Hawaiʻi Jobless Claims, Tourism Jumped in Last Federal Closure

Unemployment claims jumped in Hawaiʻi, but so did visitor arrivals, the last time the federal government struggled through a partial shutdown six years ago through the holidays.

Star-Advertiser.

Gov. Green Lays Out His Priorities in Current Political Climate

A federal government shutdown looms as Congress goes down to the wire on a Friday night deadline to deal with the budget.

Hawaiʻi Public Radio.

Income Tax Cuts Set to Kick in

Hawaiʻi taxpayers should have a happy New Year as the first of a series of historic tax cuts takes effect in January. Each year until 2031, the new tax plan will eliminate the lowest tax brackets, reduce the tax rates for all brackets, and increase the standard income tax deduction.

Tribune-Herald. Maui News.

UH Initiative Aims to Provide Accessible Cancer Care Across the State

The University of Hawai‘i Cancer Center and the John A. Burns School of Medicine have launched the Ka ‘Umeke Lama initiative to address health disparities and access to care in the state.

Hawaiʻi Public Radio.

HECO’s Report on Maui Wildfires Mirrors Prior Investigations

Utility does not dispute earlier findings its equipment started the fire that destroyed much of Lahaina in 2023. Hawaiian Electric Co. added to the pile of reports on Thursday, filing a 59-page accounting to the Hawaiʻi Public Utilities Commission that provided no new information about the cause of the blaze or the companyʻs response.

Civil Beat.

O‘ahu Headlines

Developer Releases New Renderings of New Aloha Stadium Project

New Aloha Stadium developers said that their goal is to have a venue that people can visit 365 days a year.

KHON2.

Aid Soon on Its Way to Dillingham Businesses Hit Hard by Rail Construction

The city is getting closer to providing relief to businesses derailed by construction along Dillingham Blvd.  The Rail Transit Mitigation Fund, announced in July, hasn’t paid anyone yet because the city had to develop rules, a way accept applications, and award the funds.

KHON2.  

Surge in Pedestrian Crashes on Oʻahu Highlights Disturbing Trend

Between Jan. 1, 2024 and Dec. 11, 2024, Honolulu EMS responded to 137 pedestrian crashes — a number that has already surpassed last year’s total of 121. That’s a 13% increase. And the year’s not over. Meanwhile, the Honolulu Police Department says fatal crashes are up nearly 40% from 11 in 2023 to 15 so far this year.

Hawaii News Now.

United Flight Attendants Rally at Honolulu Airport Before Travel Rush

United flight attendants held a labor picket Thursday at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in advance of the busy holiday travel rush when travelers don’t want to think about disruptions and delays.

Star-Advertiser.

Hawai‘i Island Headlines

Hilo Jail Expansion Unveiled

Corrections officials, dignitaries and other prominent community members gathered Thursday at Hawaii Community Correctional Center’s main Hilo campus to dedicate the brand-new Kamana Housing Unit.

Tribune-Herald. Big Island Now.

Maui Headlines

Land Board Rejects Revetment Proposal for Hololani Resort Erosion

By a narrow 4-3 vote, the Board of Land and Natural Resources rejected a request last week from Hololani Resort apartment owners seeking an amendment to 2018 board action for a sheet pile and rock revetment to protect the property from shoreline erosion.

Maui Now.

Maui County Recognized for Budget Presentation, Financial Reporting

Maui County recently received awards for distinguished budget presentation and excellence in financial reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association.

Maui News. Maui Now.

Transgender-Related Policies Proposed for Maui Preparatory Academy Face Backlash

The proposed rules would require students to use he/she pronouns only and no alternatives will be acknowledged. Restrooms would be used based on biological birth gender and students would only be allowed to dress themselves in the uniform of their birth gender.

KITV4.

Kaua‘i Headlines

County Council Celebrates Waterman Nick Beck

Nick Beck received the Kauai County Council’s commendation during the Wednesday council meeting for his induction into the Outrigger Duke Kahanamoku Foundation Waterman Hall of Fame.

Garden Island.