Immigration Enforcement Measures Draw Support

Four state bills relating to immigration enforcement cleared their first legislative hurdle Wednesday, with all passed 7-0 by the House Committee on Economic Development and Technology. The bills would prohibit local law enforcers from complying with federal authorities in detaining individuals without a judicial warrant, bar the use of government land for detention facilities, establish a program for legal representation and notify detainees of their rights.

Tribune-Herald.

‘He’s a Liar.’ Green Outraged After Kennedy Denies Role in Samoa Measles Outbreak

Gov. Josh Green was in the U.S. Capitol hearing room Wednesday while Robert F. Kennedy Jr. denied Green’s allegation that he caused many deaths in Samoa by discouraging the measles vaccine. Green responded with profanity on national television.

Hawaii News Now.

Hawaiʻi Fourth Graders Show Math Gains Nationally

According to results released early Wednesday by the state Department of Education, Hawaiʻi was one of only 15 states to achieve a statistically significant increase in fourth grade math scores, surpassing the national average by 2 points for the second consecutive assessment.

Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiʻi Eighth in Health Foundation’s Ranking

Hawaiʻi ranked eighth-best among states in key health measures, according to America’s Health Rankings 2024 Annual Report — a drop from sixth place in 2023.

Star-Advertiser.

Senate Committee Puts UH Athletics Under the Microscope for $2M-Plus Deficit

The University of Hawaiʻi’s athletic department came under fire from senators after requesting an additional $3.2 million. The department ran up a deficit of over $2 million in its last fiscal year. The Senate Higher Education Committee asked UH officials what costs are driving the consistent deficit. But acting Athletic Director Lois Manin told lawmakers she did not have hard numbers. She noted that things like hazard pay and costs for name, image and likeness are pricey.

Hawaiʻi Public Radio.

O‘ahu Headlines

Kaka‘ako Makai Housing Bill Attracts a Flood of Testimony

A contentious bill to largely undo a state law prohibiting residential development on the peninsula in Kaka‘ako drew almost two-thirds more support than opposition at an initial public hearing Wednesday.

Star-Advertiser.

‘They Pulled Up in Unmarked Vans.’ Kapahulu Neighborhood Rattled After ICE Agents Arrest Neighbor

Amid Trump’s immigration crackdown across the country, Hawai‘i law enforcement teams have been hitting locations across O‘ahu daily, targeting those with criminal records.

Hawaii News Now. Star-Advertiser.

Women’s Court May Be Renewed on Oʻahu and Expanded to Other Islands

Hawaiʻi is looking to expand a program geared at helping nonviolent women charged with nonviolent crimes stay out of jail by connecting women with treatment and resources. It’s been such a hit on Oʻahu that advocates want to bring the program to the neighbor islands.

Civil Beat.

Spike in E-Bike Accidents Prompts Rise of New Law

The Honolulu City Council passed Bill 52, a measure that aims to establish clear safety guidelines for bicycle riders and pedestrians.

KHON2.

OCCC Guard Pleads Guilty to Importing Illegal Aerial Fireworks

Gilchrist Fernandez, 35, pleaded guilty to importing aerial devices without a license, and a “criminal attempt” at discharging aerial devices of 25 lbs or more without a license between Nov. 9, 2022, and Dec. 6, 2022, according to state court records.

Star-Advertiser. Associated Press. KHON2.

Some Dillingham Businesses Frustrated Over Requirements for Rail Impact Grant

The city is now accepting applications for a grant to support businesses affected by rail construction on Dillingham Boulevard, but some business owners say the requirements are too strict.

Hawaii News Now.

Hawai‘i Island Headlines

Woman Struck by Vehicle on Highway 11 in Kurtistown Dies From Injuries

Hawai‘i Police Department reports the 21-year-old woman struck by a vehicle Jan. 22 near the 10-mile marker on Highway 11 in Kurtistown has died. She was identified as Jahnya Serquina-Octubre of Mountain View.

Big Island Now.

Waipiʻo Valley Road to Be Closed

Hawai‘i County Civil Defense says Hawai‘i Police Department reports Waipiʻo Valley Road in Hāmākua on the east side of the Big Island will be closed at 6 a.m. Thursday (Jan. 30) because of the flood watch in effect for the island. Waipiʻo Valley residents and farmers are authorized to access the valley.

Big Island Now.

Maui Headlines

Attorneys Reach Agreement in $4B Maui Wildfire Settlement

A trial was set for Wednesday morning and several victims were prepared to testify. Instead, Judge Peter Cahill was told that attorneys have come to an agreement. The dispute was over how much of the $4 billion settlement would go to victims who hired individual attorneys, and those who prefer to join a class action with a small group of lawyers. Wednesday’s deal is not the end of it.

Hawaii News Now.

Senate Bill Would Transfer Māla Wharf and Kīhei Boat Ramp to Maui County

Dissatisfied by state Department of Land and Natural Resources’ management of small boating facilities, West and South Maui Sen. Angus McKelvey has drafted a bill to transfer maintenance and operations of Māla Wharf in Lahaina and the Kīhei Boat Ramp to Maui County. Under the bill, the County could set permit fees to generate revenue for the facilities’ upkeep.

Maui Now.

Kilohana Temporary Housing Site Has Long-Term Goals to Support Maui’s Housing Crisis

Kilohana consists of 167 modular units on 20 acres of state-owned property in Lahaina. Positioned next door to Ka Laʻi Ola, a temporary housing development project that aims to support up to 1,500 wildfire survivors for the next five years, these homes have been developed and stationed over the past few months, and are expected to be fully occupied by the beginning of February.

Maui News.

Kaua‘i Headlines

‘Red Sky in the Morning, Sailors Take Warning’: Major Winter Storm to Bring Possible Flash Flooding, Damaging Winds

There is an unusually strong winter storm expected to pass just north of Kaua‘i as it marches east, bringing with it a significant threat of severe weather during the next couple of days.

Kaua‘i Now.