Hawaiʻi Lawmakers Ok About 250 Bills

Approved bills now poised to become law pending decisions by Gov. Josh Green include measures to turn up illegal fireworks pursuit and punishment, regulate future catastrophic wildfire damage liability and fund the state government for the next two fiscal years as risks of an economic downturn loom due to federal government policies.

Star-Advertiser. KHON2. KITV4.

In Last-Minute Drama, Legislature Shelves Bill to Ban Assault Weapons

The legislation was opposed by gun-rights advocates who warned that hunters and Native Hawaiians would be harmed by the restrictions.

Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

Lawmakers Pass HECO Bill Over Objections of Committee Chairs

The controversy involves a cap on HECO’s liability for future wildfires. Hawaiʻi lawmakers on Wednesday passed a bill intended to help shore up Hawaiian Electric Co.’s credit rating despite strong opposition from House and Senate committee chairs who helped vet the measure.

Civil Beat.

Can’t Afford a Lawyer? Good Luck Getting Help on Neighbor Islands

Lawmakers are taking steps to address a severe shortage of court-appointed attorneys across the state, but lawyers and judges say it may not be enough to solve the problem.

Civil Beat.

Tariff Fears Extend to Hawaiʻi Shipping

Looming tariff hikes that have already begun to affect shipping routes and consumer behavior could have outsized effects in Hawaiʻi, where nearly all goods must be imported — many of them from China.

Star-Advertiser. 

O‘ahu Headlines

City’s Planned 115% Sewer Fee Hike Under Council Scrutiny

To publicly avert what one city official termed “rate shock,” Mayor Rick Blan­giardi’s administration and Hono­lulu City Council are now offering competing ideas to deal with proposed city sewer fee rate hikes expected this summer.

Star-Advertiser.

City Announces New Department Dedicated to Affordable Housing

For the first time in nearly three decades the city will now have a fully staffed department dedicated to building affordable housing. The City and County of Honolulu announced Wednesday the launch of Department of Housing and Land Management (DHLM) after the Honolulu City Council approved the reorganization of four departments to manage with the city’s housing initiatives.

Hawaii News Now.

Empty Homes Tax on Oʻahu Owners Could Generate Nearly $300M Over a Decade, Study Finds

An empty homes tax could net the City and County of Honolulu nearly $300 million in revenue over the first decade.

Hawaiʻi Public Radio. 

State’s Largest Seed Bank Loses Federal Funding for Online Database Project

The Lyon Arboretum’s seed conservation lab was awarded a $250,000 federal grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services three years ago to digitize its collection of rare Hawaiian seeds. In early April, researchers learned the grant had been terminated.

Hawaiʻi Public Radio.

Hawai‘i Island Headlines

IRONMAN Championship Returns to Single-Day Race in Kona, October 2026

The IRONMAN World Championship will return to a single day event in Kona in October 2026, with men and women racing together on the same day.

Big Island Video News. Big Island Now.

New Warning Sirens Installed in Waikoloa Village

The sirens at Pu‘u Nui Park and Kamakoa Nui Park were recently installed as part of the Statewide Outdoor Warning Siren System and will be tested, along with the rest of the network, at 11:45 a.m. today.

Tribune-Herald.

Violation Issued to Matsuyama Food and Fuel for Underground Storage Tanks

A Department of Health inspector conducted an inspection on Sept. 11, 2024, and confirmed the installation and operation of two 20,000-gallon and one 15,000-gallon underground storage tanks. MATS4 LLC did not apply for or obtain a permit prior to installation or operation.

Big Island Now.

Maui Headlines

Kamaʻāina Housing Bill Dies in Senate Amid Statewide Affordable Housing Crisis

However, the Maui County Council will consider its own legislation to use voluntary deed restrictions to pave the way for affordable housing.

Maui Now.

West Maui Watershed Restoration Engages Native Hawaiian Students

The forests stretching from Honokōwai all the way up to Honokōhau, and the watersheds they protect, have been managed for nearly two decades from the top of the mountains to the ocean.

Maui Now.

Kaua‘i Headlines

Kauaʻi Businesses Frustrated With Wailua Sewage Spill

Residents and businesses say they’re frustrated after the Wailua Coco Palms sewer pump station failed last week, sending wastewater through their neighborhood. They said the station has been a problem for years with no permanent fix in sight.

Hawaii News Now.

Uahi Ridge Breaks Ground

Uahi Ridge is being developed in partnership with the County of Kauai, Mark Development, Waa Partners, LLC., 3 Leaf Holdings, Inc., and the Hawaiian Community Development Board.

Garden Island.