'Lone Ranger' Senator Sam Slom dies, Legislature criticized for spending binge, Mauna Kea permafrost diminishing, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Former longtime Hawaii lawmaker Sam Slom dies at age 81. Former Republican state Sen. Sam Slom, 81, who was sometimes the only GOP member in the state Senate during his 20-year tenure, died in an Oahu hospital Sunday at noon following an illness, according to fellow Republican Rep. Gene Ward. Star-Advertiser.

Legislature criticized for ‘wild spending binge’. Hawaii lawmakers took special liberty this year to appropriate local taxpayer revenue far in excess of what the state Constitution and a related statute hold as typically advisable. Star-Advertiser.

Civil Beat Is Seeking Public Records From The FBI In Lawmaker Bribery Cases. The U.S. Justice Department is refusing to release case files on privacy grounds. Honolulu Civil Beat has filed a lawsuit against the Federal Bureau of Investigation over the federal agency’s refusal to release records involving two Hawaii lawmakers who are in prison for accepting bribes. Civil Beat.

Hawaii’s Local Film Industry Has Long Taken A Back Seat To Hollywood. New Money Might Help. Attempts to change Hawaii's film incentives sparked a feud between Senate leaders and the manager of the Hawaii film office. Civil Beat.

Funding allows Hawaii Tourism Authority to cover procurements. The Hawaii Tourism Authority is slated to make three major awards today, covering procurement to manage the brands and market Hawaii to the United States and Canada, and to offer support services for destination stewardship. Star-Advertiser.

Board of Education OKs next phase of department's plan to help students. The state Board of Education on Thursday unanimously approved a plan on how the department will carry out the vision of 258 public schools for the next six years. Hawaii Public Radio.

Army leaders stress alliances, logistics at Waikiki conference. As Army leaders and other military officials gathered in Honolulu last week for the Association of the U.S. Army’s Land Forces of the Pacific symposium at the Sheraton Waikiki, mobility and logistics in the vast Pacific region took center stage in many conversations. The annual conference, which returned in-person last year, attracted 14 chiefs of Army from around the world. Star-Advertiser.

Health risks from COVID are not over, Hawaii doctor says. With the end of the federal public health emergency for COVID-19 on May 11, there have been major changes to funding for tools such as testing, along with an end in case reporting requirements — and a slide in vaccinations and masking. Star-Advertiser.

Native Hawaiians Are Overrepresented In Prisons. Cultural Education Could Help. Windward Community College is one of the only higher education institutions in Hawaii offering culturally focused classes in prison.  Civil Beat.

Governor traveling to Seattle for meetings with officials working to solve homelessness. While there, Green will meet with government officials and others working to solve homelessness, housing and health care issues in Washington state.  Kauai Now.

Oahu

Honolulu’s Handi-Van shortage worsens. Honolulu’s transportation department has had to cut back its order of new TheHandi-Vans, desperately needed to shuttle residents with disabilities to medical appointments, grocery stores and other destinations, after agreeing to pay the local dealer substantially more than its bid price for each vehicle. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu crime numbers drop in 2022, HPD says.  Honolulu Police Department statistics for 2022 show declines in seven of the eight major violent and property offense categories. The only category to show an increase was murder, which rose to 25 last year compared to 21 in 2021.  Star-Advertiser.

50th State Fair is back for the summer at Aloha Stadium. The carnival kicks off May 26 and runs through July 9 at Aloha Stadium. Attractions include food booths, E.K Fernandez rides, and an entertainment tent filled with a talented lineup. Hawaii News Now.

Aulani reef fish contributing to science. At Disney’s Aulani Resort &Spa at Koolina, the colorful reef fish in Oahu’s only human-made snorkeling lagoon are doing more than just swimming about looking pretty for the hotel’s guests. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Rare tropical permafrost near Mauna Kea’s summit diminishing, researchers find. Researchers have discovered that rare tropical permafrost near the summit of Mauna Kea is gradually receding. The frozen soil patches, a scientific anomaly in this tropical paradise, show signs of shrinking over time, raising questions about the underlying causes. Hawaii News Now.

Police chief talks trust during EHCC panel discussion. Police Chief Ben Moszkowicz told about 50 who attended a panel discussion Saturday at East Hawaii Cultural Center “trust is the currency” that leads to better relations between the community and police. Tribune-Herald.

Boy Scouts admits prior shooting cases, attorneys say. Attorneys for the family of a Big Island Boy Scout killed in an accidental shooting during a “Troop Shoot” and “Family Fun Day” at a camp firing range in August are pressing for reports of other recent Boy Scout-related shooting incidents nationwide. Star-Advertiser.

Repairs On Hawaiian Ocean View Estates Well Completed. Officials say normal water usage from the water spigots may resume, and the standpipe facility for commercial water haulers will reopen on Monday. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Water rate hikes possible; new rate for hotels. Maui County water customers — including residents, farmers, businesses and hotels — could see increases to their water bills in the coming months as the county seeks to up funding for operations and projects.  Maui News.

Remaining OB providers try to fill the gap in care. After Maui Lani Physicians and Surgeons announced earlier this year that the clinic will no longer be taking any new pregnancy cases, Malama I Ke Ola Health Center and Kaiser Permanente Maui became the remaining two options on island for full maternity services and deliveries.  Maui News.

Maui’s unemployment rate dips to 2.8% in April 2023. Maui’s unemployment rate dipped to 2.8% in April of 2023, down from 3.4% in March. Maui Now.

Kauai

Hawai‘i Coffee Association conference coming to Kaua‘i. The statewide Hawaiʻi Coffee Association is perking with its upcoming annual conference June 15-17 at the Kaua‘i Beach Resort & Spa in Līhu‘e. Kauai Now.

Three Hawaii beaches in top 10 ranking, Gov. Green helps rescue driver, Craig Angelos named UH athletic director, Katherine Kealoha loses bid to be released from prison, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Oahu, Maui and Kauai crack top 10 in 2023 national beach rankings. Hawaii placed three beaches on the list, more than any other state. Those locations were Duke Kahanamoku Beach on Oahu, Wailea Beach on Maui and Poipu Beach on Kauai. Associated Press.

Tourism, construction still Hawaii’s recession buffers. Economist: It’s ‘hard to be pessimistic’ amid positive signs in the local economy. Despite heightened risks, Hawaii economists believe the state is still likely to avoid an outright recession due to tourism and construction activity softening the hit. Maui News.

Car dealership inventory increasing as demand remains high. Those in the market for a new car may have better luck finding a car that meets their needs, dealerships said car inventory is improving while the ticket price on cars is on a downward trend. KHON2.

Hawaiian monk seal population continues to increase. Hawaiian monk seal populations have grown to an estimated 1,605 in 2022, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. This number is up from an estimated 1,564 in 2021.  Spectrum News.

Oahu

Mayor Insists City Didn’t Downplay Health Concerns Over Kailua Sewage. Blangiardi and the state health director pushed back against assertions made by state clean water supervisors monitoring the situation. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Vacant Homes Would Be Taxed At Higher Rate Under Possible City Plan. Honolulu officials are considering ways to boost city income and expand the pool of rental housing by raising the property taxes on homes that have been left vacant by their owners. Civil Beat.

Katherine Kealoha Fails In Effort To Get Out Of Prison.  A request from disgraced former Honolulu prosecutor Katherine Kealoha to end her 13-year prison sentence early has been officially rejected. In a ruling on Wednesday, U.S. District Court Judge J. Michael Seabright denied Kealoha’s petition. Civil Beat. KHON2.

HPD Investigation Of Makaha Cops Is Wrapping Up, Commission Told. More than a year and a half after four police officers allegedly ran a car full of people off the road, the Honolulu Police Department is just about done with its investigation of the incident.  Civil Beat.

New homeless facility that long sat idle will soon house medical respite beds. In a major development, the city says it’s on track to open a medical respite facility for the homeless in early June inside an Iwilei housing project that’s been sitting empty for more than a year. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Craig Angelos approved as next Hawaii athletic director. Craig Angelos is the new University of Hawaii at Manoa athletic director, starting June 5, after he was approved by the UH Board of Regents today at Honolulu Community College. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.  KHON2.

Oil-fired power plant proposed for conversion. Hawaiian Electric is seeking to redevelop an 85-year-old power plant in Pearl City as part of meeting a state goal for a 100% renewable energy supply by 2045. Star-Advertiser. Associated Press.

What will replace Pali Lanes? 2 years after its closure, the answer remains unclear. It’s been nearly two years since an iconic Kailua landmark closed its doors for good. That’s got community members wondering what the future of Pali Lanes actually looks like. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Hawai‘i County Council approves first reading of $1.19 billion budget for FY 2023-24. During a special meeting on Thursday, the Hawai‘i County Council approved the first reading of the County’s proposed fiscal year 2023-24 operating and capital budgets that total nearly $1.19 billion. Big Island Now.

Gov. Green, others help driver in overturned vehicle on Big Island. Green was traveling on Waikoloa Road to attend the Waikoloa Solar + Storage ribbon-cutting ceremony when he and his security detail saw an overturned vehicle sometime before 10 a.m. Star-Advertiser. Big Island Now.  Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

AES opens its newest solar plus storage site amid Hawaiʻi's push for renewables. The AES Corporation has started operating its Waikoloa Solar + Storage Project, capable of generating up to 30 megawatts and storing 120 megawatt-hours. Hawaii Public Radio. West Hawaii Today.

CSO Decommissioning Delay Due To Mirror Removal. Officials say CSO is finalizing the design of a special cradle that can carry the telescope mirror down the mountain. Big Island Video News.

Maui

MPD plan: Recruiting, community relations among top priorities. Around 42 percent of Maui County residents said they have a favorable impression of the Maui Police Department, while 24 percent saw the department unfavorably, according to a survey of 402 residents included in MPD’s recently released strategic plan. Maui News. Maui Now.

Nexamp to provide update on two Upcountry shared solar projects. Nexamp will host two virtual community meetings to provide updates on two Upcountry shared solar projects–Piʻiholo Road Solar and Makawao Solar. Maui Now.

Kauai

Marriott hiring for several positions on Kaua‘i. Positions are available at The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas, Marriott’s Kauai Beach Club, Marriott’s Kauai Lagoons – Kalanipu’u and Marriott’s Waiohai Beach Club properties. Kauai Now.

Preschool program ahead of schedule, under budget, tax collections take downturn, 5th Honolulu pleads guilty to taking bribes to expedite building permits, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

‘Just the beginning’: State ahead of schedule, under budget on ambitious Ready Keiki preschool program. The state on Wednesday signed the first 11 contracts for Ready Keiki preschool program at a cost of about half previous estimates. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Hawaii tax collections turned red in April. The state Council on Revenues at a Monday meeting projected that Hawaii tax collections for the fiscal year ending June 30 will slip 1%. Star-Advertiser.

State takes closer tax look at cash-based businesses. Some businesses may not report all their sales or income to the State Tax Department. That can be a problem for ones that deal mainly with cash. KITV4.

Hawaii housing units increase as population declines, census data reports. Hawaii’s housing shortage eased somewhat with the addition of 6,071 housing units from 2020 to 2022, with help from the state’s declining population, according to new U.S. Census Bureau estimates. Star-Advertiser.

Governor lists accomplishments, wish list at in-person town hall.  Nearly six months into his term, Gov. Josh Green wanted to use his first in-person town hall appearance to highlight the progress that’s been made since he took office. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Ex-city official pleads guilty to taking cash bribes. Jocelyn Godoy, the fifth city employee who took cash bribes to move plans through the city Department of Planning and Permitting entered a plea of guilty Wednesday as part of an agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Council revisits proposal to tax houses that sit empty on Oʻahu. Members of the Honolulu City Council’s recently assembled real property taxation working group met Tuesday to talk over proposals that could affect more than 130,000 island households. Hawaii Public Radio.

Honolulu City Council to offer 50% property tax break to businesses impacted by rail construction. The rail is preparing to welcome riders for the grand opening of the first phase of the project in June, but construction along Dillingham Blvd. further down the line is still years from completion. KHON2.

Oʻahu Business Recovery Grant portal closes following short-lived reopening. The Chamber of Commerce of Hawaiʻi and the City and County of Honolulu reopened the Oʻahu Business Recovery Grant portal on Monday, and closed it shortly after.  Hawaii Public Radio.

Despite accelerated timeline, military’s Red Hill plan doesn’t account for up to 400,000 gallons of fuel. The Department of Defense has released an ambitious timeline for defueling the underground Red Hill facility, saying that crews will begin emptying the tanks in October. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

A Rough-And-Tumble Oahu Park Is Finally Getting Some Love As Rail Opening Looms. Community input is helping resuscitate Makalapa Neighborhood Park. Civil Beat.

Kaneohe Bay Pollution Is Prompting Congressional Attention. Hawaii delegation wants to get money to upgrade a failing wastewater treatment plant. Marine Corps Base Hawaii needs to upgrade its aging wastewater treatment plant after being fined nearly $250,000 last year for discharging high levels of fecal bacteria into the popular bay. Civil Beat.

Humane Society to open second Oahu location. The Hawaiian Humane Society is opening its second facility — the Kosasa Family Campus at Ho‘opili — on Saturday in Ewa Beach with a grand opening celebration. Star-Advertiser. KHON2. KITV4.

Hawaii Island

Council kicks ag bills down the road. The future of a property tax break for farm owners is uncertain after Hawaii County Council members discussed Wednesday whether to scrap a bill that would overhaul the process. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaiʻi County Council gives favorable recommendation to new sustainability office.  A bill that would create a new cabinet-level Office of Sustainability, Climate, Equity and Resilience moved a step forward Tuesday with a favorable recommendation by the Hawaiʻi County Council’s Governmental Operations and External Affairs Committee. Big Island Now.

Hawaii County Police Department implements year-round recruitment for Police Officers. The decision to accept applications throughout the year aims to make it more convenient for aspiring police officers to join the force. Hawaii News Now.

Waipiʻo Valley Road Rockfall Work Set For May 22. County officials estimate Waipiʻo Valley Road will be temporarily closed from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday for approximately six weeks, as crews work to address potential rockfall hazards in the area. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Input sought on plan that calls for fewer air tours at Haleakala. The draft air tour management plan would authorize up to 2,412 air tours per year on a defined route within the air tour management plan planning area. On average, there were 4,824 air tours per year reported at Haleakala National Park from 2017 to 2019. Maui News.

Three new doctors join Kaiser Permanente Hawaiʻi on Maui, Oʻahu. Jennifer Villa, MD, joins the behavioral health department at Kaiser Permanente Maui Lani Medical Office. Maui Now.

Kauai

Seabird restoration project begins at critical Kaua‘i cultural site. Several governmental, cultural and conservationist groups have teamed up to restore seabird populations at Nu‘alolo Kai, one of Kaua‘i’s most significant cultural and historic sites. Garden Island.

Ikaika Anderson vows to fight abuse charges, bill requiring private businesses to disclose salaries on Green's desk, Health Department investigates effluent discharges in Kailua Bay, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Facing questions about his political future, Ikaika Anderson vows to fight abuse charge. The prominent politician was arrested at his Waimanalo home Monday night after a woman who was visiting him told police he injured her during an altercation. Hawaii News Now. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii Public Radio. KHON2.

Hawaiian Independence Day Is Officially Recognized. La Kuokoa is not an official state holiday, but is designated as a day of remembrance on the islands. Gov. Josh Green recently signed a new bill into law acknowledging that Hawaiian Independence Day will be held annually on Nov. 28. Civil Beat.

Bill on salary transparency to Green’s desk. A bill requiring Hawai‘i employers to disclose hourly rates or salary ranges in job postings was passed by the state Legislature earlier this month and is now awaiting final approval from Gov. Josh Green. Garden Island.

Hawai‘i Legislature passes bill to create fireworks task force. The state Legislature earlier this month approved Senate Bill 821, which would establish a multiagency task force dedicated to combating the widespread sale and use of illegal fireworks across the state. Garden Island.

Oahu

Honolulu Council's latest property tax bills aim to confront rising home values. Honolulu City Council continues to discuss providing tax relief to Oʻahu residents by overhauling the city's real property tax code. Proposals include measures that set real property tax rates, and the administration's proposed one-time $300 property tax credit for homeowners receiving a city exemption. Hawaii Public Radio.

Bill would make Honolulu first jurisdiction to require that nightclubs, bars keep Narcan on hand. As the number of fentanyl overdoses soars on Oahu, the City Council is debating whether to arm bartenders with Narcan, a nasal spray that can reverse an opioid overdose. Hawaii News Now.

Energy storage farm might rise in place of Oahu coal power plant. The owner of an idle Oahu power plant that burned coal for 30 years until September has plans that could include an electricity storage facility possibly with a solar farm after 2025 when work to dismantle the coal power plant, owned by AES Corp., is projected for completion. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.  KHON2.

Health Department says Kailua Bay bacteria levels are ‘very concerning’.  Thirteen days total. That was the number of days that a city wastewater plant exceeded limits for enterococcus bacteria in its effluent in April and May, which prompted the state Department of Health to issue an advisory for all of Kailua Bay. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. KHON2.  KITV4.

Defueling Red Hill planned for October under latest timeline. The U.S. Department of Defense has once again sped up its timeline for defueling the Navy’s Red Hill fuel facility and now says that it expects to begin draining approximately 104 million gallons of fuel from the underground tanks in mid-­October, largely completing the process in three months. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.  KHON2.

City workers clearing out homeless camp in Kalihi.  A homeless encampment near the Kalihi Transit Center will soon be removed as city crews work to clear out the area this week. KITV4.

Five Honolulu divers cited for fishing and safety violations. The state Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement issued the citations after receiving multiple complaints from nearby residents and community members.  Maui Now. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Kona gymnastics team special permit hearing to take place Friday. An application for a special permit to operate a gymnastic and sports fitness facility at a long contested parcel in North Kona is being heard Friday by the Leeward Planning Commission, nearly two years after originally submitting the request. West Hawaii Today.

Roadwork continues in Hilo. Drivers in Hilo are advised to expect delays this week as construction work continues on major roads. Tribune-Herald.

HCC ag project a ‘win-win’ for students and community. After three years of hard work, students from Hawaii Community College’s agriculture program harvested their first fruits and vegetables Tuesday from an agroforestry project in Pepeekeo. Tribune-Herald.

Naniloa again seeks permission to refinance. A manager of the Grand Naniloa Hotel pleaded to the state Board of Land and Natural Resources on Friday to give him a third chance to settle the hotel’s financial problems. Tribune-Herald.

End of an icon? Cafe 100 building put up for sale. Hilo’s historic “Home of the Loco Moco” likely is going on an indefinite hiatus. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Property tax rates to be lowered for some homeowners. Council passes new rates, to consider full budget next week. Maui News.

Children seen playing with snake before its capture on Maui.  A live, non-venomous snake was captured on the side of the road near the Pukalani Golf Club on Maui Monday, the Hawaii Department of Agriculture said. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now.

Molokai Medical Clinic Opens To Fill Dire Doctor Shortage. Dr. Ka‘ohimanu Dang Akiona, a Big Island physician and advocate for equity in health care, has opened the doors to Molokai Family and Urgent Care Clinic, a primary care, urgent care and street medicine practice located in Kaunakakai. Civil Beat.

Kauai

Restoration project uses artificial sounds to lure seabirds back to Kauaʻi's remote coast. The Division of State Parks, nonprofits and private companies have joined forces to restore native seabirds back to the Nāpali Coast of Kauaʻi. Hawaii Public Radio.

County blesses newly-renovated playcourt at Kōloa Park. The Department of Parks and Recreation held a blessing ceremony on Tuesday, commemorating the completion of the playcourt renovations at Anne Knudsen Park, also known as Kōloa Park, in Kōloa. Kauai Now.

Helicopter tours could be reduced, tourism authority gets new life, Honolulu ex-councilman Anderson arrested on domestic abuse charges, army chiefs meet on Oahu, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Reduction of air tours over Hawaii national parks is proposed. Noisy air tours would be greatly reduced over Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park and Haleakala National Park under draft plans unveiled Monday. Star-Advertiser. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News.  Big Island Now.

The Hawaii Tourism Authority Just Won’t Die Despite Some Lawmakers’ Best Efforts. Gov. Josh Green plans to spend $60 million to keep the agency alive -- for now. Civil Beat.

Thousands could have their arrest records expunged after state Supreme Court ruling. A Supreme Court of Hawaii ruling could give thousands of people a chance to have their arrest records expunged. The decision affects those who were arrested for a crime, but were actually convicted of a violation. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Legislature dials back aid grants. Hawaii lawmakers, working with a revenue surplus for a second straight legislative session, dialed back grant awards to nonprofits this year but maintained a higher level of giving than in other recent years. Star-Advertiser.

Army chiefs from 3 nations meet on Oahu. The chiefs of the U.S., British and Australian armies met Monday on Oahu as the three countries pursue closer ties amid boiling geopolitical tensions in both Europe and the Pacific. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Electric finalizes Integrated Grid Plan to decarbonize its energy systems by 2045. Hawaiian Electric filed its “Integrated Grid Plan: A pathway to a clean energy future” with the Public Utilities Commission, outlining steps the company will take in the coming years to ensure its system will achieve net zero carbon emissions and use 100% renewable resources by 2045. Maui Now. KITV4.

Hawaiian Air unveils Boeing 787 Dreamliner cabin design. Hawaiian Airlines, which plans to begin service in early 2024 with its new 300-seat Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, unveiled Monday the interior of the aircraft and introduced a new class of premium service: the Leihoku Suites. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Honolulu Council committee meets over real property tax bills. The Honolulu City Council’s subcommittee meant to sort through a slew of largely Council-initiated real property tax measures to aid homeowners affected by the approximately 10% or greater increase in real property tax assessments on Oahu is scheduled to hold its first meeting today. Star-Advertiser.

HPD Still Answers Mental Health Calls With Force, Data Shows. The number of use of force incidents by HPD has more than tripled in the past decade, but police might just be better at reporting. Civil Beat.

Community invited to give input on future projects surrounding Hālawa's rail station. The city's Department of Planning and Permitting is hosting a community meeting to discuss Hālawa's transit-oriented development (TOD) plan. Hawaii Public Radio.

Ex-City councilmember Ikaika Anderson charged for allegedly abusing his girlfriend. Honolulu police have arrested and charged Ikaika Anderson, former Honolulu City Councilmember and candidate for lieutenant governor, for allegedly abusing his girlfriend in Waimanalo on Monday night. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Over 70 Oʻahu public schools dish out lunches with poi this month. The new menu item is part of the state Department of Education's farm-to-school initiative. The campaign aims to promote food sustainability in the islands by supporting local farmers and improving students' health. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Pacific Health relaxes masking policy at its facilities. Hawaii Pacific Health said starting today, wearing masks will be optional at all of its medical centers and clinics, except for desginated, high-risk patient care areas. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Survey On Red Hill’s Future Use Closes Soon. What should the military do with the Red Hill fuel facility once it’s empty? Community members have until the end of this month to make their voices heard.  Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Bill proposes new Office of Sustainability, Climate, Equity and Resilience for Hawaiʻi County. The legislation would establish the new cabinet-level office, which would be responsible for coordinating and managing policies to promote Hawai‘i County’s sustainability and resilience in response to the impacts of climate change and other natural and manmade hazards. Big Island Now.

State Inches Closer To Restoring Access To Big Island Boat Ramp 5 Years After Eruption. A popular boat ramp on Hawaii island is in line to receive $5.4 million for dredging and excavation of volcanic debris left behind from the 2018 eruption of Kilauea Volcano. Fishermen and residents say it's time to reopen the Pohoiki Bay boat ramp to subsistence fishing, cultural practices, recreation and other uses. Civil Beat.

Maui

Project aims to map wetlands for restoration and flood prevention. Maui County’s Department of Planning is creating a public tool that will help reduce flood risk while protecting and restoring important natural wetland ecosystems.  Maui News.

How the County of Maui ended up with 700 public service job vacancies. The police, Department of Parks and Recreation and Department of Housing and Human Concerns are in need of new employees on Maui. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kauai

Kaua‘i economy should stay the course. A stout tourism industry should help keep the County of Kaua‘i economy on course through the rest of the year even if the nation falls into recession. Garden Island.

Restoration project to lure back seabirds launched along remote Nā Pali coast of Kauaʻi. Last week, a seabird restoration project was initiated at Nuʻalolo Kai on the rugged and remote Nā Pali coast of Kauaʻi to help populations that have been lost from the area due to non-native predators. Kauai Now.

Proposed catch limits irk fishers, 30 years of Hawaii-Taiwan sister-statehood, $2M settlement in women's prison sex abuse case, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Proposed fishing changes draw ire. Dozens of fishermen and environmentalists on Friday spoke out against proposed new fishing regulations by the state Department of Land and Natural Resources. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii, Taiwan mark 30 years of sister-state relationship. This year marks the 30th anniversary of Hawaii’s sister-state relationship with Taiwan – a democratically self-ruled island claimed by China. State lawmakers passed resolutions this session to establish a Hawaii-Taiwan Friendship Task Force and support Taiwan participation in international forums like the World Health Organization’s annual assembly, scheduled to meet May 21st. Hawaii News Now.

Minimum Hawaiian coffee labeling requirements could change. The state Department of Agriculture is requesting proposals to study the economic impact of changing Hawaiʻi coffee labeling requirements. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawai‘i lawmakers passed two energy efficiency policies last week, supporting Hawai‘i’s goal to achieve a 100% clean energy and carbon-free future. Bills will transition the state from selling fluorescent light bulbs to more efficient Light-Emitting Diode (LED) bulbs beginning in January 2025 and set a minimum level of energy and water efficiency for certain household appliances sold in the state. Kauai Now.

Discord among Hawaii GOP lawmakers lingers. This year’s legislative session started with a dispute between the state’s two Republican senators over who would be named Senate minority leader, and ended with a quarrel between a Republican representative and other members of the House GOP caucus. Star-Advertiser.

Former Hawaii Executives Plead Guilty To Sending Illegal Donations To US Sen. Susan Collins. The Republican senator from Maine was the beneficiary of more than $200,000 in illegal campaign donations made by a Hawaii defense contractor. Clifford Chen and Lawrence Lum Kee both worked for Navatek, an engineering firm that was doing research and development for the Navy and had satellite offices located in Collins’ home state of Maine. Civil Beat.

Hawaii’s new DBEDT boss James Tokioka has a wealth of experience. James “Jimmy” Kunane Tokioka became director of the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism on May 5, and he brings a considerable mix of business and government experience to the job. Star-Advertiser.

This State Investigator Has A Long History Of Questionable Behavior. And He’s Still At It. Bobby Aiu, the ex-husband of Sen. Donna Kim, disregarded procedures at the DEA, blasted his bosses to the governor, dressed down members of the public and even sued his brother over a horse. Civil Beat.

In about-face, state agrees to pay women’s prison sex assault victims $2M in settlement. The state has agreed to pay $2 million to six former and current inmates who were sexually assaulted by adult correctional officers at the Women’s Community Correctional Center. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii bankruptcies go up 29% on heels of rising rates. Bankruptcy cases in April hit a monthly high for the year, as rising interest rates and high inflation finally appear to be stretching thin the finances of Hawaii consumers. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii ‘survival budget’ hits $104,052, report finds. A new Aloha United Way report on Hawaii families experiencing financial instability estimated the annual “household survival budget” for a family of four in 2021 at $104,052. That’s up 15% from 2018 when the amount needed to cover essentials such as housing, food and health care was placed at $90,828. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Kailua Bay continues battle for clean waters. The beach faces multiple challenges: When there is heavy rain, sewers overflow through waterways into the ocean, prompting warnings of potential pathogens from the state Department of Health. Also, effluent from one of the city’s oldest wastewater plants empties into the ocean at Kailua Bay. Star-Advertiser.

Resident Only Parking Zones May Expand Across Oahu. City officials are considering allowing residents to petition for a restricted parking zone system on local streets. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Police Department takes hands-on approach to hiring process. In the struggle to fill more than 370 vacancies in an increasingly competitive job market, the Honolulu Police Department is banking on greater oversight of its hiring to find enough qualified recruits to wear the uniform. Star-Advertiser.

Plan to retain affordable housing in high-rise moves forward. A city plan to retain affordable housing at a 32-story high-rise in Chinatown by using a private development partnership and hundreds of millions of dollars in tax-exempt bonds moved forward last week. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Central Fire Station operations to move as building plagued by mold, structural issues. The Hawaii Fire Department will move operations this summer from its Central Fire Station in downtown Hilo to a midtown building on Kilauea Avenue so the 90-year-old station can undergo long-overdue repairs. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News.

Hawaiʻi County 911 fire dispatchers having own crisis with severe shortage of workers. On Thursday, in the windowless communication center at Hawai‘i police headquarters in Hilo — with the din of ringing phones, radio chatter and talking people — seven dispatchers answered emergency call after emergency call from around the island. Big Island Now.

Maui

Community Groups Are Trying To Learn Just How Clean — Or Dirty — Maui’s Beaches Really Are. The public is filling in the gaps because the government lacks the resources to regularly test most beaches. Civil Beat.

Maui fishers cited for illegally entering wildlife sanctuary off Lanai. Four Maui fishers were cited for illegal entry into the Moku Naio islet Seabird Sanctuary, also known as Shark Fin Rock, off the coast of Lanai. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now.

County increases Summer PALs seasonal employee salaries to boost recruitment. Hourly wages will be increased to a range of $20 an hour to $31.63 an hour, depending on the position. Maui News. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai

Kaua‘i county budget draft finalized. The Kaua‘i County Council finalized the county’s draft budget on Friday, including additional decreases to the Homestead tax rate and new funds for the Kaua‘i Police Department, in an uncharacteristically noncombative council meeting. Garden Island.

Hawaii economy avoids recession, state marks end of COVID-19 emergency, state sued over Maui mosquito release plan, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii economy still OK despite weaknesses. Positive expectations outweigh negative ones in a new Hawaii economic forecast where rising personal income and construction offset a small decline in visitor spending and higher unemployment to help the state avoid a recession in 2024. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.  Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii leaders mark end to COVID-19 emergency. State Epidemiologist Dr. Sarah Kemble spoke Thursday about the ending of the COVID-19 federal public health emergency at the Department of Health.  Star-Advertiser. Big Island Video News. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Board Of Education To Consider Computer Science As A Graduation Requirement. Legislators say the move would help students get lucrative jobs in STEM fields. Computer science is on the way to becoming a new graduation requirement in Hawaii by the end of this decade as state legislators seek new ways to encourage homegrown technical skills. Civil Beat.

As fentanyl-tainted drugs proliferate, Hawaii sees record number of overdose deaths and a disturbing trend. Narcotics claimed 320 lives last year in Hawaii, making 2022 the most deadly year on record, according to newly-released figures from the Medical Examiner’s Office. Hawaii News Now.

Governor considering permanent protections for journalists. Gov. Josh Green is considering whether to sign a bill that would bring back and make permanent protections that would keep reporters from being forced to disclose confidential information or sources in state court. Star-Advertiser.

Capitol reflecting pools receive $33.5M for ongoing repairs. The Legislature approved funding for planning, design and construction for rehabilitation of the reflecting pools around the Capitol. Critics said the project doesn’t reflect the community’s needs. KHON2.

Circulating survey that seeks input on imaginary Gabbard-Hirono contest raises eyebrows. Both Hirono and Gabbard dismissed the survey. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Annual count of homeless records slight rise on Oahu. The results of the Oahu Point in Time count, taken in January, tallied 4,028 homeless people, of whom 59% were unsheltered and 41% were sheltered. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Hawaii keiki summer programs scrambling to fill job openings. Officials for the Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation’s Summer Fun program and the YMCA of Honolulu say the staffing situation isn’t nearly as dire as a year ago, when they were ramping up after the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic, but there are still plenty of openings. Star-Advertiser.

Study: Nearly 90% Of Hanauma Bay Could Be Underwater By 2030. Researchers say the nature preserve is facing significant threats from climate change. Civil Beat. Hawaii Public Radio.

Red Light Safety cameras see huge reduction in red light runners.  The Red Light Safety Cameras are working. That’s according to Department of Transportation Director Ed Sniffen. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

HVO reports summit inflation, elevated earthquake activity at Kilauea. Restlessness at the summit of Kilauea volcano does not necessarily indicate an imminent eruption, according to Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologists. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News.

Hawaiʻi Island police officers authorized to use pickup trucks while on duty. Effective immediately, Hawaiʻi Island police officers are authorized to use pickup trucks with an open bed as subsidized police vehicles.  Big Island Now.

Puna reacts to cash shortage for full Pohiki Ramp dredge. Puna residents were ambivalent Wednesday about news the state will not dredge the entire beach blocking the Pohoiki Boat Ramp. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Now.

Maui

Hawaiʻi Unites sues DLNR over mosquito suppression plan to save native birds. A local environmental nonprofit has sued the state Department of Land and Natural Resources and Board of Land and Natural Resources over its mosquito suppression plan to reduce avian malaria at Haleakalā National Park. Hawaii Public Radio.

80-unit housing project seeks funds to stay afloat. A housing developer is seeking a $10.6 million subsidy from the county to keep an already-approved 100 percent affordable workforce project in Waikapu afloat. Maui News.

Gate To Kawakui Beach On Molokai Is Open Again — For Now. Access was restricted by Kaluakoi Outfitters for months on the Molokai Ranch property. Civil Beat.

98th Maui Fair postponed again, community must wait another year. While the tradition of a Maui Fair is timeless, holding the 98th Maui Fair must wait for another year, organizers announced today.  Maui Now. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Kauai

Kaua‘i County Council supports mosquito biocontrol to protect honeycreepers. The Kaua‘i County Council approved a resolution supporting biological control efforts to protect endangered Hawaiian honeycreepers from mosquito-borne disease. Garden Island.

Feds: Kaua‘i company owes workers $97K for overtime and travel. A Kaua‘i cleaning service has been hit with its second labor violation in less than a decade after federal investigators determined they failed to pay nearly $50,000 in workers’ overtime wages and travel expenses over a three-year period. Garden Island.

Kaua‘i Department of Water’s quality reports now available. The Department of Water’s 2023 Water Quality Reports, covering the period of Jan. 1, 2022, to Dec. 31, 2022, are now available on the Department’s website at Kauaiwater.org. Kauai Now.

6-figure salary needed to survive in Hawaii, limited Honolulu rail service starting next month, drug, gambling, sex houses raided on Oahu, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

It Now Takes A Six-Figure Salary For A Family Of 4 To Make Ends Meet in Hawaii. The minimum income needed to pay for basic essentials as a family of four in Hawaii has ballooned to $104,052 a year, according to a report released Wednesday by the nonprofit Aloha United Way. Civil Beat.

Hawai‘i ranked worst state for saving money. Hawai‘i is the worst U.S. state to live in for saving money, according to a recent Forbes Advisor analysis. Garden Island.

Lawyers threaten suit over state of special education services in Hawaii public schools. Attorneys for special education students are threatening to sue the state, saying access to special education and mental health services has gotten worse since the pandemic. Hawaii News Now.

Resolution calls for Native Hawaiian intellectual property working group.  HCR 108 was adopted in light of the increasing disputes over topics such as cultural misappropriation, ownership and control between Indigenous people and third-party users of Indigenous knowledge resource. Star-Advertiser.

New version of ag bill vetoed by Ige appears to have support from Green. A plan to save farms facing the expiration of their state land leases has once again made it to the governor’s desk. Tribune-Herald.

Marine leaders host Thai officials at Camp Smith. U.S. Marine Corps Forces Pacific hosted a delegation from the Royal Thai Marine Corps on Oahu on Monday and Tuesday for the first Marine-to-Marine Future Engagement Planning meetings between the United States and Thailand. Star-Advertiser.

Wespac Still Hasn’t Paid Back $837,000 It Misspent. Congressmen Want To Know Why. The federal fishery regulatory panel is nearly six months late on repaying taxpayer money that an audit found was not used appropriately. Members of Congress are demanding answers from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration on how it plans to hold the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council accountable for nearly $1 million in “misspent” federal funds. Civil Beat.

Hawaii COVID cases remain steady as federal emergency ends. The state Department of Health on Wednesday reported the state’s seven-day average of new COVID-19 cases at 105, down from 107 reported May 3. The state’s average positivity rate, at 8.0%, remained the same as the previous week. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

All Aboard ‘Skyline’: City Plans To Start Rail Service On 4th of July Weekend. The service along half of the route would see few daily riders, but officials say it's time to let the public experience rail. The nine stations along the 10.7-mile stretch from east Kapolei to Aloha Stadium are slated to officially start service 2 p.m. June 30, officials announced Wednesday. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii Public Radio.  KHON2.

HPD, federal agents raid drug, gambling, sex houses. A joint operation by Honolulu police and federal agents targeting Oahu’s sex trade, gambling and drug houses began before sunrise Wednesday and resulted in three arrests and the seizure of 38 electronic gambling devices and illegal narcotics. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Loud mufflers are a constant nuisance, but more fines could be on the way. Sound-detecting microphones meant to crack down on illegal noise on the roads are coming to Oahu. State lawmakers approved $2.5 million for the program, which the Department of Transportation will roll out. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaiʻi Convention Center previews $64M roof repair, upcoming events. State lawmakers have solved a $64 million question when it comes to the future of the Hawaiʻi Convention Center. That's the cost of fixing the center's leaky roof, which has become an increasing problem as repairs were delayed for years. Hawaii Public Radio.

Study: Rising sea levels will have dramatic effect on one of Hawaii’s most popular beaches. Seven years from now, nearly 90% of Hanauma Bay’s sandy area could be underwater, according to a new University of Hawaii study on sea level rise. Hawaii News Now.

‘Forever chemicals’ found at Kaamilo Wells station. So-called “forever chemicals” have been detected in the Kaamilo Wells Pumping Station, although at rates lower than federal standards, the state Department of Health reported today. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Waikoloa Workforce Housing Project Goes Before Cultural Commission. The Hawaiʻi County Cultural Resources Commission on Wednesday reviewed the potential impacts on cultural, archaeological, or historic resources within the Hoʻomalu Workforce Housing Project in Waikoloa. Big Island Video News.

County officials, union work to solve dispatcher shortage. Representatives of the Hawaii Government Employees Association met Tuesday with Hawaii Fire Chief Kazuo Todd and other members of Mayor Mitch Roth’s administration to come up with a plan to rectify a severe shortage of fire dispatchers. Tribune-Herald.

Community input sought on master plan for old Hilo Memorial Hospital. The Hawaiʻi County Office of Housing and Community Development will host a community meeting on May 15 to gather input and recommendations for the development of a master plan for the old Hilo Memorial Hospital site at 34 Rainbow Drive. Big Island Now.

Maui

Maui Is Closing Part Of Hana Highway For Up To A Month Because Of Falling Rocks. In a news release late Wednesday, the government announced it would be closing a section of the highway from Alelele Bridge to Lelekea Bridge, which will temporarily prevent drivers from traveling between Hana and Kaupo. Civil Beat. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now.

Public school nurses tallied 8,000 health room visits. Nurses working in public schools handled nearly 8,000 health room visits by students from August to March of the current school year, according to the University of Hawaii as it marks National School Nurse Day today.  Maui News.

Funds released for multipurpose covered facility at Princess Nāhiʻenaʻena Elementary. Senator Angus McKelvey (District 6 – West Maui, Mā’alaea, Waikapū, South Maui) today, announced the release of $600,000 in funding for a new multipurpose covered facility at Princess Nāhiʻenaʻena Elementary School. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kauai May Buy The Blighted Coco Palms Hotel. Kauai County Council Chair Mel Rapozo suggested taking ownership through eminent domain. The owner says it's for sale anyway. Civil Beat. Garden Island.  KHON2.  KITV4.

Construction to begin on 24-unit project in ʻEleʻele for homeless.  The project will provide low-cost studio and one-bedroom units for people who are homeless or at imminent risk of becoming homeless. Kauai Now.

Tourism authority pushes ahead without funding, antisemitism on the rise, leaders unite over Red Hill cleanup, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Visitor marketing contracts worth $70M move forward despite tourism authority’s budget crisis. Hawaii Tourism Authority prepares to award contracts. Directors of the Hawaii Tourism Authority are moving ahead with major industry marketing and management contracts after months of uncertainty at the Legislature over the agency’s funding and future existence. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Judiciary chairs pleased with ethics measures passed during session. The Hawaiʻi State Legislature attempted to make sweeping ethics reforms this session after two former lawmakers faced federal corruption charges, but a handful of measures died behind closed doors. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Legislators Have Long Been Loath To Tackle The Issue Of Cockfighting. Hawaii is just one of eight states that considers cockfighting a misdemeanor act of animal cruelty instead of a felony. Civil Beat.

State OKs number of low-income tax breaks. Certain tax credits for certain low-income families are set to double or more under a tax plan passed by the state Legislature. Tribune-Herald.

Little Fire Ant Program Gets Funding, But It May Be Too Late For Eradication. The Hawaii Ant Lab was cut off from the majority of its funds in 2021. This year, the Legislature gave it $500,000. Civil Beat.

Antisemitism is on the rise in Hawaii. An audit released by the Anti-Defamation League in March of recently reported antisemitic incidents in the U.S. showed that like much of the country, Hawaii has seen an increase in antisemitism.  Spectrum News.

Hawaii COVID-19 exposure notification app to shut down. The AlohaSafe Alert app, Hawaii’s free state-approved COVID-19 exposure notification system, will shut down on Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Hawaii leaders unite over long-term Red Hill cleanup. Top state and local leaders gathered Tuesday at the state Capitol to sign on to a “unified statement” that calls for an overarching policy governing the cleanup of the area surrounding the Navy’s Red Hill underground fuel facility, where there have been dozens of fuel leaks over the decades as well as spills of firefighting foam containing dangerous chemicals. Star-Advertiser.

Electricity Rate Shock Hits City Hall Too. Honolulu’s municipal electricity bills have skyrocketed in the past year, placing more pressure on an already tight operating budget.  Civil Beat.

New push to close popular Waikiki beach two hours earlier than normal. Waikiki residents are asking the city to change the overnight closure hours for Kuhio Beach from 2 a.m. to midnight. On Tuesday Night, Waikiki’s Neighborhood Board unanimously passed a resolution asking the city to change the closing time. Hawaii News Now.

Prison reform advocates outraged over $10M allocated for new OCCC. Overcrowding and dilapidated conditions are some of the main reasons why public safety officials are advocating for a new Oahu Community Correctional Center. Hawaii News Now.

Marine Corps shooting range targeted by state lawmakers as calls for relocation grow. The Marine Corps says it doesn’t plan to move its century-old shooting range in Ewa Beach, despite mounting pressure from state lawmakers and residents. Hawaii News Now.

Bill would set up street parking program. A Honolulu City Council bill would make permanent a program designed to give more street parking access to Oahu residents. Star-Advertiser. KITV4.

Hawaii’s first medical respite receives first units.  The first of 12 units for Hawaii’s medical respite kauhale arrived Tuesday across the street from The Queen’s Medical Center in the mauka section of the state Department of Health parking lot, steps away from the Governor’s Mansion. Star-Advertiser. KHON2.

City acquires Wahiawa property for special needs housing. Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi today announced the city’s acquisition of the property at 360 California Ave., the former location of Hope Treatment Services in Wahiawa. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Future Hilo Skate Park cleared for development. The site that will be the future location for the Hilo Skate Park is being cleared and fenced off by the Hawaii County Department of Parks and Recreation. Tribune-Herald.

Draft plan looks to boost energy at PGV. Puna residents will get another chance to weigh in on a plan to boost Puna Geothermal Venture’s energy output. Tribune-Herald.

No Fair! EK Fernandez, the family run business who brought the fair to outer islands for more than 30 years confirmed Tuesday that the much anticipated event will not be gracing our island this year, or for any time in the foreseeable future. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Dip in home sales continues in Maui County. Median home prices at $1.1M in April, slightly down from a year ago. Maui News.

Bishop Larry Silva to bless sculpture on Maui honoring Saint Damien. Bishop Larry Silva of the Diocese of Honolulu, will bless a bronze image entitled Father Damien, created by Maui-based sculptor Dale Zarella in honor of Saint Damien, the Belgian priest who volunteered to care for patients exiled to Molokaʻi. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kaua‘i County Council to vote on Coco Palms resolution to prioritize public access, uses. The resolution introduced by councilmember Felicia Cowden cites the great historical and cultural significance of the derelict resort in Wailuā, which was destroyed by Hurricane Iniki in 1992. Kauai Now.

Kaua‘i Police Chief Raybuck eyes department reorganization. Chief Todd Raybuck appeared before the Kaua‘i County Council on May 3, where he announced his intention to reorganize the department in hopes of improving efficiency. Garden Island.

Blessing held for ‘Ele‘ele housing project. Footprints of the first few buildings of the Lima Ola Supportive Housing Project were already in place as sprinkles from the rain over the Kalaheo plateau kept the red dust in check on Tuesday morning in ‘Ele‘ele. Garden Island.