Hawaiʻi Agricultural Projects at Risk Amid Federal Funding Freeze

Hawaiʻi nonprofits and researchers involved in agriculture and climate projects find their work suddenly in limbo with a freeze on some U.S. Department of Agriculture spending, leaving them uncertain about the future of their work and staff. Nonprofits with federal grants say federal officials told them to delete references to climate change and Biden’s clean energy law from their websites. Among the projects caught up in the confusion is a Big Island botanical garden, a new nursery in Waimānalo and a University of Hawaiʻi lab researching indigenous agriculture.

Civil Beat.

Full State Senate to Vote on Several Bills Addressing Top Community Concerns

The measures — which now move to the full Senate for a final vote before crossing over to the state House — include actions to curb illegal fireworks, increase workforce development opportunities for residents, enhance the health and safety of electric bike users and stabilize the condominium insurance market.

Kauaʻi Now.

Nuclear Power Exploration Legislation Gains Steam

Two Senate committees this month have pushed forward a bill to establish a task force led by the state’s chief energy officer to study the feasibility of using advanced nuclear power technologies as part of achieving Hawaiʻi’s clean energy goals.

Star-Advertiser.

China Tariffs Could Hike Cost of Food, Luggage, Furniture, Clothing

The Trump administration’s 10% tariff on all goods shipped from China will be felt by Hawaiʻi businesses that import kitchen cabinets and wooden doors, sofas and lobster tanks, soy sauce and canned mushrooms, traffic cones and bulldozers. Many Hawaiʻi businesses rely on “just in time” shipments to keep their inventory low, which means they could see the effects of those tariffs soon. But experts say it’s unclear how much of the added costs will be passed on to consumers.

Civil Beat.

Businesses and Conservationists Square Off on Environmental Oversight in State Areas

Should boat tours, aquarium fishing and other activities in state-monitored areas be allowed before completing an environmental review? It’s something lawmakers are considering.

Hawaiʻi Public Radio.

O‘ahu Headlines

Police Union to Vote on COVID Hazard Pay Settlement

The union representing Honolulu police officers will vote on a COVID hazard pay settlement with the city worth more than $30 million with initial payouts of $20,000 “or more” by June 30.

Star-Advertiser.

Red Hill Illness Study Released After Apparent Half-Year Delay

A new military study shows Red Hill families had higher rates of migraines and esophagus problems after drinking contaminated water.

Hawaii News Now.

Hawaiʻi Spent $21,000 a Month to Power a Village of 20 Tiny Homes

Hawaiʻi’s push to open tiny home villages for homeless people has gotten people off the streets, but the state’s homelessness coordinator and an independent study have criticized high operating costs at some of the villages. That’s because they were opened before they were connected to municipal electricity, water and sewer systems. Monthly energy bills for one 20-unit village powered by a generator come to more than $1,000 per tiny home, five times the cost for the average full-sized home on Oʻahu.

Civil Beat.

Bill to Limit Number of Waikīkī Street Festivals Moves Ahead in City Council

In 2024 there were some 40 applications for street festivals, parades and other events that shut down Kalākaua Avenue in Waikīkī. The city approves most of those events to support celebrations and economic activity. But shutting down the main drag leaves other parts of Waikīkī in gridlock.

Hawaii News Now.

Hawai‘i Symphony Orchestra Turns to Lawmakers for Funding to Expand Musical Outreach

On Tuesday, the Senate Transportation and Culture and the Arts Committee advanced Senate Bill 441, which would recognize HSO as a state orchestra and grant it $500,000 for the next two years.

Hawai‘i Public Radio.

Hawai‘i Island Headlines

Lawmakers Want State to Buy 146-Acre Ka‘u Parcel for Farming

Senate Bill 1003 was introduced by a pair of Big Island Democrats — Kona Sen. Dru Kanuha and Kohala Sen. Tim Richards — and would allocate nearly $3 million to the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism to purchase a 146-acre agricultural parcel just west of Pahala.

Tribune-Herald.

Hawaiʻi County Task Force Continues to Combat Opioid Crisis With Collaborative Outreach

On Valentine’s Day, the Hawaiʻi Island Fentanyl Task Force will be hosting a sign waving to bring awareness of the overdose and addiction problem on the Big Island and be an open path for help. The sign waving is a reminder to the community that prevention, treatment, and recovery are possible.

Big Island Now.

Maui Headlines

Proposed UH Maui College Four-Year Nursing Program Moves Ahead in State Senate

A measure aimed at addressing a shortage of nurses on Maui by establishing a four-year nursing Bachelor of Science degree program at the University of Hawaiʻi Maui College has passed second reading on the Senate floor. Now, it’s headed to the influential Ways and Means Committee for decision-making on funding.

Maui Now.

$3.2M Released for Axis Deer Fencing in South Maui to Address Flood Risks, Environmental Concerns

State Sen. Angus L.K. McKelvey on Wednesday announced $3.2 million in Capital Improvement Project funds to design and construct axis deer fencing in South Maui.

Maui Now.

Kaua‘i Headlines

Council Addresses Nurse-to-Patient Ratios.

The Kauai County Council unanimously passed a resolution “urging the Hawaii State Legislature to Implement Safe Nurse-to-Patient Staffing Requirements for Hospitals” during its Kaua‘i County Council meeting on Wednesday.

Garden Island.

Waimea Town Celebration: 9 Days of Events for Every Part of West Kauaʻi

The 48th annual Waimea Town Celebration begins Saturday and will be as fun as ever with long distance canoe races, storytelling, rodeos, films, concerts and eating contests.

Kaua‘i Now.