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.

Civil Beat.

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.

Hawaii News Now.

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.

Hawaii News Now.

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.

Hawaiʻi Public Radio.

Senators Question Qualifications Of Governor’s Picks For Education Board

Gov. Josh Green withdrew one of his nominees to the Board of Education the day before senators were set to vote on his confirmation.

Civil Beat.

O‘ahu Headlines

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.

Hawaii News Now.

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.

Hawaii News Now.

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.

Hawaii News Now.

Hawai‘i Island Headlines

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.

Big Island Video News. Big Island Now.

30 Megawatt Solar Project Begins Operations In Waimea

The Innergex Renewable Energy, Inc. Hale Kuawehi Solar and Battery Storage Project began commercial operations on March 25th.

Big Island Video News.

ACLU Seeks Required Recording of Police Interrogations

Hawaiʻi Supreme Court will hear oral arguments on State v. Zuffante on Thursday at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo.

Star-Advertiser.

Maui Headlines

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.

Maui Now.

Maui Housing Conversion Endeavor Stalls

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.

Star-Advertiser.

Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke Visits Maui Preschools

Maui preschoolers welcomed a special visitor this week as Hawai’i Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke visited new classrooms at Haʻikū Elementary and Kīhei Elementary.

Maui News.

Kaua‘i Headlines

Kauaʻi Businesses Fear ‘Breaking Point’ With Interisland Shipping Rate Hike

Young Brothers is seeking approval from Hawai‘i regulators to significantly increase interisland shipping rates.

Civil Beat.

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.

Kauai Now.