Point in Time Count to Skip Unsheltered Homeless This Year

Hawaiʻi’s Continuums of Care will forgo this year’s unsheltered Point in Time Count — a key measure of homelessness conducted annually since 2012, though the sheltered count will proceed as planned.

Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiʻi Hotels Could House California Fire Survivors

Gov. Josh Green said Hawaiʻi has around 25,000 hotel rooms statewide. But he said thousands of those rooms are empty and could be used to house displaced fire survivors.

Hawaii News Now.

Hawaiʻi Democrats and Republicans Vow Collaboration in 2025

State House Democratic and Republican leaders have announced that they are in lock-step when it comes to “shared values” on the eve of Wednesday’s opening of the 2025 legislative session, while Senate Democrats say they are committed to collaborating with their Republican colleagues.

Star-Advertiser. Kauai Now.

Solving Hawaiʻi’s Housing Crisis Front and Center in New Legislative Session

Zoning regulations, use of public funds to spur housing construction are among different approaches to addressing housing needs on the agenda in 2025 session.

Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Hawaiʻi Legislature Will Again Focus on Illegal Fireworks

Clamping down on illegal fireworks and changing outlaw pyrotechnic behavior will be the early focus of the legislative session that begins Wednesday following the deaths of five people — including a 3-year-old boy — and injuries to dozens more that marred New Year’s Eve celebrations.

Star-Advertiser.

O‘ahu Headlines

Honolulu City Council ‘Reaffirms’ Opposition to Landfill Over Aquifer

Over 20 years ago a prior Honolulu City Council passed a resolution that stated municipal solid waste landfills should not be located in proximity to Oʻahu’s underground drinking water sources.

Star-Advertiser.

How Recruiting More Women Could Help Police Solve a ‘Staffing Crisis’

Leaders say implementing policies, like paid maternity leave, could help bring more women to the force and improve policing overall.

Civil Beat. 

Fireworks Amnesty Event Collects Scores of Unused Explosives

In response to the deadly New Year’s Eve explosion, the state Department of Law Enforcement said it collected more than 500 pounds of illegal fireworks.

Civil Beat. KITV4.

Queen’s Nurses Move Up Strike Time Monday Amid Talks

The strike was originally scheduled to begin at 11 a.m. Monday, but both HNA and Queen’s management subsequently agreed to a start time of 7 a.m. If there is a strike, it would continue through Thursday at 6:59 a.m.

Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Honolulu’s Newest Affordable Housing Site Breaks Ground in Punchbowl

The newest affordable housing site sits at the corner of Pensacola and Wilder Streets and will be home to a 90-unit development.

KHON2.

Visitors Asked to ‘Stay Out of Lanikai,’ During Kailua Roundabout Construction

The city is asking visitors and residents to stay out of Lanikai and go to another beach instead. Parking restrictions are now in effect to reduce congestion during a major construction project in Kailua.

KHON2.

Hawai‘i Island Headlines

Big Island Lawmakers Talk About Legislative Priorities for Upcoming 2025 Session

From cleaning up iconic Banyan Drive in Hilo to remodeling the Kohala courthouse, Big Island lawmakers are looking forward to advocating for the needs of their constituents during this year’s legislative session.

Big Island Now.

Hawaiʻi County Council Could Join Call for Free School Meals Statewide

The Hawaiʻi County Council could urge the state Legislature to implement a universal free school meals program for public school students statewide. A resolution introduced by the council said that Hawaiʻi Island has the highest rate of food insecurity in the state, but the issue is statewide.

Hawaiʻi Public Radio.

Home Sales Up Compared to Last Year

According to multiple listing service data, there were 2,009 single-family homes sold on the island in 2024, a 3.6% increase over 2023. Those sales also generated 22.3% more money than 2023 sales, with more than $2 billion spent purchasing single-family residences last year.

Tribune-Herald. 

Aloha Petroleum Lease Extension Put on Hold

A lease snafu could cause Aloha Petroleum’s Waiakea fuel depot property to revert back to the state.

Tribune-Herald.

Maui Headlines

Expediting the Rebuilding of Homes in Lahaina’s Downtown Without Compromising Historic Character

Maui County is trying to expedite rebuilding by easing up on shoreline requirements, proposing changes at the State Legislature and taking things off the plate of the Cultural Resources Commission, which has struggled to meet for months over quorum issues.

Maui Now.

Feds to Give Maui $1.6B for Wildfire Recovery

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development on Friday announced a grant award to Maui County for the funding, which can be used for homeowners to replace lost residences, to build affordable rental housing, to improve infrastructure including roads and utility systems, and to benefit small businesses, schools and health care.

Star-Advertiser.

State Sets Jan. 15 Deadline to Complete Interim Housing Applications

The deadline to complete applications for the Hawaiʻi Interim Housing Program, also known as HIHP, for Maui residents displaced by the August 2023 wildfires is Jan. 15.

Maui News.

Kaua‘i Headlines

Princeville Park Dispute Shutters Kaua‘i Farmers Market

A neighbor’s complaint triggered an investigation by the county Planning Department. The park is recreational use only.

Civil Beat.

Wilcox Nurses to Strike for 3 Days This Week

The strike begins at 7 a.m. Tuesday, keeping with the legal requirement to give their employer 10 days advance notice, and continue until 6:59 a.m. Friday.

Kauai Now.