Hotel, Cruise Ship Tax Hike Aims to Reduce Wildfire, Climate Risk

Tourists would collectively pay millions of dollars more each year to stay in Hawaiʻi hotels and on cruise ships to help the state address climate change and reduce the risk of future wildfires under a bill approved Tuesday by the full House.

Star-Advertiser.

Vaccines Urged as Hawaiʻi Confirms Measles Case in Child Under Five

Hawaii’s first case of travel-related measles in the state this year has been confirmed, while the number in the U.S. surges beyond 600. The state Department of Health on Tuesday announced the measles case in an unvaccinated child on Oʻahu who recently returned from international travel with family.

Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Big Island Video News.

Tax Bills Win Preliminary Approval From Hawaiʻi Lawmakers

It’s a big week at the Legislature — we’re just on the precipice of the conference committee process, where lawmakers from both chambers meet to reach agreements on dozens of bills. We’re starting to get a clearer picture of what’s moving. So far, that includes measures to legalize sports betting and increase a slew of state taxes.

Civil Beat.

State Lawmakers Endorse Subsidized Housing for State Employees

House Bill 1298 proposes to provide grants and loans to develop leasehold condominiums on state land in transit-oriented development areas, predominantly for state workers with moderate incomes, as a way to help recruit and retain employees.

Star-Advertiser.

$170 Million Hawaii Hurricane Relief Fund Hopes to Help Associations With Insurance Shortfalls

Officials are now meeting weekly to try and get the Hawaii Hurricane Relief Fund up and running by June 1 in an effort to help to condo owners this summer. The state’s acting insurance commissioner says it still has to find an operator, and the board is still finalizing guidelines on who will get aid first.

KHON2.

O‘ahu Headlines

State and Honolulu County in Negotiations Over Major Land Deal

At the center of the deal is city-owned land under the Ali‘i Place office tower. Both the city and state government have had their eye on for years due to its close proximity to both the state Capitol and Honolulu Hale, which could make it a convenient new home for government offices and even lawmakers during major renovations.

Hawaii News Now.

Investigation Underway After Service Member Found Dead at Wheeler Army Airfield

A death investigation is underway at Wheeler Army Airfield after a service member was found dead inside a vehicle. Records reveal the discovery was made Friday in a parking lot off Amelia Earhart Street. It’s unclear how long the decedent had been there. Sources confirm the man’s body showed signs of decomposition.

Hawaii News Now.

HPD’s Austin Ewaliko Suspended After Allegedly Releasing NYE Fireworks Explosion Information

A five-year veteran of the Honolulu Police Department had his police powers suspended after he allegedly pulled information about the investigation into the deadly Jan. 1 Aliamanu fireworks explosion and gave it to suspects.

Star-Advertiser. Hawai‘i Public Radio.

Crummy Conditions Plague O‘ahu Park, Garden

A group of volunteers just wants to grow their own food, but they say they are dealing with threats, damage and unsanitary conditions at Makiki District Park.

KHON2.

Hawai‘i Island Headlines

Mayor Kimo Alameda Delivers State of the County Address

The mayor said his administration has had “the best start ever”, as he touted several accomplishments over the past four months. Mayor Alameda also talked about the proposed 2025-26 budget, which includes estimated revenue and appropriations of $937 million, an increase of 1.8% percent over the current fiscal year.

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

ACLU Files Amicus Brief on Police Failure to Record Interrogations

In a Hawaiʻi Supreme Court case involving the Hawaiʻi County police, the ACLU of Hawaiʻi requests the law require police to record custodial interrogations.

Big Island Video News. 

Hawai‘i County Reaches Agreement With Nonprofit to Address Treated Sewage Entering Big Island Waters

Hawaiʻi County is taking steps to address treated sewage discharged from the Kealakehe Wastewater Treatment Plant flowing into Honokōhau Small Boat Harbor six miles south of Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport.

Big Island Now.

Hawaiʻi County Seeks to Study How Waikoloa Evacuates During a Disaster

Hawaiʻi County wants to move around some federal funds in order to pay for a new Waikoloa Village evacuation study. The study would estimate how long it takes residents to escape the village in the event of a disaster like a wildfire or a hurricane.

Hawaiʻi Public Radio.

Maui Headlines

Residents Oppose Lahaina Rebuild Over Pool, Water Concerns

A number of Maui residents testified Tuesday against a proposal by a Lahaina property owner to substantially rebuild a two-story house to what it was before the August 2023 wildfires. Several objected to the continued use of a swimming pool, citing concerns over the limited availability of water in the area. Others raised questions about the seawall fronting the property.

Maui News.

Maui County Residents Invited to Sign Up for New Evacuation Planning Platform

Residents and visitors of Maui County are encouraged to download the app, which will allow users to view predetermined evacuation zones, track live statuses and receive real-time notifications.

Hawaiʻi Public Radio.

Maui Emergency Management Agency Lays Out Progress and Plans for Fiscal 2026

Maui County Council members heard about progress and plans for future needs Tuesday from the Maui Emergency Management Agency, a little over one and a half years after the August 2023 wildfires disaster.

Maui Now.

Kaua‘i Headlines

Additional Lane, Road Closures and Water Service Shutdown Planned in Various Areas

Here’s a look at some additional upcoming lane and road closures, along with a water service shutdown planned around the Garden Isle during the next week.

Kaua‘i Now.