Hawaiʻi hotel occupancy fell in May as softness continued
Summer isn’t coming in hot for Hawaiʻi hoteliers, who saw hotel occupancy drop to its lowest level of the year in May and are expecting a continued slowdown. Star-Advertiser.

Unlicensed care homes dodge increased enforcement in ‘cat and mouse game’ 
The Office of Health Care Assurance has issued cease-and-desist orders to an average of six homes per year since 2018. But dozens of these unlicensed facilities, mainly for elderly adults, continue to operate around the state. Civil Beat.

Private donations are helping Hawaiʻi fire departments fill budget holes. 
Fire departments across the islands have long been on the lookout for funding to supplement their county-funded budgets. They apply for state and federal grants, but also look to private sources to fill financial gaps that national advocates say have widened in recent decades. Civil Beat.

Hawaiʻi-developed COVID home test kits being sold online
A locally developed COVID-19 test kit is now on the market as cases of the contagious disease are on the rise in Hawaiʻi. Star-Advertiser.

Supporters of embattled rail CEO say her ongoing contract woes could cost taxpayers. 
Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi is still pushing hard to get a contract extension for embattled rail CEO Lori Kahikina. Hawaii News Now.

Downtown Honolulu is plagued by another power outage
Hawaiian Electric repair crews continued to work overnight after a power outage shut down downtown Honolulu — the second disruption in less than a week to affect the area. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.  KHON2.

Plans to demolish former PBS building provoke tempers at UH Board of Regents
The University of Hawaiʻi Mānoa campus building that housed PBS for decades is finally headed for demolition. But UH Regent and former Gov. Neil Abercrombie fought the plan, which provoked anger from UH President David Lassner. Hawaii News Now.

Oʻahu’s new water desalination facility gets $19M in federal funds
The federal government is sending Oʻahu around $19 million for a facility to turn seawater into fresh water. Hawaiʻi Public Radio.

E-bike crashes and noise concerns spur heated townhall in Ewa
With e-bikes growing in popularity, a town hall in Ewa was held to raise awareness about how to ride them safely. However, concerns about safety, noise, and confusion about e-bike laws have caused pushback from some residents.  Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

“Our job is to provide the best support we possibly can and partner with the provider community so we can improve care and outcomes for their patients and members.”… read more.

Call center nearly complete: Police and fire dispatchers could move in this September
Hawaiʻi County’s police and fire dispatchers are getting closer to moving into a new call center that has been under construction since October 2021. Tribune-Herald.

Community hospital survey finds need for new medical facility closer to Kailua-Kona
A healthcare needs survey from Kona Community Hospital found the need for more preventative care providers and the need to build a new facility. Hawaiʻi Public Radio.

Maui nonprofit offers 40 job opportunities to assist in wildfire relief efforts
Youth job training nonprofit Kupu has positions starting at $16 an hour within resource hubs and education centers. Hawaii News Now.

Community feedback sessions report released on the rebuild plan for King Kamehameha III Elementary
The three choices presented to the community were: the original location on Front Street; Pulelehua, which is near the current temporary location; and Kā’anapali 2020–Pu’ukoli’i Village Mauka. Maui News.

Officials working to curb illegal camping, trespassing at popular South Maui beach
While illegal camping has been an ongoing issue along South Maui shores, some say the problem has gotten worse specifically at Po’olenalena Beach Park over the past few months.  KITV4.