Health officials perplexed by snorkeling deaths, 28 homes damaged in magnitude 6.0 earthquake, OHA mulls purchase of KITV4, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Health Officials Are Perplexed By Hawaiʻi Snorkeling Deaths. Snorkeling claims the lives of dozens of tourists each year. Some who lost loved ones or nearly drowned themselves say not enough is done to warn people of the risks. Civil Beat.

Hawaii law aims to curb corporate influence in elections but faces hurdles. The new law attempts to bypass the effects of the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2010 ruling in Citizens United v. Federal Elections Commission, which has paved the way for corporations and other outside groups, including labor unions, to spend unprecedented amounts of money on U.S. elections. While it was meant to counter Citizens United’s impact, the Hawaii law restricts enforcement to state-regulated organizations, so it has also raised concerns that it actually might allow entities incorporated in other states to fill the void in political spending in the islands. Star-Advertiser.

Attorney General Lopez provides biweekly update on public corruption investigation. State political investigation continues after 2nd Cabinet member leaves. In the wake of a second top administration official stepping down amid an ongoing criminal investigation, Gov. Josh Green’s office said it is not aware of any other state agency or individuals being included in the probe and that the governor is not “involved in the investigation in any way.” Star-Advertiser. Maui Now. 

Leadership Turmoil And Staffing Shortfalls Plague Child Welfare System. Former Hawaiʻi Department of Human Services Director Ryan Yamane is not the only top child welfare official departing the agency as lawmakers made some efforts this year to improve the system. Civil Beat.

Stalled work to determine OHA ceded land claims revived. Hawaii lawmakers have set out a modified path to determine how much revenue from ceded lands the state owes the Office of Hawaiian Affairs and resolve a nearly half-century dispute. Lawmakers also agreed to distribute $55 million in withheld ceded land revenue to OHA as part of the newly amended legislation, Senate Bill 903, on top of a set annual $21.5 million contribution that OHA regards as far below what is owed. Star-Advertiser.

Prayers push politics aside for Hawaii family members of Tulsi Gabbard. Prayers poured in for the family of Tulsi Gabbard on Friday after the former Hawaii political office holder announced her resignation as director of national intelligence in Washington, D.C., to support her husband battling bone cancer.  Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Voters Could Add Immigrant Protection Measures For HPD In November. In the wake of state legislation seeking to protect immigrants from overzealous federal crackdowns, a Honolulu charter amendment proposal with similar goals is inching forward at the city’s charter commission. Civil Beat.

North Shore homeowners fined nearly $2M for shoreline barriers. Three North Shore homeowners who together amassed a total of nearly $2 million in state fines for illegal shoreline armoring have begun removing the unpermitted structures they installed to shield their Rocky Point properties from erosion. Star-Advertiser.

OHA weighs purchase of KITV-KIKU from Allen Media Group. The Office of Hawaiian Affairs declined to say whether it has entered negotiations with a broadcast company or whether an offer has been made or is imminent. But sources close to the potential deal said the agency’s acquisition target is the Allen Media Group-owned KITV-KIKU, the local ABC affiliate and a station featuring Japanese and Filipino programming. Star-Advertiser.

‘Save the Queen’: Kaimukī residents urge the City to buy dilapidated Queen Theater. The Honolulu City Council's Zoning and Planning Committee on Thursday passed a resolution that would add Queen Theater to the roster of government buildings. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Island

Big Island residents report damage from magnitude 6.0 quake. No injuries were reported but Hawaii County officials received reports Saturday from the Civil Defense Agency that at least 28 houses were damaged, including a post-and-pier home in South Kona that collapsed and is considered unlivable due to extensive damage to its foundation, said Tom Callis, spokesman for the Mayor’s Office. Star-Advertiser. Big Island Now. Hawaii News Now. 

County to use eminent domain to widen Puna road. A Hawaii County Council committee unanimously approved a resolution Tuesday to acquire 3.74 acres of land along Government Beach Road in Puna using eminent domain in order to widen the winding, one-lane scenic seaside route. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

HECO installing sturdier replacement poles in Lahaina, with plans for limited underground lines. Nearly three years after a downed power line sparked the destructive and deadly 2023 Lahaina wildfire, Hawaiian Electric is beginning a two-year, hardening project in the seaside town to replace wooden utility poles with stronger ones made of steel or composite fiberglass. Maui Now.

Hoʻonani Village project recommended for first reading passage by full Council; calls for deferral set aside. Bills 163 and 164 would expand the Maui Island Plan’s urban growth boundary and change the Wailuku-Kahului Community Plan designation from agriculture to business-multifamily for approximately 166 acres near Pūlehu and Hansen roads and Maui Veterans Highway. The site is part of a larger parcel that Hoʻonani Development plans to transform into an approximately 1,608-unit workforce housing community with light industrial, commercial, office and open space components. Maui Now.

Kula Hospital's future uncertain amid ongoing post-storm closure. Kula Hospital was home to more than 100 long-term patients when severe flooding and rain in March damaged the facility. Hawaii Public Radio.

‘She’s up with the saints’: Meli Watanuki, one of Kalaupapa’s last living patients, dies at 91. A beloved member of the Kalaupapa community who loved to dance hula, never missed morning Mass and helped restart tours to the historic town last fall has died, leaving just two survivors of Hansen’s disease living full time on the isolated peninsula on Moloka‘i’s north coast. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kauaʻi farmers and small businesses find new home at Anahola Marketplace. A new weekly farmers market focused on local food, small businesses and community connection is set to launch June 1 at Anahola Marketplace on Kauaʻi’s North Shore. Kauai Now.

No swimming advised following shark sighting at Hanalei Bay. According to a preliminary report, ocean safety officials report that a 6- to 7-foot shark was sighted fronting the Pavilion Tower in Hanalei Bay today, May 24, at approximately 2:15 p.m. Lifeguards will reassess the area later on Monday, May 25. If there are no other sightings, the beach will reopen to ocean activities at 2:15 p.m. Kauai Now. Garden Island. 

State DHS director Yamane quits amid Hawaii corruption probe, toll road for Mauna Kea proposed, SHOPO touts Lambert for Honolulu police chief, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii AG’s corruption probe prompts state director to quit. Former  state lawmaker Ryan Yamane abruptly retired as director of the Department of Human Services on Tuesday after being questioned by state investigators about allegations of public corruption involving Hawaii’s COVID-19 testing contracts. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.  KITV4. 

Oahu

Stakeholders evaluate transparency in process to pick Honolulu's chief of police. Has the Honolulu Police Commission engaged enough with stakeholders and the public as a whole as it’s set to appoint a new police chief? It depends on who you ask. Hawaii Public Radio.

Honolulu police union supports Lambert for chief, survey says. The union representing Honolulu Police Department officers wants former HPD Maj. Mike Lambert to be the city’s 13th police chief, citing his institutional knowledge, proven record of leadership and “deep cultural competency.” Star-Advertiser.

City to seek other sites for archery range project. Private plans to build a traditional Japanese archery range and training facility at city-owned Mau‘umae Nature Park in Kaimuki have been abandoned, as city officials and the project’s sponsor seek a new location following community opposition, park officials announced Tuesday. Star-Advertiser. KHON2.

Skyline improvements to come with $500M in construction contracts. More than 300,000 people rode Skyline last month – the most ever and the first time it crossed that number. While it is in operation, officials acknowledge it is still a work in progress.  KHON2.

‘It’s Just Tiring’: 24 Hours Inside Hawai‘i’s Homeless Crisis. More than a dozen Civil Beat reporters and photographers set out to chronicle the reality of homelessness on Oʻahu on Jan. 26, the day of the homeless census. Here’s what they saw.  Civil Beat.

Kaiser cancer center receives $5M for expansion. Kaiser Permanente Hawaii announced Tuesday that it has received a $5 million grant from The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust to support construction of the new Kaiser Permanente Hawaii Cancer Center at Moanalua Medical Center. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Charter Amendment Would Pull Power Away From Hawaiʻi County Mayor. A divided County Council is moving forward with plans to let voters decide if a county manager system would work better for the Big Island. Hawai‘i County’s mayor would become more of a figurehead under a proposed charter amendment that shifts significant executive powers to an appointed county manager. Civil Beat. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Now.

DHHL Considers Tolls For Mauna Kea Access Road. The proposals have pitted two Native Hawaiian organizations against each other. The Hawaiian Homes Commission is considering proposals to charge fees to visit Mauna Kea and use those funds to pay for reforestation efforts and restoration of cultural sites. Civil Beat.

Council considers new requirements for nonprofits. A Hawaii County Council committee on Tuesday unanimously approved a bill that would require nonprofits applying for county grants to certify they have policies governing nepotism, conflicts of interest and auditing. Tribune-Herald.

Alameda asks state for help in wake of recent traffic deaths. Mayor Kimo Alameda on Monday sent a letter to Gov. Josh Green requesting assistance from the state to improve traffic safety on Hawaii Island. As of Tuesday, there had been 13 traffic fatalities in 2026 on Hawaii Island roads, including eight in the past two weeks. Big Island Video News.  Big Island Now.  Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Grand Taste to showcase a perfect pairing: Maui Chefs + Maui Agriculture. A total of 12 Maui chefs will create 12 original recipes and compete for top honors in Grand Taste at Maui AgFest on Saturday, May 30. This popular event gives attendees a chance to sample delicious creations from some of Maui’s hottest chefs, and then to vote on their favorite. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kauaʻi judge keeps development ban in place at former Princeville golf course. Fifth Circuit Court Judge Stephanie Char on Tuesday denied a request by Starwood Capital Group to resume certain ground-disturbing work at the abandoned Makai Woods Golf Course in Princeville, keeping an existing injunction in place while the case remains on appeal. Kauai Now.

Kauai USDA safety inspector convicted of federal child exploitation charges. U.S. Department of Agriculture safety inspector Roger Wesley Biggs, 40, led a secret online life, grooming vulnerable boys and coercing them into producing sexually explicit images. Hawaii News Now.

Raised crosswalks to be installed in Hanalei overnight Thursday. The Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation will close one lane of traffic from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. on Thursday, May 21, for the installation of the three crosswalks as part of the Kūhiō Highway Resurfacing and Safety Improvement Princeville to Waikoko project. Kauai Now.

More than 700 to graduate this weekend. More than 700 high school seniors earned eligibility for graduation from the three public high schools that will celebrate graduation exercises on Friday, according to the Kauai Complex Area, Hawaii Department of Education. Garden Island.

County police deny having agreements with ICE, but they do; condos may get insurance relief, Nakasone named ICA chief judge, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaiʻi Cops Said They Don’t Have Agreements With ICE. They Do. Advocates fear the agreements will be a slippery slope to local police becoming more involved in immigration enforcement under the Trump administration.  Police departments in all four Hawaiʻi counties have agreements with Homeland Security Investigations, which has been increasingly active in immigration raids since Trump took office.  Civil Beat.

Hawaii condo insurance relief on horizon. Administrators of the state’s dormant Hawaii Hurricane Relief Fund are preparing to begin offering hurricane insurance policies in June to one or more types of condo association properties. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaiʻi Legislature Moves To Define And Criminalize Torture. Police and prosecutors testify the legislation is especially needed to protect minors. Civil Beat.

Accusation of committee power play highlights broader issue at Legislature. Common Cause Hawaii Program Director Camron Hurt explained that regardless of what happened, it highlights a systemic issue: committee chairs at the Legislature have too much power. Hawaii Public Radio.

Nakasone is named chief judge of Intermediate Court of Appeals. Karen T. Nakasone, associate judge of Hawaii’s Intermediate Court of Appeals, has been named chief judge of Hawaii’s second-highest court by Gov. Josh Green. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now.

DHS Director Ryan Yamane discusses new program to better assist foster care keiki . The embattled Department of Human Services, which oversees Child Welfare Services, has a new director. KHON2.

Hawaiʻi Is Ramping Up Measles Vaccination Campaign. A new emergency rule would allow students to receive the measles vaccine without giving up their religious exemptions in schools. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser.

‘The White Lotus’ May Cost Hawai‘i Taxpayers $550,000. The hit show debuted on Maui in 2021. Filming has since moved offshore but editing work done on Kaua‘i allows for tax benefits. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Honolulu EMS Director On Track To Keep Job Despite Complaints About Management. An army of supporters, including the governor, rallied to help Jim Ireland advance after opponents blamed him for a toxic workplace and slow response times. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

City considers using downtown minipark as a site for affordable housing. Mayor Rick Blangiardi said the city is considering redeveloping Kamalii Park into affordable housing units. But he also told a gathering that it’s still just an idea. Hawaii News Now.

Charity donates $10M for 2 hospital cancer centers on Oahu. Kapi‘olani Medical Center for Women &Children and The Queen’s Medical Center-West Oahu Cancer Center were awarded a total of $10 million in philanthropic funding Thursday from The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust to expand access to cancer care. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Ruff Situation: Kailua residents call for compromise on dog park ban. It’s a law that has no wiggle room. Kaha Park – once the go-to spot for local dog owners – is now strictly off-limits to four-legged friends who like to run free. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

Hawaii Island police detective found guilty of perjury. Hawaii County Circuit Judge Peter Kubota found William Brown guilty of knowingly making a false statement as a detective during a grand jury proceeding in 3rd Circuit Court. Star-Advertiser. Big Island Video News.  Big Island Now.  Hawaii News Now.

VIDEO: HVNP releases body-worn camera footage from March 4 officer involved shooting. As part of the National Park Service’s established protocol regarding officer-involved shootings, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park has released body-worn camera footage from a March 4, 2025, officer involved shooting. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Now. Hawaii News Now.  KITV4.

Maui

MPD getting set to launch new helicopter and train officers for canine units. The Maui Police Department’s new helicopter, dubbed “Blue Thunder,” will be operational by this summer, supported by officers on the ground with new portable radios with enhanced capabilities, members of the Maui County Council’s Budget, Finance and Economic Development Committee learned Wednesday. Maui Now.

Hampton Inn & Suites Maui North Shore appoints GM ahead of May 2025 opening. Hampton Inn & Suites Maui North Shore, a forthcoming 136-room oceanfront retreat set to debut in May 2025, has appointed Serkan Hizliok as Area General Manager.  Maui Now.

Lānaʻi skateboarders now have a dedicated spot to shred and drop in. Lānaʻi was once the only populated Hawaiian island without a skatepark. Since the '90s, skateboard enthusiasts have petitioned for a facility to be built. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kauai

Kauaʻi mayor seeks exemption from possible state ban on landfills near aquifers. Kauaʻi Mayor Derek Kawakami is suggesting an exemption for the island if state lawmakers pass a measure to ban the placement of landfills over aquifers. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kauai Police Department clean up graffiti in Lihue. Twelve police officers from the Lihue Patrol District volunteered their time to beautify seven public spaces along Rice Street. Garden Island.