Hawaii Business Magazine

State to pay $449 million for government worker pandemic-hazard pay
The state will compensate employees for coming to work during the pandemic, at a cost of about $150 million over previous estimates. Hawai‘i Public Radio.

New round of debt forgiveness begins for Hawai‘i health-care professionals
Gov. Josh Green’s office has announced the second round of applications beginning July 1. Health-care professionals can get up to $50,000 a year of debt relief for each of the two years they commit to working in the Islands. Star-Advertiser.

Lawmakers reduce financial grants awarded to private projects with public purposes
The state Legislature approved $30 million in grants this year to about 150 applicants amid a challenging budgetary picture. Funding was down from about $40 million in 2023 and $49 million in 2022. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiʻi is one step closer to having a state fire marshal
In one of the final legislative hurdles, lawmakers passed Senate Bill 2085 to establish a dedicated fire marshal to lead prevention and response efforts. Hawaiʻi is the only state without one. Hawai‘i Public Radio.

Frequent withdrawals of nominees hinder efforts to fill boards and commissions
Of the more than 200 gubernatorial nominations submitted to the state Senate since January for 97 boards and commissions, 25 of them were later withdrawn. Civil Beat.

Governor backs effort to stem the tide of invasive species
The recent spread of fire ants on O‘ahu and coconut rhinoceros beetles statewide have led many to question whether the Department of Agriculture is doing enough. HB 2619, which would provide more staffing and funding to the department, awaits a final floor vote this week. Civil Beat.

Hawai‘i Tourism Authority targets U.S. market
The state’s hotel booking pace is in the red through December, but legislative funding has allowed the HTA to launch a new multimillion-dollar marketing campaign aimed at U.S. visitors. Star-Advertiser.
Flat Golden Week foretells a sluggish recovery of tourists from Japan to Hawai‘i. Star-Advertiser.

Police guard mayor’s office after alleged heated discussion with Ocean Safety chief
Multiple sources say an investigation was launched after a meeting between John Titchen of the Ocean Safety Division and Mayor Rick Blangiardi. Titchen was put on unpaid administrative leave last week. Hawaii News Now.

Ocean Safety Task Force members critical of process
Some who served on Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s Ocean Safety Task Force to help form the new public safety department say they were fed up with the outcome. Star-Advertiser.

Financial woes plague Hawai‘i’s only free dental clinic
After serving the state’s low-income population for over 20 years, the Aloha Medical Mission clinic might be forced to close its doors this summer. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s premier association for the commercial real estate industry honors those who have contributed to the state’s economic growth and community enrichment… read more.

Union says Big Island wastewater plants are dangerously understaffed
United Public Workers Hawai‘i reports that it’s not uncommon for a lone worker to be responsible for operating sewage treatment facilities that have been plagued with problems. Civil Beat.

PTA lease extension could have adverse impact, says draft environmental statement 
The report says that granting the Army’s proposal to renew its lease on up to 22,750 acres of state land at Pōhakuloa Training Area could have an adverse impact on Hawaiian cultural practices and the environment. Tribune-Herald.

Some Puna residents pursue member-owned insurance cooperative
After most of the recently proposed legislative solutions have failed, Puna residents are hoping they can solve their district’s impending housing-insurance crisis. Tribune-Herald.

Long-closed Hakalau Beach Park is projected to reopen in 2028
The Hāmākua park was closed in 2017 after extensive lead contamination was found in the park’s soil, stemming from lead paint used on the Hakalau Stream Bridge. Tribune-Herald.

37 fires along Holomua Road this year alone have Pā‘ia residents on edge
From Jan. 1 through last week, fire crews responded to 29 brush fires, an unauthorized burn, six torched vehicles and a cabin cruiser that went up in flames. It’s likely all 37 fires were intentionally set or accidentally started by people. Civil Beat.

Emergency slope repairs will close remote Alelele Point roadway 
A portion of the roadway will be closed between 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, starting May 1. The closure is expected to last five months. Maui Now.

Lahaina homeowners may get a reprieve from coastal zone rules
The state and Maui County are removing restrictive regulations and stepping up the capacity to process building permits. This includes allowing permits before water systems are fully restored, and suspending the coastal zone management law governing shoreline setbacks. Civil Beat.