Hawaii settles landmark climate change case, Maui council member seeks statewide delay of school start for Lahaina fire anniversary, gas prices decrease, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaiʻi agrees to landmark settlement in youth climate lawsuit. In the settlement, the state commits to implementing targeted plans and programs to decarbonize the state’s transportation system and reduce greenhouse gas emissions and reliance on fossil fuels. Star-Advertiser. Associated Press.  Hawaii Public Radio. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Now.  Hawaii News Now.

Maui Council Member Wants Schools To Delay Classes For Lahaina Fire Anniversary. The Maui County Council is taking up a resolution on Friday asking the Hawaii Department of Education to delay the start of classes for public school students across the state by a week to recognize the one-year anniversary of the Maui wildfires. Civil Beat. Maui Now.

3 Hawaii governors support former state lawmaker as race for state Senate seat heats up. Three Hawaii governors are backing former Democratic state Sen. Clayton Hee, who’s trying to win back his old seat in District 23 from Kaneohe to Wahiawa. Hee has the backing of long-time legislative friends of 40 years — former Govs. Neil Abercrombie, Ben Cayetano, and John Waihee. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

AAA Hawaiʻi: Gas prices decrease. Gas prices statewide are decreasing, according to the AAA Hawaiʻi Weekend Gas Watch. The statewide average price for regular unleaded is $4.72, which is four cents lower than last week. Maui Now.

Oahu

Future Of HART Line Extending Into City Center Hinges On Critical Contract Bid. This is the second time the rail authority solicited proposals for that segment. Last time the bids were $1 billion too high, forcing years of delays and some major cost cutting. Civil Beat.

Man, DLNR employee charged in death of monk seal pup on North Shore. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration announced Thursday  that its Office of General Counsel assessed Lesley Macpherson and James Armstrong Lyman a $20,000 penalty “in the case of an attack by unleashed dogs causing the death of a Hawaiian monk seal pup.” Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.  KHON2.

Court temporarily halts Haiku Stairs’ demolition. The Friends of Haiku Stairs’ recently filed legal injunction to stop the city’s demolition of the World War II-era staircase, above Haiku Valley and the H-3 freeway in Kaneohe, partially advanced this week. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.  Hawaii News Now.  KHON2.  KITV4.

HECO restores power to last 600 Chinatown customers. Hawaiian Electric said power has been restored to the remaining 600 customers in Chinatown at around 3:45 p.m. Thursday. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

After more than 40 years, Native Hawaiians in King's Landing could get long-term leases. A proposal to develop more than 1,300 acres in King’s Landing on Hawaiʻi Island is being considered by the state Department of Hawaiian Home Lands. Hawaii Public Radio.

Committee denies extension for Kona Vistas. When development of the Kona Vistas subdivision began in 1984 on Queen Ka‘ahumanu Highway in Holualoa, the developers at the time planned for a second phase that would add a 450-unit multifamily housing project on a 69-acre parcel immediately south of the subdivision. Tribune-Herald.

43 Acres In Kaumana Purchased By Hawaiian Non-Profit For Affordable Housing. The Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement has acquired 43.08 acres of land in “the Kaumana subdivision of Ponahawai, Hilo” for an affordable housing development, said to be a first step towards establishing “a private land trust specifically for housing Native Hawaiian and other Hawai‘i families.”  Big Island Video News. KHON2.

Maui

Maui Golf Course Odor Prompts Council To Consider Repealing County Pesticide Ban. The required shift to organic fertilizer, and subsequent use of manure, spurred recent complaints. Civil Beat.

West Maui residents want bypass extended to ease daily traffic nightmare. Hawaii Department of Transportation officials promised residents they will open Honoapiilani Highway to help alleviate traffic on the Lahaina Bypass. Hawaii News Now.

Deaths, drugs, violence reported at Maui homeless shelter -- management responds to claims. According to the Maui Police Department, it received 174 calls from the site – ranging from assaults, narcotics, to terroristic threats – leading to 59 incident reports. MPD confirmed there have been four deaths at the facility since it opened weeks after the fires to house the pre-disaster homeless. KITV4.

Community supports rebuilding King Kamehameha III Elementary on historic Front Street. While it’s well-loved, the Front Street location is still in the fire recovery process and the property does not have space for future expansion. Hawaii Public Radio.

Change of zoning recommended for one of oldest buildings in Hāna town. The former Old Laundry Building in Hāna would be returned to commercial use in a bill providing for change of zoning to country-town business district for the structure located across from the Hāna-Maui Resort. Maui Now.

Kauai

Disaster awareness improves among Kauaʻi residents, county survey finds. The percentage of households with an emergency communication plan rose by 15% since 2023. Also, 80% of residents knew that they should have a 14-day supply of essential supplies like food, water and medication. Hawaii Public Radio.

Māla lā‘au coming to Wailuā Homesteads Park on Kaua‘i; nonprofit wants neighborhood input.  A county park on the East Side of Kaua‘i is set to add something unprecedented: A māla lā‘au, or forest garden, bringing well-being to the community around it. Kauai Now.

Hawaii climate policy at risk in SCOTUS lawsuit, state could hike fines for fire safety violations, hotel occupancy down, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

SCOTUS ruling hints end is near for effort to make climate policy in state courts. If a beach erodes in Honolulu, can a company be sued for producing oil in Holland? And under Hawaii state laws to boot? Sunoco and other energy companies want such lawsuits tossed, arguing that energy policy is set by Congress at the federal level, not municipal lawsuits under state and local laws. Tribune News Service.

Legislation hiking fines for fire safety violations awaits action by Gov. Green. A bill that would allow counties to levy as much as a five-fold increase of monetary fines for fire safety violations is awaiting action by Gov. Josh Green. Maui Now.

Hawaii hotel occupancy fell in May as softness continued. Summer isn’t coming in hot for Hawaii hoteliers, who saw hotel occupancy drop to its lowest level of the year in May and are expecting a continued slowdown. Star-Advertiser.

Unlicensed Care Homes Dodge Increased Enforcement In ‘Cat And Mouse Game’ The Office of Health Care Assurance has issued cease-and-desist orders to an average of six homes per year since 2018. But dozens of these unlicensed facilities, mainly for elderly adults, continue to operate around the state. Civil Beat.

Private Donations Are Helping Hawaii Fire Departments Fill Budget Holes. Fire departments across the islands have long been on the lookout for funding to supplement their county-funded budgets. They apply for state and federal grants, but also look to private sources to fill financial gaps that national advocates say have widened in recent decades. Civil Beat.

Hawaii-developed COVID home test kits being sold online. A locally developed COVID-19 test kit is now on the market as cases of the contagious disease are on the rise in Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Honolulu Ethics Commission to review city gift-giving bill. Crafted with the assistance of the Ethics Commission, Bill 23 is supposed to tighten existing rules that bar city workers from accepting gifts valued in excess of $50, also clarifying which gifts may be solicited or accepted. Star-Advertiser.

Supporters of embattled rail CEO say her ongoing contract woes could cost taxpayers. Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi is still pushing hard to get a contract extension for embattled rail CEO Lori Kahikina. Hawaii News Now.

Downtown Honolulu is plagued by another power outage. Hawaiian Electric repair crews continued to work overnight after a power outage shut down downtown Honolulu — the second disruption in less than a week to affect the area. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.  KHON2.

Plans to demolish former PBS building provoke tempers at UH Board of Regents. The University of Hawaii Manoa campus building that housed PBS for decades is finally headed for demolition. But UH Regent and former Gov. Neil Abercrombie fought the plan, which provoked anger from UH President David Lassner. Hawaii News Now.

Oʻahu's new water desalination facility gets $19M in federal funds. The federal government is sending Oʻahu around $19 million for a facility to turn seawater into fresh water. Hawaii Public Radio.

Ex-OCCC officer in murder, kidnapping case called ‘emotional’. Police officers’ testimony Tuesday provided clues as to what was on the mind of a then 44-year-old Oahu Community Correctional Center training officer after he allegedly fatally shot his 66-year-old mother eight years ago in his Maili home. Star-Advertiser.

A deputy sheriff was arrested Tuesday amid a harassment investigation and was placed on paid administrative leave. Authorities said Alvin Turla, 47 was arrested at 10 a.m. Tuesday. Hawaii News Now.

‘It’s out of control’: E-bike crashes and noise concerns spur heated townhall in Ewa. With e-bikes growing in popularity, a town hall in Ewa was held to raise awareness about how to ride them safely. However, concerns about safety, noise, and confusion about e-bike laws have caused pushback from some residents.  Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

Council favors proposed performance audit of Hawai‘i County R&D Department. The Hawai‘i County Council wants to know exactly what the Hawai‘i County Department of Research and Development is doing and if its resources are being used effectively. Big Island Now.

Call center nearly complete: Police and fire dispatchers could move in this September. Hawaii County’s police and fire dispatchers are getting closer to moving into a new call center that has been under construction since October 2021. Tribune-Herald.

Community hospital survey finds need for new medical facility closer to Kailua-Kona. A healthcare needs survey from Kona Community Hospital found the need for more preventative care providers and the need to build a new facility. Hawaii Public Radio.

Maui

Maui residents: The state wants to know if you don’t have access to broadband internet. State data shows 1 in 10 people do not have access to high-speed internet. Hawaii News Now.

Maui nonprofit offers 40 job opportunities to assist in wildfire relief efforts. Youth job training nonprofit Kupu has positions starting at $16 an hour within resource hubs and education centers. Hawaii News Now.

Community feedback sessions report released on the rebuild plan for King Kamehameha III Elementary in Lahaina. The three choices presented to the community were: the original location on Front Street; Pulelehua, which is near the current temporary location; and Kā’anapali 2020–Pu’ukoli’i Village Mauka. Maui News.

Officials working to curb illegal camping, trespassing at popular South Maui beach. While illegal camping has been an ongoing issue along South Maui shores, some say the problem has gotten worse specifically at Po'olenalena Beach Park over the past few months.  KITV4.

Kauai

Are Kauai residents ready for an emergency? County releases results from new preparedness survey. Did you know 38% of Kauai residents have only one evacuation route in case of an emergency?That’s according to a new county survey of 177 residents conducted earlier in June. Hawaii News Now.

Decade-low candidates in this year's elections, oil industry asks Supreme Court to block climate change lawsuits, Air Force changes mind, opts to keep Bellows Air Force Station, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Fewer Candidates Filed For Election In Hawaii This Year Than In The Past 10 Years. Dozens of incumbent lawmakers face no challenger. The most significant race in Hawaii’s Aug. 10 primary may well influence who is the next speaker of the Hawaii House of Representatives — and thus directly impact the policies and laws of the entire state. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Oil industry asks Supreme Court to block climate change lawsuits from Hawaii, other states. Oil and gas companies are asking the Supreme Court to block dozens of high-powered lawsuits from Hawaii to Massachusetts seeking to hold the industry liable for billions of dollars in costs related to climate change. Los Angeles Times.

State insurance chief doesn’t see carrier exit. Hawaii has been the subject of some scary national headlines lately regarding property insurance, but the state insurance commissioner Tuesday expressed a less calamitous view of the industry affecting homeowners. Star-Advertiser.

A ‘Hard Market’ Is Battering Condo Owners. A confluence of events is causing the hard market, said Hawaii Insurance Commissioner Gordon Ito. And the resulting spike in premiums — primarily for hurricane insurance for condominium associations — is sending shocks to homeowners across Hawaii, Ito said. Civil Beat.

Hawaii launches wildfire, drought alert campaign. The summer months ahead are shaping up to be hot and dry, with the same level of wildfire risks as 2023, according to experts Tuesday at the launch of the Wildfire and Drought Lookout campaign. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now.  Hawaii News Now.  KITV4.

Hawaiian Telcom vows to serve Hawaiian home lands amid disruption. After Gov. Josh Green’s emergency proclamation Friday to preserve telecommunications services for approximately 1,500 homes and businesses served by Sandwich Isles Communications, Hawaiian Telcom on Tuesday announced its commitment to serving residential and business customers on Hawaiian home lands with existing connectivity infrastructure. Star-Advertiser.

Doctors to get tax relief on patients' government health plans under new law. Starting in 2026, doctors will no longer have to pay the state’s general excise tax on health care for patients on Medicare, Medicaid and Tricare. Hawaii Public Radio.

State works to spend millions of dollars to address opioid addiction. Hawaiʻi can address substance abuse with $33 million from opioid manufacturer settlements — and that number is expected to continue to grow. However, managing and spending the funds has been a work in progress. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

Air Force has ‘change of heart’ on plan to part with training site riddled with old munitions. Citing “changes in operational requirements,” the Air Force says it now plans to keep a 138-acre training site at Bellows Air Force Station that it had long planned to part with. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu Council is poised to adopt $4 billion-plus budget. The Honolulu City Council today is expected to review for adoption the city’s proposed $3.63 billion executive operating budget for the 2025 fiscal year, which begins July 1. Star-Advertiser.

Blangiardi calls for multi-year contract for Honolulu rail CEO.  Mayor Rick Blangiardi today told officials who oversee the city’s rail project to offer a multi-year contract to Lori Kahikina — its CEO and executive director — and fully cooperate with an investigation into any alleged “bullying and harassment” of Kahikina by the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation’s board of directors. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.

Honolulu City Council Proposes Kailua Land Sale For Hawaiian Homelands. Hawaiian homelands lots may be offered for the first time in Kailua under a proposal introduced at the Honolulu City Council on Tuesday. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

Man awarded $12.5M from city ordered held without bail in federal gun, drug case. The 38-year-old man who settled with the city for $12.5 million following injuries he suffered in a 2021 police pursuit was ordered held without bail today on federal charges that he used a ghost gun while selling methamphetamine in Waianae. Star-Advertiser.

Raw sewage seeps over Sand Island park. Sand Island State Recreation Area has long stretches of coastline and plenty of pretty beaches. But at the end of the park, there was something ugly found behind one of its bathrooms. KITV4.

Hawaii Island

COVID cases creep up on the Big Island. Hawaii Island hospitals are reporting a slight increase in COVID-19 activity similar to rising rates throughout the state. Tribune-Herald.

Recent Kilauea eruptions could indicate new phase of activity. Ken Hon, scientist in charge at HVO, said Kilauea’s recent behavior seems to potentially indicate a new phase of volcanic activity, one characterized by a series of “pulses” of activity instead of sustained events over longer periods of time. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui court upholds governor’s Emergency Proclamation on affordable housing. Second Circuit Court Judge Peter T. Cahill issued judgment in favor of Gov. Josh Green, M.D., and the Hawaiʻi Housing Finance and Development Corporation, in a lawsuit that sought to, among other things, invalidate the governor’s emergency proclamation on affordable housing. Maui Now.

Temporary groundwater monitoring wells to be installed at Temporary Debris Storage site in Olowalu. County officials say the installation is part of its commitment along with the US Army Corps of Engineers to protect public health and the environment during the wildfire cleanup. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative continues to lead Hawai‘i in renewable generation. For the fifth straight year, Kauaʻi Island Utility Cooperative leads the state of Hawaiʻi in renewable generation, having achieved 57.9% renewable for 2023. This puts KIUC well ahead of the state of Hawaiʻi requirement of 40% by 2030. Kauai Now.

Visitor count drops, spending climbs on Kaua‘i in April. A steep drop in the number of visitors to the island of Kaua‘i in April was of no consequence on the spending front, as tourists continued to plow piles of cash into the local economy. Garden Island.

Condo owners hit with high insurance costs, climate change could bring more infectious disease, free flights offered to Maui fire survivors, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Condo Owners Are Starting To Feel The Pain From Rising Insurance Costs. Gov. Josh Green has created an advisory team to work on ways to stabilize the market which has been battered by climate-related catastrophes. Civil Beat. KHON2.

Scientists predict climate change will bring more infectious disease to Hawaiʻi .  As human-driven actions change the climate, they're also changing the landscape for infectious diseases. Health officials are grappling with what that means for Hawaiʻi. Hawaii Public Radio.

Schatz, Tokuda seek higher Medicare reimbursements for Hawaii physicians. U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz, alongside Hawaii’s congressional delegation, plans today to introduce new legislation seeking higher Medicare reimbursements for the state’s health care providers. Star-Advertiser.

Pacific Fleet gearing up for return of RIMPAC exercises to Hawaii. The U.S. Navy’s Pacific Fleet is gearing up for the biennial Rim of the Pacific exercise — better known as RIMPAC — set to begin next month. Star-Advertiser. Big Island Now.  Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Mitsunaga Secretary Acquitted For Bribery Could Still Face State Campaign Violations. For a decade, Terri Ann Otani made tens of thousands of dollars in donations to political candidates in the names of her family members, according to her relatives.  Civil Beat.

Legal analysts: Board of Water Supply’s $1.2B claim with Navy likely headed to lawsuit. The Board of Water Supply and Navy are corresponding with each other as part of the utility’s $1.2 billion claim aimed at recouping costs associated with the Red Hill fuel leaks. Despite the movement, legal analysts think the massive claim will likely end up in court. Hawaii News Now.

Health official discusses air monitoring plan as Navy prepares to vent Red Hill tanks. More than 100 million gallons of fuel have been drained from the Navy Red Hill underground fuel facility, but residual fumes could still pose a risk to workers and neighboring communities. Hawaii Public Radio.

City begins sales of license plate shaka decals.  Starting Thursday, the new shaka license plate decal will be available for purchase at any satellite city hall on Oahu to support efforts to reduce aggressive driving. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Agriculture department surveys Waimanalo nursery for fire ants. The Hawaii Department of Agriculture says it is working with Pua Lani Landscape Design in Waimanalo to survey and treat little fire ants. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

More strategies mulled for feral pig conundrum. As the population of feral pigs on the Big Island continues to grow, county officials and residents are considering a wider range of solutions. Tribune-Herald.

Groundbreaking held for Waikoloa Village emergency route. State and county officials celebrated the launch of a private project Tuesday to construct an emergency route out of Waikoloa Village. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News.  Big Island Now.

More details emerge after cockfight raid: 25 dead roosters, $20K in cash seized. Lehualani K. Kaleiwahea, 49, of Hilo, and her son, Isaac Dylan H. Ragasa-Kaleiwahea, 28, of Keaau were arrested and booked on suspicion of 29 counts of cruelty to animals, plus single counts of first- and second-degree promotion of gambling and first-degree possession of gambling records. Domonick Uchima, 37, of Kurtistown was arrested and booked on suspicion of second-degree promotion of gambling. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News.  Big Island Now.  KITV4.

Maui

Council passes fiscal 2025 budget on first reading. The council met for the better part of the day in order to achieve the required passing of a budget. In total, the council entertained 18 bills and resolutions throughout the course of the meeting. Maui News. Maui Now.

Maui Care Flights to offer wildfire survivors free trips. Gov. Josh Green on Wednesday announced a new program, Maui Care Flights, to provide thousands of round-trip flights for Maui families affected by the Aug. 8 wildfires. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now.

A $2M gift to UH Maui College creates full scholarships for nursing students. A $2 million gift from the Gilbert and Aileen Chuck Foundation will provide full scholarships for nursing students in the University of Hawai’i Maui College starting this fall, according to a press release from the university. Maui News.

Luxury Housing Planned For South Maui Prompts Concerns Over Water, Traffic And Affordability. The $1.4 billion project envisions 975 high-end homes in and around the Wailea resort community that would cater to seasonal residents. Civil Beat.

Maui health center dealing with major tech issues, affecting thousands. A medical center on Maui is experiencing major computer problems that are affecting thousands of patients. Malama I Ke Ola Health Center shut down abruptly earlier this month blaming IT issues. Hawaii News Now.

Lahaina Business Owners Dive Into Busy Travel Season. Additional opportunities have arisen in recent weeks as they navigate a new normal after the Aug. 8 fires. Civil Beat.

Kauai

Hawaiian Host chocolate owners award four Kauaʻi students academic scholarships. The four Kauaʻi students were selected among a total of 59 recipients across the state, one from each of the qualifying public and independent school categories. Kauai Now.

Governor's green fee dies in Senate, Board of Education to get new leader, Honolulu council delays gift ban bill, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

The Senate Just Killed Green’s Plan For A Climate Fee For Visitors. For a third consecutive year, state lawmakers have chosen to not pass a fee that would be charged mainly to tourists to better manage and protect Hawaii’s fragile environment, which remains under heavy strain from constant foot and vehicular traffic and under siege by invasive species.  Civil Beat.

Hawaii Governor Appoints Dozens To Powerful Hawaii Boards And Commissions. They include the UH Board of Regents and authorities with jurisdiction over land use, public utilities, education, housing and community development. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Board Of Education To Get New Leader For The Third Time In 2 Years. The Senate is being asked to confirm seven picks for the 11-member board, including  former state lawmaker Roy Takumi to replace Warren Haruki as BOE chair. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser.

Governor Names Four To Mauna Kea Stewardship, Oversight Authority. Four appointments to the Mauna Kea Stewardship and Oversight Authority were announced by Governor Josh Green on Sunday.  Big Island Video News. Big Island Now.

Rules that help set real estate agent commissions could soon change in Hawaii. A $418-million lawsuit settlement against the National Association of Realtors could lead to a drop in costs for buying and selling a home in Hawaii. KITV4.

BAC measure dies again. Legislation that would reduce the threshold for drunken driving from 0.08% blood alcohol content to 0.05% is dead for this year. Tribune-Herald.

Shaka inches closer to becoming the official state gesture. Senate Bill 3312 and its companion House Bill 2736 would establish the shaka as the first “state gesture” of the United States, in part as an effort to claim the familiar — and merchandisable — symbol for Hawaii before others get there first. Tribune-Herald.

Oahu

Council delays gift ban bill for city workers. The draft measure, materializing after corruption scandals at city agencies including inside the Honolulu Police Department and the city Department of Planning and Permitting, would prohibit gifts to the mayor, prosecuting attorney, Council members, city administration officers or any person employed by the city. Star-Advertiser.

City Council opposes state bill to allow more dwelling units on residential properties. On Monday the council formally approved a resolution opposing SB3202 and its now-dead House companion bill, which would allow up to two additional dwelling units on residential properties in urban areas.  Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Island

Hilo gun rights advocate George Young dies at 74. George K. Young Jr., a retired U.S. Army Ranger master sergeant and Vietnam War veteran whose decade-long legal battle resulted in the feds ruling Hawaii’s counties must issue concealed-carry gun permits to law-abiding citizens, died March 19 at home in Hilo.  Tribune-Herald.

Narcan vending machines pop up islandwide as Hawai‘i Island Fentanyl Task Force battles rise in opioid overdoses. For the past few years, Hawai’i County leaders and community partners have been working to get Narcan, also known as naloxone, into the hands of the public as a way to combat the growing opioid crisis and rise in fentanyl, where one fatal overdose is occurring every seven days on Hawai’i Island, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Big Island Now.

Maui

Governor to announce plan to house Lahaina survivors.  Gov. Josh Green today plans to outline how he intends to house displaced Maui wildfire survivors days ahead of a rally and march by a Lahaina group to urge Green to use his emergency powers to force owners of West Maui short-term vacation rentals to house evacuees. Star-Advertiser.

$35M in federal funds to help rebuild Maui public housing. The Hawaii Public Housing Authority will receive more than $35 million in federal funding to rebuild low-­income, public and senior housing that was destroyed during the Aug. 8 Maui fires. Star-Advertiser.

Sugimura requests financial analysis of proposed water source development in Kula. Council Member Yuki Lei Sugimura has requested a financial analysis of a potential water source development agreement between the County of Maui and Free Market Ventures, LLC. Maui Now.

Kaiser Permanente to open new temporary modular clinic in West Maui. A new temporary modular health clinic will open its doors in West Maui on Thursday. The clinic will be located at the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and run between the hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.  Hawaii Public Radio.

Kauai

Hale Halawai ‘Ohana O Hanalei to manage $7,285,000 for flood mitigation. A nonprofit organization with deep roots in the North Shore of Kaua‘i is being tasked with administering and distributing a flood mitigation grant. Garden Island. Kauai Now.

Public invited to open house at Kaua‘i District Health Office. The free event will take place on April 5 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the district office located at 3040 Umi St. in Līhuʻe.  Kauai Now.

Food production a Senate priority, Saiki supports public election financing bills, lawmakers mull HECO lawsuit bailout bills, judge recuses himself in Kaneshiro corruption case, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

State lawmakers dish out their food and agriculture priorities for the legislative session. Agriculture and food security have been a priority since the start of the legislative session last week. They were a large part of Senate President Ron Kouchi’s opening remarks. Hawaii Public Radio.

DOE's Farm to School program moves forward with growing support from state leaders.  The goal of the state Department of Education program is to use local agriculture to feed students. Hawaii Public Radio.

Saiki supports bills for full public financing of political campaigns.  House Speaker Scott Saiki has thrown his support behind an effort for full public financing for political candidates starting in 2028, which proponents say would reduce the temptation for political corruption and perhaps lead to a new generation of younger elected officials who aren’t beholden to special interests and corporations. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now.

Hawaii Lawmakers Are Considering Ways To Help HECO Pay Maui Fire Costs. Hawaiian Electric says proposed legislation is not intended to shift any lawsuit settlements to consumers. Civil Beat.

Lawmakers weigh big funding asks to tackle wildfire, climate change mitigation. Recovery from the the Maui wildfires is a priority, but so is climate change and lawmakers grilled the state attorney general Wednesday about a lawsuit filed by children. Hawaii News Now.

‘Abusive’ Lawsuits, Early Child Care Lead Hawaii Women’s Caucus Package Of Bills. The bipartisan group of legislators finds joining forces helps get measures passed at the Legislature.  Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser.

Many 'emergency hire' teachers brought in to fight Hawaii's teacher shortage. Gov. Josh Green is requesting more than $125 million in the state budget for public education. Green said his administration has helped reduce the state's teacher shortage by more than 50% in the past year. KITV4.

Oahu

Judge Backs Out Of Honolulu Corruption Case At Last Minute. U.S. District Court Judge Michael Seabright filed a one-sentence order on Wednesday morning declaring his recusal from the case against former Honolulu prosecutor Keith Kaneshiro and local businessman Dennis Mitsunaga. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser.  KHON2.  KITV4.

Council approves federal agreement to fund rail. A critical hurdle to getting a long-awaited injection of cash for Honolulu’s lumbering rail project was crossed Wednesday when the Honolulu City Council signed off on its end of an agreement for federal funding. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Businesses Hurt By Rail Construction Could Get Relief But Hurdles Remain. The City Council approved an effort to jump-start an existing fund, but it's unclear where the money will come from. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

Testimony shifts to alleged kidnapping in Miske trial. A former employee of Michael J. Miske’s businesses testified Wednesday that his boss used violence to get his way and helped him coordinate the kidnapping of an accountant. Star-Advertiser. KHON2.  KITV4.

Honolulu emergency agency leaders revive official who collapsed at City Council hearing. Honolulu Emergency Services Department Director Jim Ireland, Honolulu Fire Department Chief Sheldon Hao, and Honolulu Police Department Deputy Chief Rade Vanic and Acting Major Mikel Kunishima were attending the hearing when a 60-year-old testifier identified as Hawaii Community Development Authority Chairperson Brian Lee “became unresponsive,” according to a news release. Star-Advertiser. KHON2.

Turkish Coffee Or Universal Khaki? Another Honolulu Condo Dispute Goes To Court. The lawsuit alleges the condo board has resurrected old dispute to retaliate against owner. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Dozens express strong opposition to County Council’s short-term rental measure. A proposal to rewrite how Hawaii County regulates short-term vacation rentals led to hours of backlash from residents accusing the County Council of overreach. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News.

Big Island Council Rejects $1 Million From State To Plan A Lower Puna Traffic Relief Route. Council members voted 6-2 to decline the state funding after hearing hours of emotional testimony from residents on Hawaiian Home Lands in Panaewa and Keaukaha.  Civil Beat. Big Island Now.  KITV4.

State to get $74.6M to fix Nanue, Hakalau bridges. Hawaii will receive $74.6 million from the U.S. Department of Transportation for the rehabilitation of the Nanue and Hakalau bridges on Hawaii Island. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Last-Minute Bill Introduced To Support Long-Term Maui Wildfire Exposure Study. Hawaii lawmakers are being asked to pony up funds to support a comprehensive study of residents affected by the Aug. 8 fires. Civil Beat.

State legislature introduces Maui County Council’s proposal for paid family leave. Maui County Councilmember Gabe Johnson announced the introduction of state legislation seeking to mandate access to paid family leave for state and county employees. Maui Now.

Staffing shortage results in delay of management plan for Maui north shore parcels. The department had anticipated beginning the area’s management plan in early 2024 with the help of a consultant; however, due to unexpected staffing changes over the last month, the project start date will be postponed to later this year.  Maui Now.

Kauai

PETA condemns Zuckerberg’s ‘cockamamie cattle project’ on Kauai. Animal rights group PETA has launched a national empathy campaign following Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg’s announcement that he started a cattle-raising operation on his Kauai property. Star-Advertiser.

Mayor Kawakami outlined top Kaua‘i priorities to Hawai‘i Congressional Delegation during visit to Washington D.C. Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami traveled last week to Washington, D.C., to participate in the U.S. Conference of Mayors 92nd Winter Meeting. Kauai Now.

Kaua‘i Economic Development Board breaks ground on renovation project. The high tech workforce development program involves classes and certification of areas, including digital animation, Native Hawaiian storytelling, Unreal Engine Training, a CID Creative Lab or music ideation program and Game Dev HQ. Garden Island.

Mizuno's wife/office manager named to his House seat, Kona airport runway springs 3rd crack, removal of 600k tons of ash begins at Lahaina, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

May Mizuno succeeds her husband as new state House representative.  Gov. Josh Green on Tuesday appointed Joje “May” Mizuno to succeed her husband as the new District 29 state representative for Kamehameha Heights-Kalihi Valley. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. KITV4.

Hawaii Lawmakers Say They’re Ready To Bring Back A Fire Marshal’s Office. Politicians have heeded firefighters' calls in light of the Aug. 8 wildfires, submitting draft bills to establish a fire marshal after the position was disbanded decades ago. Civil Beat.

State falling short on carbon reduction goal. A new report from the Hawaiʻi State Energy Office paints a stark picture of Hawaiʻi's progress to cut out fossil fuels. Hawaii Public Radio. On the current path, the state will achieve about a 54% reduction in carbon emissions by 2045, well short of the 100% reduction needed for carbon neutrality. Hawaii Public Radio.

New law requires more transparency for use of force by police. A law requiring all police agencies statewide to maintain publicly available written policies regarding minimum standards on the use of force went into effect Jan. 1. Tribune-Herald.

Here's what state lawmakers are prioritizing for education this legislative session.  This year, education proposals in the Hawaiʻi Legislature will focus on pressing issues like the recovery of Lahaina schools and wildfire prevention. Hawaii Public Radio.

College degrees greatly boost lifetime earnings, UH report finds. While University of Hawaii tuition has become more affordable over the past 10 years when adjusted for inflation, and the financial benefits of a degree remain strong, college enrollment rates among Hawaii public school graduates have declined since the COVID-19 pandemic, with about 500 fewer entering higher education each year, a new report says.  Star-Advertiser. Maui Now.  KHON2.

Mississippi Publisher Looks To Buy Struggling Star-Advertiser And Other Hawaii Papers. Media mogul David Black, who merged Honolulu's two daily newspapers, has filed for bankruptcy protection in Canada.  Civil Beat.

Oahu

UH signs deal to develop new satellite technology. Under a new agreement, the University of Hawaii at Manoa hopes to promote greater research and development of new satellite-­based technologies to better study Earth from space. Star-Advertiser.

Public invited to meet 3 finalists vying for JABSOM dean position. Three finalists are in the running for the position of dean of the University of Hawaiʻi’s John A. Burns School of Medicine. Hawaii Public Radio. Star-Advertiser.

HECO gathers community input for power plant upgrade proposal.  Hawaiian Electric wants to replace some of its oldest generators with new technology, but the cost to customers is still unclear. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Military begins removal of ‘residual’ fuel at Red Hill. The military began removing “residual” fuel from the Navy’s underground Red Hill Fuel Farm on Monday, marking the beginning of the next phase of the facility’s closure. Star-Advertiser.

Firefighters find fallen hiker at Lanipo after rescuing her dog. Honolulu firefighters on Monday rescued a hiker who had fallen more than 170 feet below a trail above Kaimuki after finding her dog alone on a mountain slope. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Third crack appears on Kona Airport runway. Hawaii Officials Blame Age And Weather For Cracks On Kona Runway. The airport, which shut down for several hours, is scheduled for $120 million in upgrades this summer. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser.  West Hawaii Today.  Big Island Video News.  Big Island Now.  Hawaii News Now.  KITV4.

Hikers rescued from Mauna Loa cited for not having backcountry permit. Officials from the National Park Service said two hikers who were rescued Monday morning from Mauna Loa after getting lost during severe winter weather that had closed the summit. Star-Advertiser. Big Island Now.

Theft of mail reported in parts of Hilo. Hilo residents are advised to secure their mailboxes after a spate of mail thefts around the north edge of town. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

600,000 tons of ash, debris to be hauled from Lahaina.  The Lahaina wildfire debris removal project began Tuesday with preparation work in anticipation of hauling away an estimated 600,000 tons of ash and waste over the next year. Star-Advertiser.

Maui Renters Face ‘Increasingly Hostile Housing Market’ Despite Eviction Moratorium. Housing advocates say landlords are being tempted to oust renters in favor of more lucrative rent subsidies for fire survivors amid high demand. Civil Beat.

Recovery Of Maui Schools Is A Priority For The New Legislative Session. A temporary campus replacing a Lahaina elementary school destroyed in the August wildfires is set to open in April, officials said. Civil Beat.

Kauai

Biodiesel refinery expands operations to Kaua‘i. A biodiesel refinery is expanding its operations to Kaua‘i as part of a project to produce renewable biofuel from multiple locally grown oilseed cover crops. Kauai Now.

Visitor, 30, dies after fall from Kauai hiking trail. A 30-year-old visitor died Sunday after a fall from the Hanakapiai Falls Trail in Haena, according to Kauai County officials. Star-Advertiser. Garden Island.  Kauai Now.

Public election financing bill revived, Green seeks $2.2M to fight climate change lawsuit, Zuckerberg plans to raise beef on mac nuts and beer at Kauai ranch, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Full Public Financing Of Elections Is Being Revived At Hawaii Legislature. State Sen. Karl Rhoads will resurrect a bill that would establish a comprehensive campaign financing system intended help attract a more diverse pool of political candidates. Civil Beat. West Hawaii Today.

University of Hawaii Budget Request Faces Backlash From Senators. Senators and University of Hawaii leaders clashed over funding for student housing during a budget hearing Wednesday, even as both groups recognized an urgent need to address a years-long facilities problem.  Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser.  Hawaii News Now.

Firm fighting climate lawsuit accused of aggressive tactics. Gov. Josh Green’s administration is requesting an additional $2.25 million to fight the climate lawsuit brought by 14 Hawaii youths claiming that the state Department of Transportation has violated their constitutional rights “to live healthful lives in Hawai‘i now and into the future.”  Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiʻi Senate majority announces legislative priorities for 2024, including fires recovery support. With the 32nd State Legislature set to begin on Jan. 17, the Hawaiʻi Senate Majority said in a press release on Wednesday it is focused on addressing a range of issues, with a key focus on supporting ongoing disaster recovery efforts following the devastating Maui wildfires. Maui Now. Garden Island.

Feds Announce $2.6 Million In Grants To Fortify Hawaii’s Food Supply Chain. The U.S. Department of Agriculture funding will focus on small- and medium-sized producers. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Oahu’s Rolling Blackouts Stemmed From A Series Of Unfortunate Events. They occurred as the island grows more dependent on solar energy. Civil Beat. KHON2.

Kapi’olani and its unionize nurses prepare for weeklong strike. Unionized nurses at Kapi‘olani Medical Center for Women &Children said they will go on a weeklong strike later this month, and management assured the public that they have a plan to maintain the hospital’s quality of care. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.  KHON2.  KITV4.

Battle for heiress’s estate comes to an end. The prolonged and contentious battle over the estate of the late Abigail Kawananakoa has come to an amicable end with the spouse of the late Campbell Estate heiress walking away with at least $40 million and the heiress’ foundation charity for Native Hawaiians expected to clear at least $100 million. Star-Advertiser.

‘Rescue tubes’ installed at local beaches, city says. A Wednesday morning news conference to announce the installation of 20 bright yellow foam flotation devices called “rescue tubes” on city-owned beaches was briefly interrupted with a real-time ocean rescue. Star-Advertiser.

Settlement talks continue in sex assault case against former Saint Louis School football stars. The attorneys for Saint Louis School, two former high school football stars and a woman suing them for sex assault have not come to settlement terms — despite three days of mediation. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Bill to fund study of Puna alternate route postponed.  A study investigating possibilities for a new roadway into Puna has been put off a little longer after questions about how to protect Hawaiian homestead land. Tribune-Herald.

$3.2 Million Released For Wailoa Small Boat Harbor Improvements. $3.2 million in state funds has been released by Hawaiʻi Governor Josh Green for improvements at Wailoa Small Boat Harbor. The money will go toward design and construction costs. Big Island Video News.

Kaʻūmana Caves in Hilo to reopen next week.  Kaʻūmana Caves in Hilo, which have been closed since Sept. 23, 2023, because of a rock fall and partial collapse, will reopen to the public Jan. 16. Big Island Now. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Heavy Rain Washed Fire-Related Contaminants Into The Ocean Off Lahaina. A massive brown plume has scientists worried despite protective measures aimed at preventing toxic runoff. Civil Beat.

'I’m not homeless, I’m from here': Unsheltered Maui fire survivors navigate alternative living. Volunteers from A Cup of Cold Water are continuing to accept donations to fill the growing need. John Hirashima said the organization is now serving about 40 people in Kīhei, 80 to 100 in Central Maui, and 60 to 80 in West Maui. Hawaii Public Radio.

County to host Right-of-Entry workshops for owners who lost properties in Maui fires. Workshops will feature presentations by County of Maui and US Army Corps of Engineers officials, along with community experts, who will offer crucial information about the fire debris cleanup process, options available for residential and commercial property owners and an opportunity to ask questions.  Maui Now.

Kauai

Facebook founder says he’s working on a ‘delicious’ new project on Kauai. Billionaire Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg announced a cattle-raising project on Kauai in an official Facebook post on Wednesday.  Zuckerberg’s plan is to feed the cows exclusively macadamia meal and beer. This plan would require him to plant many macadamia trees. Hawaii News Now.

Above-average rainfall recorded on Kaua‘i despite persistent drought conditions in December statewide. In December, windward gauges had near to above-average rainfall, while most of the leeward gages had below-average rainfall.  Kauai Now.

Almost half of Emergency Management Agency positions vacant, Inouye's son to run for state Legislature, raises in store for public schools executives, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii’s Emergency Management Agency Struggles To Fill Many Key Jobs. About 45% of HIEMA's civil service jobs are vacant, forcing the agency to use temporary and exempt employees to fill in. Civil Beat.

Hawaii public school executives’ maximum salaries raised to $192K to $206K.  Seven months after angry public testimony helped to compel the state Department of Education to scale back a proposal to raise salaries of officials at the top levels of Hawaii’s public school system, the state Board of Education has approved salary increases of 4.6% to 6% for the 2023-2024 fiscal year for 21 out of 25 of its “subordinate superintendents.”  Star-Advertiser.

Inouye’s son making first run at House seat against La Chica. The son of the late U.S. Sen. Daniel K. Inouye plans to make his first foray into politics at the age of 59 by challenging fellow, first-time Democratic state Rep. Trish La Chica for the House seat representing Waipio-Mililani in 2024. Star-Advertiser.

Late state Sen. Sam Slom to be celebrated at Capitol. Friends, family and legislative colleagues have planned the only public “celebration of life” for state Sen. Sam Slom, who died in May at the age of 81 after serving 20 years in the Senate. Star-Advertiser.

State Central Committee of Democratic Party of Hawaiʻi votes to oust chairperson Jung. The State Central Committee of the Democratic Party of Hawai‘i on Sunday voted to remove Chairperson Dennis Jung and begin the process to elect new party leadership. Maui Now.

Hawaii Ethics Commission Steps Up Training Of Government Employees. Since a new law requiring state legislators and employees to complete live or online ethics training classes every four years went into effect Jan. 1, the number of people taking the course has increased significantly as compared to 2021. Civil Beat.

50,000 acres of state farmland set to move under Department of Agriculture management. About 50,000 acres of Hawaiʻi farmland managed by the state Department of Land and Natural Resources are set to be transferred to the Department of Agriculture. The move is two decades in the making. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

Waikiki climate change study underway, city says. The city Department of Planning and Permitting says it’s kicked off a nearly $400,000 pilot project to study the impacts of climate change and sea level rise on Oahu’s prime tourist zone. Star-Advertiser.

Cesspool Conversions: Honolulu Seeks To Connect More Homes To Main Sewer System. A proposal to install sewer lines for a section of Ewa Beach is shaping up as a litmus test for the effort as homeowners say they need more help covering the costs. Civil Beat.

Hawaii to be first to offer Filipino History Culture course in public school curriculum. Waipahu and Farrington high Schools will be the first in the nation to offer a student created Filipino Studies class in a public school curriculum. Hawaii News Now.

Teaching Kids To Read In Hawaii Is Going Back To Basics. Makakilo Elementary is one of about 80 schools in the state to receive funding from a roughly $50 million federal grant awarded in 2019 to improve literacy among the country’s youngest readers. Civil Beat.

Tour helicopter makes ‘precautionary landing’ on small island near Honolulu‘s airport. Honolulu Ocean Safety responded to a helicopter that had made a “precautionary landing” on a small island near the Honolulu Airport Saturday morning. Honolulu EMS officials say the incident happened just after 10:00 a.m. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Hawaii Island

County delays Waikoloa siren installation. HI-EMA Communications Director Adam Weintraub Weintraub acknowledged that Waikoloa Village is a particularly at-risk community — the village only has one way in or out for about 7,000 residents — he added that HI-EMA, responding to personnel shortages, has prioritized installing emergency sirens for coastal communities that currently do not have redundant sirens in case of tsunami. Tribune-Herald.

County hopes water study will shed light on Hilo Bay contaminants. After the bay was found to not meet state water standards in 2009, county, state and federal agencies have investigated various methods for improving it. Tribune-Herald.

Surf schools to find out Nov. 17 if they can operate at Kahalu‘u Beach Park. After years of public meetings, draft rules with numerous amendments and jurisdictional disputes, surf schools wanting to operate at Kahalu‘u Beach Park will find out on Nov. 17 if they are awarded one of four coveted spots determined by a lottery. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii Inmate Serving Two Life Sentences Dies In An Arizona Prison. Richard Keokeo Taylor Jr., 51,  a Big Island man who spent nearly 28 years in prison for the robbery of a downtown Hilo Pizza Hut in 1995 has died at the Saguaro Correctional Center in Eloy, Arizona. Civil Beat.

Maui

State Land Board OKs Olowalu For Ash And Debris Disposal From Maui Fires. The site would be monitored for 30 years for any leakage of contamination into the groundwater and ocean. Civil Beat. Maui News.  Associated Press. Hawaii News Now.

Deadlines near to receive FEMA wildfire disaster aid. On Friday, federal officials reported that more than $236.8 million already has been approved for 6,505 Maui households affected by the high winds and wildfires. Star-Advertiser.

Immigrants on Maui hesitant to apply for disaster assistance. The deadline is approaching for Maui residents impacted by the August fires to apply for FEMA assistance, but there is some concern that many in the Latino community have not yet applied. KHON2.

Maui’s struggling small businesses driven by the spirit of aloha. Dreams shattered. Shops burned to the ground. Irreplaceable losses. These are the realities that small business owners in Lahaina are dealing with as the three-month mark of the devastating Aug. 8 fires draws near.  Star-Advertiser.

Gift drive, celebration aim to lift spirits of young Maui fire survivors. Kanani Oury aunched “Makana no na Keiki” — an online Christmas gift drive and in-person holiday event for children directly affected by the Maui wildfires — to spark joy for that community, but she aches for the stories pouring into her email inbox from families asking for presents for their kids. Star-Advertiser.

Dispute shuts down a major community hub in West Maui. There is one thing that both sides agree on -- that state Rep. Elle Cochran started the hub in the Kelawea Mauka subdivision of Lahaina. But volunteer managers asked her to leave -- and when she didn’t, they decided to dismantle the hub. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai

Next tool for saving Kaua’i forest birds from extinction introduced. A dozen researchers and technicians on Thursday began releasing incompatible male mosquitoes to try and stop the near-certain extinction of at least four species of Native Hawaiian honeycreepers. Kauai Now.

Coco Palms debate continues as demolition nears. As the developer of the Coco Palms Resort reported being just weeks away from commencing demolition of the deteriorated site and constructing a 350-room resort, county officials and members of the public continued to debate the possibility of halting the project in two separate meetings this week. Garden Island.

2-mile-long fence on Kauai ready to protect seabirds.  Pono Pacific Land Management LLC built the $1.7 million fence along the perimeter of the Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge on Kauai’s north shore. Star-Advertiser.