Homeless count curtailed, governor offers Hawaii hotels for LA fire survivors, housing crisis front and center in new legislative session, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Point in Time Count to skip unsheltered homeless this year.  Hawaii’s Continuums of Care will forgo this year’s unsheltered Point in Time Count — a key measure of homelessness conducted annually since 2012, though the sheltered count will proceed as planned. Partners in Care, in collaboration with the neighbor islands’ Continuums of Care known as Bridging the Gap — which represents Kauai, Maui and Hawaii counties — will report the number of people staying in homeless shelters across the state to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development based on data from the night of Jan. 22. Star-Advertiser.

‘We can help’: Hawaii hotels could house California fire survivors. Gov. Josh Green said Hawaii has around 25,000 hotel rooms statewide. But he said thousands of those rooms are empty and could be used to house displaced fire survivors. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Democrats and Republicans vow collaboration in 2025. State House Democratic and Republican leaders have announced that they are in lock-step when it comes to “shared values” on the eve of Wednesday’s opening of the 2025 legislative session, while Senate Democrats say they are committed to collaborating with their Republican colleagues. Star-Advertiser. Kauai Now.

Solving Hawaiʻi’s Housing Crisis Front And Center In New Legislative Session. Zoning regulations, use of public funds to spur housing construction are among different approaches to addressing housing needs on the agenda in 2025 session. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.  KHON2.

Hawaii Legislature will again focus on illegal fireworks. Clamping down on illegal fireworks and changing outlaw pyrotechnic behavior will be the early focus of the legislative session that begins Wednesday following the deaths of five people — including a 3-year-old boy — and injuries to dozens more that marred New Year’s Eve celebrations. Star-Advertiser.

Clash erupts over Hawai‘i Tourism Authority’s search for new leader. The Hawai‘i Tourism Authority board and the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism are at odds over budget and hiring — two categories that are the first litmus test of what it means for the tourism agency to be fully attached to DBEDT. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiʻi Supreme Court Finds Pierick Won House Race. The state House incumbent defeated challenger Corey Rosenlee by a mere 11 votes. Rejecting a lawsuit against Hawaiʻi election officials, the state’s highest court on Friday said state Rep. Elijah Pierick prevailed in the 2024 race for District 39. Civil Beat.

12 deputies still suspended amid investigations. A dozen of Hawaii’s nearly 300 state deputy sheriffs have had their law enforcement powers restricted following arrests and internal investigations into allegations of misconduct that started in 2024. Star-Advertiser.

Native Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders Suffer For Lack Of Health Insurance. Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander adults are more likely to turn to traditional or cultural practices as a substitute for conventional medicine. Their health outcomes remain poor compared to white people. Civil Beat.

Lagging Japan arrivals point to slow recovery for Hawaii tourism. Hawaii’s top source of international visitors, Japan, is not projected to recover to pre-pandemic levels this decade. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii attorney general launches web page focused on preventing human trafficking. Passed by the Legislature in 2023, the Human Trafficking Prevention Program is designed to support victims and create statewide strategies to combat trafficking. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Honolulu City Council ‘reaffirms’ opposition to landfill over aquifer. The Council’s Committee on Housing, Sustainability, Economy and Health is expected to review Resolution 3 at 1 p.m. Tuesday inside City Council Chambers, 530 S. King St. Star-Advertiser.

How Recruiting More Women Could Help Police Solve A ‘Staffing Crisis’. Leaders say implementing policies, like paid maternity leave, could help bring more women to the force and improve policing overall. Civil Beat.

‘It’s Out Of Hand’: Fireworks Amnesty Event Collects Scores Of Unused Explosives. In response to the deadly New Year’s Eve explosion, the state Department of Law Enforcement said it collected more than 500 pounds of illegal fireworks. Civil Beat. KITV4.

Queen’s nurses move up strike time Monday amid talks. The strike was originally scheduled to begin at 11 a.m. Monday, but both HNA and Queen’s management subsequently agreed to a start time of 7 a.m. If there is a strike, it would continue through Thursday at 6:59 a.m. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.  KHON2.

Honolulu’s newest affordable housing site breaks ground in Punchbowl. The newest affordable housing site sits at the corner of Pensacola and Wilder Streets and will be home to a 90-unit development. KHON2.

Visitors asked to ‘stay out of Lanikai,’ during Kailua roundabout construction. The city is asking visitors and residents to stay out of Lanikai and go to another beach instead. Parking restrictions are now in effect to reduce congestion during a major construction project in Kailua. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

Big Island lawmakers talk about legislative priorities for upcoming 2025 session. From cleaning up iconic Banyan Drive in Hilo to remodeling the Kohala courthouse, Big Island lawmakers are looking forward to advocating for the needs of their constituents during this year’s legislative session. Big Island Now.

Hawaiʻi County Council could join call for free school meals statewide. The Hawaiʻi County Council could urge the state Legislature to implement a universal free school meals program for public school students statewide. A resolution introduced by the council said that Hawaiʻi Island has the highest rate of food insecurity in the state, but the issue is statewide. Hawaii Public Radio.

Home sales up compared to last year. According to multiple listing service data, there were 2,009 single-family homes sold on the island in 2024, a 3.6% increase over 2023. Those sales also generated 22.3% more money than 2023 sales, with more than $2 billion spent purchasing single-family residences last year. Tribune-Herald.

Aloha Petroleum lease extension put on hold. A lease snafu could cause Aloha Petroleum’s Waiakea fuel depot property to revert back to the state. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

It’s a challenge: Expediting the rebuilding of homes in Lahaina’s downtown without compromising historic character. Maui County is trying to expedite rebuilding by easing up on shoreline requirements, proposing changes at the State Legislature and taking things off the plate of the Cultural Resources Commission, which has struggled to meet for months over quorum issues.  Maui Now.

Feds to give Maui $1.6B for wildfire recovery. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development on Friday announced a grant award to Maui County for the funding, which can be used for homeowners to replace lost residences, to build affordable rental housing, to improve infrastructure including roads and utility systems, and to benefit small businesses, schools and health care. Star-Advertiser.

State sets Jan. 15 deadline to complete interim housing applications. The deadline to complete applications for the Hawaiʻi Interim Housing Program, also known as HIHP, for Maui residents displaced by the August 2023 wildfires is Jan. 15. Maui News.

Lana‘i volunteers sought for Maui County boards and commissions. Lānaʻi residents are needed to serve as volunteer members on several Maui County boards and commissions, including the Lānaʻi Planning Commission, Liquor Control Commission, Police Commission, Board of Variances and Appeals, Fire and Public Safety Commission and Maui County Cultural Resource Commission. Maui News. Maui Now.

Kauai

Recreational Use Only: Princeville Park Dispute Shutters Kaua‘i Farmers Market. A neighbor’s complaint triggered an investigation by the county Planning Department. Civil Beat.

Kapaa woman faces charges for allegedly stealing COVID rent relief. A 46-year-old Kauai woman faces federal charges after she was indicted for allegedly taking more than $126,026 in relief funds intended for people struggling to pay rent during the pandemic. Star-Advertiser.

Wilcox nurses to strike for 3 days this week. The strike begins at 7 a.m. Tuesday, keeping with the legal requirement to give their employer 10 days advance notice, and continue until 6:59 a.m. Friday. Kauai Now.

Fewer kids getting routine vaccinations, state agencies and advocates seek money as legislative session gears up, LA fires likely to raise Hawaii insurance premiums, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Fewer Kids In Hawaiʻi Are Getting Routine Vaccines. The state health department is warning that more unvaccinated students could put children at higher risk for infections like measles. In the 2023-24 school year, 21% of students were missing vaccinations, up from nearly 19% in the previous year.  Civil Beat. Big Island Now.

Report urges help for Hawaii households struggling financially. The 2024 ALICE in Hawaii report shows that while the percentage of households below the poverty line decreased to 12% in 2024 from 14% in 2022, the proportion of ALICE households remained unchanged at 29%. Nearly one-third of Hawaii households are classified as ALICE  — asset-limited, income-constrained, employed. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.  KHON2.

Advocates renew push for Hawaii legislative reforms. A coalition of local community organizations seek changes in ethics, public access and campaign rforms. The coalition delivered a letter and petition with about 1,600 signatures to House and Senate lawmakers asking for five rule changes to legislative procedures and five new laws in the wake of high- profile corruption scandals and reduced voter participation that the letter writers said lead people to question whether engaging with Hawaii’s legislative system even matters at all. Star-Advertiser.

State Department of Agriculture asks for additional $28M in general funds. Hawaiʻi's Agriculture Department is asking state lawmakers for an additional $28 million in general funds over the next two years. The governor’s proposed budget for the next biennium would allocate $73.4 million to the state Department of Agriculture and $71.5 million for its operating budget over the next two fiscal years, respectively. Hawaii Public Radio.

DOE Gets An F: Hawaiʻi Schools Miss Their First Local Food Target. The department has included bottled water in its accounting for locally produced food. Civil Beat.

Hawaiian Electric to close Shift and Save rates program to new enrollments as of Feb. 1. Hawaiian Electric will close its Shift and Save time-of-use rates program to new enrollments as of Feb. 1, 2025, following the completion of a one-year pilot. Customers enrolled in Shift and Save before that date will be allowed to continue in the program with the ability to opt out at any time. Maui Now.

Hawaiian Telcom targets 2026 for state to be fully fiber-enabled. Hawaiian Telcom announced a groundbreaking initiative Thursday to make Hawaii the nation’s first fully fiber-enabled state by 2026, with the project already more than halfway completed. The company is replacing its outdated copper network with a state-of-the-art fiber- optic system, marking a significant shift in broadband infrastructure. Star-Advertiser.

LA inferno likely to hike Hawaii insurance. The state Insurance Division said in a statement: “These events have significantly impacted the insurance industry, particularly in California, where major insurers have withdrawn from high-risk areas…Such large-scale events can have indirect effects on our local insurance landscape.” KHON2.

Oahu

OHA pitches community on Kakaako Makai housing. The state Office of Hawaiian Affairs worked to wrangle public support Wednesday night for its revamped proposal to undo a state law prohibiting residential use of land it owns in Kakaako. Star-Advertiser.

Legislators consider new laws to restrict where landfills can be placed. Debate over landfill site is aired before lawmakers. Two joint Legislature committees held an informational meeting over the city’s plan to site its dump on Dole Food Co. Hawaii property near Wahiawa. A 2020 law places restrictions on locating waste-disposal facilities, particularly those close to conservation lands or half-mile “buffer zones” near residential areas, schools or hospitals, as well as near airports or tsunami inundation zones. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii Public Radio.

Federal investigators join HFD in search for answers in deadly McCully fire. Federal agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are on Oahu working closely alongside the Honolulu Fire Department at the scene of a deadly fire along Young Street. Together, investigators are trying to piece together a cause of the blaze that killed a young firefighter Monday night. Hawaii News Now.

Death At Illegal North Shore New Year’s Eve Party Stokes Safety Concerns. A young woman’s death at an illegal New Year’s Eve party in a North Shore state forest reserve has left a community grieving and many neighbors wondering why authorities hadn’t cracked down on the annual event sooner. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

County plans to install dozens of drywells along Kawili Street. The Hawaii County Department of Public Works is in the early stages of a $21 million construction project to improve East and West Kawili streets and Manono Street by installing a continuous sidewalk along the road, as well as other various pavement and striping maintenance. Tribune-Herald.

Lots of work still ahead for road into Waipi‘o Valley.  Almost three years after the county restricted access, Department of Public Works spokeswoman Sherise Kana‘e-Kane said the project remains “in its preliminary design stages.” Tribune-Herald.

New EIS Prep Notice Posted For Expansion At Leilani Quarry. Sanford’s Service Center is seeking a State Land Use District Boundary Amendment to reclassify 94-acres in order to expand mining of black-colored cinder at the quarry. Big Island Video News.

Captain Cook Post Office to get name change honoring Vietnam War Veteran Lt. Kauhaihao. President Joe Biden signed US Rep. Jill Tokuda’s bill into law, naming the Captain Cook Post Office on Hawaiʻi Island the “Army 1st Lt. John Kuulei Kauhaihao Post Office Building.” Maui Now.

Maui

Federal disaster funding signals a shift for Lahaina. There was a shift at Wednesday’s disaster recovery community meeting in Lahaina where residents were informed Maui County is gearing up to distribute more than $1 billion funds that’s been allocated to the county through the Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery funds.  Maui News.

HIDOE to restore one additional school bus route for Kalama Intermediate School on Maui. The Hawai‘i State Department of Education announced today that one previously suspended school bus route serving Samuel E. Kalama Intermediate School will be reinstated starting on Monday, Jan. 13, restoring service for approximately 31 student bus riders. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kaua‘i County is notifying the public that the Real Property tax collections office at the Līhu‘e Civic Center is closed until further notice because of unforeseen circumstances. Payments can be made in the Real Property tax assessment office or online. Kauai Now.

Kapa‘a Bypass closed daily starting Monday, will shut again in February for repairs. Traffic will be re-routed to Lehua Street, according to the Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation. The road will be open every afternoon after 3 p.m. and on weekends and holidays. Kauai Now.

Green sounds alarm about RFK Jr. in Washington, Legislature mulls natural disaster resistance, biosecuirty; shortages plague health care, education, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Gov. Josh Green sounds alarm in Washington over RFK Jr. Even as Robert F. Kennedy Jr., President-elect Donald Trump’s pick to lead the Department of Health and Human Services, returned to Capitol Hill on Wednesday to meet with top Senate committee leaders, Hawaii’s Democratic governor came to Capitol Hill to urge the Senate to reject his nomination. CQ-Roll Call. Fox News. CNN video via Instagram.

’Sobering’ report issued on Hawaii natural disaster resilience spending needs. A panel advising Gov. Josh Green is urging the state Legislature to appropriate almost $2 billion over the next five years to help reduce and respond to future natural disaster damage in Hawaii. Recommendations in the 58-page report by the Climate Advisory Team include helping homeowners strengthen their residences against hurricanes, enhancing natural protections from storm surges and inland flooding, expanding Firewise community programs, creating a permanent Hawai‘i Resilience Office and establishing a “properly funded” Office of the State Fire Marshal. Star-Advertiser.

Find the full 58-page Climate Advisory Team report here.

State Sees A Rare Surge In Inheritance Taxes. The state Council on Revenues, a committee tasked with projecting state tax collections, is projecting general fund tax collections will grow from about $9.57 billion last fiscal year to nearly $10.2 billion in the year that ends on June 30. Civil Beat.

State Department of Agriculture shares biosecurity budget wishlist. The new legislative session kicks off next week — but key budget briefings with lawmakers are in full swing. The state Department of Agriculture was called before the state Senate on Tuesday afternoon to discuss their budget. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii still facing health care work shortages, report says. The 2024 Hawaii Healthcare Workforce Initiative report, published every two years by the nonprofit trade group Healthcare Association of Hawaii, noted some easing of shortages for some categories, but found the state short of more than 4,600 health care workers in 94 professions. Star-Advertiser.

Education summit explores solutions to teacher shortage in Hawaii. Members of Hawaii’s education community came together to address the teacher shortage across the state. The summit addressed, in part, building a pipeline of teachers for the next generation, which includes strengthening support for high school students to become teachers. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

That Cop Pulling You Over May Soon Be A State Deputy Sheriff. Unlike other states, Hawaiʻi generally leaves it to the counties to almost exclusively enforce traffic laws. But now lawmakers are being asked to authorize a new traffic enforcement unit staffed with two dozen state deputy sheriffs to help patrol Oahu highways and enforce regulations on commercial vehicles. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

EPA Clean Ports Program contributes to Honolulu Harbor and climate change solutions. Hawaii is more dependent on goods being brought in by ship than any other state in America and Honolulu Harbor is getting a $59 million grant from the federal government. KITV4.

Maintenance cited as possible cause of Kamaka crash. The National Transportation Safety Board issued a preliminary investigation report that could provide clues as to what might have caused the Dec. 17 Kamaka Air Flight 689 crash that killed two young pilots shortly after takeoff on an instructional flight to Lanai. Star-Advertiser. KHON2. KITV4.

ATF sends team to Honolulu to help investigate fatal McCully fire. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is sending dozens to assist with the investigation into an apartment fire on Young Street that killed Honolulu firefighter Jeffrey Fiala on Monday. Hawaii News Now.

Miske Case: 2 More Co-Defendants Sentenced. The cases against Michael Miske’s co-defendants continue more than a month after the convicted crime boss was found dead in his cell. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Hawai‘i County Council unanimously supports Mayor Alameda’s chosen cabinet leaders. On Tuesday, during Hawai‘i County Council’s Governmental Operations and External Affairs Committee, Alameda sought confirmation of nine of his selected department heads.These mayoral appointees received unanimous support from the council committee members but they must go before the full council for final approval on Jan. 22 in Kona. Big Island Now.

Family of man killed by dogs says petty misdemeanor charges are ‘insufficient’. The ex-wife and a daughter of a 71-year-old Ocean View man fatally mauled by dogs 17 months ago said authorities aren’t doing enough to hold the owners of the dogs responsible for the attack. Tribune-Herald.

Roundabout plan advances: Final EA issued for Waikoloa Village road project. The Department of Public Works published on Wednesday a final environmental assessment for a project to build a two-lane roundabout at the intersection of Waikoloa Road, Paniolo Avenue and Pua Melia Street. Tribune-Herald.

Industrial fire affects county metal recycling. The acceptance of metals and appliances at East Hawaii transfer stations has been put on hold because of a fire Wednesday morning at Big Island Scrap Metal, Hawaii County’s contracted recycling partner. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

 Draft study completed for mauka move of vulnerable portion of Honoapi‘ilani Highway. About a 6-mile segment of Honoapi‘ilani Highway from Ukumehame to Launiupoko would be moved mauka, beyond the reach of rising sea levels, to protect a vital roadway to West Maui. Maui Now.

Baldwin Beach restoration work continues. The effort is funded from a more than $1 million grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation’s National Coastal Resilience Fund to develop site-specific plans for dune restoration at Kapukaulua, from Lower Pāʻia Park to Wawau Point, or Baby Beach. Maui News.

New program allows Moloka‘i residents to scrap two cars per year. A new tow and scrap program for Molokaʻi residents to recycle their unwanted qualified vehicles at no cost. Maui News.

Kauai

57 households face relocation as Hawaiian Home Lands nears purchase of Kaua‘i condos. The state Department of Hawaiian Home Lands is preparing to acquire an East Side apartment complex on Kauaʻi in early February, which has led 57 households to confront a daunting future: Where will they relocate? Kauai Now.

Slope stabilization to close one lane of Kūhiō Highway at the Waikoko turn for 7 months. The Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation notifies highway users about a single lane closure of Kūhiō Highway (Route 560) at the Waikoko hairpin turn for emergency slope stabilization. Kauai Now.

Farm to school program gets failing grade, Climate Advisory Team releases first report, legislative panel mulls Oahu landfill location, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

DOE says it's made no progress on Farm to School mandate. Act 175, a state law passed in 2021, has mandated the Department of Education to locally source 30% of the food it serves by the end of the decade. An October report to lawmakers said that the department bought $64.1 million worth of food from July 2022 through June 2023. Of that, it reported that 6.1% was spent on locally produced food. Hawaii Public Radio.

Climate Advisory Team unveils policy recommendations, hosting virtual presentation Friday. The Climate Advisory Team, established by Gov. Josh Green, on Tuesday released its policy paper describing actions Hawaiʻi can take immediately while simultaneously building the foundation for long-term policies that will help Hawaiʻi survive and respond to future disasters. Maui Now.

Lawmakers learn price tag for fireworks crackdown. The state Department of Law Enforcement Tuesday laid out details of what it will cost to crack down on fireworks, but some lawmakers are suggesting even more should be spent. Hawaii News Now.

Fireworks Come To Hawaiʻi On Passenger Jets ‘Almost Daily’. Illegal fireworks are being transported to Hawaiʻi on passenger airplanes on an “almost daily” basis, challenging the presumption that explosives only come here inside shipping containers and raising the specter of a mid-flight explosion, a top state law enforcement official said Tuesday. Civil Beat.

Biden Honors Hawaiians Who Served On Remote Pacific Islands. The U.S. sent 135 men before and during World War II to secure land claims. The White House has posthumously honored the service and sacrifice of members of Hui Panalāʻau and renamed the Pacific Remote Islands National Marine Monument as the Pacific Islands Heritage Marine National Monument. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Some State Legislators Unhappy With Proposed Site For New Oʻahu Landfill. The City and County of Honolulu wants to build it in Wahiawā, but some lawmakers ask if there are alternatives. On Dec. 10, the city announced that an area northwest of Wahiawā was the favored location for the new landfill. It is on agricultural land to the west of Kamehameha Highway and north of Paʻalaʻa Uka Pūpūkea Road. Civil Beat.

Blangiardi requests confirmation of his new executive Cabinet. Those being tapped for the city and county’s key leadership roles are positions many have maintained since Mayor Rick Blangiardi first assumed the city’s top elective office on Jan. 2, 2021. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Teacher Housing Complex Faces Possible Delays, Funding Shortfalls. Community members and developers are closer to a compromise on where to build a new teacher housing complex at Mililani High School, but the proposed solution will likely require more time and money. Civil Beat.

OHA Will Host Community Meeting On Kakaʻako Makai. Trustees of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs will host a community meeting on proposals for workforce housing and development on lands in Kakaʻako Makai on Wednesday night. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser.

State to hold fireworks amnesty event Saturday at Aloha Stadium. The event will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., allowing participants to turn in fireworks for safe disposal with no questions asked. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.  KHON2.

Hawaii Island

State offers funds to battle coffee pests. Big Island coffee farmers could once again get thousands of dollars in state funds to pay for pesticides to combat a pair of devastating pests. Tribune-Herald.

'We are not giving up': Struggling Pacific Tsunami Museum works to stay open in Hilo. The Pacific Tsunami Museum has been a fixture along Hilo’s waterfront for almost three decades. But now, its future is in question.  The museum has laid off the majority of its staff and slashed its hours. Hawaii Public Radio.

UH Hilo botanical garden gets a nod from world's largest plant conservation network. The Botanic Gardens Conservation International has offered formal accreditation to UH Hilo's garden, which specializes in bromeliads, palms, and cycads, a type of cone-bearing plant. Hawaii Public Radio.

Vog lingering over Hawai‘i Island while Kīlauea eruption is paused. While the Dec. 23 eruption at Kīlauea paused again on Saturday, the lingering vog has smothered much of the island, resulting in poor air quality for some communities. Big Island Now.

Maui

Kama holds on as Housing and Land Use Committee chair; minority ouster attempt fails. By a 5-4 vote, Maui County Council Member Tasha Kama maintained chairmanship of the Housing and Land Use Committee last week, although it came with diluted committee responsibilities and no jurisdiction over proposals for increasing housing availability or affordability. Maui Now.

Maui homeless suing county over sweep celebrate after ruling. Sonia Davis and Jessica Lau say they are one step closer to receiving justice. The two women, with the help of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Hawaii, are suing Maui County for taking and destroying all their belongings during a homeless sweep at Kanaha Beach Park four years ago. Hawaii News Now.

Maui United Way awards $1.15M in Mā‘ona Food Security Grants. Maui United Way announced the recipients of its Mā‘ona Food Security Grant, a new initiative aimed at addressing critical food security challenges in Maui County. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kauaʻi Rooster Farm Stokes Cockfighting Criticism. On Kauaʻi, where thousands of feral chickens freely roam, residents are accustomed to rooster noise. But in this neighborhood on the island’s east side, the owners of $2 million homes on land zoned for agriculture say the disruption from a rooster farm next door is unreasonable.  Civil Beat.

Connors resigns as US Attorney, Thirty Meter Telescope gets new mayor's support, Honolulu firefighter dies in house fire, Maui nurses approve contract, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Clare E. Connors resigns as U.S. Attorney for Hawaii. U.S. Attorney for the District of Hawaii Clare E. Connors on Monday submitted her resignation effective 11:59 p.m. on Jan. 19, the day before President-elect Donald Trump returns to the White House. Connors, a former Hawaiʻi attorney general, was nominated to her post by Biden in September 2021, confirmed by the U.S. Senate in December of that year and sworn into office in January 2022. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.  Maui News.  Hawaii News Now.  KITV4.

Trump Tariffs, Immigration Crackdown Could Increase Hawaiʻi Inflation. A University of Hawaiʻi economist says if the president-elect makes good on his promises it could affect everything from tourism to real estate. Civil Beat.

Full-Time Criminal Investigative Unit Proposed To Tackle Illegal Fireworks. A task force that began its work long before the recent tragedy in Salt Lake also recommends a unified fireworks permitting system in Hawaiʻi and $2 million for a new firearms and explosives lab. Civil Beat.

New laws kick off 2025: Some aim to attract more nurses, doctors to Hawaii. A number of new laws took effect starting Jan. 1. At least four of those laws are related to medicine — with two intended to facilitate the licensing of physicians and nurses, which are in short supply in Hawaii. Tribune-Herald.

Oahu

Honolulu firefighter dies; 5 people injured in McCully building fire. A 25-year-old Honolulu firefighter died and five people were seriously injured Monday night in a two-story building fire on Young Street that caused a partial roof collapse. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Boy, 3, dies from injuries in New Year’s blast. A 3-year-old boy is the fourth and youngest person to die from injuries sustained in the catastrophic explosion of a large cache of aerial fireworks at an Aliamanu New Year’s Eve party. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.  Associated Press. Hawaii Public Radio.

Honolulu councilmembers face aging facilities, affordable housing in new term. The nine-member council held its first meeting following the November elections. The council is actually nearly identical to what it was before the elections, except for the presence of newly elected Councilmember Scott Nishimoto, who has replaced the now-retired Councilmember Calvin Say. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu housing market notches price gains in 2024, but not complete rebound. The median price for single­-family houses sold in 2024 rose 4.8% to $1,100,000 from $1,050,000 in 2023, and came close to the peak reached in 2022 at $1,105,000. Star-Advertiser. KITV4.

Skyline to shut down for next 2 weekends. The Honolulu Department of Transportation Services announced Monday that Skyline passenger service on two segments of its planned three- segment rail line will shut down for two consecutive weekends. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Hawaii Island

New mayor’s support reignites TMT debate. The Thirty Meter Telescope is back as a hot topic, after Hawaii County’s new mayor said he could now support the project if it’s done right. In videos posted to social media in recent days, Hawaii County Mayor Kimo Alameda expresses support for TMT, something that caught many on both sides of the issue by surprise as Alameda had previously opposed the project back when construction was set to begin in 2019.  KHON2.

Emergency rules continue for Waipio Valley Road, 3 years since their introduction. The County of Hawaiʻi is continuing emergency rules for Waipio Valley Road, three years after the rules were first enacted in 2022. Mayor Kimo Alameda signed the 15th Waipio Valley Road Declaration of Emergency and related emergency rules due to ongoing safety concerns.  Big Island Now.

Vog conditions could continue in East Hawaii. Volcanic fumes might linger over East Hawaii for the next few days even as the latest eruption of Kilauea has paused. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui Health workers avoid strike, approve new contract with 21% pay raises and safe staffing plans. Maui Health and union agree to new 4-year contract. The United Nurses and Health Care Employees of Hawaii, which represents more than 900 workers at Maui Health, said Monday its members voted overwhelmingly to ratify the contract. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now.  KITV4.

Do Maui Wildfire Lawyers Deserve $1 Billion In Fees? A Maui judge will decide this month how to divide up a $4 billion settlement among many groups of lawyers representing fire victims. Civil Beat.

New leadership roles announced by Hawaiʻi Department of Education, including on Maui. Hawai‘i State Department of Education Superintendent Keith Hayashi has appointed a new deputy superintendent for operations and a new assistant superintendent for information technology services, both of whom will step into their new roles this month. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kauaʻi County offering grants to combat homelessness. The County of Kauaʻi’s Housing Agency is awarding grants up to $500,000 as a Homeless Program Grant to eligible non-profit agency initiatives, with applications for the grant closing Jan. 31. KHON2.

Health department fines Waimea asphalt plant $33K, following ‘numerous violations’. The Hawaiʻi Department of Health issued a Notice of Violation and Order to Maui Asphalt for numerous violations of improper disposal of pollutants reportedly at their asphalt batch plant located in Waimea. Kauai Now.

Santana postpones Las Vegas residency shows after falling at home on Kaua‘i. According to a statement from Michael Vrionis, President of Universal Tone Management, said the musician was taking a walk at his home in Princeville when took a hard fall resulting in him breaking his little finger on his left hand. Kauai Now.

$300M, 2k affordable homes in the pipeline, HTA wants to tap into emergency fund to bolster tourism, state lawmakers to discuss Oahu landfill, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Is Hawaiʻi’s Historic Investment In Affordable Housing Paying Off? Two years ago, the state made a record investment in affordable rental housing. Results so far are both encouraging and sobering. Hawai’i’s Legislature made a historic investment in affordable housing in 2022, betting that $300 million would make a dent in the state’s affordability crisis. Two and a half years later, initial results are encouraging: About 2,000 units priced below market rates are in the pipeline for renters in the coming year. Civil Beat.

HTA seeking to shore up tourism with new round of emergency funds. The Hawaii Tourism Authority has declared another tourism emergency, and for only the second time since its creation in 1998 is seeking approval to use its $5 million Tourism Emergency Special Fund to shore up the industry, which is still in recovery mode. Star-Advertiser.

Teacher shortage is focus of upcoming Hawaiʻi Education Association summit. Ending Hawaiʻi’s teacher shortage will be a focus of discussion this week of the Hawaiʻi Education Association, a nonprofit dedicated to strengthen teaching and building an educator pipeline for the next generation, during the organization’s annual summit on Oʻahu. Hawaii ranks in the top 10 states with the lowest teacher-to-state population ratio. Kauai Now. Hawaii News Now.

Pressure put on Hawaii lawmakers to stamp out illegal fireworks. At least four new Hawaii laws have been enacted in the past six years to rein in the distribution and use of illegal fireworks. Yet the general perception from many residents and government leaders is that the thunderous booms and aerial displays detonated in neighborhoods around the state mostly on New Year’s Eve have not declined. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Council considers city’s planned sewer fee hikes. Currently, the city says, an average single-family residential sewer bill totals approximately $110.89 a month. By July 1 that bill would rise to $122.05 a month. And by July 2034, the city predicts, the average monthly sewer bill will be $248.53 — a 124.1% increase from the current average sewer bill. Star-Advertiser.

Lawmakers to discuss Oahu’s future landfill with environmental, water officials. Two legislative committees plan to meet with city environmental and water officials to explore the potential impacts of a new dump at a proposed site just outside Wahiawa. Hawaii News Now.

Police investigate doctor’s role in woman’s death. Honolulu police searched the home of a 73-year-old psychiatrist Friday for evidence he may have illegally assisted in the death of an 88-year-old woman in October at her home in the Punahou area. Star-Advertiser. KITV4.

Red Hill Registry available for initial sign-up. The University of Hawaii has opened pre-enrollment for the Red Hill Registry, a community-driven initiative designed to assist people affected by the jet fuel-­contaminated drinking water from the Navy waterline on Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Olson Trust donates $200,000 to Pacific Tsunami Museum. The Olson Trust, which carries out the vision of its founder, the late Hilo businessman and philanthropist Ed Olson, has come forward with a $200,000 contribution to the nonprofit museum. Tribune-Herald.

Kona Community Hospital to seek funding from Hawai‘i Legislature for emergency department expansion. Leaders at Kona Community Hospital plan to seek state funding for what they say are much-needed improvements to the Kailua-Kona facility’s “cramped” 6,200-square-foot emergency department. Big Island Now.

Maui

Gov. Green offers guidance with Maui’s moratorium on evictions set to end next month. Maui’s eviction moratorium will end Feb. 4, and Gov. Josh Green is trying to call attention to a new law that establishes a mediation-based process for resolving rent disputes between landlords and tenants. Maui News. Maui Now.

Latest report shows more prefer Ku’ia as permanent site for King Kamehameha III Elementary. DOE report reveals opinions on new Lahaina campus. The state Department of Education on Friday released a summary report on community sentiment regarding plans to rebuild King Kamehameha III Elementary School, which was damaged beyond repair in the Aug. 8, 2023, Lahaina wildfire. Star-Advertiser. Maui News.  Hawaii News Now.

Preservation groups demand state follow court order and pause commercial permits at Kā‘anapali Beach until study is done. Two West Maui advocacy groups are claiming the state is issuing permit renewals for commercial operators at Kā‘anapali Beach “in open defiance” of a court order that’s part of a yearslong dispute over use of the shoreline. Maui Now.

Alpha Inc. hits milestone in Lahaina recovery: 107 temporary homes in 34 days. Within just 34 days, Maui company Alpha Inc. have installed 107 temporary housing units at the Kilohana Temporary Housing Project in Lahaina, an announcement said Tuesday. Of these, they report that 68 homes have already been made available for fire survivors to move into, a vital step toward recovery. Maui Now.

Kauai

Wilcox nurses on Kauai issue 3-day strike notice. The Hawaii Nurses’ Association has notified Wilcox Medical Center on Kauai that the 159 registered nurses represented by the union will begin a three-day limited-­duration strike next week to protest unfair labor practices and to underscore the fight for “safer” nurse-to-patient ratios. The team of Wilcox nurses will begin their strike on Jan. 14 and continue through Jan. 17. Star-Advertiser. Garden Island. Hawaii News Now.

Green to lobby against RFK Jr. confirmation, teens no longer need parents' permission for sexually transmitted disease treatment, Blangiardi inaugurated to second term, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

 

Gov. Green to lobby in D.C. against RFK Jr. nomination. Gov. Josh Green, a medical doctor, plans to spend much of next week in Washington, D.C., trying to dissuade U.S. senators from confirming Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as head of the federal Department of Health and Human Services. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. KHON2.

Will Tragedy Change How Hawaiʻi Polices Illegal Fireworks? A task force created to find and stop shipments has seized more than 100 tons of explosives — but no criminal charges have followed. Now, lawmakers returning to this month face extra pressure to put a lid on the aerial displays in the wake of a New Year’s Eve explosion at a Salt Lake home that left three people dead and seriously injured more than 20. Civil Beat. Associated Press.  KITV4.

Hawaii teens have increased ability to protect themselves from STIs in 2025. With further options in place, a new law in effect this year, authorizes minors as young as 14 years old to consent to medical care and services, plus prevention of sexually transmitted infections. KITV4.

Nurses strikes loom due to nurse-to-patient ratios. The Hawaii Nurses’ Association announced enough votes over the New Year’s holiday to authorize strikes among union nurses — first at The Queen’s Health System and its two campuses in downtown Honolulu and in West Oahu, then at Wilcox Medical Center on Kauai. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii saw 16 travel-related dengue cases in 2024. The Hawaii Department of Health says the year 2024 ended with a total of 16 travel-related dengue cases in the state. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.  KITV4.

Oahu

Mayor Rick Blangiardi sworn in for second term. The City and County of Honolulu’s 15th mayor formally started his second term Thursday. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.  KITV4.

Honolulu City Council elects Councilmember Matt Weyer to be Vice Chair. Weyer was first elected to the council in 2023, representing Waikele, Kunia, Wahiawa and the entire North Shore to Kahaluʻu. KHON2.

New rules for Honolulu community gardens almost set. The city has about 1,238 garden plots at 11 sites on Oʻahu, and they’re open for residents who want to flex their green thumbs. But the waitlist currently has over 300 people, with some waiting up to three years for a spot. Hawaii Public Radio.

US military plane to fly six fireworks blast patients to continent. Six adult patients will be transported on a U.S. military plane to the continent on Saturday for highly specialized care at hospitals.  Hawaii News Now. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

County driver safety coordinator charged with DUI after crash. Steven Hoolahui Kalilikane Jr., 43, a Hawaii County employee whose title is “safety and driver improvement coordinator” for the Department of Environmental Management’s Solid Waste Division was arrested in the early morning of Dec. 21 after allegedly crashing a vehicle into a utility pole in Hilo. Tribune-Herald.

The Hilo airport runway will be closed nightly for lighting replacement beginning Monday. The work will require the closure of runway 8-26 from 9 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. nightly for a minimum of 128 calendar days. During the closure the alternate runway, 3-21, will be used for aircraft operations. Big Island Now.

Maui

Lawsuit threatens Kaanapali ocean permits. The state Department of Land and Natural Resources is seeking reconsideration of a recent 2nd Circuit Court order that enjoins the issuance and renewals of all commercial use permits in Kaanapali ocean waters — an action that could cause the closure of some 30 Kaanapali businesses leading to direct and indirect job losses for more than 200 Maui residents. Star-Advertiser.

Homeless for the holidays: State sees 87% increases in homelessness as many residents have to fight to stay afloat. Desiree Mendez said that for the past nine months, she’s been without shelter, living on the beach after her vehicle broke down and facing one challenge after the next.  Maui News.

Kauai

Update: Wilcox Medical Center nurses have 30 days to decide following strike authorization. The Hawai‘i Nurses Association and Wilcox Medical Center nurses will meet in the coming days to discuss next steps, after nurses’ voting period to authorize a strike closed Wednesday night. Kauai Now.

Foreign ownership of Hawaii farmland spikes, Calvin Say ends long political career, Queen's nurses vote to strike, 3 dead, dozens injured in Oahu fireworks explosion, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

 

From Busboy To House Speaker: Longtime Hawaiʻi Lawmaker Calvin Say Retires. Say’s critics see him as emblematic of Hawaiʻi’s “old boys’” style of politics. He defends his cautious style as necessary to keep the state running smoothly. Civil Beat.

Foreign ownership of Hawaiʻiʻs farmland has spiked over the past five years from 166,000 acres to 278,000 acres — a 65% increase, most of it purchased by companies and investors from Canada — according to a USDA Farm Service Agency report released this month. Civil Beat.

New year begins with lower state taxes for all. The state Legislature in 2024 passed the first of what’s intended to be seven years of historic tax cuts designed to make Hawaii increasingly more affordable over the course of the cuts. Star-Advertiser.

Hawai‘i Has Been Arguing Over How To Tax Tourists For Generations. Gov. Josh Green’s push for tourists to help fund climate mitigation is just the latest round of a debate that goes back nearly a century. Civil Beat.

Did The Legislature Have Authority To Defer Pay Raises During the Pandemic? Two prominent members of the state Salary Commission question whether lawmakers violated the state constitution in 2021 and 2022. Civil Beat.

Here’s How A Second Trump Term May Impact Hawaiʻi Police. Police officials are taking a wait-and-see attitude as President-elect Donald Trump prepares to take office after pledging to be tough on crime. Civil rights advocates are worried about criminal justice reform efforts. Civil Beat.

State moves forward with more cameras to crack down on red-light runners. Ten additional cameras planned for 2025.  A proposed list will be presented to state lawmakers for approval and a public information period will follow. Hawaii News Now.

New Hawaiʻi law seeks to protect domestic abuse survivors from excessive litigation. Abusive litigation is when an abusive partner files excessive, and often meritless, legal actions against their partner or former partner. Hawaii Public Radio.

HEI sells 90% of American Savings Bank to help pay for Maui fire settlement. Hawaiian Electric Industries Inc. has sold over 90% of its subsidiary American Savings Bank to independent investors in a transaction that will provide HEI with much-needed funds to help pay its share of the $4 billion Maui wildfire lawsuit settlement while also keeping Hawaii’s third-largest bank under local leadership. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.  Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Oahu

3 people dead, over 2 dozen wounded in Aliamanu fireworks explosion. Three women were killed and about two dozen people injured at an Aliamanu home when a “cake bomb” filled with illegal aerial fireworks set off massive explosions at 12:01 a.m. at a large New Year’s Eve party. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Associated Press. Hawaii Public Radio. Hawaii News Now.  KHON2. KITV4.

Inauguration ceremonies for mayor, Council to take place Thursday. Inauguration ceremonies for Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s second term and the incoming Honolulu City Council will take place separately Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

Council salary cap, other laws take effect. New laws that go into effect with the new year include capping future Honolulu City Council raises at 5% annually, after the Council in 2023 was approved for a whopping 64% pay hike. Star-Advertiser.

Town hall meetings slated on proposed sewer fee hikes. A city-initiated measure that calls for a more than 124% increase to sewer fees for Honolulu’s average single-family residential customer over a 10-year period will be part of upcoming city-hosted town hall meetings in January. Star-Advertiser.

90% Queen’s Medical Center nurses vote in favor of strike. More than 1,900 nurses at The Queen’s Medical Center have voted in favor of a strike over unfair labor practices. KHON2.

Council OKs settlement in Portlock flooding lawsuit. Filed in 1st Circuit Court in November 2023, the lawsuit by plaintiffs Michael Sklarz and Jo Frasier claimed their residence at 158 Hanapepe Loop in the Portlock neighborhood of Hawaii Kai was severely damaged after “contaminated floodwater, wastewater, and debris” overflowed from a nearby storm drain onto their property and into their home. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Big Island traffic fatalities nearly doubled in 2024, contributing to a statewide increase. Hawaiʻi County saw the second highest number of traffic-related fatalities with a total of 29 — a nearly 100% increase from 15 in 2023. Traffic-related crashes resulted in 102 fatalities statewide in 2024, which is a 10% increase from 93 fatalities last year, according to the Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation. Big Island Now.

Kīlauea Volcano Eruption Continues Into 2025. Eruptive activity has been confined to Halemaʻumaʻu with sustained lava fountaining. Big Island Video News. Garden Island.

Maui

Maui tourism rebounds in November 2024, visitor spending surpasses pre-wildfire levels: Maui visiors up more than 21% over November 2023. On Maui, there were 197,622 visitors in November, which was 21.6% higher than November 2023 (162,470), but still down 14.9% from November 2019 (232,330). Visitor spending increased to $435.7 million in November, compared to $378.2 million in November 2023 and $377.9 million in November 2019. Maui News. Maui Now.

Kauai

Endangered native birds hatch at Kauai Community College taro field. Six endangered alae ula, or the Hawaiian Moorhen, showed up at the loi a few months before December, and the chicks hatched in the loi in December. Garden Island. Hawaii News Now.

HECO bailout bill a top legislative priority, Green signs executive order to protect cannabis caregivers, all the top stories of 2024, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Plan To Bail Out HECO’s Credit Rating Would Cost Customers $48 A Year. A proposed wildfire settlement fund tops the utility’s legislative agenda for 2025. Hawaiian Electric Co. customers would have to pay $4 more per month under a proposal to create a settlement fund meant to bolster the power company’s battered credit rating in an era of catastrophic wildfires. Civil Beat.

Green Moves To Protect Medical Cannabis Caregivers from ‘Undue’ Enforcement. The governor’s executive order addresses a state law that is set to expire Wednesday. Hawaiʻi Gov. Josh Green on Monday said caregivers should still be allowed to provide medical cannabis to qualified patients. Civil Beat. Big Island Video News. Hawaii News Now.

The rise in mail voting comes with a price, as mismatched signatures lead to ballot rejections. As with many voters on Maui, Joshua Kamalo thought the race for president wasn’t the only big contest on the November ballot. He also was focused on a hotly contested seat for the local governing board. Associated Press.

Water commission leader supports higher code violation fines, quicker emergency response. First Deputy Ciara Kahahane, who Gov. Josh Green appointed to the commission in August, recently informed commissioners of potential measures she wants to include in the governor’s legislative package for the upcoming session. Hawaii Public Radio.

'I make nothing': Local fishers weigh leaving the industry as inflation drives up costs. There are some 140 Hawaiʻi-based longline fishing vessels that bring in more than 20 million pounds of tuna annually. Collectively, the state’s longline commercial fishing industry is one of the largest local food producers. Hawaii Public Radio.

Proposal to expand mine warfare training around Hawaii sparks concerns. The Navy wants to renew its operating permit for training at sea around Hawaii and California with more mine warfare training around the islands. Hawaii News Now.

Year in review: 2024 was a tumultuous one for Hawaii. 2024 will be remembered for the $1.9 billion merger of Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines, announcement of a $4 billion settlement for victims of the Maui wildfires, the selection of Wendy Hensel to replace retiring University of Hawaii President David Lassner, and labor unrest that led to hospital nurses and hotel workers walking picket lines, as well as increased gun violence on Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiʻi’s Top Stories Of 2024: How Civil Beat Covered A Year Of Upheaval. Let’s take a month-by-month look at stories that made the year memorable. Civil Beat.

9 community stories we were excited to share with you in 2024. From Ice Cream Aunties to a student-led climate change lawsuit, here are nine news stories HPR was eager to share with you this past year. Hawaii Public Radio.

Eventful year includes many newsmakers: Here are the University of Hawai‘i News top people stories for 2024. The University of Hawaiʻi News posted nearly 1,500 stories throughout an eventful 2024. Many of them involved people with connections to the university system making headlines. Big Island Now.

Surfer, judge, Pearl Harbor survivors among notable deaths in 2024. Hawaii mourned the loss in 2024 of people who influenced island life in ways that changed the course of Hawaii history, shaped island culture and entertained through song, art and acting. They included a North Shore surfing legend and lifeguard who was killed by a shark, a federal judge who upheld Kamehameha Schools’ admissions policy in preference of Native Hawaiians, the last known Pearl Harbor survivor still living in Hawaii and a former insurance commissioner who fought to protect residents from unfair insurance practices. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii residents donated over $10M on GoFundMe this year. Hawaii residents in 2024 gave more than $10 million to strangers, as well as friends and relatives in need, through the world’s leading online fundraising (and crowdfunding) platform. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Unauthorized message appears on Moanalua Freeway sign. An unauthorized message was made on a sign on Moanalua Freeway to say “Gay Furry Pride uwu” on Sunday evening. OT crews disabled the sign as quickly as possible and reset the board for safety measures. An investigation is underway to find out the origins of the message and how someone got access. KITV4.

Popular all-you-can-eat McCully restaurant to close after 25 years. McCully Buffet, which sits in Hana Market on McCully Street, announced on Monday, Dec. 30 that they will cease operations Sunday, Feb. 2. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

Mayor Alameda Appoints Hawaiʻi County Corporation Counsel. Mayor Kimo Alameda has appointed Renee Schoen as Corporation Counsel and J Yoshimoto as Assistant Corporation Counsel. The selections complete Alameda’s cabinet for the start of his first term in office. Big Island Video News.

Aloha, 2024! A recap of the top 10 Big Island news stories of the year. Hospital expansion, homelessness, workforce housing and regulating short-term vacation rentals are top stories in 2024. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaiian Knowledge And Western Science: A Recipe For Reef Recovery? Kahaluʻu Bay on the Big Island has become a focal point for blending science, tourist education and cultural know-how. So far, hopeful signs abound.  Civil Beat.

Chief: Fireworks crackdown could provide some relief. The Big Island’s police chief hopes that the seizure of at least 75 tons of fireworks in Honolulu by the Illegal Fireworks Task Force over the past year will make for a somewhat quieter New Year’s Eve. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Now.

Maui

Restrictions ease in Lahaina burn zone. Maui County is lifting access restrictions to much of a largely commercial area of Lahaina destroyed by wildfire more than a year ago. Star-Advertiser.

Schatz secured $6 billion for Hawaiʻi in 2024, including funds to support Maui’s recovery. In 2024, US Sen. Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) helped secure more than $6 billion in federal funding for Hawai‘i as he led efforts to deliver resources to support Maui’s recovery from last year’s fires and advance a range of other priorities for the state.  Maui Now.

A Model for Maui: Regenerative “Green Streets” blessed at Honoiki and Keoneʻōʻio. A blessing was held last week for the new “Green Streets” project in Mākena, a transformative milestone in sustainable, low-impact development on Maui, according to managers.  Maui Now.

Kauai

Wilcox nurses hold vote on strike. The 159-member nursing staff at Wilcox Medical Center on Kauai began voting Sunday, and has until 8 p.m. Wednesday to cast a vote that could lead to a strike. Star-Advertiser. Kauai Now.

Results are in for top 2024 story on Kaua‘i. With only days left until the start of 2025, Kaua‘i Now readers have determined the year’s top story, which is the latest in the decades-long soap opera surrounding the once-grand Coco Palms Resort. Kauai Now.