Lawmakers push for special session on contractor campaign donations, federal Covid spending review likely, Kapaa Quarry mulled for Oahu landfill, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Indictment sparks calls for special session on contractor donation ban. Indictments against Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke, current and former state employees, and a contractor in an alleged bribery conspiracy are prompting calls for a special legislative session focused on campaign finance reform. Some lawmakers are pushing for a return to the Capitol to take up Senate Bill 2530, a measure that would ban government contractors and their immediate family members from donating to political candidates. Hawaii News Now.

Federal review of COVID-19 spending likely in wake of alleged corruption, Case says. U.S. Rep. Ed Case, a member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security, said he expects federal scrutiny of Hawaii’s COVID-19 contracts following a public corruption indictment involving Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke and four others. Star-Advertiser.

Betting On Hawaiʻi Politics Is Legal Despite State’s Gambling Ban. Users can now wager on when indicted Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke may resign on the prediction market app Kalshi, which is not covered by Hawaiʻi’s gambling law. Civil Beat.

State airports administrator on paid leave after indictment. State Airports Administrator Ford Fuchigami was placed on paid leave for 30 days, effective Monday, after he and four others were indicted Friday in an alleged criminal conspiracy to bribe state officials to secure money for COVID-19 testing during the pandemic. Star-Advertiser.

Rules to limit CRB spread passed on Big Island and Maui. The coconut rhinoceros beetle’s hold across the Hawaiian Islands has grown in recent months, prompting the state Board of Agriculture and Biosecurity to expand restrictions on transporting potential host material between infested islands and areas. Star-Advertiser. Big Island Now. 

Gen Z’s new travel habits to Hawaiʻi . Hawaiʻi's hospitality industry is seeing a new kind of visitor in Generation Z. How they travel could bring changes to the state's largest private industry. Hawaii Public Radio.

Alan B. Carpenter chosen to lead DLNR Division of State Parks. Alan B. Carpenter assumes responsibility for the care and management of 55 state parks and 14 other places of interest, which encompass 34,000 acres of coastal and wildland recreational areas, scenic waysides and cherished places spanning from Nāpali Coast State Wilderness Park on Kauaʻi to ʻAkaka Falls State Park on Hawaiʻi Island. Maui Now.

This Hawaiian Waterbird Is Making A Comeback. Should It Still Be Endangered? Most agree efforts to save the aeʻo, the native stilt, have succeeded so far, but some worry about lifting its ‘endangered’ status in a Trump era with looser conservation rules. Civil Beat.

Fausto now a remnant low as it passes north of Hawaiian Islands. Fausto is no longer a tropical cyclone and is now a remnant low passing north of the islands. The Central Pacific Hurricane Center said in data valid at 5 a.m. Wednesday, post-tropical cyclone Fausto was 285 miles north of Hilo, or 225 miles northeast of Honolulu. It was moving west-northwest at 13 miles per hour. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Voters in Waters’ district confused as name remains on ballot after being ruled ineligible to run. While Honolulu election officials try to figure out what to do for Tommy Waters’ council seat, the district’s voters are left confused with his name still on the ballot. As of Tuesday morning, thousands have already cast their votes. KHON2.

City eyes Kapaa Quarry for Oahu’s next landfill. The City is eying Kapaa Quarry as a potential site for Oahu’s next landfill, and Windward lawmakers are pushing back. KHON2.

These Historic Oʻahu Homes Pay Practically No Property Tax. Honolulu homes valued in the millions are getting a major tax break. One City Council member says the program is being abused. Civil Beat.

State-subsidized rental housing for middle-income households blessed in Waipio. Scott Glenn, a housing adviser to Gov. Josh Green, said the new homes — one-bedroom apartments renting for $1,800 to $2,280 a month depending on household size — allow Koa Ridge to include residents who might not be able to afford new market-priced housing being built in the 3,500-home community master-planned by Castle &Cooke Hawaii in Waipio. Star-Advertiser.

Beach Cleanup Activist Challenges Longtime Incumbent In East Oʻahu. Kahi Pacarro has mounted an aggressive campaign against the low key Rep. Mark Hashem in the District 19 Democratic primary. Civil Beat.

Fresh lei, hot pizza? Oahu’s one-of-a-kind vending machines turn heads. Need a fresh flower lei for a graduation, special event or last-minute celebration? There is now a vending machine for that. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

A reprieve for 5 early childhood education sites on isle. Several months after nonprofit Partners in Development Foundation prepared to close five early childhood education sites on Hawaii Island — and 16 on other islands — due to federal funding cuts, the organization recently announced the sites will now be staying open. Tribune-Herald.

New reports document energy priorities, concerns of Puna, Kaʻū residents. The reports reflect responses from a total of 481 community members — 340 in Puna and 141 in Kaʻū — and examine energy affordability, power outages, household preparedness, renewable energy development, community participation, protection of ʻāina and cultural resources as well as benefits residents expect from future energy investments. Big Island Now.

Speed limit to be reduced on part of Puainako Street Extension. The speed limit on a portion of the Puainako Street Extension — also known as Hawaii Route 2000 — will be lowered from 55 mph to 45 mph as part of an effort to improve roadway safety. Tribune-Herald.

Episode 52 fountaining ends at Kilauea summit. Episode 52 of the ongoing Halemaʻumaʻu eruption ended at 2:36 a.m. on Wednesday. High lava fountaining from the north vent in Halemaʻumaʻu began at 7:10 p.m. HST on Tuesday evening. Big Island Now. KITV4. Hawaii News Now. Big Island Video News. 

Maui

Maui Council advances new hotel zoning for over 2,000 apartment-district vacation rentals. Maui County Council members voted Friday to send two bills to the Maui Planning Commission that would move vacation rental units, currently operating in A-1 and A-2 apartment districts, into new hotel zoning classifications. Maui Now.

County to pull four speed tables in Haiku, hold community meeting. Responding to residents' concerns, Maui County officials plan to remove four speed tables on West Kuiaha Road as part of an ongoing review of traffic-calming devices in Haiku. Maui News.

Plan to rebuild popular Kaanapali Beach with offshore sand faces scrutiny. Plan would move 75,000 cubic yards of sand to restore beach to 1980s condition. Kaanapali Beach on Maui’s west side has been eroding for four decades, and a plan is now moving forward to restore it to how it was in the 1980s — but the proposal is facing some community opposition. Hawaii News Now.

Audubon Society asks for pueo study with Lahaina Bypass project. The National Audubon Society has asked state transportation officials to include a biological review of the Hawaiian short-eared owl in the study of Lahaina Bypass connector alternatives near Wahikuli Gulch in West Maui. Maui News.

Kauai

Kauaʻi police join countywide emergency alert system to expand public safety notifications. The partnership, announced by the Kauaʻi Emergency Management Agency, expands use of the Everbridge Emergency Mass Notification System, which is already used by the emergency management agency, the Kauaʻi Fire Department and the county Department of Water. Kauai Now.

Kauai Habitat starts 5 homes in Waimea. Volunteer opportunities are available at the Kauai Habitat build sites, such as the current one in Waimea, the Kauai Habitat office in Hanapepe, or the ReStore at Hanapepe. Garden Island.

Volunteers vouch for ballot integrity, indicted officials remain on government payroll, judge rules Tommy Waters ineligible for 3rd term, Tropical Storm Fausto weakens, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Volunteers vouch for process as first ballots counted. The first batch of mail-in ballots arrived at the state Capitol Monday to be counted for the Aug. 8 party primary elections, with volunteers representing both Republicans and Democrats vouching for the security of how they’re handled inside the Capitol, as President Donald Trump continues to sow doubts over U.S. elections. Star-Advertiser.

‘Culture Of Corruption’? Records Link Arrested Lawmaker To Lobbyist. Prosecutors allege that lobbyist Tobi Solidum paid Rep. Ryan Yamane in a series of cash and check installments between 2020 and 2022 to take official actions culminating in a scheme, prosecutors allege, to direct emergency funds to a pricey Covid-testing program run by the kidney foundation. Solidum made millions of dollars from the testing program, according to court documents.  Civil Beat.

Fuchigami on paid leave, Luke still officially Hawaii’s LG. Transportation officials said Airports Director Ford Fuchigami has been placed on paid, 30-day leave by the department effective Monday. He was indicted along with Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke on bribery charges. Despite the indictment and bribery allegations, Luke is still officially the state’s Lieutenant Governor. KHON2.

TRACKING FAUSTO Tropical Storm Fausto nears Hawaii, bringing dangerous surf as Genevieve remains a powerful major hurricane. Tropical Storm Fausto is moving closer to Hawaii and is expected to pass north of the islands from Tuesday night through late Wednesday. As of the latest update, Fausto was about 340 miles east-northeast of Hilo with maximum sustained winds of 65 mph. The storm continues moving west-northwest and is expected to weaken further over the next few days. KITV4. KHON2. Hawaii News Now. 

HECO plans to bring online about 1,650 gigawatt-hours of new solar and wind power, the equivalent of about 15% of all the energy on its grids. HECO announces new renewable energy procurement, looks to natural gas. Hawaiian Electric says that new renewable energy generation will help the state reduce its dependence on oil. Hawaii Public Radio.

DOE spends millions on campus repairs ahead of school year.  Over $140 million worth of repairs and renovations are happening across the state Department of Education’s campuses ahead of the new school year. Jesse Souki, the department’s deputy superintendent of operations, said that the work is focused on extending the lifespan of school facilities, while also creating environments where students can focus on their academics. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

Judge rules Waters ineligible to seek 3rd Council term. A 1st Circuit Court judge ruled Monday that Honolulu City Council Chair Tommy Waters is ineligible to seek a third consecutive term representing East Honolulu’s District 4. The ruling by Judge James H. Ashford sides with Council candidate and attorney Trevor Ozawa’s legal challenge over the City Charter’s term limits and prevents Waters, also a lawyer, from continuing his campaign for reelection unless the decision is overturned. It’s unclear what this means for voters who have already voted for Tommy Waters in the primary election. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii Public Radio. KHON2.  Hawaii News Now. 

Skyline’s Kalihi through Civic Center station designs unveiled. The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation has officially released the renderings for the Skyline Segment 3 stations, stretching from Kalihi to Civic Center. KHON2.

Weather worries change RIMPAC plans. Over the weekend, the various forces gathered for the exercise had been slated to carry out a simulated assault at Bellows Beach in Waimanalo using both amphibious landing craft and helicopters to bring troops and equipment ashore. Star-Advertiser.

Filipino national charged with unlawful voting. Bernadette Acaso, a Filipino national who was living in Honolulu and Kahului, was charged by criminal complaint on July 22, with unlawfully voting in the 2024 presidential election. Star-Advertiser.

Salvage company says state owes them more for removing a sunken ship. Hawaiʻi Island-based Pacific Underwater Construction said it sank about $600,000 into removing a roughly 77-foot sunken ship from the Ala Wai Small Boat Harbor. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island 

Voter Service Centers Open In Hawaiʻi County. Voter service centers will be open from now through August 8th to provide in-person election services, such as voter registration and accessible voting. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now. 

County gets some help from FEMA for blaze in West Hawaii. The Federal Emergency Management Agency has authorized the use of federal funds to assist the state in combating the Kawaihae Road Fire that is still burning. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Now. 

Storm-damaged Konawaena HS ready for new school year. Konawaena High School will be ready to reopen for the new school year following extensive flood damage repairs caused by the Kona low storms in March, the state Department of Education said Monday. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Report finds many Maui wildfire survivors still face health, housing challenges. Nearly three years after the Maui wildfires, many survivors are returning to work, gaining health insurance and finding more stable housing, but thousands continue to struggle with food insecurity, mental health challenges and lingering physical health concerns, according to a report released Monday. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.

Kaanapali sand replenishment moves forward. The proposal by the Pilikahakai Foundation and the Ka'anapali Operations Association would collect sand that has accumulated offshore beyond the reach of natural processes and redistribute it along the shoreline from Keka'a to Maui County’s Hanakao'o Beach Park. Maui News.

Kauai

DHHL sued over evictions of non-Native Hawaiians in East Kauai project. The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands is facing another lawsuit. This time it stems over the eviction of residents from an East Kauai complex who don’t meet blood quantum requirements. Hawaii News Now.

Annual report: Surfrider Kauaʻi in 2025 removed nearly 80.3 tons of trash — or 160,552 pounds — from beaches. That total includes two cleanups last year on the Garden Isle that broke the scales — one in January at Anahola Bay where 3,202 pounds were collected and another in June at Nukoli‘i Marine Camp when 2,402 pounds were removed — as reported in national nonprofit Surfrider Foundation's seventh annual beach cleanup report. Kauai Now.

BREAKING: 4 state officials, lobbyist, indicted in bribery scandal

Bribery Charges: Sylvia Luke, Ex-State Rep And Others Indicted In Corruption Case. An Oahu grand jury today indicted Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke and four others as part of the state Attorney General’s months-long political corruption probe. After hearing evidence for most of the day, the grand jury this afternoon indicted Luke for criminal conspiracy to commit bribery, bribery and falsifying candidate committee reports. Also indicted were Former state Rep. Ryan Yamane, who is also the former director of the Department of Human Services, for conspiracy to commit bribery and bribery, Ford Fuchigami, deputy director for the Airports Division at state Department of Transportation, for conspiracy to commit bribery, bribery, use of false statement, and obstruction of justice, Leo Asuncion Jr, a former Luke campaign volunteer and Public Utilities Commission chair, for falsifying candidate committee reports, use of false statement, and obstruction of justice and obbyist and businessman Tobi Solidum for four counts of conspiracy to commit bribery and three counts of bribery. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Luke receives AG target letter in bribery probe, more raises for Honolulu officials, lawsuit against Turtle Bay luxury resort headed to court, Kilauea volcano erupting again, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Green to meet with Lt. Gov. Luke after she gets target letter in bribery probe. Gov. Josh Green plans to meet with embattled Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke today after she received a letter from the state Attorney General’s office informing her that she is the target of a bribery investigation involving an “influential state legislator” who allegedly accepted $35,000 in a paper bag at a 2022 dinner. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.  KITV4.

Hawaiʻi Lawmakers Shelve Petition To Further Probe $35K Paper Bag Case. House Speaker Nadine Nakamura tabled the citizen petition with little advance notice or discussion. More than 900 petitioners asked the lawmakers to find out what happened in this transaction, determine if any laws had been broken and figure out what steps should be taken to address ethics problems at the Legislature.  Civil Beat.

A narrowed race for lieutenant governor leaves top state positions unchallenged. Following Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke's announcement that she will not be running for reelection, Kauaʻi Mayor Derek Kawakami is the only significant Democrat vying for the position. Unless someone decides by the June 2 deadline to enter the election for lieutenant governor, it could create an uncompetitive race for both of the state’s top executive positions. Hawaii Public Radio.

Supreme Court Chief Justice Nominee Faces Tough Questions From Senators. Besides his work for a powerful Hawaiʻi super PAC, lawmakers raised concerns about Vladimir Devens’ attendance at a controversial Honolulu cop’s retirement party. Civil Beat.

31 countries to send forces to RIMPAC this summer in Hawaii. The Navy announced Wednesday that the biennial Rim of the Pacific — better known as RIMPAC — will again this summer, from June 24 to July 31, bring troops, warships and aircraft from 31 nations to Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

Vegetation growth from recent rains may stoke wildfire risk. Torrential rains in March and April have turned Hawaiʻi's landscapes green with new plant growth. Much of that vegetation is thirsty invasive grasses, which dominate Hawaiʻi's unmanaged lands. Those grasses likely won't stay green for long. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

Honolulu salary panel OKs 4.7% pay raises for top city officials. The Honolulu Salary Commission on Wednesday approved a 4.7% pay increase for most of the city’s top elected and appointed officials, with changes set to take effect by July 1. The across-the-board adjustment for the 2027 fiscal year will raise the mayor’s annual salary to $236,712 from $226,080. Members of the nine-member City Council will see their yearly pay increase to $127,800 from $122,064, while the Council chair’s salary will rise to $138,264, up from $132,048. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu Traffic Cams Catch Speeders. But Most Don’t Get Tickets. Cameras at 10 major accident hot spots are catching red light runners and speeders. But ticketing more of them would overwhelm the state’s courts. Civil Beat.

Lawsuit against proposed luxury resort in Turtle Bay set to go to court. Kūpaʻa Kuilima and Earthjustice filed a lawsuit in state court to block the proposed development of a second resort on the Ritz-Carlton’s Turtle Bay property. Hawaii Public Radio.

Residents push back over West Oahu landfill concerns. The City presented its proposal for Makaiwa Hills to the Kapolei Neighborhood Board on Wednesday, and many said they will push back. KHON2. Hawaii News Now. KITV4. 

Macadamia chocolate manufacturer ending sales. Menehune Mac — Hawaii’s oldest existing macadamia nut candy manufacturer, founded in 1939 — has produced its final batch that owner Jimmy Chan hopes will last through Mother’s Day. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Council’s attempt to override Alameda’s veto falls short. The Hawaii County Council came one vote short Wednesday of overturning Mayor Kimo Alameda’s veto of a bill that would have created a commission tasked with advising county officials about construction codes. Tribune-Herald.

Sen. Hirono, Indo-Pacific Commander Discuss Pōhakuloa. Sen. Mazie K. Hirono (D, Hawaiʻi) told Admiral Samuel Paparo that the military should not "short-circuit" land lease discussions by seeking to condemn the land. Big Island Video News.

Hawaiʻi County could give state group $250K for invasive species management. Hawaiʻi Island lawmakers are considering giving the state $250,000 for invasive species management on the island, but have been critical about its efforts so far. Hawaii Public Radio.

Episode 45 of lava fountaining begins at the summit of Kilauea. Episode 45 of lava fountaining in Halemaʻumaʻu began at the summit of Kilauea at 1:34 a.m. on Thursday. Hawaii News Now.

Maui

Budget panel weighs department cuts amid property tax certification, stable revenue. Maui County Council Member Kauanoe Batangan has proposed an across-the-board 1.25% budget cut for non-first-responder departments that would yield somewhat more than $5 million in savings from Mayor Richard Bissen’s fiscal 2027 $1.61 billion budget proposal. Maui Now.

Mayor Bissen halts traffic-calming devices on County roads in Haʻikū in response to community concern. In response to Haʻikū community concerns, Mayor Richard Bissen temporarily halted future design and construction of proposed or pending speed tables, speed humps and similar traffic-calming devices on County of Maui roadways in Haʻikū. Maui Now.

Maui brands get new boost as iShoppes runs former DFS Hawaii sites at Kahului Airport. International Shoppes (iShoppes) was selected by the Hawai‘i Department of Transportation to provide retail and in-bond duty free concessions at the Kahului Airport on Maui. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kauaʻi Sea Scouts showcase donated 61-foot yacht at weekend open house. The Kaua‘i Sea Scouts recently received a donated $500,000 boat, Sun Seeker, and are welcoming the community to their open house. The Kauaʻi Sea Scouts will host the event from 4 to 6 p.m. on Saturday, April 25, welcoming boys and girls ages 12 to 18 to learn about the program, meet current members, and explore its new donated vessel “Sun Seeker.” Kauai Now.

New life for state's film industry, Legislature mulls misdemeanor charges for officials who don't report bribery, bill would protect gender-affirming care providers, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

After a dry spell, three film and television productions underway in Hawaii. Hawaii’s film industry is staging a comeback, with three major film and TV productions getting underway in the islands. The Netflix series “Untamed” is the first series since “Rescue HI Surf,” which was canceled in May of last year. It was a blow for a sector that generated over $320 million for the state’s economy in 2024. Hawaii News Now.

The Success Of Hawaiʻi’s Food And Farm Bills Could Depend On One Thing. As Hawaiʻi continues to pinch pennies and fill holes created by federal cuts, lawmakers may have to choose between bills designed to bolster local food or fight invasive species. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke stays silent on state subpoenas. Twelve days after Hawaii’s attorney general said she issued multiple subpoenas and completed interviews in a criminal investigation born out of a federal political bribery case, Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke will not say if she has been subpoenaed by state investigators. Star-Advertiser.

Measure could allow misdemeanor charge for failure to report bribery. Senators advanced a measure Tuesday that would allow elected officials to be charged with a misdemeanor if they're found to have failed to report bribery. Hawaii Public Radio.

Legislative Caucuses Can Help Make The Difference In Getting Bills Passed. Lawmakers combine forces to push measures helping women, kids and working families. Civil Beat.

Lawmakers consider bill to protect gender-affirming care providers. HB1875 would not create any new care standards or practices, but it seeks to ensure that those providing gender-affirming care would be safe from out-of-state legal actions, insurance policies, or licensing consequences. Hawaii Public Radio.

State support could energize movement to equip more homes with plug-in solar. On Tuesday afternoon, the state House Committee on Consumer Protection and Commerce deferred one of two remaining balcony solar bills after the Office of the State Fire Marshal and other fire and law enforcement agencies raised concerns that the National Electrical Code would need to be updated to ensure the safe installation of these systems. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

More Design Delays Could Push Back Honolulu Rail Project — Again. The city center segment of the $10B rail project is supposed to open in March 2031, but an outside consultant questions whether that plan is still feasible. Civil Beat.

Red Hill: Fears linger over Navy reopening water shaft. After waiting hours to hear the latest update on the Red Hill water crisis cleanup at a lengthy meeting Tuesday with the Commission on Water Resource Management, concerned community members learned the Navy had left the meeting. Star-Advertiser.

36 city parks designated as ‘On-Leash’ allowing for dogs on leashes. The Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation has added 36 new on-leash dog parks. That move doubles the number already in place. KHON2.

Changes coming to high-traffic Hawaii offramp, intersections. Transportation officials said there have been over 12 serious crashes near the Koko Head offramp in recent years. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

Hilo Officer pleads no contest to tampering with evidence in search case. Hawaii Police Department Officer Blane Kenolio pleaded no contest Wednesday to a charge of tampering with physical evidence. The charge stemmed from Kenolio’s unconstitutional search of an arrestee’s belongings on May 24, 2023, inside the Hilo Police Station. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now. KITV4.

Hawaiʻi County Changes Mulch Loading Fees For Commercial Customers. Hawaiian Earth Recycling, will be charging commercial customers $5 per cubic yard at the Kealakehe Recycling and Transfer Station. Commercial customers will be charged $20 per cubic yard at the East Hawaiʻi Organics Facility. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now.

Maui

Plan floated to solve West Maui water crisis. The plan, presented by TY Management Corp. to the state Commission on Water Resource Management on Tuesday, intends to benefit Maui County, financially struggling Maui Land &Pineapple Co., a state agriculture development agency, Native Hawaiian taro farmers, other small farmers, Kapalua homeowners and TY. Star-Advertiser.

Treecovery helps Maui wildfire recovery. In December, Treecovery, three Rotary Clubs, Maui County, and the Lahaina Restoration Foundation helped with a native-planting at Keawaiki Park near Lahaina Harbor. Maui News. 

Controversial $13M Nāpili home now offering partial ownership to buyers. Cohana Homes, which describes itself as a vacation home co-ownership company, is offering 25% ownership of the house for $3.55 million apiece. The entire 7,344-square-foot house at 5385 Lower Honoapi‘ilani Road is listed with a value of $12.9 million. Maui Now.

Kauai

State Senate confirms new circuit court judge for Kaua‘i.  The Hawai’i State Senate voted to confirm Stephanie R.S. Char, Gov. Josh Green’s selection to fill the vacancy in the Fifth Circuit Court of the Fifth Circuit, created by the retirement of Judge Kathleen N.A. Watanabe in August 2025. Kauai Now.

Group created to protect Kauai from CRB. CRB Action Kauai, a new community-driven initiative, has formed to support Kauai residents, landowners, farmers, businesses and community groups responding to the growing threat of the Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle (CRB), an invasive pest impacting coconut and other palms across the island. Garden Island.

Legislature advances bribery bills, mulls curbing executive powers, reforming public schools; Maui Planning Commission rejects bill to save vacation rentals, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Senate bribery bills progress as corruption allegations linger. Bribing an elected official would bring increased penalties under three bills that passed out of a key Senate committee Tuesday as the state attorney general continues to investigate an unidentified “influential state legislator” allegedly taped in 2022 by federal investigators accepting $35,000 in a paper bag. Star-Advertiser.

Clean Elections advocates call on lawmakers to reform campaign finance. Citing a "trust deficit," the Clean Elections Hawaiʻi Coalition is asking for an impartial, independent special prosecutor to look into pay-to-play donations within the state.  Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii emergency proclamation powers could be curtailed under new legislation. Concerns about executive overreach during emergencies are sparking action at the State Capitol. Lawmakers are pushing new legislation aimed at reining in emergency powers and adding more oversight. KHON2.

Is Now The Time For Reforming Hawaiʻi Schools? From where the leaders of the Senate Education Committee sit, one thing seems clear: The Hawai‘i public school system is broken. A controversial bill would cut top superintendent positions from the DOE and increase community input in schools. Some families say the change is long overdue. Civil Beat.

Lawmakers renew warnings on fentanyl, cite ‘alarming’ death counts. The number of people who died from fentanyl across the islands dipped from 107 in 2023 to 103 in 2024, which is still far up from 9 in 2018. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Oahu

Honolulu Investigator Obstructed His Own Criminal Case, Hawaiʻi AG Says. A 52-year-old investigator with the Department of the Prosecuting Attorney was indicted by an Oahu grand jury Friday for allegedly abusing his ex-fiance in 2024 and then threatening her into silence. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.

Pacific leaders gather in Hawaii for business summit. Leaders from Pacific Island nations and territories gathered this week at the East-West Center in Manoa for an inaugural diplomatic and business summit aimed at promoting private sector investments and contracts across island communities in Oceania. Star-Advertiser.

Lawmaker wants to create homeless buffer zones around bus stops. Safety concerns could clear homeless residents from Oahu bus stops, under a bill proposed this legislative session. KITV4.

Repairs underway for water main break in Haleiwa. On Tuesday, Feb. 24, around 2 p.m., BWS crews responded to the break on Kamehameha Hwy. near Tutu St., about a half-mile from Waimea Bay.  Hawaii News Now.

Kailua military officer admits to ‘compulsive’ online chatting, denies sexual attraction to minors. Lt. Col. Ross Andrew Brown, a Kailua-based Air Force lieutenant colonel and attorney took the stand in his own defense Tuesday at his federal trial for attempted sexual enticement of a 14-year-old girl. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

County acquires Kona property to preserve shoreline access. The 15,372-square-foot site is located near the popular “Banyans” surfing spot and is one of the few undeveloped coastal properties in the area along Ali‘i Drive. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News.  Big Island Now.

Hawaiʻi Police Department Welcomes New K9 Trina. A three-year-old Labrador Retriever who was trained as a live-find human tracking canine has joined the Hawaiʻi Police Department.  Big Island Video News.

Maui

Maui Planning Commission Rejects Bill To Save Thousands Of Vacation Rentals. The County Council would now need a supermajority vote to allow thousands of apartment-zoned units to keep operating as short-term rentals. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now. 

Maui stream monitoring to flow from fine penalty.  The Commission on Water Resource Management has accepted a Maui Land & Pineapple Co. proposal to spend $150,680 to improve stream-level monitoring in lieu of a maximum $140,000 fine for West Maui stream management violations. Star-Advertiser.

Feasibility study underway for new Kapalua recycled water treatment plant. Hawaii Water Service has selected Carollo Engineering Inc. to complete a feasibility study for a decentralized wastewater treatment plant in Kapalua that would produce recycled water and provide the community with a drought-resistant irrigation supply.  Maui News.

Kauai

Controversial Kōloa Housing Project Gets Green Light In Unanimous Vote. Over objections, the commission cited the dire need for more homes. At least 45% of the units must go to locals. A controversial 148-unit Kōloa housing project got the green light from Kaua‘i’s Planning Commission with the conditions that the units never be turned into vacation rentals and that at least 45% of them go to existing county residents. Civil Beat.

Cloud over the Capitol: Calls for independent investigation as Governor's Office caught up in $35k bribery scandal; Big Island businessman sentenced in affordable housing credit scam; Japanese archery range draws opposition, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

$35K Case: New Development Sparks Calls For Independent Probe.  Because Attorney General Anne Lopez is appointed by the governor’s office, she and Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke are both part of the executive branch. The Clean Elections Hawai‘i Coalition, made up of 40 pro-democracy organizations, said in a press release on Tuesday afternoon that an “impartial special prosecutor” is now needed to ensure public trust in the investigation.  Civil Beat. KITV4.  Hawaii News Now. 

Hawaii Gov. Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke comes under more scrutiny. The Hawaii Campaign Spending Commission will investigate whether Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke violated state law when she failed to report $16,000 in campaign contributions, including $10,000 tied to a businessman involved in a high-profile bankruptcy. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii Public Radio. 

Sylvia Luke Quietly Took Thousands From This Lobbyist Linked To Cullen. The lieutenant governor is only now reporting money she received four years ago as a bribery scandal continues to roil the Hawaiʻi Legislature. Civil Beat.  Hawaii News Now. 

Luke’s campaign spending reports fuel more questions, uncertainty.  Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke will have a cloud over her whenever she fills in as acting governor — and heading into the August Democratic primary election — as long as she is tied to the case of the “influential state legislator” who allegedly accepted $35,000 in a bag in 2022, said current lawmakers who served with Luke at the time, and others. Star-Advertiser.

Speed-limiting devices could be coming for Hawaii repeat offenders. A bill moving through the Legislature would let judges order speed-limiting devices in the cars of habitual offenders, similar to ignition interlocks for drunk drivers. KHON2.

Hawai‘i Doctor Shortage Has Patients Paying Fees For Fast Care. Direct primary care is a burgeoning business model that bypasses insurance. If widely adopted, it could lessen the state’s dire shortage of primary care doctors — or make things worse. Civil Beat.

‘It Is Not A Fraud’: Schatz, Murkowski Blast Attack On Native Contracting. The two senators are leading a bipartisan push to protect the SBA’s 8(a) program amid the Trump administration’s ongoing effort to eliminate DEI initiatives. Civil Beat. 

Oahu

State affordable-housing project fails to gain traction. The endeavor to develop one leasehold condo tower on state land in Kakaako as a pilot project for envisioned replication ran into trouble several months ago over concerns that unit prices and use restrictions would deter buyers, who would receive 99-year leases instead of fee-­simple ownership. Star-Advertiser.

Hawai’i Pacific Health, HMSA partnership plans proceeding. Hawaii Medical Service Association insures more than 750,000 people statewide, while HPH operates major hospitals including Kapi‘olani Medical Center for Women &Children, Pali Momi Medical Center, Straub Medical Center and Wilcox Medical Center on Kauai. Star-Advertiser.

Council urges city to secure lower cost ambulance services. The Honolulu City Council is urging the city to work with state officials to establish a federally funded program aimed at reducing the city’s cost of ambulance serv­ices for low-income people. Star-Advertiser.

Plan for Japanese archery range draws some opposition from Kaimukī neighbors. For decades, the 125-year-old Hawaiʻi Kyudo Kai club has been looking for a permanent home. The search may soon be over as the nonprofit Hawaiʻi Kyudo Foundation and the city announced last year that it would build a kyudojo at the Mauʻumae Nature Preserve, located on 16th Avenue and Claudine Street. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Island

Another Big Island man sentenced for affordable housing scam. Rajesh Budhabhatti,  65-year-old Big Island businessman who prosecutors said “played a central role in the conspiracy and scheme” to earn millions of dollars illegally using Hawaii County affordable housing credits, was sentenced Friday in Honolulu to 7 1/2 years in federal prison. Tribune-Herald.

Public invited to provide feedback on HTA’s destination management plan. The Hawaii Tourism Authority's  Hawaii Island virtual meeting is from noon to 1 p.m. this Thursday. Registration is required to receive the Zoom links to the virtual meeting. Register at: hawaiitourismauthority.org/what-we-do/events/ Tribune-Herald.

Hawaiʻi Care Choices is expanding services, care options to North Hawaiʻi this month.  Beginning this month, the Kupu Palliative Care Program will be available through a dedicated clinic space within the North Hawaiʻi Hospice office, extending palliative care services to residents of Hāmākua, Waimea, North Kohala, and South Kohala. Big Island Now. 

Maui

Maui Cops Could Still Aid Feds Despite Council Immigration Concerns. A Maui County Council committee on Tuesday voted to kill a bill that would have authorized Mayor Richard Bissen to re-up a now-controversial agreement between the county’s police department and the FBI-Joint Terrorism Task Force. But the council committee’s 8-0 recommendation on Tuesday that the full council file Bill 92 did not alter or overturn the existing agreement with the FBI task force, which has been in place for more than two decades. Civil Beat.

Supreme Court ruling deemed ‘huge milestone’ for Maui wildfire settlement. A ruling from the Hawaii Supreme Court on Tuesday could allow for the more than 21,000 Maui fire survivors in a $4 billion settlement to begin receiving payments in a matter of weeks, an attorney for the victims said. Hawaii News Now.

Budget priorities topic of discussion at South Maui community town hall on Feb. 24. Maui County Council member Tom Cook will host a South Maui town hall at 6 p.m. Feb. 24 at the Malcolm Center, 1305 N. Holopono St., Suite 5, to gather input on the community’s budget priorities. Maui News.

Power restored to ~10,000 in West Maui after safety shutoff.  Hawaiian Electric says it has re-energized all West Maui circuits impacted by the Public Safety Power Shutoff program. Approximately 10,000 customers in West Maui had been out of power for approximately 24 hours. Hawaii News Now.

West Maui schools to reopen Wednesday. Department of Education officials say electrical service has been restored following required utility inspections, and water intake has been cleared. With utilities restored, campuses are able to safely resume normal school operations. Maui Now. KITV4. 

Kauai

Free tax preparation opens. Due to the large amount of people needing tax returns — both federal and state — hours have been extended on opening day for several of the sites. Garden Island.

Sylvia Luke may be mystery legislator in paper bag bribery scandal, immigrant protection bills advance, state mops up after wind gusts up to 60 mph, 20" of rain, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Lieutenant governor says she may be the ‘influential state legislator’ referred to in federal case. Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke says she didn’t take $35k but may be lawmaker behind months-long mystery. Luke said Monday amid the ongoing furor that she did not take $35,000 in a paper bag in front of state House colleague turned FBI informant Ty J.K. Cullen during a January 2022 dinner, but did accept $10,000 in checks for her campaign from two people whom Cullen introduced her to that night. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. 

Package of immigration protection bills passes out of first committee. State lawmakers are advancing a package of bills to increase immigration enforcement protections. The House Economic Development and Technology Committee advanced six measures on Friday — all of them providing more guardrails for immigration enforcement. Hawaii Public Radio.

Long-vacant state jobs with languishing funds on rise in Hawaii. The number of stagnant state job vacancies tying up taxpayer revenue jumped last year after flattening in 2024, expanding a pile of cash that some Hawaii lawmakers want to use for urgent needs amid looming budget uncertainties. There were 485 civil serv­ice positions unfilled for over four years as of Nov. 1, up from about 420 in each of the two preceding 12-month periods, according to a Jan. 8 report from the state Department of Human Resources Development. Star-Advertiser.

State lawmakers are discussing an “ambitious” proposal that would make public transportation free across Hawaiʻi. House Bill 2451 would require Hawaiʻi’s counties to implement “fare-free” access to their public transit systems. Hawaii Public Radio.

Bills To Address Dementia, Alzheimer’s Gain Traction At State Capitol. The legislation may be getting a boost by the revelation that a state senator is struggling with mental decline. Civil Beat.

Will Disaster Insurance Overhaul Increase Protections For Future Survivors? Hawaiʻi consumers would have additional protections folded into their insurance coverage after a disaster declaration if a bundle of new Senate bills introduced this session are codified into law. Civil Beat.

Pacific plays strategic role, Air Force official says. Under Secretary of the Air Force Matthew Lohmeier wrapped up a tour of the Pacific last week that took him to Hawaii, South Korea and Japan as the service works out its strategy for the region.  Star-Advertiser.

State, county, schools reopen after weather shutdown. State and county offices, public schools and most government services across Hawaii are reopening today after widespread closures Monday due to severe weather, officials said. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii Public Radio.

Power restored to more than 114,000 customers since Saturday. Hundreds of Hawaiian Electric employees and contractors have restored power across Oʻahu, Maui County and Hawaiʻi Island to more than 27,300 customers since Sunday and and more than 114,000 customers since Saturday. Maui Now.

Oahu

Native Hawaiian-led productions anchor $10M push at Ko Olina. More than $10 million in investment tied to “Kaula Lu‘au” and related contracts is poised to deliver hundreds of jobs and multi- million‑dollars in work to Ko Olina, injecting new momentum into a resort district that has long fought to draw visitors — and their spending — to Oahu’s West Side. Star-Advertiser.

Dog attack leaves 11 sheep dead in West Oahu. A devastating dog attack at Ka’ala Farm in Waianae has decimated the farm’s sheep flock and dealt a major blow to wildfire prevention efforts. KHON2.

Oʻahu high school students protest ICE actions. Hundreds of high schoolers across Oʻahu gathered after school Friday to protest recent U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement violence. Hawaii Public Radio.

Damage reported across Oahu following severe weekend storm. Heavy rains flooded neighborhoods while fierce winds uprooted trees that stood for decades. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

‘Unreal’: Storm gusts rip roofs off Oahu homes, 12 displaced. Sunday’s whipping winds ripped roofs off 22 structures, the Honolulu Fire Department reported. One of the buildings with a blown roof was an apartment complex in Nanakuli along Helelua Street, leaving 12 people without a home. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Hawaiʻi Volcano: Neighborhoods Still Littered With Ash And Debris. The 41st episode of the Big Island’s latest eruption threw ash and tephra, a general word for volcanic debris, thousands of feet in the air and the Kona winds sent it as far as Hilo over 20 miles away. It is the first time a debris and ashfall like this has happened in over 1,000 years, said Don Swanson, a long-time geologist with the U.S. Geological Survey. Civil Beat.

Storm damage minimal for Big Island. Heavy rain fell in the Hamakua and North Hilo districts. For the 48-hour period ending at 8 a.m. Monday, a gauge above Laupahoehoe measured 20.48 inches, while Honokaa checked in with 19.3 inches. The Hawaiian Electric station on Ala Kahua Drive in Waimea clocked 60 mph gusts at 9:30 p.m. Saturday, while Kohala Ranch measured 59 mph winds. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

National Fight Over Immigration Enforcement Roils Maui County. County’s agreement with FBI provokes alarm among activists and, now, council members. The focus is Bill 92, a long-standing agreement between the Maui Police Department and the FBI that came up for renewal last year, which has suddenly prompted deep soul searching among County Council members. Civil Beat.

Maui County severe weather impacts — final update, Feb. 9.  All County of Maui offices on Maui, Molokaʻi and Lānaʻi are scheduled to reopen Tuesday, Feb. 10. The Olowalu Recycling and Refuse Convenience Center is set to reopen Tuesday, Feb. 10. County parks will be inspected early Tuesday by County crews before reopening Tuesday, Feb. 10. Maui Now.

Kauai

US Rep. Jill Tokuda meets with Kauaʻi residents to address local, national concerns. U.S. Rep. Jill Tokuda visited Līhuʻe on Saturday to meet with residents and hear their questions and concerns about a variety of issues, including Immigration & Customs Enforcement operations, rising costs for farmers and accountability in Washington. Kauai Now.

Flood advisory upgraded to flash flood warning; allowed to expire early today. The National Weather Service upgraded the flood advisory previously in effect for Kaua’i to a flash flood warning because of heavy rains happening over the island. Kauai Now.

Legislature opens session amid financial uncertainty, 'dark cloud'; $149M federal funding finalized for high-speed internet; federal judge dismisses Jones Act lawsuit, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Legislature facing uncertain federal spending cuts as session begins. The 2026 legislative session opened Wednesday with House and Senate leaders bracing for the likelihood that Hawaii will have to make up for more cuts to federal funding in 2026 after providing millions to compensate for reduced federal funding last year, including responding to the record-­long 43-day federal government shutdown and long lines that followed at pop-up food banks across the islands. But exactly how much the state may have to pay again this year — and how it will pay for it — remains unclear. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.  Hawaii Public Radio.  Big Island Now.  Hawaii News Now.  KITV4.

Hawaiʻi Lawmakers Start New Session Under ‘Dark Cloud’. The investigation into a possible $35,000 bribe to a legislator can’t be ignored even as lawmakers promise more work on perennial state issues such as affordable housing. Civil Beat.

Crowds flood state Capitol to advocate for causes. Representatives and senators were eager to meet them. They opened the doors to their Capitol offices to welcome guests, shake hands and offer snacks and refreshments. Star-Advertiser.

$149M in high-speed internet funding finalized. Hawaii has received final federal approval to begin spending nearly $149 million to expand high-speed internet access statewide, marking one of the largest digital infrastructure investments in state history, officials announced Wednesday. Star-Advertiser. Kauai Now. 

New report puts questions about nuclear power in Hawaiʻi on the back burner. The Hawaiʻi State Energy Office determined advanced nuclear technologies are not appropriate for Hawaiʻi at this time. Hawaii Public Radio.

DBEDT director talks challenges ahead for Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority. A $500,000 transfer between two funds at the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority was the headline from a Senate committee hearing last week. Lawmakers grilled Jimmy Tokioka, director of the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, on whether he had the authority to move the funds. Hawaii Public Radio. 

Hawaii ranked the worst state in which to drive. A study just released by the personal finance website WalletHub rated Hawaii the worst state in the U.S. in which to drive. The same study found Vermont the best state to drive in, followed by Iowa, with Kansas, Nebraska and Indiana rounding out its top five. Tribune-Herald. Hawaii News Now.

Multi-million dollar renovation coming to Hawaii governor’s official residence. Washington Place was once the private home of Queen Liliuokalani and is now the official residence of Hawaii’s governor — there are new plans to give the building a $7.3 million facelift. KHON2.

Oahu

Public Access To North Shore Beach Has Been Cut Off. The state plans to conduct a site visit and open a formal investigation if authorities determine a violation has occurred at Mokulēʻia. Civil Beat.

Honolulu traffic is some of the worst in the country, but improvements are on the way. According to a recent study done by TomTom Traffic Index, Honolulu ranks third in the country for the worst traffic. This includes an average travel speed of just 17.8 miles per hour, an average travel distance of just 4.4 miles in 15 minutes, and an estimated 88 hours spent sitting in traffic per year for Honolulu drivers. KHON2.

Honolulu police say more staff were needed on New Year’s Eve. During Wednesday’s Honolulu Police Commission meeting, HPD assistant chief Brian Lynch told the commission that although there were about 250 officers on patrol, more staff were needed to handle drone operations and hundreds of emergency calls for fireworks and criminal reports. Hawaii News Now.

Navy to begin to ventilate and decommission 9th tank at Red Hill. The Navy will begin ventilating another tank at the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility (RHBFSF) this month, marking it as the ninth of 14 in its decommissioning process. KITV4.

Coast Guard considers demolishing aging housing complex in Wailupe. There’s a small U.S. Coast Guard family housing project in Wailupe that’s being considered for demolition because of its age.The Wailupe Family Housing is tucked away on three acres just off Kalanianaole Highway next to the Wailupe Fire Station. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

AI-powered parking system debuts at Kona, Hilo airports on Big Island. A new ticketless parking system was launched at Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keāhole and Hilo International Airport to streamline entry and exit for drivers parking at the Big Island airports. Vehicles are identified by license plate recognition, eliminating the need for tickets. Parking fees are charged automatically through an online account. Big Island Now.

South Kohala Water Restriction Downgraded. The Water Restriction Notice issued for an area along the South Kohala coast has been downgraded to a Water Conservation Notice. The Hawaiʻi County Department of Water Supply says the mandatory 25% percent reduction in water use in the affected areas, issued back in December 2025, has ended. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now. 

Maui

With ‘tougher session’ ahead, Maui Nui lawmakers strategize on seeking funding for fire recovery, housing. As the 2026 Hawaiʻi State Legislature session kicks off today, funding to rebuild public projects like Lahaina’s Front Street Apartments and measures to boost the local economy will be among the priorities of Maui Nui’s state lawmakers. Maui Now.

Bill to accelerate property tax relief hits speed bump.  A proposal to provide expedited property tax relief to local homebuyers stalled Tuesday after Maui County finance officials cautioned that the county’s tax system is designed to be “retroactive” and cannot easily handle mid-year adjustments for now. Maui Now.

Fire Ant Invasion Has Reached A Tipping Point On Maui. The population of tiny stinging ants has surged despite efforts to control the invasive species. Experts fear devastating consequences if the infestation spirals out of control. Civil Beat.

Kauai

Kauaʻi’s Kouchi, Nakamura lead opening day of 33rd Hawaiʻi State Legislature. House Speaker Nadine Nakamura and Senate President Ronald Kouch welcomed lawmakers back to the State Capitol for the opening of the 2026 session that runs through May 8. They set a tone that balanced ceremonial tradition with the heavy responsibilities facing the state.  Kauai Now.

Federal judge dismisses Kōloa Rum Company’s constitutional challenge to Jones Act. A federal judge dismissed on Tuesday the Kōloa Rum Company’s constitutional challenge to the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, commonly known as the Jones Act, which requires all shipping between U.S. ports be conducted on vessels that are U.S. built, owned and registered, and crewed primarily by U.S. citizens. Kauai Now.

Sign wavers took to the streets prompted by the anniversary of Trump’s inauguration. A group estimated at more than 200 people gathered on Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026, for a “Light the Night For Democracy” gathering on the Kaumualii Highway sidewalks fronting Kauai Community College. Garden Island.

3rd legislator investigated in Choy bribery case, big changes mulled for medical marijuana law, turf war between lawmakers and new police standards board, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

FBI Recorded Hawaiʻi Lawmaker Being Given $35,000. Three years after the handoff, the identities of an unnamed man and a lawmaker he paid remain unknown to the public. A court filing reveals the existence of two new characters in a scandal that rocked the Hawaiʻi Capitol and launched a crisis of public trust that elected officials have yet to fully reckon with. The investigation landed Cullen and former Senate Majority Leader J. Kalani English in prison after they pleaded guilty to taking cash and other gifts from businessman Milton Choy. Acting U.S. Attorney Ken Sorenson confirmed officials are still working on the case, but he declined to answer questions. Civil Beat.

State Collects Money From Home Builders For New Schools. It’s Never Spent a Dime. Lawmakers and housing advocates say the fee should be eliminated because the state hasn’t used the money. DOE says the rules on spending it are too restrictive.Nearly two decades after the Legislature gave the Hawaiʻi education department a way to raise money from housing construction to pay for new schools, lawmakers may take that power away.  Civil Beat.

Tired Of Waiting For Rules On Police Chases, Lawmakers Step In. A turf war is brewing between a new police standards board and lawmakers, who are frustrated with the lack of progress. Civil Beat.

Governor names new appointment to water commission. Gov. Josh Green has appointed Hannah Springer to the Commission on Water Resource Management. Springer is from North Kona, where she and her family have maintained a homestead for 100 years, raising sheep, pigs, and chickens. Hawaii News Now.

Local ag leaders are trying to bring back federal funds for farming, food security. A Hawaiʻi delegation wrapped up a three-day visit Wednesday in Washington, D.C., for its second annual policy summit focused on farming and food security.  Hawaii Public Radio.

Big reforms may be in store for Hawaii’s medical marijuana program along with a crackdown on illicit cannabidiol (CBD) outlets. The changes would make it much easier to get medical cannabis and harder to find it illegally. Hawaii News Now.

Bill eases UH residency requirements for graduates of Hawaii high schools. House Bill 1170 aims to simplify residency requirements for students, particularly those experiencing homelessness or complex family situations, who currently face challenges in proving residency. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii joins legal challenge to block DOE closure. State Attorney General Anne Lopez is leading a multi­state legal battle to block the Trump administration in its attempt to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education, joining 20 other attorneys general in seeking a preliminary injunction to halt widespread layoffs and service disruptions. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Honolulu City Council to explore tax financing to fund development. The proposed program would employ tax increment financing, or TIF, which uses bonds to support public projects. Typically, this public financing method uses anticipated real property tax increases — also known as “tax increments” — to fund such projects. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi kicks off his annual town hall meetings with the public Thursday night, focusing on the west side of Oahu. Councilmembers say it’s no secret what their concerns are, and hope some progress is being made. KHON2.

State considers community assessment of possible Kakaʻako Makai developments. The Hawaiʻi Community Development Authority wants $1 million for community planning sessions and an infrastructure assessment of Kakaʻako Makai. That includes evaluating residential, hotel and manufacturing development in the area. Hawaii Public Radio.

Navy plan to reactivate a water source for military communities raises concerns.  The  military wants to reactive the Aiea-Halawa shaft as a backup water source. Hawaii News Now.

Daniel Kahikina Akaka State Veterans Home opens in Kapolei. The long-planned Daniel Kahikina Akaka State Veterans Home finally opened its doors Wednesday in Kapolei as the family of its namesake, the late U.S. senator from Hawaii, bestowed the facility with a traditional Hawaiian blessing. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

PBS Hawaii’s mission withstands any potential federal defunding. Despite calls from House Republicans to defund PBS and NPR, leadership at PBS Hawai‘i said the changes will not affect how they serve the local community. KITV4.

Hawaii Island

When will fire-prone Waikōloa get another evacuation route? Residents of fire-prone Waikōloa Village were hopeful that they would get a new evacuation route this year. Work on an egress road started under former Hawaiʻi County Mayor Mitch Roth, but now the new mayoral administration is casting doubt on the project. Hawaii Public Radio.

Officials address coconut rhinoceros beetle threat in Big Island community meeting. Elected officials will be joined by representatives of the Big Island Invasive Species Committee; the Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation Biosecurity Division; the Department of Land and Natural Resources Invasive Species Division; the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources; and the Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture to discuss the increasingly detrimental issue during a virtual community meeting next Wednesday. Big Island Now.

Three Big Island teachers recognized for receiving national certification. Three Hawaii Island teachers were among the 25 Hawaii educators from throughout the state who were recognized for their completion of the rigorous certification program of the National Board Certified Teacher. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

US Department of Labor awards additional $2.5M for Maui wildfire recovery jobs, training. The $2.5 million in additional funding is part of the Disaster Recovery National Dislocated Worker Grant (NDWG) and is allocated to the Hawaiʻi Department of Labor and Industrial Relations. Maui Now.

U.S. Rep Tokuda tells Maui residents fearful of Trump’s changes: ‘You need to help us agitate’.  Tokuda, a Democrat who represents Hawaiʻi’s 2nd Congressional District that includes Maui County, responded to vocal frustrations in a town hall on Maui last week with a call to action. Maui Now.

Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen presents proposed budget. Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen introduced a $1.5 billion proposed budget for the 2026 fiscal year as the county continues to work to fund wildfire recovery efforts and bolster emergency response measures. Maui Now. Maui News. Hawaii News Now.

Maui doctor charged after allegedly attempting to kill wife.  Gerhardt Konig, 46, allegedly struck his wife, 36, attempted to push her off the Pali Puka hiking trail on Oahu and then struck her multiple times with a rock Monday morning. Two witnesses called 911. Maui Now.  Hawaii News Now. KHON2.  KITV4. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai

Kaua‘i Police Department seeks recruits. Kaua‘i Police Department is looking for an infusion of new blue blood to better serve the Garden Isle with purpose. Police recently unveiled a new recruitment website, providing an opportunity for those interested in working for the department to explore rewarding career paths and join a dedicated team serving the Kaua‘i community. Kauai Now.