Hawaiian Electric Could Get Liability Protection Under 11th-Hour Proposal

A last-minute, and controversial, proposal aims to protect the Hawaiian Electric Company from bankruptcy if it’s blamed for another catastrophic wildfire. Attorneys for victims say the 11th-hour proposal could leave future fire victims empty-handed.

Hawaii News Now.

Trump Takes Aim At States’ Climate Laws, but Impact on Hawaiʻi Uncertain

President Trump has called on the U.S. Department of Justice to block states from enforcing climate change laws. Trump issued the directive in an executive order titled “Protecting American Energy From State Overreach.”

Hawaiʻi Public Radio.

Pet Projects and Low Budgets: How Lawmakers Undermine School Repairs

In the past decade, lawmakers have increasingly funded pet projects for public schools in their backyard. These projects, however, don’t always match up with what the Department of Education needs. It’s why school officials kicked off the legislative session by asking lawmakers to let the DOE take control of its budget.

Civil Beat.

Carpool Pilot Program Among Student Transportation Options for 2025-26 School Year

In response to ongoing transportation challenges, the state Department of Education is implementing proactive measures to minimize disruptions and expand options for the upcoming 2025-26 school year, including a carpool pilot program.

Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Hawaiʻi Legislature Set to Pay Out $9.5 Million for Claims

Unwanted hugs from a judge, an infamous false missile alert and a mishap with a log splitter are among incidents for which the state is prepared to pay loss claims totaling $9.5 million this year.

Star-Advertiser.

O‘ahu Headlines

City Council Scrutinizes Empty-Homes Tax

The City and County of Hono­lulu’s $500,000 Ernst & Young LLP study over a proposed empty-­homes tax measure asserts the city could garner tens of millions of dollars annually in new revenues.

Star-Advertiser.

Westside Faces More Delays as New Law Threatens Landfill Relocation

It’s been a long road to find a new spot to relocate Oʻahu’s landfill in Nānākuli, and it looks like the journey just got a little longer. As the likelihood grows that the city dump will stay put for now, community members in Nānākuli are looking to get something in return.

Civil Beat.

Prison Officials Agree to Make Sure Honolulu Medics Stay Safe in Facilities

Honolulu’s emergency services chief is walking back his announcement that paramedics would no longer enter prisons and jails due to safety concerns, just days after alerting the state prison system following a vague letter referencing an unspecified incident. Today, officials are sharing new details about what happened in the first place and why Honolulu Emergency Medical Services is reversing course.

Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

Hawai‘i Island Headlines

Portions of Ali‘i Drive to Become One-Way Thursday

The county will add free parking on Ali‘i Drive in Kailua-Kona on Thursday by turning a portion of the road into a one-way street.

Tribune-Herald.

Water Conservation Notice Issued for South Kohala

Affected customers are being asked to reduce water use by at least 10 percent due to operational issues with the Waimea well, and a lack of rainfall.

Big Island Video News. Big Island Now.

Waikoloa Park’s Sports Fields Improved

Kamakoa Nui Park in Waikoloa will be reopening its newly improved sports fields on Sunday.

Tribune-Herald.

Maui Headlines

State Lawmakers Are Removing a Hurdle to Rebuild Lahaina. Will It Matter?

More than 20 months after wildfires razed most of Lahaina, nearly 1,400 residential lots have been cleared of debris but only nine homes have been rebuilt, according to data from 4Leaf, the California-based contractor the county hired last year to expedite its permitting process.

Civil Beat.

Lahaina’s Rebuilding: Historic Design Rules Up for Review After Wildfire Devastation

Draft residential design standards for the Lahaina National Historic Landmark District address a broad spectrum of design issues, ranging from architectural style, a building’s shape, height and construction materials.

Maui Now.

Free Wi-Fi Is Now Available at Moloka‘i Airport

State officials say free Wi-Fi is now available at Moloka‘i Airport, which should be accessible throughout the terminal via Hawaiian Telcom.

Star-Advertiser.

Kaua‘i Headlines

State Legislature Passes Bill to Limit Size of Vessels Allowed Into Hanalei Bay on Kauaʻi

To help preserve the natural beauty of the bay, and to protect its calm waters and ensure it remains a safe space for residents and visitors, the proposed measure prohibits vessels longer than seventy-five feet from entering. The bill exempts boats operated by a federal, state or county agency.

Kaua‘i Now.