Experts Puzzle Over What the National ‘Chaos’ Might Do to Hawaiʻi’s Economy

The state Council on Revenues is tasked with projecting tax revenue. But in an update yesterday, they said they’re unsure what to make of recent events in Washington, D.C. when it comes to tariffs, tax policy, layoffs and the stock market. One key takeaway from their report: A recession could be in the cards for Hawaiʻi over the next few years.

Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser. Big Island Now.

Hawaiʻi Governor Reveals What President Trump Told Him About Criticism

Gov. Green paraphrased his conversation with President Trump: “He said, and it was quite interesting, as long as I’m not being rude to him, I should do whatever I think is best regarding his secretaries.”

Hawaii News Now.

Hawaiʻi School Libraries Are Shrinking When Students May Need Them Most

In an age where misinformation runs rampant, research skills have never been more important. Yet just 60 certified school librarians remain in our state. Big Island will have only one certified school librarian as of next year. It’s a sign of the times — budget shortfalls and shifting priorities have shuttered libraries across the state.

Civil Beat.

Smaller Vehicles Could Solve Hawaiʻi’s School Bus Shortage

House Bill 862, which crossed over to the Senate and remains alive, would allow motor coaches, small buses and vans to take children to and from school. The legislation was prompted by the abrupt cancellation of bus routes just before the start of the past two schools years, sending thousands of children and their families scrambling.

Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiʻi Foodbank Expecting Cuts From Federal Funding as Need Continues to Grow

The Hawaiʻi Foodbank is hoping for the best but preparing for the worst if it takes a hit from federal budget cuts, possibly affecting thousands of residents. Officials said the foodbank receives about 20% of its budget from federal funds, receiving about $6.6 million worth of food from federal assistance last year.

KHON2.

O‘ahu Headlines

$76M COVID-19 Hazard Pay Settlement Finalized With Two City Unions

At a special meeting Wednesday, the City Council unanimously voted to authorize and resolve temporary hazard pay, or THP, claims for affected employees and members of the State of Hawaii Organization of Police Officers and United Public Workers of Hawaii, who performed essential government functions during the pandemic.

Star-Advertiser.

City Considers Selling Rail Station Naming Rights to Offset Costs

As more stations get added to Honolulu’s rail system, city officials are considering the idea of selling naming rights for some stations as a potential source of revenue to help offset rising costs to operate Skyline. Currently, laws against outdoor advertising limit how much advertising the rail and bus systems can sell.

Hawaii News Now.

New Honolulu Director of Homeless Solutions Shares Ideas to Help Residents Get Off the Streets

The City and County of Honolulu has hired Roy Miyahira as the new Director of Homeless Solutions. More data, as well as a command center that could get real time counts of O‘ahu’s homeless population using drones and AI, are some of the new director’s ideas.

KITV4.

Danger on the Road as Speed Cameras Capture Alarming Number of Speeders

It’s full speed ahead for the speed camera program now in the second week of its warning period. Transportation officials said the numbers are staggering, with about 20,000 warnings a week spread across the 10 camera locations in Honolulu.

Hawaii News Now.

Hawai‘i Island Headlines

Immigration Enforcement Hits Kona

Immigration Customs Enforcement agents have been on the Big Island recently conducting what the federal agency says is an operation to locate undocumented children who are in the United States without their parents. But four children in two separate incidents were taken into custody when all of the minors were living with a parent.

Big Island Now.

Life of Influential Hawaiʻi Politician Heléne Hale Showcased in New Children’s Book

Longtime educator and author Barbara Hilyer has a new children’s book out that examines the life of Heléne Hale, a fixture in Hawaiʻi politics for half a century.

Hawaiʻi Public Radio.

Maui Headlines

Mayor Bissen Highlights Fire Recovery Efforts, Lays Out Priorities in State of the County

In his third State of the County address, Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen described the county as “determined.”

Maui News.

While Drawing Praise, Mayor Bissen’s Speech Also Raises Questions About Funding, Open Positions

Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen’s State of the County address Friday received praise for delivering a positive message and remembering those who died in the 2023 Lahaina wildfire as well as those who risked their lives to help others, but the mayor’s remarks also raised questions among some Maui County Council members.

Maui News.

Maui Council Acts to Fill Vacancies Paralyzing County Boards

Empty seats have hamstrung the volunteer boards that handle everything from homelessness and government ethics to planning and police accountability. But there’s hope on the horizon after the Maui County Council passed an ordinance paving the way to fill these vacancies.

Civil Beat.

Kaua‘i Headlines

Some Bryan J. Baptiste Sports Complex Courts to Be Closed for Resurfacing

Kaua‘i County Department of Parks and Recreation is notifying the public that the dual-use tennis and pickleball courts as well as a basketball court at Bryan J. Baptiste Sports Complex in Kapa‘a will be closed from March 17 through September for resurfacing work.

Kaua‘i Now.

Waimea Canyon Middle School Shines at Leadership Summit

Waimea Canyon Middle School leadership students made an impact through their participation in the State Middle-Level Student Leadership Summit, which was recently held at the Hilton Hawaiian Village on O‘ahu.

Garden Island.