Homeless “Repatriation” Pilot Program Could Become Permanent

Popular and successful efforts that have returned over 800 homeless people to the mainland since 2015 would become permanent if either of two bills in the state Legislature becomes law this session. House Bill 212 and Senate Bill 360 would focus on people with mainland ties who ended up homeless in the islands and are willing to go back, with the state paying half the cost of their airfares.

Star-Advertiser.

Trespassing, Theft, Vandalism: Hawaiʻi Farmers Want to Be Able to Defend Themselves

State lawmakers are moving along measures to curb crimes on farms, including those that would establish a “stand your ground” law on agricultural lands to give farmers and ranchers more ability to defend themselves.

Hawaiʻi Public Radio. KHON2.

Testimony Over Gender-Affirming Care Bill Gets Heated

Lawmakers with the Senate committees on Commerce and Consumer Protection and Health and Human Services heard a flood of support Tuesday for Senate Bill 1150, which would let children get gender-affirming health care services in Hawaiʻi without other states getting in the way.

Hawaii News Now.

Acasio, 7 Others Sue State House

A former state senator from Hilo is suing the state House of Representatives, accusing the legislative body of violating the state Constitution by holding a Rules Committee meeting behind closed doors.

Tribune-Herald.

O‘ahu Headlines

A 15-Year Extension of Honolulu Rail Tax Advances in the Senate

A Senate committee approved a bill Tuesday to extend the half-percent excise tax surcharge for rail for another 15 years, a politically volatile move that could lead to billions of dollars in additional funding for the city’s Skyline project. It could raise $5 billion and continue the line to Ala Moana.

Civil Beat.

Honolulu Mayor Hires New Homeless Coordinator

Honolulu’s newest homelessness czar will be Roy Miyahira, a retired operations manager who spent much of his career at Nestlé Waters in California. Miyahira is taking on a big job. The city’s unsheltered homeless population doubled during the past decade, and much of the local response entails acquiring more shelter space.

Civil Beat.

Council Ponders Bill on Revenue-Generating Sponsorships

For the second time in nearly 10 years, a Honolulu City Council measure that would allow private sponsorship of city parks and other public facilities is drawing concern from some in the community who fear the legislation will clear the way for large billboards and other outdoor advertising signs that could mar the natural beauty of Oʻahu.

Star-Advertiser.

Miske’s Half Brother Gets 20 Years in Federal Prison

The 37-year-old half brother of Michael J. Miske Jr. was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison Tuesday for his role in the criminal organization that sold drugs, committed murder-for-hire, robberies, assaults and used chemical weapons against the opposition.

Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Body of a 72-Year-Old Woman Found in Kapahulu Dumpster

An investigation is underway after a body was found in a dumpster in the Kapahulu area on Tuesday morning, February 11. An autopsy has been scheduled and the investigation remains ongoing.

KITV4. KHON2. Star-Advertiser.

Hawai‘i Island Headlines

Sewage Plant Prompts Emergency Proclamation

Mayor Kimo Alameda signed an emergency proclamation Tuesday in preparation for a potential failure of the Hilo Wastewater Treatment Plant in in Keaukaha.

Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now.

Kimo Alameda Talks Priorities in His First Year as Hawaiʻi Island Mayor

Kimo Alameda unseated Mitch Roth in the 2024 election for Hawaiʻi County mayor. Alameda and the other three county mayors are presenting their respective requests to state lawmakers this legislative session.

Hawaiʻi Public Radio.

Proposal May Result in More Parking at ʻAkaka Falls

Landowner and businessman Tirtha Luitel has requested that the county permit him to convert about 18,000 square feet of a 98-acre parcel near ʻAkaka Falls State Park into a 49-stall paid parking lot.

Tribune-Herald.

Kealakehe Regional Park Project Drags On

Efforts to move the Kealakehe Regional Park project forward are underway, but a construction date has not been announced, county officials said.

West Hawaii Today.

Maui Headlines

Environmental Assessments Online for Public Review Including Wākiu Master Plan in East Maui

Public comments are due March 10 for the state Department of Hawaiian Home Lands’ draft Wākiu Master Plan for development of approximately 656 acres south of the Hāna Airport for department beneficiaries.

Maui Now.

Maui Residents Can’t Find Housing. Neither Can Their Cats and Dogs

Immediately after the August 2023 wildfires displaced 12,000 people on Maui, animal welfare groups across the country stepped in to help pets with nowhere to go. But in more recent months, the Maui Humane Society has struggled to find locals who will take in animals. Nikki Russell, the shelter’s chief of operations, says people are struggling to find housing for themselves, and pet-friendly units are even harder to come by.

Civil Beat. Maui Now.

Lānaʻi Culture & Heritage Center Focuses on Restoration Around Island Heiau

This past weekend the Lānaʻi Culture & Heritage Center brought together a group of volunteers to a sacred and remote heiau, where restoration efforts have been underway for the past nine years.

Maui News.

Kaua‘i Headlines

Public Input Sought on Preferred Site for New Kauaʻi Community Correctional Center

Land off Māʻalo Road in Līhuʻe, owned by Grove Farm, was identified by the state as the preferred site. The location offers about 20 to 30 acres of usable land, access to infrastructure and proximity to critical support services, including Kaulu I Ka Pono Academy, a treatment and education facility for at-risk youth.

Kaua‘i Now. Hawaii News Now.