Hawaiian Airlines Announces More Job Cuts

The airline expects additional cuts as it integrates operations with Alaska Air. Hawaiian Airlines said it has sent pink slips to 61 Hawaiʻi-based employees as the company continues to cut non-union jobs after its merger with Alaska Airlines.

Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser.

House GOP Wants a Stand-Your-Ground Law for Hawaiʻi

Republicans in the Hawaiʻi House of Representatives are advocating for bills this session that they believe have appeal beyond party ideology. That includes what is described as a stand-your-ground measure that would remove the current legal requirement to retreat prior to using lethal force.

Civil Beat.

Hawaiʻi Lawmakers Vow to Stabilize Property Insurance Market as Climate Change Fuels Higher Premiums

Hawaiʻi lawmakers began a new legislative session Wednesday with a vow to try to stabilize the state’s property insurance market as hurricanes, wildfires and other climate change-influenced disasters at home and elsewhere prompt insurance carriers to raise rates.

Associated Press. Hawaiʻi Public Radio.

Senator Defends ‘Māhū’ Remarks in One of Two Controversies on Legislature’s Opening Day

A Republican who defied convention with a speech that called two transgendered leaders māhū, and a rookie Democrat who challenged leadership alone provided some unexpected drama on the Hawaiʻi Legislature’s usually tradition-bound opening day.

Hawaii News Now.

Nurses Unions Call for Law Regulating Staffing Ratios

The leaders of three unions representing more than 5,000 nurses joined forces Thursday at the state Capitol to rally for legislation ensuring safer standards of staffing at Hawaiʻi hospitals.

Star-Advertiser. Big Island Now. KITV4.

O‘ahu Headlines

Opponents Voice Concern Over Possible Wahiawa Landfill

A top Honolulu official defended the actions taken by Mayor Rick Blan­giar­di’s administration to site the next municipal solid waste landfill on an active pineapple field in Central Oʻahu, directly above the island’s freshwater aquifer.

Star-Advertiser.

Mo’ili’ili Residents Plead with City for Relief from Parking Meters

Honolulu City Councilmember Scott Nishimoto said the city is considering alternatives such as a residential parking program so residents won’t be charged $1.50 an hour to park on Isenberg Street near their homes.

KITV4. 

Honolulu Police Officer Arrested After Allegedly Strangling Roommate

According to department officials, officer Timothy Massie has been stripped of his police powers. The 29-year-old is now free on bail, suspected of misdemeanor abuse.

Hawaii News Now.

Hawai‘i Island Headlines

Subaru Telescope Gets a Significant Upgrade

The Subaru Telescope on Maunakea will be able to observe more than 2,000 celestial objects at once with a new instrument that will go online in February.

Tribune-Herald. Big Island Now.

County Signs Lease to Relocate Hilo Fire Station

With the Central Fire Station in need of significant repairs, fire personnel and equipment will relocate to 1382 Kīlauea Avenue under a five-year lease.

Big Island Video News.

Maui Headlines

Legislative Measure Would Have State Acquire All West Maui Water Systems Through Eminent Domain

The state Department of Land and Natural Resources would be required to acquire all West Maui water systems through eminent domain and then hold them in trust for the management by Maui County, according to a bill introduced this legislative session.

Maui Now.

State Proposes New Route for West Maui Highway

The state Department of Transportation has selected a preferred six-mile route in its pursuit of an alternative to the two-lane coastal Honoapiʻilani Highway in West Maui.

Maui News.

Maui County Receives $15.43M Grant for West Maui Greenway Project

The County of Maui was recently awarded a $15.43 million grant from the federal government to support the first phase of the West Maui Greenway, a project that will contribute to several key areas of Lahaina’s recovery from the 2023 Maui wildfires.

Maui Now.

Kaua‘i Headlines

Wilcox Meeting with Federal Mediator

Wilcox Medical Center announced in a Wednesday afternoon release that the hospital will meet with a federal mediator separately from the Hawaii Nurses Association before a face-to-face meeting.

Garden Island. Kauai Now.

Vendors, Patrons Trying to Save Princeville Farmers Market After Complaint Shuts It Down

A recent citizen’s complaint regarding zoning prompted the shutdown of the popular Princeville Farmers and Artists Market, leaving vendors on the North Shore of Kaua‘i scrambling after being cut off from a vital source of income.

Kauai Now.