Bill to Close Pay-To-Play Loophole in Hawaiʻi Moves to Full House

State legislators are seeking to close a 20-year-old loophole that has allowed government contractors to donate to politicians despite a law that purports to ban such contributions.

Civil Beat.

Stakes Are High as Maui Wildfire Settlement Case Goes Before Supreme Court

The Hawaiʻi Supreme Court on Thursday is scheduled to hear a case that will impact Hawaiʻi’s economy regardless of which side wins. The results could be bankruptcy for the state’s biggest electric utility or rising insurance premiums.

Civil Beat. Associated Press.

Journalists Blast Bill Proposing Regulations

A bill introduced in the Hawaiʻi Legislature would establish a state-sanctioned journalistic code of ethics and create a Journalistic Ethics Commission and Journalism Review Board that could fine journalists and ban them from covering state government.

Tribune-Herald.

Lawmakers Consider Delivery Fees to Support Pedestrian and Biking Infrastructure

Senate Bill 1124 would establish a “retail delivery safety fee” for stores that make home deliveries. It would tack on $0.50 to businesses for non-food deliveries, and the fees collected would go into the state’s Safe Routes to School special fund to pay for safety projects.

Hawaiʻi Public Radio.

Hawaiʻi Lawmakers Push for Stricter Fireworks Regulations

Various state Senate committees passed bills Wednesday that would increase fines and penalties for people who fire off illegal pyrotechnics and also make it easier for law enforcement to cite and arrest them and for prosecutors to win convictions.

Star-Advertiser. KITV4.

O‘ahu Headlines

New Strategic Housing Plan for Oʻahu Is Launched by City

Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s plan calls for the merger of the existing Mayor’s Office of Housing with the existing city Department of Land Management — to create the new Department of Housing and Land Management — to supposedly centralize and streamline the city’s development, finance and policy efforts.

Star-Advertiser. KHON2. KITV4.

OHA, Lawmakers Try Again to Lift Residential Ban on Kakaʻako Makai Lands

A bill aiming to lift a state law banning residential development at the waterfront area of Kakaʻako on Oʻahu cleared its first hurdle in the state Legislature. If Senate Bill 524 becomes law, OHA could develop two 400-foot buildings on that land.

Hawaiʻi Public Radio.

Military and Local Agencies Practice Kolekole Pass Evacuation Route

On Wednesday, a large convoy of vehicles drove up Lualualei Naval Road and across Kolekole Pass to Schofield Barracks as part of a “full-scale” exercise.

Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.  KITV4.

Hawai‘i Island Headlines

Study Confirms Sewage Leaks in Keaukaha

Sewage in Keaukaha is leaching into groundwater 10 times faster than previously believed, according to a study by University of Hawai‘i scientists.

Tribune-Herald.

HCC Adopted Resolution Urging Humane Action to Deal With Potential Avian Flu Outbreak

The Hawai‘i County Council unanimously adopted a resolution that urges state agencies to work with local poultry farmers to humanely deal with potential avian flu outbreaks.

Big Island Now.

Maui Headlines

Waivers Aim to Streamline Lahaina Rebuilding

Maui Mayor Richard Bissen announced Wednesday that the county will temporarily suspend Special Management Area rules for properties mauka of Front Street or outside of the erosion hazard line — a move that is expected to accelerate reconstruction efforts and support Lahaina’s wildfire recovery.

Star-Advertiser. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now.

Rental Requirement Begins March 1 for FEMA Direct Housing Participants

Wildfire survivors currently in FEMA’s Direct Housing Program will be required to begin paying rent on March 1, 2025. The rental requirement will be in effect for the remainder of FEMA’s housing assistance program, which has been extended through Feb. 10, 2026.

Maui Now.

Family of Fallen Maui Firefighter Demands Changes

The family of fallen Maui firefighter Tre’ Evans-Dumaran spent the two-year anniversary of his death chanting outside the county building. His mother has filed a lawsuit against the county and his captain stating her son did not have any protection when he was ordered to go near the storm drain while no one’s life was in danger.

Hawaii News Now.

Kaua‘i Headlines

Lion Dance Performances Slated to Welcome Year of the Snake on Kaua‘i

Saam Fu Chinese Cultural Arts of Honolulu is coming to the Garden Isle this week to continue celebrating Chinese New Year with traditional lion dances at several venues.

Kaua‘i Now.