Unresolved Bills Pile Up at Hawaiʻi Capitol Ahead of Key Deadline

There is a tentative deal on new fireworks laws that are tougher on people who cause injuries or damage, and includes a non-criminal citation for minor violators. Other issues may have even more to work out, like medical cannabis reform, photographic speed enforcement, and liability protections for Hawaiian Electric Company.

Hawaii News Now.

Young Hawaiʻi-Born People Are Moving Back Home, Uhero Finds

Using 2023 data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s state-to-state migration flows, UHERO assistant professor JoonYup Park said 12,100 Hawaii-born people who were 25-44 years old moved back home, while 6,400 moved away.

Star-Advertiser. 

Assault Rifle Ban Heading to Full Legislative Votes

A measure that would ban new sales of assault-style rifles is heading to final votes in the state legislature after being approved by a House-Senate conference committee Thursday.

Hawaii News Now.

Big Changes Could Come to Hawaiʻi’s Tourism Industry in Final Days of State Legislature

If some state lawmakers have their way, it could remove the Hawaii Tourism Authority’s autonomy.

Hawaii News Now.

Hawaiʻi’s Pledge To Free Itself From Fossil Fuel Hits New Roadblocks

The state’s promise to produce all of its own electricity by 2045 faces mounting obstacles in the form of tariffs, a hostile Trump administration and a financially troubled utility.

Civil Beat. 

O‘ahu Headlines

HART Eyes Iwilei, Kakaʻako Properties to Condemn for Rail

The Civic Center station, scheduled to open to the public by 2031, is slated for construction near Halekauwila and South streets.

Star-Advertiser.

EPA Funding Freeze Could Jeopardize Vulnerable Communities

A federally funded environmental justice project in Waianae has stalled since the Environmental Protection Agency froze a $3 million grant, halting efforts to empower Native Hawaiian communities and investigate long-standing water quality concerns tied to cesspools and landfills.

Star-Advertiser. 

A Carnivorous ‘Bone Collector’ Caterpillar Dresses in the Remains of Its Prey

The odd insect is only found on the Hawaiian island of Oʻahu. It creeps along spiderwebs, feeding on trapped insects and decorating its silk case with their body parts.

Associated Press.

Hawai‘i Island Headlines

The Royal Parade: A Procession Like No Other

Without a doubt, the best attended event during Merrie Monarch week, at least in person, is the Merrie Monarch Festival Royal Parade.

Tribune-Herald.

Central Fire Station to Begin Operating From Interim Location in Early May

Personnel and equipment from the Central Fire Station in downtown Hilo will be housed in an interim fire station located at 1382 Kīlauea Ave. as repairs are made to the aging facility.

Big Island Now.

Kealakekua Bay to Close Sunday Morning for Invasive Species Removal

Invasive species targeted for removal include Roi (Cephalopholis argus), Taʻape (Lutjanus kasmira) and Toʻau (Lutjanus fulvus).

Big Island Video News.

Maui Headlines

Council Oks Two More Years for Kuʻikahi Village Housing Project

The Maui County Council has approved a resolution for a time extension — to May 2029 — for completion of the Kuʻikahi Village project, now apparently scaled back from its original plans.

Maui Now.

Maui Planning Commission Defers Action on Precedent-Setting Lahaina Home Rebuild

The Maui Planning Commission is wrestling with a precedent-setting decision on the first special management area permit for reconstruction of an oceanfront Front Street home destroyed in the August 2023 Lahaina wildfire, after concluding public testimony Tuesday.

Maui Now.

Lahaina Town’s Sewer System Is 100% Restored Post-wildfire

Lahaina has reached another milestone in wildfire recovery and infrastructure repairs. The town’s sewer system is now 100% restored.

Hawaiʻi Public Radio. Maui News.

Kaua‘i Headlines

New Ag Park Aims to Let Kauaʻi Farmers ‘Just Focus on Farming’

Mālama Kauaʻi, which runs its own food hub, is embracing the challenge of making farming as accessible and streamlined as possible on a newly leased plot near Kapaʻa. But it won’t be easy.

Civil Beat.

Community Invited to Give Feedback on Draft Kauaʻi Climate Adaptation and Action Plan

Community members are invited to offer input and feedback on the recently released draft Kauaʻi Climate Adaptation and Action Plan.

Kauai Now.