Report: Hawai‘i’s Population Has Been Rebounding Thanks to Locals Returning Home

The state’s yearslong population decline turned a corner in 2023, boosted by a net gain in Hawaiʻi-born residents returning home, a University of Hawaiʻi economist reported on Wednesday. The report based on census data shows more people moved to Hawaiʻi from the U.S. mainland than moved away from the islands in 2023. It’s a marked reversal of a trend that began in 2018.

Civil Beat.

Registration Tax Could Increase for Hawaiʻi Vehicles Over 4,000 Pounds

State lawmakers are considering increasing the tax on registering large vehicles from 2 cents a pound to 3 cents to fund the Safe Routes to School Program.

Hawaiʻi Public Radio.

Most Bills Aimed At Child Welfare Protections Moving Forward in the Legislature

Recent high-profile cases involving child abuse and neglect have prompted calls for stiffer penalties and more preventive measures that state lawmakers are tackling in the state legislature’s final month.

Hawaii News Now.

Hawaiʻi Public Libraries Brace for Possible Federal Funding Cuts

The Trump administration has taken aim at the Institute of Museum and Library Services, which could affect federal funding that goes to the Hawaiʻi State Public Library System.

Hawaiʻi Public Radio.

Hawaiʻi Businesses Brace for Fallout From Trump’s New Tariffs

Mom-and-pop businesses across Hawaiʻi could close their doors and consumers will soon face higher prices for everyday items after President Donald Trump announced an across-the-board minimum 10% tariff on most imports, which went into effect Wednesday night, local business and government officials say.

Star-Advertiser. KITV4.

O‘ahu Headlines

City’s ‘Monster Homes’ Enforcement Improve, Audit States

The Honolulu Department of Planning and Permitting has improved the way it reviews, permits, inspects and thwarts large detached dwellings from being illegally built on O‘ahu, a city audit found.

Star-Advertiser.

New Law Limits Street Closures, Festivals in Waikīkī

A new law will limit the number of street festivals that can be held in Waikīkī. Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi signed Bill 50 into law Wednesday.

Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Council Suggests 4% Sewer Fee Boost for Oʻahu Instead of 10-Year Increase Plan

The Honolulu City Council is considering a short-term boost in sewer fees instead of a substantial increase.

Hawaiʻi Public Radio.

Honolulu Rail’s Next Segment to Open by October

The second segment of Rail is less than six months away from opening to the public if all goes according to plan. Service will extend to Middle Street and open up access to a couple of important job centers.

KHON2.

School Sex Abuse Case From the ’70s Could Cost State $330K

In the 1970s, a security officer at Highlands Intermediate School groomed and sexually abused male students. Administrators found out after a couple of years, but he wasn’t fired for another year. Two former students have sued the Department of Education and the state has agreed to settle the lawsuit for $330,000.

Civil Beat.

Discharge Into Storm Drain Leads to Notice of Violation for O‘ahu Company

An incident involving the discharge of water into an East Honolulu storm drain is prompting a notice of violation to O‘ahu company HTM Contractors.

Hawaii News Now.

Hawai‘i Island Headlines

Divided Big Island Council Signs Off 5-4 on Police MOUs With Feds

The Hawaiʻi County Council just OK’d a controversial measure to allow the mayor to sign agreements between the island’s cops and federal law enforcement agencies. This comes amid concern about immigration enforcement operations in Hawaiʻi and across the nation, so the council added language stipulating that the agreements do not authorize local officers to enforce immigration laws.

Civil Beat.

Bill to Clear Hawai‘i Island Marijuana Arrests Is Sent to Governor’s Office

If signed into law, House Bill 132 would make it easier for the Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center under the Attorney General’s Office to continue a pilot program that clears the arrest records of small possessions of marijuana on Hawai‘i Island.

Star-Advertiser.

Kona Apartment Building to Serve Residents Experiencing Homelessness

HOPE Services Hawai‘i has officially acquired the Kani Leʻa apartment building, expanding its efforts to provide permanent, affordable housing in West Hawai‘i.

Big Island Video News.

Contract Expires for Nurses at Queen’s Hospital on Big Island

The contract for nurses at Queen’s North Hawai‘i Community Hospital in Waimea has expired, but negotiations have entered a fourth month.

Star-Advertiser. Big Island Now.

Maui Headlines

Surfing Could Become a Statewide Sanctioned Sport in Hawaiʻi High Schools Under Proposed Bill

On Maui, state-sanctioned high school surfing meets have been happening since 2014. But that has not been the case elsewhere in Hawaiʻi, a place known worldwide for its great breaks and surfing champions.

Maui Now.

New Tree Hub at Kahului Airport Helps Wildfire Survivors Replant Lost Landscapes

One of 24 spaces like it on the island, the hub provides free trees to residents rebuilding their homes in Kula and Lahaina, allowing them to replant the species that once shaded their yards before the 2023 fires.

Maui Now.

Lana‘i Celebrates Grand Opening of Skatepark and Blessing of Youth Center

Maui County dignitaries joined local skaters and hundreds of people from the community for the blessing and grand opening of the Lāna‘i Skatepark and Youth Center on Saturday in Lāna‘i City.

Maui News Now.

Kaua‘i Headlines

Community Input Sought on Kaua‘i’s Updated Mitigation and Resilience Plan

The County of Kaua‘i is updating its Multi-hazard Mitigation and Resilience Plan to address impacts of natural hazards affecting the Garden Isle as well as the county’s capability to mitigate those risks.

Kaua‘i Now.

Protecting Kaua‘i From Invasive Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle

Allowing the Coconut rhinoceros beetle to proliferate could be devastating to the island’s agricultural industry.

Kaua‘i Now.