Visitor ‘Green Fees’ Bill Passes House Committees

The House Tourism and Water and Land Committee passed the latest version of Senate Bill 439, which would allow the state Board of Land and Natural Resources to select certain state parks that would require a user fee, be adjusted over time for inflation and contribute to the state parks special fund.

Star-Advertiser.

HTA Scrambles to Fill Void After Departure of Another President and CEO

The Hawai‘i Tourism Authority has appointed Caroline Anderson as its new interim president and CEO following the resignation of its current interim top leader Daniel Naho’opi’i, who had been in the role for the past 18 months.

Star-Advertiser.

Dismantling of Department of Education Raises Concerns in Hawaiʻi

President Donald Trump’s widely expected executive order Thursday to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education was met with alarm and contempt from Hawaiʻi educators and the state’s Democratic congressional delegation who are worried about many federally funded programs supporting student loans, civil rights and low-income children.

Star-Advertiser. KITV4. 

Senate Judiciary Committee Set for Decision-Making on Sex Trafficking Bill Next Week

The Senate Judiciary Committee is scheduled for decision-making next week on a House bill that would authorize sex trafficking victims to file civil lawsuits against the perpetrators of what’s been called a “form of modern-day slavery.”

Maui Now.

O‘ahu Headlines

Proposed Sewer Fee Hikes Approaching on Oʻahu

Officials say the fees are rising because the city needs to complete $10 billion worth of projects in the next 15 years, including a $2.5 billion project at the Sand Island Wastewater Treatment Plant.

Hawaii News Now.

No Charges for HPD Officer in 2024 Shooting Death of Homeless Man

Prosecutors said officers tried to de-escalate the situation and use non-lethal force before shooting Brandan Maroney.

Civil Beat.

State Suddenly Swaps Contractor for Major Oʻahu Public Housing Overhaul

The Michaels Organization is to be replaced by Highridge Costa Development Co. The Hawaiʻi Public Housing Authority in 2023 hired Highridge Costa to tear down nine other public housing properties statewide and build 10,000 new affordable housing units in their place, a project called Ka Lei Momi.

Civil Beat.

Blaisdell Concert Hall Completes $10 Million in Phased Renovations

Reopening in early March after a nearly two-year closure, the 60-year-old concert hall at 777 Ward Ave. underwent $10 million in interior upgrades to enhance the entertainment venue’s back-of-house facilities and equipment.

Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Rail Project CEO Sets Sights on Opening Next Segment in October

The second segment runs a little over 5 miles from Aloha Stadium to Middle Street  and includes stops at Honolulu airport and Pearl Harbor.

Hawaiʻi Public Radio.

Hawai‘i Island Headlines

Kīlauea Puts on Dazzling Show With Lava Fountains Hundreds of Feet High

Lava from Hawaiʻi’s most active volcano created fountains that reached 700 feet Thursday during the latest episode of an ongoing eruption.

Associated Press.

Progress Made in Effort to Build Hilo Skatepark

Funding from Hawaiʻi County and the state totaling $6 million is bringing the decade-long effort to build Hilo’s first skatepark closer to fruition.

Tribune-Herald.

Maui Headlines

Mayor Stands Behind Request for Leave of Absence for Maui Police Chief

Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen said there was not any personal dispute between him and Police Chief John Pelletier when he recommended Pelletier take a leave of absence pending a civil lawsuit naming the police chief as a co-defendant.

Maui News. 

Transgender Students Have Strong Protections in Hawaiʻi. That May Not Last

A private school on Maui is restricting transgender students’ access to bathrooms and sports teams. Some advocates are worried that more schools might follow.

Civil Beat.

Kaua‘i Headlines

Kauaʻi District Health Office Open House Coming Soon

Department of Health staff will be available during the open house to share their work and talk about how members of the community can work together to identify and address public health issues.

Garden Island.