Hawaii Business Magazine

Green plans to veto 3 bills aimed at emergency powers
Among the 17 bills that Gov. Josh Green intends to veto are three that would put new rules on his emergency powers as the Legislature continues to try to define how Hawaiʻi governors should operate during crises. Star-Advertiser. Hawaiʻi Public Radio.

Governor’s intent-to-veto list includes invasive species and biosecurity bills
The $20 million “landmark” biosecurity bill to tackle invasive species in Hawaiʻi could get cut in half. Hawaiʻi Public Radio.

State publishes Hawaiʻi Digital Economy Survey
To gain a deeper understanding of how local companies utilize digital and broadband technology for their business operations, the Hawai’i Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism Hawai’i Broadband and Digital Equity Office recently published its Hawai’i digital economy survey involving more than 1,000 businesses. Maui News. Maui Now.

Hawaiʻi Health Department reports 6 more COVID deaths
The Hawaiʻi Department of Health reported six additional COVID-related deaths today, bringing the state’s COVID toll since the start of the pandemic to 2,183. Star-Advertiser.

New project seeks to build offshore wind farms in Kaiwi channel
Aukahi Energy, a partnership between Progression Energy and EDF Renewables North America, is seeking approval to build floating offshore windmills north of the Kaiwi Channel, near Makapuu Point. If approved, the project will produce enough clean electricity to power around 300,000 homes, according to the company. Civil Beat.

The Navy transferred 400 acres to the city
In the fine print, there’s reason for caution. After the base closed, the military left behind hazardous chemicals, unexploded ordnance and buried cultural and archeological sites. The Navy tried to identify and remediate some of the risks, but making it usable is up to the city. Hawaii News Now.

How can Waikīkī adapt to rising sea levels? 
Researchers might have a way. A group of researchers at the University of Hawaiʻi is trying to give Waikīkī community members a glimpse into the future. Hawaiʻi Public Radio.

While the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands and ali‘i trusts collect land rents from 18 hotels, some Hawaiian groups are aiming for ownership… read more.

County seeks dismissal of pedestrian death lawsuit against HPD, cop
Hawaiʻi County is requesting dismissal of a lawsuit seeking monetary damages from the Hawaiʻi Police Department and an officer who was on duty and at the wheel of a blue-and-white cruiser that struck a 16-year-old boy who later died. Tribune-Herald.

EPA is investigating wastewater released into Puhi Bay from troubled Hilo sewage plant
The federal agency and state health officials will determine whether the aging facility violated its discharge permit and the Clean Water Act. Civil Beat.

Ocean-battered Maui condo complex grapples with uncertain future
Two of Kahana Sunset’s six buildings are teetering near the water’s edge while battling sinkholes and shaky foundations. It’s now in the county’s hands to decide what to do. Civil Beat.

Report: Half of Maui vacation rental units were vacant in May 2024
In May 2024, Maui County continued to have the largest supply of available vacation rental (TVR) units in the state, but occupancy rates for them were below half, at 49.5%, according to a report by the state Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism. Maui Now.