Rank-and-file left behind as government officials get big raises, Maui council advances vacation rental phase-out, arson not suspected in Hilo fires, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Recent Government Salary Hikes At The Top Leave Many Public Workers Behind. Hawaiʻi state and local governments invested in executives and senior managers with a recent round of hefty raises that did not extend to a majority of the public-sector workforce, the latest update to Civil Beat’s Public Employee Salary database shows. Raises for many top bosses on July 1 range from 15% at the state level to more than 50% at the county level for a select group of appointed and elected officials. Most rank-and-file workers received increases of between about 2% and 4% this year following union negotiations. Civil Beat.

Civil Beat’s Public Salary Database Is Updated. Here’s How To Use It. Civil Beat’s database of Hawaiʻi public employee salaries has been updated with the latest numbers for the fiscal year running from July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026. Civil Beat.

.08 is Hawaii’s blood alcohol content limit under DUI laws. Some want that changed. Hawaii’s legal limit for blood alcohol content stands at .08, which is in alignment with most of the country. Depending on a number of factors like gender, and weight, reaching .08 on average is reached after about three to five drinks. Hawaii News Now.

DHHL expects to meet deadline to spend $600M. The state Department of Hawaiian Home Lands anticipates meeting a June 30 deadline to fully use $600 million appropriated in mid-2022 by the Legislature mainly to develop homestead lots for beneficiaries. Star-Advertiser.

Here's what proposed changes to the Endangered Species Act mean for Hawaiʻi. The Department of the Interior proposed new rules to the ESA in late November that would allow the federal government to take into account economic factors when deciding to list a new species or designate critical habitat for a protected species. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

New city 3-1-1 app and system expected to speed up resident's requests. Most know about calling 9-1-1 for emergencies, or 2-1-1 for assistance or support, but do you know about dialing 3-1-1? That is the city's site for Honolulu residents to request services in their community. KITV4.

DPP closes building permit counter for a week. The Honolulu Department of Planning and Permitting has closed its building permit counter through Friday to deal with a stated backlog of permits stuck in the prescreen process since the summer time. Star-Advertiser.

Family housing service provider sees increase in calls for assistance. Family Promise of Hawaiʻi, an organization that serves families experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity, has seen the number of calls for assistance significantly increase over the last few months. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Island

Council resolution urges state to push back against Trump’s immigration order. A new resolution before the Hawaii County Council is challenging the Trump administration’s latest immigration directives and urging the state to resist stepped-up federal enforcement. Tribune-Herald.

No-parking change proposed for Kona street. Bill 109, introduced by Council Chair Holeka Inaba, would amend Chapter 24 of the Hawaii County Code to revise the existing no-parking designation on Hina-Lani Street. Tribune-Herald.

Arson not suspected in Hilo fire that burned multiple buildings. Fire investigators also reported there was no indication of accelerants or evidence of foul play, and the cause of the fire is currently classified as undetermined, police said in a follow-up statement on Monday. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News.  Big Island Now.  KHON2.  KITV4. 

Maui

Maui County Council Advances Plan To Phase Out Short-Term Vacation Rentals. The Maui County Council voted 5 to 3 on Monday to pass the first of three readings on Bill 9 — Mayor Richard Bissen’s divisive proposal to convert 6,100 short-term vacation rentals into long-term housing for Maui residents. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Maui News.  Hawaii News Now.

Lahaina Community Meeting set for Wednesday, Dec. 3. Residents are encouraged to attend the County of Maui’s Lahaina Community Meeting at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025, at the Lahaina Intermediate School cafeteria. Maui Now.

Hawaiian Electric to install bird diverters using drones on Maui. Hawaiian Electric will be installing power line markers also known as bird diverters on its electrical infrastructure using unmanned aircrafts, or drones, in parts of Kahakuloa, Honomanū, and Keālia National Wildlife Refuge areas from Dec. 1 to Dec. 22, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily and weather permitting. Electric service will not be impacted. Maui Now.

Kauai

SHOPO says it will work with new Kauaʻi police chief amid call for transparency. On Nov. 21, the Kauaʻi Police Commission made a conditional offer to San Diego Police Department Deputy Chief Rudy Tai to lead the island’s beleaguered police department. The State of Hawaiʻi Organization of Police Officers said it wants to help Tai succeed, despite its concerns about his past. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kauai lifeguard discharged from hospital after shark bite. Chance Swanson, 33, was surfing at a spot he frequents just outside of Hanalei Bay when he was bitten by a shark that severed a major artery in his leg. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

More lights on tap for the holidays. The Kauai Rotary Club Lights on Rice holiday parade is coming on Friday, starting at 6:30 p.m. on Rice Street. Garden Island.

Interisland shipping rates hiked 25%, more families go hungry, Native Hawaiian telecom company loses operating licnse after fraud case, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Young Brothers Wins 25% Rate Hike But Faces Stricter Oversight. The increase is expected to generate an extra $26 million in revenue, which the interisland barge service says will still leave it operating at a loss next year. The cost of shipping food and other goods between the Hawaiian Islands is about to rocket up more than 25%, sparking dismay among some residents, farmers and business owners.  Civil Beat.  Tribune-Herald. Star-Advertiser.  Kauai Now.  Hawaii News Now. 

More Hawaii families go hungry. Hawaii’s second annual survey of “food insecurity” showed that almost half of island families (or 48%) are either food insecure or on the brink of choosing between food, housing or healthcare — even among households that earn $90,000 or more. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.  Hawaii News Now. KHON2.  KITV4. 

DHHL Severs Ties To Company That It Says Abandoned Homesteaders. Waimana Enterprises, founded by Al Hee, was hit with utility violations and previously got wrapped up in a fraud case. The telecommunications company that provided broadband internet and telephone service to thousands of rural Hawaiian homesteaders across the state since the mid-1990s was stripped of its operating license Monday after years of service disruptions and other violations, including a federal fraud case that sent the company’s founder to prison. Civil Beat.

2 unions fight to represent Alaska-Hawaiian aircraft technicians. As Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines move closer to completing their $1.9 billion merger, a behind-the-scenes union battle could influence how aircraft maintenance is managed — and shape the future of local jobs and operational efficiency. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

City Council bill aims to proactively identify possible lapsed funding. The Honolulu City Council Budget Committee will consider a bill  Tuesday that aims to bring more transparency to the city’s budget. Hawaii Public Radio.

Honolulu police officers accused of dodging court service in DUI lawsuit. Three Honolulu police officers accused of wrongful DUI arrests are now facing allegations they deliberately avoided a process server in a class action lawsuit. Records show officers Ridge Newcom and Kelsey Messmer, along with recently retired officer Darren Cachola, have been evading service of legal papers. Hawaii News Now.

Massive Convention Center makeover to reshape events for two years starting 2026. The Hawaii Convention Center is moving forward with what will be its most complete renovation since it opened 26 years ago. KHON2. 

Approval process underway for new high-rise project in Ala Moana. Another luxury, high-rise project is being planned in Ala Moana – right on the shopping center’s property. It’ll be a condo and a hotel. KHON2.

USPS removes blue collection boxes around Oahu. The U.S. Postal Service is removing blue collection boxes across Oahu, prompting concerns from residents who rely on them. Removal notices have appeared on boxes in Foster Village, Mapunapuna, and Kapahulu, requiring residents to travel miles to alternative locations. Hawaii News Now.

Roberts bus packages expected to ease traffic to Hanauma Bay. The  City & County of Honolulu is offering visitors a quicker, easier way to get to there through a contract with Roberts Hawaii that offers a package deal including transportation on an electric motorcoach. Star-Advertiser.

Highway Inn sues state over tax on pandemic-era Restaurant Revitalization Fund. HPR sat down with Monica Toguchi Ryan, the third-generation owner of the longtime family restaurant Highway Inn, which has locations in Kakaʻako and Waipahu, plus a cafe at Bishop Museum. Hawaii Public Radio.

What’s A Playground Without A Slide? A Honolulu park slide was removed and its entrance boarded up earlier this year. It’s still unclear when it’ll be replaced.  Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Salary hikes for county officials questioned. At its meeting Monday in Hilo, the Hawaii County Salary Commission received some public pushback on a proposed 15.29% pay hike for the county’s top officials. Tribune-Herald.

New directors at Public Works, DEM. Daniel Girvan has been appointed director of the Department of Environmental Management, and Wesley Segawa, who served as DEM director since December 2024, has been appointed director of the Department of Public Works. Neil Azevedo, who has served as acting DPW Director since March 31, will continue with the department as deputy director. Tribune-Herald.

Public Hearing Set For Puna Geothermal Power Increase, December 8. The Noncovered Source Permit will grant conditional approval for PGV to increase from 41 megawatts (MW) to 46 MW.  Big Island Video News.

Coconut Island footbridge in Hilo collapses, repairs could take two years.  The pedestrian bridge leading to Mokuʻola, commonly known as Coconut Island, collapsed Friday morning as a county worker drove a mini-excavator across the structure, closing the popular Hilo park indefinitely. Hawaii News Now. Big Island Video News. 

DOT plans speed reductions on Highway 19. The Hawaii Department of Transportation announces the planned reduction of the speed limit in four different areas on Hawaii Belt Road (Highway 19), according to a press release. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News. 

Maui

First reading of Bill 9 scheduled for Dec. 1. Maui County Council Chair Alice Lee announced on Monday there will be a special hearing next month for Bill 9, a proposal that would phase transient vacation rentals out of apartment districts on Maui. Maui News.

Temporary potable water use for Maui golf course contested. An environmental law firm is objecting to state condoned use of potable water for irrigating the Maui Kapalua golf course that recently reopened after a two-month closure and loss of an economically valuable January PGA tournament. Star-Advertiser.

Trace levels of selenium detected in Lahaina’s water system. Trace levels of selenium have been detected for the first time in water samples collected from the County of Maui Department of Water Supply’s Lahaina water system. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai

New Kauaʻi charter school fills a void for North Shore community. For decades, Kauaʻi’s North Shore has been a learning desert. The Namahana School aims to change that.  Hawaii Public Radio.

Thanksgiving turkeys go out. There were at least 500 turkeys being given to Kauai families on Saturday during the big Hawaii Foodbank Kauai drive-through food distribution at the Kauai Community College. Garden Island.

Changes to coastal permits in the works, interisland shipping costs could increase by 20% or more, huge raises coming to Maui officials, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

State considers changes to permit process for coastal single-family homes. Lawmakers are advancing a bill to amend the permitting process for certain coastal residences despite pushback from some conservation groups and community members. House Bill 732 would increase the cutoff for a Special Management Agency minor permit to $750,000 for single-family homes no larger than 3,500 square feet, which the supporters say would streamline the permitting process and account for inflation. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaiian homestead development plans questioned amid funding request. On July 11, 2022, a historic bill to reduce the number of Native Hawaiians waiting for homesteads became law, but nearly three years later it can be hard to grasp how many homesteads will be produced from the $600 million Waitlist Reduction Act. Star-Advertiser.

Bills drive union challenge of Hawaiian Electric. Both Hawaiian Electric and the carpenters union argue that their positions for and against earlier versions of House Bill 982 would be best for Hawaii when it comes to recovering from future wildfires in the aftermath of the Aug. 8, 2023, Maui wildfires, which killed 102 people and all but obliterated Lahaina. Star-Advertiser.

Bill advances to support film, TV productions. Abill passed out of the House Committee on Finance Wednesday with amendments, would create the Island Film and Media Production Investment Fund, expand tax incentives for hiring local workers and extend support to streaming platforms such as Netflix and Hulu. Star-Advertiser.

Young Brothers looking to raise shipping costs by at least 20%. Members of the public are invited to weigh in on shipping cost increases proposed by Young Brothers, the shipping company responsible for all interisland cargo shipping. Should the raise be accepted, container shipping will cost 20% more, with shipping to Hilo rising 35%. Shipping a car would rise 30%, and refrigerated items would increase 40%. KHON2.

Cost of raising a child in Hawaiʻi surges to $362,891—the most expensive in the US. Raising a child in Hawaiʻi now costs an estimated $362,891 over 18 years, making it the most expensive state in the country for families, according to a new LendingTree analysis. Maui Now.

Hawaiʻi Is Failing Special Education Students. Federal Cuts Could Make It Worse. Families and researchers say possible funding cuts and reduced federal oversight could make it harder for special education students to receive the services they need in schools.  Civil Beat.

National Endowment for the Humanities terminates grants awarded to local organizations. The U.S. Department of Government Efficiency is demanding deep cuts to a federal agency that funds humanities-focused organizations across the country, according to officials from the Hawai‘i Council for the Humanities. Hawaii Public Radio.

Nonprofits face uncertainty under Trump funding freezes. Nonprofit leaders across the state are warning that cuts to technical assistance, staff reductions in federal housing offices and the anticipated loss of millions of dollars in grants under the Trump administration are creating ripple effects — threatening the long-term stability of Hawaii’s social safety net. Star-Advertiser.

Veteran GOP state lawmaker Gene Ward served with distinction, fervor. Former state Rep. Gene Ward was remembered Friday for nearly 30 years of service in the Legislature and other accomplishments that included helping Native Hawaiians and people in poor countries around the world. Ward, 82, died Friday morning after prolonged health issues kept him sidelined from the state Capitol since January and led him to resign Monday. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

Council questions Honolulu transportation director about rail audit. At a Planning Committee meeting Wednesday, Council members shared their concerns over perceived limits on access to rail stations for the disabled, the public’s difficulty in using station lavatories, and reports that the city’s HOLO cards, which allow ridership on public transit, were in short supply. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu’s Outdoor Dining Pilot Program Made Permanent. Oʻahu eateries are now on solid legal ground if they want to set up tables outside on city sidewalks, thanks to a measure signed by Mayor Rick Blangiardi on Friday. Civil Beat.

Hawai‘i Convention Center’s 2-year repair schedule risks millions in lost group trade. The planned closure of the Hawai‘i Convention Center in 2026 for $64 million in repairs to the rooftop terrace deck is now expected to extend into 2027, putting at risk millions of dollars in group tourism bookings. Star-Advertiser.

Marines bring fallen comrades home from Guadalcanal 80 years later. The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency sends teams around the world to find the remains of missing serv­ice members and bring them to Hawaii where experts at the world’s largest forensic skeleton lab work to identify them using a mixture of science and historical detective work. Star-Advertiser.

Anti-Musk movement reaches Hawaii with Waikiki Tesla protests. Twice a week, protesters take to the sidewalk in front of the Tesla dealership in Waikiki to speak out against President Donald Trump, Tesla CEO billionaire Elon Musk and their policies. Star-Advertiser.

$28,500 To COFA Migrant Denied Gun Permit By HPD. The Micronesian plaintiff sued the state, arguing he was denied fundamental rights protected under the U.S. Constitution. Civil Beat.

Thousands across Hawaii join 'Hands Off' protest against Trump and Musk. As part of a national response, reportedly involving over a thousand demonstrations across the U.S., an event called "Hands Off!" hit the streets Saturday outside the Hawaii State Capitol. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Hawaii Island

About 1,000 people in Hilo participate in nationwide ‘Hands Off’ protest of Trump, Musk. People with signs gathered at the Ross Dress For Less on Kanoelehua Avenue when the protest began at 10 a.m. As the crowd swelled throughout the three hours of the demonstration, it stretched from Makaala Street to Pohaku Street. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Now.

Waiakea Intermediate robotics team heading to world championships. Four students from Waiakea Intermediate School will be the only team representing the Big Island in May at the VEX Robotics World Championships in Dallas. Tribune-Herald.

Laupahoehoe Transfer Station to close until 2026. The Laupahoehoe Transfer Station will close for up to 10 months starting Monday, April 21, so significant improvements can be made to the facility. Tribune-Herald.

Work on Goodwill campus progresses. The consolidation of Goodwill Hawaii’s Hilo stores and social service programs to the 67,000 square-foot campus at 17 Makaala St. acquired in late 2023 should be completed by the end of 2026. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Salary Commission boosts pay for mayor, council members, department heads. The Maui County Salary Commission has given Pay raises as high as 89% to elected and appointed executive and legislative branch public officials, based on a “classification and compensation report” carried out by government consultant MGT. Maui Now. KHON2.

Maui Council To Take Up Bill Phasing Out Vacation Rentals This Summer. Maui Mayor Richard Bissen’s plan to convert thousands of temporary vacation rentals into long-term housing for locals may start moving forward again as soon as next month. Civil Beat.

Kauai

Kaua‘i Helicopter Company Wants New Flight Rules Amid Public Opposition. Blue Hawaiian has petitioned federal regulators for a rule change but community members, worried about safety and noise, say they need more time to study the proposal. Civil Beat.

‘Hands off!’ message goes out. A crowd that one member estimated to be about 2,500 people braved blustery weather conditions on Saturday to express their displeasure and objections over recent actions and announced plans by the President Trump administration. Garden Island.

$11B Ala Wai flood control project stalls, interim Kauai police chief named, Maui council tepid on vacation rental conversion plan, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Concerns raised over Ala Wai flood control project’s $11.1B price tag. A decades-old plan to protect Waikiki and neighboring communities against a potential flooding disaster appears to have stalled yet again. This time the issue, in part, is related to the project’s persistently escalating price tag. Star-Advertiser.

State Salary Commissioners Defend The Big Pay Raises They're Recommending. Unless the Legislature rejects them, salary increases are on the way for top elected and appointed officials in Hawaiʻi. Civil Beat.

Key Hawaii Republicans, voters mixed on Trump. Key Hawaii Republicans offered differing views of President Donald Trump three months into his second term, with some continuing their full support while others are hearing from constituents who regret voting for him. Star-Advertiser.

Native Hawaiians developing sovereign AI data. House Bill 546 would establish an “aloha intelligence institute” at the University of Hawaii that would “develop, support and advance artificial intelligence initiatives statewide.” Star-Advertiser.

Deep-Sea Mining Threatens Sea Life In A Way No One Is Thinking About. The extraction process involves dumping debris into the thriving midwater zone. Civil Beat.

Researchers say state funding is crucial to climate data collection. The House Finance Committee has advanced a bill to fund a new climate center within the University of Hawaiʻi's School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology, which researchers say is critical to the continued collection of climate data. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii jobless rate steady as federal layoffs loom. The state’s seasonally adjusted jobless rate in February held at 3.0% for the eighth straight month after six consecutive months at 2.9%, according to data released Friday by the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Interview: Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi. The city and county’s chief executive talks about the landfill, homelessness, the police commission and more. Civil Beat.

Center tackles homelessness at root levels. The Behavioral Health Crisis Center opened in 2024 across the street from the Institute for Human Services’ men’s shelter in Iwilei and has seen 1,182 people ever since to address issues including substance abuse and mental health, which are considered critical underlying reasons why people end up and remain homeless. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu looks to add more affordable housing in ‘Ewa Beach. Although the project is still in the development phase, city officials say they're nearing a "major milestone" with the financing. Aloha State Daily.

Protestor arrested at Tesla rally in Waikiki. Maximo Ramos Arango was arrested Sunday at a Tesla showroom in Waikiki during a rally against Tesla that drew a crowd of around 200 people. Star-Advertiser.

Two men cited for picking opihi at protected site. State conservation officers cited two men Wednesday for illegally collecting opihi from the Pupukea Marine Life Conservation District on Oahu’s North Shore. Spectrum News.

Hawaii Island

Hawaiʻi County Public Works Director Hugh Ono To Retire. After a few months in the position, Hawaiʻi County Public Works Director Hugh Ono will again retire on March 31. Deputy Director Neil Azevedo will serve as acting director until a permanent replacement is found. Big Island Video News.

Community health center eyes expansion. A bill that would provide funding for Hawaii Island Community Health Center to expand the reach of its services to about 55,000 patients yearly is making its way through the state Legislature. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui Won’t Be Converting Vacation Rentals To Long-Term Housing Anytime Soon. A phased-in approach was to begin July 1 but the council has yet to take up the mayor’s proposal. Civil Beat.

Maui County Council to address proposed budget, property assessments. Real property tax assessments and Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen’s proposed $1.5 billion budget are expected to be discussed during a series of upcoming public meetings. Maui News.

As property values climb, Maui County eyes lower tax rates for resident homeowners. Each of the three tax tiers for owner-occupied properties would see a decrease under the mayor’s budget, which proposes going from $1.80 to $1.70 per $1,000 of assessed value in the lowest tier, $2 to $1.90 in the second-highest tier and $3.25 to $3.10 in the highest tier.  Maui Now.

Maui Fire Settlements Could Shrink If Health Insurers Take A Bite. As settlement money begins to flow to Maui wildfire victims, a state law that allows health insurers to recoup their costs becomes a concern. Civil Beat.

Firefighters have high levels of PFAS in aftermath of Maui fires. Maui firefighters who responded to the August 2023 Maui wildfires had the highest levels of “forever chemicals” known as PFAS in their bloodstream when compared with other first responders a month later. Star-Advertiser.

Lawmakers still weighing temporary exemption for tour boat environmental reviews. Senate Bill 1074 could allow dozens of tour boat operators to return to the waters off West Maui’s Kā‘anapali, a tourism hotspot.  Hawaii Public Radio.

Kauai

Interim chief selected following announcement of embattled Kaua‘i police chief’s retirement. The Kaua‘i Police Commission appointed Assistant Chief Elliott Kalani Ke as interim chief following the announcement of Chief Todd Raybuck’s announcement to retire last year. Kauai Now. Hawaii News Now.  KITV4.

Legislature unlikely to hold public hearings on big pay hikes, first $1.5M payment made to Maui victim's estate, suspect dead in Big Island police shooting, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

 Lawmakers Likely To Let Big Pay Raises Take Effect Without Public Hearings. There is still time for the Legislature to hold public hearings on proposed raises for lawmakers, judges, the governor and other state officials, but there is a good chance any further objections from the public will be smothered. Civil Beat.

Hawaiʻi jurors could get a pay bump to $50 a day for their service. Lawmakers advanced a bill that would pay jurors $50 each day they spend in court. They currently receive $30. Hawaii Public Radio.

Housing Authority Wants To Dump Evicted Tenants’ Things More Quickly. Under a bill that’s part of Gov. Josh Green’s legislative package, the housing authority could get rid of tenants’ stuff after 14 days. Currently, it must hold onto them 30 days. Civil Beat.

State House lawmakers defer hate crime bill. The House Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs deferred a bill Tuesday that would broaden the current definition of a reported hate crime and push more resources to recording hate crime data and training law enforcement officers. Star-Advertiser.

Senate committee advances a bill artists say would threaten arts funding. House Bill 1378 would shift some of the funding from the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts, which is used to pay its employees and the state art museum, from special funds to general funds. Hawaii Public Radio.

How Trump’s Economic Policies Are Roiling Hawaiʻi’s Economy. Economists struggle to predict the fallout, while tourism, construction and retail businesses seek their own paths through upheaval. Civil Beat.

University of Hawaii faculty preparing for the worst as funding cuts loom. The University of Hawaii officials got some positive news Friday when U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon announced that UH had been dropped from a list of universities being investigated for possible violations of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian immersion schools are standing firm in uncertain times. The state Department of Education’s Ka Papahana Kaiapuni Hawaiian immersion school program has played a key role in helping restore a critical mass of Hawaiian speakers in Hawaii and expanding the use of Hawaiian among residents and visitors. Star-Advertiser.

Health officials recommend vaccines amidst rise in measles cases. Measles cases this year have so far been reported in at least 15 states, including Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Alaska, California, and Florida — but not in Hawaii.  Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii jobless rate holds at 3% for seventh straight month. The state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in January held at 3.0% for the seventh straight month after six consecutive months at 2.9%, according to data released Friday by the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. Star-Advertiser. Maui News.

Oahu

Honolulu Mayor to give State of the City Address.  Bold plans in the city’s agenda will be shared during Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s State of the City Address on March 18. KHON2.

Hawaiʻi Senators Want More Accountability For Aloha Stadium Spending. But they are declining to advance provisions that would have defunded the stadium and given the money to the University of Hawaiʻi instead. Civil Beat.

Amid Concerns About Campus Violence, Police To Come To Oʻahu Schools. Students were more likely to be arrested on a campus with a school resource officer, according to Department of Education data. Civil Beat.

Some places in Hawaiʻi falling into sea faster than others. That discovery, published recently in a study by researchers at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, also highlights that as sea level rises, the infrastructure, businesses and communities in these low-lying areas are at risk of flooding sooner than scientists anticipated — particularly in certain urban areas of Oʻahu. Kauai Now.

Hawaii Sports Media Legend Cindy Luis, dies at 70.  Luis was a trailblazer for women in media here in Hawaii throughout her career. As she became the first woman sports editor of a daily newspaper in Hawaii. KHON2. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Big Island manhunt ends; suspect dead. The manhunt for Christopher Lucrisia, a 39-year-old fugitive accused of shooting a Hawaii Police Department officer midday Friday, ended Sunday afternoon when police reported him dead after a shooting involving an officer. Star-Advertiser. Big Island Video News. Hawaii News Now.  KHON2.  KITV4.

Astronomy could be in jeopardy amidst federal cutbacks. While it is still too early to predict how cuts to the National Science Foundation will impact the observatories’ operations, the situation could eliminate the U.S. as a competitive player in global astronomy. Tribune-Herald.

Hilo Bay watershed management plan is sought. The Hawaii County Department of Research and Development announced Wednesday that it is requesting proposals from contractors to develop a “Hilo Bay Resilience and Watershed Management Plan.” Tribune-Herald.

Lava buyouts program is winding down. A Hawaii County program offering to purchase Puna residents’ lava-damaged properties should finally wrap up this year. The Voluntary Housing Buyout Program launched in 2021 to offer residents whose properties were damaged, destroyed or isolated by the 2018 Kilauea eruption. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

First $1.5M payment has been made to the estate of a Maui wildfire victim as part of state’s $175M One ʻOhana Fund. Gov. Josh Green, M.D., announced the initial disbursements from the $175 million One ‘Ohana Fund, a key initiative of the Maui Wildfires Compensation Program. This fund was created to provide direct financial relief to the families of those who lost loved ones and to individuals who suffered serious physical injuries in the Aug. 8, 2023, Maui wildfire. Maui Now.

$1.6B in federal recovery funding coming to Maui will focus on housing. If all goes as planned, $1.6 billion in recovery funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development will help the Lahaina community get back on its feet. It’s known as Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery funding, and it comes with strict requirements. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kauai

Revitalization plan in works for milk production on Kauai. One of the biggest local growers of fruits and vegetables, Aloun Farms, is seeking legislative backing to establish a dairy farm on Kauai described as a project to “revitalize” Hawaii’s dairy industry. Star-Advertiser.

Gov. Green tries conciliatory approach with Trump, state officials to see 40% raises, Honolulu leaders get misdemeanor sentences in plea deal, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Green looks for common ground with Trump to help Hawaii. Gov. Josh Green said he has chosen a more conciliatory, collaborative approach with President Donald Trump if it means preserving as much federal support for Hawaii as possible. Star-Advertiser.

Local hiring initiative for impacted federal workers has received over 800 applications. The state has received 827 applications as part of Gov. Josh Green's Operation Hire Hawaiʻi initiative. He issued an emergency proclamation to tap into the pool of laid-off federal workers and fill over 4,000 open positions in state government.  Hawaii Public Radio.

U.S. Rep. Tokuda documenting fallout of federal firings. U.S. Rep. Jill Tokuda remains alarmed over ongoing job cuts among Hawaii-­based federal workers, which could lead to more workers leaving the islands while residents lose access to federal services they rely on. Star-Advertiser.

 Salary Commission Approves Hefty Raises For Legislators, State Officials. The raises automatically take effect on July 1 unless lawmakers reject them. The salary commission’s original draft proposal called for 50 to 60 percent raises over a six year period but after objections by the governor and public criticism, the commission lowered it to about 40 percent. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaiʻi Legislature: Green Fee, New Taxes, Fireworks Enforcement Move Ahead. As the Legislature reaches the halfway mark, the House killed a bill to remove vaccine exemptions for schoolchildren while the Senate approved creating an illegal fireworks enforcement division. Civil Beat.

Hawaiʻi election commissioners could require Senate approval. Hawaiʻi election commissioners may be required to be approved by the Senate. That’s if a bill going through the Legislature passes. Hawaii Public Radio.

Federal cuts could impact Hawaiʻi's ability to keep the brown tree snake away. The impact of the snake on Hawaiʻi’s economy could be anywhere from $593 million to $2.14 billion annually. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

Corruption probe ends with misdemeanor sentences. Former Corporation Counsel Donna Yuk Lan Leong, 69, ex-Honolulu Police Commission Chair Max John Sword, 73, and then-Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s Managing Director Roy Keiji Amemiya Jr., 69, conspired “in their official capacities as Honolulu city officials to reach a settlement agreement” for former Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha while he was the target of a federal public corruption investigation and being actively followed by agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.  KITV4.  Civil Beat.

Honolulu Hasn’t Prosecuted A Single Ghost Gun Case Since 2020 Ban. Police are seeing an uptick in ghost guns but Hawaiʻi counties differ in how they interpret and use a state law meant to deter people from buying or manufacturing untraceable weapons. Civil Beat.

Former Hawaii prison guard pleads guilty to sexually assaulting inmates. On Monday, March 3, 2025, 47-year-old Mikael Rivera from Kapolei, pleaded guilty to sexual abuse of inmates under his custody or control. Rivera was a correctional officer at the Federal Detention Center in Honolulu from 2014 to 2018. KITV4.

Hawaii protesters hold another rally against Trump, Musk policies. More than 100 protesters showed up at noon Tuesday in front of the state Capitol in Honolulu to speak out against President Donald Trump, tech billionaire Elon Musk and their policies. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Downtown Hilo post office, HVO site among possible federal cuts. The U.S. General Services Administration on Tuesday published a list of buildings and facilities deemed “not core to government operations, or non-core properties” that have been designated for possible sale or closure. The list — more than 400 entries long — includes the historic Federal Building, U.S. Post Office and Courthouse in downtown Hilo on Waianuenue Avenue. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Now.

Power plant plan raises concerns: Proposed 60-megawatt facility would be built in Pana‘ewa. The Alahao Renewable Energy Project would develop a 12-acre parcel — owned by the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands — on Railroad Avenue just north of Kukila Street into an energy plant capable of adding up to 60 megawatts of power to the Hawaiian Electric grid on the Big Island. Tribune-Herald.

Morgue plan irks residents: Work already has started on temporary storage facility. About three dozen members of the public learned Monday night at a community meeting at Aupuni Center called by the Hawaii Police Department that construction of a temporary morgue started about two weeks ago adjacent to the as yet-unopened call center for police and fire dispatchers in Hilo — and that didn’t sit well with most who spoke. Tribune-Herald.

Adult coconut rhinoceros beetles found in Kona. A pair of adult coconut rhinoceros beetles were found Monday and Tuesday in Kailua-Kona. West Hawaii Today. Hawaii News Now.

In the Hakalau Forest on Hawaiʻi Island, these birders of a feather flock together. The wildlife refuge is hailed as a great success story where the habitat of Hawaiʻi's endangered birds has been restored, and the birds are thriving. Hawaii Public Radio. Hawaii News Now.

Maui

Lahaina Energy Partnership invites public to third co-design workshop, March 11. The Lahaina Energy Partnership (LEP) hosts its third public co-design workshop as a part of an ongoing effort to develop a community-driven energy future for Lahaina. Maui Now.

‘Safe parking’: A 2024 study reports favorable outcomes in curbing homelessness. In Maui County, there were 5,899 people counted as unhoused in 2024, including those who lost their homes because of the 2023 wildfires and were staying in disaster-response shelters, according to the recently released “Recommendations to Address Homelessness in Maui County.” Maui Now.

UH President Wendy Hensel visits UH Maui College. University of Hawaiʻi President Wendy Hensel visited UH Maui College on Monday, March 3, as part of her statewide tour of 10 UH campuses and five education centers within her first 90 days in office. Maui Now.


Kauai

Homeless Program Grant recipients announced. Of the nine proposals received, seven were eligible for consideration. A selection committee reviewed and scored all the eligible projects and selected the top six proposals to fund for $500,000. Garden Island.

Upgraded imaging at Kauai Veterans Memorial Hospital. Equipment in the newly renovated Imaging Department at the Kauai Veterans Memorial Hospital has already been used, and the Monday blessing of the Department took place in between patients. Garden Island.

Public opposes state lawmaker pay hikes, Honolulu police union approves Covid hazard pay, Trump targets agency administering $1.6B for Maui recovery, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Proposed pay hikes for state leaders spark outrage. State legislators meet once a year for 60 business days from mid-January to late April or early May. Right now, each lawmaker makes $74,160 a year. The commission is proposing a 40% raise in 2027, the first year they are allowed an increase, to $103,824. Hawaii News Now.

Cochran absent from House Floor 80% so far this session; lawmaker cites ‘illness in the family’. Democratic West Maui Rep. Elle Cochran has the second-highest rate of full-day absences so far this year at 80%, second-only to Republican Rep. Gene Ward, who has been absent every day through the 20th day of this year’s lawmaking session. Maui Now.

Hawaiʻi homeowners could be paid to carve out workforce housing. The state Legislature is considering a new approach that would allow homeowners to sell a deed restriction on their property to a county, provided they only allow occupants who work at least 30 hours in that county.⁠ Hawaii Public Radio.

This program for homeless people to get back to the continent needs permanent funding. With funding set to run out at the end of 2026, Hawaiʻi lawmakers are considering a bill that would make the project permanent. House Bill 212 passed its first hurdle this session and is still advancing. Hawaii Public Radio.

The state subsidized preschool program is accepting applications. Families with 3- or 4-year-olds born between Aug. 1, 2020, and July 31, 2022, can apply. Families of eligible children will receive a subsidy linked to their needs and the type of preschool they choose. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii’s lax animal cruelty laws could be overhauled. The Hawaiian Humane Society said Hawaii has some of the weakest animal cruelty penalties in the nation, but a new proposal could change that. KHON2.

Oahu

DEA shifts focus of arrests to include immigration violations in Honolulu. The DEA’s Los Angeles field office, which includes Hawaii, has been collaborating with Homeland Security Investigations on raids in multiple states in search of people illegally in the country with past drug violations. Hawaii News Now.

Police union approves COVID hazard pay settlement. Members of the Honolulu police officers union overwhelmingly voted to accept a COVID-19 hazard pay settlement with the city worth more than $30 million with initial payouts of $20,000 or more by June 30. Star-Advertiser.

Owners of 3 shuttered businesses sue HART for more than $2 million. A new civil complaint alleges actions taken by the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation forced a trio of seafood- related businesses out of business in Chinatown. Star-Advertiser.

Could A Pre-Fab Factory Get More Native Hawaiians Into Homes? DHHL wants to transform an airport hanger into a manufacturing center to lower costs and address a waitlist so long that people have died waiting for homestead land. Civil Beat.

Naming rights plan for Blaisdell Center under Council review. A plan for the city-owned Neal S. Blaisdell Center to become a greater source of nontax-based revenue for the city and county is underway. Star-Advertiser.

‘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.

A Rare Conviction For Selling Illegal Fireworks Ends With Supervised Release. A Kapolei man avoided jail time but was given a $5,000 fine on Wednesday for the distribution of illegal fireworks, representing a rare win in the state’s crackdown on unlicensed pyrotechnics. Civil Beat.

‘Top 5’ Ala Wai Pedestrian Bridge designs proposed. Potential designs for the city’s nearly $63.4 million Ala Wai Pedestrian Bridge project were posted to the city Department of Transportation Services’ website this week. Star-Advertiser. Spectrum News.

Hawaii Island

Public invited to complete HPD satisfaction survey. Hawaii Police Department Chief Benjamin Moszkowicz invites members of the public to take the department’s community satisfaction survey now through 4 p.m. on Feb. 28. Tribune-Herald.

Sen. Lorraine Inouye secures more state funding for Hilo airport improvements. On Wednesday, Inouye announced that Gov. Josh Green released $593,500 in funding to finance the replacement of cesspools with individual wastewater systems at the airport.  Big Island Now.

Maui

Trump Targets Federal Agency Managing $1.6B In Maui Recovery Funds. Maui County’s Office of Recovery said it had met with HUD officials Thursday to discuss the potential impact of staffing cuts. Civil Beat.

Gas grill explosion at a Kaanapali Beach condo leaves 7 people injured; preliminary investigation points to petroleum gas. The Maui Police Department responded to 2481 Kāʻanapali Parkway after Central Dispatch received multiple reports of an explosion at the location at approximately 6:15 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 20. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now.  KHON2. KITV4.

County of Maui to install security cameras in Lahaina fire zones amid rising thefts. Frustrated by ongoing thefts, residents and property owners have called for stronger protections.  Maui Now.

Kauai

VA representatives will aid Kauaʻi veterans in applying for expanded benefits next month. Veteran Affairs representatives will be hosting an enrollment event in Kauaʻi next month to help veterans suffering from toxic exposure-related conditions apply for the largest expansion of benefits in decades.  Kauai Now.

COVID rising quickly, Honolulu salaries amendment set for ballot, government rests case in Miske trial, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hospitalizations, ER visits quickly rising in Hawaii due to COVID. On Wednesday the state Department of Health reported that a weekly average of 96 patients Opens in a new tab with COVID-19 were in hospitals per day compared with 55 reported the previous week. It is the highest number of hospitalizations the state has reported so far this year. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii Public Radio.  Hawaii News Now.

Why Aren’t More People Running For Office In Hawaii? Political polarization, the cost of running a successful race and hard-to-beat incumbents may all be discouraging candidates. Civil Beat.

Hawaii’s economic growth slows in 2024. Projections indicate that Hawaii’s economic growth will persist at a sluggish pace throughout 2024. KHON2.

Kamaka Air Cargo abruptly shuts down as it seeks essential managers. The voluntary shut-down of Kamaka Air Cargo continued Thursday, causing growing concern for neighbor island businesses and residents. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Honolulu salaries amendment set for 2024 ballot. A resolution calling for a voter-approved charter amendment to cap the annual pay of the Honolulu City Council has advanced. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Sand Island Wastewater Treatment Plant to get $174M in upgrades. The City and County of Honolulu said it will begin upgrading the In-Vessel Bioconversion facilities at the Sand Island Wastewater Treatment Plant. Hawaii Public Radio.

100s of witnesses and 5 months later, government rests its case in Miske trial. Prosecutors say Miske committed a series of organized crimes — from wire and bank fraud — and also allegedly ordered the murder of 21-year-old Jonathan Fraser in 2016. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu home sales and prices mostly cooled in May. The 2.2% slip in the median sale price for single-­family homes, to $1,085,000 in May from $1,109,000 in the same month in 2023, was the first year-over-year decrease in the single-family home median sale price for any month this year reported by the Honolulu Board of Realtors. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Electric disables some safety features to prevent outages. Preventing power outages by turning off enhanced safety features is what Hawaiian Electric is doing in several neighborhoods on Oahu to stop underground power lines from faulting and shutting off electricity. KHON2.

Destroyed appliances, frequent headaches, no answers: Homeowner grapples with ‘dirty power’ nightmare. In a situation that could be happening to others, a Mililani Mauka woman is grappling with “dirty power” at her home — and after a year and a half of extensive troubleshooting, it’s still unclear what’s causing the surges and sags in electrical energy. Hawaii News Now.

50 years of Pacific cultural exchange on display at FestPAC waʻa ceremony. Dozens of canoes arrived on Kualoa Beach from Mōkapu, carrying delegates from more than 20 Pacific Island nations to kick off the Festival of the Pacific Arts and Culture. The festival aims to promote cultural exchange and highlight the importance of preserving and celebrating heritage. Hawaii Public Radio. Star-Advertiser.  Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Ex-Hawai‘i Island police officer pleads no contest to burglary, assault charges. A former Hawai‘i Island police officer pleaded no contest to assault and burglary charges in connection to an incident that occurred in Ocean View in August 2023. Big Island Now.

County DWS Says Laupāhoehoe Tap Water Safe To Drink. The Hawaiʻi County Department of Water Supply is reassuring the public that "no health risks are associated with the recent discovery of chromium in recent water samples from Laupāhoehoe Well P-2." Big Island Video News.

Maui-based company announces first Duke’s restaurant on Big Island. A new restaurant – Duke’s Kona – will debut at the Outrigger Kona Resort & Spa on the Big Island in late 2025. Big Island Now.

Maui

Maui Ethics Board Could Get Overdue Boost Through 2 Reforms Under Review. Voters could decide this November if the Maui Board of Ethics should be able to hire its own full-time staff and whether appointed members should be able to serve two consecutive terms. Civil Beat.

FEMA Wants Maui Homeowner To Repay $58,000 After Booting Her From Lease Program For Fire Survivors. Bettina Robinson's 900-square-foot home has been sitting empty since she joined the federal program in January. Civil Beat.

Council hears opposition to bill to restrict access to Holomua Road. After voting unanimously last month to restrict public access to Holomua Road because of concerns about the threat of brush fires and public safety in Pāʻia, Maui County Council members heard opposition earlier this week from homeless advocates arguing that closing the road would displace people who have nowhere else to live. Maui Now.

'Inexcusable': Maui lawmakers call for transparency over $29M contract they didn't know about. A $29 million investment to roll out conservation initiatives across Maui County properties that was initiated during the Victorino administration promised to save the county $73 million in utility and operational costs over the next 20 years.  KITV4.

Transair fills void for Lanai, Molokai cargo amid transition. A main cargo company for Molokai and Lanai has contracted another provider to temporarily continue services as it addresses management problems. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai

Hanalei slope stabilization project expected to be completed in 2025. An ongoing slope stabilization project along Kuhio Highway between Hanalei Plantation Road and ‘Ohiki Road has made it tough for motorists to navigate the area. Garden Island. Kauai Now.

National guard, partners: Weapons of mass destruction exercise on Kaua‘i this Friday. On June 7, a full-scale weapons of mass destruction exercise will be conducted from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Port Allen Small Boat Harbor on the southern coast of the Garden Isle. Kauai Now.

Legislative session good for tourism authority, vehicle insurance could rise, three-strikes bill advances, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

This legislative session has been good for the Hawaii Tourism Authority. For the first time in two years, the agency is not only getting funding, but it's a recurring event. This means the HTA won't have to ask lawmakers every year for money. KITV4.

House advances three-strikes law that would penalize repeat misdemeanor offenders. It would elevate the penalty to a Class C felony for people convicted of three offenses for certain misdemeanors within five years: assault against a law enforcement officer in the second degree, sexual assault in the fourth degree and assault in the third degree. Hawaii Public Radio.

Same-sex marriage bill remains alive.  An effort to repeal the Legislature’s authority to limit marriage to opposite-sex couples continues to move forward as House Bill 2802 passed out of the Senate Ways and Means Committee on Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

Under legislative proposal, thousands of Hawaii drivers would have to buy more insurance. A proposal that would force about a third of Hawaii drivers to buy more auto insurance is moving ahead at the state Legislature. Hawaii News Now.

Bill To Remove Salary Cap For Hawaiʻi DOE Superintendent Passed By House. A bill that removes the $250,000 a year salary for the Superintendent of Education was passed by the State House. Big Island Video News.

Command of U.S. Pacific Fleet in Hawaii changes hands. On Thursday, the U.S. Pacific Fleet held a change of command ceremony at Pearl Harbor’s Kilo Pier as Adm. Samuel Paparo handed command to Adm. Steve Koehler. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii residents will see a ‘bite taken out of the sun’.  For those in the Hawaiian isles, only a partial eclipse — and not a total eclipse — will be visible. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Architect Laurel Mau Testifies In Bribery Trial About Abrupt Firing From Mitsunaga & Associates. Mau's firing and the theft charges against her are central to the government's corruption case against former Honolulu prosecutor Keith Kaneshiro and other defendants. Civil Beat.

Ex-HPD officer pleads guilty to child sex assault. Mason Jordan, 33, a “prolific sexual predator” who allegedly ran a child prostitution ring for five years while working as an officer with the Honolulu Police Department pleaded guilty Thursday as part of an agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice. Star-Advertiser.

After controversial raises, voters may get a chance to weigh in on city salary system. West Oahu Council Member Andria Tupola is proposing an amendment to the City Charter that would limit any raise to 5% per year and require a council vote to approve it. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu City Council revisits measures to take down illegal game rooms. The council held a hearing this week for Bills 57 and 58, which were introduced in September. Hawaii Public Radio.

Honolulu permitting department touts new tech in backlog fight. Much like the infamous months-long wait to obtain a building permit in Honolulu, city Department of Planning and Permitting Director Dawn Takeuchi Apuna said even the data detailing the problematic permit backlog was not available. Star-Advertiser.

Disappearing Waikiki beach prompts sand replenishment project — and calls for better fix. A sand replenishment project for Waikiki is in the works as concerns of beach erosion grow, the state Department of Land and Natural Resources says. Hawaii News Now.

Kapi‘olani nurses demonstrate in front of hospital as talks continue. Negotiations over a new contract between a nurses’ union and Kapi‘olani Medical Center for Women and Children appear to remain contentious after more than six months of negotiations. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

US senator tours Hilo, visiting hula hālau, small businesses and $4.8M paving project. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) recently spent a day in Hilo where she met with Lahainaluna students participating in the 61st Annual Merrie Monarch Festival, toured small businesses participating in this year’s 8th Hawai‘i on the Hill and viewed the Puainako Paving Project at Waiākea Intermediate School. Big Island Now.

Merrie Monarch honors 40th anniversary of Hawaiian language revitalization. Hula is not the only Hawaiian tradition honored on the Merrie Monarch stage this week in Hilo.  Hawaii Public Radio.

Royal Parade kicks off Saturday morning in downtown Hilo. The Royal Parade will meander Saturday through downtown Hilo to celebrate the 61st annual Merrie Monarch Festival. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

A Project Aimed At Helping Upcountry Maui’s Water Shortages Is Getting Pushback From Residents. There's agreement that the cost of water to users would rise but by how much is up for debate. Civil Beat.

Maui Council Wants To Fund Recruitment And Retention For Understaffed Police Department. Police Chief John Pelletier said he can start a signing bonus program for recruits with an extra $300,000 to his $83 million budget for fiscal year 2025. Civil Beat.

Maui residents say ‘loopholes’ in emergency proclamation is causing more homelessness. Nearly eight months after the fires, the rental market is skyrocketing, thousands of survivors are still living in hotels, and many more have moved away. Hawaii News Now.

Maui’s median home price rises to $1.3M in March. Maui’s median home price rose to $1,303,692 in March of 2024, up 9.5% from 2023 when the median was $1,191,000.  Maui Now.

Central Maui Transit Hub expected to get certificate of occupancy April 26. The project is located off of Vevau Street near Kane Street in Kahului. It will replace the current transit hub on the Wailuku side of Queen Kaʻahumanu Center.  Maui Now.

Maui County residents asked to participate in survey on the Lahaina Recovery Plan.  The survey will be available through May 15, 2024, and can be found on Maui Recovers’ Ola Lahaina page at https://mauirecovers.org/lahaina. Maui News.

Kauai

Opponents Of Kauai Hydro Plan Drop Lawsuit But Project Is Still In Limbo. The project was meant to boost renewable energy production, but local groups worried its proposed stream diversions would do severe harm to the environment. Civil Beat.

Kauai police officer who alleged racial discrimination by chief settles for $350K. Kauai County has agreed to pay $350,000 to settle a lawsuit that accused the police chief of discriminating against a captain for being Japanese American, including one instance when the chief squinted his eyes, bowed repeatedly and said he couldn’t trust Japanese people. Associated Press.

Kaua‘i Police Department getting new fleet of 10 pickup trucks. The Kaua‘i Police Department.  is introducing 10 new Chevrolet Silverado PPV pickup trucks specifically selected with advanced safety features suitable for the island terrain. Garden Island. Kauai Now.