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.

Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser.

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.

Civil Beat.

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.

Hawaiʻi Public Radio.

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.

Associated Press.

Lawmakers May Reduce Court Fines for Youth, but Judges Have Already Cut Back

The amount of fines imposed by judges has dropped, raising questions about whether lawmakers need to do anything.

Civil Beat.

O‘ahu Headlines

City to Lose Over $11 Million in Federal Funding

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.

Star-Advertiser.

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.

Civil Beat.

City Council Approves New Development Plan for Honolulu’s Urban Core

The primary urban core is O‘ahu’s most populated area, with about 350,000 people packed in from Kahala to Pearl City and all the valleys in between.

Hawaii News Now.

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.

KITV4.

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.

Hawaii News Now.

Warning Extended: Speed Cameras Catch 30K Speeders Weekly

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.

KHON2.

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.

KHON2.

Hawai‘i Island Headlines

HPD, UH Hilo Partner for New Internship Program

The Hawai‘i Police Department kicked off its Kalounui Internship Program in March with an event at the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo.

Tribune-Herald.

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.

West Hawaii Today.

Maui Headlines

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 Now.

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.

Maui Now.

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.

Maui Now.

Kaua‘i Headlines

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.

Kaua‘i Now.