Green to sign off on tax cuts and budget today, state prepares for Hawaiʻi America250 celebrations, 140 Kauai coffee jobs saved, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Green to sign budget that restores tax cuts for most. The state’s $21 billion budget over the next two fiscal years will be signed by Gov. Josh Green today, ensuring Hawaii’s historic tax breaks for all but the highest-earning residents. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii AG to review Supreme Court decision on gun law.  The state Department of the Attorney General is reviewing Thurday’s U.S. Supreme Court decision to strike down restrictions on where and when guns may be carried, but said current Hawaii law should still be obeyed. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.

New funding opens for Hawaiʻi farmers, ranchers, forest managers. The U.S. Department of Agriculture is offering $18.5 million through the Hawaiʻi Grown Partnership for Agriculture, or HiGPA, project. The funds will go toward conservation efforts and market expansion initiatives led by farmers, ranchers and forest managers across the islands. Hawaii Public Radio.

New loan program set to help homeowners finance cesspool conversions. This session, state lawmakers allocated $2 million in Green Fee funds to create a new low-interest loan and grant program for residents looking to convert their cesspools. Hawaii Public Radio.

OHA reopens TV station study after vote shift. The Office of Hawaiian Affairs on Thursday revived a proposal to explore buying Honolulu television stations KITV and KIKU, approving up to $172,500 for due diligence after Trustee John D. Waihe‘e IV reversed his earlier vote and shifted the board’s majority. Star-Advertiser. KITV4. 

Mokulele Airlines tests electric aircraft. Real‑world testing of electric aircraft began in Hawaii on Thursday — a pivotal step toward evaluating whether zero‑emission planes can support interisland cargo and passenger service and help the state meet its aggressive climate goals. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. 

Jones Act, Renewables and Trump: U.S. House 1st District Candidate Q&As. Eight candidates are competing for the 1st Congressional District. Civil Beat.

Climate Change, The Military And Housing: U.S. House 2nd District Candidate Q&As. Seven candidates are on the ballot for Hawaiʻi’s 2nd Congressional District. The district extends over 6,200 square miles and includes all the neighbor islands and parts of suburban and rural Oʻahu. Civil Beat.

As America 250 nears, Hawaiʻi prepares homegrown celebrations. In Hawaiʻi, those preparations are being led by the Hawaiʻi America250 Commission, which is chaired by Hawaiʻi Island resident Peter Young. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

NOAA: Monk seal Ka‘ale’s death was caused by toxoplasmosis. According to NOAA, the parasite reproduces in cats’ intestines, and its infectious eggs are released into the environment through cat feces.  Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.  KITV4.

Volunteers say more protections are needed for Rocky and her monk seal pup at Kalaeloa beach. Rocky the monk seal is famed for giving birth to pups at Kaimana Beach. This time, she decided to give birth to a pup at Nimitz Beach at Kalaeloa for the first time, an area rarely used by monk seals for that purpose. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu satellite city halls to stop cash property tax payments. Beginning July 2026, Oahu satellite city halls will no longer accept cash payments for real property taxes. Property tax payments at satellite city halls must be paid by check, credit card or debit card. KHON2. KITV4.

Part Of A Frantic Charge To Feed People During Covid, He’s Now Charged With Fraud. Former city employee, who helped steer federal funds to the hungry, is accused of deceiving the food bank into spending money that wasn’t there. Civil Beat.

State orders junkyard shutdown as violations mount. The state Department of Health has ordered a junkyard next to Waiawa Stream to shut down. There are multiple city violations, but operations are still going on. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Aircraft Alert Issued For Hawaiʻi Island Ahead of RIMPAC 2026. Jet engine and aircraft noise may increase to and from Pōhakuloa Training Area in July for the 2026 Rim of the Pacific exercise. Big Island Video News.

Community invited to learn more about how to grow vegetables in Hawaiʻi. “Vegetable Production for Hawai’i Growers” with researcher, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa tropical plant and soil sciences professor and University of Hawaiʻi Extension Specialist Ted Radovich is scheduled for 10 a.m. to noon June 27 at Kohala Village Hub Barn in Hāwī. Big Island Now.

Honokaa suspect in child enticement case to receive mental exam. Police became aware that 23-year-old Honokaa resident Kainalu Palik allegedly used the messaging app Snapchat to meet a 14-year-old girl for sex after her 17-year-old sister noticed the sexually explicit messages on her younger sister’s phone and notified authorities, according to court documents filed by police. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

New Maui County water rates set to go into effect with new fiscal year, July 1. During Maui County Council final 2027 budget deliberations, members of the Budget, Finance and Economic Development Committee members did not recommend substantive changes to the Department of Water Supply’s proposed 5% increase to monthly service fees and higher tiered rates for fiscal 2027. Maui Now.

Public presentation of final designs for Olowalu-Ukumehame coastline coming July 9. Conceptual landscape designs that could help shape the future of the Olowalu-Ukumehame coastline will be presented to the public July 9 at the Maui Ocean Center Sphere in Maalaea. Maui News.

Kauai

140 Kauai Coffee Jobs Saved Through New Land Lease Agreement. After months of uncertainty around the future of the country’s largest coffee grower, roughly 140 jobs at Kauai Coffee Company will be preserved through a new long-term agricultural lease. Civil Beat. Kauai Now.  Garden Island. 

Can A $400+ Million Loan Push The Stagnant Coco Palms Project Ahead? The Kaua‘i project is could reopen in 2028, after being closed for nearly four decades. Developers behind the planned rebirth of Kaua‘i’s famed Coco Palms hotel have secured a $431 million loan to reconstruct the 1953 resort where Elvis Presley’s “Blue Hawaii” was filmed. Civil Beat.
 

U.S. Supreme Court strikes down Hawaii gun law, Gabbard family's ties to religious sect, RIMPAC war games largest ever, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Supreme Court strikes down Hawaii law requiring permission to carry guns in stores and hotels. The U.S. Supreme Court struck down a Hawaii law requiring people to get permission to carry guns into stores and hotels on Thursday, in its latest opinion backing Second Amendment rights. The high court’s 6-3 decision means people can carry guns onto privately owned property like shopping malls and gas stations, unless the owners specifically say guns are banned at their establishments. Associated Press.  Hawaii News Now.

Leaked Documents Show Gabbard Family’s Deep Ties To Sect Leader. Report says Science of Identity founder told former U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard what to do in Congress and her father, a state senator, was also involved. Civil Beat.

RIMPAC kicks off in Hawaii amid a global conflict. The biennial Rim of the Pacific, the world’s largest recurring naval exercise, has returned to Hawaii in what commanders are calling the largest iteration of the war game to date. This year there are over 30 surface ships, five submarines, more than 206 aircraft and 30,000 personnel from 30 countries participating, according to a document by the U.S. Navy. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. 

Hawaii among worst states with SNAP payment errors. The U.S. Department of Agriculture on Wednesday published state payment error rates for the food stamp program helping lower-income households, and Hawaii’s error rate rose to 10.92% in the 2025 federal fiscal year from 6.68% the year before after falling from around 21% in each of the two preceding years. Star-Advertiser.

State to begin enforcing hemp retail registration rules July 1. The Hawaii Department of Health and Department of the Attorney General will begin enforcing Hawaii’s hemp retailer and distributor registration requirements statewide July 1. The Hawaii Department of Health and Department of the Attorney General will begin enforcing Hawaii’s hemp retailer and distributor registration requirements statewide July 1. The Department of Health’s Office of Medical Cannabis Control and Regulation said the grace period for hemp retailer and distributor registration will end June 30. Maui News.

Oahu

DOJ says $17M in Red Hill fuel spill settlements paid to 629 plaintiffs. The Department of Justice made its first Red Hill water crisis payouts totaling around $17 million to 629 plaintiffs and said the payments are an example of the government’s “good faith efforts” to resolve thousands of claims — a characterization the lead plaintiff said “could not be further from the truth.” Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.  KHON2. KITV4.

OHA advances review of possible KITV, KIKU purchase. The Office of Hawaiian Affairs is taking another step toward a possible purchase of local television stations KITV and KIKU. After a proposal stalled last month, trustees voted Wednesday to move forward with the first phase of a financial review. KHON2. KITV4. 

Mayor vetoes OER cuts, triggering Council showdown. The fate of the city’s Office of Economic Revitalization now appears headed for an override vote by the Honolulu City Council after Mayor Rick Blangiardi this week issued line-item vetoes restoring funding and positions the Council cut from the city’s $3.193 billion executive operating budget for fiscal year 2027, which begins July 1. Star-Advertiser.

Red Lobster exits Hawaii with closure of Waikiki location. The Red Lobster in Waikiki has closed its doors for good after more than 30 years in operation. The restaurant, which was located on the ground floor of Ilikai Marina condos at 1765 Ala Moana Boulevard, officially closed on Sunday. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Sewer rate hike is proposed. Members of the Hawaii County Environmental Management Commission on Wednesday pushed back against county officials’ proposed wastewater rate increases that would spike a typical single-family residential monthly sewer bill by 20% come November — and more than double it over the next five years. Tribune-Herald.

UH Hilo athletics building to be renovated. An $11.6 million renovation for athletics facilities on the campus — including locker rooms, training, sports medicine and weight rooms and offices — is expected to begin early next year. Tribune-Herald.

Military service members provide free health care to Big Island residents as part of their real-world training. Tropic Care provides essential medical, dental, optometry and behavioral health services to Big Island residents for free until June 28. Big Island Now.

Volcano man accused of noncompliance with sex offender registration. A 48-year-old Volcano man pleaded not guilty Monday to seven counts of failure to comply with sex offender registration requirements. Hilo Circuit Judge Peter Kubota maintained bail for Brian Taylor-Rose at $140,000 and ordered him to appear July 1 for a hearing, trial-setting and appointment of legal counsel. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui Vacation Rentals Get A Reprieve With New Zoning Bill’s Approval. Roughly 7,000 apartment-zoned units were set to be phased out by 2031 to create more long-term housing. More than half of those may now keep operating as short-term rentals. Civil Beat.

Maui County and Māʻalaea condo reach agreement on a softer approach to shoreline erosion. Kanai A Nalu condominium in Māʻalaea has won county approval to remove its aging, crumbling seawalls and let nature reclaim the shoreline, under a $2.4 million sea-level-rise adaptation plan that calls for a buried sand-filled “burrito” structure, a new dune and a public beach-access ramp. Maui Now.

West Maui Greenway virtual meeting and open house set for Thursday evening. County of Maui Department of Public Works will host a virtual meeting and open house on the West Maui Greenway Environmental Assessment Project from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday. Maui Now.

Community-led petition calls for import restrictions on Maui and Lānaʻi to curb the spread of CRB. The state Board of Agriculture and Biosecurity is considering interim rules to limit the spread of coconut rhinoceros beetles on Maui and Lānaʻi. On Tuesday, the board was presented with a community-led petition, spearheaded by the Lahaina Community Land Trust, that called for temporary limits on certain shipments to the islands, where CRB is not established. Hawaii Public Radio.

Speed Bumps And Water Supply: Maui County Council Upcountry District Candidate Q&As. It’s a four-hand race to fill the council seat left vacant by decade-long incumbent Yuki Lei Sugimura, who is running for Maui County Mayor. Civil Beat.

Disaster Loan And Overtourism: Maui County Council Makawao-Haʻikū-Pāʻia District Candidate Q&As. The incumbent member is facing one challenger for a council seat. Civil Beat.

Kauai

CSI Cats: How Experts ID The Animal Culprits Killing Hawaiʻi’s Seabirds. Cat lovers often sow doubt when felines are found to be the culprit, especially in mass slaughters like the one recently on Kaua‘i. But every predator leaves behind evidence. Civil Beat.

Kauaʻi now designated as a coffee berry borer-infested area. Interisland movement restrictions change after almost every island with commercial coffee production is infested with the coffee berry borer.  Kauai Now.

Concealed firearms carry licenses jump 70%, defense contractors arrested for bribery, conspiracy; Lazar picked for Honolulu police chief; Mauna Loa Atmospheric BaselineObservatory road restored, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Statewide concealed carry licenses climb in Hawaii. The Hawaii Department of the Attorney General has released new 2025 statewide statistics on concealed carry firearm licenses. According to the report, 3,764 people in Hawaii held a valid license to carry a concealed handgun as of Dec. 31, 2025. Officials said that marks a 70.5% increase from the 2,207 license holders reported at the end of 2024. Hawaii News Now.

Two defense contractors arrested for bribery and major fraud conspiracy scheme involving Hawaiʻi-Pacific Innovation Campus. The Justice Department announced criminal charges against Leonard Pick, 62, of Palm Beach Shores, Florida, and Brian Kent, 59, of Tampa, Florida, for allegedly orchestrating a bribery and major fraud conspiracy that corrupted the competitive procurement process for a Department of War technology innovation lab in the Pacific. These indictments result from ongoing federal investigations into fraud and collusion in the defense contracting industry in Hawaiʻi.  Maui Now.

Jarrett Keohokalole files for Congress, launches campaign focused on affordability. Hawaii State Sen. Jarrett Keohokalole has officially filed to run for Hawaii’s First Congressional District, launching a campaign centered on affordability, health care and what he calls the need for new leadership. Keohokalole filed his candidacy on Wednesday, setting up a challenge to longtime U.S. Rep. Ed Case. KITV4.

Oahu

Police commission taps retired deputy chief from San Francisco to lead HPD. For the first time in the 94-year history of the Honolulu Police Department, an officer who never worked in Hawaii will lead the largest law enforcement organization in the state. Honolulu police commissioners voted 5-2 to appoint David Lazar, 55, as the 13th chief of HPD.  Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii Public Radio.  Hawaii News Now. KHON2. KITV4.

Oahu homeless count shows slight uptick, but some improvements. The 2026 Oahu Point-in-Time Count Community Report conducted on Jan. 26 identified 4,539 people experiencing homelessness on the night of Jan. 25 — a roughly 1% increase from the 4,487 counted in 2024. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.

Raised crosswalks in Kailua to be removed, prompting lane closures. State officials say lane closures are scheduled next week for the removal of two raised crosswalks that were installed on Kailua Road about four years ago. Star-Advertiser.

Marine institute shores up Moku o Loʻe against climate change. The Hawaiʻi Institute of Marine Biology has released its Mālama ʻĀina Plan, which guides how the islet will adapt to climate change. Hawaii Public Radio.

Vigilante Curb Painting Has ʻAiea Resident Seeing Red. Red paint on public curbs is reserved for Honolulu bus stops, but at The Pearl One condominiums, the enamel has been more widely applied. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

General plan bill advances in County Council. The Hawaii County Council voted 6-3 on Wednesday in favor of passing a long-term public planning document that has garnered significant public outcry, at times described by council members as “personal attacks,” “vilifying comments,” “conspiracy theories” and “AI psychosis.” Tribune-Herald.

Council holds public meeting on proposed property rates. The Hawaii County Council held a public hearing Tuesday seeking feedback on plans to raise property tax rates for nonresidents and owners of second homes in a push to make up for an estimated $15 million budget shortfall. At the same time, many island residents would see a reduction in their property taxes. Tribune-Herald.

Permits granted to carry concealed guns up 54%. According to a report released Wednesday by the state Department of Attorney General, the total number of active concealed-carry licenses in Hawaii County as of Dec. 31, 2025, was 656. That’s 231 more licenses than reported as of Dec. 31, 2024, or a 54% increase. Tribune-Herald.

Mauna Loa Observatory Road Restored, 3 Years After Lava Flow. Access to NOAA’s Mauna Loa Atmospheric Baseline Observatory, or MLO, has been restored following the late-2022 eruption of Mauna Loa volcano. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Maui County committee defers overnight parking ban, discusses water fee overhaul. The Maui County Council’s Water and Infrastructure Committee deferred action Monday on a proposed overnight parking ban on three industrial area streets in Kahului after hearing community concerns about its impact on homeless people living out of their cars and the need for safer alternatives. Maui Now.

Maui Council committee advances $4M budget amendment for Hālau of ʻŌiwi Arts. A Maui County Council committee recommended first reading approval Tuesday of a $4 million bond funding request for the Hālau of ʻŌiwi Arts project in Wailuku, even as council members raised pointed questions about why items originally represented as part of the project had been dropped before construction began. Maui Now.

Schatz visits site of future Hālau of ‘Ōiwi Art in Wailuku. U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz recently visited the construction site of the future Hālau of ‘Ōiwi Art in Wailuku to view ongoing work on the cultural center, which will serve as a hub for hula and Native Hawaiian arts as well as a disaster resilience facility. Maui News.

Kauai

Kauai Fire Department blesses three brush trucks and high water rescue vehicle. The Kauai Fire Department (KFD) held a blessing on Wednesday to welcome three new brush trucks and a new high water rescue vehicle in front of the Historic County Building in Lihue.  Garden Island.

Maui's marshy wetlands can play a role in Hawaiʻi's climate solution. Wetlands can store up to five times as much carbon as forests. They’re rich in native biodiversity, and can help protect coral reefs from runoff and absorb floodwater during storms.  Hawaii Public Radio.

Green asks Legislature for help protecting immigrants, candidate filing opens Monday, swastikas deface Kauai hiking trail, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Governor Wants New Laws To Protect Immigrants — Fast. Lawmakers were surprised by his comments, which came after a rally at the Capitol where hundreds protested ICE and the killings of protesters.In the wake of two killings of protesters by federal agents and amid bitter national debate over immigration enforcement, Gov. Josh Green said Tuesday he’d welcome action by the state Legislature to fast-track legislation protecting immigrants.  Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.  KHON2. 

Senate President Ron Kouchi weighs in on state of the islands. The Conversation invited Senate President Ron Kouchi to talk about the governor’s plan to pause tax breaks intended to help with the cost of living. Kouchi says he wants to see more details.  Hawaii Public Radio.

2026 Election Candidate Filing Opens Feb. 2 in Hawai‘i. In order to qualify, candidates must obtain a nomination paper and collect signatures from registered voters in the district they represent. The filing deadline is June 2, 2026, at 4:30 p.m. KITV4.

Hawaii lawmakers to consider placard program for firearms. Senate Bill 3041 would require business owners to post color-coded signs indicating whether they allow guns and large knives on their properties. KITV4.

NOAA asks mariners to watch out for entangled humpback whale. Wildlife officials said the 40-foot-long whale – referred to as Palette — was last seen Thursday off Lahaina by the monitoring team of the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiʻi's wildlife refuges brace for potential federal funding cuts. There are 10 refuges across Hawaiʻi, including James Campbell National Wildlife Refuge on Oʻahu, Keālia Pond on Maui, and Hakalau Forest on the Big Island. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

Waiʻanae Group Wants A New Homeless Shelter. Can They Overcome Objections? Disagreements include whether more services will help current Westside homeless or if they will just become a magnet for more. Civil Beat.

Queen’s May Cut Ties With This For-Profit Medicare Insurer. The contract dispute with Humana highlights broader health system woes. The Queen’s Health Systems has notified patients with Humana Inc. medical insurance that they soon may need to find a new doctor or get new health insurance. Civil Beat.

8 Honolulu police officers attacked in Waikiki since June. Waikiki is HPD’s patrol District 6, the department’s smallest patrol area at 1-1/2 square miles, covers the Waikiki peninsula bordered by the Ala Wai Canal, Diamond Head and the ocean. Star-Advertiser.

Washington Place renovations to begin in February. Historic Hawaii home Washington Place will soon undergo repairs and restoration. But that work will keep the public out until the end of 2027. KITV4.

Hawaii Island

As Palm-Killing Beetles Spread On Big Island, State Action Is Slow. Hawaiʻi island residents have been tracking coconut rhinoceros beetles’ destruction throughout the islands. Fearing the same for their home, they’re urging the state to move faster. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser.  Hawaii Public Radio.

County acquires coastal property in E. Hawaii. An 81-acre site on the Hilo/Hamakua coast will be preserved in perpetuity following its purchase by Hawaii County. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News. 

The Hawaii Police Department is now leading the state in total drug seizures. Police say the nearly two pounds of illicit fentanyl recovered alone had the potential to cause 500,000 fatal overdoses. KHON2. KITV4. 

Maui

Mayor Bissen: Maui’s wildfire recovery shifts gears to housing delivery and infrastructure investment. Mayor Richard Bissen told state lawmakers Monday that his administration has shifted its focus from immediate wildfire recovery to housing delivery and large-scale infrastructure investments, forecasting the construction of approximately 3,000 affordable and workforce homes by 2030. Maui Now.

Community input welcome on Māla Boat Ramp site improvements. The community is invited to a Feb. 4 meeting to provide input on a proposed improvement project for Māla Boat Ramp on Maui’s west side. Maui Now.

Forensic Sciences Lab secures last remains of venerated Saint Marianne of Molokaʻi. More than a century after her death, the story of a saint who served those with Hansen’s disease and died on Moloka’i is being told anew—through science. Chaminade University’s Forensic Sciences Unit is helping evaluate her remains. Maui Now.

Kauai

Swastikas deface Sleeping Giant hiking trail on Kauai. Hikers were alarmed Sunday to find 14 swastikas spray-painted on trees, rocks and a bench with the word “Aloha” carved into it, along the popular Sleeping Giant hiking trail on Kauai. Star-Advertiser.

US Supreme Court to tackle Hawaii's strict gun law, statewide doctor shortage worsens, tourists attacked on Maui's iconic road to Hana, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii’s strict gun law faces Supreme Court scrutiny in landmark case. Hawaii’s gun laws, long among the strictest in the nation, will be the focus of arguments before the U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday. The court is taking up the state’s ban on firearms on private property that is open to the public, such as stores and hotels, unless the owner explicitly allows it. Associated Press.

Democrats lay out their agenda for the 2026 session. State officials are preparing for the possibility that federal funding cuts for Hawaii could continue in 2026, with Gov. Josh Green considering the possibility of dipping into the state’s $1.6 billion “rainy day fund” to compensate for lost support.  Star-Advertiser.

 We Asked Hawaiʻi Lawmakers: Did You Take $35,000 In A Paper Bag? Civil Beat contacted all the potential suspects. Many were quick to deny involvement. Some let others speak for them. Others remain silent.  Civil Beat.

Statewide doctor shortage has worsened, a new report finds. The Hawaii Physicians Workforce Report Opens in a new tab found the state short of 833 full-time equivalent doctors in 2025 compared to 768 in 2024, with the greatest gaps continuing on neighbor isles. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiʻi Judges Face More Threats. Courts Want Armed Guards To Help. The Judiciary is seeking $3.25 million to hire private security as the Department of Law Enforcement, which protects the courts, faces staffing shortages. Civil Beat.

DAGS proposes in-house staff for complex real estate projects. A state agency wants to hire a special team of highly paid experts in an effort to save Hawaii taxpayers money on complex public real estate redevelopment projects involving private partners. The state Department of Accounting and General Services is proposing to start with three positions, including a special project executive with annual pay of about $220,000, which rivals the annual salary of Gov. Josh Green. Star-Advertiser.

UHERO forecast of mild recession puts focus on family support services. As Hawaii edges into what economists describe as a mild recession, social service providers say growing economic uncertainty is already being felt by families struggling to afford housing, food and transportation. Star-Advertiser.

State Capitol showing its age as session set to begin. The Capitol first opened in 1969, replacing Iolani Palace as Hawaii’s seat of government, and has undergone extensive repairs ever since. Star-Advertiser.

State Capitol pools conversion submerged by procurement failure. Plans have been dashed to inaugurate Hawaii’s next governor against a resplendent new backdrop outside the state Capitol after a contracting snafu to create a decorated glass panel lanai atop long-empty reflecting pools. Star-Advertiser.

Foreign Oil Floods Into the Islands — But Venezuelan Crude Is Too Tainted. Over the past decade, crude from countries, such as Libya, Russia and Argentina have helped keep the lights on in the Aloha State. In fact, since 2016 data tracked by the Hawaiʻi State Energy Office shows that only about one-fifth of the islands’ oil was domestic. Civil Beat.

Oahu

City reviews oversight agreement in Chinatown. The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation’s planned construction of the more than $10 billion Skyline into Chinatown may coincide with the city’s desire for an updated agreement with the state to gain greater oversight over historical sites and future development projects along that portion of the rail line’s route. Star-Advertiser.

Young professionals express concerns with state legislators. Sixty young professionals like Jordan Odo got to meet nine young state legislators and City Council members Wednesday night to lobby for issues they believe in, especially the need to make Hawaii more affordable. Star-Advertiser.

Researchers investigate whale carcass at Waimanalo Beach. Researchers were seen at Waimanalo Beach removing a whale carcass that washed up over the weekend.  KHON2. KITV4. 

Hawaii Island

County: Bridge to Moku‘ola will be reconstructed. Hawaii County officials have decided, after consulting with an engineer, that it would be more prudent to reconstruct the pedestrian bridge between Waiakea Peninsula and Moku‘ola (Coconut Island) than to simply repair the damaged section. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaiʻi County Offers Right-of-Way Permits Through EPIC. Online payments are also being accepted for Grading, Grubbing, and Stockpiling Permits, officials say. Big Island Video News.

Hilo Forest Reserve Cabins Reopen For Camping. The Keanakolu Bunkhouse and Ranger cabins have been closed since October due to drought and dry conditions in the area. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Maui police investigate alleged attack against tourists on Road to Hana. Texas couple David and Angie Carroll's visit went awry after a confrontation on the Road to Hana last Friday. What was supposed to be a scenic drive ended with an alleged attack and damage to their rental car. David claims he was also called a racial slur. Hawaii News Now.

Oceanside property owners on Lahaina’s Front Street face dilemma: Sell to Maui County or wait to rebuild? The county has reached out to owners in hopes of turning the makai side of Front Street into a connected stretch of open space to protect against flooding and create more shoreline access.  Maui Now.

Updates to Maui County’s CDBG program available for public review. Proposed updates to Maui County’s Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery Action Plan are now available to view on the Hoʻokumu Hou website. This is the official online site for the Office of Recovery Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery Program. Maui Now.

Lawmakers prioritize ‘community concerns’ after $8M released for Lahaina Boat Harbor. State officials announced the release of $8 million in Capital Improvement Funds for the reconstruction of a major part of the Lahaina Small Boat Harbor.The funds are for the reconstruction of the outer marginal wharf after the harbor was destroyed in the August 2023 wildfires. Hawaii News Now.

US Senate bill includes millions for East Maui rainforest, Kahului Harbor maintenance. A bipartisan appropriations deal passed by the US Senate on Thursday includes millions of dollars in federal funding designated for the acquisition of East Maui rainforest lands, maintenance for Kahului Harbor and an assessment of Maui watersheds. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kauai to benefit from nearly $5 million in new earmark funding. Of the share designated for Kauai, the County of Kauai, Department of Water is earmarked for $1 million. This project supports the installation of a water storage tank to increase water storage capacity in the Kilauea community. The new storage tank will support approximately 2,800 full-time residents and 6,500 acres of agricultural lands. Garden Island.

School lunches pricey for state, gang control alleged at Oahu jail, UH sees record funding, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

No One Will Say Why School Lunch Costs Hawaiʻi DOE $9 A Plate. Lawmakers have pushed the education department for more details on the costs of running its school meal program. Civil Beat.

Report: Hawaiʻi Needs Nuclear and Geothermal Power To Meet Renewables Mandate. A study by researchers from the University of Hawaiʻi and other institutions says current energy policy will lead to “creeping collapse” of systems. Civil Beat.

Hawaiʻi Rarely Takes Guns From People In Crisis, Despite ‘Red Flag’ Law. A law enacted five years ago was supposed to help loved ones and law enforcement get a court order to temporarily take away someone’s guns. Only 10 petitions have been filed. Civil Beat.

UH sees more record funding despite concerns. Until the upcoming federal fiscal year begins Sept. 30, UH officials are cautiously celebrating the $734 million they expect to receive from outside sources, notably over 90% from the federal government. Star-Advertiser.

UH president to represent Hawaiʻi on higher education commission. University of Hawaiʻi President Wendy Hensel is the newest member of the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE). Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

Council again to review HPD radio channels access. Proposed legislation to force Honolulu Police Department to restore limited access of its radio communications to news media outlets is expected to be under City Council review today. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Police Hope Child Care Will Help Recruit And Retain Employees. The initiative is in early stages, but officials say options include offering a subsidy, providing in-home babysitters and building a child care center. Civil Beat.

Trial over jail killing reveals alleged gang control of facility. The killing of a detainee at Oahu Community Correctional Center is the subject of a dramatic trial in Circuit Court, where prosecutors say gangs were running the module, so that the dying man was not found by guards for hours. Hawaii News Now.

In newly released demand letter, former police chief seeks $784K citing retaliation, ‘emotional distress’. After initially refusing to release it, the city shared a demand letter sent by former Honolulu police Chief Joe Logan demanding payment for the remaining two years of his term and damages for emotional distress. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

Building sale could force Honolulu renters to look for new home. Both Punahou Circle on Beretania and Citron Circle in McCully are available for sale together. The entire building. All 195 total units. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

Episode 30 Begins: Kilauea erupts with stunning lava fountains. Kilauea volcano on Hawaiʻi Island has entered a new phase of activity—Episode 30 of the Halemaʻumaʻu eruption officially began early Tuesday morning.  Big Island Now. Big Island Video News. KITV4.

Dry conditions persist in July for Ka‘ū, Hāmākua Districts, according to monthly rain summary report. Last month was one of the driest Julys for East Hawai‘i in 15 years. Big Island Now.

Maui

County conveys land to Hale Makua for community development. A Maui County Council committee recommended preliminary approval for conveying public land for a 100-unit workforce rental housing project by Hale Makua Health Services in partnership with Alakaʻi Development. Maui News. Maui Now. 

Evacuation maps, new leadership, more staffing mark changes at Maui Emergency Management Agency after fires. Two years after the fire, Maui survivors still face challenges with housing, insurance, FEMA assistance, building permits and a laundry list of other obstacles. Hawaii Public Radio. Maui Now.  Hawaii News Now.  KITV4.

Community hope and healing take root at a native planting project above Lahaina. This week marks two years since the 2023 wildfires that burned the town of Lahaina and parts of upcountry Maui. Throughout the week, we’ll share special stories and community voices — starting with a community project to plant native species above Lahaina.  Hawaii Public Radio.

Kauai

Garden Isle has below average rainfall for July, according to monthly report. Rainfall totals were mainly below average for Kauaʻi last month, outside of northern and central portions of Garden Isle where the Hanalei and Waiahi gauges received 126% and 100% of their monthly totals between July 19-20, according to the monthly rain summary report from the National Weather Service. Kauai Now.

Climate Commission prepares for sea level rise update, gun permit applications drop, Honolulu mulls new property tax exemptions, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaiʻi Climate Commission gets ready to update sea level rise report. The Hawaiʻi Climate Commission is preparing to update its statewide sea level rise vulnerability report. The update is required by state law, but the effort is not yet funded. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaiʻi’s Highest Paid Union Leaders. Working in organized labor can be lucrative — for some. Some of the leaders of Hawaiʻi’s most powerful unions are bringing in hefty paychecks, according to the latest filings with the U.S. Department of Labor and the IRS.   Civil Beat.

Applications for gun permits down statewide in 2024. More than 16,000 applications for gun permits were issued in Hawaii last year, the state Department of the Attorney General said in its firearm registration report released Wednesday. The total number of registered firearms in Hawaii was 44,624 in 2024, a 13.9% decrease from the 51,807 officially registered in 2023. Star-Advertiser.

Working group set to meet to discuss bringing nuclear energy to Hawaii. Nuclear power is long known for its destructive power and potential health risks. But it’s also a source of energy. And there is a working group set to meet later this year to discuss bringing it to Hawaii. KHON2.

Hawaiian Airlines sees first profit since COVID-19 pandemic. Alaska Air Group’s second quarter earning beat expectations due to lower fuel prices, better costs and revenue, and new opportunities from its merger with Hawaiian Airlines, whose adjusted pretax margin hit profitability for the first time since 2019. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Honolulu considers expanding residential property tax exemptions. The Honolulu City Council is considering several measures that would decrease property taxes for seniors, landlords, and homeowners who live on their property. Hawaii Public Radio.

Proposed Ala Wai Watershed District raises concerns. A local nonprofit’s unofficial draft bill requesting that the Honolulu City Council establish an Ala Wai Watershed Special Improvement District to advance investments in nature-based solutions to protect the watershed has drawn skepticism over how the new entity could affect area residents. Star-Advertiser.

Sea Turtle Nests Threatened On North Shore By Lights, Bonfires, Joyrides. Illegal activities and failure to enforce laws are threatening honu nests at Ke Iki Beach on Oʻahu. Civil Beat.

Noise detectors targeting loud vehicles to be installed across Oahu. Police are finally getting new tools to crackdown on loud mufflers and sound systems on Oahu’s roads. Next month, the Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) will begin installing noise detectors. Hawaii News Now.

Alarming increase in Honolulu police shootings. Former HPD deputy chief John McCarthy said more guns, stronger drugs and social and economic factors are all contributing to the violence. KITV4.

Traffic, speeding top resident concerns at Kaimuki town hall. Kaimuki is a densely populated neighborhood with narrow roadways and houses packed closely together -- along with a lot of cars. And for a lot of residents, that’s a recipe for disaster. Hawaii News Now.

Parking restrictions coming as Parks permit office moves to new home. Starting Monday, July 28, some public parking surrounding Sheridan Community Park near Ala Moana will no longer be open to the public. Hawaii News Now.

Lawsuit alleges sex assault, climate of fear at Youth Challenge Academy. A federal lawsuit is making stunning allegations about sexual assault and a cover-up at a state-run Youth Challenge Academy in Kalaeloa. Hawaii News Now.

Chinatown Arch project receives final permits to move forward. Hawaiʻi businessman Eddie Flores Jr. provided the seed money to get the arch planning and design underway. He is now launching a fundraising effort to see the Kekaulike Mall project through. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Island

Bill banning feeding of feral animals on Hawai‘i County property passes first reading. A bill that would ban the feeding of feral or stray animals such as cats or pigs on Hawaii County property passed its first reading Wednesday by the County Council, despite opposition by a large majority of in-person testifiers. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Now. 

Maui

Maui County officials defend vacation rental conversion bill. Maui County Council members on Wednesday displayed a mix of support and unease for a bill to prohibit short-term vacation rental use in about 6,100 Valley Isle condominiums in an effort to provide housing for residents nearly two years after wildfires destroyed about 5,500 homes. Star-Advertiser. KHON2. 

East Maui residents want more transparency with ag giant’s water usage. Just how much water is enough is a question a local advocacy group is raising concerning the practices of Mahi Pono, an agricultural giant on Maui. Maui News.

Here's how community groups are reimagining Lahaina's energy future. The Lahaina Energy Partnership's energy plan is entering its second phase of development. The group formed in response to the August 2023 wildfires to ensure that the Lahaina community played a central role in determining their town’s energy future. Hawaii Public Radio.

Maui County now making Lahaina historic guidelines clearer and enforceable after agreement with state. Government officials started enforcing historic district guidelines following an agreement in April between Maui County and the State Historic Preservation Division. Maui Now.

Kauai

Staffing issues continue to cause residential trash collection delays. Kauaʻi County Solid Waste Division says staffing issues have again resulted in no residential trash collection in several Garden Isle communities Wednesday  in the areas of Kekaha, Waimea, Hanapēpē and ʻEleʻele. Kauai Now. Hawaii News Now. 

Historic Koloa Plantation Days parade, and park celebration Saturday. The park celebration at the Anne Knudsen Park opens at 2 p.m., and runs through 8 p.m. with more than 70 craft vendors, a silent auction, food stations, keiki activities, and entertainment highlighted by Henry Kapono. Garden Island.

Governor vetoes 8 bills, new law could break HECO monopoly, ICE agents partner with Kaneohe Marines, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Governor Green Issues Final Veto List. On July 3, Governor Josh Green finalized on his Intent-to-Veto list, signing 12 bills into law and vetoing eight. Big Island Video News.

Full veto list can be found here. Hawaii Governor's Office.

Is HECO’s Monopoly Over? New Law Could Change Power Market. The bill is expected to give Hawaiʻi ratepayers additional choices for purchasing electricity. Lawmakers hope it will also lower electric bills. Civil Beat.

New laws to tackle condo insurance crisis. Gov. Green signs two bills to help with housing. To help deal with Hawaiʻi’s housing crisis, Gov. Josh Green signed into law one bill that deals with the rising cost of property insurance and another that expands essential resources for youth and young adults facing homelessness. Big Island Now. Maui News.  Star-Advertiser.  KHON2.

Newly named Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity is looking for new hires. The state is looking to fill 44 positions in the newly-named State Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity. The new hires are part of a nearly $26.6 million appropriation to protect Hawaii from invasive species and grow the agriculture industry. Hawaii News Now.

Rent supplement program for kūpuna extended through 2028. The program allows kūpuna at imminent risk of homelessness who are at least 62 years old to apply for supplemental rental assistance. Hawaii Public Radio.

New commander to lead elite forces in the Pacific. The military’s secretive elite forces have a new leader in the Pacific. On Thursday Navy Rear Adm. Jeromy Williams of U.S. Special Operations Command Pacific, also known as SOCPAC, passed the baton to Army Maj. Gen. Jeffrey Van­Antwerp. Star-Advertiser.

New UH Agriculture Dean Wants To Help Hawaiʻi Grow More Of Its Own Food. During 16 months on the job, Parwinder Grewal has hired more faculty, secured millions in funding and started setting up a new undergraduate degree in farming. Civil Beat.

Oahu

ICE agents partner with Kaneohe Marines. Marine Corps Base Hawaii is one of three military installations partnering with Immigration and Customs Enforcement on a pilot program to ensure foreign nationals can’t gain “unauthorized” access to U.S. Department of Defense facilities. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu chooses consultant for transit-oriented development. A master planning effort to transform city- and state-owned lands along Hono­lulu’s more than $10 billion rail line into mixed-use, transit-oriented development in the Iwilei-Kapalama area now includes a contracted primary consultant. Star-Advertiser.

Investigator: Vocal Red Hill Whistleblower Faced Pushback For Speaking Out. One of the military’s loudest critics amid the Red Hill fuel contamination fiasco said her boss tried to keep her quiet. Civil Beat.

Fire leaves woman, 94, and dog dead. Gusts of wind continued to sweep through the 55 acres of blackened land in Maili on Monday, where a wildfire Sunday afternoon left a 94-year-old woman and a pitbull dead and destroyed a family’s home and business. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.  KHON2. KITV4.

Hawaii Island

LUC to consider expansion of University of the Nations in Kona. The plans to add 62 acres adjacent to the 45-acre campus on Kuakini Highway have been in the works since a 2003 master plan was submitted to the LUC to change zoning on the two subject land parcels from agricultural to urban. Tribune-Herald.

Weigh in on new changes to gun rules on Hawaiʻi Island. The Hawaiʻi Police Department is changing the rules about gun permits and licenses, and the public is invited to share their thoughts. KHON2.

New finding answers a question that has puzzled astronomers for years.  An international team of astrophysicists have uncovered a possible origin of fast X-ray transients (FXTs) — mysterious, fleeting bursts of X-rays that have long puzzled astronomers. Using the W. M. Keck Observatory on Maunakea, Hawaiʻi Island helped with the discovery. Hawaii News Now.

Maui

Council focuses on zoning issues throughout this month. The Maui County Council will meet July 8 at 9 a.m. to consider zoning legislation on agricultural tourism, parking requirements for electric vehicles, food trucks in the agricultural district, the size of accessory dwellings and the definition of various land-use terms. Maui Now.

County Committee on the Status of Women to host community roundtables on women’s health issues. The County of Maui Committee on the Status of Women will hold community roundtables on Friday, July 11, 2025, to gather public input on issues affecting women’s health in the county. Maui Now.

State of Hawaiʻi to host recruitment event on Maui, July 10, showcasing 300 jobs. The state of Hawaiʻi Department of Human Resources Development will host a recruitment event on Thursday, July 10, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Maui State Office Building in Wailuku. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kauaʻi Police Chief Job Posting Gets Tepid Response. On Kauaʻi, job applications for chief of police are down 68% as a department with sinking morale and recruitment and retention issues seeks its next leader. Civil Beat.

County warns of fraudulent council letter. The County of Kauai is warning the public of a new scam involving fraudulent letters falsely claiming to be from the Kauai County Council. Garden Island.

Trump executive order opens Pacific marine sanctuary to commercial fishing, UH to cut 36 research programs amid $30M funding loss, Honolulu rail, bus service face cuts, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Trump opens huge Central Pacific protected zone to commercial fishing. President Donald Trump issued an executive order opening up to commercial fishing the Pacific Islands Heritage Marine National Monument, covering about 490,000 square miles of ocean southwest of Hawaii. A second executive order directed the Commerce Department to loosen regulations that “overly burden America’s commercial fishing, aquaculture, and fish processing industries.”  New York Times. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

UH loses $30M in federal funds; 36 research programs to be cut. The University of Hawaii announced Thursday it has lost $30 million in federal funding for research, just as the school sees the number of revoked student visas “literally (change) by the hour,” according to a Thursday announcement made by UH President Wendy Hensel. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Veterans advocating for gun safety push for assault weapon ban in Hawaii. A group of U.S. Army veterans are advocating for gun safety urging lawmakers to ban assault weapons this legislative session. KITV4.

Arts advocates say the Legislature continues to put creativity on the chopping block. House Finance Chair Kyle Yamashita has been introducing measures that would either cut, limit or redirect the arts agency’s special fund since 2007, according to the Legislature’s archives. This year, advocates for the arts say Yamashita is much closer than ever to succeeding. Hawaii Public Radio.

Latest tourism agency allegations draw varied responses.  Some of those at the center of the allegations that surfaced Tuesday during an HTA Budget, Finance, and Convention Center Standing Committee say they were blindsided, and want the chance set the record straight before the full HTA board responds. Star-Advertiser.

Loss of $2.1M in federal funds for reproductive care impacts young people, isolated communities. Hawaiʻi receives about $2.1 million in federal Title X funding. It goes to clinics for services like birth control, cancer screenings, and testing and treatment for sexually transmitted diseases. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaiian Airlines flight attendants ratify 3 year contract extension. After a little over a month of negotiations, Hawaiian Airlines flight attendants ratified a contract extension, which runs through February 2028. KHON2.

Oahu

Senate Bill Would Put Major State Funding For Honolulu Rail Project In Jeopardy. HART rail board members hope to convince lawmakers to kill the bill. But it has a powerful supporter. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Bus Commuters Are The Latest Victims Of Federal Funding Cuts. The city announced that nearly $10 million for seven programs, including a Waiʻanae Coast bus rapid transit project, has been eliminated. Civil Beat.

Council reappoints Honolulu Emergency Services Department Director Jim Ireland. On Wednesday, the council voted 8-0 to confirm Ireland as HESD’s director. It comes after a slew of former employees in February testified against Ireland, citing the department’s “toxic” work environment, staffing issues and mismanagement of resources. Hawaii Public Radio.

HPD officer arrested again in violation of restraining order. A Honolulu police officer with a history of arrests for violating restraining orders brought by the mothers of his five children was arrested Thursday for allegedly violating a temporary restraining order. Star-Advertiser.

Miske’s Daughter-In-Law Sentenced To 7 Years In Prison. The judge also denied a request for a “non-custodial” sentence that would allow Delia Fabro-Miske to continue raising her daughter. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. KITV4.

Hawaii’s 2nd measles case confirmed in household member. The Hawaii Department of Health today confirmed a second case of measles in an adult household member of the first case, which was in a child under the age of 5. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.
    
Hawaii Island

More snow expected at Big Island summits with extension of winter weather advisory. Additional snow accumulation of up to 2 inches is forecast for Big Island summits as the winter weather advisory for Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa has been extended until 6 a.m. Saturday. Big Island Now.

Trial run: Ali‘i Drive being turned into one-way road for creation of free public parking in Kona. Hawai‘i County is moving forward with its plan to temporarily turn a portion of Ali‘i Drive into a one-way road to create much-needed free parking spaces for the public in the Kona Historic Business District. Big Island Now.

Petition garners more than 2,600 signatures asking Coast Guard to continue search for missing Kona fisherman. Family and friends of a missing Kona fisherman are collecting signatures to petition the U.S. Coast Guard to pick up its search for the 42-year-old who has now been missing at sea for a week. Big Island Now.

Maui

Divisive Maui Pay Hikes: Should A Mayor Earn More Than A Governor? Maui Mayor Richard Bissen, who governs 11% of the state’s population, is set to earn more than even Gov. Josh Green when a slate of generous county pay raises kick in. Civil Beat.

DOH approves fourth medical cannabis retail dispensary for Noa Botanicals. The Hawai‘i Department of Health has issued a formal notice to proceed for Mānoa Botanicals, LLC dba Noa Botanicals after it passed its final on-site inspection for its fourth retail facility. Maui Now.

Kauai

Lawsuit filed in fatal 2024 Kauai helicopter crash. A helicopter crash that happened off Kauai has resulted in a lawsuit after a couple that was vacationing in July 2024 was killed. KHON2.

Officials warn of potentially inclement weather through middle of next week. Kaua‘i County officials are urging the public to remain vigilant as the potential for severe weather conditions continues into early next week. Kauai Now.

Soil sampling to take place at Kekaha Sugar Mill property. Garden Island.

Legislature plans special sessions, Honolulu fails to collect $100M in vacation rental fines, state may buy 1k acres of farmland from Kauai billionaire Steve Case, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaiʻi lawmakers plan special sessions to address federal funding cuts. The Legislature has about three weeks left of its regular session. But the magnitude of federal cuts and what it means for the state’s budget is still unknown. The budget overhaul being considered by Congress threatens about 75% of the state budget’s $4.6 billion in federal funds. Hawaii Public Radio.

State Legislature poised to pass sweeping weapons ban. Senate Bill 401 proposes to ban the purchase or sale of “assault rifles” and “assault shotguns” in the state after July 8. While such weapons purchased and registered before July 8 would remain legal, those guns could not be again sold within the state. Aloha State Daily.

Geothermal power exploration building up steam. Three state agencies have big ambitions to expand geothermal power production in Hawaii, and two somewhat competing bids for more funding are at a final stage of potential legislative approval. Star-Advertiser.

Lawmakers take up the issue of midwifery, possibly affecting Native Hawaiian practices. Midwifery and the Native Hawaiian cultural practices that blur the boundaries of statutory definitions are again at the center of a fierce legislative debate that harkens back to the 2019 legislative session, when lawmakers passed what became Act 32 in recognition of “the potential for harm to public health and safety posed by the unregulated practice of midwifery.” Star-Advertiser.

Bills would require youths to wear skateboard helmets. Minors would be required to wear helmets when riding skateboards on public property under two bills that continue to move through the Legislature. Star-Advertiser.

New Zealand’s deputy prime minister visits Hawaii, amid heightened tensions in Asia-Pacific. New Zealand’s deputy prime minister, who also serves as the foreign minister, was set to visit Hawaii over the weekend, leading a high-level, cross-party delegation for key meetings across the Pacific. Hawaii News Now.

Neighbor Island businesses worry of shipping rate hike, tariffs. The state Public Utility Commission has been holding public hearings on Young Brothers’ request for a 27% rate increase for interisland cargo. KHON2.

Board of Education promotes financial literacy for Hawaii students. The state Board of Education has begun discussions to develop a formal policy that would embed financial literacy education throughout the state’s public school system, responding to growing interest from students, educators and the broader community. Star-Advertiser.

Famed war correspondent to be honored at final resting place. Legendary newsman Ernie Pyle, whose vivid reporting from the front lines of World War II won him a Pulitzer Prize and the admiration of readers and the soldiers whose stories he told, will be honored at a ceremony Friday marking the 80th anniversary of his death during the Battle of Okinawa. Star-Advertiser.

Federal Judge Won’t Make Bribery Investigations Public. A federal judge has ruled against Civil Beat in its efforts to obtain the FBI’s investigative files on two Hawaiʻi lawmakers who took tens of thousands of dollars in bribes from a Honolulu businessman in exchange for swaying legislation the way he wanted it to go. Civil Beat.

Oahu

City fails to collect millions in rental fines. The city has issued over $100 million worth of fines for short-term rental violations over the past three fiscal years but has collected less than $2 million — or barely 2% — even after hiring a collection agency in 2023 that was tasked with bringing in every dollar owed to the city. Star-Advertiser.

Speedier Reviews, Quicker Honolulu Building Permits? Not So Fast. The county says it’s doing its job faster, but that’s not yet translating to faster permits for property owners.  Civil Beat.

Navy seeks to reactivate wells closed during Red Hill crisis. More than three years after the Navy shut down two of its Oahu water wells in response to the Red Hill water crisis, the service is now looking to reopen them. Star-Advertiser.

Transit-oriented development forum is set for Kapolei. The city Department of Planning and Permitting announced it will hold a community meeting Wednesday to address proposed land use changes that could allow for TOD development around three city rail stations in the East Ka­polei area. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu residents turn in over 367 firearms in gun buyback program. The guns were exchanged for $37,900 in Foodland gift cards contributed by the Department of Law Enforcement. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu’s traffic fatalities nearly tripled in deadly start to 2025. Oahu, the most populated isle, usually has the greatest share, and so far this year has 22 fatalities, nearly triple the eight fatalities at the same time last year. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii lawmakers advance bills banning landfills over aquifers. Opponents to plans by Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s administration to site the city’s next solid-waste landfill on active pineapple fields above Central Oahu’s freshwater aquifer claimed a tentative victory this week. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Vacation Rental Registration Process Subject Of Online Briefing. An upcoming, online informational briefing will be held about a potential registration process for hosted Transient Vacation Rentals (TVR) and hosting platforms in Hawai‘i County. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now.

Hawaiʻi County Council goes round and round on bus budget.  Hawaiʻi Island's mass transit budget has increased by 400% since 2018. At a budget hearing on Thursday, Hawaiʻi County council members questioned whether that fourfold investment has been worth it. Hawaii Public Radio.

Waikoloa Village wildfire preparedness in the spotlight. The public is invited until April 30 to give input to Hawaii County to help identify potential wildfire risks and opportunities for preparation and prevention in the Waikoloa Village area. Tribune-Herald.

Opposition to fence grows: Some neighbors of muni golf course cite safety concerns. Hawaii County is following through on its plans to fence off the Hilo Municipal Golf Course from nearby residents, to the displeasure of at least some of the neighbors. Tribune-Herald.

Aging Kona Inn Shopping Village struggling to sell despite property’s century history as tourist mecca. Nearly 100 years ago, the opening of Kona Inn along the coastline marked the beginning of commercial tourism for the once sleepy fishing village of Kailua-Kona. Big Island Now.

Maui

Dozens of Maui County officials to get hefty raises after vote by salary commission. More than 40 top county officials, including Maui’s mayor, police and fire chief, will see substantial raises following a vote by the salary commission. Hawaii News Now.

Maui wedding and events industry seeks help. The Maui Wedding and Event Association is asking for $300,000 from Maui County to help to support Maui’s wedding and events industry. Maui News.

Worries About Climate Change Spiked On Maui After 2023 Fires. More than three-quarters of Maui residents said they were concerned about global warming in 2024, according to a national climate survey conducted annually by Yale University — a six percentage point increase from 2022. Civil Beat.

Landscape fire recovery work progresses in Upcountry, Kīhei gulches. More than 20,000 cubic yards of excess sedimentation have been moved, and over 9,200 linear feet of gulches have been cleared of burnt debris and dead or dying trees as part of a major undertaking to address substantial landscape damage caused by the Maui wildfires of 2023, and to protect communities and ecosystems downslope of the burned areas. Maui Now.

Modular homes for wildfire survivors to be in transit next week. The Hawai‘i Department of Transportation notifies highway users of potential traffic delays as modular homes for wildfire survivors are transported from Kahului to the state’s Ka Laʻi Ola housing site in Lahaina. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kaua’i Billionaire Wants To Sell Prime Ag Land. The State Might Buy It. More than 1,000 acres of former Kauaʻi plantation land owned by a billionaire tech entrepreneur Steve Case  are in the sights of the state’s Agribusiness Development Corp. as part of the effort to help Hawaiʻi achieve its local food production goals. Civil Beat.

Kaua‘i County reviewing, updating Multi-hazard Mitigation and Resilience Plan. The Federal Emergency Management Agency requires a community to review and update its Multi-Hazard Mitigation and Resilience Plan at least every 5 years to remain eligible for a range of the agency’s programs, including the agency’s Hazard Mitigation Grant program and the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities Grant program. Kauai Now.