Defense Secretary Stops in Hawai‘i as Part of Pacific Tour

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is on O‘ahu to meet with Pacific military leaders to discuss China and other security priorities in the region. Images released by Hegseth and the military on social media indicate he went to U.S. Indo-Pacific Command headquarters at Camp Smith, where he met with INDO­PACOM chief Adm. Samuel Paparo and other members of the military’s senior leadership in the Pacific.

Star-Advertiser. Associated Press.

Gender Wage Disparities Still Persist in Hawai‘i

Despite progress over the decades, data shows that women in the state still earn less than men, particularly in higher-paying occupations and among certain ethnic groups.

Star-Advertiser.

State to Open Prisons and Jails for Inspection of Mental Health Services

Twenty of the 23 state Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation positions for psychologists are vacant. Last year, five Hawaiʻi inmates died in suspected or confirmed suicides — the highest number since 2016. Now, a pair of national psychiatric experts are tasked with helping our state figure out how prisons and jails can be improved.

Civil Beat.

Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority Names New Interim Leader

The Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority has announced a leadership change as interim president and CEO Daniel Nāhoʻopiʻi resigned on March 21 after 18 months in the role and over a decade in other leadership roles within the HTA.

Hawaiʻi Public Radio.

Pandemic in Hawaiʻi’s Rearview Mirror, but COVID ‘Still With Us’

More than five years since COVID-19 was declared a pandemic, throwing Hawaiʻi and the world into chaos, memories of the traumatic events for many have become a blur in the rearview mirror.

Star-Advertiser.

O‘ahu Headlines

Honolulu City Charter Commission Officially Convenes

After a decade-long absence, a 13-person panel charged with proposing ballot amendments to potentially change the City and County of Honolulu’s constitution officially convened Monday.

Star-Advertiser.

Army Launches Uber Pilot Program on O‘ahu

Soldiers and their families in Hawai‘i might have an easier time getting on and off base, whether it’s going to the airport or getting home safe after a wild night out, with a new pilot program the Army is launching in partnership with Uber.

Star-Advertiser.

Blaisdell Concert Hall, Waikīkī Shell Welcome Back Events After Renovations

Two of Oʻahu’s iconic entertainment venues, the Neal S. Blaisdell Concert Hall and Tom Moffatt Waikīkī Shell, have finished long-awaited renovations.

Hawai‘i Public Radio.

City Closes Ahihi Street Footbridge Due to Safety Concerns

The City and County of Honolulu’s Department of Design and Construction (DDC) has closed the Ahihi Street footbridge indefinitely due to damage to its metal railings. The city said the bridge was built in 1975 and is located on Ahihi Street between Kamanaiki and Nihi streets.

Hawaii News Now.

School Harassment Case Could Cost Hawaiʻi Taxpayers $150K

The state of Hawaiʻi is preparing to pay $150,000 to settle a lawsuit filed by a middle school principal who claimed the education department didn’t take safety threats against her seriously and retaliated against her for filing a sexual harassment complaint.

Civil Beat.

Hawai‘i Island Headlines

Former Mayor Roth Joins Central Pacific Bank

Former Hawai‘i County Mayor Mitch Roth has joined Central Pacific Bank as senior vice president and Hawai‘i Island region manager. He is based in the bank’s Hilo branch.

Tribune-Herald. Big Island Now.

Kona Community and Kohala Hospitals Launch Rebrand Amid Ongoing Efforts to Grow Services

Kohala Hospital and Kona Community Hospital are getting a brand makeover with new logos that Hawaiian cultural practitioners helped design.

Big Island Now.

Maui Headlines

Maui Advocates Hope for Change After Ruling Says State Failed to Protect Iwi Kūpuna

A new court ruling claims the state mishandled its archaeological permitting process and failed to protect iwi kūpuna (ancestral remains) at a Maui development site.

Hawaii News Now.

Online Survey to Rate County’s Funding Priorities

The survey is being released as Maui County Council prepares to review the mayor’s proposed 2026 budget, which runs from July 1 to June 30, 2026.

Maui News.

Bill for Test Well Near Launiupoko Advances

Maui County Council members are looking at what might be a potential source of fresh water near Lahaina that hasn’t been used as much since sugarcane was cultivated by the Pioneer Mill Company.

Maui News.

Kaua‘i Headlines

Applications Open for Second Building in Kai Olino Affordable Housing Project on Kaua‘i

After delayed construction due to a fire, an affordable housing project in ‘Ele‘ele has finally begun accepting applications.

Kaua‘i Now. Hawaii News Now.