Trump Policies Create Uncertainty for Hawai‘i Economy

Incoming President Donald Trump and his potential policies — especially campaign threats of tariffs on imported foreign goods — create an unknown for Hawai‘i’s economic forecast, which the University of Hawai‘i Economic Research Organization otherwise expects to show modest growth through 2027. Heading into 2025, UHERO Executive Director Carl Bonham said there remains “complete uncertainty about federal policies.”

Star-Advertiser. Kauaʻi Now.

Hawai‘i Tourism Authority to Reinvest Nearly $3M in Partnerships With 100+ Community Projects and Events in First Half of 2025

The Hawai‘i Tourism Authority has announced its upcoming community partnerships focused on natural resources, cultural initiatives, festivals and signature events. HTA is reinvesting nearly $3 million in partnerships with 105 community-based organizations, projects, programs and events taking place across Hawai‘i from January 1 to June 30, 2025.

Maui Now.

NOAA Keeps an Eye on Possible Avian Flu Among Hawaiian Monk Seals

Across the globe, there have been marine mammal die-offs due to avian influenza. In South America, more than 3,000 sea lions and seals have been casualties. Michelle Barbieri, who leads the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Hawaiian Monk Seal Research Program, has been part of efforts to monitor our endangered monk seals for signs of avian flu. Barbieri said as of right now the disease has not been detected in any monk seals.

Hawai‘i Public Radio.

Hannah Kobayashi’s Family Offers to Return Gofundme Donations

The family of Hannah Kobayashi offered to refund online donations after announcing Wednesday that she had been located. Numerous donors contributed more than $47,000 to the family on GoFundMe.

New York Daily News. Hawaii News Now.

Turbulence Slammed Hawaiian Airlines Flight Because of Decision to Fly Over Storm Cell, Report Says

A Hawaiian Airlines flight crew’s decision to fly over a hazardous storm cell instead of deviating around it was the probable cause for hitting severe turbulence that injured passengers and crewmembers in 2022, the National Transportation Safety Board said in a final report Thursday.

Associated Press.

O‘ahu Headlines

Council OKs Seizure of Queen Theater

The Queen Theater was once an iconic, 1930s-era landmark in the heart of Kaimukī. Over the decades, however, it would attract illicit and illegal activities, public complaints and vagrants. The theatre is now on track to become a city-owned property.

Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Restaurant Tip Theft Case Hardly the Only One in Town

Domo Cafe, a popular Honolulu sushi joint, was in the spotlight recently after investigators announced the owner was ordered to pay back more than $70,000 in tips that he had pocketed.
Restaurant workers, advocates and government officials say practice of restaurant owners scooping up tips meant for employees is far more common than it seems.

Civil Beat.

Women Inmates Can Work Out at New Prison Gym

Inmates in Hawaiʻi’s only prison for women have long relied on finding their own methods to exercise such as walking in circles or doing workouts in their cells. Now they have a gym thanks to a $140,000 fundraising effort spearheaded by the Women’s Prison Project. Prison reform advocates hope the privately funded exercise room at the Women’s Community Correctional Center in Kailua will contribute to an overall effort to focus on rehabilitation and help prevent inmates from committing more crimes after their release.

Civil Beat.

New Facility Combines Interim Housing With Multiple Services

Family Promise of Hawaiʻi officially unveiled Thursday its new facility on Young Street, designed to provide both emergency shelter and comprehensive support services for families experiencing homelessness.

Star-Advertiser.

Former Basketball Coach Pleads Guilty to Child Sex Crimes Against 10 Victims

A former Punahou School youth basketball coach has pleaded guilty to 12 offenses related to child sex crimes that could put him behind bars for the rest of his life. The U.S. Attorney’s Office said Dwayne Yuen, 51, pleaded guilty Thursday to committing sex crimes against three minor victims.

Hawaii News Now. KHON2. KITV4.

Police Officer Arrested for Felony Crime at Downtown Apartment Complex

A Honolulu police officer assigned to the Traffic Division was arrested Thursday afternoon for allegedly breaking into her tenant’s apartment.

Hawaii News Now.

Senior Housing Complex Manager Left Injured Resident to Die on Apartment Floor, Lawsuit Alleges

The woman who says her mother was left injured and dying in a state-run apartment complex is now suing. The woman’s decomposing body was found after neighbors complained about the smell.

Hawaii News Now.

Hawai‘i Island Headlines

Contract Finally Awarded to Dredge Volcanic Debris That Left Pohoiki Boat Ramp Landlocked in 2018

East Hawai‘i commercial and recreational boaters have finally received the news they have wanted to hear since 2018, when the lava flow from the 2018 Kīlauea eruption left the much-used Pohoiki Boat Ramp landlocked. The state Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation finally awarded a contract for the dredging of 42,000 cubic yards of volcanic debris that will create a channel from the boat ramp to the Pacific Ocean.

Big Island Now.

Scientists Fixing Blurry Kīlauea Summit Webcams

Water and spiderwebs were removed from the webcams overlooking Kaluapele in order to ensure clear views of Kīlauea caldera.

Big Island Video News.

November Rainfall a One-Day Deluge

Much of the Big Island received normal to near-normal rainfall totals in November. In some areas, however, especially in East Hawaiʻi, much, if not most fell on Nov. 4.

Tribune-Herald.

Maui Headlines

Honuaʻula Project Yanked From Friday’s Council Agenda Over ‘Procedural Requirement’

Bills 171 and 172 would amend land-use and development standards for the 670-acre South Maui development, formerly known as “Wailea 670.” A public hearing on the bills was also canceled.

Maui Now.

The Long Crusade to Build a West Maui Hospital Hits Another Snag

West Maui is 40 minutes away from the nearest hospital. And now, there’s concern that the county may be backing out of plans to help build a hospital there. The idea has been around for at least a couple decades. But as construction inched closer to becoming a reality, the county declined to guarantee bonds to get things going, saying officials needed more time to evaluate the financial feasibility of the project.

Civil Beat.

Survey to Help Identify Locations Most in Need of Reliable, High-Speed Internet on Maui, Molokaʻi and Lānaʻi

As part of the Connect Kākou Initiative, the County of Maui is inviting residents of Maui, Molokaʻi and Lānaʻi to take a brief survey on their internet access and use, devices used, community resources needed and household demographics.

Maui Now.

Kaua‘i Headlines

Kapa‘a Woman Indicted by Federal Grand Jury for Scheme to Defraud Coronavirus Assistance Program

A 46-year-old Kaua‘i woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury on 8 counts including wire fraud, aggravated identity theft and other crimes in connection with an alleged scheme to defraud a Garden Isle coronavirus pandemic rental and utility assistance program.

Kauaʻi Now.