Hawaiʻi Lawmakers Appear Poised to Crack Down On Pay-to-Play Politics
Lawmakers are working to outlaw political donations from people who win government contracts.. But key supporters of the legislation still need to come to an agreement on critical points including how contractors and nonprofit organizations will have to report who their officers and close family members are and whether that information will be kept secret from the public.
Hawaiʻi Rep. Ed Case Angers Democrats Over ‘Proof Of Citizenship’ Vote
The U.S. House passed a bill Thursday mandating proof of citizenship to vote in federal elections. Acceptable documents would be a valid U.S. passport and a government-issued photo ID alongside a certified birth certificate. U.S. Rep. Ed Case, D-Hawaiʻi, along with three other Democrats joined Republicans to support the measure.
Cruise Industry Fights Back Against Proposed Taxes
An effort to increase taxes on cruise ships has drawn a legal threat from the industry, and executives say if their customers have to pay more, they may stop cruising here. Lawmakers say they are only proposing that cruise ship passengers pay the same taxes as other visitors.
Counties Could Lose Some Oversight Over Affordable Housing Developments
State lawmakers are advancing a measure that would not allow county councils to impose conditions or median income restrictions stricter than the ones established by the state — if those conditions will increase the cost of the project. The measure would also not allow counties to reduce fee waivers for these projects.
This Houseless Village in Wai‘anae Keeps Twinkle’s Vision Alive
Before she died, Twinkle Borge selected leaders for Pu‘uhonua o Wai‘anae. They’re holding the harbor community together as a permanent village is built.
Mayor Says City Now Negotiating With Landowner for New North Shore First Responder Center
Those attending Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s town hall meeting Thursday were greeted by a large LED screen that touted a plan to build a first responder center across from Kapoo, also known as Sharks Cove.The parcel would be big enough for ambulance and ocean safety services, and maybe more.
Empty Apartments Will Soon Be Home to Oʻahu’s Most Vulnerable
For more than three years, 27 brand new low-income apartments have sat empty in the heart of Iwilei. Despite Hawaii’s housing crisis, red tape created by the way the City chose to fund the project kept it from meeting requirements to move people in.
Hotel Workers Reach Tentative Agreement With the Modern Honolulu
Nearly 150 workers at The Modern Honolulu, represented by UNITE HERE Local 5, have reached a tentative agreement on a new contract. Highlights include significant wage increases, enhanced job security, and improvements related to workload.
NAIOP Hawaii’s Kukulu Hale Awards spotlight Hawaii’s CRE Industry, May 2nd
Hawaii’s premier association for the commercial real estate industry honors those who have contributed to the state’s economic growth and community enrichment.
Part of Aliʻi Drive Could Become One-Way Under Parking Proposal
This weekend, Kona residents will have a chance to discuss a plan to convert part of Aliʻi Drive in Kailua Village into a one-way street in order to create additional parking. Hawaiʻi County Mayor Kimo Alameda will provide an update on the Aliʻi Drive proposal during the Mālama Kailua Village community event this Saturday, April 12th.
Finding the Hidden Dangers Lurking in Your Office Setup
Alexander MacGregor uses his training in occupational therapy to redesign workspaces and prevent conditions such as carpal tunnel, sciatica and neck pain.
More Maui County Employees, but Where Do They Park? No Comprehensive Plan, Yet
Maui County Council Member Nohelani Uʻu-Hodgins had that question in mind Wednesday afternoon when the Department of Management came before the Budget, Finance and Economic Development Committee as part of the annual department-by-department review of fiscal 2026 budget proposals. In total, Mayor Richard Bissen’s proposed budget is $1.5 billion.
An effort to help alleviate Maui’s dire shortage of affordable housing by having a state agency acquire and convert commercial buildings to partial residential use has come up short at this year’s Legislature but still might produce results.
Maui preschoolers welcomed a special visitor this week as Hawai’i Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke visited new classrooms at Haʻikū Elementary and Kīhei Elementary.
Waimea 400 Affordable Housing Master Plan Workshop Rescheduled
A community workshop for the Waimea 400 Affordable Housing Master Plan is now scheduled for 5 to 7 p.m. today in the cafeteria at Waimea Canyon Middle School, located at 9555 Huakaʻi Road in Waimea, after being postponed from its original March 6 date.
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kh6jrm@gmail.com
I am the retired news director of Pacific Radio Group stations on the Island of Hawaii. I am a retired Lt. Col., USAF Reserve. I am a FCC-licensed Amateur Radio Operator, holding the Amateur Extra Class License. I am a substitute teacher for the state of Hawaii Department of Education.
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