Lawmakers tackle pay-to-play loophole, delivery surcharge for safe streets, year-round legislative session, fireworks regulations, plus more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Bill To Close Pay-To-Play Loophole In Hawaiʻi Moves To Full House. State legislators are seeking to close a 20-year-old loophole that has allowed government contractors to donate to politicians despite a law that purports to ban such contributions. Civil Beat.

Hawaiʻi lawmakers still considering year-round legislative session. State lawmakers are considering measures to make Hawaiʻi’s legislative session continue throughout the year, although a Senate committee recently killed a pair of those bills. Hawaii Public Radio.

Journalists blast bill proposing regulations. A bill introduced in the Hawaii Legislature would establish a state-sanctioned journalistic code of ethics and create a Journalistic Ethics Commission and Journalism Review Board that could fine journalists and ban them from covering state government. Tribune-Herald.

Lawmakers consider delivery fees to support pedestrian and biking infrastructure. Senate Bill 1124 would establish a “retail delivery safety fee” for stores that make home deliveries. It would tack on $0.50 to businesses for non-food deliveries, and the fees collected would go into the state's Safe Routes to School special fund to pay for safety projects. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Lawmakers push for stricter fireworks regulations. Various state Senate committees passed bills Wednesday that would increase fines and penalties for people who fire off illegal pyrotechnics and also make it easier for law enforcement to cite and arrest them and for prosecutors to win convictions. Star-Advertiser. KITV4.

How can Hawaiʻi meet the goal of 50,000 new rooftop solar systems by 2030? Both the state Senate and House have introduced bills that reaffirm the goal of 50,000 new solar installations by 2030. Hawaii Public Radio.

Stakes Are High As Maui Wildfire Settlement Case Goes Before Supreme Court. The Hawaiʻi Supreme Court on Thursday is scheduled to hear a case that will impact Hawaiʻi’s economy regardless of which side wins. The results could be bankruptcy for the state’s biggest electric utility or rising insurance premiums. Civil Beat. Associated Press.

Priced Out of Paradise: Hawaii transplants flock to new location in search of lower cost of living. Over the last decade, Hawaii transplants have flocked to Las Vegas in droves, building a welcoming oasis in the desert. While a lower cost of living brought them to Nevada, islanders say the efforts in Las Vegas to preserve Hawaiian culture is what convinced them to stay. Hawaii News Now.

Binge Drinking On The Rise Among Hawaiʻi Seniors. Roughly 11% of older adults in Hawaiʻi reported excessive drinking in 2022, the highest rate of any state, according to data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention analyzed by the United Health Foundation for its annual America’s Health Rankings report. That’s up from 8% in 2021. Civil Beat.

Oahu

New Strategic Housing Plan for Oahu is launched by city. Mayor Rick Blangiardi's plan calls for the merger of the existing Mayor’s Office of Housing with the existing city Department of Land Management — to create the new Department of Housing and Land Management — to supposedly centralize and streamline the city’s development, finance and policy efforts. Star-Advertiser. KHON2. KITV4.

OHA, lawmakers try again to lift residential ban on Kakaʻako Makai lands. A bill aiming to lift a state law banning residential development at the waterfront area of Kakaʻako on Oʻahu cleared its first hurdle in the state Legislature. If Senate Bill 524 becomes law, OHA could develop two 400-foot buildings on that land.  Hawaii Public Radio.

Death Toll From Salt Lake Fireworks Explosion Rises To 6. Eight people are still being treated in burn units in Arizona and Honolulu, and the police investigation is ongoing. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser.  Associated Press. Hawaii News Now.  KHON2.

Military and local agencies practice Kolekole Pass evacuation route. On Wednesday, a large convoy of vehicles drove up Lualualei Naval Road and across Kolekole Pass to Schofield Barracks as part of a “full-scale” exercise. Star-Advertiser.  Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Hawaii Island

Study confirms sewage leaks in Keaukaha. Sewage in Keaukaha is leaching into groundwater 10 times faster than previously believed, according to a study by University of Hawaii scientists. Tribune-Herald.

Hawai‘i County Council roundup: Adopted resolution urging humane action to deal with potential avian flu outbreak. The Hawai‘i County Council unanimously adopted a resolution that urges state agencies to work with local poultry farmers to humanely deal with potential avian flu outbreaks. Big Island Now.

Maui

Waivers aim to streamline Lahaina rebuilding. Maui Mayor Richard Bissen announced Wednesday that the county will temporarily suspend Special Management Area rules for properties mauka of Front Street or outside of the erosion hazard line — a move that is expected to accelerate reconstruction efforts and support Lahaina’s wildfire recovery. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now.  Hawaii News Now.

Rental requirement begins March 1 for FEMA direct housing participants. Wildfire survivors currently in FEMA’s Direct Housing Program will be required to begin paying rent on March 1, 2025. The rental requirement will be in effect for the remainder of FEMA’s housing assistance program, which has been extended through Feb. 10. Maui Now.

Family of fallen Maui firefighter demands changes. Evans Enos filed a lawsuit against the county and his captain stating Tre’ did not have any protection when he was ordered to go near the storm drain while no one’s life was in danger. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai

Lion dance performances slated to welcome Year of the Snake on Kaua‘i. Saam Fu Chinese Cultural Arts of Honolulu is coming to the Garden Isle this week to continue celebrating Chinese New Year with traditional lion dances at several venues. Kauai Now.

Japanese tourism slow to recover, proposed constitutional amendment would limit campaign contributions, bills would speed development, oust homeless from bus stops, legalize recreational marijuana, ban flavored vapes, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Japanese visitors are still missing from Hawaiʻi's hospitality picture. Last year, the number of visitors who came to Hawaiʻi from Japan was less than half the number who came in 2019. It's not just the lingering effects of the pandemic keeping some of them away. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii visitors bureau to explore beyond HTA contracts. The Hawai‘i Visitors &Convention Bureau, a more than century-old member of Hawaii’s visitor industry, has for years shaped how visitors think of Hawaii and how residents perceive tourism. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiʻi constitutional amendment proposed as protest of unlimited campaign spending. Senate Bill 311 would advance a proposed amendment to the Hawaiʻi State Constitution to provide that its freedom of speech protection does not include the expenditure of money to influence elections. Kauai Now.

House bill advances to speed up historic preservation reviews of development projects. House Bill 738 appears aimed at removing one of the “systemic barriers” identified in a report by the Hawaiʻi Housing Finance and Development Corp. The report said such barriers in Hawaiʻi constrain housing production and lie at the root of the state’s housing shortage and residents’ high cost of living. Big Island Now.

Bills would require local UH med students to stay in state after graduating. House Bill 221 and Senate Bill 101 would require students who pay in-state tuition to attend UH’s John A. Burns School of Medicine to work in Hawaii for two years after they graduate. If they don’t, they would have to pay the state the difference between their in-state tuition and the cost, nearly double, of nonresident tuition: $36,372 for each academic year, compared with $71,328. Star-Advertiser.

24,000 In Hawaiʻi Call Federal Government Their Boss, For Now. Most federal employees in Hawaiʻi work in the defense sector, but about 5,000 work for other agencies including Veterans Affairs, Agriculture, Interior and Commerce, that could be affected by cutbacks under the Trump administration. Civil Beat.

Bill to ban loitering at bus stops sparks concerns about treatment of homeless people . People without housing may no longer be able to use bus stops as places to sleep or rest for long periods of the day. House Bill 1486 states that loitering within 20 feet of a bus stop will be considered a disorderly conduct offense. The bill allows law enforcement officers to immediately remove anyone who violates this order. Hawaii Public Radio.

Lawmakers try again to legalize recreational pot. A state bill that would legalize adult personal use of marijuana — as well as regulate recreational cannabis, medical cannabis and hemp within a single office — will get its first committee hearing this week. Tribune-Herald.

Bills aiming to ban flavored vapes reintroduced. Hawaii health advocates are once again pushing for legislation banning flavored nicotine and vape products to protect youth from becoming victims of the harmful substance. Star-Advertiser. Kauai Now.

Free school meals on legislative menu, once again. During the 2024 legislative session, a number of bills aimed at providing free school meals passed the House but ultimately stalled in the Senate. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiʻi Passed A Law to Pay The Wrongfully Convicted. No One Has Been Paid. The law requires people to prove they’re innocent to get paid. Even after their convictions have been set aside, no one has been able to meet that standard.  Civil Beat.

Hawaii Marines train with new anti-­drone fighting system.  Marines in Hawaii are testing out a new anti-­drone fighting system as they prepare for a deployment to the Western Pacific later this year as part of Marine Rotational Force Southeast Asia. Star-Advertiser.

U.S. Mint's new $1 coin features Native Hawaiian scholar Mary Kawena Pukui. A new $1 coin will feature a Native Hawaiian scholar that many credit with preserving and protecting ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

Honolulu officials preparing for more 'targeted' attempt at federal funding freeze. The City and County of Honolulu administration expects another attempt at a federal funding freeze, and is preparing for what could be a more “targeted” approach. Hawaii Public Radio.

Cameras almost ready to ticket drivers. Photo enforcement of speed limits at 10 intersections in urban Honolulu is expected to start with a warning period later this month or in early March after being authorized by state lawmakers last year. Star-Advertiser.

Officials urge action on speeding problem. During a town hall meeting Tuesday at Prince David Kawananakoa Middle School, residents of District 27 — Pacific Heights, Nuuanu and Liliha — voiced concerns about speeding on Pali Highway and in residential areas. Star-Advertiser.

Effluent at Kailua Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant meets standards. The test result taken Saturday showed that the enterococcus bacteria count is within the daily National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit limit for the Kailua wastewater treatment plant, and that the exceedance present on Jan. 31 is not continuing. Star-Advertiser.

Sinkhole repairs trigger partial closure of Kalanianaole Highway. The roadway was closed between Kealahou Street and the vicinity of the Makai Research Pier from 5 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Sunday.  Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Questions raised about DEM pick, but ultimately Segawa is approved by council. Mayor Kimo Alameda in November named Wesley Segawa — owner of Big Island consulting engineering firm Wesley R. Segawa and Associates — to serve as the director of the Department of Environmental Management. Tribune-Herald.

Sen. Hirono Questions Army Secretary Nominee On Pohakuloa Training Area. The U.S. Army’s effort to retain lands at Pōhakuloa for military training was briefly discussed at a recent Senate Committee hearing in Washington. Big Island Video News.

What’s next for Banyan Drive? Mayor, state legislators mull future of Waiakea Peninsula. During Wednesday’s meeting of the Banyan Drive Hawaii Management Agency, Mayor Kimo Alameda and three Big Island lawmakers discussed their visions for the peninsula. Tribune-Herald.

Tropical Gardening: Coffee flowering now means abundant harvests coming this fall. This year harvest should be concentrated thus making the harvest short and heavy if all else goes well. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Hawaii Supreme Court considers fate of $4B wildfire settlement. On Thursday, the Hawaii Supreme Court is scheduled to hear oral arguments primarily from three groups of litigants with huge stakes in the outcome of more than 600 lawsuits seeking compensation from wildfires that destroyed most of Lahaina and properties in Upcountry Maui on Aug. 8, 2023. Star-Advertiser.

Maui Lawmakers Seek To Speed Up Rebuilding For Some Fire Victims. As temporary housing for survivors has cropped up around the island, efforts to replace permanent housing have been slowed by a special state coastal permit process. Civil Beat.

As eviction moratorium ends, Maui’s renters face pricier market than before wildfires. Rents have dipped in recent months, but they’re still higher than they were before the fires. And even as dozens of people rebuild their burned homes and temporary housing projects go up, early data shows a dip in Maui’s population that economists and advocates worry will only worsen without more safety nets. Maui Now.

Woman killed in police shooting on Saturday. A woman armed with “an edged weapon” was shot dead by a Maui police officer Saturday. Maui Police Department officials said that at about 3:46 p.m., police received a report of an abuse case at a Noho Place residence in Pukalani. Maui News. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now.  Hawaii News Now.

Molokaʻi residents turn to risky boat crossings as Mokulele flight cancellations continue. Taking a fishing boat to the doctor's has become commonplace for Molokaʻi families in recent weeks. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kauai

Kauaʻi County schedules lane closures for week of Feb. 3-7, announces updated playcourt completion dates. Kauaʻi County Department of Public Works and its contactors announce lane closures. Kauaʻi County Department of Parks and Recreation also updated its schedule for completion of playcourt resurfacing projects at three parks in Wailua and Puhi. Kauai Now.

Tokuda out-raises Case for campaign funds, Cessna crash kills two near Honolulu airport, Kilauea activity increases, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

In Hawai‘i Congressional Fundraising, Tokuda Far Outraised Case. The first-term U.S. representative received most of her donations from individual donors while her veteran colleague was supported by PACs. Rep. Jill Tokuda, a first-term Democrat, outraised veteran Hawai‘i congressman Ed Case in the current election cycle, even though she refused to accept contributions from most political action committees tied to corporations. Civil Beat.

Gov. Green’s budget keeps ‘rainy day fund’ at $1.5 billion. Gov. Josh Green’s proposed state budget calls for no increase to the state’s $1.5 billion rainy day fund, but Green does want to dedicate all of the estimated $66 million in annual interest to help Hawaii address the effects of climate change and prevent future wildfires, according to the state Department of Budget and Finance. The Star-Advertiser incorrectly reported Tuesday that Green wants to increase the amount of the  fund. Star-Advertiser.

Community still has limited understanding of HECO's Public Safety Power Shutoff program. Hawaiian Electric monitored weather conditions during a red flag warning last week in case it needed to activate its Public Safety Power Shutoff program. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaiʻi peace activist banned from South Korea again. Just last month Hawaiʻi resident and peace activist Christine Ahn was banned from entering South Korea. It was the second time her activism put her on a do-not-travel list.  Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

Wind Turbines Set To Come Down, Threatening Hawaiʻi Renewable Energy Goals. Kahuku's wind turbines, which irked neighbors, will have to come down at the end of their 20-year contracts after a Honolulu City Council decision last week. Civil Beat.

City council votes to reconvene Oʻahu's agricultural task force. The Honolulu City Council has voted to restore an agricultural task force — and stakeholders say it’ll help keep city policymakers informed about the needs of Oʻahu farmers. Hawaii Public Radio.

2 killed in plane crash near Honolulu airport. Two Kamaka Air pilots on an afternoon training mission died Tuesday when they lost control of their single-turboprop Cessna Caravan and crashed into an abandoned building near Daniel K. Inouye International Airport. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.  KITV4.

Prison officials were warned murdered inmate was in danger. Raita Fukusaku, who was convicted in the death of a celebrity Japanese psychic, had been complaining he was in danger for more than five years.After 25 years in custody, Fukusaku was returned to Halawa Correctional Facility from a mainland prison in 2019 because of his advancing cancer. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii  Island

New County Council meets today, plans to work closely with Alameda. The reshuffled Hawaii County Council hopes to improve its relationships with the new county administration to get things done faster. Tribune-Herald.

Scientists To Switch To Daily Volcano Updates As Kilauea Activity Increases. Kīlauea volcano is not erupting. Although the USGS Volcano Alert Level remains at ADVISORY, the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory says an uptick in unrest at the summit has prompted scientists to switch from providing weekly Kilauea updates to daily updates. Big Island Video News.

Tsunami museum in trouble: Downtown Hilo site closes due to financial woes; staff laid off. The Pacific Tsunami Museum is in dire financial straits, and its organizers hope the community will step up and help it navigate out of troubled waters. Tribune-Herald. Hawaii News Now.

Kuawa Street homeless camp closes. A Hawaii County homeless shelter established near Mamalahoa Highway in July has been disbanded. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui is poised for $1.6B in federal funding to rebuild Lahaina. The U.S. Senate has tentatively agreed to $12 billion to respond to disasters across the country, including $1.6 billion to help Maui rebuild following the 2023 wildfires, U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz said Tuesday. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.

Maui ranked No. 3 as best place to visit in USA by US News & World Report. Maui comes after No. 1 Glacier National Park in Montana, and Yellowstone National Park, located in the northwest corner of Wyoming and extending into Montana and Idaho. Maui Now.

Lahaina could become first National Heritage Area in Hawaii. Both the U.S. Senate and House passed the Lahaina National Heritage Area Study Act this month. Hawaii News Now.The bill directs the National Park Service — in coordination with Maui County and other local partners — to study the feasibility and suitability of a National Heritage Area designation for Lahaina. Hawaii News Now.

Lahaina Disaster Recovery Community Meetings to be paused during the holiday season. The County of Maui’s weekly Lahaina Disaster Recovery Community Meetings will be paused during the holidays. The next in-person meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025, at Lahaina Intermediate School cafeteria. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kapaʻa High School students get head start on college through Chaminade University program. High school juniors and seniors at Kapaʻa High School, along with students from Sacred Hearts Academy and Saint Louis School on Oʻahu, can apply for the Chaminade University Early College program to earn college credit while still in high school. Kauai Now.

Hawaii's homeless elders double, Maui Planning Commission approves short-term rental phaseout, government contractor influence persists in local politics, arson suspected in Kauai wildfire, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Along with Hawaii's general population getting older, there are more aging homeless residents. The number of Kupuna in shelters has more than doubled over the past decade. KITV4.

Hawaii Contractors Are Still Big Contributors To Political Campaigns, Thanks To Loopholes In State Law. Executive officers and employees of government contractors along with their family members donated more than $170,000 to local campaigns between January and the end of June, a Civil Beat review of campaign finance data found. Civil Beat.

Candidates pledge not to accept donations from corporate interests, developers.  Forty-eight political candidates have signed onto the Our Hawaiʻi Pledge, a commitment to turn down campaign donations of over $100 from sources such as corporate lobbyists to developers, and hotels to military contractors. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Has More Money For Preschool Subsidies Than It Has Been Able To Give Out. The state will start accepting applications year-round in an effort to increase the number of families seeking help paying for preschool.  Civil Beat. Maui Now.

Hawaiʻi-based climate projects receive $5.5M from USDA. The University of Hawaiʻi received the largest grant, totaling over $2 million. The USDA awarded the money for the testing and research of the use of AI-enhanced irrigation systems at 14 farms. More than $1 million will go to E kūpaku ka ʻāina to improve the diversity of two culturally significant staple crops — kalo and ʻuala. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

The Bids Are Finally In For Honolulu Rail Through The City Center. No information is being released yet about whether the bids fit HART's budget, but the rail authority plans to award the major contract in August. Civil Beat.

Local 5 workers picket Waikiki hotels, plan strike vote as bargaining grows tense. Nearly 1,000 Unite Here Local 5 union workers picketed in front of major Waikiki hotels Tuesday demanding new contracts that provide “living wages, fair workloads, and proper staffing that ensures quality service.” Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

City Reopens Moanalua Park After Residents Questioned The Need To Close It. The city had closed the park more than a month ago to prevent hikers from accessing a trail leading to the site where the Haiku Stairs are being dismantled. Civil Beat.

New lifeguard towers coming to Oahu beaches. The replacement towers in question, which cost $45,000 each, include two at the Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve. Others will be placed at Kalama Beach Park, Sunset Beach, Maili Beach and at beach spots in Waimanalo, Waikiki and Ala Moana. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Volcano Alert Level raised then lowered after brief rise in earthquake activity at Kīlauea’s upper East Rift Zone. Earthquake and ground deformation rates in Kīlauea’s upper East Rift Zone decreased significantly following a “burst of intense activity” at approximately 3:30 a.m. HST on July 23, 2024. Big Island Now. KHON2.

Shaelynn Lehano-Stone: a timeline of tragedy. A 9-year-old developmentally disabled Hilo girl starved to death by her parents and grandmother eight years ago was on the radar of Child Welfare Services almost from birth. Tribune-Herald.

Hilo Youth Challenge Academy Changes Mission, Becomes Job Challenge Academy. The Hawaiʻi National Guard announced Monday that the Youth Challenge Academy in Hilo will be changing its name, who can participate, and its mission. Big Island Video News.

Construction to begin on new playground at park in North Kohala. Construction of a new playground at Kamehameha Park in Kapa‘au is slated to begin Wednesday. Big Island Now. Big Island Video News.

Longtime UH-Hilo theater sound tech dies in accident. Rob Abe, 61, of Volcano,  retired in 2022, after 30 years and 2,364 performances, as technical director of the University of Hawaii at Hilo Performing Arts Center. Tribune-Herald.



Maui

Maui Moves Closer To Phasing Out Thousands Of Short-Term Rentals To Deal With Housing Crisis. The Planning Commission unanimously recommended the County Council approve the mayor's proposal, with some tweaks, despite concerns that it will wreak economic havoc. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

Kamehameha Schools plans revitalization of fallow land in Lahaina. The trust, which owns about 1,160 acres of largely fallow former sugar cane plantation land in Lahaina, plans to expand agriculture and forestry on roughly 960 acres mostly above developed parts of the West Maui town, while also pursuing residential, commercial and recreational development on about 190 acres partly bordering neighborhoods destroyed by flames nearly a year ago. Star-Advertiser.

Maui wildfire survivors begin moving in to Laʻikū temporary housing project in Lahaina. La‘ikū will provide 16 two-bedroom, one-bath units at 560 sq. ft. each. The homes are being built on approximately two acres of land that was previously acquired by the HDOT as part of the Lahaina Bypass project. Maui Now.

Disaster Recovery Community Update Meeting in Lahaina Civic Center gym, July 24. Residents are encouraged to attend the County of Maui’s Weekly Disaster Recovery Community Update Meeting at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 24, in the Lahaina Civic Center gymnasium. Maui Now.

Kauai

Officials suspect arson in Koke‘e brush fire. Authorities suspect the Koke‘e brush fire, which scorched 1,600 acres, was intentionally set, officials confirmed Tuesday. Kauai Now.

TSA aims to bolster its staff on Kaua‘i. The Transportation Security Administration is looking for a few good people to help bolster its ranks at Lihu‘e Airport, where thousands of tourists arrive every week for the start of their Kaua‘i experience. Garden Island.

Pay to Play persists at state Capitol, Gov. Green outlines path to renewable energy goal, Maui fire chief unveils wildfire after-action report, Navy nixes Oahu landfill site, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Inside the Late-Night Parties Where Hawaii Politicians Raked In Money.  For the better part of a decade, some of Hawaii’s most powerful people huddled together at late-night parties in a cramped second-floor office where lobbyists and executives seeking government contracts lined up to drop cash and checks into a metal lockbox. Wesley Yonamine, the host and a high-ranking airport official, would, together with the politicians, pop open the box and dole out campaign contributions according to a list of pledges obtained before each event. Civil Beat.

Here's how measures pass a final hurdle before reaching the governor. The 2024 Hawaiʻi legislative session is in the home stretch, also known as conference committee. From April 15 to 26, legislators from both chambers will meet in conference committee to hash out their differences and discuss the exact wording for a final bill. Hawaii Public Radio.

Latest UH Board Of Regents Nominee Approved By Senate Committee — And Its Influential Chair. Sen. Donna Kim was pleased that Michael Miyahira shares her views on Senate oversight of the University of Hawaii. Civil Beat.

Will ratepayers will be on the hook for HECO's wildfire costs? Several utilities, including Hawaiian Electric, have eyed ratepayer-backed bonds as a possible avenue to recoup some of those costs. Hawaii Public Radio.

Lawmakers urge investigation, following power blackouts on Big Island and O‘ahu. In light of multiple power outages on the Big Island and O‘ahu this past weekend, three state senators sent a letter to the Public Utilities Commission expressing concern about the recent power blackouts. Big Island Now.

Land board defers decision on appraisal of lands leased by US Army. U.S. Army leases on Oʻahu and Hawaiʻi Island expire in five years, and the Board of Land and Natural Resources is considering a land exchange as an alternative to new leases. Hawaii Public Radio.

Governor Josh Green outlines diverse energy strategies for Hawaii's renewable goals. Governor Josh Green outlined alternate energy ideas to help the state reach its renewable energy goal: Using 100% renewable energy by 2045. KITV4.

Oahu

Proposals For Reforming Honolulu’s Pay Raise Process Split On The Question Of Who Should Decide. Seven charter amendments are currently being considered by council members, and the big question is who should get the final say on salary proposals. Civil Beat.

Another Miske Associate Turned Government Witness Takes The Stand. Will Jurors Trust Him? Observers say witnesses who've flipped on alleged racketeering boss Michael Miske can be hard for jurors to trust because of their own criminal backgrounds and incentives to lie. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

Navy nixes possible city landfill site. The Navy will not allow the City and County of Hono­lulu to locate a new landfill on Waipio Peninsula near Joint Base Pearl Harbor­-Hickam, the city announced Tuesday. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.  KHON2.  KITV4.

Not Just Red Hill: Hundreds Of Military Fuel Depots Threaten Environment And Public Health. A new federal report, ordered after the Red Hill crisis, uncovered oversight weaknesses at hundreds of the military's fuel storage sites. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser.

Navy removes toxic firefighting foam from Red Hill facility. The Navy as of Monday had removed just over 1,000 gallons of aqueous film forming foam concentrate — a toxic fire suppressant containing “forever chemicals” — from its AFFF system at the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility. Star-Advertiser.

Threatening note shutters 2 Oahu private schools. A note threatening gun violence at Damien Memorial School in Kalihi and Maryknoll School in Makiki prompted lockdowns and cancellation of classes and events Tuesday. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Homeless sweep spanning over 1 mile to shut down West Oahu Beach park for a week. Councilmember Andria Tupola says she requested the cleanup after two years of outreach.  Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani invests over $17M in Hawaii Island mansion. Ohtani reportedly just bought a property at the Mauna Kea Resort on Hawaii Island. The property is expected to be worth $17.3 million as Ohtani becomes the face of the resort line as part of its marketing strategy. Hawaii News Now.

Glenwood Recycling and Transfer Station to reopen Friday. Glenwood Recycling and Transfer Station will revert to its normal schedule of 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday, Tuesday, and Friday. Volcano Recycling and Transfer Station will revert to its normal schedule of 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, Thursday, Saturday (closed Friday, April 19). Big Island Now.

Nene gosling found dead in popular Hilo park. Patrons of Lili‘uokalani Park and Gardens in Hilo were disheartened recently to learn about the death of a nene gosling in the park. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Be Prepared: Maui Fire After-Action Report Details Need For More Equipment And Better Management. The independent report makes 111 recommendations that could guide Maui and other isolated communities to prevent another Lahaina tragedy. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser.  Associated Press. Maui Now.

Maui High announces $10M endowment from alum. Maui High School announced Tuesday it will receive a $10 million endowment from an alum who prefers to remain anonymous. Star-Advertiser. Maui News.

Kauai

Damage assessments, clean-up continue on Kaua‘i; farmers, ranchers advised to document damages. The Kaua‘i Emergency Operations Center remains partially activated after last week’s flooding events, as county and state officials continue to address various recovery efforts islandwide. Kauai Now.

Niumalu Bridge closed until further notice due to flood damage. The Niumalu Bridge in Nāwiliwili on the East Side of Kaua‘i is closed until further notice due to damage from the recent flood event, county officials reported Tuesday evening. Kauai Now.

Senators target Hawaii energy office for defunding, state mulls catastrophic insurance, litigation, investigations ramp up in Maui wildfire aftermath, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

State senators target Hawaii State Energy Office. A state agency directing Hawaii energy policy in areas including security, resiliency and environmental health is at risk of losing its independence. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii Public Radio.

The Clock Is Ticking For Hawaii To Commit Its Remaining Federal Coronavirus Funds. The state of Hawaii and the counties have until the end of the year to obligate up to $400 million in federal funds meant to alleviate the impacts of Covid-19 and support economic recovery, or face returning it.  Civil Beat.

Free Summer School Programs In Hawaii Face Uncertain Future. As federal coronavirus funding expires, the Hawaii Department of Education must make the case for continued investments in summer learning. Civil Beat.

State-run Reinsurance To Cover Catastrophic Events In Hawaiʻi. House Bill 2056 would create State Reinsurance Exploratory Working Group to gather information and find solutions. Big Island Video News.

Macadamia Nut Country of Origin Labeling Bill Advances In Hawaiʻi Legislature. The proposed bill moving through the Hawaiʻi State House requires the country of origin to be included on the principal display panel on a package of processed macadamia nuts. Big Island Video News.

Hawaii Prison Officials Hope A New Women’s Wellness Center Will Reduce Recidivism. The Women's Prison Project is raising $85,000 for a wellness center at the prison that is expected to improve quality of life for incarcerated women. Civil Beat.

UH moves toward an ‘indigenous-serving’ institution model. A year and four months after the University of Hawaii Board of Regents approved a strategic plan that in part calls for UH to “fulfill kuleana to Native Hawaiians and Hawaii,” officials are preparing to select an administrator to implement that “imperative” across the 10-campus system, and meanwhile launching a two-year cultural initiative on the flagship Manoa campus. Star-Advertiser. Big Island Now. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Illegal ‘Straw’ Donations Spotlighted By Mitsunaga Case Are Rarely Prosecuted. Lurking in the background of an alleged conspiracy to bribe Honolulu’s prosecutor is a separate but related issue: donations made under a false name to circumvent campaign limits. Civil Beat.

Office space conversions fuel $1B downtown Honolulu investment cycle. The lights are brighter in downtown Honolulu where post-­pandemic changes to work and lifestyle patterns are fueling an investment cycle that is expected to deliver at least 15 new projects valued at about $1 billion over the next five to seven years. Star-Advertiser.

New pedestrian walkway in Ala Moana connected after 2 years of construction. After nearly two years of construction, both sides of Hawaii’s newest elevated pedestrian walkway are finally connected over Ala Moana Boulevard. Hawaii News Now.

Land Board votes unanimously to protect crumbling Windward coastal highway. The state transportation department will build a 400-foot-long rock revetment along Kamehameha Highway between Ka’a’awa Beach Park and the elementary school. Hawaii News Now.

Emergency Room Closure In Wahiawa Magnifies A Capacity Crunch. As emergency rooms filled with patients, Honolulu's head of emergency services was tasked with coordinating ambulance arrivals. Civil Beat.

Oʻahu residents living in flood zones are asked to participate in survey. About 25,000 households on Oʻahu are in flood-risk areas, and the City and County of Honolulu wants to see how prepared residents are for possible floods. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Island

Roth offers State of the County. To combat the rising costs of housing, healthcare, and daily essentials Mayor Mitch Roth announced during the State of the County address his plan to ask the Hawai‘i County Council to decrease property taxes based on a close examination of the county budget. West Hawaii Today. Big Island Now. Hawaii News Now.

‘Safe Space’ draws concerns: Residents, lawmaker worried about impact of homeless camp on area. A state lawmaker has joined some Hilo residents in their concerns about a planned government-sanctioned homeless encampment near the Hilo Lagoon Center. Tribune-Herald.

Alternative Chosen For Pāhoa Library, Mass Transit Hub. The Preferred Alternative is the lot that is located at the northwest corner of Pāhoa Village Road and Kahakai Boulevard. Big Island Video News.

Work on Lanikaula Street to begin in May. Hawaii County Department of Public Works spokeswoman Sherise Kanae-Kane said a $5 million project to improve about 1,800 feet of Lanikaula Street between Kilauea Avenue and Manono Street will begin in May and continue through February 2025, weather permitting. Tribune-Herald.

Glenwood Transfer Station to close March 25 through May 15. The Glenwood Transfer Station will close on March 25 for construction activities, according to the County of Hawai‘i Department of Environmental Management’s Solid Waste Division. Big Island Now.

Maui

Lawmakers Want Utility Regulators To Conduct Their Own Fire Probe. Some legislators want an independent investigation because the state and Maui County are both involved in litigation over the August fires. Civil Beat.

Maui County attorneys request state subpoenas to manage fire response probe. Maui County attorneys say they have requested subpoenas to work with investigators hired by the state to assess governments’ response to the Aug. 8 wildfires, which killed 101 people, because the investigators have failed to follow realistic and respectful practices for gathering information.  Star-Advertiser.

Council advances eminent domain land condemnation for Central Maui Landfill expansion. Maui County Council members moved quickly Friday morning to give the first of two approvals for the county to launch eminent domain condemnation proceedings in 2nd Circuit Court.  Maui Now.

County Council Vice-Chair to host Meeting on Wednesday. Councilmember Yuki Lei Sugimura will host a community meeting on March 27th at the Mayor Hannibal Tavares Community Center in Pukalani from 6 to 8 p.m. The focus of the meeting will be on a potential water source development agreement between the County of Maui and Free Market Ventures, LLC.  Maui News.

Kauai

Someone planted non-native coral at ‘Anini Beach; DAR relies on community to report fishy goings-on. All is not well in the waters off ‘Anini Beach on the North Shore of Kaua‘i, where a three-year-old mystery with calamitous potential continues to baffle those tasked with conserving the area ecosystem. Kauai Now.

‘Bathrooms’ restoration springs up in Hanalei. Spring cleaning kicked off early for one Kaua‘i resident whose “labor of love” can be seen in Hanalei. Garden Island.

Green links Lahaina fires to climate change at UN summit, super PAC uses Maui fires as fundraising tool, HART claims $580M surplus at rail's end, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Gov. Green links Lāhainā fires to climate change during UN Sustainable Development Goals Summit. Hawai’i Gov. Josh Green spoke Sunday at the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals Summit in New York, delivering a message about the destructive impact that climate change is having in the state.  Big Island Now. Hawaii News Now.

This Hawaii Super PAC Says It’s Raising Money For Wildfire Victims — And Political Candidates Too. A progressive political organization is taking advantage of the Maui wildfires to raise hundreds of thousands of dollars that may go to support political candidates instead of direct help for victims of the Aug. 8 fires. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Has Been Facing A Housing Crisis For Generations. Politicians have been pledging to address a shortage of housing in the islands for decades, but the root causes of the crisis run deep. Civil Beat.

Hispanics Are The Fastest Growing Demographic In Hawaii. They Need More Services To Keep Pace. More translators, interpreters and other services are critical for residents and visitors who have been moving here in increasing numbers. Civil Beat.

Electric Seagliders Could Come To Hawaii As Soon As 2026. But Mokulele Airlines' new parent company says interisland travelers will start to see improvements in service much sooner than that. Civil Beat.

Health officials tout new COVID shot. The new COVID-19 vaccines being rolled out are a move away from the booster-shot models in use up to this point. Tribune-Herald. KITV4.

Oahu

HART says $580M surplus awaits at rail’s end. A cash surplus of over a half-billion dollars will likely be available once the city’s Skyline rail system ends at the Civic Center in Kakaako early next dec­ade, according to the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation. Star-Advertiser.

HART Board Defers Proposed New Rules. AG Anne Lopez warned the new rules as written would impose 'impermissible' restrictions on the free speech rights of some board members. Civil Beat.

Public votes on Red Hill oversight committee, includes two well-known Native Hawaiian activists. 10 people were selected on Saturday to be part of an oversight group for the de-fueling of the Navy’s Red Hill Facility scheduled for mid-October.  Hawaii News Now.

Payment for parking resumes after city installs new smart parking meters. All 2,200 of the city’s new smart parking meters are now in place, and Honolulu Police Department plans to start enforcement Monday. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu sugar mill housing camp slated for redevelopment. The remnants of a worker housing camp for the last sugar plantation to close on Oahu could become a new subdivision for primarily low-income households reflecting the character of the rural community in Waialua where some century-old homes still stand. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

USGS: Kilauea eruption ends as volcano alert lowered to advisory.  After a week of spewing lava, the eruption at the Kilauea summit within the Halemaumau crater has ended, according to the U.S. Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory. Star-Advertiser. Big Island Video News.  Big Island Now.  Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

County creates new wildfire working group. Hawaii County has established a multiagency working group to develop strategies and responses to wildfires and other threats around the island. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News.

EPA grant to fund program to reduce disposable foodware. Hawaii County will receive $1.5 million in a grant from the Environmental Protection Agency to develop a reusable foodware and refillable water bottle system in Hilo. Tribune-Herald.

New Kona affordable housing to be discussed. The public is invited to an informational meeting Monday where the proposed Kuakini Heights Affordable Housing Project details will be presented. West Hawaii Today.

County pool woes continue: Lack of lifeguards leads to unpredictable hours at many of the facilities. Residents continue to raise concerns about the lack of transparency pertaining to Hawaii County’s swimming pools. Tribune-Herald.

Old Hilo hospital renovations slated for next year. The old hospital building, currently leased to HOPE Services Hawaii and the Big Island Substance Abuse Council, is in need of substantial restoration work after decades of degradation. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui County Council considers bill on post-fire cleanup options. The Maui County Council is considering a bill that would give residents and businesses the option to have the government remove fire debris from their properties for free.  Maui News.

Maui police identify two more victims of Lahaina fire; bringing total to 69. The Maui Police Department released the names of two more victims from the Aug. 8 Lahaina fire on Sunday: Janet St. Clair, 75, and Douglas Matsuda-Boucher, 65, both of Lahaina. Maui Now. KHON2.

Scientists scramble to better understand scope of toxic sludge in Lahaina Harbor. Experts are worried about a slew of contaminants in the water, including fuel, dioxins, PCBs and forever chemicals — and all that sludge will eventually need to be dredged out. Hawaii News Now.

After Lahaina fire, seniors behind in receiving tech updates, study finds. Most of the victims of the Lahaina wildfire were ages 65 and older — a demographic that struggles with technology — while Maui County sent cellphone text alerts as the fire all but obliterated Lahaina, killing at least 97 people. Star-Advertiser.

Maui nonprofit expected to meet $6.5M goal in 2 weeks. The funds will go toward the first phase of a two-part campaign to help residents of Hawaiian ancestry impacted by the wildfires.  Star-Advertiser.

Hundreds of millions in private funding headed to Maui fire survivors. Upward of $200 million has been raised by five of the top sources of private donations and their affiliates for Maui wildfire victims, with charitable funds coming from hundreds of thousands of donors in Hawaii and across the globe. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai

Kaua‘i’s streams, rivers remain polluted despite drought conditions. Not even low rainfall can stop Kaua‘i’s rivers and streams from contamination. But Kaua‘i’s continued drought conditions have kept surf sites incredibly clean, limiting the potential for pollutants to creep into the offshore waters. Garden Island.

Hawaii gets $115.5M to expand internet access, state website exposes Green's personal data, clean elections bill gutted, 2 Honolulu councilmen seek rejection of big raises, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii to expand internet access. The islands will embark on a furious new era of high-speed internet connectivity — free to low-income customers — over the next two years after receiving $115.5 million in federal funds Thursday. The majority of the funds, about $101 million, will be used to improve the underwater cable infrastructure linking each of the islands. Star-Advertiser. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Are Hawaii Child Labor Laws Hampering Work-Based Learning Opportunities? House Concurrent Resolution 58 asks the state to review the current youth work permit system. Child labor laws in the state are being reviewed by the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations this legislative session in an effort to determine if Hawaii has the right mix of opportunities for kids as well as sufficient legal protections for them.  Civil Beat.

Access to Hawaii governor’s personal records spurs investigation. The state Judiciary is investigating how many people gained access to a system used by about 1,500 criminal justice partners after a Maui defense attorney was able to pull the personal information of Gov. Josh Green from records of four parking tickets he paid. Star-Advertiser.

Hawai‘i ‘clean elections bill’ gutted at last moment. State legislators made significant last-minute revisions this week to a bill aimed at publicly financing elections, transforming what would have been a radical shift in Hawai‘i’s politics into a one-year pilot program missing half of its funds. Garden Island.

Affordable housing for teachers poised to get big infusion of cash. Lawmakers have agreed on a huge infusion of money for teacher housing as they approach the final big deadline of their session. Hawaii News Now.

Child care subsidy expansion bill moves to final floor vote. Measures to usher in universal preschool access have passed through conference committee at the state Legislature. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Tourism Authority’s future in limbo. Lawmakers head to conference today on two bills that provide a last chance for the Hawaii Tourism Authority and the Hawai‘i Convention Center to get funded this session after their operational budgets were left out of the final version of a state budget bill earlier this week. Star-Advertiser. Garden Island.

Young climate plaintiffs fight trial delay. Attorneys representing the Hawaii youth plaintiffs suing the Department of Transportation for not doing enough to combat climate change have filed a motion to prevent the trial from being delayed by at least eight months. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Two Honolulu City Council members introduce bill to reject pay increase. Council members Augie Tulba and Andria Tupola have announced that they have introduced two resolutions that will reject the pay raises adopted by the Salary Commission. KHON2.

As House Prices Fall, Condo Prices Are Up in Seven Regions of O‘ahu. But just about everywhere on the island, fewer condos were sold in the first quarter of this year compared to last year – much fewer. Hawaii Business magazine.

Kamalani Academy wins appeal over closure of school. In an unprecedented court-style hearing Thursday, the state Board of Education reversed a decision by the state Public Charter School Commission to close the Wahiawa charter school Kamalani Academy.  Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

DOH: Discovery of WWII-era munitions along popular shoreline highlights alarming safety threat. The military says it recently unearthed six WWII-era mortars and grenades in Waimanalo, scattered throughout an area some residents use as a beach access. Hawaii News Now.

‘Forever chemicals’ detected in second Kunia Village well. A second well in Kunia Village, a small agricultural community in central Oahu, has tested positive for chemicals known as PFAS.  Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Acting chair is named head of Aloha Stadium Authority board. Brennon Morioka has been the board’s leader since last summer, when former Chair Ross Yamasaki’s term on the Stadium Authority ended. Star-Advertiser.

President of Nauru visits Honolulu. A Wednesday news release from U.S. Coast Guard District 14 said President Russ Joseph Kun and his delegation visited U.S. Indo- Pacific Command, met with Coast Guard officials and met with members of the East-West Center at the University of Hawaii at Manoa and the Daniel K. Inouye Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies in Waikiki. Star-Advertiser.

Knives, collapsible baton confiscated from Hilo-bound traveler at Honolulu airport. A Hilo-bound traveler was cited after two knives and a baton were confiscated from him while going through a Transportation Security Administration checkpoint at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport earlier this month. Big Island Now. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park Goes Cashless On May 26. Ahead of Memorial Day weekend, the park will no longer accept cash for entrance fees or passes; only credit / debit cards and digital site passes. Big Island Video News.

$18M secured to prevent closure of Kona Community Hospital.  From that amount, $16.2 million will go toward upgrades to infrastructure to mitigate the risk of the hospital’s closure, and $2.3 million is designated for expansion of the pharmacy. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Now. KHON2.

Hilo Company May Get $20 Million To Rehab Banyan Drive Condo Complex. A dilapidated condominium complex on state land along Hilo’s Banyan Drive may be in line for a $20 million makeover. The Hawaii Board of Land and Natural Resources is expected to decide on Friday whether to award a contract to Hilo-based Banyan Drive Management to renovate the Country Club Condominium complex, a 152-unit property. Civil Beat. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now.

Big Island Police Tackle Cockfights But The Real Catch Is On The Sidelines. Hawaii County Police Chief Ben Moszkowicz says officers target cockfights where the stakes are highest. Civil Beat.

Maui

Retired Maui Wastewater Employee Gets 16 Months In Prison For Taking Bribes. Wilfredo Savella, 71, a  retired Maui County wastewater maintenance mechanic was sentenced Thursday to 16 months in federal prison and two months of house arrest for his role in a corruption scandal that also put away former state lawmakers Ty Cullen and Kalani English. Civil Beat.

The State Is Putting $100M Toward Major Maui Projects And Groups. Hawaii lawmakers allocated funding for axis deer mitigation, agriculture, school upgrades and more. Civil Beat.

Following upgrades, popular Maui destination will reopen — with a reservation system. After a months-long closure, a popular attraction on the Valley Isle will finally reopen next week. And when it does, tourists will have to plan ahead if they want to visit. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai

Kauai Wants To House The Homeless — Just Not In Their Backyard. The county is trying to address an increase in homelessness despite persistent NIMBYism. Civil Beat.

Health department retesting Waioli Beach Park water. Levels of 137 per 100 milliliters were detected during routine beach monitoring, but the Department of Health is uncertain about the representativeness of the first sample. Kauai Now.

Hawaii short health-care workers, teachers, corrections officers; cash flows to legislators during session, coffee labeling bill advances, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Lawmakers Consider Higher Bar For Labeling Hawaii Coffee. The label “Kona Coffee” could no longer used by coffee distributors unless more than half of the blended beans were in fact from Kona if a bill moving through the Legislature becomes law. Civil Beat.

Campaign Cash Flowed To Hawaii Senators Just Before An Energy Bill Vote. Reform Measures Won’t Stop It. A bill would prohibit lobbyists from cutting checks to lawmakers during the legislative session, but wouldn't prevent other people with an interest in legislation from writing checks. Civil Beat.

Bills to repeal Hawaii Tourism Authority advance. Two bills are moving forward to repeal the embattled Hawaii Tourism Authority this legislative session, which could prove one of the more contentious for the agency since state lawmakers gave it life in 1998. Star-Advertiser.

Lawmakers Are Focusing On Hawaii’s Youngest Residents As Other Education Measures Stall. Proposals to increase preschool attendance and stabilize child care centers are receiving the most attention in this legislative session. Civil Beat.

To stem exodus of preschool teachers, lawmakers consider using taxpayer dollars to boost their pay. Hawaii preschools say a shortage of qualified teachers is making Hawaii’s childcare crisis even worse. Now, lawmakers are considering using taxpayer money to give some underpaid educators a raise. Hawaii News Now.

Resurrected afterschool proposal gets approval from Senate committee.  House Bill 69 would give an additional $2.5 million to the DOE's Resources for Enrichment, Athletics, Culture, & Health (REACH) program for middle and intermediate school students. Hawaii Public Radio.

Reports show more healthcare workers leaving Hawaii. According to a recent survey from the Healthcare Association of Hawaii, vacancy rates went from 10% in 2019, to 17% in 2022. KHON2.

Waitlists grow for Hawaii’s long-term care facilities. For years, Hawaii’s long-term care facilities, which include nursing homes, have been dealing with staffing shortages, even before the COVID-19 pandemic. Today the situation has only gotten worse, with long-term care facilities operating in crisis mode. Star-Advertiser.

Labor conflict in Hawaii’s shipping industry playing out at Legislature.  The dispute is largely, or at least partly, between different factions of organized labor, and it could affect the prices and availability of goods. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s state prisons face severe staff shortages. The confirmation hearing for Tommy Johnson to lead the state Department of Public Safety revealed a deep and complex rift between guards and the department over chronic staff shortages, absences and overtime. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

DOH: Fecal bacteria in Kailua Bay exceeds permitted levels; Stay out. The public is advised to avoid Kailua Bay until further notice after wastewater was discharged into the ocean, according to the Hawaii Department of Health. Star-Advertiser. KHON2.

State considers closing financial gap to buy Maunawili Valley. More than a thousand acres of Maunawili are privately owned, and for years community members have been raising funds to buy it. Now, with the state’s help, they hope to restore agricultural land and preserve cultural and historical sites. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Permit granted for Ka‘u-based satellite receiver array. The Academia Sinica Institute of Astronomy and Astrophysics plans to install a system of 10 satellite dishes 20 feet in diameter on a two-acre site on a larger 10.7-acre parcel in Wood Valley in order to observe faint radio pulses from deep space. Tribune-Herald.

60th Annual Merrie Monarch Festival kicks off with Ho‘olaule‘a. Seven halau and a taiko drum group were to entertain an anticipated crowd of hundreds, perhaps thousands, starting at 9 a.m. at the Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium. Tribune-Herald. Hawaii News Now.  KITV4.

Merrie Monarch Week: The ‘unofficial’ events.  The action during the upcoming 60th Annual Merrie Monarch Festival in Hilo on the Big Island isn’t just confined to the official events at Edith Kanaka‘ole Multi-Purpose Stadium and Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium. Big Island Now.

Maui

Bissen’s Spending Plan For Maui Targets Affordable Housing And A Rainy Day Fund. His $1.23 billion spending plan for Maui, Lanai and Molokai is only slightly higher than fiscal year 2023’s $1.21 billion spending plan — the largest budget in county history.  Civil Beat.

Maui experts hope to catch up in battling coquis, Little Fire Ants, miconia. Christy Martin and Teya Penniman have spent more than 20 years successfully leading the fight against alien species on Maui, including the coqui frogs and Little Fire Ants. But they warn budget cutbacks in recent years have hurt their efforts. Maui Now.

Mokulele Airlines struggles to win the trust of its kamaʻāina passengers. Mokulele Airlines serves as a lifeline for the Molokaʻi and Lānaʻi communities, especially for critical medical appointments and off-island work. However, residents say they can no longer depend on Mokulele to get them there.  Hawaii Public Radio.

Kauai

Kaua‘i police warn of Craigslist apartment rental scams. The already herculean task of finding an affordable apartment on Kaua‘i has been made more difficult by a recent rash of fake listings aimed at scamming tenants. Garden Island.

Therapists to analyze ‘climate psychology’ at next Kaua‘i Climate Action Forum. The Kaua‘i Climate Action Forum – made up of local environmental groups Zero Waste Kaua‘i, Kaua‘i Climate Action Coalition and the Surfrider Foundation Kaua‘i Chapter – will discuss “climate psychology” at its next online meeting. Kauai Now.