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Top Headlines

Study recommends replacing Hawai‘i Tourism Authority with new governance model

The Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority paid a contractor $294,400 to conduct a study on tourism governance. The contractor’s findings suggest that HTA should restructure itself into a nonprofit driven by the community rather than remaining a government entity under the state Legislature.

Star-Advertiser.

State SNAP, EBT benefits delayed due to surge in applications, staff vacancies

The Department of Human Services says nearly a quarter of positions for workers who process applications have not been filled.

Hawaii News Now.

Hawai‘i schools have a major shortage of vice principals — and it’s getting worse

Last year, nearly a third of vice principal positions in the state were either vacant or filled by educators who didn’t meet the certification requirements for the job.

Civil Beat.

Gov. Green signs bills to enhance disaster preparation, response

On Friday, Gov. Josh Green signed a series of bills to enhance the state’s response to fires and other emergencies and disasters in the wake of the Aug. 8 Maui wildfires that killed at least 102 people and destroyed 3,971 properties, most of which were homes.

Star-Advertiser.

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol to visit Honolulu this week

South Korea President Yoon Suk Yeol will be on Oʻahu this week to meet with top U.S. military officials before flying to Washington, D.C., where he will deliver a keynote address at the 2024 NATO Public Forum.

Star-Advertiser.

O‘ahu Headlines

Honolulu Ethics Commission says number of complaints has dropped

The Honolulu Ethics Commission saw a spike in complaints after high-profile corruption cases, but now the number has fallen below the average.

Civil Beat. 

New development begins on former Turtle Bay Resort land near Kahuku Point

For decades, there have been political and legal efforts to protect the sensitive habitat in the area, which includes 5 miles of coastline.

Civil Beat. 

Honolulu ranks toughest to flip homes in U.S., report says

The median price for previously owned single-family homes rose 6.7% in June from $1.05 million to $1.12 million, while sales gained 4% from 248 to 258, according to a monthly report released Saturday by the Honolulu Board of Realtors.

Star-Advertiser. 

An O‘ahu teacher’s futile apartment hunt shows how bad the rental market is

Housing policy advocates say Helen Lau’s story is all too common amid Honolulu’s housing crisis. She’s made at least 26 calls and been to 11 showings, all in vain. Prices are soaring, she said, and the competition is simply too stiff for places she can afford on her teacher’s salary.

Civil Beat. 

Startup ventures to test Japanese vertical wind turbine technology in the islands

A Hawaiʻi-based startup with ties to Japan is bringing advanced Japanese clean energy technology to Kakaʻako Makai in Honolulu. They plan to study its feasibility in the islands by running a wind turbine for research and demonstration purposes.

Big Island Now. 

Hawai‘i Island Headlines

Three short-term vacation rental measures go back before County Council

A trio of contentious measures revamping where and how short-term vacation rentals are allowed to operate on Hawai‘i Island are heading back to the County Council.

Tribune-Herald.

County sets up temporary homeless camp

While a more permanent shelter is scheduled to open next to the Salvation Army on Ponahawai Street in August, the county set up an array of tents on a lot just down the street on Friday.

Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News. 

Maui Headlines

Maui faces uncertainty over the future of its energy grid

As HECO tries to get new clean energy projects going, island leaders are discussing whether to make it mandatory to bury more power lines safely below ground.

Civil Beat. 

HECO retiring 35% of firm generators on Maui by 2028, replacing them with renewable energy

This major overhaul is driven by state environmental regulations and difficulties in sourcing parts for aging generators, many of which have become obsolete.

Maui Now. 

Repair or retreat? An ocean-battered Maui condo complex grapples with an 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. 

Kauaʻi Headlines

Visitor spending climbs 26.6% in May on Kaua‘i

A slight drop in the number of visitors to the island of Kauaʻi in mid-spring was countered by a hefty increase in spending, as tourists continued to pump huge sums of money into the local economy while on holiday.

Garden Island.