Hawaii Business Magazine

Proposed state budget includes money for public school raises, geothermal expansion
House and Senate negotiators reached agreement Tuesday evening on a $19.21 billion state budget for the fiscal year that begins July 1 that includes raises for public school vice principals and extra money for small and rural public schools. Civil Beat.

Hawai‘i’s ambitious renewable energy plan is threatened by HECO’s uncertain future
New projects are on hold as the electric company’s credit rating sags. Two bills aimed at shoring up HECO remain alive in the final days of this year’s legislative session. Civil Beat.

Lawmakers consider a property damage compensation fund for future fires
The measure would allow stakeholders to pay into a wildfire relief fund that would compensate property owners in the instance of another wildfire. That would include government entities like the state, large property owners with over 1,000 acres of land and share-holder utility companies such as Hawaiian Electric. Hawai‘i Public Radio.

Several invasive species measures are nearing the legislative finish line
A measure to fund the state Department of Agriculture with about $20 million for port inspectors, pest control workers and other biosecurity personnel around the state is still alive and could pass through conference hearings this week. Hawai‘i Public Radio.

State looking at reducing parakeet population with one-year pilot program
The state wants to declare war on another invasive species — parakeets — that have been spreading disease, decimating native fruits, and stripping fruit trees on Kaua‘i, among other harms. Hawaii News Now.

Hawai‘i Tourism Authority board chooses former Honolulu mayor as new leader
Tuesday, the state senate voted to approve former Honolulu mayor Mufi Hanneman as HTA’s board chair.  Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Hawaiian Airlines boosts revenue but loses $137.6M in first quarter
Hawaiian Holdings Inc., the parent company of Hawaiian Airlines, improved revenue and continued investments during the first quarter, but deepened losses as it grappled with rising operating costs and other headwinds while pursuing a merger with Alaska Airlines. Star-Advertiser.

HPD applications increase after $25K bonus announcement
A $25,000 bonus for new Honolulu Police Department recruits is an unprecedented incentive for the department, the goal was to attract more people into the force, and according to the department, it is working.  KHON2.

Mitsunaga’s ‘ninja’ testifies that ‘it felt a little wrong’ to contact witness in corruption case
An employee of architectural firm CEO and defendant Dennis Mitsunaga testified Tuesday that he asked her to communicate with an upcoming witness on his behalf in the ongoing bribery trial of former Honolulu prosecutor Keith Kaneshiro. Civil Beat. KITV4.

Girlfriend of alleged Miske murder victim says she won’t stop looking for answers
The woman whose boyfriend was allegedly murdered by Mike Miske finished her testimony in federal court Monday and was finally free to tell her story in public. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Red Hill families describe litany of harms from tainted water in lead-up to federal trial
In the trial starting Monday, the U.S. Department of Justice will question whether they were exposed to jet fuel and, if so, whether it was enough to account for their illnesses. Civil Beat.

The Maui emergency feeding task force is taking lessons learned from the Maui fires and building a plan for resiliency. The ultimate goal is to develop institutional infrastructure and community connections that will help build food independence and resilience in Maui County… read more.

Traps catch invasive coconut rhinoceros beetles in Waikoloa
The destructive beetles pose a serious threat to palm trees and culturally important plants in Hawai‘i. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser.  Tribune-Herald.  Big Island Now.  Hawaii News Now.

Federal lawsuit against Roth, others on hold pending legal question
The lawsuit was filed by Hilo attorney Pueo Kai McGuire and accuses Mayor Mitch Roth, county Prosecutor Kelden Waltjen, Deputy Prosecutor Kate Perazich and former Deputy Prosecutor Sylvia Wan of malicious prosecution. Tribune-Herald.

Fire at metal recycling facility on Maui raises concerns among nearby residents
For some, Saturday’s blaze at the Hammerhead Metals Recycling facility in Pu’unene conjured up memories of recent fires that happened in the area. KITV4.

Kaulana Mahina workforce apartments celebrates grand opening in Central Maui
The event comes at a time when the chronically undersupplied housing market on Maui has been further impacted by the devastating fires of last August. Maui Now.

Kaua‘i County to extend beach lifeguard hours
Starting next month, hours at guarded beaches will be from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., according to the county’s Ocean Safety Bureau, an additional two hours from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. currently. Star-Advertiser.

Kauaʻi Habitat for Humanity expands affordable housing to island’s north shore
The organization acquired six lots in Kīlauea that it plans to offer up to low-income homeowners in the next month or so. Hawai‘i Public Radio.

Wiwo‘ole Project takes root in Lihu‘e
The project consists of transitional housing for individuals and families trying to escape domestic violence and sexual assault. Garden Island.