Hawaii Business Magazine Newsletters

Analysts share how the Maui fire reports could affect HECO’s future
Hawaiian Electric could face close to $5 billion in potential liabilities from lawsuits filed over the fires, according to Capstone, a consulting firm that studies utilities under stress for its investor clients.  Hawaii Public Radio.

AG’s report shows lack of communication prevented help for people trapped in Lahaina fire
The Attorney General’s much-anticipated report provides new insight into the fire response but does not address the cause of the fire. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser.  Hawaii Public Radio. Associated Press.  Maui Now. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. KITV4.

‘Good government’ bills headed to Green’s desk
The full House on Wednesday sent 10 “good government” bills, as it called them, to Gov. Josh Green — but none will lead to any sweeping ethics, campaign spending or other reforms to change the way the Legislature does business. Star-Advertiser.

Senate confirms Green’s nominees to Board of Education
Former state Rep. Roy Takumi will now lead the volunteer board tasked with setting policy and overseeing Hawai‘i’s public school system. Civil Beat.

Proposals to prevent another big pay hike move forward at city council
The Honolulu Salary Commission is currently considering 3% raises for city officials this year, including council members. During its meeting Wednesday, the full council discussed several proposed charter amendments to prevent a repeat. They include a resolution to limited future pay increases for city employees to 10% a year. Hawaii News Now.

City council bill pushes to lift ban on ground fireworks
Under the bill, consumers would not need a permit to buy ground fireworks and instead sellers would need a permit. Community members in support see this as a compromise and industry experts think it’ll help reduce the use of illegal fireworks. KHON2.

$250,000 settlement approved for Honolulu police detective
HPD Detective Maile Rego sued in 2021, claiming she suffered retaliation after accusing the department of failing to issue a timely Amber Alert. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

Fateful car wreck takes center stage at Miske trial as alleged murder victim’s girlfriend testifies
Ashley Wong spoke through tears as she described the 2015 crash that severely injured Johnathan Fraser and led to the death of Michael Miske’s son. Miske is accused of conspiring to have Fraser killed months later. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu mayor signs bill raising legal age to buy herbal cigarettes
Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi has signed a city bill banning the sale of herbal cigarettes to anyone under 21 years old. Herbal cigarettes don’t contain tobacco or nicotine but can still be harmful to users, so the Honolulu City Council wanted to limit their accessibility to Oʻahu’s youth via Bill 1. Hawaii Public Radio.

Ocean Safety sector draws support, criticism
Those for and against contending city resolutions to transform Honolulu’s 277-member Ocean Safety Division into a full-fledged city department voiced their concerns during the City Council’s meeting Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Safe & Sound Waikīkī program sees major reduction in crime
Crime in most categories, including violent ones, has dropped by double digits in Waikīkī since Safe & Sound Waikīkī started 18 months ago to address community concerns over mounting criminal activity and increased homelessness. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.  KITV4.

Kaiser Permanente is working to help address Maui’s mental health needs and forms nonprofit partnerships to increase food security in the Islands… read more.

FBI searches 2 locations in Kona; investigation underway
Early Wednesday morning, FBI agents conducted search warrants at two different locations in Kailua-Kona. It is unknown what the warrants were for or if any arrests were made. Big Island Now.

Hawaiʻi County Council lends financial support to upcoming Hala Festival 2024, other community initiatives
The Hawaiʻi County Council is lending its support to a new event coming next month aimed at celebrating the iconic tree while simultaneously addressing the need to protect and preserve hala forests on the island. Big Island Now.

Public meeting on Proposed Pāhoa Library, Transit Hub Location
The meeting is being held tonight to discuss the findings of the Draft Environmental Assessment for the library and transit hub, and offer an opportunity for feedback. Big Island Video News.

The Maui Ethics Board has so few members that it’s struggling to even meet
Members are seeking additional funding and dedicated staff so they can more effectively do their job. Civil Beat.

PFAS detected in Maui Business Park system
PFAS (perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances) have been detected in water samples collected at the Waiʻele Wells 1 and 2 Chlorinator, Maui Business Park water system (Public Water System HI0000261, owned by Maui Business Park Phase II Association) in Kahului of the island of Maui. Maui Now.

Playground construction, ADA renovations scheduled at Waimea Athletic Field
The playground, skateboard half-pipe, ADA parking stalls and ADA walkway near Kaumuali‘i Highway will be closed from April 29 to June 1, weather permitting. Kauai Now.