New Bill Lets Counties Charge EV Drivers by the Mile

Starting July 1, Hawai‘i will launch a shift in how electric vehicle drivers pay for road upkeep–swapping the traditional gas tax for a new road usage charge, based on how many miles you drive. EV drivers will have a choice of paying eight cents per mile traveled or pay a flat fee of $50, paid for at the time of your safety inspection.

KHON2.

Hawai‘i Tourism Authority Probed for Late Payments, Ethics Violations

The state Attorney Gen­eral’s Office is reviewing whether the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority must pay $780,000 in interest for millions of dollars in late payments to a major contractor. The agency is also undergoing separate state probes to determine whether it committed procurement or ethics violations.

Star-Advertiser.

Hawai‘i Economists Offer Bleak Take On Trump Tariffs

Hawai‘i’s economy is in store for reduced growth due to indirect impacts on tourism from President Donald Trump’s global tariffs, according to two local economists.

Star-Advertiser. KITV4.

Campaign Funds Could Be Used for Taking Care of Dependents

If Senate Bill 1202 gets signed into law by Gov. Green, political candidates would be allowed to use campaign funds to take care of their dependents, such as child care expenses, in what several supporters hope will attract more diverse, family-­oriented candidates to run for political office.

Star-Advertiser.

DLNR Halts New Commercial Boating Permits Amid Legal Uncertainty

A lawsuit filed in 2017 against the Department of Land and Natural Resources accuses them of not adequately reviewing environmental impacts before issuing permits. Now, the DLNR has halted any and all approvals of new commercial boating permits.

Hawaii News Now.

O‘ahu Headlines

East-West Center Funding Is at Risk

The East-West Center is bracing for impact from potential elimination of federal government support under President Donald Trump’s plan to cut the State Department’s funding by half next fiscal year.

Star-Advertiser.

Council to Hold Another Hearing to Reappoint Honolulu Emergency Services Director

The Honolulu City Council will hold another hearing to reappoint Dr. Jim Ireland to lead the Honolulu Emergency Services Department — after postponing it following complaints from former employees.

Hawai‘i Public Radio.

Attorney Shortage Undermines Court-Ordered Mental Health Treatment Program

There is effectively one attorney on Oʻahu handling all the petitions for getting severely mentally ill people treatment through a court order. The mayor says that needs to change.

Civil Beat.

Honu Nesting Season Suspends Overnight Camping at Bellows

Overnight camping at Bellows Field Beach Park will be suspended from April 30 to Aug. 28 due to the upcoming honu nesting period.

Star-Advertiser.

Police Shut Down Cockfighting Derby in Waiʻanae

Police say they shut down a cockfighting derby in Waiʻanae over the weekend. A man was arrested for having prohibited gaffs, and the owners of the property on Halona Road were served with a federal forfeiture warning.

Hawaii News Now.

Hawai‘i Island Headlines

Ocean View Littered with Abandoned Cars

Abandoned cars are one of the Big Island’s top environmental issues. The remote community of Hawaiian Ocean View — the largest subdivision in the country — is ground zero. But of course, this problem is statewide. Staff turnover at Hawaiʻi County has stalled the use of new measures meant to penalize property owners with illegal junkyards and derelict cars.

Civil Beat.

State, County Collaborate Efforts to Combat Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle in Kona

The fight against an invasive scourge that could decimate the Big Island’s palm trees — and other important plants — wages on, with efforts mainly focusing on West Hawai‘i. The scarab was first detected on the island nearly two years ago.

Big Island Now.

Maui Headlines

Council Eyes Budget Cuts, Possibly Deep, for Mayor’s $1.5 Billion Spending Plan

Council Chair Alice Lee said “deep cuts” might be in order, at least in her opinion, because, among other things, she said there’s a track record of being unable to spend budgeted items as planned.

Maui Now.

Maui Home and Condo Sales Cool in March

The median price for a single family home on Maui was $1,295,000 in March of 2025, down 0.3% from the same time a year ago. The median price for a condo was $822,500 in March, down 36.8% from the same time in 2024.

Maui Now.

Non-profit Unveils New Mobile Hygiene Trailer on Maui

Project Vision Hawaiʻi announced the launch of its newest Hiehie mobile hygiene trailer on Maui, designed to provide free, hot showers and essential resources to individuals experiencing homelessness and those impacted by the 2023 wildfires.

Maui Now.

Kaua‘i Headlines

Kauaʽi’s Vital Community Services Face Devastating Impact From Federal Funding Uncertainty

Community-based organizations are crucial lifelines for Kauaʽi’s most vulnerable residents. They provide services such as domestic violence support, food assistance for kūpuna and resources for those in need. However, these essential services are now at serious risk because of federal funding cuts and ongoing uncertainty.

Kaua‘i Now.