Hawaii Business Magazine

Ratepayers could see higher bills as HECO pays off Maui wildfire damage costs
A Senate bill would authorize Hawaiian Electric to raise money by issuing bonds backed by its own customers, also known as a financial maneuver called securitization. Hawaii Public Radio.

On Earth Day, rooftop solar program grants awarded
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced Monday, coinciding with Earth Day, that a state agency nicknamed Hawai‘i’s Green Bank will receive a $62.5 million grant for a program that provides low- and moderate-income households with loans to acquire rooftop solar and energy storage systems. Star-Advertiser. Big Island Now.  KHON2.

Governor appoints advisers for climate resilience, marine affairs
Charles “Chip” Fletcher, the interim dean of the School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology, was appointed the special advisor for climate and resilience. Oceanography professor David “Dave” Karl was tapped to chair the governor’s Advisory Committee on Marine Affairs.  Hawaii Public Radio. Civil Beat.

State failed to comply with laws for licensing foster homes and put children at risk
A new report by the Hawai‘i State Auditor found that one main category of foster homes often failed to meet time limits for licensing and the state wasted money on a contractor and missed out on federal payments. Civil Beat.  Hawaii News Now.

City touts ‘sustainable’ projects near Skyline
In its latest report, the city’s Office of Climate Change, Sustainability, and Resiliency highlighted improvements in two key sectors — its lowest water usage in three years and a drop in power consumption for a fifth straight year. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Longtime O‘ahu cattle ranch forced to close down
Maukele Ranch said they were given 180 days to leave after the property was bought by Utah developer Woodbury Corporation, under the name Oahu Property Owner. KITV4.

Navy declines to identify its Pearl Harbor water quality experts
A Navy team that has been investigating the cause of ongoing water quality complaints around Pearl Harbor is allegedly made up of experts in the field, but the Navy won’t say who they are.  Civil Beat.

Dozens of drivers arrested, jailed for DUI despite test results showing no alcohol in their system
In 2022 and 2023, nearly 300 drivers who were arrested had breath or blood test results below the legal limit of 0.08, according to Honolulu Police data on arrests that did not result in charges. Even more concerning, there were 69 people with results of 0.00. Hawaii News Now.

Citations issued for trespassing closed Haiku Stairs
Honolulu Police says that on Saturday and Sunday, it gave out 60 warnings to hikers, eight citations for second-degree trespass, and 25 parking enforcement actions. By midday Monday, police issued 37 citations for second-degree trespassing, which is a petty misdemeanor. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.  KHON2.

JDM Hawaii imports used kei vehicles from Japan, then repairs and sells them at affordable prices. “I thought it would be a perfect alternative” to more expensive and less fuel-efficient trucks like Toyota Tacomas and Ford F−150s… read more.

Big Island house built on wrong lot faces additional obstacle
A woman bought the house on Hawaiian Paradise Park for $20,000 in a tax auction, but contractors built it on the wrong lot. She is suing multiple parties for the incident.  KITV4.

DOH shuts down Waikoloa restaurant due to rat infestation
The state Department of Health issued a red “Closed” placard and immediately shut down Ocean Club at Hali‘i Kai on Friday due to an active rodent infestation, contaminated food products and unsanitary conditions within the facility. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News.  Big Island Now.

Learn more about the 4 finalists for chancellor at Hawai‘i Community College
The candidates will participate in a final round of interviews that include a public forum for each candidate Hawaiʻi CC–Pālamanui and Hawaiʻi CC’s Manono campus next week. Big Island Now.

Oprah Winfrey and Dwayne Johnson pledged $10M for Maui wildfire survivors. They gave much more.
The Entertainment Industry Foundation, a longtime nonprofit that helps celebrities administer charitable work and that managed the distribution of the funds, said it raised almost $60 million.  Associated Press.

The water’s in, the roads are pretty good, the sewer’s getting there but Lahaina recovery is still a ways off
The county has made significant progress in its efforts to shore up and rebuild infrastructure such as water systems, officials said. But some residents may have to wait several months to have basics like drinkable water and flushing toilets. Civil Beat.

Maui Fair Alliance cancels 98th Maui Fair in 2024, announces intent to dissolve after years of service
The Maui Fair was last held in October 2019 several months before Hawaiʻi’s first Covid-19 case was confirmed in the islands. Maui Now.