Government Reform Bills Move Ahead

Bills aimed at clamping down on campaign contributions from government contractors while separately providing more public money to run for political office remain alive following a key Senate committee hearing Tuesday, joining other bills aimed at government reform that continue to move through the Legislature.

Star-Advertiser.

Revelations Renew Calls For Government Accountability

House and Senate leadership have little to say about the subject of a federal bribery investigation giving one of their 2022 colleagues $35,000. Advocates want lawmakers to reduce the influence of special interests by publicly financing campaigns and banning donations from government contractors and their families. Both of those measures are under consideration this session, which is scheduled to end May 2.

Civil Beat.

Midwifery Bill Advances but Causes Confusion

After months of fluctuating support and opposition, two Senate committees passed a controversial bill Tuesday that would potentially criminalize unlicensed attendants of a home birth who engage in midwifery duties, causing confusion and concern among lawmakers and the midwife community.

Star-Advertiser.

Lawmakers Want Changes in HTA as New Board Members Confirmed

The two newest members of the Hawaii Tourism Authority board were officially confirmed by a Senate committee on April 1. But lawmakers first demanded some changes throughout the entire organization.

KHON2.

Not Enough Workers to Deal With Uptick in Hawaiʻi SNAP Benefit Applications

The state Department of Human Services said it has a 25% vacancy for eligibility workers and 50% for clerical staff at SNAP processing centers.

Hawaiʻi Public Radio.

O‘ahu Headlines

City Council Identifies $25M in Cuts to Vacant Positions to Help Fund Sewer Projects

The council is reviewing Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s budget for the next fiscal year and is looking to cut expenses — largely to pay for other projects like wastewater infrastructure.

Hawaiʻi Public Radio.

City’s Proposed Sewer Fee Increase Hits Roadblock in Council

Plans to raise sewer fees more than 100 percent over 10 years are hitting a wall at the Honolulu City Council. A key committee voted Tuesday to limit the raise and force the city to find other sources of money.

Hawaii News Now.

City Seeks Iwilei Properties to Redevelop Near Future Rail Station

City officials say they have started acquiring private properties to create affordable housing and transit-oriented development in and around the city-owned Iwilei Center next to Dillingham Boulevard.

Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

City Plans to Finish Waiʻanae Police Station, but It May Not Mean More Cops

Nine years after opening the station, the city is working to finish construction. But Honolulu is short on police, so there won’t necessarily be more officers on patrol.

Civil Beat.

New Parking Restrictions to Allow for Street Sweeps

The City and County of Honolulu is making an effort in Kailua to keep drains clear and the water safe by allowing street sweepers to come by every first Monday and Thursday of the month. These closures start at 9 a.m. and end at 1 p.m. During that time, drivers will not be able to park on one side of the street on applicable Mondays, while the other side of the street is closed only on applicable Thursdays.

KITV4.

Hawai‘i Island Headlines

Miloliʻi Homeowner Wins Lawsuit Against County

A Kona judge ruled Friday that the Hawaii County Board of Appeals erred when it sided with the Department of Public Works, which revoked a 2020 renovation building permit that was in effect after a man bought a small Miloliʻi Beach Lots house in a shoreline management area four years ago.

Tribune-Herald.

Renaming of Captain Cook Post Office in Honor of Fallen Soldier

More than 50 years after U.S. troops departed Vietnam, the post office in Captain Cook is being named after 1st Lt. John Kuulei Kauhaihao of Hōnaunau, who was killed in action during the war.

Big Island Now.

Kilauea Eruption Prompts Warnings of Volcanic Ash, Rock and Vog

Episode 16 of Kilauea’s ongoing eruption at Halemaumau Crater began late Monday night. U.S. Geological Survey is warning the public about hot pumice, ash and Pele’s hair that’s falling on the highway. Drivers in the area are urged to keep their windows fully rolled up, and not stop or get out of their vehicles.

Hawaii News Now. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News.

Maui Headlines

Maui County Council Digs Into the Mayor’s $1.5 Billion Spending Plan

The Maui County Council has begun scrutinizing Mayor Richard Bissen’s proposed $1.51 billion budget for next fiscal year, which begins July 1. The number of county job vacancies has emerged as an early issue for some members, including Council Chair Alice Lee.

Civil Beat.

Mayor Responds to Study Suggesting Housing Bill Cost Maui 1,900 Jobs or More

Mayor Richard Bissen said the proposal is not meant to be anti-tourism but is pro-resident. Bissen acknowledged that the transition would bring challenges, but the mayor contends delaying action will only make those challenges more severe.

Maui News. Maui Now.

What Lahaina’s Miracle House Tells Us About Building Fire-Resistant Homes

Building with the right materials saved homes in the Maui and Los Angeles wildfires, but many homeowners can’t afford the price.

Civil Beat.

Kaua‘i Headlines

Office of Economic Development Awards Second Year of Agriculture Expansion Grants

After a successful first year of funding, the grant program continues to bring more focus on building Kaua‘i’s agriculture portfolio by creating more direct support for the farming community.

Kauai Now.

Coworking Space Now Offers AI Programs to Improve Research, Education, Development

Kuleana.work coworking space in Līhuʻe has launched an AI Lab to provide a space for local entrepreneurs, students and community members to utilize artificial intelligence to benefit their lives.

Kauai Now.