Ed Case a popular politician, tropical storm, hurricane unlikely to threaten Hawaii, Par Pacific Holdings makes bank on high gas prices, Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines cite jobs, merger gains, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Is Ed Case Hawaiʻi’s Most Popular Politician? Voters Say Yes. Case is a moderate Democrat who some in his party hoped to defeat this year. But in general elections he regularly outperforms his colleagues. Since being elected to Hawaiʻi’s 1st Congressional District in 2018, Case has consistently outperformed his federal colleagues on the November ballot. That includes winning a higher percentage than Democratic U.S. Sens. Brian Schatz and Mazie Hirono in his district and statewide. He’s also performed better than Democratic presidential candidates Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, each of whom drubbed Donald Trump in the islands.  Civil Beat.

Hawaiʻi’s Pain At The Pump Is Oil Giant’s Gain. High gas prices created a recent windfall for the state’s only oil refiner. Par Pacific Holdings, the parent of Par Hawaiʻi, raked in $462 million in profit for the quarter ended June 30, an increase of more than $402.6 million over the net income the company reported for the same period a year ago.  Civil Beat.

BLNR delays decision on aquarium fishing. After more than six hours of passionate public testimony, the Land Board directed the Division of Aquatic Resources to further consider alternatives under the public trust doctrine and cultural landscape analyses and also address technical and legal issues before returning to the board. The board did not give an indication over whether it was in favor or opposed to a statewide ban. Star-Advertiser. KITV4.

Tropical Storm Lowell not a threat to the islands: Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense.  Forecasts keep both Lowell and Hurricane Karina away from the main Hawaiian islands, but there’s a high degree of uncertainty in the forecast models because of possible interaction between the two. National Weather Service said Lowell continues moving westward with “little change in intensity,” and is expected to maintain this motion for the next two to three days.  KHON2. Hawaii News Now. 

Schatz looks to federal policy to expand Native Hawaiian housing access. U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz (D, Hawaii) met with local housing and Native Hawaiian leaders to discuss efforts to expand access to housing for Native Hawaiians amid Hawaii’s broader housing shortage. Star-Advertiser.

Alaska, Hawaiian airlines report merger gains. Alaska and Hawaiian airlines say their merger has resulted in a net gain of more than 1,100 jobs and is ahead of schedule financially nearly two years after receiving federal approval, although the companies still have not completed joint labor agreements for unionized workers. Star-Advertiser.

Private-practice doctors alarmed by HMSA policy changes. Hawaii Medical Service Association earlier this year stunned providers when it mandated they switch from fixed monthly “transformation” payments back to a traditional fee-for-service system, with only 60 days’ notice, by July 1. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Panda Diplomacy: A Mayor’s Quest To Bring Pandas From China To The Honolulu Zoo. Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s efforts to court China included a gift of lei, a letter to President Xi Jinping and a trip to China with the CEO of Panda Express.  Civil Beat.

Supreme Court rules Tommy Waters ineligible. The Hawaii Supreme Court Friday ruled Honolulu City Council Chair Tommy Waters ineligible to seek a third consecutive term on the Council, resolving two legal cases challenging the outcome of the Aug. 8 primary election for the East Honolulu seat. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii Public Radio. KITV4. 

Lawsuit: Honolulu’s Inaction Led To Deadly Waiʻanae Rampage In 2024. Family members of three women fatally shot by a neighbor in Waiʻanae two years ago claim city officials failed to intervene in the neighbor’s dangerous and illegal behavior in the years leading up to the shooting, according to a wrongful death lawsuit filed Thursday.  Civil Beat.

Nightclub accuses liquor board of retaliation. A Chinatown nightclub has filed its second federal civil rights lawsuit against the city and Honolulu Liquor Commission, alleging the agency resumed retaliatory conduct that a $670,000 settlement agreement last year was supposed to end. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu unveils renovated Pahinui Pavilion. The structure at Waimanaolo Beach Park s dedicated to the late Gabby “Pops” Pahinui, an award-winning musician and ambassador of Hawaiian culture.  Star-Advertiser.

Ward Centre demolition underway 2 months after tenants move out. Once demolition is complete, the plan calls for two condo towers that include 369 units, along with 20,000 square feet of retail space and a new one-acre public park. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

2022 report found bridge faulty. Four years before the bridge connecting Hilo to Coconut Island collapsed under the weight of a maintenance vehicle, Hawaii County received an inspection report that detailed extensive structural issues and recommended the span replaced. Tribune-Herald.

Over 300 Acres In Hilo To Be Conveyed To Hawaiian Home Lands. The land transfer under the requirements of Act 14 include the Hawaiʻi County NAS Swimming Pool Facility. Big Island Video News.

In Hawaiʻi County’s Emergency Operations Center, officials rely on weather information from in-house meteorologist. Days before Hurricane Lala struck the Big Island with 70 mph winds, heavy rain and flash floods on Aug. 15 and 16, Sean Miller was in Hawaiʻi County’s Emergency Operations Center helping officials make educated decisions and craft public messages. Big Island Now.

‘Wake-Up Call’: How Lala Shut Down Water Service On Big Island. Most of the pumps that deliver water from wells stopped working when the electricity was cut off. The county lacks emergency generators to run them all. Civil Beat.

Complicated effort to retrieve, ID remains from Na‘alehu Cemetery continues. Hawaii County officials on Wednesday held a community meeting at Na‘alehu Elementary School Gym to update families with loved ones buried in Na‘alehu Cemetery, which was heavily damaged by flooding from Hurricane Lala earlier this month. Tribune-Herald.

Power outage drags on at Waiakea Villas; electrical woes apparently predate Lala. The power went out at the 200-plus unit apartment complex in Hilo amid islandwide outages during Hurricane Lala, but Hawaiian Electric has confirmed that the extended outage is due to issues with the property’s own electrical equipment. Tribune-Herald.

First-of-its-kind all-terrain fire fighting truck gifted to Hawai’i County. A new Fawcett Cannon all-terrain fire fighting truck that recently made its debut on Hawai‘i Island, donated by Marc and Lynne Benioff through the Daniel R. Sayre Memorial Foundation, is now available to help protect ʻāina, property and people when the next wildland fire sparks. Big Island Now.

Maui

$4B Mākena development with 652 homes advances after reducing project 27% due to public pushback. A project of 652 market-rate and affordable homes on 1,000 acres in Mākena is moving forward after developers scaled back more than a quarter of the project in response to community backlash. Maui Now.

Maui County receives $3.6 million for West Maui waste center. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency awarded the county a $3,607,065 Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling grant. The money will be used to acquire property and develop a center where residents can dispose of recyclables, green waste and bulky items. Maui News. Maui Now. 

State plans to roll out reservation system at popular Maui bay. A popular surf and snorkeling spot in West Maui may be added to the list of visitor attractions around the state that could get measures to ease crowding. The Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority is in the process of rolling out a reservation system at Honolua Bay, which appears to have gained many supporters. Hawaii News Now.

A new county pilot program is bringing locally grown food to Maui kūpuna. A new pilot program is launching to provide Maui kūpuna with locally grown produce. For the next six months, Maui County’s Department of Agriculture will support increased access to fresh food for 100 seniors each week. The Locally Grown Healthy Food for Kūpuna program starts in September. Hawaii Public Radio.

Trace levels of selenium detected in Kaunakakai water system. Routine water quality testing recently identified trace levels of selenium in the Kaunakakai water system, which serves the Kaunakakai area of Molokai, according to the Maui County Department of Water Supply. Maui News.

Kauai

How Kaua‘i’s Mayoral Candidates Plan To Tackle Trash. Boosting recycling and other diversion efforts are top priorities while the Garden Isle gets its new landfill up and running. Civil Beat.

Water service will shut down overnight in part of Poipū Sept. 2 and 3. The shutdown is required to enable a contractor to connect newly installed waterline infrastructure associated with a roundabout project. Kauai Now.

A tribute to the Farm Fair. Several hundred people surged throughout the Kukui Grove shopping center, pausing to take in features like the Fruit and Vegetable Show, community exhibits from various agriculture and land-based government and private businesses, and vendors like the Menehune Kitchen that are part of the weekly Monday Pau Hana Market. Garden Island.

Land Board set to rule Friday on aquarium fish harvesting, 6 in 10 lost power during Hurricane Lala, UH secures $647.3M for research, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Keep wild reef fish in their Hawaiʻi homes or return to removing hundreds of thousands of them? The Hawaiʻi Board of Land and Natural Resources on Aug. 28 will make a critical choice about the future of the state’s reef fish: stand behind prohibiting commercial aquarium fish collection or assisting its future return. Kauai Now.

6 In 10 Lost Power During Lala. It May Take A State Inquiry To Learn Why. HECO has spent millions of dollars to strengthen its electric grid in recent years. Lala still wiped out power for most of the state. Civil Beat.

Green formally requests presidential emergency declaration following Lala. Gov. Josh Green has formally requested the White House for a presidential emergency declaration for Hawaii following Hurricane Lala. The request, which covers the counties of Hawaii, Maui and Honolulu, asks for immediate federal assistance to protect public health and safety, maintain essential services and support communities recovering from Lala as Tropical Storm Moke approaches, according to the governor’s office. Star-Advertiser. Kauai Now. 

Before aid arrives, Hawaii’s community networks step up. From the 2018 Kauai floods and Lower Puna eruption on Hawaii Island, to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2023 Maui wildfires and this year’s run of destructive storms, communities across the islands have repeatedly stepped up to identify needs, mobilize resources and care for vulnerable residents. Star-Advertiser.

Moke weakens to a depression, flood watch remains posted for Hawaii Island. Showers on the northern periphery of Moke will bring wet conditions and a risk of flash flooding on the Big Island, while less rainfall is expected to impact windward sections from Maui to Kauai over the next couple of days. Hawaii News Now.

El Nino-fueled hurricane season just getting started. Hurricane season is in full swing this summer with El Nino expected to be one of the strongest on record — and experts say Hawaii should be ready for up to 13 cyclones in the area through November. Star-Advertiser.

How Storms Can Be A Boon For Invasive Species In Hawaiʻi. Climate-fueled storms like Hurricane Lala may help spread invasive pests, plants and pathogens already on the islands and usher new ones into the state. Experts say Hawaiʻi needs more advance planning. Civil Beat.

UH secures $647.3 million in extramural funding. The University of Hawaii secured $647.3 million in extramural funding in fiscal year 2026, its second-highest total on record, even as changes to federal science funding have disrupted university research nationwide.UH officials say the results reflect the ability of researchers to adapt to shifting federal priorities while maintaining a focus on research with direct impacts on Hawaii communities. Star-Advertiser.

White Kids Sued Kamehameha. Native Hawaiians Can’t Get In Either. Gaining admission to the school — which can be a life-changing opportunity — is a competitive and challenging process for many Native Hawaiian families. Civil Beat.
 
Commentary: Uh-Oh, Dissing The US Supreme Court Did Not Go Unnoticed.  Hawaiʻi Supreme Court Justice Todd Eddins generated national attention last month when he accused the U.S. Supreme Court of, among other things, racism and “white sight.” Civil Beat.

Oahu

Honolulu Liquor Commission picks former FBI agent to lead agency. The Honolulu Liquor Commission has voted to appoint Jason K. White, a veteran federal law enforcement executive with over 20 years of experience, as its next administrator. Star-Advertiser.

Hurricane Lala toppled hundreds of trees across the state. On Oahu alone, the City and County of Honolulu has since the previous weekend received close to 500 calls for tree debris removal around the island. In city parks, people reported more than 120 fallen trees and branches, including two legacy ironwoods near Kapi‘olani Regional Park that were considered exceptional. Star-Advertiser.

Aiea Loop Trail closed for work on Lala-damaged transmission structure. Keaiwa State Recreation Area and the Aiea Loop Trail will be closed until Fridayas Hawaiian Electric Co. crews work to replace a transmission structure damaged by Tropical Storm Lala. Star-Advertiser.

Hurricane strike on Oahu would be catastrophic. A direct hit on Oahu by a tropical storm or hurricane would unleash destruction across Hawaii’s economic center unlike any other event documented in state history. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Big Island Is Activating A New Temporary Disaster Program. The county created a new program to respond to disasters and the mayor is now planning to hire a recovery officer to head it. Civil Beat.

Moke weakens to tropical depression but up to 6 more inches of rain forecast through Monday on Big Island. A flood watch remains in effect through Monday for Hawaiʻi Island because areas are still wet and saturated from Hurricane Lala. Big Island Now.

Storm-stricken Naalehu residents find comfort in community as they rebuild. The Kau district was hardest hit when Lala moved slowly past South Point on Aug. 15 as a Category 1 hurricane, dumping over 30 inches of rain in some areas before passing south of the other islands as a powerful tropical storm. Star-Advertiser.

Cultural, forensic experts help in recovery of remains at Naalehu Cemetery. A Hawaii National Guard team working to document the displaced burials has identified 69 sets of human remains in the area. Star-Advertiser.

Peter Boy’s siblings due to receive $3.25M settlement. Chauntelle Acol had just turned 8 and was in the second grade in 1997 when her stepfather treated her and her older brother, Allan, to burritos and Sprite, sat them down on their back porch and told them that “Pepe was going to go live with family to learn Hawaiian stuff.” Star-Advertiser.

Maui

Hotel rezoning amendments would shrink housing inventory envisioned by vacation rental phase-out, critics say. Three amendments proposed by Maui County Council members would add 16 properties—some overlapping between proposals—to a list of apartment-zoned properties used as vacation rentals and slated for rezoning into newly created hotel-zoned districts. The move would further shrink the pool of units that the much-debated Bill 9 would convert to long-term housing, opponents of the resolutions argued. Maui Now.

FEMA to donate Kīlohana modular units to Maui County; plans call for permanent housing. Maui County will take ownership of the 167-unit Kīlohana modular housing project, now serving Lahaina wildfire survivors, in a move that could pave the way for the temporary homes to become permanent housing, County Council members learned Wednesday. Maui Now.

Public invited to help identify Maui conservation priorities. Maui farmers, ranchers, agricultural leaders, forest landowners and conservation organizations are invited to help identify local natural resource concerns and conservation priorities during a meeting Aug. 26 at the University of Hawaii Maui College. Maui News.

Hurricane Lala washed out Nāhiku bridge. Nobody seems to know who’s responsible for rebuilding the ‘lifeline’. After Hurricane Lala’s rains and floodwaters roared through East Maui, all that was left of the aging wooden bridge that served as the “lifeline” for Darrell Richard and five other residents in Lower Nāhiku were the metal guardrails. Maui Now.

Water conservation urged in West Kuiaha, Awalau. The Maui County Department of Water Supply is advising those in the West Kuiaha and Awalau areas to conserve water due to a well that is out of service. Maui News.

Kauai

Community organizations, local media to host Kaua‘i Mayoral Debate Aug. 27. Kaua‘i residents will have an opportunity to hear directly from mayoral candidates Mel Rapozo and Bernard Carvalho Jr. during the island’s first live Kaua‘i Mayoral Debate since the primaries on Thursday from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Garden Island.

Kauaʻi County takes step to harden homes against wildfires.  If adopted, the revised building codes would reduce the ways a fire can jump from fields to homes. Aloha State Daily.

Lawsuit filed in Napali coast ‘doors-off’ helicopter tour crash. The “doors-off” sightseeing helicopter tour that Patrick Haskell, 59, and Margaret Rimmler, 65, took March 26 along the picturesque Napali Coast on Kauai was supposed to be safe. When the Airborne Aviation helicopter they were flying in crashed into the ocean off Kalalau Beach, the Massachusetts married couple did not die from falling out of the aircraft or the initial impact. Instead, they drowned inside the helicopter because they were unable to escape, according to a lawsuit filed Aug. 5 in Kauai Circuit Court. Star-Advertiser.

Hurricane watch issued as Tropical Storm Lala strengthens, Health Department snuffs out hemp intoxicants, Honolulu joins push to ban aquarium fish-harvesting, Maoli threatens lawsuit after feds call him a meth dealer, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Tropical Storm Lala strengthens; hurricane watch issued for Hawaii County. The National Hurricane Center says Lala is forecast to strengthen, and it could be near hurricane strength when it approaches the Big Island by early Saturday. Hawaii News Now. Star-Advertiser. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now. 

SUMMARY OF 500 AM HST...1500 UTC...INFORMATION
----------------------------------------------
LOCATION...15.2N 145.5W
ABOUT 705 MI...1135 KM ESE OF HILO HAWAII
ABOUT 915 MI...1475 KM ESE OF HONOLULU HAWAII
MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS...40 MPH...65 KM/H
PRESENT MOVEMENT...W OR 280 DEGREES AT 10 MPH...17 KM/H
MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE...1001 MB...29.56 INCHES
Issued by NWS National Hurricane Center.

Hawaiʻi’s Intoxicating Hemp Market Has Gone Up In Smoke. The Hawaiʻi Department of Health has snuffed out sales of mood-altering smokes and gummies derived from hemp. Civil Beat.

Interisland test flights take off for all-electric aircraft. Mokulele’s parent company Surf Air has committed to buying 25 of the all-electric Alia planes. BETA plans to deliver the fleet in one to three years, when they will become permanent additions to Hawaiʻi’s skyline. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

McDermott, Souza Prevail In Republican Primary Recounts. But dozens of voters have two more days to address problems with their mail-in ballots, and results won’t be final until about 7 p.m. Friday, according to Chief Election Officer Scott Nago. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser.

Special election ahead for a Hawaii Senate seat. Five candidates from four political parties and one who is nonpartisan could be on Nov. 3 general election ballots due to the recent resignation of Sen. Michelle Kidani (D, Mililani Town-Waipio Gentry-Royal Kunia). Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu joins counties to urge BLNR to ban aquarium fishing. The Honolulu City Council is urging the state Department of Land and Natural Resources to ban aquarium fishing and the Legislature to ban the trade statewide, following in the footsteps of Maui, Kauai and Hawaii counties. Star-Advertiser.

City Council advances vehicle weight tax cut. Oahu motorists could pay lower annual vehicle weight taxes beginning next year after the Honolulu City Council voted Wednesday to advance a measure that would reduce the rates. Star-Advertiser.

Krishna Jayaram confirmed as Honolulu Managing Director. Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi announced Wednesday that the City Council confirmed Krishna Jayaram as the new Managing Director, effective immediately. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu Ocean Safety performs over 100 rescues as south swell builds on Oahu's shores. As south swell has built up to advisory-level surf, the Honolulu Ocean Safety Department performed over 100 rescues and thousands of preventative actions on Oahu on Wednesday. KITV4.

Oahu flood survivor turns garage into community storm-prep hub. Windward resident launches free resource network two weeks after Kona low storm. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Hope For Revitalizing Banyan Drive Pinned On New State Agency. Hilo community members have ideas for the future of the once-bustling district. Civil Beat.

USDA invites public to shape conservation at meeting in Hilo. The East Hawaii Soil and Water Conservation District, together with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service, invites the public to attend its annual Local Working Group meeting in Hilo. The meeting is from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 19, at the Komohana Research and Extension Center in Hilo. Tribune-Herald.

UH, Nani Mau Gardens form educational partnership. The University of Hawaii College for Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience recently announced a partnership with Nani Mau Gardens to create a new Water and Plants Education Center, bringing more educational opportunities about sustainability to the Hilo area. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Federal prosecutors apologize to entertainer for meth accusation. Prosecutors blamed a “typographical error.” Country reggae musician Maoli’s lawyer says the singer was defamed in a criminal complaint for a Maui police official accused of bribery and is exploring legal options. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser.

Sister of Maui man beaten to death while feeding cats describes terrifying attack. The sister of a Maui man beaten to death in Kahului took the stand in court Wednesday, describing the terrifying encounter that claimed her brother’s life. Johnathan Koko-Kong and Richard Kealoha Kaauwai are accused of murdering Alfred Kailihiwa, 71, last Thursday near Lalo Street.  Hawaii News Now.

Kauai

Kauaʻi beekeeping proposal hits a buzzkill at Planning Commission. In a move to balance beekeeping expansion with public safety, Kauaʻi's County Planning Commission has deferred a proposal to allow apiaries in residential areas, seeking additional safeguards for neighbors before reconsidering it next month. Kauai Now.

The Kaua‘i Bus announces new payment methods. Riders can now tap a Discover or Diners Club International contactless payment card, joining the other payment methods through the bus Open Payments system and giving the public even more convenient ways to simply tap and ride. Kauai Now.

Work continues at Lihue Airport. Projects receiving the strongest overall support at Lihue Airport Optimization Plan community meetings included those that directly benefit residents and Lihue Airport employees, particularly improved parking availability, safer ground transportation and clearer circulation. Garden Island.

Tenant applications now accepted for Uahi Ridge Phase I affordable housing. Kaua‘i County Housing Agency announces tenant applications are now being accepted for Uahi Ridge Phase I, a new affordable rental housing community in Līhu‘e. Kauai Now.

Lieutenant Governor candidates face off, Belatti files late spending report, Case congressional race gets national attention, voting machines tested statewide, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Lieutenant Governor candidates’ appearance shows similarities, differences. During their joint appearance, frontrunners Kauai Mayor Derek Kawakami and state Rep. Della Au Belatti last week shared the need for more affordable housing, reducing Hawaii’s high cost of living, and their overall support for Gov. Josh Green’s kauhale housing program expansion to create permanent, affordable homes for Hawaii’s homeless. Both, however, said the lieutenant governor should remain independent from Green. Star-Advertiser.

Belatti Files Campaign Spending Report A Week Late. Della Au Belatti’s campaign blamed a computer glitch for the delay. State Rep. Della Au Belatti finally filed the reports Thursday afternoon, but not before her rival for lieutenant governor, Kauaʻi Mayor Derek Kawakami, had issued press releases publicly calling her out for the missing report. Civil Beat.

The Race For Lieutenant Governor: A Coveted Political Stepping Stone. While the job itself doesn’t amount to much, it helped elevate four politicians who later became governors, and two others who eventually became U.S. senators. Civil Beat.

Case And Keohokalole Ramp Up Their Spending In Advance Of August Primary. New Federal Election Commission filings show that both candidates raised and spent about the same amount in the last quarter, but Case has more money left over for the final run. Civil Beat.

Honolulu congressional race draws national attention. The race to represent urban Honolulu in Congress has attracted national attention from the New York Times and the Washington Post as an example of younger, left-leaning Democrats like state Sen. Jarrett Keohokalole challenging older, more moderate incumbents like U.S. Rep. Ed Case. Star-Advertiser.

Voting equipment testing statewide as primary election approaches. The Office of Elections held its statewide logic and accuracy test at the State Capitol, with around 60 official observers on Oahu and another 20 on each of the neighbor islands. KITV4.

History shows every vote counts in Hawaii legislative races. All 51 state House seats and 14 of the 25 state Senate seats are up for election this year, but 16 Democratic and Republican legislators face no challenge and will automatically return to office in the Aug. 8 party primary elections. Star-Advertiser.

‘Hawaii Builds’ initiative aims to fast-track affordable housing. Under Senate Bill 2544, which legislators passed almost unanimously on May 6, the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corp. is being directed to help private developers produce at least one affordable-housing project on Oahu, Hawaii Island, Kauai and in Maui County under the new program in part by sidestepping county council reviews. Star-Advertiser.

Military scales up 3D printing, drones and AI to supply RIMPAC forces. Over the last few iterations of RIMPAC, the Naval Postgraduate School’s Consortium for Advanced Manufacturing Research and Education participated in the exercise and experimented with these systems. But this year, military leaders have made a point of massively scaling up their use across the Hawaiian islands and beyond. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Waters holds huge fundraising lead in City Council race. Honolulu City Council Chair Tommy Waters is heading into the Aug. 8 primary election with a commanding financial advantage over his closest challenger as he seeks a third term representing East Honolulu’s District 4, campaign filings indicate. Star-Advertiser.

Tulsi Gabbard’s brother charged in alleged Waikiki ‘stranger danger’ incident. The 55-year-old brother of former U.S. Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard was arrested and charged Friday with second-degree custodial interference after allegedly trying to lure children to a Waikiki hotel room. Batarti Gabbard, aka Bhakti Gabbard, allegedly approached several children, including a boy, age 9, and offered them gum and money to accompany him to his hotel room, according to police. Star-Advertiser.

HECO seeks energy bids as JERA moves forward with LNG plan. JERA Americas, a subsidiary of Japan’s largest energy company, JERA Co., filed a notice of intent Friday with the Public Utilities Commission seeking approval to establish a new Hawaii-­based regulated wholesale power-generation company called GenCo that would own and operate the proposed power plant and supply liquefied natural gas, or LNG, to Oahu’s energy grid. Hawaiian Electric Co. is arguing the “unprecedented” move would create complexity, inefficiencies and risk in Hawaii’s energy grid. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu could follow other county councils in calling for aquarium fishing ban. The city council is moving along a pair of resolutions urging state-level policymakers to prohibit the collection of fish in the state for the commercial aquarium trade. One urges the state Board of Land and Natural Resources to adopt rules banning aquarium fishing, and the other is directed at the state Legislature. Hawaii Public Radio.

Home at last: New beginning for 815 Native Hawaiian families. On July 18, the Department of Hawaiian Homelands awarded 815 residential leases on Oahu, the largest offering on the island this year. KHON2.

Social media bans impact Honolulu businesses and artists. Several  businesses, community organizations and artists in Hawaii that have come to depend on Meta’s platforms say they’ve dealt with seemingly arbitrary bans, with little explanation from the company as it increasingly turns to AI and other systems for content moderation. Star-Advertiser.

Waikiki organizations unite to boost community, visitor impact. With Hawaii’s tourism marketing resources under pressure and international visitor arrivals still below expectations, two of Waikiki’s leading business organizations have combined operations to strengthen the resort district’s voice, marketing reach and competitive position. Star-Advertiser.

Horse-Trading And Living Costs: State House District 18 Candidate Q&As. Member chosen to replace Gene Ward runs against Democratic challenger. Incumbent representative Joe Gedeon will face Democratic challenger James Wataru in the Nov. 3 general election. Both are running unopposed in the primary. Civil Beat.

Not Again! Another Sidewalk Collapse Next To Barefoot Beach Cafe. For more than a year after a portion of Waikīkī’s popular beachside walkway collapsed into the sand, Barefoot Beach Cafe customers looking to drink out of pineapples as they watched the sunset had to do so through a chain-link fence. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Kona-based company is bringing aquaculture to Florida. Kona-based company Ocean Era recently received approval for a first-of-its-kind aquaculture pilot project off of the Gulf Coast of Florida. Titled the Velella Epsilon project, it will be located in federal waters about 40 miles out from Sarasota, to cultivate 20,000 red drum fish over the course of a year in a submerged net system. Tribune-Herald.

Big Island residents turn in nearly 150 firearms during community gun buyback event. Firearms collected included eight assault-style rifles and nine privately manufactured firearms, commonly referred to as “ghost guns.” Big Island Now.

Community raises questions about Laupahoehoe boat ramp. Dozens of community members gathered July 8 for an informational meeting about planned repairs to the breakwater in Laupahoehoe, which juts out about 100 feet from the rocky coastline. Tribune-Herald.

Investment firm pays $23 million to become outright owner of Kailua-Kona hotel. Nine Brains, headquartered in Santa Monica, Calif., acquired full fee-simple ownership of Pacific 19 Kona hotel — formerly Kona Seaside Hotel — 4 years after it purchased the ground lease for the property. Big Island Now.

New youth hub in Puna to guide young people toward independence. The Neighborhood Place of Puna has opened the Puna ʻŌpio Hub for youth and young adults, ages 14-25, as they explore employment and educational pathways that may seem inaccessible. Big Island Now.

Waimea Continues “Speed Dating” Election Candidate Tradition. Voters sat down with candidates for Hawaiʻi County Council, State House, and Lieutenant Governor. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Lahaina’s Front Street scheduled to reopen on Aug. 1, 2026. Repairs and rebuilding in the area have been ongoing since the 2023 Maui Wildfires, including: removal of wildfire debris and offshore pilings; repairs to the seawall and sidewalk; installation of new railings and planting of trees along the makai side of the street; installation of fencing along the mauka side of the street and around off-limit areas; and road paving and striping. Maui Now.

‘Keep Hawaiʻi Loud’: Car Stereo Enthusiasts Boo Increased Fines On Maui. For some Maui residents, the noise is a source of repeated frustration. Others see the music as part of Hawai‘i’s local culture.  Civil Beat.

Displaced Lahaina residents hope jobs will provide a way home. Hundreds of homes have been rebuilt, according to Maui County officials, and billions of dollars have been committed to disaster recovery. Yet many West Maui families remain displaced, businesses continue to struggle to rebuild their workforce and many former residents still cannot afford to come home. Star-Advertiser.

Moloka‘i growers feeding the island in wake of missed barges, plant shipping restrictions. On an island rich with farmland and resourceful people, the goal is to help make the community more resilient and sustainable during unexpected crises like missed shipments and interisland restrictions. Maui Now.

Airlines compete for Lanai air service contract. Pacific Air Charters and Cape Air are competing against Mokulele Airlines, the only commercial airline currently servicing the island,  receiving federal subsidies to do so. Hawaii News Now.

Selenium detected in Makawao water. Trace levels of selenium have been found for the first time in the Maui County Department of Water Supply’s Makawao water system. Maui News.

Luxury Rentals, Bill 9 And Public Water: Maui County Council, Wailuku-Waiheʻe-Waikapū District. Five candidates are running for the seat held by Council Chair Alice Lee, who is stepping down. Civil Beat.

Wetlands, ICE And Accountability: Maui County Council, South Maui District Candidate Q&As. Itʻs a rematch for the two candidates running in the November general election. Civil Beat.

Invasive Species, Sustainability And Planning: Maui County Council – Kahului District. Three candidates are running in the primary for the council seat covering Mauiʻs largest commercial center. Civil Beat.

Kauai

Kauaʻi keiki bring home free helmets, bikes after annual Keiki Bike Safety Day on Saturday. Forty lucky youngsters pedaled home with new bikes, and hundreds learned essential riding skills and helmet safety from dedicated Wilcox Medical Center physicians and community partner. Kauai Now. Garden Island. 

Disasters, Tourism And Housing: State House District 16 Candidate Q&As. Incumbent Democrat faces Republican challenge for the Kauaʻi House seat. Democratic House Member Luke Evslin, who has represented state House District 16 since 2023, will face Republican opponent David Hazlebeck in the general election in November. Both are running unopposed in the primary. Civil Beat.

Income Tax Relief And Housing Affordability: State House District 17 Candidate Q&As. Longtime Kauaʻi Democratic incumbent faces primary opponent and Republican challenger.Incumbent House member Dee Morikawa is facing Democratic challenger Chad Schimmelfennig in the Aug. 8 primary election for State House District 17, which Morikawa has represented since 2010. Civil Beat.

Plan to rebuild historic Coco Palms Resort gets financial backing. A Utah-based real estate investment firm that acquired the Coco Palms site in 2022 through a state court foreclosure case recently arranged $431 million in financing and said it has begun below-grade construction work on the 32-acre property in Wailua. Star-Advertiser.

HMSA delays medical reimbursement changes, Kanakaole tapped to head DLNR, Grassroot Institute sues over campaign contribution limits, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

HMSA Delays The Change Threatening Patient Access After Governor Steps In. Change of heart extends insurance reimbursement shift for six months. Hawaiʻi’s largest health insurer is giving primary care doctors more time to adapt to a dramatically different reimbursement model that doctors say threatens their ability to keep their doors open after Gov. Josh Green intervened. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser. KHON2.

Suit challenges campaign spending activity law. The nonprofit Grassroot Institute of Hawaii filed a federal lawsuit Friday seeking to invalidate the new state law, which intends to bar campaign spending activity by companies, labor unions and other organizations that had such abilities protected in a 5-4 U.S. Supreme Court decision in 2010 under a case called Citizens United v. Federal Elections Commission. Star-Advertiser.

Green appoints Kanaka‘ole to head BLNR, DLNR. Gov. Josh Green announced Monday that Dawn Chang will retire as chairwoman of the Board of Land of Natural Resources and director of the Department of Land and Natural Resources, effective July 1. Green appointed Hawaii Island native Ryan Kanaka‘ole to serve as chairman of the board and director of the department. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now.

Proposed guidelines reignite fight over aquarium fishing. After lawmakers refused to stop aquarium fishing this year, fishers are pushing for new limits, spurring debate over whether the controversial practice can be done sustainably.  Hawaii News Now.

Hawaiʻi advocates say monk seal protection falls short amid harassment case. Hawaiian monk seals have been on the endangered species list for 50 years. But advocates of marine mammals say they need more protection from people, including enforcement and education. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

$3M in illegal rental fines uncollected a year after foreclosure threat. A year after the Honolulu City Council approved foreclosure on a short-term rental owner, the case remains unresolved — and nearly $3 million in fines remains uncollected. Hawaii News Now.

Agency unveils homelessness central response command center. The facility will will serve as a central command center for homelessness response efforts, gathering data from across Oahu and helping connect individuals with housing, support services and other resources. Star-Advertiser. KHON2. 

‘Cannot Happen Again’: Lawmaker Targets Doctors Who Impregnate Patients. After learning a beloved North Shore gynecologist was accused of using his own sperm to inseminate patients without their consent, Rep. Amy Perruso is seeking to outlaw this behavior. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Annual EPIC system update scheduled later this week. Hawaiʻi County Department of Public Works and Planning departments will perform the annual update to the county’s Electronic Processing and Information Center — or EPIC — beginning early Thursday morning, June 11. The EPIC site will be unavailable from 1 a.m. June 11 through 8 a.m. Friday, June 12. Big Island Now.

$6M in renovations planned for UH Hilo theater. The Performing Arts Center at the University of Hawaii at Hilo has changed very little throughout its over 50-year lifespan, manager Lee Barnette-Dombroski said. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Man gets 2 years prison time for filing false FEMA claims. A man who stole more than $60,000 with his ex- girlfriend from the Federal Emergency Management Agency by lying about being victims of the deadly 2023 West Maui wildfires and the 2025 Los Angeles wildfires was sentenced to two years in federal prison Friday. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now.  KITV4.

West Maui Taxpayers Association to host candidate forum June 25.  The West Maui Taxpayers Association will host its 2026 Primary Candidates Night on June 25 at the Lahaina Civic Center Social Hall. Maui News.

Empty Shelves: Young Brothers Misses 3 Shipments To Molokaʻi In 21 Days. The shipping monopoly has missed its past four shipments to the Friendly Isle, leaving residents frustrated by empty store shelves and costly alternatives. Civil Beat.

Kauai

Kauaʻi police said financial dispute reason Billy Sinclair allegedly killed a 37-year-old in Hanalei. The victim, who was identified by his cousin on Facebook as Tito Reyes, was killed where he worked at a restaurant in Hanalei, police said. Kauai Now. Garden Island. KHON2. 

Mike Coots joins county council race. Kauai-born photographer, ocean advocate, author and shark attack survivor Mike Coots announced his campaign for the Kauai County Council on Sunday. Garden Island.

Push to ban aquarium harvesting pits islands against each other, Honolulu narrows police chief candidates to 6, Western Governors Association tours Maui, Waikoloa faces more housing, no evacuation route, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Political ‘Hot Potato’: Where Should Hawaiʻi Ban Aquarium Fishing? The House and Senate have to work out major differences if the bill is to pass in the next two weeks. The push to ban aquarium fishing in Hawaiʻi has advanced farther in the current legislative session than it has in years, clearing both the House and Senate, but it’s also been heavily watered down to get that far, conservation advocates say. Civil Beat.

RKF Jr. declares public health emergency for Hawaii in wake of storms. U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. signed the declaration Tuesday to address the health impacts caused by the severe back-to-back storms, flooding, landslides, and mudslides that occurred from March 10 to 24. Star-Advertiser. KHON2.  KITV4. 

Pacific chief hopes for ‘consensus’ on Hawaii land leases. Adm. Samuel Paparo, who leads U.S. Indo-Pacific Command from Camp Smith on Oahu, testified Tuesday before the Senate Armed Serv­ices Committee on U.S. military posture and readiness in the region alongside Gen. Xavier Brunson, commander of U.S. forces in South Korea. Star-Advertiser.

Lawmakers urge government agencies to improve communications during disasters. Representatives from county, state and federal agencies met with the House Committee on Public Safety to discuss their response to the recent Kona low storms, and ways they can improve. Hawaii Public Radio.

Energy experts debate what will lower costs as oil prices rise. A future for Hawaiʻi without oil is on the horizon. State law prohibits Hawaiʻi from using fossil fuels for power generation after 2045. In the meantime, policymakers and energy experts are looking for a way to reduce energy costs. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaiian Airlines hopes launch of new app eases ongoing check-in woes. Starting Wednesday, travelers are asked to check in online or on the new Alaska Hawaiian app, and they will not be allowed to check in at kiosks in airport departure lobbies. The machines will only print out bag tags. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

iShoppes takes over DFS airport retail sites with heavy focus on local brands. International Shoppes is rolling out the most locally focused retail program in its airport portfolio, with local vendors accounting for about 60% of its merchandise now offered at Honolulu and Kahului airports — the highest share at any airport it operates. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Police Commission narrows Honolulu chief candidates to 6 semifinalists. The names of the semi-finalists have not been released. The commission is expected to select finalists during a May 6 meeting, with those names to be announced afterward. Hawaii News Now.

Charter Commission Panel Recommends Big Changes To HPD Oversight. A commission subcommittee is pushing forward a major overhaul of the Honolulu Police Commission including how the chief is selected and misconduct investigated. Civil Beat.

Panel considers 4.7% pay raise for city officials. The Honolulu Salary Commission today is set to adopt a 4.7% pay increase for most of the city’s top elected and appointed officials, including the mayor, managing director and nine-member City Council. Star-Advertiser.

City proposes new landfill in West Oahu, drawing opposition from landowner and lawmakers. The city is proposing a new municipal landfill in the Makaiwa Hills overlooking Kapolei. The plan targets residential-zoned lands owned by Makaiwa LLC, an affiliate of the James Campbell Company. Hawaii News Now.

DOH: No elevated pesticides, heavy metals, found in floodwater samples. The Hawaii Department of Health on Tuesday said that no elevated levels of pesticides or heavy metals were detected in samples of post-storm floodwaters collected from Oahu’s North Shore. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu’s Airport Has AI Theme Songs. The Internet Is Divided. The AI-generated tunes celebrating the islands are played hourly over the airport sound system. Some travelers think they misrepresent local culture. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

‘Not A Priority’: Frustrations Mount Over Missing Fire Evacuation Route. Hawai‘i County Council is weighing the mayor’s budget request to build more housing before finishing an evacuation route in Waikōloa. Civil Beat.

Kailua Village parking bill stalls again. A Hawaii County Council committee voted unanimously Tuesday to again postpone a controversial bill that would cap rates at privately owned parking lots in Kailua Village. Tribune-Herald.

8 neglected state-owned burial sites to be restored, including Mauna Ziona Cemetery in Kona. Hawaiʻi state officials will soon survey Mauna Ziona Cemetery in Kailua-Kona as part of a broader effort to restore eight neglected state-owned burial sites. Big Island Now.

Taking shape: Hilo Benioff Medical Center expansion makes progress. Among the new facilities are a new medical office building, expanded intensive and progressive care units, and a renovated family birthing center. Tribune-Herald.

‘We’re ready to go’: After 8 long years, lower Puna residents are eager to drive home. 71-year-old Deb Smith and her 72-year-old husband, Stan,  have been living at their 5-acre Kapoho Farm Lots property for over half a decade, coming and going via bicycle, hauling groceries, building materials and off-grid supplies over a treacherous, rocky 700-foot trail traversing mounds of black lava cinders at the border of the 2018 lava field. Tribune-Herald.

Maui 

Governor hosts WGA Policy Forum on disaster management; visits Ka Laʻi Ola in Lahaina, Maui. Gov. Josh Green is hosting colleagues at a Western Governor’ Association Policy Forum on disaster management and recovery, taking place on Maui this week. Maui Now.

Work to start on pedestrian bridge at ʻĪao Valley State Monument; Park closure continues since March storms. The DLNR Division of State Parks will begin critical upgrades to the pedestrian bridge crossing Wailuku River at ʻĪao Valley State Monument on April 27, 2026. The work will continue through June 26, 2026. Maui Now.

Lessons from the 2023 Lahaina wildfire continue to shape Hawaii’s disaster response. Nearly three years after the devastating 2023 Maui wildfires that killed 102 people and destroyed most of Lahaina, state leaders say Hawaii is making measurable progress in disaster preparedness and recovery, but also warn that entrenched systems, limited resources and a changing climate continue to test the pace of change. Star-Advertiser.

Residents displaced by Lahaina wildfire find a renewed sense of community. Michele Haia and Lehua I‘i often find themselves up until around 2 a.m., talking story long after most of Ka La‘i Ola has gone quiet. What began as a friendship before the Aug. 8, 2023, Maui wildfires deepened in the wake of displacement and loss — becoming something both women now describe as essential to healing. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai

Temporary Niumalu Bridge opens in Nāwiliwili, with replacement project planned for 2027. Traffic is once again flowing in Nāwiliwili after a key bridge reopened on Tuesday, but with a temporary twist. Kauai Now.

Senate advances bills guarding against federal immigration actions, tax relief tug-of-war in the Legislature, SHOPO police union officials' pay increased without approval, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaiʻi Legislature Moves To Guard Against Federal Immigration Enforcement. Bills are advancing to prohibit face coverings, protect the right to record police and limit state cooperation. HB 1886 easily passed the Senate Tuesday with only the chamber’s three Republicans voting against it. More than a dozen related measures are still alive as the Legislature works toward a May 8 adjournment. Civil Beat.

Tax relief tug-of-war: Lawmakers divided on balancing budget and savings. A budget battle at the State Capitol. While rejecting the Governor’s proposal to pause tax credits for the next five years, both the House and Senate say they want to put money back in your pocket, but they’re taking very different paths to get there. KHON2.

Oahu aquarium fishing ban advances as DLNR eyes West Hawaii reopening. A ban on aquarium fishing off Oahu moved forward Tuesday, with the Senate passing by a vote of 19-6 its third reading of a bill received from the House. The legislative move comes on the heels of the Division of Aquatic Resources, known as “DAR” and a part of the Department of Land and Natural Resources, holding two public meetings soliciting public comment to modify rules that would reopen the trade in West Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiʻi Police Union Officials Got Pay Raises Without Approval. The state police union’s executive director announced raises for employees without the board’s permission, the union said. The move was quickly undone. Civil Beat.

‘Blew this one’: Gov. Green calls out senator as DLE director leaves over pension. After a failed bill at the state Legislature prompted a top law enforcement official to step down, Gov. Josh Green called out the lawmaker he believes could have prevented the measure’s death and the director’s departure. Green ridiculed state Sen. Brandon Elefante, who chairs the committee, for not scheduling a hearing that could have kept Department of Law Enforcement Director Mike Lambert at his job. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Hawaiʻi is filing more firearm permits every year. According to the Department of the Attorney General, firearm applications have increased by nearly 15 percent in 2025 compared to the previous year. Officials said more than 19,300 private applications were processed across the state — 95 percent were approved and issued permits. KHON2.

Gov. Green: Storms caused $700M in damage as Hawaii recovers. Gov. Josh Green said Hawaii suffered an estimated $700 million in damage from the recent succession of storms over the past four weeks, and that the state is now in recovery mode. Star-Advertiser.

Amemiya, Laderta appointed to UH Board of Regents. Gov. Josh Green has appointed Keith Amemiya and Marie Laderta to the University of Hawaii Board of Regents, with the nominations subject to confirmation by the state Senate. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

State agribusiness agency to vote on acquiring Wahiawā dam and spillway. The state Agribusiness Development Corp. board is set to make a key vote today to acquire the Wahiawā dam and spillway. Hawaii Public Radio.

Council to OK COVID-era hazard pay for bus workers. More than 2,000 city bus drivers and mechanics could receive hazard pay for work during the COVID-19 pandemic under a proposal before the Honolulu City Council that would cost nearly $17 million. Star-Advertiser.

Flood damage threatens Pearl City church’s summer camp for at risk youth. Agape Christian Fellowship Oahu says devastating flood damage from last month’s Kona lows may force leaders to cancel a long-running summer camp serving children with incarcerated parents. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

$21.7M contract awarded for new bridge, roundabout in Waimea. The state Department of Transportation announced Tuesday that Maui contractor Alpha Inc. has been selected to replace the 94-year-old Waiaka Stream Bridge at the intersection of Kawaihae Road and Kohala Mountain Road. Tribune-Herald.

Big Island Residents Say Dangerous Dog Law Has No Bite. After several attacks, police are trying to get the owner of a dog that’s been terrorizing a Puna neighborhood to surrender the animal. Civil Beat.

Maui

Public Works director reports ‘unsustainable’ staffing levels amid disaster recovery efforts. The Maui County Department of Public Works now has a single engineer working to manage two disasters — the recovery from the August 2023 wildfires and the recent Kona Low storms. Maui Now.

Big Island nonprofit gifts two Big Dog Tanker Trucks to Maui Fire Department. Daniel R. Sayre Memorial Foundation partners with nonprofits to donate two tank trucks to the Maui Fire Department after the department lost four trucks in the Lahaina and Kula fires of August 2023. Big Island Now.

Kauai

Career fair at Kaua‘i Community College attended by more than 160 students. More than 160 students attended the first career fair hosted by Kauaʻi Community College in over a decade on April 9, highlighting strong interest in career development and community connection on campus. Kauai Now.

Commercial aquarium harvesting rules proposed, another raise planned for Honolulu officials, police use pepper spray at middle school, double-digit rise in tourism, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Aquarium fishing considered; 2 public meetings to be held this week. The state Department of Land and Natural Resources’ Division of Aquatic Resources is holding a pair of public meetings as part of what it is calling a “holomua project” on a proposed set of rules that could lead to the return of harvesting fish in West Hawaii for saltwater aquariums worldwide. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii tourism arrivals, spending climb, but challenges loom. Visitor spending in Hawaii rose at a double-digit pace in February, up 10.3% from a year earlier to $1.91 billion, unadjusted for inflation, according to preliminary data released Monday by the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. Total visitor arrivals also increased, up 3.6% to an estimated 787,024 visitors during the month. Star-Advertiser.

From farms to produce vendors, Kona low impacts widespread. It’s uncertain what the overall loss will be, but a joint state House and Senate briefing scheduled for Wednesday at the state Capitol will hear early damage estimates, along with “the urgent needs of farmers and ranches,” according to an announcement of the briefing. Star-Advertiser.

State could have to do more outreach on disaster preparation. Hawaiʻi lawmakers could require the state to do more public outreach on how to prepare for major disasters. Hawaii Public Radio.

Affordable housing bills still alive in the Legislature. Attorney Scott Settle joins producer/host Coralie Chun Matayoshi to discuss affordable housing bills including the usual mix of subsidies, permitting reforms, and land use changes, a new idea (housing infrastructure growth bonds) which would allow counties to borrow against future property tax revenue and require a Constitutional amendment, tradeoffs involved in perpetual restrictions to make housing more available and affordable for locals, and notable bills that did not pass this legislative session. KHON2.

Bill to extract more taxes from rental car industry stalls. The last of six bills introduced this year proposing to apply the retail general excise tax on wholesale vehicle purchases by car rental companies was deferred last week after a contentious public hearing. Star-Advertiser.

Kamehameha Schools lawsuit plaintiffs seek anonymity amid death threats. A mother and daughter suing Kamehameha Schools over its admissions policy want to remain anonymous because of death threats to their lawyers. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Another Raise For Honolulu Politicians? Salary Group Says Yes. If approved, it would be the third raise in three years for top city officials.  Civil Beat.

Council proposes defunding city’s Office of Economic Revitalization. A city agency tasked with leading Oahu’s economic development may see much of its funding cut and a majority of its positions slashed following a budgetary proposal by the Honolulu City Council. Star-Advertiser.

Police Use Of Pepper Spray At Hawaiʻi School Boosts Calls For Counselors. Some community members say the incident at a Kapolei Middle School underscores the need for behavioral health staff at the state’s public schools. Civil Beat.

Flooding shuts down Hokulani Elementary through the end of the school year.  One week after rapid floods destroyed their classrooms, Hokulani Elementary School students are getting ready to move to different schools. KITV4.

Central Oahu park to be storm waste site for at least another month. A couple hundred tons of storm debris has been moved from Oahu’s North Shore to Central Oahu Regional Park in the days since the floods. Hawaii News Now.

Cleanup continues on Oahu’s North Shore, 23 homes ‘lost entirely’ .  Folks on the North Shore of Oahu are still clearing out the mess caused by back-to-back storms. KHON2.
 
Hawaii Island

ʻŌhiʻa Restrictions Remain In Effect As Merrie Monarch Festival Nears. A restriction remains in effect on the transport of ʻōhiʻa from Hawai‘i Island, state officials say, as travelers prepare to attending the Merrie Monarch Festival in Hilo next week. Big Island Video News.

Tamashiro Market to close April 30 after over 80 years. After more than eight dec­ades serving fresh fish and building a fiercely loyal customer base in Kalihi, Tamashiro Market will close its doors April 30, bringing an end to a family business rooted in immigration, resilience and community. Star-Advertiser.

April’s monthly emergency siren test aligns with 80th anniversary of deadly tsunami to Hawaiian Islands. The upcoming monthly statewide all-hazard siren system test aligns with the 80th anniversary of the devastating 1946 tsunami that struck the Hawaiian Islands, leading to the tragic loss of over 100 lives, according to a news release from Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency. Big Island Now.

Maui

Groundbreaking held for Olowalu Fire Station, additional funding needed for completion. Maui Fire Department Chief Bradford Ventura said that adding a third fire station on the west side is not only a benefit to the community but also to the safety of firefighters.  Maui Now.

Construction Industry of Maui invests $44,000 in UH Maui College trades program. The Construction Industry of Maui is doubling down on the island’s future, announcing a $44,000 donation to University of Hawai‘i Maui College to fund 12 scholarships for students in the construction vocational program. Maui Now.

Kauai

Rudy Tai officially assumes KPD command. The Kauai Police Department held a Change of Command ceremony Monday to mark the official transition of leadership from outgoing Interim Police Chief Elliott Kalani Ke to incoming Police Chief Rudy Tai.  Garden Island. Hawaii News Now.

Kauaʻi County Council hears support, concerns about Santos, an appointee to Planning Commission. The Kaua‘i County Council on Wednesday began considering Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami’s appointment of Ku‘uleialoha Santos to the seven-member Planning Commission, with some community members voicing strong support, highlighting her experience, while others had concerns about potential conflicts of interest. Kauai Now.

‘Pretty Unusual’: Big Changes Are Possible At The Kauaʻi County Council. With four open seats, this election presents a chance for better gender and geographic diversity. Civil Beat.

Community meetings scheduled to discuss proposed water rate increases in Kaua‘i County. The Kauaʻi Department of Water is hosting a series of community meetings to discuss capital infrastructure needs and associated proposed water rate increases. Kauai Now.