Senate Slashes Millions Of Dollars From UH Budget Request
The cuts by Hawaiʻi budget writers come as the University of Hawaiʻi faces major reductions in federal funds as well. UH had been hoping the state would help plug some of those holes. The university says it needs an additional $37.9 million for programs and services at its 10-campus system for fiscal year 2026, which begins July 1.
The State Spent Millions on Housing for the Homeless but Is Missing Receipts
Hawaiʻi paid $37 million in no-bid contracts to a nonprofit administering the state’s kauhale program to house the homeless. So how was all the money spent? It’s hard to say in some cases. HomeAid Hawaiʻi, which was tasked with building the structures, hasn’t provided the state with complete receipts for its work.
Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke on the Push to Send More Hawaiʻi Produce Nationwide
Luke recently returned from a visit to the U.S. Department of Agriculture in the nation’s capital. It’s the second time a Hawaiʻi delegation has ever visited.
Proposed Rule Change on Endangered Species of Particular Concern in Hawaiʻi
The Trump administration plans to rewrite part of the Endangered Species Act that prohibits harming the habitats of endangered and threatened species. Environmentalists say that could lead to extinction of some endangered species due to logging, mining, development and other activities. Hawaiʻi has more endangered species than any other state, so elimination of habitat protections could be felt deeply here.
The biggest losses will mean a $4.8 million cut for planning for a potential rapid transit bus program for the Waiʻanae Coast, followed by a $3 million loss in federal funding for special needs housing improvements.
Honolulu Council OKs City Director’s Free Trip to Poland
A Honolulu department head’s trip to Poland next month will be funded by a private company that has signed a no-bid contract with that department after City Council members voted Wednesday to approve the gift.
Plans Presented to Develop Areas Around East Kapolei Rail Stations
A meeting in Kapolei on Wednesday night focused on developing the land around the rail transit stations. The goal of the Transit-Oriented Development is to change the land zoning code around three rail transit stations at Ho‘opili, UH West O‘ahu and East Kapolei to create more walk and bike friendly neighborhoods full of shops and public places.
Treatment Facility for Boys With Behavioral Problems Gets Pushback From Area Residents
The state has approved a new live-in treatment facility for up to five boys who have behavioral problems stemming from sexual abuse or trauma. The home, run by Catholic Charities Hawaii, is in the quiet “Royal Summit” neighborhood in Aiea.
It was supposed to last two months, but now the state’s new speed camera warning period is getting a major extension. The Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation said it’s averaging 30,000 warning citations a week. By comparison, the Honolulu Police Department said between 25,000 and 26,000 speeding citations were handed out island-wide in all of 2024.
Parking Fees Coming to Keʻeaumoku Walmart, Sam’s Club Lot
To deter non-shoppers from taking up space in the lot meant for customers only, Walmart hired Secure Parking Hawaii to begin parking enforcement starting May 1.
Lifeguard Certification Course to Be Offered in Kapa‘au
The Hawai‘i County Department of Parks & Recreation is offering a lifeguard certification course at Kohala Swimming Pool at Kamehameha Park in Kapa‘au.
Maui Mayor’s Salary to Outpace Hawaiʻi Governor’s Until Mid-2028
Starting July 1, Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen will earn $245,000 annually — more than Hawaiʻi Gov. Josh Green‘s salary through the end of their current terms in office in 2026.
Maui Department of Housing Announces FY 2026 Affordable Housing Fund Annual Plan
The County of Maui Department of Housing announced the release of its Fiscal Year 2026 Affordable Housing Fund Annual Plan, which outlines key investments and initiatives designed to address the growing demand for affordable housing across Maui County.
Kekaulike Avenue to Reopen a Month Ahead of Schedule Following Storm-Related Repairs
Officials with the state Department of Transportation say Kekaulike Avenue between Waiakoa Road and ʻAlae Road will be reopened by noon, Thursday, April 17.
Water Conservation Request Continues for Hanalei, ‘Anini Areas
Kaua‘i County Department of Water officials issued the request April 4 after a pump station mechanical failure that continues to affect the water storage supply.
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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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