Lawmakers Likely to Let Big Pay Raises Take Effect Without Public Hearings

There is still time for the Legislature to hold public hearings on proposed raises for lawmakers, judges, the governor and other state officials, but there is a good chance any further objections from the public will be smothered.

Civil Beat.

Hawaiʻi Jurors Could Get a Pay Bump to $50 a Day for Their Service

Lawmakers advanced a bill that would pay jurors $50 each day they spend in court. They currently receive $30.

Hawaiʻi Public Radio.

Housing Authority Wants to Dump Evicted Tenants’ Things More Quickly

Under a bill that’s part of Gov. Josh Green’s legislative package, the housing authority could get rid of tenants’ stuff after 14 days. Currently, it must hold onto them 30 days.

Civil Beat.

State House Lawmakers Defer Hate Crime Bill

The House Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs deferred a bill Tuesday that would broaden the current definition of a reported hate crime and push more resources to recording hate crime data and training law enforcement officers.

Star-Advertiser.

How Trump’s Economic Policies Are Roiling Hawaiʻi’s Economy

Economists struggle to predict the fallout, while tourism, construction and retail businesses seek their own paths through upheaval.

Civil Beat.

O‘ahu Headlines

Honolulu Mayor to Give State of the City Address

Bold plans in the city’s agenda will be shared during Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s State of the City Address on March 18.

KHON2.

Hawaiʻi Senators Want More Accountability For Aloha Stadium Spending

But they are declining to advance provisions that would have defunded the stadium and given the money to the University of Hawaiʻi instead.

Civil Beat.

Amid Concerns About Campus Violence, Police to Come to Oʻahu Schools

Students were more likely to be arrested on a campus with a school resource officer, according to Department of Education data.

Civil Beat.

Some Places in Hawaiʻi Falling Into Sea Faster Than Others

A study by researchers at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa also highlights that as sea level rises, the infrastructure, businesses and communities in these low-lying areas are at risk of flooding sooner than scientists anticipated — particularly in certain urban areas of Oʻahu.

Kauai Now.

Hawaiʻi Sports Media Legend Cindy Luis, dies at 70

Luis was a trailblazer for women in media here in Hawaiʻi throughout her career. As she became the first woman sports editor of a daily newspaper in Hawaiʻi.

Star-Advertiser. KHON2.

Hawai‘i Island Headlines

Astronomy Could Be In Jeopardy Amidst Federal Cutbacks

While it is still too early to predict how cuts to the National Science Foundation will impact the observatories’ operations, the situation could eliminate the U.S. as a competitive player in global astronomy.

Tribune-Herald.

Hawaiʻi Island Manhunt Ends With Suspect Killed in Shootout With Police

The manhunt for Christopher Lucrisia, a 39-year-old fugitive accused of shooting a Hawaiʻi Police Department officer midday Friday, ended Sunday afternoon when police reported him dead after a shooting involving an officer.

Star-Advertiser. Big Island Video News. Hawaii News Now.

Hilo Bay Watershed Management Plan Is Sought

The Hawaiʻi County Department of Research and Development announced Wednesday that it is requesting proposals from contractors to develop a “Hilo Bay Resilience and Watershed Management Plan.”

Tribune-Herald.

Lava Buyouts Program Is Winding Down

A Hawaiʻi County program offering to purchase Puna residents’ lava-damaged properties should finally wrap up this year. The Voluntary Housing Buyout Program launched in 2021 to offer residents whose properties were damaged, destroyed or isolated by the 2018 Kilauea eruption.

Tribune-Herald.

Maui Headlines

$1.6B in Federal Recovery Funding Coming to Maui Will Focus On Housing

If all goes as planned, $1.6 billion in recovery funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development will help the Lahaina community get back on its feet. It’s known as Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery funding, and it comes with strict requirements.

Hawaiʻi Public Radio.

First $1.5M Payment Has Been Made to the Estate of a Maui Wildfire Victim as Part of State’s $175M One ʻOhana Fund

Gov. Josh Green announced the initial disbursements from the $175 million One ‘Ohana Fund, a key initiative of the Maui Wildfires Compensation Program. This fund was created to provide direct financial relief to the families of those who lost loved ones and to individuals who suffered serious physical injuries in the Maui wildfires.

Maui Now.

Kaua‘i Headlines

Revitalization Plan in Works for Milk Production on Kauaʻi

One of the biggest local growers of fruits and vegetables, Aloun Farms, is seeking legislative backing to establish a dairy farm on Kauaʻi described as a project to “revitalize” Hawaiʻi’s dairy industry.

Star-Advertiser.