Hawaii Business Magazine

Congress looks to continue Coast Guard’s Pacific expansion
The Coast Guard is slated to continue solidifying its Pacific footprint with new funds from Congress as the service plays an increasingly prominent role in Washington’s regional strategy. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Electric system upgrades to buffet electric bills
Hawai‘i’s largest electric utility, Hawaiian Electric Co., is seeking regulatory approval for a second “exceptional” investment project where it intends to recover costs from ratepayers who stand to have their bills affected by incremental, long-lasting small increases. Star-Advertiser.

Governor signs 13 bills for Native Hawaiian beneficiaries, culture
Governor Josh Green on Friday signed 13 bills into law, renewing the state’s commitment to the Hawaiʻi Department of Hawaiian Homelands, as well as Native Hawaiian education, cultural practices and traditions, and stewardship. Big Island Video News. Hawaii News Now.

Bill on traffic violations may face governor’s veto
If passed, House Bill 2526 would increase the penalty for a third or subsequent offense related to unauthorized driving or vehicle operation to a class C felony. It would also grant the court the authority to order forfeiture of the vehicle involved in the offense. Star-Advertiser.

First Amendment groups oppose veto of bill to limit governor’s power to cut off electronic media in emergencies
Hawai‘i’s governor warns of the need to respond to possible violence generated by social media in times of crisis. But journalists and attorneys fear violation of constitutionally protected free speech. Civil Beat.

Gov. Green makes appointments to boards and agencies
They include Christine Sakuda as Hawai‘i’s chief information officer. Green also appointed Barbara Polk and Danton Wong to serve on the Campaign Spending Commission, Andrew Pereira to the Stadium Authority and Debbie Cabebe to the Hawaii Community Development Authority Pulehunui. Civil Beat.

Skyline marks first anniversary, anticipates more stations opening in next 18 months
A year after it opened to the public, Honolulu’s Skyline rail system continues to see a mix of more than 1 million commuters, first-timers, sightseers and tourists. Four more stations are scheduled to open in the next 18 months — including into and out of Daniel K. Inouye International Airport. Star-Advertiser.

City Council’s affordable rental housing bill advances
A bill meant to give private developers of affordable rental housing greater financial incentives to build is moving forward — but with a change to post-construction grant amounts meant to spur completion of more units above or below 300 square feet in size. Star-Advertiser.

City taking over Biki bikeshare system
Starting Monday, the City and County of Honolulu is officially taking over management of the Biki bikeshare system — marking a major change since its launch in 2017. Star-Advertiser.

Star-Advertiser will now use the mail to deliver newspapers in Waikīkī
In a letter, Aaron Kotarek, senior vice president of audience and operations for the Star-Advertiser, wrote that beginning July 1, the company will partner with the U.S. Postal Service to deliver the paper to readers in Waikīkī. Hawaii News Now.

Eighty teachers arrived last year to fill recurring vacancies in rural public schools. Here’s what some of them say about their first year in Hawai‘i… read more.

Hilo roundabout gets funding
A project to build a traffic roundabout in downtown Hilo has received more than $17 million in federal funding. Tribune-Herald.

Unrest escalates at Kīlauea; more than 500 earthquakes rock upper East Rift Zone
Hundreds of earthquakes are occurring in Kīlauea’s upper East Rift Zone, prompting an overnight status report from the USGS.. Scientists say “any substantial increases in seismicity and/or deformation could result in a new eruptive episode, but there are no signs of an imminent eruption at this time.” Big Island Video News. Big Island Now. Hawaii News Now.

Bill to designate Lahaina as a National Heritage Area gets congressional hearing
Gov. Josh Green, Maui Mayor Richard Bissen and cultural leaders from West Maui say such a designation would help Lahaina recover and celebrate its past. Civil Beat.

Kahikolu Project on Maui targets axis deer and widespread environmental impacts
Prolific axis deer on Maui wreak havoc by damaging crops, overgrazing pastures, and encroaching on urban areas like Kahului Airport. Without natural predators, their population has grown unchecked. The Kahikolu Project aims to manage the deer population through collaboration with government agencies, ranchers, farmers, and local communities. Maui Now.