Yamashita ousted as Finance Committee chair, April shipping down 30%, Trump lawsuits pile up, hundreds of Kauai workers owed back pay, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Yamashita Ousted As Chair Of State House Finance Committee. House Speaker Nadine Nakamura told the 51-member House in a memo that Rep. Kyle Yamashita has been replaced by Rep. Chris Todd to lead the powerful House Finance Committee. The change is effective Wednesday. Lawmakers say Democrats were disappointed with his leadership, especially with the Hawaiʻi Legislature facing financial uncertainty from Trump. Civil Beat.

Native history exempt from DEI, CRT restrictions. The U.S. Department of Education said Native Hawaiian, American Indian and Alaska Native history will not be categorized as “diversity, equity and inclusion” or “critical race theory” under the federal government’s new directive for the nation’s schools. Star-Advertiser.

Matson cargo business from China is broadsided by Trump trade tariffs. The U.S.-led trade war with China has delivered a hard initial blow to one of Hawaii’s largest companies, ocean cargo transportation firm Matson Inc. On Monday, Matson said its container volume sank about 30% in April from a year earlier. Star-Advertiser.

Businesses in Hawaii pessimistic about tariffs and economy. Some 37% of Hawaii businesses said tariffs make them “very concerned,” while another 40% are “somewhat concerned,” adding up to a whopping 77% of businesses feeling tariff anxiety, according to a new survey by ProService Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

Bills to increase food security go to governor. With statistics showing the state of Hawaii imports about 90% of the food its residents consume, a pair of bills with the goal of improving food security has made it through the Legislature and to Gov. Josh Green. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaiʻi Fireworks Reforms Put Enforcement Onus On Police. For years, law enforcement agencies said the law held them back from effective fireworks prosecutions. A reform measure awaiting the governor’s OK counts on them to step up. Civil Beat.

 Trump Lawsuits: Tracking Hawaiʻi’s Legal Actions Against The White House. A new database will track Hawaiʻi lawsuits against executive orders and other actions taken by the second Trump administration. Civil Beat.

20 attorneys general ask judge to reverse deep cuts to U.S. Health and Human Services. Attorneys general in 19 states and Washington, D.C., are challenging cuts to the U.S. Health and Human Services agency, saying the Trump administration's massive restructuring has destroyed life-saving programs and left states to pick up the bill for mounting health crises. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii blocks Trump’s order to dismantle libraries, museums and more. The dismantling of three federal agencies (Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) and Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS)) was halted on Tuesday, May 6, 2025 through a court order the State of Hawaii won. KITV4.

Hawaiʻi moves ahead with lawsuit against oil industry despite pushback from Trump. The day before the state filed its lawsuit against the oil industry, the federal government filed its own complaint against Hawaiʻi in an attempt to block the state's legal action. Hawaii Public Radio.

Commentary: Hawaiʻi’s Working Families Need More Support. Advocates for working families are concerned that bad things are coming with federal cuts and hoped the Legislature would do more to increase the state’s safety net. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Longtime Chinatown business facing tariffs says Hawaiʻi's lei will survive. Mother's Day is this weekend, and graduations are just around the corner, making it the busiest time of year for lei makers. But tariffs are raising the price of flowers, and families are feeling a squeeze in their budgets.  Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu real estate market favors buyers, but sales lower despite high inventory. Amid a growing inventory of single-family homes and condominiums on Oahu, year-to-date sales volumes in both markets remained depressed in April from the same period in 2024 but rose slightly from March’s numbers, according to a monthly report released Tuesday by the Honolulu Board of Realtors. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu EMS unveils new ambulances. In a line that stretched the length of one of the park’s parking lots, the city showed off 16 brand-new or newly refurbished ambulances — namely, 14 Emergency Medical Serv­ices rigs and two Crisis Outreach Engagement and Response Sprinter vans — meant to respond to a myriad of lifesaving emergencies and medical care incidents across Oahu, on a 24/7 basis. Star-Advertiser.

Controversy over Royal Summit youth treatment facility in Aiea. In the quiet Royal Summit neighborhood, residents are riled up over a new residential program for teens with histories of sexual behavior problems. KITV4.

Straub discharges final burn patient from Aliamanu fireworks explosion. Charmaine Benigno was the last survivor of the New Year’s Day explosion in Aliamanu to be discharged in Honolulu. Hawaii News Now. Star-Advertiser.

The Aloha Stadium Swap Meet set to make its move. After years of discussion and planning, the Aloha Stadium Swap Meet and Market place is just weeks away from relocating. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

Big Island journalist on uncovering the housing corruption case set for trial. Alan Scott Rudo, a former Hawaiʻi County housing official, pleaded guilty to taking bribes and is awaiting sentencing. Three others, including Hawaiʻi Island attorneys Paul Joseph Sulla Jr. and Gary Charles Zamber, go to trial next week in Honolulu's federal court before Judge Jill Otake. Hawaii Public Radio.

County Seeks Proposals For Affordable Housing Production Program. The County’s Office of Housing and Community Development is seeking non-profit and for-profit organizations, public agencies, and community land trusts who may be eligible for Affordable Housing Production (AHP) Program funding. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now.

Hawaii County seeks public input on proposal to charge admission at zoo. The new proposal said that keiki and kupuna who are county residents would still be free, but adult residents would pay $4.  Hawaii News Now.

Hawaiian warrior’s feathered cape returns home to Hawaii Island. Chief Keaoua Kekuaokalani wore the ahuula when he was killed in the Battle of Kuamoo in 1819. The Smithsonian Museum in Suitland, Maryland, had held the cape since 1869. Hawaii News Now.

Maui

Maui Health achieves ACS Level III Trauma Center verification. Maui Health announced that Maui Memorial Medical Center has been verified as an American College of Surgeons (ACS) Level III Trauma Center.  Maui News.

3 Hawaiian Immersion students from Maui ask for help to get to D.C.  Three Hawaiian language immersion students from Ke Kula Kaiapuni ʻo Kekaulike on Maui are calling on the community to help raise $12,000 to represent Hawaiʻi at the 2025 National ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi Showcase in Washington, D.C., this June. Maui Now.

Kauai

Hundreds of workers owed back pay. The U.S. Department of Labor is actively seeking hundreds of workers who are owed their share of more than $3.8 million in unpaid overtime deliberately withheld by a Kilauea staffing agency and Lihue cleaning contractor following a federal investigation and litigation. Garden Island.

Namahana School gifted $1 million for new middle school classrooms. An anonymous donor couple gifted $1 million to a public charter school on Kaua‘i, which will go toward building middle school classrooms. Kauai Now.

Tariffs, travel cuts start hitting home, HECO and state tackle wildfire prevention, Legislature earmarks $807M for Lahaina settlement, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Tariffs ‘significantly’ hitting Hawaii businesses. Nearly 70% of Hawaii businesses have been “significantly” affected by President Donald Trump’s tariffs, and 27% have been “moderately” touched, according to preliminary results of a survey still being conducted by the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii. In addition, government-related travel to Hawaii has fallen a whopping 50% since Trump took office and began slashing both federal spending and the federal workforce through Elon Musk’s new Department of Government Efficiency. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiʻi May Cut Grass On More State Land To Prevent Spread Of Wildfires. The state land department is asking for $10 million more to battle wildfires. Civil Beat.

HECO rolls out weather stations, AI cameras as part of wildfire safety plan. Hawaiian Electric's wildfire safety strategy includes installing over 50 weather stations mounted on utility poles across the state by this summer. HECO will also be installing nearly 80 cameras with artificial intelligence for early fire detection. Hawaii Public Radio.

Bill to streamline unemployment applications sent to governor's desk. Representatives advanced House Bill 477 on Monday to streamline the application process for unemployment benefits, in part by allowing documents and decisions to be delivered electronically, instead of by mail. Hawaii Public Radio.

Leaders reach deal on state budget. State government funding is slated to be a little higher in the next two fiscal years compared with the current year under a budget agreement reached Monday evening by state House and Senate leaders. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaiʻi Farmers And Ranchers Face $46 Million In Federal Funding Cuts. The USDA decision has led to lost jobs, confusion and a setback on climate initiatives in the agricultural sector. Civil Beat.

Oahu

9 HPD officers are named in civil suit alleging brutality. An amended federal civil complaint alleges nine Hono­lulu police officers beat a 25-year-old man after knowing he wasn’t the prime suspect in a Jan. 1, 2024, pursuit and gunfight with an attempted murder suspect. Star-Advertiser.

State set to pay $750,000 in wrongful death settlement. The state Legislature is expected to approve a $750,000 settlement in the 2019 wrongful shooting death of an unarmed, disabled, homeless man by an on-duty state deputy sheriff, who was not criminally held responsible but since faces scrutiny in the deaths of two more people in 2021 and 2022 while a police officer in San Diego. Star-Advertiser.

Busier West Oahu buses prompt a call for a transportation study, even after federal funds disappear. A study that would have a taken a closer look at bus rapid transportation for the Waianae Coast was funded until cuts to Congress took nearly $5 million away. KITV4.

Hawaiʻi’s Parks Are Strained. Should DOE Open Campuses To Help? With limited space at city parks, communities are calling for the education department to make schools more accessible for recreational use. Civil Beat.

City unveils Blaisdell’s new PV system. To celebrate Earth Day on Tuesday, the City and County of Honolulu formally unveiled a massive installation of 4,554 large-format photovoltaic panels to assist in powering its prime entertainment venue. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

‘Franz gave so much of himself’; W. Hawaii residents mourn loss of community volunteer. Franz Weber, 71, president of the Hawaii Cycling League and a prolific West Hawaii community volunteer, died April 17 at The Queen’s Medical Center in Honolulu, eight days after the Trek bicycle he was riding rear-ended a Motor Coach Industries tour bus that was stopped on the shoulder of Queen Kaahumanu Highway near the 94.5-mile marker in North Kona. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaiʻi County to install fencing at Hilo Transfer Station. The County of Hawaiʻi Department of Environmental Management will begin installing about 600 linear feet of fencing improvements at the Hilo Transfer Station on Monday, April 28. Big Island Now.

Maui

Lawmakers Agree To Pay $807 Million Into Lahaina Wildfires Settlement Fund. The legislation is part of a $4 billion deal that includes money from HECO, Kamehameha Schools and others. Civil Beat.

Maui ethics board given more muscle, autonomy.  A voter-mandated law could expand the independence of the Maui County Board of Ethics, enabling its staff to perform more classes to promote ethical conduct as well as independent investigations into political wrongdoing.  Maui News.

Maui County’s labor force gaining somewhat, first time 19 months after wildfire disaster. Maui County’s labor market conditions have improved, as of March, with the number of employed people at 79,500 being the highest since the August 2023 wildfire disaster, said Chief State Economist Eugene Tian. Maui Now.

Kauai

Taking the battle to the beetles. Over the Easter weekend, a different kind of egg hunting occurred, as community volunteers hunted Kauai’s current invasive pest, the Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle. Garden Island.

New agricultural park aims to innovate, accelerate Kauaʻi farming businesses. Mālama Kauaʻi looks for community input on Olohena ‘ĀINA Center, an agricultural park that will increase agricultural production and access for new and experienced farmers in Kauaʻi. Kauai Now.

Blangiardi defends $1B Ala Wai project, attorney general touts recreational marijuana plan, Young Brothers averts Hilo shipping snafu, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Honolulu Mayor Defends $1 Billion Ala Wai Canal Flood Plan. The project will be funded by the federal government and the city. The city’s share would be about $375 million. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.  KHON2.

Hawaii looks to Massachusetts for guidance on legalizing recreational marijuana. Legalizing recreational marijuana in Hawaii may depend on the success of another state: Massachusetts. Hawaii’s attorney general has adopted that state’s system in her proposal for Hawaii. Hawaii News Now.

Change of federal law intends to help Native Hawaiians reclaim ancestral bones. The federal government has made it easier for Native Hawaiian families to make claims for the return of iwi, or ancestral remains, currently housed in museums and other institutions. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

Hawaii’s first homeless ‘medical respite’ site closing as concept expands. After more than six months of housing and treating homeless patients discharged from Oahu hospitals, Hawaii’s first “medical respite” kauhale will begin shutting down Thursday and take the lessons learned to two new projects designed to expand to mental health issues affecting the homeless. Star-Advertiser.

Mayor: Credibility of HPD ‘on the line’ as officers are being investigated for mishandling crash probe. Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi is responding to police body camera video that shows the actions of Honolulu police officers under investigation for mishandling a crash investigation involving one of their own. Hawaii News Now.

Community shares input on proposed Chinatown hotel. A proposed 15-story hotel in Chinatown now sits in the City’s Department of Planning and Permitting agency review process. KHON2.

Value of urban Oahu properties increases. While the overall assessed value of taxable properties on Oahu for 2024 didn’t skyrocket as it did a year ago, the city says the assessed value of homes in some parts of urban Honolulu are up by as much as 5%. Star-Advertiser.

TSA agents find anti-aircraft ammo in Thermos at Daniel K. Inouye Airport. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) workers discovered ammunition in a checked bag at the Daniel K Inouye Airport. KITV4.

Over 600 benches and tables installed in Honolulu parks. The Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation completed its “Let’s Meet at the Park” initiative Tuesday, installing more than 600 park benches and tables throughout Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Young Brothers averts Hilo shipping snafu. With the help of the Hawaii Fire Department, interisland freight shipper Young Brothers was able to reopen its facility and resume cargo operations at the Port of Hilo on Tuesday afternoon, averting a possible disaster for East Hawaii retailers, wholesalers and consumers during the busy holiday season. Star-Advertiser. Tribune-Herald.  Big Island Video News.  Big Island Now.  KITV4.

Pahala gets access to high-speed internet service. Pahala is the first Hawaii Island ZIP code to be fully enabled to receive Hawaiian Telcom’s high-speed fiber internet service. Tribune-Herald.  Big Island Now.

2 options mulled for Mud Lane, including evacuation route. The Hamakua Community Development Plan Action Committee is mulling whether to request the county maintain Mud Lane or to open it up as an emergency evacuation route. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Hawaiian Electric, Solar Industry Eye Microgrids As A Way To Make Lahaina More Resilient. They would offer plenty of benefits, but it's difficult to build those systems and will need buy-in from the West Maui community. Civil Beat.

Four renewable energy projects slated for Maui. Hawaiian Electric will begin contract negotiations with developers of four renewable energy projects on Maui, that the company says “will further reduce Hawaii’s dependence of imported oil for power generation.” Maui News.

$354,000 grant approved for sediment removal and flood mitigation in South Maui.  The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation has approved a $354,000 grant to the Mālama Haleakalā Foundation for site assessment and preliminary design for a stormwater-detention basin at Kūlanihākoʻi in South Maui. Maui Now.

Maui Fire Victims Fight To Keep Lawsuits On Maui. Score of cases have been removed from Maui state court to federal court on Oahu. An attorney says it's unfair to expect victims to have to travel for trials. Civil Beat.

Families Displaced By The Maui Fires Are Tired Of Shuffling Between Hotel Rooms. The American Red Cross says it is continuing to negotiate with hotel and condo properties to extend sheltering program contracts. Civil Beat.

SBA grants 45-day deadline extension for Maui disaster loans. The U.S. Small Business Administration is offering a 45-day grace period from Monday’s deadline for Maui residents and businesses to apply for disaster loan assistance. Star-Advertiser.

All Lahaina wildfire zones reopened. All 83 zones in the Lahaina Wildfire Disaster Area completed reopening Tuesday, over a week ahead of schedule. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai

Visitor spending soars. Visitor spending eclipsed the $200 million mark for the 10th straight month in October, as tourists continued to pour record sums of money into the island of Kaua‘i economy while on holiday in 2023. Garden Island.

Kaua‘i hotels fare well in October. The average daily rate for a room jumped to $396 in October, according to the Hawai‘i Hotel Performance Report published monthly by the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority. That was up 8.3 percent from October 2022 and 56.1 percent from pre-pandemic October 2019. Garden Island.

Shipping firm seeks $25M bailout, 400 National Guard troops coming off COVID-19 duty, Honolulu poised to open salons, gyms, councilwoman's ex-cop husband arrested after alleged domestic abuse, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Young Brothers ship nears Honolulu PC:Young Brothers

Young Brothers Seeks Financial Relief From Hawaiʻi. The inter-island shipping company says the COVID-19 slowdown has already forced the company to streamline operations and reduce operating costs. Big Island Video News.

‘Extremely dire’: Young Brothers seeks $25M in CARES funds to stay afloat. Interisland shipper Young Brothers is seeking $25 million in CARES Act funding from the state to keep the nearly 120-year-old company afloat amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. West Hawaii Today.

Interisland shipping lifeline at risk of shutdown, Young Brothers says. Hawaii’s only regulated interisland ocean cargo company, Young Brothers LLC, is appealing to the state for a bailout it claims is necessary to avoid ceasing operations. Star-Advertiser.

Young Brothers asks state for $25M in stimulus funds to overcome ‘dire’ financial situation. Inter-island shipping company Young Brothers says it’s facing an “extremely dire” financial situation because of significant drops in cargo volumes amid the COVID-19 pandemic and is asking the state and the Public Utilities Commission for help to stay afloat. Hawaii News Now.

Young Brothers Asks For $25 Million in Aid. Young Brothers, LLC, a major shipping operation in Hawai‘i, announced Tuesday that it is seeking assistance from the state Legislature and Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to alleviate an impending “cash crisis” brought on by a 30% drop in cargo volumes due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Big Island Now.

Young Brothers Seeks $25M in Financial Relief from State Amid COVID-19 Slowdown. Young Brothers, LLC today announced it is seeking assistance from the Hawai‘i legislature and Public Utilities Commission to alleviate an impending cash crisis brought on by a 30% drop in cargo volumes due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Maui Now.

Young Brothers asks legislature for $25 million from CARES Act funding. One the biggest inter-island shipping companies in the state is now considering some drastic cuts. Young Brothers claims it lost millions as cargo loads have dropped. KHON2.

Young Brothers seeks financial relief from the state due to COVID-19 Slowdown. “We hope to avoid any disruption in service. Support from the state legislature would put the company on solid ground while we seek solutions," President of Young Brothers, LLC said. KITV4.

=====

Civil Beat/HNN Poll: Stop Virus Even If Economy Crumbles. A clear majority says it’s more important to stop COVID-19 from spreading than stop the economy from declining. Civil Beat.

Civil Beat-HNN poll: Amid state’s pandemic response, voters have negative view of Ige. A new Civil Beat-HNN poll found that 54% have a negative opinion of the governor. Just 1 in 5 have a positive view, while the rest said they weren’t sure. Hawaii News Now.

=====

400 Hawaii National Guard troops coming off coronavirus duty. The number of Hawaii National Guard troops on federal active duty for the coronavirus pandemic will drop early next week to 800 from 1,200 as part of a Pentagon “right-sizing” ahead of a “hard stop” set for June 24 for the deployment of almost 46,000 citizen soldiers nationwide, officials said. Star-Advertiser.

Ige hopes to end interisland travel quarantine soon. Gov. David Ige hopes to end the 14-day quarantines for passengers on interisland flights “very soon” as a test for an eventual full reopening of out-of-state travel. Tribune-Herald.

Ige Says Interisland Quarantine to End ‘Soon’. Gov. David Ige implied Tuesday that the end to the state’s interisland travel quarantine will soon be rolled back and that reopening Hawai‘i to tourism won’t be far behind. Big Island Now.

Hawaii hits public health benchmarks, but reopening plan requires longer wait. Hawaii has hit all the public health benchmarks on a color-coded plan to reopen more parts of the economy with minimal disruption. Star-Advertiser.

State Issues Guidance For Hawaiʻi Restaurants In Time Of COVID-19. The State of Hawaiʻi is listing the various stipulations for dine-in service in order for restaurants to get back to business across the islands. Big Island Video News.

=====

State tourism forecast predicts it will take 6 years for arrivals to recover. As Hawaii's economy slowly begins reopening in phases, government officials are mapping out just how long it will take to return Island tourism, and the state economy, to what it was before the Covid-19 pandemic. Pacific Business News.

DBEDT Report: “It Will Take Six Years for Visitor Arrivals to Recover to the 2019 Level”. “It will take six years for visitor arrivals to recover to the 2019 level,” based on the 2009 great recession pace.  This is one of the facts and assumptions outlined in a 2nd Quarter 2020 report issued by the state Department of Business Economic Development and Tourism, which was used in detailing the outlook for Hawaiʻi’s economy going forward. Maui Now.

In 2019, Hawaii saw 10M visitors. This year, arrivals are projected to top out at 3.5M. As the governor seeks to reboot Hawaii’s economy, the question of how to reopen tourism safely remains unanswered. Hawaii News Now.

=====

Hawaii’s True Jobless Rate Is A Mystery. Neither the official figure nor the number of unemployment insurance claims offer a clear picture of how many here are out of work. Civil Beat.

Lack of Internet Access Creates Disparity Among Public School Students. Hawaii’s public school students have been learning remotely since March due to the COVID-19 outbreak. However, some elementary schools are having an easier time than others because so much depends on a student’s access to the internet. Civil Beat.

State issues strict new child care facility requirements to cope with COVID-19 threat. State officials released strict new guidelines Tuesday for Hawaii child care facilities that are operating now or plan to reopen during the COVID-19 pandemic, and also announced $11.9 million grant funding to try to stabilize and support child care operators. Star-Advertiser.

New Guidance for Child Care Facilities Puts Limit on Child to Staff Ratio at 9:1. The Department of Human Services has released new guidelines for minimizing the risk of COVID-19 to children, staff and families when resuming or continuing child care operations. The guidelines are based on public health guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Hawai’i Department of Health. Maui Now.

As more parents head back to work, the need for childcare services in Hawaii grows. Hawaii’s Department of Services released new guidelines Tuesday for childcare providers that are resuming or continuing operations. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Announces $11.9M For Child Care Providers. The deadline to apply the federal grant money is July 31. Civil Beat.

Governor Ige, Dept. of Human Services discuss guidelines for reopening childcare facilities. According to the state, these guidelines will set qualified childcare in place for the children of Hawai'i. KITV4.

The Other Coronavirus Crisis: Escalating Mental Health Problems. Calls to crisis hotlines and hospital admissions for psychiatric problems are up as the economy unravels and many feel isolated by public health restrictions. Civil Beat.

VIRUS TRACKER — MAY 26: No New COVID-19 Cases. Hawaii has gone three days without a new COVID-19 case. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Caldwell announces timeline to reopen hair salons, gyms and museums. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell on Tuesday announced plans to seek the governor’s approval to allow personal services — such as hair salons, barbershops and tattoo parlors — to resume Friday. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Hair Salons, Offices, Gyms Will Reopen In Waves Starting Friday. Small gatherings can resume soon as Mayor Kirk Caldwell called on businesses to protect their customers. Civil Beat.

Mayor proposes ambitious timeline for reopening salons, museums and other businesses. Honolulu’s mayor has proposed an ambitious new timeline for reopening a number of “medium-risk” businesses on Oahu, including salons, museums and theaters. Hawaii News Now.

Restaurants Prepare For Dining On June 5 Under Conflicting Rules. Oahu restaurants can reopen on June 5 for dine-in services, although under state and city regulations and guidelines that sometimes conflict with each other, an issue that may prove challenging for the establishments and their customers. Hawaii Public Radio.

Businesses prepare for reopening dates announced by City. City and County Mayor Kirk Caldwell has submitted a proposal to the governor’s desk to reopen barbershops and salons Friday, as well as the Honolulu Zoo on June 5th. He’s also proposing to reopen theaters and museums on June 19th. KHON2.

=====

Promoter, alcohol vendor under investigation after large, illegal beach parties broken up on Oahu. The Honolulu Liquor Commission and law enforcement agencies are investigating two businesses that may have organized and profited from massive parties that violated COVID-19 emergency rules, liquor, and permitting laws, over Memorial Day weekend at Waimea Bay Beach Park and Kaena Point State Park. Star-Advertiser.

Giant batteries for electric grid are slated for Kapolei. Plus Power, announced Tuesday that it has been selected by Hawaiian Electric to develop what would be the largest battery system for storing electricity in the state. Star-Advertiser.

Battery Farm Could Replace Coal Plant. The proposed project would occupy eight acres near an industrial park. Civil Beat.

2 more candidates in mayoral, council race file nomination papers. Another mayoral contender has officially entered the race. Businessman Keith Amemiya filed nomination papers at Honolulu Hale on Tuesday. Hawaii News Now.

Amemiya Calls For Rejecting ‘Same People, Same Ideas’ In Mayoral Bid. The Honolulu businessman hopes to succeed Kirk Caldwell, who is completing his final term this year. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Retired detective arrested for allegedly abusing councilwoman. A retired Hawaii Police Department detective pleaded not guilty Tuesday to a misdemeanor domestic abuse charge for an alleged Memorial Day attack on his wife, Hilo Councilwoman Sue Lee Loy. Tribune-Herald.

Legislators talk CIP projects. East Hawaii will get its share of state capital improvement funds if the $5.1 billion capital improvement budget approved last week by lawmakers is signed by Gov. David Ige. Tribune-Herald.

Ironman triathlon in Kona delayed again due to coronavirus concerns. The 2020 Ironman 70.3 Hawaii triathlon, already postponed once because of the global coronavirus pandemic, has been pushed back a second time and is now scheduled to take place on November 21, the company said Tuesday. Hawaii News Now.

Maui

Maui mayor seeks approval for more businesses reopen come June 1. Maui Mayor Michael Victorino has submitted a request to Gov. Ige to allow more businesses to reopen on the Valley Isle at the start of June. Hawaii News Now.

County eyes opening most businesses, facilities Monday. Mayor Michael Victorino said he’s planning the reopening of most county parks, fitness gyms, pools, recreation facilities, clubhouses, dog parks, playgrounds, along with restaurants and other food establishments, as of Monday, pending Gov. David Ige’s approval. Maui News.

Hairstylists, barbers, nail techs happy to be back. Hair and nail salons and barber shops are being “more cautious and careful” about how they operate amid COVID-19 as they adjust to the new Maui County health and safety rules required for reopening Monday. Maui News.

Increased Public Access in Haleakalā National Park to Begin Wednesday. The National Park Service today announced that it will begin increasing public access to Haleakalā National Park on Wednesday, May 27, 2020. Maui Now.

Kauai

Junior Lifeguard program canceled, safety tips are online. The Kaua‘i Fire Department’s Ocean Safety Bureau would normally be hosting up to 600 keiki and junior lifeguard participants over the next few months. Garden Island.

Kauai mayor working on summer fun details. Kawakami says more information on the county’s summer fun program will be announced in the coming days. KHON2.

Bursting with regrowth. A Kaua‘i diver has reported a successful coral spawn on Kaua‘i, as well as new baby corals from about four inches wide to 12 inches wide in ‘Anini Bay. Garden Island.

Oahu newly homeless numbers increase, red light cameras, stiffer DUI laws mulled in Legislature, vacation rentals grow on Maui, drop on Oahu, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Homeless man along the Ala Wai in Honolulu ©2020 All Hawaii News

Nearly 7,000 became homeless in 2019 on Oahu. Oahu was overwhelmed with 6,924 people who became newly homeless in 2019. Star-Advertiser.

Guidelines proposed for legalization of stun guns. Hawaii’s law tightly restricting possession of electric “stun guns” is being challenged in court as an alleged infringement on people’s Second Amendment rights, and state Attorney General Clare Connors is now proposing lawmakers strike it from the law books and adopt a new system to regulate privately owned electric guns such as Tasers. Star-Advertiser.

After 106 traffic deaths last year, lawmakers push for drastic changes to roadway laws. A push for safer streets seems to have gained some traction at the Hawaii State Capitol. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Medicaid Patients May Have Fewer Insurance Choices. The state’s decision to consolidate insurance plans could particularly affect people with limited incomes on the neighbor islands. Civil Beat.

Case continues quest to change Jones Act. A trio of bills introduced Dec. 19 by Case seeking to exempt Hawaii from the Merchant Marine Act of 1920 — better known as the Jones Act — haven’t yet been scheduled for committee hearings, but the veteran lawmaker remains undeterred in his effort to change the 100-year-old law. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii Is Seriously Short On Census Job Applicants. Hawaii’s census response rate is among the lowest in the nation. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Hawaii Innocence Project To Host Prosecutor Candidate Debate. Five candidates are expected to participate in the Tuesday debate. Civil Beat.

Legal battle over e-signatures pursued amid effort to impeach Honolulu prosecutor.  Those wanting Prosecuting Attorney Keith Kaneshiro impeached have taken their case to a federal judge. Hawaii News Now.

Number of Oahu vacation rental units is shrinking. The number of residential vacation rentals on Oahu continues to fall, according to the latest monthly Hawaii Tourism Authority study released this week. Star-Advertiser.

What was once just a vision for Oahu’s homeless is now a thriving community. Kahauiki opened in January 2018 and just reached its 2-year anniversary. The Institute for Human Services hosted a Wellness Day for Kahauiki Village residents with various booths and services. Hawaii News Now.

Board of Water Supply looking to unload Haiku Stairs. "Due to mounting security costs and liability concerns, BWS is proposing to take down Haiku Stairs," part of the study reads. KITV4.

Homeowner wants to rebuild on Hibiscus Drive. One week after a fire and shooting in a quiet Diamond Head neighborhood left four people dead, including two Honolulu police officers, numerous onlookers visited the street, some to pay respects and others to get a glimpse of the destruction. Star-Advertiser.

Kalihi Elementary School is cutting back on single-use plastics thanks to a cafeteria upgrade. More than 500 volunteers worked together to improve the campus of Kalihi Elementary School on Saturday. Hawaii News Now.

Certain algae help Kaneohe Bay corals weather warmer seas. A unique algae may be helping corals at Kaneohe Bay become more resilient to climate change, but the algae might also cause the corals to eat less, according to a study by University of Hawaii researchers. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Rate hike blasted: Opposition mounts to Young Brothers’ request for 34% increase. Hawaii Island residents have an opportunity to respond to the state’s only regulated interisland ocean cargo shipping company’s request for a 34% rate increase. Tribune-Herald.

DHHL Chair Aila Grilled On Mauna Kea Access Road. DHHL chair William Ailā gave an update on the "final adjudication and compensation" for the contentious road leading to the summit of Maunakea. Big Island Video News.

More intervenors in PGV docket. Three organizations — Tawhiri Power, Hu Honua Bioenergy and Puna Pono Alliance — have filed motions to intervene in a docket before the state Public Utilities Commission regarding an amended and restated power purchase agreement between Hawaii Electric Light Co. and Puna Geothermal Venture. Tribune-Herald.

Lifesaving equipment to reach firefighters sooner. When lifesaving equipment like Jaws of Life extrication tools are donated to the Hawaii Fire Department but then sit months in a warehouse until the paperwork is completed and the donation is formally accepted by the County Council, something needs to change. West Hawaii Today.

Lawsuit: Guards Had Suicidal Inmate Cuffed, Let Him Bleed To Death. A wrongful death lawsuit alleges that guards at Kulani Correctional Facility failed to render aid to a dying inmate and that it only came to light when another inmate came forward. Civil Beat.

Expanding for emergencies: ER at NHCH increases in size to 13,000 square feet. North Hawaii Community Hospital will quadruple its emergency room size with the opening of the new facility on Wednesday. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Maui Mayor Wants Federal Help With Island Sustainability. Civil Beat caught up with the mayor at a recent event in Washington, D.C., to discuss climate change, his hope to turn Maui into Hawaii’s food basket and the U.S. Supreme Court. Civil Beat.

Report: Maui Tops State in Vacation Rental Supply. In December 2019, Maui County had the largest vacation rental supply of all four Hawaiʻi counties at 293,000 unit nights–a 28 percent increase compared to a year ago, according to a report from the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority. Maui Now.

Maui parrotbill might wing it to the mainland following reintroduction setback. It was 13 years ago that the U.S. Forest Service formally recommended establishing a second population of the critically endangered kiwikiu, or Maui parrotbill, to significantly lower its risk of extinction. Star-Advertiser.

Conference held on Maui for prosthetics, orthotics. Losing a limb is one thing, but being crippled by insurance systems is quite another, according to athlete, amputee and advocate Nicole Ver Kuilen. Maui News.

Kauai

‘UFO’ defeated. Eight months after a large, metal object appeared out on the reef in the bay near Aliomanu, the unidentified floating object, nicknamed the “UFO,” was removed from the beach thanks to combined efforts of the state and the community. Garden Island.

Tax payments due soon.  County officials remind property owners that the second installment of real-property taxes for the 2019-20 tax year are due by Thursday, Feb. 20. Garden Island.

Construction boom, workforce shrinks, student scores lag, rail costs soar, Maui to ban commercial park activity on Sundays, HECO wins $638.5M Army contract, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Construction cranes dot Kakaako skyline ©2019 All Hawaii News

Construction industry spending will continue at around $9 billion until 2021, report finds. It’s a good time to be working in Hawaii’s construction industry. It’s so good that concerns are being raised about a labor shortage being on the horizon if some exceptionally big planned projects go forward. Star-Advertiser.

What’s up with Hawaii’s incredible shrinking civilian labor force? State figures for August put the civilian labor force in Hawaii at 656,800 people. That’s down by more than 20,000 from the same month in 2018. Hawaii News Now.

=====

Test scores stall for Hawaii students. The academic performance of Hawaii public school students stagnated this year, with the proficiency rate in math staying flat and slight dips in language arts and science. Star-Advertiser.

How ‘Green Fees’ Might Offset The Hidden Costs Of Tourism In Hawaii. A growing number of tourism hot spots, ranging from Mallorca to Bhutan to New Zealand, are imposing new taxes and fees on visitors. Civil Beat.

Young Brothers faces customer, regulatory hurdles with 34% rate hike ask. Interisland cargo carrier Young Brothers says it needs an unprecedented 34 percent rate hike to survive. What could this mean for residents, businesses and the future of the more than century-old shipper? KHON2.

US Gives Limited Approval To Hawaiian-Japan Airlines Venture. Hawaiian officials expressed disappointment that the preliminary decision doesn’t give the two airlines with full antitrust immunity. Associated Press.

Oahu

HECO wins $638.5M Army contract. Hawaiian Electric Co. announced Thursday it has been awarded a $638.5 million contract to own, operate and maintain the electrical distribution system for the Army’s 12 installations on Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

HECO Wins $639M, 50-Year Contract As Army Privatizes Its Electric System. Hawaiian Electric Co. Inc. has been awarded a contract to own and  operate the electrical system for the U.S. Army's Oahu installations, a deal valued at $638.5 million over 50 years, the company said in a release Thursday. Hawaii Public Radio.

=====

Honolulu Rail’s West Side Station Costs Are Soaring. The HART board is poised to approve an $18 million deal to resolve about 150 construction claims. Civil Beat.

Major rail preparation work to kick off on Dillingham Blvd. next month. Rail officials say construction on Dillingham Boulevard is about to accelerate dramatically ― with hundreds of workers on the strip up to 20 hours a day. Hawaii News Now.

People unpaid and underpaid for rail move wait for make-good; Dillingham construction starts Nov. 12. KHON2.

=====

Acting prosecutor’s truth questioned after defending Katherine Kealoha’s actions. Did the head of the Honolulu prosecutor’s office lie to a city council committee? Hawaii News Now.

The Sun Is Setting On One Of Hawaii’s Last Legacy Estates. The Damon Trust spans much of the island’s modern history, with roots back to the Hawaiian Kingdom. Civil Beat.

Heart Disease May Be Linked To Pesticide Exposure. A new finding has emerged from historic data from the Kuakini Medical Center Honolulu Heart Program, which began to track the health of about 8,000 Japanese American men on Oahu in the mid 1960s: pesticide exposure may increase the risk for heart disease and stroke. Civil Beat.

Invasive thrifts spread on Oahu, prompting officials to call for drastic measures. Worried that an invasive insect will ravage Oahu’s native naio population as it did on Hawaii island, state officials are now urging people to remove healthy naio trees from their gardens before they become infected. Star-Advertiser.

=====

A suspected brothel in St. Louis Heights is raided by authorities. Authorities zeroed in on a St. Louis Heights home suspected of operating as a brothel. Hawaii News Now.

Investigators carry out search warrant at St. Louis Heights residence suspected of operating as a brothel. Investigators with the Department of the Prosecuting Attorney carried out a search warrant Wednesday, October 2, 2019 at a residence on St. Louis Heights suspected of operating as a brothel. KITV.

St. Louis Heights residence investigated after prostitution complaints. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Despite delays caused by hot lava rock, Highway 132 could reopen next month. Paving on the reconstructed portion of Highway 132 has been completed, and the county Department of Public Works anticipates opening the road in November. Tribune-Herald.

HVO scientists explain how lava flows cool. The lava flows near Highway 132 could take decades to completely cool down, according to scientists. Tribune-Herald.

Hu Honua Bioenergy, the company that plans to burn trees to produce energy using the refurbished and refitted Pepeʻekeo power plant, is actively courting the community for support, as environmental activists continue to fight the project. As Hu Honua, aka Honua Ola Bioenergy, drills deeper injection wells, the company juggles DOH, PUC approvals and neighborhood improvement projects. Big Island Video News.

Stepped-up DKI Highway enforcement nets 591 citations, six arrests. Officers assigned to the Thirty Meter Telescope protester blockade and encampment on Maunakea Access Road issued 591 traffic citations and arrested six suspects for 10 offenses on Daniel K. Inouye Highway between Sept. 26-Oct. 2, police said Thursday. Tribune-Herald.

Kona Pool Scheduled to Reopen This Month. Kona Aquatics Center is set to reopen this month after it was forced to close indefinitely for repairs in March. Big Island Now.

Maui

County to halt all commercial activity at parks Sundays, holidays. New permit restrictions to take effect in about 30 days. Maui News.

State Acquires Land Under Maui’s Front Street Apartments. The move could help preserve affordable units for about 250 tenants. Civil Beat.

State Acquires Land Under Maui’s Front Street Apartments. Gov. David Ige announced Thursday that the state has completed its transaction to acquire the land under Front Street Apartments on Maui. Maui Now.

State buys land under Maui apartment complex in bid to keep it affordable. The state purchased the land for $15 million. Hawaii News Now.

New bridge over Wailuku River mulled by County Council. Council members say new crossing needed to advance housing projects. Maui News.

Kauai

Historic County Building illuminated for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The Historic County Building at night is lit with pink lights through October, in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Garden Island.

Trump Jones Act waiver could save Hawaii shipping billions, scrambling at state Capitol as legislative session nears end, UH volleyball coach Wade accused of sexual misconduct, Maui mulls $832M budget, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Matson shipping courtesy photo

Possible Trump waiver to Jones Act watched closely. The Trump administration is said to be considering a 10-year waiver to the Jones Act to allow foreign-flagged vessels to deliver natural gas to Puerto Rico — and possibly nationwide — creating the latest dust-up over the controversial century-old maritime law. Star-Advertiser.

A Flurry Of Deal-Making At The Hawaii Legislature As End Of Session Looms. Stay tuned. More decisions are coming Friday, the deadline for bills to clear conference committee. Civil Beat.

State Senate poised to accept a proposal to allow vacation rental platforms to collect Hawaii taxes. The state Senate appears poised to accept a bill tonight that would authorize vacation rental platforms such as Airbnb to collect taxes on behalf of the state, a development that triggered a last-minute lobbying push at the state Capitol today by the hotel industry and the hospitality workers union Unite HERE Local 5 to try to block the measure. Star-Advertiser.

Bill to Expand DUI Law Dies. State lawmakers chose to kill a bill that proposed expanding Hawaii’s impaired driving laws after they failed to reach an agreement on the measure in the waning hours of conference committee hearings Thursday. Civil Beat.

Stricter DUI penalties may be on the horizon. The Legislature is set to pass a bill that would significantly stiffen penalties for drunken driving offenses, including making it a felony if a driver is convicted three times of driving under the influence within 10 years — a charge that carries the possibility of up to five years’ imprisonment. Star-Advertiser.

State lawmakers agreed to $19.7 million of extra funds for positions and other programs at state departments over the next two fiscal years. The agreement reached Thursday in House Bill 116 is in addition to a $16 billion spending plan lawmakers approved in March. Civil Beat.

=====

Funding passes for multiple construction projects. Hawaii lawmakers unveiled a state construction budget for the next two years that totals more than $3.4 billion in projects to be funded with state, federal and other funds, including injections of funding into affordable housing, airport projects and school construction. Star-Advertiser.

$3.4 billion budget agreed for renovations, repairs, construction, land acquisition statewide. Over $3.4 billion was agreed on by the House Finance and Senate Ways and Means Conference Committee today. The bill for the 2020-2021 fiscal years will now move to the full House and Senate for a final vote. KHON2.

House & Senate Committee Agree on $3.4 Billion CIP Budget. The bill now moves to the full House and Senate for a final vote. Big Island Now.

=====

Fight Over Coffee Labeling Stalls at State Capitol. Hawaii’s coffee farmers have failed again to gain additional protections for their crop. Hawaii Public Radio.

Internal affairs case opened after Public Safety’s head trainer accused of puffing up resume. The Public Safety Department has launched an internal investigation the head of training for more than 1,000 deputy sheriffs and corrections officers statewide. Hawaii News Now.

As HMSA Changes Doctors' Pay To Lower Costs, State Isn't Monitoring. Some of Hawaii doctors say they are struggling financially under the Hawaii Medical Service Association's new payment model, arguing it is exacerbating the state's serious physician shortage and extending wait times for patients. Hawaii Public Radio.

The leadership team of the Sovereign Council of Hawaiian Homestead Associations held a roundtable with Lieutenant Governor Josh Green on April 23, 2019 at the State Capitol. Lieutenant Governor Josh Green asked Hawaiian homeland leaders to identify two sites per island where his office and homestead associations can collaborate to build kauhale, or transitional group homes and affordable rentals. Maui Now.

Ed Case: Some PAC Money Is OK As Long As He Knows Where It’s Coming From. As Democrats renounce corporate PACs, the Hawaii congressman still takes their cash so long as their interests align with his own. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Hawaii Volleyball Coach Accused Of Sexual Misconduct. A nonprofit organization that investigates sexual misconduct for the U.S. Olympic Committee has been looking into allegations that University of Hawaii men's volleyball coach Charlie Wade engaged in sexual misconduct with a former female player. Associated Press.

University of Hawaii stands by volleyball coach accused of misconduct. The University of Hawaii is standing by volleyball coach Charlie Wade as it reviews allegations of misconduct against him. Star-Advertiser.

'Bows volleyball coach ‘strongly denies’ allegations of sexual misconduct. The head coach of the University of Hawaii men’s volleyball team “strongly denies” decades-old allegations of sexual misconduct that have resurfaced in recent days. Hawaii News Now.

UH Manoa responds to allegations against men's volleyball coach. A week ahead of the National Championship tournament, UH men's volleyball head coach Charlie Wade is accused of possible misconduct against a female athlete. KHON2.

UH men's volleyball head coach under investigation for sexual misconduct. Trouble for the head coach of the top-ranked UH Manoa men's volleyball team. Charlie Wade's under investigation by the U.S. Center for SafeSport regarding an allegation of misconduct with a female athlete. KITV.

=====

Cost of repairing convention center’s roof soars to $50M. That’s almost double what Hawaii Tourism Authority had anticipated it would cost to complete the circa-1998 center’s largest deferred maintenance project. Star-Advertiser.

Waimanalo split over changes to park. Waimanalo residents are being asked to show up at a community meeting tonight to voice support or opposition for athletic fields and other planned improvements at the 75-acre Waimanalo Bay Beach Park, also known as Sherwood Forest. Star-Advertiser.

Estranged wife sues Honolulu police officer and HPD. The estranged wife of a Honolulu police sergeant charged with abuse has filed a civil lawsuit against him and the Police Department. Star-Advertiser.

Over 8 years, nearly 62,000 more people left Oahu for other counties than came in. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Lifeguards have been funded for Kua Bay. Six years after legislators began the effort to bring full-time life-saving personnel to the North Kona state beach known for its beauty and danger, funding was included in the state budget for lifeguards at Kua Bay. West Hawaii Today.

Cardiac funding bill stalls. A bill that would further fund Hilo Medical Center’s interventional cardiac program has stalled in the final stages of the legislative process. Tribune-Herald.

Charter Commission rejects special election. Citing the cost and prospect of a low turnout, the Charter Commission on Thursday rejected the idea of a special election devoted to charter amendments. West Hawaii Today.

Here’s how to watch Merrie Monarch 2019 on air or online. The biggest event in the hula community is here. This week, hula halau across the state will take the stage and compete for top honors in three nights of competition at Merrie Monarch 2019. Hawaii News Now.

Maui

Council committee releases $832M budget and tax proposals. Budget invests in environmental programs, tourism impacts, is $51M more than mayor’s. Maui News.

Maui County hotels led the state overall in revenue per available room at $337, with an average daily rate of $428 and an occupancy rate of 78.6%. The first quarter of 2019 data was compiled in the latest Hawaii Hotel Performance Report published by the Hawaii Tourism Authority. Maui Now.

Kauai

Tourism takes downward turn. Kauai had 123,730 visitors in March, down 1.3 percent from March 2018. For the first three months of the year, Kauai has welcomed 333,961 visitors, down 1.4 percent from the first three months of 2018. Garden Island.

Hurricane Lane assessment, schools, shipping, postal service resume; impact fees for Honolulu schools, constitutional amendment would change taxation process, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Flooding in Hilo town. PC: Tracey Niimii www.tnphotographyhawaii.com

Lane poured record rainfall on East Hawaii. The preliminary total for Mountain View, subject to final quality control, is 51.53 inches of rain between noon Wednesday and 4 a.m. Sunday. Star-Advertiser.

Government officials on Sunday began their assessments of the damage inflicted upon Hawaii Island from Hurricane Lane. Tribune-Herald.

Southern end of the state mopping up 'devastation' left by Lane. Hawaii News Now.

Ports reopen, cargo operations resume statewide as Lane leaves. Matson Navigation Company has resumed full cargo operations to all of its Hawaii terminals following the Hawaii State Department of Transportation's reopening of Big Island ports to commercial operations Friday and Oahu, Maui and Kauai ports Saturday morning. KHON2.

USPS delivers mail Sunday after Tropical Storm Lane. KHON2.

What Killed Hurricane Lane? Scientists agree high southwest winds helped save Hawaii. “They took its head off,” one says. Civil Beat.

Public schools statewide to open today. All public schools statewide will open today with the exception of four in Lahaina. Star-Advertiser.

=====

In addition to deciding whether the state should hold a constitutional convention, Hawaii voters on the Nov. 6 general election ballot will be asked to consider a precedent-setting change that would move some of the county’s exclusive power to charge real property taxes to the state’s domain. West Hawaii Today.

Commentary: Hirono acquires fire, while Schatz, as Hawaii’s senior senator, develops diplomacy. Star-Advertiser.

Isle coffee production plunges, report says. One of Hawaii’s premiere crops, coffee, had a disappointing last season with a drop in sales as reduced production overshadowed higher prices, according to a recent federal report. Star-Advertiser.

Saving Hawaii’s Pig Farms. This once-fading island industry is coming to life again thanks to local tastes and strong cultural demand. Civil Beat.

A network of Hawaiian-focused schools is hoping to significantly expand the number of Hawaiian speakers in the state by making language lessons available on Duolingo, a popular free education app. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Developers to pay school impact fees for new homes built in urban Honolulu. Those looking to build a home in the areas between Kalihi and Ala Moana should know that starting Oct. 1 — construction is going to come with an added cost. Hawaii News Now.

Residential builders will have to pay $3,864 as a school impact fee for each new housing unit constructed along the Kalihi to Ala Moana urban corridor starting Oct. 1, a big discount from the $9,374 estimate two years ago. Star-Advertiser.

Board of Water Supply crews are responding to a water main break in Ewa Beach on Monday morning. Honolulu police said one southbound lane of Fort Weaver Road is closed near Keoneula Boulevard. Hawaii News Now.

Wailana Coffee House, the iconic 24-hour family diner in Waikiki, will close at the end of next month. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Making county spending more transparent is the aim of two charter amendments scheduled for the Nov. 6 general election ballot. One measure requires public notice and a chance for public input before raises are granted top county officials, while a second requires a financial impact statement be available to the public for any future charter amendment on the ballot. West Hawaii Today.

For at least five years, the Hawaii Police Department has been looking at ways to fund a body-worn camera program for its officers. However, with a “status-quo” budget, the department keeps coming up short. West Hawaii Today.

Kailua-Kona sees new businesses, developments coming up. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Four Lahaina Schools on Maui Closed on Monday, Aug. 27. Four public schools in Lahaina in West Maui will be closed to students on Monday, Aug. 27, 2018 as the community deals with the aftermath of large brush fires that burned thousands of acres of land and destroyed at least 21 structures. Maui Now.

Lane aftermath. Storm dumps heavy rain, leaves power outages, damaged roads. Maui News.

West Maui residents focus on rebuilding after firefighters contain 2K acre blaze. The destructive fire that broke out in Lahaina early Friday morning is finally 100 percent contained, Maui county officials said on Sunday afternoon. Hawaii News Now.

Brush fire leaves homes in ashes, lives shattered. At least 21 structures damaged or destroyed. Maui News.

Maui Mayor Alan Arakawa talks about the brush fires. KHON2.

Haiku residents describe moments massive crack in road opened. With the bulk of the concentration focusing on West Maui fires, residents in Upcountry Maui are still dealing with the flooding damage brought by Lane. KHON2.

Kauai

On Kauai, it’s back to normal. With the downgrading of Tropical Storm Lane, Young Brothers anticipates resumption of its 12 regularly scheduled weekly sailings starting today. Garden Island.

Builders return to Anaina Hou Playground in Kilauea. Not all the workers were present Sunday when work resumed on the developing Anaina Hou Playground in Kilauea. Garden Island.

Officials say an Alabama man was fined $1,500 for touching a Hawaiian monk seal as well as harassing a sea turtle on Kauai, and then posting the videos on social media. Garden Island.