Green Proposes a Federal Affairs Office to Make Hawaiʻi’s Case in DC

Is it time for the Aloha State to have a stronger presence in Washington, D.C.? The governor thinks so. He’s asking legislators for $1.3 million over the next couple of years to build out a five-person federal office to better advocate for Hawaiʻi’s needs, citing dramatic shifts in federal policy that have already unfolded under President Donald Trump’s administration.

Civil Beat.

Hawaiian Electric Execs Pocketed Huge Raises Despite $1.4B in Losses

In 2024, Hawaiian Electric’s net losses totaled $1.4 billion as investigators determined the company’s equipment sparked the devastating Maui fires and it agreed to pay out $1.9 billion to settle lawsuits. Still, executives pocketed hefty raises, some in the seven figures. Steering the utility from the brink of bankruptcy justified a $1.7 million raise for its CEO, the company said.

Civil Beat.

Canadians Cite Trump in Canceling Trips to Hawaiʻi

A small sample of once-loyal Hawaiʻi visitors from Canada have written to Gov. Josh Green and Hawaiʻi tourism officials that they canceled their latest trips to the islands because of President Donald Trump’s comments and actions toward their country.

Star-Advertiser.

Federal Funding Uncertainty Puts Climate Resiliency Bills in Jeopardy

Major initiatives that would have created a dedicated funding stream for climate resiliency are in jeopardy at the state Legislature. Uncertainty regarding federal funding is pushing lawmakers to make tough decisions.

Hawaiʻi Public Radio.

Hawaiʻi’s Construction Industry Braces for Trade War Fallout

Some Hawaiʻi businesses are feeling the fallout of President Donald Trump’s new tariffs. Now, all steel and aluminum imports, regardless of the country they came from, are subject to a 25% tariff. For China, that tariff is now up to 45% due to the existing tax.

Hawaii News Now.

O‘ahu Headlines

Honolulu Council Adopts Ban on Wheelies for E-Bikes, Motorcycles

A measure targeting the riders of electric bicycles, mopeds and motorcycles who perform stunts on public streets or roadways has successfully steered its way through the Honolulu City Council.

Star-Advertiser. KHON2.

Housing Opportunities Among Top Focus for Honolulu Officials in ‘25 and Beyond

With new housing opportunities on the horizon, including the 90-unit affordable Pensacola Maikiki Banyan Apartments (set to open next year at the corner of Pensacola and Wilder) and a 25-unit complex on Algaroba St. (offering studios and one-bedroom units with utilities included, opening in July), many believe progress is being made. However, the question remains: what more can be done?

KITV4.

Blangiardi’s Annual Address Highlights Honolulu Rail and Affordable Housing Progress

Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s fifth State of the City address was filled with plans, announcements and highlights of his efforts to help residents and improve city services during his second four-year term.

Hawaiʻi Public Radio.

City Councilmember to Ask for Police Chief’s Resignation if HPD Vacancies Hit 475

Honolulu City Councilmember Andria Tupola says police chief Joe Logan should step down if the number of vacancies in the Honolulu Police Department hit 475. As of March 1, HPD had 1,722 officers and 455 vacancies.

Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu Police Chief Apologizes for Silence Over Waikīkī Shooting

Honolulu’s police chief is apologizing for failing to inform the public about potential danger. This time, the department didn’t alert the public after an apparent shootout Sunday night in Waikīkī that might have involved an automatic weapon with the shooter or shooters still at large.

Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Hawai‘i Island Headlines

Hawaiian Volcano Observatory is Being Evicted Amid Federal Cuts

Uncertainty surrounds the future of HVO as the feds warned of plans to kick them out of their Hilo headquarters. Folks at the more than 100-year-old observatory and its parent agency, the U.S. Geological Survey, say staff will work remotely and remain committed to monitoring active volcanos across our islands. But where will the expensive equipment and field samples go?

Civil Beat.

Private Utility Company Requesting Temporary Water/Wastewater Rate Increases for Punalu‘u

Due to opposition of the further buildout of Punalu‘u Village, the private utility company’s owner has ceased further financial support for Punalu‘u Water and Sanitation and has requested rate increases for the approximately 100 households that use the private system.

Big Island Now.

Maui Headlines

County Department of Human Concerns Seeking Feedback on Community Needs

The County of Maui Department of Human Concerns is seeking resident feedback to improve existing services and identify needs for new services to support Maui County residents.

Maui Now.

Maui Police Commission Opts Against Putting Chief on Leave Over Diddy Lawsuit

The Maui Police Commission decided Wednesday against placing Maui Police Chief John Pelletier on administrative leave, as recommended by the mayor after the filing of a civil lawsuit in Northern California alleging Pelletier acted as an operative in 2018 for rapper Sean “Diddy” Combs to help hide his alleged sexual assaults.

Star-Advertiser. Maui News. Maui Now.

Children Displaced by Maui Fires Will Receive Playhouse at Temporary School

To support the children affected by the 2023 Maui wildfires, the nonprofit Maui United Way is funding the installation of a children’s playhouse at the temporary Kamehameha III School in Pulelehua.

Spectrum News.

Kaua‘i Headlines

County Engineering Division Now Offers Road Permit Applications Online

A road permit is required for any work within a county right of way. The county’s Department of Public Works Engineering Division recently launched an online application process for the permits on the Kaua‘i County website.

Kaua‘i Now.

Two New Renewable Projects Would Bring Kauaʻi Close to 80% Renewable Energy Within Three Years

Two new solar-plus-battery-storage projects being pursued by Kauaʻi Island Utility Cooperative would bring the Garden Isle close to 80% renewable energy before the end of this decade.

Kaua‘i Now.