Health care positions to increase with 6.1% projected employment rise, Honolulu police chief prepares to sue over forced retirement, developer loses fight to build on old Kauai anthrax site, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii projects 41,000 new jobs by 2032. Hawaii’s total employment rate is projected to grow by 6.1% by 2032, with health care positions on the rise, according to the latest report from the state Department of Labor and Industrial Relations’ Research and Statistics Office.The report said that in 2022 there were 671,010 jobs, which will increase to 712,200 by 2032. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiʻi Braces For Cuts That Could Strip Medicaid From Tens Of Thousands. The federal Medicaid program provides health care coverage to just over 400,000 Hawaiʻi residents with low incomes and limited resources. But dramatic changes are in store. Civil Beat.

Arts agency copes with funding gaps. While the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts is due to receive about $1 million in federal funds from the National Endowment of the Arts, it grapples with about a $1 million shortage in state funds after the Legislature dramatically changed how the state agency can use money from its Works of Art Special Fund. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

HPD chief wants to be paid for his term, takes first step toward lawsuit over departure. Arthur “Joe” Logan sent a demand letter to the city seeking salary for the remaining two years of his five-year term, and a lawsuit could be ahead. Logan makes about $230,000 a year.  Hawaii News Now.

Navy in cleaning phase of Red Hill facility. Later this year, Navy officials expect to begin removing 10 miles of fuel transmission pipes and reactivating one of two closed drinking water wells. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu police say about 100 illegal game rooms could be removed by year's end. The Honolulu Police Department is touting its more “aggressive" approach to illegal game rooms on Oʻahu, saying it's on pace to reduce the game room operations by around 100 by the end of the year.  Hawaii Public Radio.

HPD distributes $11,100 in exchange for 234 unwanted firearms. Honolulu police and the state Department of Law Enforcement distributed a total of $11,100 in exchange for 234 unwanted firearms during its gun buyback event held Saturday at the Wahiawa Police Station. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu opens Section 8 housing waitlist. The City and County of Honolulu opened its waiting list for the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program Monday, offering rental assistance to eligible low-income households. The federally funded program is supported by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Star-Advertiser.

State finalizes contractor to sink Falls of Clyde vessel out at sea. Built in 1878, Falls of Clyde has been docked at Honolulu Harbor for free since 2008. The state impounded it in 2016. Hawaii Public Radio. KITV4. 

Final codefendant in Miske enterprise sentenced. The last of Mike Miske’s codefendants received a 30-year federal sentence Monday for his role in the criminal enterprise. Lance “Hammah” Bermudez was allegedly involved in several violent crimes and a murder-for-hire plot. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Two ex-HPD officers indemnified in wrongful death suit. The Hawaii County Council voted unanimously last week to indemnify two former police officers who shot and killed a driver in Kailua-Kona two years ago following a traffic crash related to a manhunt. Tribune-Herald.

Permit Program Launched For Roadside Vending On Ane Keohokālole Highway. Hawaiʻi County is now accepting applications for special activity permits authorizing temporary roadside vending near the West Hawaiʻi Civic Center. Big Island Video News.

Kona Airport To Receive $5.5 Million In Federal Funding. The U.S. Department of Transportation has awarded $5,512,623 in new federal grant funding for runway improvements at Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keāhole. Big Island Video News.

Historic Manago Hotel drops sale price after year on the market. The historic Manago Hotel, which opened in 1917 in Captain Cook, is perched at 1,350 feet above sea level, providing a vast view of the Pacific Ocean overlooking the South Kona coastline, including Pu‘uhonua o Hōnaunau. Big Island Now.

Maui

Mayor Richard Bissen out of state until Friday, July 25. Mayor Richard Bissen will visit New York City from July 15-18 to speak at the UN on sustainability and attend UN Foundation meetings with Hawai‘i Green Growth. From July 20-25, he will travel to Los Angeles to support wildfire recovery efforts with After the Fire USA. Maui Now.

With its funding at stake, Akakū prepares for July 23 court hearing. Spectrum is renewing its franchise agreement for Maui, the legal contract that lets Spectrum operate cable services on Maui. Maui News.

Kauai

Developer Loses Court Fight To Build Luxury Homes On ‘Anthrax Graveyard’. After five years of battling a developer’s plan to build luxury homes on an overgrown golf course that sits atop the decomposed remains of hundreds of cattle killed during a series of anthrax outbreaks more than a century ago, community activists have won their effort to protect the area as open space. Civil Beat.

Military seeks Kauaʻi's feedback on Pacific Missile Range Facility Barking Sands. A series of community meetings will take place on Kauaʻi this week to discuss the Navy’s draft environmental impact statement for continued use of over 8,000 acres of state land near Barking Sands — now home to the military’s Pacific Missile Range Facility and a NASA observatory. Hawaii Public Radio.

Only 17% of Kauaʻi residents surveyed have an emergency 14-day supply. A new report from the state Department of Health shows the latest statistics on the health and resource needs of Kauaʻi residents. Hawaii Public Radio.

Agencies, officials canvas neighborhood to discuss wildfire preparedness. KEMA, in partnership with various partners including the Kauai Fire Department, the Kauai Police Department, the Department of Water, Kauai Island Utility Cooperative and the Office of the Mayor, participated in the wildfire preparedness outreach exercise that involved the door-to-door notifications of approximately 200 households in the Kaumakani camp. Garden Island.

Foster care in crisis, state Supreme Court mulls HMSA insurance denials, Maui mayor signs $1.56B budget, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaiʻi Foster System In Crisis: Kids Still Sleeping In Offices, Hotels. A toddler, age 2, spent the night in a government office on Kauaʻi. A 13-year-old slept on an Oʻahu office futon for almost two months. And a 15-year-old lived for more than three months out of offices and hotel rooms on Hawaiʻi Island. For some Hawaiʻi foster youth, government offices and hotels are a home of last resort.  Civil Beat.

Hawaii’s biggest insurer defends provider contracts before state Supreme Court.  The Hawaii Supreme Court saw a historic argument as Hawaii’s biggest insurer defended its rules against some doctors and patients. They say Hawaii Medical Service Association (HMSA) preauthorization and contract rules interfere with patient care, while the company says they help doctors do their jobs quickly and effectively. Hawaii News Now. Tribune-Herald.

Oahu

Kapolei affordable housing project sought on city-owned site. Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s administration says it’s seeking a developer to turn a vacant city-owned parcel in West Oahu into a mixed-use, transit-­oriented development that will feature 600 to 800 affordable housing units. Star-Advertiser.

Queen’s holds blessing ceremony for expanded downtown emergency department. The department recently underwent renovations that expanded its size, more than doubling the number of its treatment rooms, and now offers dedicated facilities for state-of-the-art CT and X-ray services. Star-Advertiser.

Miske Case: Prosecutors Agree To Negotiate Settlement Over Asset Forfeiture. The deal to settle over millions of dollars in assets is an indication that the government is seeking to avoid another long, complex and expensive trial in the case. Civil Beat.

No markings, no clarity: Crosswalk changes create risky guessing game in Honolulu. Over the past decade, the city has eliminated dozens of Honolulu crosswalks. Officials say the changes aim to make streets safer by encouraging pedestrians to cross at traffic lights. But critics argue that rarely happens along a busy stretch of S. King Street. Hawaii News Now.

UH president appoints Vassilis Syrmos as interim Mānoa provost. University of Hawaiʻi President Wendy Hensel on Monday appointed Vassilis Syrmos as UH Mānoa’s interim provost. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Island

Pohoiki Boat Ramp dredging begins. Dredging work began today to restore access to the lava-barricaded Pohoiki Boat Ramp, eight years after an eruption of Kilauea volcano rendered the structure unusable. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Now.  KHON2.

State senator pitches hydropower plant on Kohala Mountain. State Sen. Tim Richards has an idea on how to provide more renewable energy and clean water to Hawaiʻi Island residents -- a pumped storage hydropower plant on Kohala Mountain. Hawaii Public Radio.

Protective order against former UFC champ B.J. Penn extended. Penn must immediately vacate the home he shares in Hilo with his 79-year-old mother, Lorraine P. Shin. Star-Advertiser.

Maui

Maui mayor signs $1.56B budget into law towards housing, recovery, natural resources. Mayor Richard Bissen signed Maui’s Fiscal Year 2026 budget of approximately $1.56 billion that addresses housing for kamaʻāina, recovery and cultural and natural resources. KITV4.

Recent drownings in Wailea put spotlight on Maui’s longtime issue of too many unguarded beaches. Before the Aug. 8, 2023 wildfire that drastically curbed tourism, Maui County had the second-highest ocean drowning fatality rate per capita in the state from 2019-2023, according to the Hawai‘i Water Safety Plan released in January. And, the average per capita rate of drownings was twice as high on Neighbor Islands as on O‘ahu.  Maui Now.

Maui’s main stadium shuts down for major repairs. War Memorial Stadium will be closed for more than a year to undergo much-needed repairs. That means sports events and even graduations will have to go somewhere else. Hawaii News Now.

A `promise to restore balance’: Mayor Bissen makes his case for vacation rental phase-out. Citing Maui’s severe post-wildfire housing crisis, the Bissen administration presented its formal case to a County Council committee to phase out approximately 6,000 short-term vacation rentals mostly in West and South Maui. Maui Now.

With housing and economy at stake, Maui County weighs phase-out of 7,000 vacation rentals. The Maui County Council is currently weighing whether or not to pass a bill that would phase out roughly 7,000 transient vacation rentals in apartment-zoned districts, nearly half of the island’s supply. Hawaii Public Radio. Maui News.  Maui Now.

MPD seeks help with unclaimed bodies. Maui police are asking for help contacting the family members of five people who are deceased. Maui News.

Kauai

Annual sewer rate increase on Kaua‘i kicks in on July 1. A sewer rate increase approved by the Kaua‘i County Council in 2022 increases the sewer rate by 11% per year over five years.  Kauai Now.

Kauai’s most remote areas now covered by high-speed internet.  The island of Kaua‘i is now fully fiber-enabled, providing Hawaiian Telcom customers access to high-speed internet. Hawaii News Now.

New ambulance station in Hanalei will increase calls, enhance response times for the secluded east side of the island. The new station is staffed 24/7 every day of the year and will enhance emergency coverage and response times for the more secluded area of the island. Kauai Now.

Fraud alleged in homeless village construction, Honolulu and HGEA finalize $41M Covid hazard pay settlement, teachers learn their rights vs ICE, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Manager Alleges Potential Fraud In Homeless Village Construction. A licensed contractor employed as a construction manager for the state’s Kauhale Initiative has written to Gov. Josh Green, alleging violations of building codes, contract terms and other issues with the homeless housing program — allegations that the initiative’s developer denies. The allegations involve the nonprofit HomeAid Hawaiʻi, and CM&D, which HomeAid has hired to manage the sprawling statewide initiative. Civil Beat.

Advocates explain rights regarding ICE agents. Advocates and educators gathered virtually Tuesday evening to share critical guidance with Hawaii families and public school staff on how to respond if U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents show up at school. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Criminals Mailing Illegal Fireworks To Hawaiʻi Mostly Get Away With It. People are sending undeclared explosives via U.S.P.S. on a regular basis. Few face arrest or prosecution.  Civil Beat.

Hawaii high school surfing still a tough wave to catch. Lawmakers passed House Bill 133, which has the backing of Gov. Josh Green and would appropriate $685,870 in each of the next two fiscal years to help cover expenses for public high schools in regional athletic leagues that include surfing as an interscholastic sport, which is something that currently exists only on Maui. Star-Advertiser.

Bomb threat delays Hawaiian Airlines flight to Honolulu. A Hawaiian Airlines flight from San Diego bound for Honolulu Tuesday morning was stopped shortly before takeoff after a passenger allegedly threatened to bomb the aircraft. Star-Advertiser. Associated Press. Maui News. Hawaii News Now.

Sweet potato to become part of the regular menu in Hawai‘i’s public schools. Approximately 372 pounds of local Okinawan sweet potatoes were distributed to 91 participating schools. The effort is part of the Hawai‘i Department of Education’s farm-to-school initiative, which aims to enhance food sustainability in Hawai‘i and aligns with the goals of Act 175 to improve student health while supporting local farmers. Big Island Now.

Oahu

HGEA finalizes $41 million hazard pay settlement. Honolulu Mayor Rick Blan­giardi’s administration has finalized a multimillion-dollar settlement with the Hawaii Government Employees Association involving dangerous COVID-19-era work. Star-Advertiser.

Army official discusses proposed return of state land on Oʻahu. A week after a brutal seven-hour public hearing before the state Land Board over the military's land lease at Pōhakuloa on the Big Island, the U.S. Army released a report signaling it was considering drastically pulling back on its footprint on Oʻahu. Hawaii Public Radio.

Judge Rules Miske’s Mother Can’t Represent Granddaughter’s Interests. The mother of convicted racketeering boss Mike Miske, who died last year, had been seeking guardianship of his granddaughter. Civil Beat.

Waikiki will step up safety efforts this summer. There will be new enhanced patrols starting up and a plan to tap into hundreds of private cameras overlooking public areas. KITV4.

Fire prevention pilot program in Oʻahu neighborhood park turns to lamb-scaping. The 3.5-acre Laukahi Slopes Mini Park in the middle of a Waiʻalae Iki neighborhood on Oʻahu is hilly and overgrown with trees, bushes and grass — a fire risk. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Island

Thousands on the Big Island could face cuts in SNAP benefits. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program helps 21,472 Hawaii Island households by providing an average of $365 in monthly federal support for food, according to state DHS statistics from mid-May. Tribune-Herald.

Hokule‘a, Hikianalia head to Hilo. The Hokule‘a and Hikianalia voyaging canoes are expected to arrive in Hilo this afternoon, and celebrations honoring their trans-Pacific journey will be happening this weekend.  Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Federal lawsuit details graphic sexual harassment allegations against Pāʻia Inn owner. A federal lawsuit alleges that Pāʻia Inn owner Michael Baskin used drugs to try to engage in sexual acts with female employees, some teenagers, while in his hotel room, and the young women were “unable to consent” because “they were under the influence of drugs and alcohol.” Maui Now.

Maui woman breaks silence on her disappearance. Hannah Kobayashi, a Hawaii woman who Disappeared rom Los Angeles International Airport in November, kicking off an international search before resurfacing in Mexico a month later, spoke out on social media this week about her “loss, pain and suffering.” New York Times.

Kauai

Graduation time: Public high school graduations this Friday. Friday marks a milestone for nearly 700 seniors in the three public high schools on Kauai as the students and their support group of family, relatives and friends celebrate graduation. Garden Island.

Full closure scheduled on Temporary Kapa‘a Bypass Road later this month. A full closure of the Temporary Kapa‘a Bypass Road (Route 5600) is scheduled for later this month to install new striping and paving markers on the newly paved road, according to Hawai‘i Department of Transportation. Kauai Now.

Budget will be priority in summer special session, Maui mulls private swimming pool moratorium, crime boss Miske's 9-year-old granddaughter in line for part of $25M fortune, federal trial begins in $11M affordable housing scam, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Lawmakers will prioritize the state budget when special session convenes. Senate and House leaders are weighing details of a special session amid talk of a possible recession. Lawmakers are looking at dates at the end of August, September, and the week before Thanksgiving, as three possible five-day blocks to set aside if they would need to return to a special sessions. Hawaii Public Radio.

Legislation could help farms provide more fresh produce for school meals. House Bill 1293 seeks to exempt state Department of Education purchases of local edible produce and packaged food products of less than $250,000 from the electronic procurement system requirement. Star-Advertiser.

'The show must go on': Local arts and cultural programs work to stay afloat amid losing grant money. Several culture and arts organizations in Hawai‘i received a letter from the National Endowment for the Arts stating that their grants have been canceled. Hawaii Public Radio.

It was crunch time again at the Legislature. It’s not unusual for lawmakers to be dashing about, sometimes hectically, on this key procedural deadline under which members of conference committees are tasked with resolving differences on many bills where a pending draft is not satisfactory to leaders in the House or Senate or both. Star-Advertiser.

Police, state support legislation to monitor parts for ghost guns.  Honolulu police and state law enforcement officials are hoping a proposed piece of federal legislation will help stop the proliferation of untraceable, homemade firearms in Hawaii. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.  KHON2.  KITV4.

EPA orders closure of 5 illegal cesspools on Kauai, Big Isle.  More than $231,000 in fines  were issued to the property owners, including the Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Foundation, Haili Moe Inc. and Hale Nanea, citing violations of the Safe Drinking Water Act. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Honolulu Can Fine Airbnb, Vrbo for Illegal Vacation Rentals. It Never Has. Like other tourist destinations, Honolulu passed a law to hold booking platforms accountable for illegal listings. But the city hasn’t cited any company, even as illegal rentals flourish. Civil Beat.

Mike Miske’s 9-year-old granddaughter part of legal battle over his fortune. Crime boss Mike Miske’s 9-year old granddaughter could get a portion of his assets, valued at over $25 million. The federal government filed a civil forfeiture lawsuit in an effort to take his assets: homes, luxury vehicles, cash, artwork and boats. Hawaii News Now.

DPP combats coconut rhinoceros beetles in urban Honolulu. Damage linked to the palm tree-killing coconut rhinoceros beetle has become more obvious in urban Hono­lulu, according to city officials. Star-Advertiser.

Health department cites Par Hawaii Refining for hazardous waste violations. The Hawaii Department of Health issued a notice of violation and order against Par Hawaii Refining for violating the state’s hazardous waste management laws. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Federal trial begins for men accused of housing credits scam. A federal trial is set to start today for two Hilo attorneys --  attorneys Paul Sulla Jr., 78, and Gary Zamber, 55 — along with 64-year-old businessman Rajesh Budhabhatti -- accused of receiving Hawaii County affordable housing credits and land conveyances worth at least $10.98 million, with no intention of developing affordable housing. Tribune-Herald.

Fraud expert aims to educate community in Pāhoa this Thursday. AARP elder fraud expert Paul Greenwood, a former deputy district attorney, will be hosting a free “Fight Fraud Together” presentation beginning at 10 a.m. at the Pāhoa Neighborhood Facility on Thursday.  Big Island Now.

Maui

Maui County mayor unveils program to help Lahaina rebuild. The Deferred Payment Loan Program, announced Monday, is designed to help middle-income, gap-group families who may not qualify for federal disaster recovery funds but continue to face significant financial barriers to reconstruction. Maui News. Maui Now.

Maui Looks Elsewhere To Fund Fire Prevention Projects After Trump Cuts. Wildfire is the biggest threat facing Maui, according to the county’s draft Hazard Mitigation Plan but FEMA cuts could require a pivot to other funding sources. Civil Beat.

Maui County Council to consider moratorium on private swim pools in West Maui. According to Maui County Council, supplying water to support stable housing for West Maui residents is an urgent priority and a private swimming pool is an amenity that requires a large quantity of potable water without serving any essential housing needs. Maui News.

Kauai

Planning Department reminds the public of upcoming events. The Planning Department reminds and invites the public to attend two upcoming events, at which they may share their input regarding the Kauai Climate Action and Action Plan and the East Kauai Community Plan. Garden Island.

Trump executive order opens Pacific marine sanctuary to commercial fishing, UH to cut 36 research programs amid $30M funding loss, Honolulu rail, bus service face cuts, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Trump opens huge Central Pacific protected zone to commercial fishing. President Donald Trump issued an executive order opening up to commercial fishing the Pacific Islands Heritage Marine National Monument, covering about 490,000 square miles of ocean southwest of Hawaii. A second executive order directed the Commerce Department to loosen regulations that “overly burden America’s commercial fishing, aquaculture, and fish processing industries.”  New York Times. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

UH loses $30M in federal funds; 36 research programs to be cut. The University of Hawaii announced Thursday it has lost $30 million in federal funding for research, just as the school sees the number of revoked student visas “literally (change) by the hour,” according to a Thursday announcement made by UH President Wendy Hensel. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Veterans advocating for gun safety push for assault weapon ban in Hawaii. A group of U.S. Army veterans are advocating for gun safety urging lawmakers to ban assault weapons this legislative session. KITV4.

Arts advocates say the Legislature continues to put creativity on the chopping block. House Finance Chair Kyle Yamashita has been introducing measures that would either cut, limit or redirect the arts agency’s special fund since 2007, according to the Legislature’s archives. This year, advocates for the arts say Yamashita is much closer than ever to succeeding. Hawaii Public Radio.

Latest tourism agency allegations draw varied responses.  Some of those at the center of the allegations that surfaced Tuesday during an HTA Budget, Finance, and Convention Center Standing Committee say they were blindsided, and want the chance set the record straight before the full HTA board responds. Star-Advertiser.

Loss of $2.1M in federal funds for reproductive care impacts young people, isolated communities. Hawaiʻi receives about $2.1 million in federal Title X funding. It goes to clinics for services like birth control, cancer screenings, and testing and treatment for sexually transmitted diseases. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaiian Airlines flight attendants ratify 3 year contract extension. After a little over a month of negotiations, Hawaiian Airlines flight attendants ratified a contract extension, which runs through February 2028. KHON2.

Oahu

Senate Bill Would Put Major State Funding For Honolulu Rail Project In Jeopardy. HART rail board members hope to convince lawmakers to kill the bill. But it has a powerful supporter. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Bus Commuters Are The Latest Victims Of Federal Funding Cuts. The city announced that nearly $10 million for seven programs, including a Waiʻanae Coast bus rapid transit project, has been eliminated. Civil Beat.

Council reappoints Honolulu Emergency Services Department Director Jim Ireland. On Wednesday, the council voted 8-0 to confirm Ireland as HESD’s director. It comes after a slew of former employees in February testified against Ireland, citing the department’s “toxic” work environment, staffing issues and mismanagement of resources. Hawaii Public Radio.

HPD officer arrested again in violation of restraining order. A Honolulu police officer with a history of arrests for violating restraining orders brought by the mothers of his five children was arrested Thursday for allegedly violating a temporary restraining order. Star-Advertiser.

Miske’s Daughter-In-Law Sentenced To 7 Years In Prison. The judge also denied a request for a “non-custodial” sentence that would allow Delia Fabro-Miske to continue raising her daughter. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. KITV4.

Hawaii’s 2nd measles case confirmed in household member. The Hawaii Department of Health today confirmed a second case of measles in an adult household member of the first case, which was in a child under the age of 5. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.
    
Hawaii Island

More snow expected at Big Island summits with extension of winter weather advisory. Additional snow accumulation of up to 2 inches is forecast for Big Island summits as the winter weather advisory for Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa has been extended until 6 a.m. Saturday. Big Island Now.

Trial run: Ali‘i Drive being turned into one-way road for creation of free public parking in Kona. Hawai‘i County is moving forward with its plan to temporarily turn a portion of Ali‘i Drive into a one-way road to create much-needed free parking spaces for the public in the Kona Historic Business District. Big Island Now.

Petition garners more than 2,600 signatures asking Coast Guard to continue search for missing Kona fisherman. Family and friends of a missing Kona fisherman are collecting signatures to petition the U.S. Coast Guard to pick up its search for the 42-year-old who has now been missing at sea for a week. Big Island Now.

Maui

Divisive Maui Pay Hikes: Should A Mayor Earn More Than A Governor? Maui Mayor Richard Bissen, who governs 11% of the state’s population, is set to earn more than even Gov. Josh Green when a slate of generous county pay raises kick in. Civil Beat.

DOH approves fourth medical cannabis retail dispensary for Noa Botanicals. The Hawai‘i Department of Health has issued a formal notice to proceed for Mānoa Botanicals, LLC dba Noa Botanicals after it passed its final on-site inspection for its fourth retail facility. Maui Now.

Kauai

Lawsuit filed in fatal 2024 Kauai helicopter crash. A helicopter crash that happened off Kauai has resulted in a lawsuit after a couple that was vacationing in July 2024 was killed. KHON2.

Officials warn of potentially inclement weather through middle of next week. Kaua‘i County officials are urging the public to remain vigilant as the potential for severe weather conditions continues into early next week. Kauai Now.

Soil sampling to take place at Kekaha Sugar Mill property. Garden Island.

Kapolei grandmother sues Child Welfare Services in toddler death, Legislature hits halfway mark, endangered wildlife in jeopardy from federal cuts, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Federal Cuts May Clip Wings Of Hawaiʻi’s Endangered Birds. Workers who had hoped to spend their careers supporting these at-risk local species have been let go. Now, who might take over remains up in the air. Civil Beat.

Hawaiʻi congressional delegation introduces legislation to protect native species. The Hawai‘i Native Species Conservation and Recovery Act would fund conservation and recovery projects addressing invasive species, the ecological consequences of climate change, native species’ habitats, and population recovery. Big Island Now.

Insurance, fireworks and federal cuts are key topics as legislators reach the halfway point. The legislative session is at its halfway point — Thursday was the key deadline, called "crossover," for bills to pass out of their originating chamber to survive. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaiʻi Senate moves bill to protect access to contraceptives. The Hawai‘i State Senate passed Senate Bill 350, which proposes an amendment to the state’s Constitution that protects individuals’ rights to access contraceptives and make decisions about their reproductive health. Maui Now.

Litigation spikes over Hawaii home construction. The University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization report said at least 17,555 new Hawaii homes over the past 25 years, or 702 homes annually on average, have been subject to construction defect litigation. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

‘Utter failure’: Grandmother of murdered toddler sues state over handling of child abuse reports.  The grandmother of a Kapolei 3-year-old who died from alleged abuse and neglect is suing the state, claiming it failed to act on reports to child welfare services. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. KITV4.

Oahu home prices hit record high of $1,185,000. Oahu single-family home prices in February hit a rec­ord high for the first time in nearly three years while condominium activity softened as the housing market diverged. Star-Advertiser.

Co-conspirator of late crime boss Mike Miske sentenced. Harry Kauhi will spend nearly nine years in prison for his role in the Miske criminal enterprise. Kauhi was sentenced Tuesday after accepting a plea deal in 2022, and testified against Mike Miske at trial. Hawaii News Now.

Builder is sought for Iwilei Center redevelopment project. An experienced builder who can convert Iwilei Center’s aging warehouse space into a new mixed-use, transit-­oriented development on the edge of downtown Honolulu is now being sought, city officials say. Star-Advertiser. Spectrum News.

Campbell High breaks ground on athletics facility expansion. This marks the second phase of renovations after the installation of artificial track and turf on the football field two years ago. This next wave includes new boys and girls locker rooms, a press box, and bleachers for the stadium along with new lights. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Symphony Orchestra back at Blaisdell Center Concert Hall after nearly three years. The Hawaii Symphony Orchestra takes the stage for the first time in nearly three years. The concert hall completed the first phase in its $10 million renovation project. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

County to move ahead with Puna route study. Contract being finalized, but state funding remains lapsed. County Public Works Director Hugh Ono on Thursday reassured a Hawaii County Council committee that a study of possible new traffic routes in and out of Puna can still happen using county funds, despite surprise news last month that state funds allocated in 2023 for that purpose had expired in 2024 without anyone noticing. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaiʻi County calls for public feedback on hazard mitigation plan. Hawaiʻi County is updating its hazard mitigation plan for the first time since 2020, and the county is taking public feedback on the plan now. Hawaii Public Radio. Hawaii News Now.

Public input sought for affordable housing effort. The Hawaii County Office of Housing and Community Development is seeking community input on Hawaii Island’s housing needs for the Affordable Housing Production Program. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui County Faces Huge Funding Gap For Wildfire Recovery, Draft Plan Shows. The county is hosting public meetings on the plan starting Saturday. Billions of dollars from other funding sources must be identified to achieve long-term goals.  Civil Beat.

Affordable housing project moves forward with $15.5M in financing secured. The team that’s building Hale O Pi’ikea III, the final phase of a three-phase affordable housing development in southwest Maui, has reportedly closed $15.5 million in federal and state financing for the project. Maui News. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kauaʻi Mayor Derek Kawakami on navigating 'a sea of uncertainty'. Illegal vacation rentals, federal funding uncertainties, budget plans and more were the topics of a live discussion with Kauaʻi County Mayor Derek Kawakami as he prepares to deliver his state of the county address next week on March 13. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kauaʻi volunteers break record collecting over 160,000 pounds of marine debris. Surfrider Foundation Kauaʻi announced Wednesday that its volunteers collected more than 162,902 pounds of marine debris and trash in 2024 from the beaches and coastlines of Kauaʻi, beating the previously held record of 120,000 pounds in 2017. Hawaii Public Radio.

4 homes blessed at Waimea Huakai. The crowd for four new homes being dedicated on Thursday was large, with more than 100 individuals, including Kauai Habitat for Humanity staff, building volunteers, and a visiting Collegiate Challenge group for the passing of four keys at the Waimea Huakai subdivision. Garden Island.

Legislature mulls bills to return homeless to U.S. continent, allow farmers to stand their ground, protect gender-affirming care, extend Honolulu rail tax; plus more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Returning homeless to the mainland could become permanent. Popular and successful efforts that have returned over 800 homeless people to the mainland since 2015 would become permanent if either of two bills in the state Legislature becomes law this session. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii ‘Stand your ground’ laws could expand after killing. Hawaii’s current stand-your-ground laws allow lawful gun owners to use deadly force to protect themselves if they believe their lives are in danger on their own property or while they are at work. Some said the rules make confronting armed poachers difficult if they live or work on agricultural land. KHON2. Hawaii Public Radio.

Testimony over gender-affirming care bill gets heated. Lawmakers with the Senate committees on Commerce and Consumer Protection and Health and Human Services heard a flood of support Tuesday for Senate Bill 1150, which would let children get gender-affirming health care services in Hawaii without other states getting in the way. Hawaii News Now.

‘Modest’ piece of wildfire settlement promoted for insurers. Gov. Josh Green doubts that Hawaii’s insurance market will suffer from a Monday court decision supporting a tentative $4 billion Maui wildfire settlement, but he still sees merit in sharing settlement proceeds with insurers. Star-Advertiser.

Acasio, 7 others sue state House. A former state senator from Hilo is suing the state House of Representatives, accusing the legislative body of violating the state Constitution by holding a Rules Committee meeting behind closed doors. Tribune-Herald.

Oahu

A 15-Year Extension Of Honolulu Rail Tax Advances In The Senate. A Senate committee gave preliminary approval Tuesday to a bill to extend the half-percent excise tax surcharge for rail for another 15 years, a politically volatile move that could lead to billions of dollars in additional funding for the city’s Skyline project. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Mayor Hires New Homeless Coordinator. Honolulu’s newest homelessness czar will be Roy Miyahira, a retired operations manager who spent much of his career at Nestlé Waters in California. Miyahira is taking on a big job. The city’s unsheltered homeless population doubled during the past decade, and much of the local response entails acquiring more shelter space. Civil Beat.

Council ponders bill on revenue-generating sponsorships.  For the second time in nearly 10 years, a Honolulu City Council measure that would allow private sponsorship of city parks and other public facilities is drawing concern from some in the community who fear the legislation will clear the way for large billboards and other outdoor advertising signs that could mar the natural beauty of Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

Miske’s half brother gets 20 years in federal prison. The 37-year-old half brother of Michael J. Miske Jr. was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison Tuesday for his role in the criminal organization that sold drugs, committed murder-for-hire, robberies, assaults and used chemical weapons against the opposition. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.  KHON2.

Body of a 72-year-old woman found in Kapahulu dumpster. An investigation is underway after a body was found in a dumpster in the Kapahulu area on Tuesday morning, February 11. KITV4. KHON2.  Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Sewage plant prompts emergency proclamation. Mayor Kimo Alameda signed an emergency proclamation Tuesday in preparation for a potential failure of the Hilo Wastewater Treatment Plant in in Keaukaha. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News.  Big Island Now.

Kimo Alameda talks priorities in his first year as Hawaiʻi Island mayor. Alameda and the other three county mayors are presenting their respective requests to state lawmakers this legislative session. Hawaii Public Radio.

Proposal may result in more parking at Akaka Falls. Landowner and businessman Tirtha Luitel has requested that the county permit him to convert about 18,000 square feet of a 98-acre parcel near Akaka Falls State Park in to a 49-stall paid parking lot. Tribune-Herald.

Kealakehe Regional Park project drags on. Efforts to move the Kealakehe Regional Park project forward are underway, but a construction date has not been announced, county officials said. West Hawaii Today.

Micah Kāne To Become Next Parker Ranch CEO. Kāne will transition into the Parker Ranch CEO role in April 2025, and depart the Hawaiʻi Community Foundation effective August 2025. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Environmental assessments online for public review including Wākiu Master Plan in East Maui. Public comments are due March 10 for the state Department of Hawaiian Home Lands’ draft Wākiu Master Plan for development of approximately 656 acres south of the Hāna Airport for department beneficiaries. Maui Now.

Bill advances to allow tenants with liability insurance to keep pets in rental units. Maui Residents Can’t Find Housing. Neither Can Their Cats And Dogs. With housing scarce after the Lahaina wildfire, the Maui Humane Society says it’s struggling to find people to adopt animals and its shelter is well over capacity. Civil Beat. Maui Now.

Lānaʻi Culture & Heritage Center focuses on restoration around island heiau. This past weekend the Lānaʻi Culture & Heritage Center brought together a group of volunteers to a sacred and remote heiau, where restoration efforts have been underway for the past nine years.  Maui News.

Kauai

Public input sought on preferred site for new Kauaʻi Community Correctional Center. Land off Māʻalo Road in Līhuʻe, owned by Grove Farm, was identified by the state as the preferred site. The location offers about 20 to 30 acres of usable land, access to infrastructure and proximity to critical support services, including Kaulu I Ka Pono Academy, a treatment and education facility for at-risk youth. Kauai Now. Hawaii News Now.

Excise tax surcharge could be extended, cronyism accusations delay $10.5M housing projects on Hawaii Island, bill would allow Maui to sidestep environmental permits to rebuild Lahaina, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Green Wants To Extend Excise Tax Surcharge On Neighbor Islands. The measure to leave the surcharge in place for an additional 17 years is expected to win strong support from Kaua’i, Maui and Hawai’i County officials. Gov. Josh Green is proposing to extend the half-percent excise tax surcharge on the neighbor islands until 2047, reopening a contentious debate over a tax that was originally imposed only on Honolulu residents to finance the city rail project. Civil Beat.

Hawaii could see its biggest one-time investment ever from state leaders this year to house the homeless. Gov. Josh Green has asked the Legislature to include $100 million in the state budget over the next two fiscal years to fund the development and operation of communal housing, or kauhale, and many lawmakers are buying in. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiʻi’s Fishing Industry Wants You To Know Where That Fresh Ahi Came From. Senate Bill 129 and House Bill 534 call on retail outlets selling any raw ahi, including in poke and sushi, to clearly label where the fish was landed. The bills were introduced earlier this month and await scheduling of a committee hearing. Civil Beat.

Wildfire prevention bill set for public hearing Wednesday. A House bill requested by the administration of Gov. Josh Green aimed at preventing wildfires in Hawaiʻi will be heard by two House committees at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday. Maui Now.

Office of Hawaiian Affairs Trustees In Line To Get Big Pay Raises. The OHA Salary Commission is considering a proposal to boost trustee pay to just over $91,000, a 62% increase over their current $56,000 annual salaries. The chair would make about $100,000 a year, a 50% increase. Civil Beat.

Here's how a pilot program to clear marijuana possession records is going. Last year, the Legislature created a pilot project to see how difficult it would be to expunge – or clear – arrest records for those who were arrested for marijuana possession but not convicted on Hawaiʻi Island before 2020. Possession of under 3 grams of marijuana was decriminalized in 2019. Hawaii Public Radio.

Bill would make it easier for police to tow delinquent vehicles. Delinquent vehicles parked on city and state roads could soon be towed, as one lawmaker wants to make it easier for police to tow vehicles that rack up numerous complaints. KHON2.

Oahu

HART reviews state tax extension bills for Honolulu rail. That includes extension to Honolulu’s 0.5% surcharge on the state’s 4% general excise tax. For the 2026 fiscal year, the rail agency’s share of GET money make up about 28% of the more than $1.2 billion in expected funding sources to construct the nearly $10 billion Skyline. The city’s current surcharge runs through Dec. 31, 2030. Star-Advertiser.

Mother, father arrested in fatal Aliamanu fireworks explosion. Ruben T. Mateo and Jewel Ann Quines Cabras were arrested at 4144 Keaka Drive on suspicion of first-degree reckless endangering, first-degree endangering the welfare of a minor and three fireworks offenses. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.

The federal government is seeking to seize more than $20 million of Michael Miske’s assets after the convicted organized crime leader’s death in a federal detention center upended his criminal case. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for Hawaii filed a civil forfeiture action Wednesday seeking two boats, millions of dollars in cash from various bank accounts, properties in Kailua and Portlock, multiple paintings and sculptures, along with five vehicles, including a Ferrari and a 1951 Volkswagen. Civil Beat.

UHERO, city launch ‘subsidized housing tracker’.  The interactive tracker consolidates data on government-­subsidized housing units across Honolulu County, identifying properties participating in federal, state and local housing programs. The projects are viewable as a table, map or spreadsheet. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Accusations of misconduct and exclusions postpone Hawaiʻi County funding to nonprofits. The Hawaiʻi County Council last week postponed voting on the appropriation of $10.5 million for nonprofits addressing housing and homelessness until this Friday, after hearing testimony that accused a former county division manager and an intended funding recipient of idea theft, misuse of power and cronyism. Big Island Now.

How much power should the Maunakea Authority have?  State lawmakers will battle it out this session with competing bills dictating the powers of the Maunakea Stewardship and Oversight Authority. Tribune-Herald.

State stuck with another dilapidated Banyan Drive property. The state is once again on the hook for a decrepit building on Banyan Drive after the previous lessee of the former Country Club Condominium Hotel surrendered its permit for the property. Tribune-Herald.

Keaau-Mountain View library could begin to take shape as early as March. Construction could begin this spring on a new public library adjacent to the Keaau Middle School campus. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Bill in Hawaiʻi Legislature would speed up rebuilding of affordable housing complexes destroyed in Lahaina fire. Senate Bill 1170 would enable Maui County’s planning director to directly issue special management area permits for four specific projects — with a combined 358 units and a planned 50 more — instead of going through the lengthy process required by the state to build within a certain area of the shoreline. Maui Now.

Maui emergency officials unveil report on 2023 fires, explain delay on completion. Updating Maui County’s 15-year-old emergency operations plan, clarifying responsibilities and improving communications during a disaster were among the 44 recommendations made by the Maui Emergency Management Agency’s after-­action report from the Aug. 8, 2023, wildfires, which killed 102 people and left thousands homeless. Star-Advertiser. KITV4.

FEMA funding to restore some of Lahaina’s historic buildings. U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz said Hawaii will receive nearly $9.8 million in new federal funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to support the ongoing recovery effort on Maui following the devastating Aug. 8, 2023 2wildfires. Star-Advertiser.

Housing pressures increase on Maui as assistance ends. All households in FEMA Direct Housing, whether in a direct lease unit or the Kilohana Group Site, received 90-day notification letters in November, 60-day notifications in December, and this month received 30-day notification letters informing them of the rent requirement, which begins March 1, and of the process to appeal. Star-Advertiser.

Sewer service status amended for 32 West Maui lots. Maui County’s Department of Environmental Management’s Wastewater Reclamation Division has changed the sewer service status for 32 West Maui lots from inactive to active. Maui News.

Kauai

Kaua‘i counts 440 humpback whales during first marine sanctuary ocean count of 2025. Data collected during the Sanctuary Ocean Count and Great Whale Count combined with other research efforts can help reveal trends in humpback whale occurrence within and amongst whale seasons. Kauai Now.      Garden Island.

Prison guards stressed from staff shortages, former Speaker Saiki finds government job, Legislature mulls toll roads, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Report: Hawai‘i Prison Guards Face ‘Unsustainable’ Working Conditions. Staff vacancies require corrections officers to work at least 16- or 24-hour shifts, and the mandatory overtime takes a toll. A new report on Hawai‘i’s understaffed prisons and jails warns many of the guards are exhausted and struggling with psychological and other health issues, with nearly one in 10 correctional officers saying they seriously contemplated suicide in the past year. Civil Beat. KHON2.

Saiki returns to help control insurance coverage, costs. Former House Speaker Scott Saiki has returned to state government service following his 2024 election defeat — this time to help consumers obtain and afford homeowner’s insurance. For the last several weeks, Saiki has served as a special assistant with the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, which has a mandate to protect Hawaii consumers. Star-Advertiser.

New bill paves the way for toll roads in Hawaii. Toll roads are a foreign concept to Hawaii drivers, but a new bill (SB217) could pave the way for them in the islands giving the Department of Transportation (DOT) tolling authority, focusing first on a very popular, and problematic, highway on Maui. KHON2.

Native Hawaiian leaders object to Trump’s ‘race-blind’ actions. In the last 48 hours, President Donald Trump has swept away diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, halted civil rights investigations, and eliminated White House initiatives to bring minority groups to the table, including an initiative for Native Hawaiian, Asian American and Pacific Islander access to White House decision-making. Now Native Hawaiian leaders fear programs that directly support their community could be next. Hawaii News Now.

Alaska Air’s profit rises despite costly acquisition. Alaska Air Group posted stronger-than-expected earnings Wednesday in its first full quarter report filed since its merger with Hawaiian Airlines, which it anticipates will help generate $1 billion in additional pretax profit over the next three years. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

City, state take action on fireworks crackdown. To prevent tragedies like the New Year’s Aliamanu fireworks explosion that killed four people and injured dozens, city and state officials are mulling stricter legal penalties for those caught using, buying and selling illegal fireworks throughout Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

How Honolulu Crime Boss Mike Miske Fed The Illegal Fireworks Market. Miske’s operation sold thousands of fireworks to dealers on Oʻahu between 2008 and 2010. Civil Beat.

Hilton Hawaiian seeks key permits for new tower. Hilton Hawaiian Village got mixed reviews Wednesday at a hearing to seek two critical permits needed to construct its planned Ala Moana Boulevard Tower that will add approximately 515 rooms to what is already Waikiki’s largest resort property. Star-Advertiser.

City holds Honolulu lifeguard recruit tryouts. The city is opening up tryouts Jan. 31 and Feb. 1 at Ala Moana Beach Park. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Brothers Exonerated In Dana Ireland Murder Case Sue Hawai’i County Police. Albert Ian and Shawn Schweitzer say police framed them for the 1991 rape and murder of a tourist on the Big Island. Civil Beat.  Associated Press. Tribune-Herald.  Hawaii News Now.

Mayor Alameda Presents To State Lawmakers. Hawaiʻi County Mayor Kimo Alameda was on Oʻahu Tuesday, making the annual presentation to state lawmakers at the start of the legislative session. The biggest funding concern for Hawaiʻi island is regarding the Big Island's wastewater infrastructure, Mayor Alameda told the joint committee. Big Island Video News.

Hawaiʻi County Council measure asks state to consider humane avian flu control methods. The Hawaiʻi County Council has introduced a resolution urging the state Department of Agriculture to work with local poultry farmers to develop a comprehensive plan to manage the flu. It heard the resolution in a council committee meeting on Tuesday. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kilauea Summit Eruption Resumes As Episode 5 Begins. Kīlauea is once again erupting at the summit caldera within Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Big Island Video News. KITV4.

Maui

Maui airport gets $62M upgrade. Hawaii transportation officials unveiled a newly expanded passenger hold room at Kahului Airport on Wednesday. The new 17,000-square-foot space, which serves gates 1 to 15 in the airport’s southern concourse, can seat nearly 500 passengers. Hawaii News Now.

Hale Mahaolu plans to redevelop Lahaina Surf and Front Street Apartments. Hale Mahaolu, a nonprofit affordable housing provider, has announced plans to redevelop its Lahaina Surf property, and the Front Street Apartments, which is owned by the Hawai‘i Housing Finance and Development Corporation. The redevelopment projects are expected to provide 304 units of family housing for Maui residents. Maui Now.

At least 450 residents moved off Maui after the fires, UHERO says. The University of Hawai‘i Economic Research Organization estimates at least 430 to 510 residents have moved out of state because of the fire, and the island's population was reduced by at least 1,000 individuals. That's due to migration, as well as fewer people moving in. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kauai

Vacant lot in Līhu‘e sells for $13.25 million; new owner plans to build U-Haul center. An Arizona-based company purchased 11 acres of vacant land fronting Kūhiō Highway in Līhu‘e for $13.25 million, with plans to build a new U-Haul center, according to the commercial real estate firm that handled the sale for the seller. Kauai Now.

Schatz announces more Social Security for public workers with pensions, crime boss Miske died of fentanyl overdose, Maui police investigate body found in airplane wheel well, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

 

Schatz: Social Security change to boost benefits for 100K in Hawaii. Congress gave over 100,000 public-sector workers in Hawaii an early Christmas gift by repealing provisions in federal law that reduced Social Security benefits for people who also receive a pension. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now.

Miske Died Of Fentanyl Overdose In Federal Detention, Medical Examiner Says. His death appeared to be “accidental,” according to a preliminary report from the Honolulu Medical Examiner. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser. Associated Press. Hawaii Public Radio. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

New CEO Joe Sprague Explains What’s Next for Hawaiian Airlines. A Q&A about airfares, interisland flights, the fate of nonunion employees, coordinating with Alaska Airlines and maintaining the Hawaiian brand.  Hawaii Business magazine.

Oahu

Oversight commission concerned about plans for new Oʻahu jail. The Department of Corrections began working on plans for the new jail over seven years ago. It is expected to cost about $1 billion and would expand the facility’s capacity by 350 beds. Hawaii Public Radio.

ACLU Hawaii expands probe into HPD drunk driving arrests after more drivers come forward. The American Civil Liberties Union of Hawaii has broadened its investigation and potential lawsuit against the Honolulu Police Department over intoxicated driver arrests. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Public warned to be mindful of air quality as Kilauea erupts. Although the USGS has lowered Kīlauea’s volcano alert level, vents are continuing to erupt on the floor of the southwest part of the summit caldera and high levels of volcanic gas can have far-reaching effects downwind of the summit, generally southwest. Maui News.

Plane crash under investigation on Hawaii Island. The National Transportation Safety Board confirms it is looking into what caused a Cessna to go down at Parker Ranch in Waimea shortly before noon. Hawaii News Now.

Maui

Draft environmental assessment details Māʻalaea condo plans for erosion control. Public comments are due Jan. 22 for a proposed installation of a “geotextile, sand-filled burrito” as erosion control at the Kanai A Nalu, a nearly 50-year-old, four-story condominium in Māʻalaea. Maui Now.

Maui police investigate body found in wheel well of United Airlines flight.  Maui police are investigating after a body was found in a wheel well of a United Airlines flight from Chicago to Hawaii. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.  Star-Advertiser.

State installing 2 speed tables near Maui high school.  They will be installed at mile marker 0.25 on Haleakala Highway, or Route 377, in response to community and school concerns over speeding in the area. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai

Kauaʻi Police Detective Bobby Thopson honored for investigative work. The Kauaʻi Police Commission on Friday honored Detective Bobby Thompson for his outstanding investigative work and dedication to public safety.  Kauai Now.