Legislature advances 'green fee' on short-term stays, hotels and cruise ships; union workers get 4% or less raises; pay-to-play, sports betting bills DOA, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaiʻi Legislature Takes Historic Step Toward A Visitor ‘Green Fee’. Under the bill, the transient accommodations tax that visitors pay on their nightly hotel and short-term rental stays will increase by .75%, plus travelers who dock in Hawaiʻi on cruise ships will start paying that tax as well, to cover the new fee. Civil Beat.

New Contracts Give More Than $1 Billion In Union Pay Raises.  Unionized state workers received raises of 4% or less per year for the next four years. Civil Beat.

State bill would change oversight of Hawai’i Tourism Authority. State lawmakers advanced a bill by the Legislature session deadline that will significantly change the governance model for the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority for the first time since it created the agency in 1998. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiʻi Lawmakers Kill Pay-to-Play Bill — Again. The Legislature has refused to close a loophole in state law that has allowed millions of dollars to flow to Hawaiʻi political campaigns from people who get big state contracts. Civil Beat.

Hawaii lawmakers to vote on over 200 bills this week. If approved by the full House and Senate Wednesday, the bills would go to Gov. Josh Green, who has already signed 27 new laws this year, including further tightening firearms requirements across the islands, which already have some of the strictest firearms laws in the country. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii lawmakers scurry to advance flurry of bills past key deadline. Casualties included a bill to legalize online sports betting in Hawaii and one to give the state Department of Hawaiian Home Lands an additional $600 million to develop homesteads for beneficiaries. Bills that cleared the hurdle included one to raise the state’s transient accommodations tax in part to help sustain Hawaii’s natural resources, and one to expand the use of cameras to ticket speeding drivers on roadways statewide. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiʻi will not legalize online sports betting this year. Online sports betting will not be legalized this legislative session. Lawmakers decided to defer the measure Friday afternoon. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaiʻi Lawmakers Kill Pay-to-Play Bill — Again. The Legislature’s powerful money committees wouldn’t sign-off on what had become a much-watered down measure. Civil Beat.

Hawai‘i Lawmakers To Require Audit Of Green’s Kauhale Homeless Initiative. The governor says the funding legislators also approved will keep the state on track to have 30 kauhale villages by 2026. Civil Beat.

Bill to create food systems working group likely to pass Legislature. Senate Bill 1186, which passed the conference committee process this week, seeks to create a “statewide interagency food systems coordination team” that would include leaders along the food supply chain — from farms to restaurants. Hawaii Public Radio.

Reducing the Hawaiian homestead waitlist: DHHL on track to award 2,600+ leases in 2025. The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands presented an ambitious awards schedule before the Hawaiian Homes Commission last week and announced its plan to issue more than 2,600 leases by the end of 2025. Big Island Now.

Hawaii is ranked low for emergency readiness. The Trust for America’s Health evaluated each state, using 10 key indicators ranging from public health funding to workforce mobility. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Too Many Exemptions From Empty Homes Tax Could Cost Honolulu $150 Million. The city council has been trying to pass a 1% to 3% tax for years but wants to target offshore investors, not local residents. Civil Beat.

Settlement in $324M Hitachi suit is coming, HART says. A more than $324 million lawsuit brought by rail’s principal contractor against the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation in 2024 appears on the verge of a final settlement, while condemnation actions will proceed on four downtown area properties. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii crews clear 45 homeless camps on Diamond Head slopes. LNR officials said there are large amounts of camping gear and buckets of human waste that litter the slopes. Star-Advertiser.

Government gridlock on evacuation plan frustrates Leeward residents. Leeward Coast residents — already worried about being trapped if Farrington Highway turns into gridlock during an emergency — received frustrating news from federal, state and city governments recently that help isn’t coming anytime soon. Star-Advertiser.

Consumers in Hawaii prepare for tariffs’ impact. While businesses have already been hit hard by the international trade war, the impact has only just begun to trickle down to local customers and visitors, who will ultimately have to pay more to keep the businesses alive, according to Justin Tyndall, an associate professor at University of Hawaii’s Economic Research Organization. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Next Waimea Town Meeting to dig deep into Hawai‘i County budget, revenue policies. North Hawai‘i community members have the opportunity to dig deep into Hawai‘i County budget and revenue policies — including those governing property taxes and short-term vacation rentals — during the next Waimea Town Meeting. Big Island Now.

‘They see things no one should see’: Book by UH Hilo professor being used to help first responders. First responders are learning about the surprising causes and unique therapies for challenges prevalent among their community thanks to workshops in Hilo and Kona that derive treatment strategies from a new book. Tribune-Herald.

Bikeshare ridership increases islandwide. Cyclists took 11,305 rides on rented bikes from HIBIKE kiosks across the island in 2023, which rose to 12,463 rides throughout 2024. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui Asks Feds To Flex Rules Governing $1.6 Billion Wildfire Recovery Grant. The county wants to use some of the money to rebuild accessory dwelling units but is primarily focused on securing final approval. Civil Beat.

Replanting at Kahoma Village to support Lahaina recovery, growth following wildfires. Nearly 200 Kahoma Village homeowners, community members, and local organizations gathered Saturday to restore the landscape in Lahaina by planting 100 native and resilient species to support ongoing post-wildfire recovery.  Maui Now.

Maui volunteers recycle mountains of fire-donated clothing otherwise doomed for the landfill. Clothes in good condition will be gifted to targeted community partners for those in need. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kauai

Kaua‘i state legislators tout support for key Garden Isle investments in state budget.  Here’s a look at important Kaua‘i County investments appropriated in the biennium state spending plan for fiscal years 2026 and 2027, from highest to lowest price tag. Kauai Now.

Kauai councilmember sounding ’emergency alarm’ on coconut rhinoceros beetles. Councilmember Fern Holland says the destructive beetle has been spotted from Hā’ena to Waimea. KHON2.

Legislative leaders push to dilute pay-to-play bill, spearfishing touted as a way of life, auto sales dip amid economic fears, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

‘It’s a way of living’: UH study connects spearfishing to wellness, culture, community. A new study by researchers at University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa highlights how a practice deeply rooted in Hawaiian tradition promotes food security, physical activity, cultural identity and community well-being. Big Island Now.

Legislative Leaders Want Pay-To-Play Bill Significantly Watered Down. Leaders in the House and Senate want to weaken a key reform measure that had sought to ban campaign contributions from people who win substantial government contracts. Changes being pushed by the House speaker and Senate president would apply the contribution ban only to companies doing business with specific branches of government, essentially continuing the status quo for most elected officials and their campaign donors. Civil Beat.

State tax measures put renewable energy incentives in the crosshairs. State lawmakers have introduced measures this session to roll back the renewable energy credit, along with other income tax credits. Hawaii Public Radio.

Online sports betting bill is still in play at the state Legislature. Although House lawmakers passed a resolution to study legalizing gambling in Hawaiʻi, another measure that legalizes sports betting is still being considered. Hawaii Public Radio.

State youth mental health services could be updated amid funding cuts. SB 1442 would require the state’s Adolescent Mental Health Division to establish family guidance centers in different counties and offer a network of preventative, early identification, screening, diagnostic, treatment and rehabilitative services. Star-Advertiser.

Bill defining torture, making it a Class A felony, moves to final legislative votes. State House and Senate conferees quickly approved Senate Bill 281, which defines torture and would upgrade it to a Class A felony, with a maximum 20-year prison term. It’s something supporters believe will save more lives, especially those of children. Hawaii News Now.

'The darker side of paradise': Bills aimed to help sex trafficking victims. Two bills moving through the legislature this year will bring more protection and rights to victims of sex trafficking. KITV4.

State domestic abuse measure passes. A state bill intended to reinforce legal protections for domestic violence survivors has cleared its final legislative hurdle. Tribune-Herald.

State budget includes $1M for food banks amid federal cuts. The budget passed by the state Legislature this week would send $1 million to Hawaiʻi food banks over the next two years. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii auto sales continued to fall this year and badly trailed the rest of the country — with an uncertain future ahead because of President Donald Trump’s economic policies, the Hawaii Automobile Dealers Association reported Wednesday. Hawaii dealers saw a drop of 1.3%, based on new vehicle registrations for the first three months of 2025. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Airlines helps buffer Alaska’s $166M loss. Alaska Air Group posted weaker-than-expected first-quarter earnings Wednesday due to negative impacts of macroeconomic factors on air travel demand. Star-Advertiser.

German teens imprisoned and kicked out of Hawaii prompts fears among foreign nationals. After German teens trying to visit Hawaii were imprisoned and kicked out of the state, foreign nationals living in the islands are worried about their future. KITV4. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

With Paramedics Spread Thin, Honolulu Dusts Off A Possible Solution. For years, understaffing and complaints of burnout at the city’s ambulance service have prompted discussion about merging it with the fire department. Civil Beat.

How Honolulu first responders keep 911 running when disaster strikes. In the face of a devastating natural disaster, the elements can potentially impact our ability to communicate. One of the most important communication methods during an emergency is the 911 dispatch system. Hawaii News Now.

‘Renovation Aloha’ Home Flippers Hit With Flurry Of Building Violations. Tristyn and Kamohai Kalama continue to renovate Oʻahu homes without proper permits even as their show seeks taxpayer subsidies. Civil Beat.

Ex-death row inmate convicted of 4 counts of sex trafficking. A 38-year-old pimp who dodged death row in Delaware was convicted in federal court in Honolulu Tuesday of sex trafficking three adult women and one minor girl. Star-Advertiser. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

Kona jury awards $2.5M in damages in sex abuse case. A Kona Circuit Court jury last week found in a civil trial that a Waimea businessman sexually abused a 12-year-old boy decades ago. The jury awarded the plaintiff $2.535 million in damages. Tribune-Herald.

Puna man faces nearly 20 charges after small arsenal discovered in Hawaiian Beaches residence. Hawai‘i County Office of the Prosecuting Attorney says Solomon Lord was arrested and charged April 16 following the execution of a search warrant on a Lalakea Street home in Hawaiian Beaches. Big Island Now. Hawaii News Now.

Maui

FEMA cracks down on Lahaina residents not paying rent. At the start of the week, nearly 200 out of around 1,000 households on FEMA’s temporary housing program had not paid rent. Now, it’s down 100 — or one in 10. KHON2.

9 projects with over 800 housing units could get funding from Maui County for construction, rising costs. Maui County wants to spend its $43.5 million Affordable Housing Fund on nine projects with 843 units of mostly rental housing in the next fiscal year, including a rental project in Kīhei with social spaces for seniors, a Nāpili apartment complex for fire-displaced families and a major housing development in Kahului with a civic center and commercial space.  Maui Now.

Bill sets aside $807.5 million for Maui wildfire claims. Hawaii legislative leaders have agreed to fully fund the state’s share of Maui wildfire damage claims slated to be paid out over four years. Star-Advertiser.

Lāna‘i Loses The Island’s Only State Mental Health Counselor — Again. Key mental health worker on Lānaʻi resigns, eroding in-person patient care and exposing the fragility of a system that depends so heavily on one worker. Civil Beat.

Kauai

New agricultural park aims to innovate, accelerate Kauaʻi farming businesses. The first phase of the proposed 87-acre agricultural park includes 20 acres of sub-licensed farm plots, four acres of agroforestry, as well as an acre of shared facilities for farmers including a washing and packing area, greenhouses, walk-in cold storage, and a meeting and business space. The land is leased from My Kapa’a, LLC – owned in part by Bette Midler. Kauai Now.

6,000 gallons of wastewater spills from Wailua Coco Palms sewer pump station. About 6,000 gallons of wastewater spilled from the Wailua Coco Palms sewer pump station April 23, contaminating some nearby properties. Kauai Now.

Lawmakers agree on nearly $50B 2-year budget, federal cutbacks threaten 48 UH programs, 82 employees, USDA cuts $46M in farm aid, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Lawmakers Settle On A New Two-Year Budget That Focuses On Housing. House and Senate lawmakers have earmarked nearly $400 million for housing subsidies and public housing developments over the next two years to try to make a dent in the increasingly desperate statewide need for affordable housing.  House and Senate lawmakers gave preliminary approval to a $19.9 billion operating budget for the fiscal year that begins July 1, and a $19.76 billion budget for the following year, as well as a  $7.4 billion construction budget. Civil Beat.

UH president backs Harvard amid $6M more in lost funding. University of Hawaii President Wendy Hensel said amount of federal funding cuts rapidly increased by $6 million, to $36 million, since Thursday, bringing the total of terminated or paused research programs to 48 from Thursday’s 36. There are now 82 employees affected by the federal cuts, she said. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.  KITV4.

USDA cuts previously frozen funds, including $46M to support Hawaiʻi farmers. Last week the U.S. Department of Agriculture slashed around $46 million meant for Hawaiʻi as part of the Biden-era Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities initiative. Hawaii Public Radio.

House lawmakers pass resolution to study legalized gambling in Hawaiʻi. House lawmakers passed a resolution Monday to convene a working group to evaluate legalized gambling in Hawaiʻi. Hawaii Public Radio. Hawaii News Now.

On The Run And Undercounted, Homeless Youth Try Hard To Stay Out of Sight. By official counts, just a handful of homeless teens live on the streets of Hawaiʻi. Those who try to help them suggest that’s all wrong, that there are many more — perhaps 150 doing their best not to be counted. Civil Beat.

Hawaiʻi invasive species groups explore the paws-ibilities of detection dogs. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has about half a dozen, and others are being used by the state Department of Agriculture and the Department of Land and Natural Resources. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

City Council confirms Honolulu EMS leader’s reappointment. Dr. James Ireland, whose renomination as head of the city Emergency Serv­ices Department faced vocal opposition in recent months, was formally reinstated last week. Star-Advertiser.

FBI investigating allegation that HPD officer planted evidence. A sergeant with the Honolulu Police Department is the target of a federal investigation into allegations that there is recorded footage of him planting drug paraphernalia on the driver of a car during a November traffic stop. Star-Advertiser.

New affordable housing rental complex opens in Makiki. PenseMetro consists of 29 units with monthly rents ranging from $1,900 to $2,400. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Free daily hula performances showcase local hālau, bring energy during Merrie Monarch Festival. While tickets sell out fast to the three competition nights of the Merrie Monarch Festival, local hālau provide an opportunity for the public to experience and appreciate hula during daily daytime — and free — performances at hotels. Big Island Now.

Local artist donates pieces to fund coconut rhinoceros beetle fight. A major donation is helping fund the fight against the coconut rhinoceros beetle on Hawaii Island. Local artist Kim Taylor Reece is donating 1,400 art pieces worth $3.5 million for sale in Hilo during this week’s Merrie Monarch Festival. Hawaii News Now.

Big Island reserves to temporarily close for animal control activities. Animal control activities will be conducted this week for feral goats, feral sheep and mouflon/feral sheep hybrids within palila critical habitat in the Mauna Kea Forest Reserve (Unit A), Mauna Kea Ice Age Natural Area Reserve (Unit K), Palila Mitigation Lands, and the Ka‘ohe Game Management Area (Unit G) on Hawaii Island, according to the state Department of Land and Natural Resources. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Haleakalā National Park seeks subject matter experts for first of its kind project. Haleakalā National Park is looking for subject matter experts to create and translate content from the Hawaiian perspective to the park’s website. Maui Now.

UH Maui College signs Green Chemistry Commitment. As part of its continuing commitment to advancing Sustainable Science education, the University of Hawaiʻi Maui College is the first UH campus to sign the “Beyond Benign Green Chemistry Commitment." Maui Now.

Maui’s newest respite shelter can help up to 20 men. Chaplain Ministries of Maui (CMOM) held a soft opening on Monday where dozens gathered at 250 Waiehu Beach Road for a formal blessing. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai

Giving Hawaiians back their voice: Kauaʻi educator sees a Hawaiʻi where hearing Hawaiian is ‘just normal’. Mālia ʻAlohilani Kuala Rogers, or ʻAlohilani, as she prefers to be called, remembers her gut reaction when she heard her grandma talk about not being allowed to speak Hawaiian. Kauai Now.

 

Legislature advances sports betting bill, 131 Maui fire survivors laid off in federal funding cuts, trial set for attorneys in $11M affordable housing credits scam, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Sports betting is back in the ring at the Hawaiʻi Legislature. House lawmakers advanced a measure that would legalize the industry. House Bill 1308 would allow four different sports betting companies to be licensed to operate in the state. Hawaii Public Radio.

Housing, clean energy bills pass key committee. The critical state Senate Ways and Means Committee has moved out four bills on the eve of next week’s deadline to keep bills alive, including one that would provide more state funding to improve and upgrade low-income housing projects. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiʻi is considering how to rein in the use of heavy pesticides. State lawmakers are considering how to rein in the use of heavy pesticides in Hawaiʻi following concerns about their impacts on people and non-target species. Hawaii Public Radio.

Bill ending religious exemptions to school vaccines makes headway. House Bill 1118, which is part of the governor’s package, passed its third reading in the House Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs on Friday, and is poised to cross over to the Senate in March. Star-Advertiser.

Millions on the line as groups battle childhood homelessness in Hawaii. Hawaii's first-ever Childhood Homelessness Symposium brought together local leaders and advocates Tuesday to address a growing crisis, children experiencing homelessness at an alarming rate. KITV4.

Failure to launch: A critical program to help kupuna still hasn’t started. Seven months after the Silver Alert was signed into law, the program still hasn’t launched. Meanwhile, at-risk kupuna, who suffer from dementia and other disabilities, continue to disappear. KHON2.

Hawaiʻi Cost Of Living Is Creating A Mental Health Crisis For Workers. Residents experiencing food insecurity are more likely to experience depression and have suicidal thoughts, according to new research. Civil Beat.

$275,000 For Heart Attack Caused By False Missile Alert. A lawsuit over the 2018 mistaken emergency alert has finally been settled. Civil Beat.

This Plant Can Power Grids, Planes, Poultry And Cattle. Hawaiʻi Isn’t Sold. Business coalition asks for state tax credits to launch eco-friendly aviation fuel refining, but time is running out. The Hawaiʻi Renewable Fuels Coalition sees the camelina plant, a brassica and close relative of canola, as a multi-win crop. Civil Beat.

Decline of student newspapers at public high schools impacts local journalism. Hawai‘i’s high school newspapers are dwindling. A Hawaiʻi Public Radio survey of 44 public high schools found that fewer than half still have a student newspaper journalism program.  Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

Major Fireworks Seizure At Honolulu Port Points To Federal Failure. An Oʻahu fireworks company got a federal license to import tons of fireworks even though it didn’t have a state license to possess them once they got here. Civil Beat.

Honolulu mayor seeks public feedback at town hall meetings across Oahu. Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi will hold a series of town hall meetings across Oahu to get input on community issues and concerns. Blangiardi, as well as directors and deputy directors from more than 25 city departments, will attend all meetings. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu City Council considers sponsorships for public facilities. A Honolulu City Council measure to allow private sponsorship of city parks and other public facilities to garner more revenues for the city is scheduled for further review today. Star-Advertiser.

State to host job fair aimed at departing federal workers. The hiring event is being hosted by the state Department of Labor and Industrial Relations in downtown Honolulu for attendees to explore available jobs and interview for positions at DLIR and other state agencies. Star-Advertiser.

‘Lots of red flags’: Drug rehab recruiters from California fuel concerns over ‘body brokers’ in Hawaii. Hawaii health providers and state officials are warning the community that so-called “body brokers” may be targeting homeless drug addicts. The alarm about possible “body brokers” was raised Friday night after two women showed up at Kauhale Health homeless treatment and housing facility on N. King Street, passing out business cards and an offer that seemed too good to be true. Hawaii News Now.

HDOT issues call to action as Oahu traffic fatalities rise. So far in 2025, Oahu has seen 11 traffic fatalities compared to five at the same time last year, according to the Honolulu Police Department. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

Trial set in housing credits scam. A federal trial has been scheduled for two Hilo attorneys accused of receiving Hawaii County affordable housing credits and land conveyances worth at least $10.98 million, with no intention of developing affordable housing. Tribune-Herald.

Kilauea Eruption Resumes: Episode 11 Lava Fountains Reach 600 Feet High. Scientists also noted a glow from the September 2023 vents on the east side of Halemaʻumaʻu on Tuesday night. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now. KHON2.  KITV4.

Traffic Advisory Issued For Maunakea Summit, Increased Congestion At Sunset. Officials warn visitors that traffic on the Maunakea Access Road and the summit area has been significantly heavier than usual during sunset hours, particularly on weekends and holidays.  Big Island Video News.

Police to hold public meeting on temporary morgue. The Hawaii Police Department invites the public to attend a community meeting to discuss a temporary morgue facility in Hilo from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, March 3, at the Aupuni Center Conference Room, 101 Pauahi Street in Hilo. West Hawaii Today. Big Island Video News.

High surf complicates business for this Kona-based tour company. Manu Powers, who runs Sea Quest Hawaii with her husband, says unusual surf activity and problems fnding qualified workers pose challenges for for their boat and snorkel tour company based in Kona. Hawaii Public Radio.

Maui

131 Maui fire survivors laid off after federal funding cut. A total of 131 Maui residents displaced by the Aug. 8, 2023, wildfires and working on recovery efforts were laid off Monday after the Trump administration cut federal funding for their positions. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now.

County wants to buy land to improve emergency evacuation routes in Lahaina. Maui County is moving quickly to buy a half-acre site in Lahaina that it hopes to use as part of a larger effort to revamp emergency evacuation routes, which proved deadly inadequate in 2023 when dozens of residents were trapped while trying to flee the fast-moving wildfire. Maui Now.

Community meeting on Imi Kala Street Extension proposal to be held March 5 in Wailuku. The County of Maui Department of Public Works (DPW) is holding a community meeting Wednesday, March 5, 2025, from 5 to 7 p.m. in Wailuku to discuss the proposed Imi Kala Street Extension project that would provide another connection between Waiehu and Wailuku. Maui Now.

Multi-agency, full-scale CST training exercise slated this Thursday morning in Kīhei. The 93rd Civil Support Team (CST) full-scale training at Bayer Facility, 2111 Piʻilani Highway, will involve critical collaborations among MEMA, Maui Fire Department, Maui Police Department, Emergency Medical Services and the Hawaiʻi National Guard’s 93rd Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) Response Team. Maui Now.

Kauai

Input needed for Kauaʻi’s long-range transportation plan. Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation is updating the Regional Long-Range Land Transportation Plan for Kauaʻi after more than 10 years of changes in population, development and travel needs.  Kauai Now.

County looks to ‘grow our own’.  A group of 40 10th-grade students toured the County of Kauai facilities as a field trip to acquaint students with the variety of jobs and career opportunities available there. Garden Island.

Eggs at a premium, federal court upholds age-based gun ban, appeals court rules against hotel in beach use, casino gambling bill introduced, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Demand skyrocketing for local eggs. Demand for local eggs in Hawaii has skyrocketed as a shortage persists across the U.S. due to continual outbreaks of bird flu. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii leaders challenge federal buyout plan. State Attorney General Anne Lopez announced Sunday that she is leading a coalition of 21 state attorneys general in supporting the legal challenge against the directive, which offers federal workers up to eight months of pay and benefits in exchange for their immediate resignation. Employees who decline the offer face potential termination. Star-Advertiser.

Bill is back to clear way for Filipino WWII vets to reunite with families. A group of bipartisan lawmakers in Congress has reintroduced legislation aimed at expediting the visa process for the children of Filipino World War II veterans, many of whom have spent decades separated from their families due to immigration backlogs. Star-Advertiser.

Federal Court upholds Hawaii’s age-based firearms acquisition law. On Friday, a federal judge upheld Hawaii’s law banning those under 21 from buying a gun. Hawaii News Now.

New bill seeks to build casinos and legalize gambling. Hawaii is one of two states in the country where gambling is illegal. A new bill aims to bring in casinos and legalize gambling. KHON2.

Lawmakers are trying to help families pay their electric bills. With what funding?  State senators have proposed two measures to create utility assistance programs for low-income households: Senate Bill 191 and Senate Bill 994. Hawaii Public Radio.

Racism Is Common In Hawaiʻi Schools — And Often Goes Unaddressed. Nearly half of white high school students and more than half of Black students in the state said they’d experienced racism in schools, according to a federal survey recently pulled from the internet by Trump administration orders. Civil Beat.

Measures target ‘fentanyl tsunami’.  At least three bills have been introduced by the Legislature this year to crack down on fentanyl trafficking. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaiian Homes agency seeking an additional $600M. Hawaii lawmakers are considering big funding increases to produce homesteads for state Department of Hawaiian Home Lands beneficiaries after a historic $600 million appropriation in 2023. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiʻi Water Safety Coalition reveals state’s first-ever Water Safety Plan. The Hawaiʻi Water Safety Coalition on Thursday released its first Hawaiʻi Water Safety Plan to address the drowning crisis that is threatening the health of Hawaiʻi’s residents and visitor-dependent economy.  Maui Now.

Oahu

Kahala hotel’s use of public beach in dispute and could affect other hotels. A recent ruling by the state’s Intermediate Court of Appeals could become precedent-setting when it comes to protecting the public’s interests at public beaches. The appeals court ruled Jan. 29 in David Kimo Frankel v. the Board of Land and Natural Resources, Department of Land and Natural Resources and Resort Trust Hawaii LLC — owner of the Kahala Hotel & Resort — that BLNR breached its public-trust duties when it authorized the hotel’s exclusive use of a portion of land designated for use as a public beach. Star-Advertiser.

Military launches new effort to ID unknown soldiers from West Loch Disaster. On May 21, 1944, as American troops prepared for the invasion of Japanese-­occupied Saipan in the Northern Marianas, a series of explosions in West Loch killed at least 163 people and injured 396, though some historians have alleged that shoddy record keeping by military officials in a rush to keep the operation on track may have left more uncounted. Star-Advertiser.

E-bike bills advance at City Council, Legislature. The state Department of Health asserts the average number of reported e-bike incidents statewide more than doubled from an average of 10 per month in 2022 to 24 per month in 2024. Oahu experienced a nearly threefold increase, from an average of seven per month in 2022 to 19 per month in 2024, the data indicates. Star-Advertiser.

Council mulls proposal to strengthen fireworks laws. Bill 7 seeks to amend the city’s fire code to increase penalties for possessing, using and causing the explosion of any aerial device, pyrotechnic or display fireworks on Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

Several gambling machines found at illegal game room bust in Kalihi. An illegal game room in Kalihi was raided where 11 gambling machines and cash were seized. Honolulu police executed the search warrant on Thursday, Feb. 6 where the machines and cash was found.  KITV4.

ACLU Cites ‘Pattern Of Violence’ After Murder At Oʻahu Jail. The death of OCCC inmate Eric Scotton is apparently the third homicide in the Hawaiʻi correctional system in less than a year. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Contested case could decide fate of Papaikou’s ‘Falls on Fire’. A Papaikou property owner’s plan to host an annual “Burning Man-style” festival on his land is being challenged by neighbors. In 2023, Andrew Tepper opened a portion of his more-than-1,400-acres located on Indian Tree Road north of Papaikou for a multiday festival called “Falls on Fire.”  Tribune-Herald.

2 more school bus routes to be restored in East Hawaiʻi starting Monday. The routes serve Pāhoa High and Intermediate School, Pāhoa Elementary School and Keonepoko Elementary School.  Big Island Now.

Under the big top: Super American Circus comes to Hilo this week. Look for the big top at the Afook-Chinen Civic fairgrounds in Hilo on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and at Old Kona Airport Park on Feb. 21, 22 and 23. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Meeting could help chart course for Hana Community Pathway. Design concepts for the Hāna Community Pathway will be presented at the next in-person community meeting scheduled for 4:30 p.m. Feb. 18 at Helene Hall in Hāna. Maui News.

With massive flooding in Kīhei wreaking havoc every winter, community wonders: When will things change? Maui County says while it is following a master drainage plan, South Maui’s wetland origins make it inherently vulnerable to flooding. But residents and environmental scientists say more concrete action needs to be taken, and more quickly.  Maui Now.

Kauai

Kaua‘i Community College works to fund scholarship for graduating island seniors. The Ho‘olei Scholarship Fund aims to cover first-year tuition, after financial aid, for every senior graduating from a public or charter high school on Kauaʻi. Kauai Now.

Chief Justice delivers final State of the Judiciary, bills seek to legalize pro sports betting, send homeless back to home states, double HI-5 container fee, ban landfills over aquifers, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

‘We Can’t Just Assume We Have The Public’s Trust’. Chief justice delivers final State of Judiciary. The Hawaii State Judiciary needs money to design a new courthouse in Wai­mea, add a District Court judge in Kona and address a “critical shortage” of court-appointed counsel in criminal and termination of parental rights cases, Hawaii Supreme Court Chief Justice Mark E. Recktenwald told state lawmakers Thursday.  Recktenwald, who delivered his eighth and final State of the Judiciary speech, will reach the Judiciary’s mandatory retirement age of 70 later this year. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Big Island Video News.  Hawaii News Now.

Full text of Chief Justice Mark Recktenwald's State of the Judiciary can be found here.

Bills seek to legalize betting on pro sports. At least two bills have been introduced in the state Senate with the intent of cashing in by legalizing limited forms of sports wagering — which is still illegal in Hawaii, despite numerous attempts that have gone bust in recent years. Tribune-Herald.

‘Return-to-Home program’ proposed for houseless people to return to their home states. A bill introduced by 13 representatives in the state House calls for establishing a permanent “Return-to-Home program” with an as yet undetermined amount of funding to return homeless people in Hawaiʻi to their home states. Big Island Now.

Working group proposed to study squatting on private property. State lawmakers want a working group to study the problem of people unlawfully occupying private property without the owner’s consent. Maui Now.

Bills to forbid landfills over aquifers advance. Six bills that seek to prevent new solid waste landfills to be placed above fresh groundwater sources anywhere in Hawaii are under review by the state Legislature. Star-Advertiser.

Bill introduced to double Hawaii beverage container fee. Hawaii’s five cent beverage container fee has been incentivizing recycling since 2005 when it was established. A new bill introduced this legislative session seeks to increase that incentive to 10 cents. KHON2.

Lawmakers looking for answers from UH athletics department. More hard questions from lawmakers for the UH athletics department. They want answers as to how the school can recover from a massive budget shortfall. KHON2.

Hawaii offshore wind farm plan buffeted by Trump order. The political winds in Washington, D.C., have shifted against offshore wind energy plans that include at least one ambitious and controversial project proposed for Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

End Of Free Summer School Is A ‘Huge Equity Issue’ In Hawaiʻi. Hawaiʻi summer school has been free for students over the past four years, but the end of federal funding means schools must find other ways to pay for the programs. Civil Beat.

Hawaiʻi is over-dependent on cars. Can the state spend more on alternative transportation? A local advocacy group is calling on the state Department of Transportation to spend more of its budget building out alternatives to cars. Hawaiʻi Appleseed released a report late last year that examines how HDOT spent its dollars between fiscal years 2019-2024.  Hawaii Public Radio.

Report finds toxic environment in Hawaii jails while overtime abuse rises again. A new report describes a toxic working environment in Hawaii’s jails and prisons that’s making corrections workers sick and some thinking of suicide. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Waianae becomes home to 18th kauhale for homeless. A long-vacant homeless shelter in Waianae, near several coastal encampments of people living in tents and improvised shelters, was blessed Thursday for a much-needed opening. Star-Advertiser. KITV4.

‘Help us’: Public housing redevelopment forces 60 Kalihi tenants to relocate. Changes are coming to the Kuhio Park Terrace public housing complex in Kalihi — and they’re stirring concern among some residents. Hawaii News Now.

No charges for HPD officer in alleged abuse case. A 29-year-old Honolulu police officer arrested Jan. 14 after he allegedly put a 25-year-old woman in a chokehold in an Ewa Beach home has not been charged. Timothy Christopher Massie was placed on restriction of police authority. Star-Advertiser.

HPD seeks public’s help after officer’s firearm stolen in Hawaii Kai. According to the Honolulu Police Department, the officer’s duty belt, which contained a firearm, badge, and radio, was taken while the officer’s vehicle was parked.  KHON2. KITV4.

Hawaiʻi Finally Revokes Professional Licenses Of Registered Sex Offender. Edward Hsu’s acupuncture and physical therapy licenses had remained in good standing two and a half years after his conviction. The state of Hawaiʻi has revoked the licenses of an acupuncturist and physical therapist convicted two and a half years ago of arranging to have sex with an undercover agent he believed to be a 13-year-old boy. Civil Beat.

Falls of Clyde removal contract awarded. The historic Falls of Clyde is one step closer to being removed from Honolulu Harbor.  KHON2.

Hawaii Island

Hospice providers form collaborative. In an effort to ensure sustainable, high-quality care for patients and families across Hawaii, six leading nonprofit hospice providers — including two on Hawaii Island — have joined forces to form the Hawaii Palliative and Hospice Care Collaborative. Tribune-Herald.

Kīlauea Summit Eruption Pauses, Ending 5th Episode. The summit fountain activity stopped suddenly at about 4:30 a.m. Thursday morning, along with the end of lava effusion from the vent. Big Island Video News.

Maui

$62M passenger waiting area dedicated at Kahului Airport on Maui.  The new space, which serves Gates 1 to 15 in the airport’s southern concourse, was constructed by connecting two existing waiting areas, each approximately 6,000 square feet, and enclosing the open-air walkway that separated them.  Maui Now. Maui News.

West Maui Greenway RAISEs the bar: Federal grant fuels vision for a resilient future. A vision decades in the making is now becoming a reality with the announcement of a $15.43 million federal grant to fund the West Maui Greenway. The grant is from the US Department of Transportation’s Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity or ‘RAISE’ program.  Maui Now.

Kauai

Months after announcing retirement, embattled KPD chief won’t reveal departure date. More than two months after Kauai’s embattled police chief announced he’s retiring, Todd Raybuck still won’t reveal exactly when he’ll step down. Meanwhile, the police commission has made little progress to find his replacement. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai Fire Department celebrates 4 new firemen, 2 promotions. The Kauai Fire Department and the County of Kauai honored the graduates of the 33rd Recruit Class and promotions from the Kauai Fire Department and Ocean Safety Bureau. Garden Island.

Overcrowding prompts Kauaʻi Humane Society to ask public to adopt, foster or volunteer. The organization is currently housing 578 animals — it reported to the Kauaʻi County Council this week — but only employs seven full-time animal care technicians.  Hawaii Public Radio.

Lahaina hosts congressional hearing on federal wildfire response, Honolulu council seeks more water testing, Hawaii Gas asked to release emissions reports, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Congressional hearing in Lahaina examines federal response. Select members of the U.S. House Subcommittee on Government Operations and the Federal Workforce held the hearing Wednesday to assess what has been done well and perhaps not as well to help Maui recover from the Aug. 8, 2023, wildfires that killed 102 people and destroyed most of Lahaina town. Star-Advertiser. Associated Press.  Hawaii News Now.  KITV4. Civil Beat.

DARPA sheds light on peculiar drone spotted off Hawaii. Officials with the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) have confirmed that the unmanned drone spotted off Waikiki on Friday, Aug. 30 is designed for energy-harvesting. KHON2.

Local environmental group calls on Hawaiʻi Gas to release emissions data. Life of the Land has intervened in Hawaiʻi Gas' rate case before the Hawaiʻi Public Utilities Commission.  Hawaii Public Radio.

New report: ‘Power Pivot — Transitioning Hawaiʻi Gasoline Superusers to Electric Vehicles’. Released by Ulupono Initiative and Coltura, the paper focuses on these superusers, which account for approximately 65,000, or 6.8%, of the state’s drivers. The superusers have extensive and costly driving habits, often exceeding 40,000 miles annually, compared to the non-superusers average of 8,500 miles annually. Collectively, these superusers consume nearly 26% of Hawaiʻi’s gasoline. Maui Now.

Hawaiʻi chief economist shares insights from decades of data collection. Hawaiʻi Chief Economist Eugene Tian gave us the context of the 1,187-page Data Book, which the state has been compiling every year for about 60 years.  Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

Council OKs resolution for more water testing. The Honolulu City Council adopted a resolution Wednesday urging the Navy and Department of Defense to immediately implement weekly testing of monitoring wells related to past fuel spills at the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility.  Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.  KITV4.

HART Scrambles To Free Up Cash For Rail’s Push Into The City Center. Other work may be delayed because a $1.66 billion bid was $300 million more than the rail authority had budgeted. Civil Beat.

Kapi‘olani threatens lockout of union nurses. Management at Kapi‘olani Medical Center for Women & Children on Wednesday said after receiving a second strike notice from the nurses union, it is prepared to impose a lockout. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.  KHON2. KITV4.

Waianae attacker threatened to shoot his victims’ family twice before, an attorney says. The 59-year-old man fatally shot Saturday night after he rammed his neighbor’s home with a front loader and shot and killed three women had threatened gun violence against his victims’ family twice before, an attorney representing a family member says. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.  KITV4.

Authorities seize 42 gambling machines in suspected game room raid in Makiki. Officers seized 42 gambling machines and thousands of dollars in cash in a game room raid in Makiki Wednesday evening, according to Honolulu police officials. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Ohana housing bill advances: Council bill would create more options for ‘accessory dwelling units’.  Bill 123 is one of several measures discussed by the council this year aimed at updating rules regarding short-term vacation rentals. Tribune-Herald.

4 Big Island men charged with illegally taking lobsters. The men, all divers, were cited for misdemeanor violations with the taking of female lobsters and eggs — which are known as roe — after DLNR officers conducted an inspection on the vessel Law and Disorder III upon its return to its slip at Kawaihae Small Boat Harbor.  Tribune-Herald. Big Island Now. Big Island Video News.  Hawaii News Now.

Maui

UH Maui Wildfire Study gets $2.3M to build comprehensive survivor registry. The University of Hawaiʻi’s Maui Wildfire Exposure Study has received a boost of funding from the state. The additional $2.3 million will allow the study to increase its participant base to 2,000 individuals, focusing on children and first responders. Hawaii Public Radio. Maui News.

Kula Community Association to host Candidate Forum, Sept. 11. This event will feature candidates running for Senate, House, and Maui County Council offices covering nine races. The event offers a platform for candidates to present their views and respond to questions. Maui Now.

60 refurbished computers distributed by MEO at no cost to recipients.  For some, the refurbished laptop given to them at no cost was their first computer. For others, the laptops replaced ones burned in the wildfires. Maui Now.

Kauai

Dozens of campers fall ill to suspected norovirus, Kalalau Valley closed. Kalalau Valley is a popular camping destination off the Nāpali Coast State Wilderness Park on Kaua‘i. At full capacity, the campsite accommodates up to 80 people. With the nearest restrooms being closed to the public, campers said available restrooms were about a quarter mile down the beach. KHON2.

‘A guiding light for our keiki:’ Youth development program Kaua‘i Sea Scouts celebrates 15 years. The Kaua‘i Sea Scouts is a youth development program founded in 2009 by father-and-son team Larry and Max Richardson.  Kauai Now.

Legislature mulls boat harbor dredging, redirection of affordable housing funds, Honolulu council advances resident-preference housing plan, missile test off Kauai, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

A bill advances in state House to pay for small boat harbor dredging. A bill to provide state funding for maintenance dredging at small boat harbors statewide has advanced to the Finance Committee in the House of Representatives. Maui Now.

Flow of affordable-housing funding faces redirection. A state agency that helps finance affordable-housing development in Hawaii faces having its funding award criteria dictated by the Legislature to favor state and county projects. Star-Advertiser.

Affordability still a challenge for Hawaii homebuyers. The annual income needed for major homeownership costs is $145,151 in Honolulu County, $118,454 in Hawaii County, and $208,806 in Maui County. But the average wage earner in Honolulu County makes $65,715, and the average is $54,561 in Hawaii County, and $58,201 in Maui County. Star-Advertiser.

Big rent-to-own housing push by Home Lands agency praised, pilloried. The state Department of Hawaiian Home Lands is pursuing its biggest homestead development initiative in history, but one expanding piece of the plan aimed at helping low-income beneficiaries is distressing some stakeholders. Star-Advertiser.

HTA emerges from legislative crosshairs in fight for funds. The Hawaii Tourism Authority is poised for a comeback in the state Legislature and in all likelihood will emerge this session with a recurring lump sum budget — that’s no small feat for an agency that endured cutbacks, organizational changes, and the threat of defunding over the last several sessions and returned this year with the looming threat of carryover bills calling for its repeal. Star-Advertiser.

Family caregivers tax credit moves through Legislature. Though the initial family caregiver tax credit bill fell through, House Bill 2404 remains alive in the Senate Ways and Means Committee. KHON2.

Legislators seek voters’ input from mailer survey. Some legislators have come to rely on surveying their constituents ahead of final votes on issues such as whether to legalize recreational cannabis for adults or dip into the state’s rainy day fund to help Maui recover from the Aug. 8 wildfires. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

‘Resident-preference’ housing measure advances. Under the campaign-like slogan “Keep Hawaii, Hawaii,” Honolulu City Council members Radiant Cordero and Tyler Dos Santos-Tam have introduced legislation that seeks to  ensure that any housing created by the city, or with city funds, be first offered to those who live and work on Oahu. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now.

A Dispute Between The AG And Honolulu Prosecutor Is Playing Out In The Senate. Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney Steve Alm quit taking minor criminal cases generated by state law enforcement last year. Civil Beat.

Bills to crack down on illegal game rooms finally get a hearing after mounting community pressure. Two bills aimed at cracking down on illegal game rooms will finally get a hearing before Honolulu’s City Council this week. In November, lawmakers proposed a package of legislation meant to address landlords who host illegal game rooms on Oahu. Hawaii News Now.

‘1,000 Steps Backward’: Navy Says Its Vast Testing Of Pearl Harbor Water Has Been Flawed. For two years, the Navy said water test results indicated no problems. Civil Beat.

Water is safe at Hickam Elementary School, officials say. State and federal officials say that water tested at Hickam Elementary School for potential petroleum contamination is safe after an “unvalidated” test found high levels early this month. Star-Advertiser.

One Reason For Persistent Speeding? Roads Whose Designs Seem To Invite It. Following the deaths of two cyclists hit by a car along a main road in Ewa, some lawmakers and officials are reiterating their calls to tackle the issue of speeding not just through more law enforcement but also through changes in road design. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Longer County Council terms? A bill introduced by North Kona Councilman Holeka Inaba proposes a charter amendment that would double the length of council members’ terms in office from two to four years. Tribune-Herald.

Bees causing a buzz: County bill would change how beehives, apiaries are regulated. The Big Island will be abuzz Tuesday about a proposal to allow bees to be kept on residential and other properties. Tribune-Herald.

Maunakea fence to protect wildlife from cats. The ‘ua‘u, or Hawaiian petrel, is a highly endangered species of bird that is primarily found on Maui but was rediscovered on Maunakea in 2021 for the first time in nearly 70 years. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News.

2 Hawaiʻi Island hospitals get federal funds to improve access to medical records. The $2.5 million will help Kona Community Hospital and Kohala Hospital continue to enhance their technological infrastructure, ensuring streamlined access to medical records. Hawaii Public Radio.

Maui

Maui producer named new County Film Commissioner. Brian Kohne, an award-winning music producer and filmmaker who grew up on Maui, has been named as the new County of Maui Film Commissioner, according to an announcement by the county’s Office of Economic Development today. Maui News.

Visitors to Maui down in February 2024 as wildfire recovery continues. There were 181,301 visitors on Maui in February 2024, and visitor spending was $443.1 million, according to new data released by the state Department of Business Economic Development and Tourism. Maui Now.

Kauai

American and Australian forces conduct a missile defense test off Kauai. The U.S. Missile Defense Agency, in cooperation with the U.S. Navy and Australian forces, successfully conducted an intercept of a medium range ballistic missile test target on Thursday using a Standard Missile-6 — or SM-6 — with a special software upgrade. Star-Advertiser.

Non-native coral found multiple times in the water off Anini Beach. Since the original discovery back in 2021, the Reef Guardians have repeatedly found non-native coral at Anini Beach. Garden Island.

Legislature faces more lobbying disclosure measures, psychiatric hospital stabbing suspect has violent record, fed crack down on Oahu cockfighting, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii Ethics Panel To Push For More Disclosure Of Lobbyists. Bills would expand definition of lobbying to include the executive branch and require legislators to reveal more financial relationships. Civil Beat.

Former Patient Indicted In Fatal Stabbing Of Nurse. Tommy Kekoa Carvalho, 25, who was discharged from the Hawaii State Hospital in August and living in a transitional residential program, is accused of killing Justin Bautista, a 29-year-old licensed professional nurse who had worked at the hospital for four years.  Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.  KHON2.

Suspect in fatal nurse stabbing pleaded guilty last year to assaulting mental health worker. A former Hawaiʻi psychiatric hospital patient indicted Wednesday on a murder charge in the stabbing death of a nurse at the facility had pleaded guilty to a 2020 assault of a state mental health worker, court records show. Associated Press. Civil Beat.

Hawaii construction firm buys Grace Pacific. One of Hawaii’s largest infrastructure companies engaged in road paving, rock quarrying and other things has been acquired by local construction firm Nan Inc. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Illegal Oahu game rooms a hot topic at town hall meeting. In its effort to shut them down, the Honolulu Police Department has uncovered illegal game rooms all over Oahu. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Alleged ‘Westside’ gang leader pleads not guilty. Honolulu Residents Face Federal Charges Over Cockfighting Operation. Six Honolulu residents were arrested on federal charges for conspiracy and the operation of an illegal gambling business, according to a U.S. Department of Justice press release. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser.  Hawaii News Now.

HPD crackdown nets on West Oahu crime nets scores of arrests. Deputy Chief Keith Horikawa told police commissioners Wednesday that homicides are up by 80% and weapons offenses are up by 42% in the district covering Ewa to Makaha. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu seeks ability to lower speed limits with fewer restrictions. By default, residential speed limits are 25 mph, but Honolulu City Council Vice Chair Esther Kiaʻāina wants it reduced to 15 mph. Hawaii Public Radio.

Three Gallons Of Fuel Leaked During Red Hill Draining Effort, Admiral Says. None of the fuel made contact with the environment, according to the leader of the defueling team. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Judge denies motion to modify bail for former assistant police chief. Deputy Attorney General Elyse Oyama filed a motion to modify bail conditions and prevent Mitchell Kanehailua from obtaining documents, audio and body camera evidence.  West Hawaii Today.

FEMA issues final EA for Puna road restoration project; construction could start early next year. A large-scale Hawaii County project to repair roads and water lines damaged and destroyed by the 2018 Kilauea eruption has been progressing to the beat of a federal drum, with the go-ahead for the work resting solely with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, which is contributing 75% of the cost. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaiʻi County Council resolution urges protection, preservation of sacred Kumukahi. As a sign of commitment to lineal descendants and residents of Puna, the Hawai‘i County Council passed a resolution on Wednesday that reinforces its promise to protect and preserve one of the state’s most sacred sites, Kumukahi. Big Island Now.

Maui

Couch-Surfing Housing Program Promoted By Maui County Faces Hurdles. Potential tax liabilities for hosts and evolving housing options are obstacles to participation. Civil Beat.

EAH Housing to develop 303 affordable housing units as part of Kahului Civic Center. The project includes a transit hub, civic center component, and 303 affordable housing units. Maui Now.

EPA processing hundreds of thousands of lithium-ion batteries from Maui fires for recycling in Nevada. In a desolate area of Olowalu, at a temporary hazardous materials staging site set up by the US Environmental Protection Agency, workers wearing flame retardant clothing and respirators have been crushing hundreds of thousands of lithium-ion batteries with a drumroller. Maui Now.

Protecting water crucial to Lahaina’s recovery, panel says. Native Hawaiian Convention continues with focus on key community issues. Bringing back a canopy of trees that shaded Lahaina, using reclaimed water for irrigation and farming, and placing more of West Maui water resources into public hands are some of the goals that one Native Hawaiian community leader wants to see to improve the water situation on the island’s west side. Maui News.

Maui’s only domestic violence hotline sees calls for help double since wildfires. Calls to Women Helping Women Maui went up from 250 a month to more than 550. The agency said the numbers are stabilizing, but the cases are becoming more serious. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai

Kaua‘i OED accepting proposals for FY24 Agriculture Farm Expansion Grants Program. The County of Kaua‘i’s Office of Economic Development has opened a request for proposals for its Agriculture Farm Expansion Grants Program for fiscal year 2024. This is the first year the Office of Economic Development has offered a competitive grant strictly for the support of agriculture expansion efforts. Kauai Now.