Survey Launched for Hawaiʻi Flock Owners, Bird Rescuers

Health officials are inviting Hawaiʻi residents who come in contact with birds to participate in a new survey concerning bird flu. The DOH says the survey will be anonymous and is already accessible online.

Big Island Video News. Big Island Now. Hawaii News Now.

Winter 2024 Hawai‘i Perspectives Report Identifies Cost of Living as Top Concern

Pacific Resource Partnership has released the Winter 2024 edition of Hawai‘i Perspectives, a comprehensive survey capturing the voices of more than 900 residents across all four counties.

Maui Now.

Bill Seeks to Gather More Accurate Data on Hate Crimes in Hawaiʻi

Lawmakers are considering a measure that would redefine a reported hate crime as any reported incident that might be motivated by bias or prejudice. Currently, an incident is only reported as a hate crime if it results in a criminal charge.

Hawaiʻi Public Radio.

Half of Hawaiʻi Kids Can’t Swim. Little Is Being Done to Help Them

Drowning is the leading cause of death for keiki ages 1 to 15 in the state. We have the second-highest rate of resident drownings in the nation, but efforts to address the problem have been mostly left up to community organizations with limited funding and uneven reach.

Civil Beat.

O‘ahu Headlines

Honolulu Officials Charged in Kealoha Retirement Payout Case

Honolulu’s former managing director, corporation counsel and chair of the Police Commission were charged with misdemeanor conspiracy by the U.S. Department of Justice on Monday for their handling of a $250,000 retirement payment in 2017 to former Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha, according to federal court documents.

Star-Advertiser. KITV4.

Honolulu Mayor Submits $5.14B Budget Package

Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s administration has released a $5.14 billion budget package for fiscal year 2026 that the city claims will address affordable housing, homelessness and public safety services on Oʻahu.

Star-Advertiser.

Senators Kill Another Attempt at Lifting Residential Ban on Kakaʻako Makai

State senators nixed a controversial measure that would have allowed the Office of Hawaiian Affairs to build high-rise housing along the waterfront area of Kakaʻako, also called Kakaʻako Makai. The state transferred the land to OHA in 2012, but residential development on the property is banned.

Hawaiʻi Public Radio. Star-Advertiser.

Pricey Honolulu Police Robot Dog Is Out of Service

Remember when Honolulu police dropped $150,000 on a robot dog thanks to pandemic-era federal funding? At first, the idea was to use the dog to take people’s temperatures at a city-run homeless encampment, which apparently happened a total of 100 times. Despite police assurances that the robot would be used for years to come, the HPD hasn’t used “Spot” for about three years.

Civil Beat.

Hawai‘i Island Headlines

USAID Cuts Hit Research That Could Help Kona Coffee Growers

The Synergistic Hawaiʻi Agriculture Council said a $6 million U.S. Agency for International Development grant to develop coffee trees resistant to the fungal disease coffee leaf rust has been halted.

Hawai‘i Public Radio.

Downtown Policing Discussed; More Foot Patrols Planned

About two dozen people attended a public meeting with East Hawai‘i Community Policing Section officers last Wednesday at the Mokupāpapa Discovery Center in downtown Hilo.

Tribune-Herald.

Maui Headlines

Public Input Sought for Maui’s Long-Range Transportation Plan Update

The draft plan is available for public review at mauimpo.org, where comments may also be submitted. Feedback can also be shared via email at getinvolved@mauimpo.org before the public comment period closes on March 29, 2025.

Maui Now.

County Department of Parks and Recreation Recruiting for Pool Guard Trainees

The County of Maui Department of Parks and Recreation is recruiting pool guard trainees as part of an initiative to provide future water safety professionals with the skills, knowledge and hands-on experience necessary to ensure safe and enjoyable experiences for all swimmers.

Maui Now.

‘We’re Very Sorry’: Disney Actress Apologizes After Posting Video Touching a Turtle on Maui

Actress China Anne McClain, known for her roles in multiple Disney productions, is apologizing after she recently posted a video gently touching resting turtles on Maui.

Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Kaua‘i Headlines

New Mural Honors Crash Victim While Raising Awareness Against Impaired Driving

It was organized by Keep It Flowing, a Hawai‘i nonprofit that aims to spread safety education through art and collaboration.

Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Police Activities League to Put On Middle School Track Meet

Kaua‘i Police Activities League, in collaboration with Island School and Iwi Kua, announced the Mayor’s Youth Track Meet event for middle schoolers, providing an opportunity for young athletes to showcase their talents and compete in a fun and supportive environment.

Kaua‘i Now.