.

Investigation underway after newly renovated playground destroyed by arson. Officers responded to a fire at Wahiawa District Park at around 11 p.m. Thursday and found the playground structure fully engulfed in flames. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Ancient auwai are the kuleana of a Nuuanu neighborhood. There were 14 original auwai in Nuuanu that fueled the entire wetland of kalo by directing the flow of water from the elevated Nuuanu Stream to pass through downstream loi kalo before returning to the central ditch and, eventually, back to the stream. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Board seeks comment on proposed island name change. The Hawai‘i Board on Geographic Names is scheduled to vote in its upcoming June meeting on its proposal, first floated in March 2024, to change the official name of the largest island in the Hawaiian Archipelago from the “Island of Hawai‘i” to simply “Hawai‘i.” Tribune-Herald.

Survey to assess emergency preparedness level of east Hawaiʻi County households next week. The Hawaiʻi Department of Health Hawaiʻi District Health Office will conduct a Community Assessment for Public Health Emergency Response (CASPER) survey to assess the emergency preparedness level of east Hawaiʻi County households in the North and South Hilo, Puna and Kaʻū districts from next week. Survey teams will go door-to-door to 30 randomly selected census blocks. Big Island Now.

Maui

Eight judges confirmed across Hawaiʻi including Toma on Maui. Sonya H. Toma was confirmed as District Family Court Judge, Second Circuit. Maui Now.

Utility work to impact traffic on Honoapiʻilani between Lahainaluna and Hinau, May 5-9. Hawaiian Electric crews and contractors will be upgrading utility poles using bucket trucks on Honoapi‘ilani Highway between mile markers 21 and 22 between Lahainaluna Rd. and Hinau St. in the West Maui area from Monday, May 5 to Friday, May 9, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kauai sanctuary is hugely popular with native and transpacific water birds. West Kauai’s Mana Plain is attracting larger numbers of native waterbirds and migratory shore birds than DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) biologist Jason Vercelli has ever seen in his 18 years of work in the wetlands. Garden Island.

Kauaʻi communities encouraged to share feedback on Climate Adaptation Plan. The county of Kauaʻi is seeking public input after completing a draft of the Climate Adaptation and Action Plan, which includes 79 bold actions to help Kauaʻi prepare for climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Kauai Now.

Hawaii heavily dependent on Medicaid funding, Honolulu yanks TV house-flipper celebs building permit, marriage scam suspected in missing Maui woman case, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

How possible federal funding cuts to Medicaid could impact Hawaiʻi. Half of Hawaiʻi’s children and roughly a third of residents rely on Medicaid for health coverage. About a third of births in the state are covered by Medicaid.  Hawaii Public Radio.

Former officials urge closed-door Senate hearings on Tulsi Gabbard, Trump’s pick for intel chief. Nearly 100 former senior U.S. diplomats and intelligence and national security officials who served in both Democratic and Republican administrations, said they were “alarmed” by the choice of Gabbard to oversee all 18 U.S. intelligence agencies. Associated Press.

UH Contract Specifically Hides President Search Details From The Public. The University of Hawaii Board of Regents' contract with a national search firm includes a "special condition" giving control of candidate information to the company. Civil Beat.

Hawaiian Airlines employee speaks out on termination over cultural tattoo. Tracy Sielega's termination letter stated that the company was unaware that she had a tattoo after she got it in May 2024. The letter stated that her hand tattoo was noticed outside of work at a non-company event, which prompted an investigation and follow-up. The letter also said, "Disposable gloves are not considered an appropriate uniform piece." Hawaii Public Radio.

Family of missing Hawaii woman hires attorney. The family of Hawaii woman Hannah Kobayashi missing since Nov. 11 has hired a criminal defense attorney after the Los Angeles police chief said she entered Mexico voluntarily and amid a report that she may have been involved in an alleged immigration scam marriage with an Argentine man. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. KITV4.

Hawaii reports 15th travel-related dengue case this year. Of the 15 travel-related dengue cases reported this year, 10 have been on Oahu, four on Maui and one on Kauai. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Honolulu Yanks ‘Renovation Aloha’ Permit After Civil Beat Exposes Illegal Work. HGTV hosts Tristyn and Kamohai Kalama are facing backlash because some of their speedy projects lacked proper permits. Civil Beat.

Will Exemptions In Honolulu’s Empty Homes Tax Bill Water Down Its Effect? As the long-discussed bill nears its final vote, some worry the 17 exemptions that helped it gain support also dilute the bill’s efficacy. Civil Beat.

City to begin fielding names for Ocean Safety Commission. Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s administration says the process has begun to find candidates to serve on the new commission that will oversee the city’s Ocean Safety Department. Star-Advertiser.

Police brutality suit delayed until 2026. A father and son suing the city after they were allegedly assaulted by Honolulu police officers during a New Year’s Day-long pursuit of an attempted murder suspect are “extremely frustrated” by delays in their case, according to their attorney. Star-Advertiser.

State Worker Charged In Monk Seal Pup Death Repeatedly Let Dogs Off Leash. Lesley Macpherson, herself a longtime Hawaiian monk seal volunteer, remains on the job. Other seal advocates are calling for her removal. Civil Beat.

Closures announced at Oahu’s only public gun range. All public firearm ranges will be closed at the Koko Head Shooting Complex (KHSC) weekdays from Dec. 9-20. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu considers rideshare initiative aimed at reducing strain on Oahu’s emergency services. The Nurse Navigator program would enlist the help of rideshare drivers to shuttle patients who aren’t having an emergency to an urgent care or doctor’s office. Hawaii News Now.

EMS stresses e-bike safety due to increase in injuries. In the first 11 months of this year, EMS responded to 206 injuries related to e-bike and e-motorcycle riders. During the same time, EMS also responded to 163 injuries related to pedal bicycle riders. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.  KITV4.

Hawaii Island

Big Island students compete against 75 global teams at NASA challenge. Several students from Kealakehe High School’s engineering team are gearing up to take part in NASA’s prestigious Human Exploration Rover Challenge. KHON2.

13 motorists arrested for DUI week of Nov. 18-24. Big Island police had made 873 DUI arrests so far this year by the end of that week, a 2.95% increase compared with 848 during the same period last year. Big Island Now.

Maui

US Education Secretary to travel to Maui to ‘uplift’ academic recovery.  The U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona is schedule to travel to Maui on Friday to participate in various roundtable discussions across the island. Hawaii News Now.

DPW leader John Smith selected as County’s Office of Recovery Administrator. Mayor Richard Bissen announced the selection of John Smith, a leader with the County of Maui’s Department of Public Works, to serve as the new administrator of the County’s Office of Recovery.  Maui Now.

Maui visitor arrivals lag, but metrics point to stronger construction, housing sectors. Visitors to Maui island lag behind by pre-pandemic arrivals in 2019, according to a fourth quarter 2024 Statistical and Economic Report released by the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. Maui Now.

Environmental organization receives $200K grant toward new seed bank on Lānaʻi . A plan to begin building a seed bank on Lānaʻi will start to take shape this week. The shipping container that will serve as a storage facility has just arrived on the Pineapple Isle. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kauai

Emily Ishida is new Executive on Aging. Emily Ishida was sworn in Tuesday as the county’s new Executive on Aging for the Agency on Elderly Affairs. Garden Island. Kauai Now.

USDA awards grants to 17 Hawai‘i projects, including 1 on Kaua’i, to support food system infrastructure. A federal program aimed at strengthening middle-of-the-supply chain operations and local food systems by supporting processing, manufacturing, storing, wholesaling and distribution of agricultural products announced Wednesday that it is awarding nearly $3 million to 17 Hawai‘i projects. Kauai Now.

Hawaii to fly homeless back to the mainland, another mystery balloon spotted off islands, Legislature mulls gun control bill, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii to pay to return homeless people back to mainland. The Hawaii-backed plan to provide $100,000 in airfare over each of the next two fiscal years to send homeless people back to the mainland underscores the persistent urban legend that Hawaii’s homeless population is driven by cities, counties and state governments on the mainland that send their homeless people to the islands. Star-Advertiser.

Lawmakers construct statewide sensitive places, gun safety bill. Senate Bill 1230 is the state Legislature’s encompassing gun legislation measure, which would define where concealed carry firearms are not allowed and add new provisions on concealed carry laws. Hawaii Public Radio.

Military: Balloon recently spotted off Hawaii not a threat. The U.S. military tracked an unidentified balloon transiting through Hawaii’s airspace over the weekend, but have so far determined that the object poses no threat either to civilian aircraft or national security. Star-Advertiser. Big Island Now.  Kauai Now.  Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Hawaii's 2023 legislative session will end on Thursday, when lawmakers will take final votes on hundreds of bills. To prepare for that, lawmakers were busy Monday making sure the final wording is right on bills and any last minute problems have been corrected. KITV4.

Hawaii doctors who treat Medicaid patients to get significant pay raise. Many Hawaii doctors will be getting a pay raise thanks to the state Legislature. Experts say new rates for treating Medicaid patients will keep some doctors from leaving the business of medicine. Hawaii News Now.

Lawmakers pass bill ensuring schools provide timely learning materials to blind students. State lawmakers have reached an agreement on a bill that ensures blind students in public schools receive timely learning materials. That means textbooks, posters and audio recordings will be provided to students in braille and tactile graphics. Hawaii Public Radio.

Food And Farming Advocates Look To State Budget After Mixed Results This Session. The number of bills aimed at revitalizing Hawaii’s agriculture sector that have passed through conference committees both deflated and buoyed industry advocates, and they now wait for the full state budget to understand what the industry will take from this legislative session.  Civil Beat.

HTA survives another takedown attempt by lawmakers amidst dwindling funds. A bill that would have disbanded Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority to create a new destination management agency was deferred Friday, after a long life in the state Legislature.  Hawaii Public Radio.

Visitors to Hawaii won’t pay more ‘green fees’ for now. Hawaii won’t impose new fees after all on tourists who want to visit more of the state’s most popular state parks and trails. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii Public Radio. Garden Island.

So-called clean elections bills dies ‘in the shadows’ of the Legislature. A state Senate bill pushing for publicly financed elections, or “clean elections,” died Friday during a conference committee meeting. Tribune-Herald.

Oahu

More Oahu Beaches Would Be Open To Business Under Mayor’s Plan. Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi is heading for a showdown with North Shore and Windward Oahu communities over his plan to create an island-wide commercial use system that would wind back established protections for some of the island’s most photogenic and popular beaches. Civil Beat.

All 10 red-light cameras on Oahu have been activated. All 10 red-light safety cameras that are part of the state’s two-year pilot program Opens in a new tab on Oahu are now activated, according to the Hawaii Department of Transportation. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii officials seek to quell concerns about unsafe drinking water at school. For weeks, community members and state lawmakers representing Ewa Beach have been soliciting donations of bottled water for students at Iroquois Point Elementary School amid myriad concerns about unsafe drinking water due to either lingering effects of the 2021 Red Hill water crisis or the detection in 2022 of unsafe lead levels in a number of the school’s water fountains and sinks. Star-Advertiser.

More Honolulu water sources sought. The Honolulu Board of Water Supply is still trying to find new water sources to make up for the capacity it lost after the 2021 Red Hill water crisis prompted it to take its Halawa shaft and two smaller wells offline to ensure jet fuel didn’t make its way into the public drinking water system.  Star-Advertiser.

City, HPD create new database for bikes reported stolen amid uptick in thefts. The Honolulu Police Department now has a new database of bicycles that have been reported stolen. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Hawaiʻi County Mayor Names New Department Execs. Frecia Cevallos has been appointed Deputy Director of the Department of Research and Development, while Robert Ewbank has been named Director of the Department of Information Technology. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now.

Funding for preferred boat ramp option not in state budget. The plan to reopen the Pohoiki Boat Ramp has gone sideways after a funding snafu, Big Island lawmakers said. Tribune-Herald.

Five years after eruption, rebuilding takes hold for USGS, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. The Thomas Jaggar Museum held a lot of memories for visitors to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. But the building on Uekahuna Bluff overlooking the Kilauea caldera will be coming down this summer, another casualty of the 2018 eruption. Hawaii News Now.

Waikoloa Solar + Storage Project Goes Online. Hawaiian Electric says the AES Corporation’s Waikoloa Solar + Storage project is now feeding lower-cost renewable energy to the Hawai‘i Island electric grid. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now.

Maui

Molokai property to be added to state legacy land. Two properties on Oahu, one on Kauai, and one on Molokai are being added to the 2023 Department of Land and Natural Resources Legacy Land Conservation Program after the Board of Land and Natural Resources approved $6.35 million in grant awards from the Land Conservation Fund to acquire these properties. Maui News.

Wailea hotels enjoy high revenues but lag in occupancy. In March, Wailea hotels brought in the most revenue across the state, but also saw some of the lowest occupancy rates in Hawaii, according to a recently released Hawai’i Hotel Performance Report. Maui News.

Kauai

Kaua‘i issues $25 million bond for affordable housing project. The largest affordable housing project ever undertaken by the County of Kaua‘i received a major financial boost on April 26 with the county council’s approval of a $25 million bond issuance. Garden Island.