UH Scrambles to Address ‘High-Risk’ Financial Situation Amid Trump Cuts

More than 90 researchers at the University of Hawaiʻi have been affected by $83 million in federal funding cuts. Staff have had to say goodbye to merit pay increases. They’re traveling less, too, and thinking more carefully about making grant-funded hires. The most dire forecast projects 1,200 UH workers could be impacted by $8 million in lost monthly payroll.

Civil Beat.

Slower Growth With Long-Term Stability Expected for Hawaiʻi’s Economy

The new outlook from the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism published Wednesday anticipates that Hawaiʻi’s economy will expand 1.5% next year after growing 1.2% this year.

Star-Advertiser.

Hawai‘i Tourism Authority Could Be Replaced With New Governance

Rep. Adrian Tam (D, Waikīkī), chair of the House Committee on Tourism, warned HTA during a Wednesday board meeting that the coming passage of Senate Bill 1571 —which upon Gov. Green’s signature will dramatically change HTA’s governance model — reflects a loss of confidence so deep that he is already considering a bill to upend the agency next year.

Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiʻi Solar Industry Expects Setbacks From U.S. House Spending Bill

If the Republican-led measure makes it through the Senate and President Donald Trump signs it into law, clean energy companies would need to break ground on new commercial projects within 60 days of the bill’s signing to be eligible for certain tax credits.

Hawaiʻi Public Radio.

Gedeon to Replace Republican Gene Ward

Democratic Gov. Josh Green has named Republican Joe Gedeon to succeed the late Republican Rep. Gene Ward to represent Hawaii Kai-Kalama Valley. Green picked Gedeon out of a list of three potential replacements sent to him by a panel of Hawaiʻi Republican Party members in Ward’s district.

Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. KHON2.

O‘ahu Headlines

Changes Coming to City Grant Program for Rail-Affected Businesses

The City and County of Honolulu’s financial relief effort for small businesses negatively affected by ongoing construction of the over-$10 billion Skyline project is on track for proposed changes.

Star-Advertiser.

Facing Required Wastewater Upgrades, City Council Moves Toward Shorter Fee Hike Schedule

The Honolulu City Council has proposed a six-year sewer fee hike plan for Oʻahu that incentivizes water savings, instead of the original 10-year plan.

Hawaiʻi Public Radio.

Waikīkī Visitors Undeterred by Fee Increase

An upcoming increase in the state hotel room tax of less than 1% — or $3 more per night for a $400 room — won’t deter any of nearly two dozen Waikīkī tourists from coming back, especially if it provides money to restore beaches, fight erosion and prevent future wildfires, they unanimously told the Honolulu Star-Advertiser on Wednesday.

Star-Advertiser.

Assault Video Exposes Use of Untrained Guards at Oʻahu Jail

A rampaging inmate at Oahu Community Correctional Center injured two corrections officers Monday while an untrained emergency guard watched helplessly.

Hawaii News Now.

Hawai‘i Island Headlines

Kīlauea Summit Lookout Reopens for the First Time Since 2018

An observation deck on Kīlauea volcano’s summit that provides panoramic views of the caldera and Halema‘uma‘u crater has reopened in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park.

Tribune-Herald. Big Island Now. KHON2.

Public Preschool Classroom Opens in South Kona

It’s the second public pre-K classroom to open in West Hawai‘i since the launch of the Ready Keiki initiative, which now operates classrooms on all islands.

Hawaii News Now.

Former UFC Champion BJ Penn Faces Family Abuse Charge; Slapped With Restraining Order

Former UFC lightweight and welterweight champion BJ Penn was arrested and charged twice in the past few days for abusing his 79-year-old mother, according to the Hawaiʻi County court documents.

Big Island Now.

Hawaiʻi Island Coffee Grower Hopes to Keep Things Brewing During Tariff Uncertainty

Ralph Gaston is part of Rusty’s Hawaiian Coffee, a family business on the Big Island that grows, roasts and distributes coffee.

Hawaiʻi Public Radio.

Nearly 30 Pounds of Pot Found in Kona Airport Luggage

An Oahu couple was arrested Sunday at Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport after checked baggage for a Honolulu-bound flight on Southwest Airlines was found to contain about 26 pounds of marijuana.

Tribune-Herald.

Maui Headlines

Council Hears Support for Proposed Real Property Tax Rates

Maui County Council members accepted oral and written testimony Tuesday on revised real property tax rates that reduced rates in some categories while retaining proposed rates in others.

Maui Now.

Lahaina Filipino Fire Survivors Association Launches to Fight for Working Class Migrants

LFFSA, an initiative of the Hawaiʻi Workers Center, is a grassroots organization of directly impacted worker leaders organizing for a long term recovery that addresses the most crucial needs of Lahaina’s Filipino fire survivors in the aftermath of the 2023 wildfires.

Maui Now.

Trolling Permitted in Kahoʻolawe for Two Weekends in June

The Kahoʻolawe Island Reserve Commission has announced permitted trolling dates during two weekends this June.

Maui Now.

Kaua‘i Headlines

Kauaʻi Police Officers Ready to Move Forward as Chief Finally Announces Retirement Date

In a letter to the Kauaʻi Police Commission, Chief Todd Raybuck said he’s retiring on June 12. He first announced he was leaving back in November.

KHON2.

Metal, Appliance Drop-off Closed Until Further Notice at Some County Facilities

Contractor staffing issues are forcing Kaua‘i County Department of Public Works Solid Waste Division to close scrap metal and metal appliances recycling until further notice beginning today (May 29) at some of its collection facilities.

Kaua‘i Now.

Goodwill to Host Reuse Collection Event Later This Week in Līhu‘e

Residents, businesses and other organizations can bring unwanted or unneeded items for reuse to Kaua‘i Resource Center in Līhu‘e from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 30.

Kaua‘i Now.