State Rep. Gene Ward Is Retiring Due to Health Concerns

Ward, a Republican, has been the longest-serving member of Hawaiʻi’s House of Representatives, after being in public service for more than three decades, including more than 27 years working for his constituents in District 18 that encompasses Hawaiʻi Kai, Kalama Valley and Portlock.

Hawaiʻi Public Radio. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.

Hawaiʻi Tax Credits Scrutinized by State Lawmakers

Hawaiʻi lawmakers have been busy this year assessing whether there should be more or fewer ways to earn state income tax credits, a year after approving historic tax cuts that ramp up through 2031.

Star-Advertiser.

More of Hawaiʻi’s House Members Juggle Family and Work

An unusually high number of state House members — Rep. Chris Todd counts “at least” 14 out of 51 — are juggling long days and often long nights this legislative session while raising infants and elementary school-age children, sometimes inside the state Capitol itself.

Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiʻi Poised to Significantly Expand Amount of Red Light/Speed Cameras Across the Islands

The total cost of the expansion is expected to cost between $10 million to $15 million, according to the Hawaii Department of Transportation. These intersections are located on Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi Island, Kauaʻi, Maui, Molokaʻi and Lānaʻi.

KITV4.

Hawaiʻi’s Economic Growth Has Been Stunted Since Recovering From Pandemic

It’s been five years since Hawaiʻi’s economy got broadsided by COVID-19 impacts, and about 18 months since state economic health surpassed its pre-pandemic level. Yet corona­virus aftereffects continue to play out.

Star-Advertiser. 

O‘ahu Headlines

New City and State Homeless Directors Face Monumental Task

At last count, homelessness rose in Hawaiʻi after falling for several years. But many in the service community say strong vision and a comprehensive plan can counterbalance high turnover in top positions.

Civil Beat.

Outdoor Dining Is Set to Become a Permanent Option for Oʻahu Restaurants

Dining al fresco may become more common at Oʻahu restaurants with the Honolulu City Council’s passing of Bill 1 to make the outdoor dining services program permanent.

Hawaiʻi Public Radio. 

Council OKs Ewa Beach Affordable Rental Project

Kaleimao Village, a public-private partnership to convert a vacant city-owned property in Ewa Beach into 127 units of affordable rental housing has advanced.

Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Lawyer in Illicit Marshallese Adoptions Barred From Practicing

A Honolulu attorney who was part of a black market pipeline offering babies from the Marshall Islands for adoption has been barred from practicing law. The Hawaiʻi Supreme Court put Laurie Loomis on inactive status last month “due to incapacity.”

Civil Beat.

Youth Facility Can Spend Up To $80,000 On Fast Food

For the third year in a row, the Hawaiʻi Youth Correctional Facility’s kitchen is understaffed, so it is turning to plate lunches for emergency meals.

Civil Beat.

Free State Program Helps Oʻahu Residents Rid Little Fire Ants From Their Homes

If you’re an Oʻahu resident and have a problem with little fire ants, you can get some help for free. The state Department of Agriculture has launched a $1.1 million program to help eradicate infestations of the ants, treating around 600 homes on the island.

Hawaiʻi Public Radio.Hawaii News Now.

Hawai‘i Island Headlines

State Commission Delays Decision on Rate Increase for Private Utility Company on Big Island

After hearing more than two hours of online testimony on Thursday evening, the Public Utilities Commission decided to seek more written testimony before deciding whether to approve temporary rate increases requested by the privately-owned Punalu‘u Water and Sanitation utility.

Big Island Now.

County Council Passes Pilot Program to Allow Mobile Vendors Along a Stretch of Highway in Kona

The Hawaiʻi County Council on Wednesday voted for a pilot program that would authorize special activity permits for commercial vendors on the ocean side of Ane Keohokālole Highway in Kailua-Kona.

Big Island Now.

Trailhead Management Plan Published for “Overly Loved” Pololū

The management plan “aims to preserve its cultural, historical, and environmental resources while ensuring accessibility for future generations.”

Big Island Video News.

Maui Headlines

Uncertainty Over Federal Funding Cuts Hangs Over the Upcoming Budget Talks for Maui County

Mayor Richard Bissen will deliver the fiscal year 2026 budget to the council on Tuesday, giving the nine members about three months to hammer out a final product that will balance the wildfire recovery in Lahaina and Upcountry with other pressing needs of Maui, Lānaʻi and Molokaʻi.

Maui Now.

Maui Humane Society Program Helps Dogs Shine, Creating a National Model for Success

The shelter’s Kama’āina Beach Buddies and Dogs on Demand programs give dogs a chance to escape the stressful kennel environment — and help them meet potential adopters along the way. It’s so popular it’s often booked out months in advance.

Hawaiʻi Public Radio.

Community-Led Coral Restoration Effort Launches in South Maui

A new Community-Based Coral Restoration Area, established in South Maui, is offering damaged corals a chance to recover from rising ocean temperatures, sediment pollution and human activity.

Maui Now.

Kaua‘i Headlines

Mālama Kaua‘i Partners With Bette Midler on 87-Acre Agricultural Park to Help Farmers

Mālama Kaua‘i is working on an agricultural park on the East Side of the Garden Isle that will offer affordable, sublicensed farm plots on 87 acres fronting Olohena Road between Kapa‘a and the Wailua Homesteads.

Kauai Now. 

New Affordable Housing on Kauaʻi to Begin Accepting Applications

The project called Kai Olino Family Apartments in Eleele began accepting applications Thursday for its first building, with the deadline being set for Monday.

Hawaii News Now.

New Kuleana Work Space Dedicated

The Kuleana AI Lab was dedicated by Kumu Sabra Kauka and the Kuleana leadership team on Saturday morning at the site of the former First Hawaiian Bank, Kukui Grove branch.

Garden Island.