With His Political Star on the Rise, Brian Schatz Aims for a Powerful New Role

Hawaiʻi’s senior U.S. senator is constantly popping up in national media reports as a go-to critic of Trumpism and someone who is actually taking action. Now, he may have the inside track to becoming the No. 2 Democrat in the Senate hierarchy, behind only Minority Leader Chuck Schumer.

Civil Beat.

Few Details Released on More Than 100 Immigration Arrests

Federal agents have arrested more than 100 people in Hawaiʻi so far this year for alleged violations of immigration law, but information on exactly how many more than 100, where they were arrested and for what was not made public.

Star-Advertiser.

Will Hawaiʻi’s Supreme Court Curb Governor’s Power to Suspend Laws?

Gov. Josh Green has issued more than 90 emergency proclamations during less than three years in office. Now the Hawaiʻi Supreme Court may soon define the scope of the governor’s power to issue such executive orders and suspend laws with the stroke of a pen.

Civil Beat.

Hawaiʻi Child Welfare Service Providers Search for Cultural Solutions

The Malama Ohana Working Group, established by the Legislature to develop recommendations to improve the state’s child welfare system, concluded in a recent report that integrating Native Hawaiian cultural values into policies and practices is necessary to fix a failing system.

Star-Advertiser.

After Fumbling Fire Priorities Last Year, Hawaiʻi Lawmakers Make Amends

After the 2023 fires destroyed much of Lahaina, Hawaiʻi vowed to improve prevention measures. More than two years later, the state has finally paved the way for that to happen.

Civil Beat.

O‘ahu Headlines

Honolulu Sees Doubling of Vacation Rental Registrations Under New Rules

Short-term rentals aren’t allowed in Oʻahu’s residential areas, but can operate in the island’s five resort zones and some surrounding areas as long as their owners register with the city and pay the $1,000 fee. Even though the registration process was made easier last year and unit registrations have more than doubled, many owners are still flying under the radar.

Civil Beat.

Wahiawā Landfill Plans Sidetracked

New state legislation likely will upend the city’s plan to close its current solid-­waste landfill in West O‘ahu and replace it with one near Wahiawa, on active pineapple fields above Central O‘ahu’s freshwater aquifer. It also looks like the city will seek an extension of operations at the Waimanalo Gulch Sanitary Landfill.

Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu’s Proposed 115% Hike in Sewer Fee Under Review

The Council’s Budget Committee today is scheduled to review aspects of city-initiated Bill 60, which, if approved, will take effect July 1.

Star-Advertiser.

Servco Pacific Requests Pause on HART’s Eminent Domain Plans of Its Kaka‘ako Property

A more than 100-year-old family-owned business has requested the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation pause its plans to condemn the company’s large automotive servicing center property in Kaka‘ako.

Star-Advertiser.

HI-EMA Fined $98K for Violating Underground Storage Tank Laws

The Hawai‘i Emergency Management Agency had operated a 6,000-gallon underground storage tank system at its Battery Birkhimer facility inside Diamond Head Crater since December 1997.

Star-Advertiser.

New Elevated Walkway Connects Kakaʻako to Ala Moana Beach Park, Kewalo Basin

The elevated walkway is located between Ward Avenue and Kamake‘e Street and crosses six lanes of traffic, connecting the Kaka‘ako community to Ala Moana Beach Park and Kewalo Basin.

Hawaiʻi Public Radio.

Suicides at Hawaiʻi’s Largest Prison Up the Stakes for Mental Health Review

The Hālawa Correctional Facility on Oʻahu has had five deaths by suicide over the past year, making the state’s largest prison a disturbing anomaly nationally. As part of a lawsuit brought by a family of one inmate who died, the state has agreed to give a pair of outside forensic psychiatrists tasked with investigating the situation “unfettered access” to facilities, records and staff.

Civil Beat.

Hawai‘i Island Headlines

Foreclosure Opens Door to Preserve Famous Black Sand Beach on Big Island

A proposal to build 225 residential and vacation homes, retail space, a wellness center, a seafood restaurant and a fish market on a black sand beach on the Big Island went into foreclosure. The plans had long been controversial for conflicting with the history and ecology of Punaluʻu Beach, home to endangered sea turtles, ancient heiau and more.

Civil Beat.

Feral Sheep Salvage Project Seeks Participants

Permit applications are now available for an upcoming feral sheep salvage project along Saddle Road. The DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife is organizing this effort to protect native ecosystems and reduce vehicle collision risks, improving safety for all highway users. The project will involve humane live-trapping and removal of feral sheep from the area.

Big Island Now.

Maui Headlines

Lahaina Fire Survivors Find New Sense of Community as Ka Laʻi Ola Housing Nears Completion

Ka Laʻi Ola is the state’s modular home community that will include 450 units and house about 1,500 residents who didn’t qualify for Federal Emergency Management Agency assistance.

Hawaiʻi Public Radio.

Traffic Expected as Crews Truck Lahaina Wildfire Debris to Central Maui

Moving all the debris from the fire to its permanent site is said to be the next important step in rebuilding Lahaina, but the move will cause some traffic problems for commuters for the next few months and cost taxpayers millions more.

KHON2.

Homeless Community Is Back Four Years After Clearing of Amala Place

When government crews and police officers cleared out the extensive homeless community along Amala Place in 2021, it didn’t take long for some people to return. What will Maui County do this time?

Maui Now.

Kaua‘i Headlines

The 2026 Kauaʻi Mayor’s Race Is Off to an Early Start

Bernard Carvalho, the longest-serving mayor in Kauaʻi history, and Mel Rapozo, a retired Kauaʻi police officer, announced their intent to run within days of each other.

Civil Beat.

Final Workshop for Waimea 400 Housing Project Scheduled This Week

The Kaua‘i County Housing Agency invites the public to the final community workshop for the Waimea 400 Affordable Housing Master Plan.

Kaua‘i Now.