Hawaiʻi LGBTQ+ commission established to advise government

Gov. Josh Green has directed that the state of Hawaiʻi establish an advisory body to develop and improve the state’s interaction with lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, plus citizens.

Civil Beat.

Gov. Green signs Ninth Proclamation for affordable housing

Gov. Josh Green signed a proclamation Thursday, relating to affordable housing, placing a “pause” on the automatic adoption of county building codes. The proclamation gives “the counties additional time to review, amend and adopt the latest state and national building codes to suit their particular safety and design standards and needs.”

Maui Now.

Should more Hawaiʻi schools ban cell phones in class?

Many schools in Hawaiʻi are grappling with how to reduce students’ reliance on cell phones. Educators are concerned about the impact of cell phones on academics and student mental health but struggle to limit their use.

Civil Beat.

Illegal pesticide sales at Hawaiʻi Daiso stores prompt record fine.

A retailer with stores in Hilo, Pearl City, Piʻikoi and downtown Honolulu has agreed to pay $314,747 for selling 23 types of unregistered pesticides following a joint federal-state investigation, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said in a news release Thursday.

Civil Beat.

Two new barges to enhance Young Brothers interisland shipping

The Kalohi and Nāulu barges are part of a $45 million investment to enhance the reliability and resilience of the interisland shipping services, the company says.

Big Island Video News. 

O‘ahu Headlines

Council scrutinizes fire sprinkler tax credit measure

A measure allowing owners associations at existing high-rise residential buildings to apply for tax credits for installing automatic sprinkler systems is under Honolulu City Council review.

Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu mayor to veto bill that would lift ban on ground display fireworks

Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi said he intends to veto Bill 22, which was passed Wednesday by the City Council against the wishes of the Honolulu Fire Department.

Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

City Council approves bill to allow consumer fireworks on special holidays

Honolulu City Council approved a measure to allow the use of consumer fireworks, like sparklers, without a permit during special holidays. Consumer fireworks would be allowed the night of New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day, Chinese New Year and the Fourth of July — all during specified hours.

Hawaiʻi Public Radio.

Restaurant at Ala Wai Harbor fears its permit won’t be renewed

Management at Pau Hana Place is concerned that they may lose their lease as the DLNR’s Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation is set to make a presentation on the property’s future at the Friday Land Board meeting.

Hawaii News Now.

Hawai‘i Island Headlines

Police don’t have to release records about new suspect in Dana Ireland case

The Hawai’i Police Department does not have to turn over evidence related to a new suspect in the 1991 murder of Dana Ireland to attorneys representing two men exonerated in the case, the state Supreme Court ruled Thursday.

Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser. Tribune-Herald.

DLNR: Nēnē killed by hit-and-run driver in Hilo park

A male nēnē, banded as 595, was killed Thursday morning by a hit-and-run driver while apparently crossing a road in Lili‘uokalani Gardens off Banyan Drive, according to the state Department of Land and Natural Resources.

Star-Advertiser. Tribune-Herald. 

78-acre wildfire at Hawai‘i Volcanoes continues to burn

A 78-acre wildfire continues to burn in a remote area of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, prompting officials to temporarily close the parking lot at Maunaulu and Nāpau Trail.

Star-Advertiser.

Maui Headlines

Central Maui Transit Hub built but unopened, more than 3 years after groundbreaking

More than three years after it broke ground in February 2021, the Central Maui Transit Hub is built in Kahului but remains unused by bus riders for reasons left unexplained by the Maui County Department of Transportation or the project contractor.

Maui Now.

Volunteer effort leads to reopening of Lahaina Aquatic Center

Even though it didn’t burn in the fire that destroyed much of Lahaina in August 2023, the 31-year-old county facility was a mess and has been closed ever since. It is now scheduled to reopen Saturday, thanks in large part to the work of volunteers.

Civil Beat.

‘Alala released into the wild on Maui

In a significant milestone for the conservation of Hawai’i’s native birds, five ‘alalā, or Native Hawaiian crow were transferred last week, from the Maui Bird Conservation Center to a temporary field aviary on the slopes of Haleakalā.

Maui News.

Kaua‘i Headlines

Options to protect Kauaʻi from fraud will go to voters

A charter amendment seeks to give the county the option of purchasing insurance. County officials have found that purchasing insurance policies can cover more employees at a lower cost.

Civil Beat.

Planning Commission approves Coco Palms annual status report amid foreclosure lawsuit

After the Utah developer rebuilding the destroyed Coco Palms Resort showed enough progress on the 29 conditions of its zoning and variance permits, the Kaua’i County Planning Commission on Tuesday approved the status report that allows the controversial project to continue.

Kauai Now.