Hawaiian Independence Day could become 14th state holiday, federal raids on Kona coffee farms raise concerns, longtime UH sports announcer Bobby Curran dies at 69, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Senators push bipartisan holiday bill. The list of annual state holidays in Hawaii could grow by one under legislation that easily passed a milestone last week. State senators voted 25-0 to approve and send to the House of Representatives a bill that would make Nov. 28 La Ku‘oko‘a, or Hawaiian Independence Day, as Hawaii’s 14th official state holiday. Star-Advertiser.

Hōkūleʻa events celebrate 50 years of preserving Polynesian wayfinding. Hōkūleʻa reached a milestone birthday this Saturday, celebrating 50 years. To honor Hawaiʻi’s "Star of Gladness," festivities across Oʻahu this week will reflect on the double-hulled canoe's beginnings and profound impact as a precious link to the past through the seafaring people who came first to the islands. Hawaii Public Radio. Hawaii News Now.

Trump tariffs expected to weaken isle tourism. Economist Paul Brewbaker, principal of TZ Economics, is concerned that tariff-related trade wars could hurt Hawaii’s bread-and-butter U.S. consumers, who ultimately will pay more for goods and serv­ices, causing them to pull back on luxury and long-haul travel. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiʻi’s Smallest Elementary Schools Could Face Closure. The Hawaiʻi Board of Education is looking for ways to reduce costs as enrollment continues to decline statewide.  Civil Beat.

Plan to raise hotel room tax for climate change among surviving bills. A bill that would generate new revenue for the state to address climate change and reduce the risk of future wildfires by increasing the state hotel room tax remains alive at the midpoint of the 2025 Hawaii legislative session. Perennial efforts to allow different forms of gambling, such as a lottery, and legalize adult recreational marijuana use, however, once again appear dead, among hundreds of other bills that have stalled. Star-Advertiser.

Still no clear answer for combating Hawaiʻi physician shortage.  A bill requiring local medical school graduates to work as physicians in Hawaiʻi for two years after graduation has died in the Legislature. Hawaii Public Radio.

Parents seek flexibility in preschool subsidies. Bills advancing through the state Legislature aim to support families with preschool-age children, but many parents are calling for greater flexibility in qualifying for child care subsidies. Their concerns center around strict requirements, including income limits and age eligibility, which some argue do not reflect the harsh financial realities facing struggling families. Star-Advertiser.

Trump's funding cuts create challenges for University of Hawaiʻi research. The University of Hawaiʻi's research enterprise is a $605 million operation, but UH is now facing significant challenges. So far, 30 stop work orders have halted more than $30 million in contracts.  Hawaii Public Radio.

‘Damning’ Report: Hawaiʻi Falls Short Helping Inmates Reenter Society. The study says the lack of effective reentry programs is one reason so many inmates get in trouble again soon after release. Civil Beat.

Wildfire mitigation: Bringing out the sheep, goats to keep vegetation in check. U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono, D-Hawaii, joined other senators in introducing the measure in February to promote research on grazing and how it can support fuels reduction, wildfire mitigation and post-fire recovery. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

City Council discusses helping with cesspool conversion. The City Council is advancing a measure to use the climate resiliency fund, supported by 0.5% of the city’s estimated annual real property tax revenue,  to convert outdated cesspools on Oahu, possibly to more updated sewer systems. Star-Advertiser.

Lawmakers hope military property could solve landfill deadlock. The city has said if lawmakers rule out the Wahiawa site, there is no choice left but to expand Waimanalo Gulch, which some westside lawmakers suspect was the plan all along. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu developer mulls design, funding options for Aloha Stadium. A replacement for Aloha Stadium may be built on parts of the existing condemned facility in Halawa as a way to reduce costs and help meet a 2028 opening timetable. The strategy is being considered by the project’s tentative developer to produce a “basic” 25,000-seat sports and entertainment complex estimated to cost $450 million. Star-Advertiser.

Bobby Curran, long-time voice of Rainbow sports, dies at 69. Curran, who grew up in Long Island, N.Y., was the play-by-play announcer for more than 400 broadcasts in 32 football seasons. He also was host of the popular sports talk show, “The Bobby Curran Show.” Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.  KHON2.  KITV4.

Hawaii Island

Alarm Sounded Over Big Island Police Pacts With Federal Immigration Agency. The memorandums of understanding have existed for years but in the new Trump era they are red flags for immigrants and their advocates, especially after Kona raids last week. Civil Beat.

Island posts extremely low rainfall totals for February. Hilo International Airport, for example, received just 0.75 inches of rain for the entire month. That’s 7% of its usual 10.22 inches of rain for February.  Tribune-Herald. Big Island Now.

Waimea residents blast rezoning request; decision postponed. For years, developer Ka‘upulehu Land LLC has requested a zoning change for a parcel of land on Mamalahoa Highway in Waimea, about one mile east of its intersection with Kawaihae Road. Tribune-Herald.

Hospital expansion on schedule for ’26. Almost one year into construction at the Hilo Benioff Medical Center, everything is “on track” with the expansion of the main hospital and the East Hawai’i Clinic facilities across the street. Tribune-Herald.

How to save the animals? Big Island alliance trains responders to be prepared for the next big natural disaster. The loss of many beloved animals, big and small, in the traumatic 2018 Kilauea eruption planted in many residents an urge for knowledge about how to rescue pets and livestock during disasters. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Mayor Bissen delivers 2025 State of the County Address, focuses on housing, recovery. Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen delivered his third State of the County Address at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center’s Castle Theater on Friday, expressing renewed hope for residents and progress made in the year and half after the 2023 Maui wildfires. Maui Now. KITV4.

Flip-flopping tariffs create confusion, price uncertainty for builders in Lahaina. For local contractors and suppliers, the flip-flopping tariff policy and escalating feud between the United States and two of its biggest trading partners have created uncertainty and potential price spikes at a time when Maui is rebuilding from the 2023 wildfires. Maui Now.

Maui residents out of jobs funded by National Dislocated Workers Grant program. Federal funding cuts have hit close to home for Maui residents — a grant program that supported wildfire recovery efforts has been terminated. More than 130 Maui residents received notices on Feb. 24 that their jobs ended, effective immediately. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kauai

Kauai County reaches COVID hazard pay settlement with police union. The union representing Kauai Police Department officers reached a settlement agreement with the county over COVID-19 hazard pay with initial payouts of approximately $20,000 coming in the next four to five months if the Kauai County Council votes to accept it. Star-Advertiser.

‘Ready, set, go!’: New playgrounds open at Pacific Missile Range Facility Child Development Center. A ribbon-cutting ceremony March 4 officially opened two new playgrounds at the Barking Sands facility in Kekaha following 4 months of demolition and construction. 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.

State legislator among 10 arrested in Kapiolani nurses strike, state economy still feeling pandemic shock, Kilauea eruption ends, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Honolulu police arrest 10 demonstrators outside Kapi‘olani hospital. Those arrested outside the hospital included recently elected state Rep. Kim Coco Iwamoto, Democrat candidate for state House Ikaika Hussey, and John Witeck and Sergio Alcubilla of the Hawaii Workers Center. Star-Advertiser. Associated Press. KHON2.  KITV4.  Hawaii News Now.

Hawaiʻi has yet to recover to pre-pandemic job numbers, report says. As of July, the number of payroll jobs in the state was still about 3.5% short of where it was before the pandemic. Louisiana, Maryland and Washington, D.C., are the only other areas in the nation that have yet to recover to their pre-COVID job numbers, according to the latest forecast report from the University of Hawaiʻi's Economic Research Organization. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaiian Electric slumps after disclosing $500M stock offer. Hawaiian Electric Industries Inc. disclosed Monday plans to sell up to $500 million worth of its common stock to help fund its part of the Maui wildfire settlement, sending its shares down over 9% in extended trading. Reuters.

Suspect accused in Trump shooting attempt wrote letter detailing plans. The Hawaii man accused in the assassination attempt of Donald Trump at a golf course in Florida left behind a note detailing his plans to kill the former president and kept in his car a handwritten list of dates and venues where Trump was to appear, the Justice Department said Monday. (video only). Hawaii News Now.

Architecture branch manager selected as new State Historic Preservation Administrator. Jessica Puff has been chosen to lead the DLNR State Historical Preservation Division succeeding Dr. Alan Downer who retired earlier this year. Maui News.

Two Native Hawaiians appointed to the President’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders. President Biden has announced his intent to appoint two Native Hawaiians to the President’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders. Kamana‘opono M. Crabbe and Krystal Ka‘ai were selected as commissioners of the advisory commission. Maui Now.

 Rule change will increase food aid for Hawaii families. Internal rule change at the state Department of Human Serv­ices will mean 13,000 to 14,000 Hawaii households will be eligible for another $40 million to $45 million — or an average of $3,200 a year — in SNAP benefits, commonly known as food stamps. Star-Advertiser.  Civil Beat.

Local military lab reaches milestone in identifying unknown Korean War soldiers. Thanks to emerging technology and the staff at the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, many families now have closure. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

City Council to review $5M toward potential hazard pay. A city-initiated resolution that urges the Honolulu City Council to reprogram about $5 million in federal COVID- 19 pandemic funds for “revenue replacement” is under review this week. Star-Advertiser.

Downtown Honolulu offices become rental housing with city help. The project used a city affordable-housing subsidy program to help convert a seven-­story office building at 1060 Bishop St. into 52 apartments ranging from studios to two-bedroom units reserved for households earning no more than 80% of Honolulu’s median income. Star-Advertiser.

After years of debate, official says city is 'very close' to naming new landfill site. Honolulu Department of Environmental Services Director Roger Babcock said the city is considering multiple sites. It includes ones that have been excluded in the past and other locations that would require changes to state law. Hawaii Public Radio.

Concrete reefs to be deployed off Oʻahu in a $27 million coastal protection project to slow wave energy, promote coral growth. The first prototype of a concrete reef structure will be placed in the ocean off Windward Oʻahu later this year or early next. Hawaii Public Radio.

$20 million verdict in Ewa marina case is restored on appeal.  huge jury verdict has been restored over scuttled plans for a marina in Ewa Beach. An appeals court says the developer must pay well over $20 million to homeowners who said they were deceived. Hawaii News Now.


Hawaii Island

Kilauea’s latest eruption declared over; alert levels lowered. HVO lowered its volcano alert level for ground-based hazards from “watch” to “advisory,” and the aviation color code from orange to yellow. Star-Advertiser. Big Island Now. Hawaii News Now.

Former Peace Corps volunteers return to E. Hawaii after 60 years. The cohort of about 100 completed its training here before deploying to Malaysia, some as teachers, others as nurses — and all with a mindset to make the world a better place, one community at a time. Tribune-Herald.

Coconut rhinoceros beetle found on Big Island. The State Department of Agriculture reports a single coconut rhinoceros beetle (CRB) was found in a trap this week during routine monitoring in Waikoloa on the Big Island.  Big Island Now.

State awards $70K specialty crop grant to nonprofit Malama Sanctuary. The replanting of awa — a canoe plant named Piper methysticum and known elsewhere as kava — would make the beverage more accessible to residents and, at the same time, give growers in the isles a culturally relevant crop to cultivate. Star-Advertiser.

Maui

Diane Yogi named Deputy Director of County Department of Transportation. Diane Yogi, who has worked for the County of Maui Department of Transportation since its creation in 2003, has been appointed the departmentʻs deputy director. Her start date was Sept. 3. Maui News. Maui Now.

Alleged threat made toward Maui high school prompts increased police presence. Baldwin High students and staff will notice a larger police presence on and around campus on Monday after an alleged threat was made against the school. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai

Fire mitigation work scheduled for portion of Ninini Point starting Sept. 23. The county’s Public Information Office said the necessary work will allow various crews to cut and maintain vegetation and remove debris, including abandoned vehicles, that are on the property. Kauai Now.

Only one way out -- state grapples with evacuation routes, 10k Maui fire claims reach $3.4B in losses, Hawaii Gas seeks 17.7% rate hike, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Is Hawaiʻi prepared for its next disaster? The state's race for emergency evacuation routes. HDOT director Ed Sniffen estimated that roughly 20% of Hawaiʻi's developed communities have only one point of ingress and egress — or only one-way in or out. About half of those communities are also in areas prone to wildfire. Hawaii Public Radio.

Over 10,000 claims due to Maui fires top $3.29B in losses and damage. Some $2.34 billion of the claims, or over 71%, were paid as of June 30, according to data released Monday by the state Insurance Division. As many as 3,782 of the claims were reported as total losses. Star-Advertiser. KHON2.

Hawaii Got a Grant To Speed Up Infrastructure For Affordable Housing But Needs Much More. A $6.6 million federal grant to help increase the supply of affordable housing in Hawaii will be primarily used to design infrastructure for high-density residential areas on the neighbor islands, including around public housing on Maui and the Big Island. Civil Beat.

Hawaiʻi Gas files utility rate adjustment with PUC for all islands. Hawaiʻi Gas files utility rate adjustment with PUC for all islands. Hawaiʻi Gas filed an application with the Hawaiʻi Public Utilities Commission on Friday requesting an average statewide increase of about 17.7% in utility rates. Maui Now. KHON2. 

Voter Service Centers open for in-person voting, same-day registration. The centers also offer same-day registration and ballot collection. Each county has at least one center open through primary election day on Saturday, Aug. 10. Hawaii Public Radio.
 

UH study finds Native Hawaiians face higher rates of accelerated biological aging. A new study by the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa discovered for the first time that Native Hawaiians experience higher accelerated biological aging in comparison to White and Japanese American residents. Hawaii News Now.   Big Island Now.

State Circuit Court rules in favor of Native Hawaiian midwives. A state Circuit Court has ruled in favor of plaintiffs challenging a Hawaii law that prevented traditional midwives from assisting in pregnancies and births without state-issued licenses. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Honolulu Officials In 2004 Had A Vision Of The City In 20 Years. The Reality Looks Much Different. As the city updates its development plan for urban Honolulu, officials hope to achieve more goals than they have since the last update. Civil Beat.

Honolulu residents invited to give feedback on urban development plan. The Honolulu City Council Committee on Planning and the Economy is working on the Primary Urban Center Development Plan to outline growth through 2040. Hawaii Public Radio.

Shidler gives $1 million to launch UH Cancer Center Director’s Innovation Fund. University of Hawaii alumnus and philanthropist Jay H. Shidler is donating $1 million to the University of Hawaii Cancer Center. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Big Island Police Didn’t Have Probable Cause To Arrest Albert Lauro Jr. of Hawaiian Paradise Park For Dana Ireland’s Murder, Chief Says. Hawaii Police Department Chief Benjamin Moszkowicz said Monday that his department didn’t have probable cause to arrest the former “Unknown Male No. 1” for the Christmas Eve 1991 murder of Dana Ireland in lower Puna. Tribune-Herald. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii Public Radio.  Big Island Now.  Hawaii News Now.  KHON2. KITV4.

County’s eminent domain plan heads to court. A plan by Hawaii County to take private land in Puna in order to restore Pohoiki Road has gone to court. Tribune-Herald.

Neighbors of Punalu‘u project seek contested case. In May, the Punalu‘u Village project — a 225-unit resort community to be built on a 147-acre parcel in Punalu‘u mauka of the black sand beach there — stalled after two different groups of Ka‘u residents successfully appealed for a contested case against the project during a meeting of the Windward Planning Commission. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Researchers Face Funding Gap In Effort To Study Long-Term Health Of Maui Fire Survivors. The University of Hawaii team is having to recalibrate plans after the governor vetoed a wildfire omnibus bill, setting back efforts to follow a larger cohort of survivors. Civil Beat.

New ferry routes proposal gaining support in Maui County. Maui County residents are weighing in this week about a proposed county-run ferry service between Maui, Lanai, and Molokai. It comes after mounting complaints about a need for transportation between the county. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai

Voter Service Center opens in Lihu‘e. Harold and Rose Matsunaga whipped out their voting receipt on Monday as the couple strolled up the ramp leading to the Voter Service Center, which opened on Monday for the 2024 Primary Election. Garden Island.

Kapa‘a and Waimea swimming pools to resume regular hours July 30. The Kapa‘a and Waimea swimming pools will resume their regular hours starting July 30, according to the county of Kaua‘i Department of Parks and Recreation. Kauai Now.

Census shows most Native Hawaiians now live outside Hawaii, Green vows Maui residents won't be displaced by tourists, school enrollment flat, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

US Census shows majority of Native Hawaiians now live outside of Hawaii. According to the 2020 Census, 46.7% of Native Hawaiians or part Hawaiians lived in Hawaii, compared to 55% in 2010. Hawaii News Now.

Green Promises West Maui Residents Won’t Be Displaced By Tourism’s Return. Officials say visitor demand to the Valley Isle is very low and Lahaina fire survivors will continue to be housed in area hotels as needed. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser.  Tribune-Herald.  Big Island Video News.  Maui Now.  Hawaii News Now.

University of Hawaii report details ‘heavy blow’ to Maui’s economy after fires. Wildfires have delivered a “heavy blow” to Maui’s economy and will exert costs on the county and state that will last well into the future, according to a University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization report released today. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Maui Now.  Garden Island.

Maui to host PGA Tour opener in January, 5 months after deadly fires. The PGA Tour is returning to Maui to start the new season with the Sentry Tournament of Champions at Kapalua, five months after deadly wildfires destroyed nearby Lahaina and killed at least 97 people. Associated Press.

Little change in enrollment at Hawaii public schools. The number of students enrolled is 167,649, compared with an enrollment of 168,634 students at the start of last school year — a difference of 0.6%, the DOE said in a new release. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now.

Regaining public trust could be an uphill battle for the state Water Commission. After 12 hours of deliberation and public testimony at the monthly meeting of the state Commission on Water Resource Management (CWRM), it was clear that regaining the public's trust could be an uphill battle for Commission Chair Dawn Chang and Gov. Josh Green. Hawaii Public Radio.

Native Hawaiian churches urge investigation into missionary role in federal boarding schools. The history of Christianity in Hawaiʻi is a complicated one. And now parts of that history have led to an investigation by the United Church of Christ.  Hawaii Public Radio.

Reduced light and caution urged during turtle nesting season.  The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and other agencies are asking the public to be on the lookout for turtles on local beaches this nesting season, which began in mid-April and continues through September but can last as late as December. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Honolulu Police Chief Had A Good 1st Year But There’s ‘Room To Grow,’ Eval Says. The police commission largely praised Chief Joe Logan's job performance but said he can do better with communications. Civil Beat.

City to hold public hearing on proposed rule changes for shore water events. Shore water events include surf contests, canoe regattas, triathlons and swim races. Hawaii News Now.

Criminals beware: New Chinatown camera system boasts next-level surveillance. Phase one of the city’s upgraded Chinatown surveillance system is now online. It boasts state-of-the-art capabilities like 360-degree coverage, on-screen tracking and much more. KHON2.

Bidding Deadline For The Last Major Honolulu Rail Contract Is Extended. HART blamed state licensing delays, but the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs says there is no backlog. Civil Beat.

State agency disputes HART CEO’s comments over delays.  The state agency that licenses construction industry contractors says recent claims that the Maui wildfire disaster has caused long delays within its application system that have hampered the progress of the Skyline project to Kakaako are unfounded. Star-Advertiser.

Prosecutor handling Hawaii Loa murder case is fired. Honolulu Prosecutor Steve Alm this week fired the deputy prosecutor handling the case against the man accused of murdering a Hawaii Loa Ridge resident and concealing the body in a cement-filled bathtub. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Kailua Post Office suffering from lack of cleaning. The local President of the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) Branch 5516 that represents letter carriers assigned to the Kailua-Kona Post Office says the lack of janitorial services has created unsightly and unhealthy work conditions. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaiʻi County Provides Resource Hub For Displaced Maui Residents. In tandem with Governor Green’s announcement on finding longer-term housing options for displaced Maui residents, the County of Hawaiʻi unveiled a virtual resource hub to assist. Big Island Video News.

Paving work starts on Waikōloa Road next week. Work on the long-awaited $26 million Waikōloa Road Rehabilitation Project is a reason to celebrate for many people. Big Island Now.

Maui

Passes to Maui disaster zone now available. Thirty-six street addresses are included in the first residential zone to reopen to property owners and residents who will be able to see for themselves the destruction left behind by the deadly Aug. 8 Lahaina wildfire. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.  Maui News.  Maui Now.

Hawaiian Electric begins restoration work in Lahaina at request of Maui Emergency Operations Center.  The work will restore power to wastewater pumps and telecommunication services and improve electrical service reliability to surrounding residents and neighborhoods. Maui Now.

How a Maui PD officer worked with community to open an evacuation route. Alfredo Malapira is grateful to the Maui County PD officer who acted decisively on Aug. 8, opening a closed off route leading to Old Stuart Road (off of Keawe Street), at the urging of the community. KITV4.

Kauai

Corteva Agriscience grants awarded to local schools. The schools — King Kaumuali‘i Elementary School, Kalaheo Elementary School, Kaua‘i High School and Waimea Canyon Middle School and Waimea High School — all received their Corteva Agriscience grant moneys as part of the $35,000 total awarded by Corteva Agriscience for 2023. Garden Island.

Kaua‘i led counties in hotel performance last month, new report shows. Kaua‘i hotels came out on top last month, according to the Hawai‘i Hotel Performance Report published by the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority. Kauai Now.

New state laws address highway safety, driver's licenses, shoreline protection; Honolulu rail CEO wants tax extended, Kauai managing director moves to Schatz' office, beers created from rice, ti root, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaiʻi Roadway Safety Bills Signed Into Law. Seven bills relating to roadway safety in Hawaiʻi were signed into law by Governor Josh Green on Thursday, during a ceremony on Oʻahu. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now.

A new law makes driver license renewal easier. You will eventually be able to renew your driver’s license online or by mail. It was a bill that Governor Josh Green, M.D. signed into law on Thursday, July 6. KHON2.

Increased fines, drones to protect Hawaii shorelines . Governor signs measures to boost coastal management, enforcement.  Gov. Josh Green signed a handful of bills Thursday related to coastal protection. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

In fight against erosion, new legal weapon targets homeowners who go rogue. As ocean levels rise, new rules give the state more power to keep people from breaking the law to protect their properties from erosion. Hawaii News Now.

Preschool educators stipend program finally launches.  Despite a two-year wait to fully launch Hawaii’s first public stipend program for early-childhood educators, state officials are hopeful that it will make big strides toward solving a chronic and severe shortage of teachers and caregivers for keiki ages 0 to 5. Star-Advertiser.

DOE spent $168M on bell and alarm system, but more than half of schools still don’t have it. More than half of Hawaii’s 255 public schools rely on aging bell, alarm and P.A. systems due to delays in installing promised high-tech upgrades. Hawaii News Now.

Civil rights attorney to file class action against Hawaii education, health departments. A Honolulu attorney says he's a few weeks away from filing a class action lawsuit against the state over special education services. KITV4.

President’s commission meeting in Hawaii OKs broad set of recommendations. For the first time, the President’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders convened for its quarterly meeting outside of Washington, D.C. Star-Advertiser.

Native Hawaiians discuss housing challenges with U.S. HUD Secretary.  The visit served as an opportunity for HUD Secretary Marcia Fudge, U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono, U.S. Rep. Jill Tokuda and HUD Regional Administrator Jason Pu to listen to the struggles, successes and valuable feedback shared by the community.  Big Island Now.

Hawaii, Honolulu score $4M for climate action plans. The funding — $1 million to Honolulu and $3 million to the state — was announced Thursday in Honolulu by Environmental Protection Agency Regional Administrator Martha Guzman. Star-Advertiser.

83,000 Hawaii homes dispose of sewage in cesspools. Hawaii has 83,000 cesspools — more than any other state — and about 20% are less than 0.6 mile from shore. Six years ago, Hawaii mandated the removal of all cesspools by 2050. Associated Press.

Oahu

Honolulu City Council trio needed to reject 64% pay raises in writing. In the days leading up to the controversial start of the salary increases for Hono­lulu’s top elected and appointed officials, Council members Augie Tulba, Andria Tupola and Radiant Cordero were each required to submit a memorandum to the city stating their rejection to the expected $44,400 pay bump — to $113,304 from $68,904. Star-Advertiser.

Businessman Accused Of Bribing Honolulu Prosecutor Points Finger At Feds.  If convicted of bribing former prosecutor Keith Kaneshiro, the 79-year-old Dennis Mitsunaga could go to prison for the rest of his life.  Civil Beat.

Rail CEO looks to extend the system — by extending rail surcharge. Mostly with money from the half percent general excise tax, HART has spent about $5 billion so far to get the first 11 miles up and running, construct most of the way from Pearl Harbor to Middle Street and begin utility work on the final segment to Kakaako. Hawaii News Now.

Rail Contractor Sues HART Over Construction Delays. Contractor STG is seeking more than $99 million in damages, and says HART "has only itself to blame." The contractor hired to build the 5-mile airport segment of the Honolulu rail line is suing the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation, alleging HART’s failure to address problems with the relocation of utilities along the line has caused expensive construction delays. Civil Beat.

Rail ridership falls as paid service begins.  The first day of paid rail ridership saw a drop in interest, as expected, with only 1,245 passengers boarding Skyline trains. Star-Advertiser. KITV4.

State agrees to purchase and maintain Wahiawā Irrigation System, Lake Wilson.  Gov. Josh Green signed a bill Wednesday that requires his office to negotiate the purchase of Wahiawā Dam, Lake Wilson, and its associated spillways and irrigation ditches.  Hawaii Public Radio.

Kaiwi coast scenic area on Oahu could become state park.  Hawaii might have a new state park by this time in 2024 covering about 340 acres of mostly natural coastal land in East Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu housing market cooled off in June.  The median price for single-family home resales stabilized in June but remained above seven figures at $1,050,000. That was down 4.5% from $1.1 million a year ago and off 5.3% from $1,109,000 in May, according to data released Thursday from the Honolulu Board of Realtors.  Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

County Council approves creation of Office of Sustainability, Climate, Equity and Resilience. The Hawai‘i County Council on Wednesday approved the creation of a cabinet-level Office of Sustainability, Climate, Equity and Resilience — and a new section of county code to govern it — that will lead the County’s efforts to ensure the island can withstand the effects of climate change. Big Island Now.

Council rejects plan for downtown Hilo. A proposal to create a Business Improvement District to revitalize downtown Hilo has been decisively killed after pushback from area business owners. Tribune-Herald.

Big Island Wants To Use Opioid Settlement Money To Open Its First Detox Facility. Hawaii County will receive $489,000 in opioid settlement funds this year and just over $100,000 annually thereafter through 2038, Mayor Mitch Roth announced Thursday.  Civil Beat. Tribune-Herald.  Big Island Now.  Hawaii News Now.

How ‘ōkolehao, an alcoholic spirit made of tī root, could change the liquor industry. Hawaiʻi's first-ever alcoholic spirit made from the root of the tī plant may soon get a boost in popularity from a Big Island brewery.  Hawaii Public Radio.

Keaukaha speed limit change advances. A proposal to reduce the speed limit on Kalanianaole Street is closer to reality after passing a Hawaii County Council committee Wednesday. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

For the second month in a row, visitor arrivals slowed. In May, there were 240,407 visitors to Maui, down 2.8 percent compared to May 2022 when there were 247,280 visitors, and down 4.5 percent versus May 2019 when there were 251,665 visitors, according to the state Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism. Maui News.

Can’t Afford To Junk Your Car? Maui Will Tow And Recycle It For Free. Officials estimate 2,500 vehicles are abandoned each year in the county. Civil Beat. Maui Now.

Kamehameha Schools acquires thousands of acres at Kaupō Ranch and Hāmākualoa, Maui. Kamehameha Schools announced today its acquisition of more than 4,500 acres of land from Kaupō Ranch Ltd. on southeastern Maui for approximately $21 million.  Maui Now.

Kauai

Matsuyama named Kauaʻi County’s managing director, replacing Dahilig who joins U.S. Sen. Schatz’ office.  Kauaʻi native Reiko Matsuyama has been appointed as the new managing director of the County of Kaua‘i by Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami. Kauai Now.

And so we wait': Kauaʻi doctor underscores dialysis needs on island.  The capacity of dialysis treatment on Kauaʻi is critical, according to a local doctor. Dr. Raymond Petrillo, Kauaʻi’s sole kidney doctor, operates his private practice, Island Kidney Care, in Lihuʻe and Waimea.  Hawaii Public Radio.

Rice beer on tap on Rice Street. Rice grower Jerry Ornellas said when the first batch of Jerry’s Rice Beer — the name assigned to the rice-based beer by the Kaua‘i Beer Company — went online on Monday, it was the first time in more than 60 years that Kaua‘i-grown rice was used commercially. Garden Island.

EV drivers face new road usage fee, Maui newspaper up for sale, more than 50% of Native Hawaiians now live outside the state, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

EV drivers could see a new road usage charge. Senate Bill 1534, passed out of the 2023 legislative session will create a mileage-based road usage charge that will impact all electric vehicles first. Drivers will pay based on how much they use the roadways. KITV4.

COVID ‘whistleblower’s’ firing headed to arbitration. A former COVID-19-era epidemiological specialist who was fired from the state Health Department after saying “contact tracers” were woefully understaffed and overworked under dangerous conditions faces an arbitration hearing in July, followed by a possible trial over her lawsuit alleging wrongful dismissal. Star-Advertiser.

Special Interests Spent More To Lobby The Hawaii Legislature This Year. More than 300 organizations spent almost $5.6 million total on lobbying this legislative session, according to records filed with the Hawaii State Ethics Commission.  Civil Beat.

Hawaii to receive $150M for rural broadband access. Nearly $150 million in new federal funding for high-speed internet access is coming to Hawaii — a major boost to ongoing efforts to ensure broadband and internet service to households across the state, particularly in rural areas. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.  Hawaii News Now.

Lawmakers look to increase Coast Guard’s Pacific footprint.  A $91.5 billion bill making its way through Congress funding programs under the U.S. Department of Homeland Security includes provisions to continue supporting an increased U.S. Coast Guard presence in the Pacific. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Foster Kids Are Sleeping In Hotels And State Offices. They Have Nowhere Else To Go. There aren't enough foster homes, especially for kids with the biggest challenges. Civil Beat.

Leaving for Las Vegas: Reaching out to Native Hawaiians.  Trying to make it in Hawaii is becoming increasingly difficult — so impossible for some that more than 50% of Native Hawaiians are now living outside of the state. Star-Advertiser.

Native Hawaiians share experience of mainland living. Native Hawaiians and former Hawaii residents who live on the mainland talked with the Honolulu Star-Advertiser about their lives, joys and challenges far away from Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Honolulu Rail Spent $100 Million To Relocate Utilities. Much Of It May Have Been A Waste. Some cash spent on Honolulu utility relocation work under a rail contract with Nan Inc. went to mobilization costs, or to work in areas beyond the end of the rail line. Civil Beat.

Rail eminent domain dispute heads to Hawaii high court.  The Hawaii State Supreme Court is scheduled to hear oral arguments involving the Texas- based developer Howard Hughes Corp., doing business here as Victoria Ward Ltd., and the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation’s 2018 condemnation of about 2 acres containing roughly 25 parcels owned by the developer — from Cooke to Kamakee streets. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Board of Water Supply will invest more than $43M for a new reservoir in Waiawa.  The Honolulu Board of Water Supply will invest $43.5 million for a new reservoir in Waiawa. Environmentalists say the project could help ease the strain caused by the Red Hill water crisis. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu couple arrested in connection with fatal mass overdose; fentanyl distribution ring exposed.  A Honolulu couple has been arrested in connection with a suspected mass overdose incident in Waikiki that left two people dead and three others hospitalized in early June, according to a federal criminal complaint filed Monda. Hawaii News Now.

Thousands cited for running the red, the few who contest it are unsuccessful. According to numbers by the Department of Transportation, since the red light safety camera pilot program started in November 2022, a total of 6,311 citations have been issued at all 10 of the locations. KHON2.

Bishop Museum announces settlement with former CEO, president. The Bishop Museum has reached a settlement in the dispute with former President and CEO Melanie Ide. In January, after a months-long investigation, the museum’s board of directors voted unanimously to terminate Ide, General Counsel Barron Oda, and Vice President of Operations, Planning and Program Management Wesley “Kaiwi” Yoon. Hawaii Public Radio.

This North Shore Community Wants Stronger Protection Against Disasters, Climate Change. Hauula's efforts to build a resiliency hub may get a boost from a FEMA grant supporting more rural areas. Civil Beat.

More Funding Means More Lifeguard Coverage On Oahu. The new budget includes money for 18 new lifeguard positions and extended hours, with an emphasis on the Leeward Coast. Civil Beat.

Kamaaina to get reservations-free entry to Hanauma Bay.  The Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation said all Hawaii residents with valid photo identification, such as a Hawaii driver’s license or school ID, in July will be able to enter the nature preserve for free during hours of operation from 6:45 a.m. until 1:30 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday, without either, thanks to additional staffing. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Debate over manta ray tours continues. A decade-long discussion over potential rules and regulations for manta ray tours will continue after Gov. Josh Green stated his intent to veto a bill that would have altered the permitting process. Tribune-Herald.

New Mass Transit administrator named. Hawaii County has announced the appointment of Victor Kandle as the new Mass Transit Agency administrator. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Now.

PTA change of command set for Wednesday.  U.S. Army Lt. Col. Kevin Cronin to leave after two years as commanding officer of Pohakuloa Training Area. Tribune-Herald.

Naniloa given OK for new loan aimed at avoiding foreclosure. After repeated rejections, the owners of the Grand Naniloa Hotel in Hilo secured approval Friday from the Board of Land and Natural Resources for a new mortgage to pay off the business’ current one. Tribune-Herald.

Aunty Sally Kaleohano’s Lūʻau Hale In Hilo To Reopen.  The facility was being utilized by the State Department of Health and the Hawai‘i County Civil Defense Agency for the past two years. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Ogden Newspapers exploring options for new ownership of The Maui News.  The Ogden Newspapers announced Monday that it is exploring options for the possible sale of their Maui Publishing group and is planning to accept offers from interested parties over the next few weeks.  Maui News.

Hawaiian Electric invites Maui community to offer input on renewable generation plans. Hawaiian Electric will hold a community meeting on July 11 to receive comments on its proposal to build new generating units that can run on a variety of renewable fuels, including biofuels. Maui Now.

In partnership with Job Corps, MPD launches new program to help at-risk youth. The Maui Police Department is partnering with Hawaii Job Corps Center to help at-risk teens and young adults. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai

Tenants facing eviction hope state will convert Kauaʻi’s Waipouli apartments to affordable housing. Affordable housing advocates continue efforts for Waipouli apartments.   Affordable housing advocates held a second press conference in the Kintaro restaurant parking lot last week, urging the state government to purchase the Courtyards at Waipouli apartments and secure all 82 units as affordable housing for 60 years. Garden Island. Kauai Now.

Hawaii's Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander population edges up, Biden panel coming to Honolulu to seek input, Green signs health care bills, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii’s Native Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders up 1.8% in 2022. The Native Hawaiian and “other Pacific Islander” population in the U.S. rose to nearly 1.76 million in 2022, an increase of 1.8%, or almost 32,000 people, over the previous year, according to population estimates released Thursday by the U.S. Census Bureau. Star-Advertiser.

Biden Panel On AAPI And Native Hawaiians Seeks Local Input. President Biden’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders will meet in person in Honolulu July 7, the first time the commission has met outside the U.S. mainland, the administration said. Civil Beat.

Gov. Green returns to Hawai‘i Island where he practiced medicine to sign health care bills.  Gov. Josh Green used West Hawaii as a pulpit on Thursday to address Hawaii’s problems and sign several bills into law.  Green traveled to the Hawaii Island Community Health Center in Kealakehe for a signing ceremony for three bills related to health care and one for consumer telecommunications. West Hawaii Today. Big Island Video News.  Big Island Now.  KHON2.

Oahu

Hawaii report details health effects of Red Hill leak.  A new report released by the state Department of Health provides an assessment of the health effects people may have faced after being exposed to jet fuel, the cleaning product Simple Green, high levels of chlorine and an anti-icing agent in their drinking water after a pipeline burst at the Navy’s Red Hill fuel facility on Nov. 20 2021. Star-Advertiser.

HPD officer justified in shooting, prosecutor says.  Honolulu Prosecutor Steve Alm announced Thursday that a plainclothes acting police sergeant was justified in the Dec. 28, 2020, fatal shooting of a 45-year-old man in the parking lot of a public-housing apartment complex in Ahuimanu. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.  KHON2.  KITV4.

‘Safe and Sound’ sees lower crime stats in Waikīkī.  The Honolulu Police Department is providing an update on the “Safe and sound” program that they instigated in Waikīkī.  According to HPD, crime is going down. KHON2.

Businesses hoping for boom in customers ahead of the June 30 opening of Oahu's new rail system. Like many businesses along the rail line, Ichiriki in Aiea endured months of construction that affected the number of customers coming into the restaurant. KITV4.

Honolulu rail’s launch means big changes ahead for bus riders, too.  The city’s long-awaited rail line opens on June 30, but regular bus riders may not yet be aware that it could affect their usual routes, especially west of Aiea. Hawaii News Now.

Thousands of endangered Hawaiian snails in captivity relocated to new home on Oahu. Some 8,000 snails were moved from Kailua to their new home in the Pearl City area Thursday morning. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Councilmember Seeks Emergency Declaration For Abandoned Hilo Hotel.  Hawaiʻi County Councilmember Sue Lee Loy has introduced a resolution urging Governor Josh Green to declare a state of emergency for the condemned and dilapidated former Uncle Billy’s Hilo Bay Hotel on Banyan Drive. Big Island Video News.

Charges brought in Merrie Monarch Festival burglary.  Hawaii island police have brought an array of charges against two men arrested for the recent Merrie Monarch Festival office burglary and trespassing at a closed business in Hilo. Star-Advertiser. Big Island Now.

Maui

Bill to regulate air and replica guns advances. A bill that would limit air and replica guns in certain public spaces to improve safety for the community and police officers was unanimously recommended by a Maui County Council committee on Wednesday afternoon.  Maui News.

County of Maui seeking public input for future Kehalani Mauka Park improvements.  The County of Maui Department of Parks and Recreation will hold a pop-up open house to share information and seek input from the public on future improvements for Kehalani Mauka Park in Wailuku. Maui Now.

Kauai

Garden sprouts on Rice Street in downtown Lihu‘e.  The garden is part of the Downtown Lihu‘e’s Lihu‘e Placemaking, Forestry and Gardens Initiative, a two-year effort to build valued community green spaces in Lihu‘e and a shared vision for future green infrastructure along Rice Street. Garden Island.

Outrigger Resorts & Hotels to acquire Kauaʻi Beach Resort & Spa.  The transaction to purchase the 25-acre beachfront property with 350 guest rooms is expected to close on Aug. 22, 2023. Kauai Now.

Rail drags Honolulu bond rating down, Native Hawaiians sentenced to prison in hate crime against white man, Mauna Kea Authority and DLNR spar over mountain management, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

New Mauna Kea Authority Tussles With DLNR Over Conservation Lands. A Senate bill would challenge the scope of the authority’s jurisdiction over the dormant volcano. The new authority that is due to assume oversight of Mauna Kea, Hawaii’s largest mountain, after a five-year transition period may lose a key aspect of its control over the lands. Civil Beat.

Public housing agency struggling with $800 million repair backlog as hundreds of units remain vacant. The Hawaii Public Housing Authority is trying to make a dent in a more than $800 million capital improvement backlog. And it's asking lawmakers for money this year to fix hundreds of vacant units and get more people off the streets. KITV4.

Cathy Betts to continue as director of the state's Department of Human Services. Cathy Betts was confirmed by the state Senate Wednesday to continue her role as director of the Department of Human Services. Betts was asked to continue her DHS leadership after Gov. Josh Green appointed her, as well as several other familiar government faces, in December. Hawaii Public Radio.

New Hawaiʻi State Office of Wellness and Resilience outlines its mission. The newly created Office of Wellness and Resilience and its first director, Tia Hartsock, are now in place to tackle the “unprecedented public health crisis” in Hawaiʻi. Big Island Now. Kauai Now.

Adult recreational cannabis bill to receive final Senate vote. A bill that would legalize adult recreational use of cannabis in Hawaii cleared its final committee hurdle Thursday.  Tribune-Herald. Hawaii News Now.

In effort to crackdown on illegal mufflers, lawmakers considering noise detectors. There are already laws on the books saying driving with modified mufflers that cause loud noise illegal, but advocates of this bill say those laws are not being followed and the device would crackdown on rule breakers. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Legislators Propose $1 Million Boost For Performing Arts. After rebuffing two simultaneous threats to public-art funding, local artists and art supporters now have flipped the legislative momentum. Instead of potentially suffering major cuts this session, they have become positioned to receive a financial boost. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Firm downgrades city’s bonds for first time since 1999, citing growing rail debt. Moody’s Investor Service lowered the rating of Honolulu general obligation bonds from a level known as Aa1 to Aa2. While the rating agency says the city continues to enjoy a “strong financial position,” it also express concern by the increase in city debt due to the financially troubled rail project. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu Mayor Proposes Cautious $3.4 Billion Budget. With island residents still reeling from double-digit real estate assessments fueled by pandemic-related price hikes, Mayor Rick Blangiardi announced Thursday that he is proposing a $3.4 billion operating budget for the City and County of Honolulu for fiscal year 2024, which is essentially flat, adjusted for inflation. Civil Beat.

OHA's Plan To Build High-Rises At Kakaako Makai Stalls In The Senate. The Senate Ways and Means Committee has shelved the Office of Hawaiian Affairsʻ proposal to build three residential towers up to 400 feet tall on oceanside land OHA owns at Kakaako makai. Civil Beat.

New Aloha Stadium May Be Smaller As Green Rejects Original Development Plan. The Hawaii governor says the estimated $400 million cost of a public-private partnership is too high. Civil Beat.

Hawaii delegation asks IRS to exempt Red Hill families. Hawaii’s congressional delegation is asking the IRS to back off of families that were affected by the Red Hill water crisis — many of them outraged that under current regulations the money they received from the military for temporary housing is considered income and that they are being slapped by the IRS with steep taxes. Star-Advertiser.

Why is $16M Waianae police station partially empty? In 2016, the City spent $16 million to build the Waianae Police Station. A blessing was held, but the doors never fully opened. West Oahu residents are concerned that the building continues to sit partially empty seven years later. KHON2.

Kamalani supporters protest school’s closure. Scores of Kamalani Academy students, teachers, parents and supporters demonstrated Thursday outside the state Department of Education, chanting, “Save our school!” to protest a decision by the state Public Charter School Commission that the Wahiawa school must close after its contract expires June 30. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.  KHON2.

Hawaii Island

Pahoa soft OKs site for library, transit hub. Pahoa residents came to an informal consensus Wednesday regarding their preferred location for a planned new library and transit hub. Both a new public library and a bus hub have been planned for Pahoa for years, with both projects eventually consolidated into a single site last year. Tribune-Herald.

Hōlualoa School Community Rallies In Kona. Parents and teachers say they are still waiting to hear specifics from the Hawaiʻi DOE on how and when it will address numerous health and safety issues at the school. Big Island Video News.

These patients could have few alternatives for life-saving care if key pharmacy closes. Kona Community Hospital’s pharmacy could be forced to close if it doesn’t meet new regulations set to go in effect later this year. Hawaii News Now.

Maui

2 Native Hawaiian Men Sentenced In Hate Crime Against White Neighbor.  A Native Hawaiian man was sentenced to more than six years in prison Thursday for the hate crime beating of a white man who tried to move into his remote, traditional fishing village. Local lawyers believe this is the first time the U.S. has prosecuted Native Hawaiians for hate crimes. Associated Press. KHON2. KITV4.

Oprah buys 870 acres of land in Kula for nearly $6.6 million over recent months. Media mogul and billionaire Oprah Winfrey recently purchased about 870 acres of Kula agricultural land for nearly $6.6 million in recent months, adding to hundreds of acres of real estate she already owns in Kula and in Hāna.  Maui Now.

Former Maui state lawmaker charged for failing to file spending report. Former Maui state lawmaker Kaniela Ing, who has run into trouble with the state Campaign Spending Commission in the past, is now facing prosecution for having “intentionally, knowingly or recklessly failed” to timely file a supplemental report with the commission last year. Maui News.

Maui Yacht Owner: ‘I Didn’t Know What I Was Getting Into’. Jim Jones says he wants to make things right, but former employees and county officials say he shouldn’t have a boat. Civil Beat.

Mortar found at Kīhei recycling business, recovered by Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal team. An unexploded ordnance, which appeared to be a mortar, was discovered by employees at a Kīhei recycling company within their metals collection area Tuesday.  Maui Now. Maui News.

Kauai

State seeks fines on Koloa dam owners. The state Department of Land and Natural Resources is seeking a $5,000 fine from the owners of a faulty dam, which could endanger more than 600 people if it failed. Garden Island.