State Efforts to Shore Up HECO Gain Traction on Wall Street

Wall Street rewarded Hawaiian Electric Industries’ efforts to strengthen its financial profile by restoring the company to the edge of investment-grade creditworthiness for the first time since shortly after the August 2023 wildfire that killed 102 people and destroyed much of Lahaina.

Civil Beat.

Hawaiʻi Job Corps to Close

The U.S. Department of Labor announced Thursday that Job Corps operations nationwide, which provide low-income youth and young adults with vocational training and schooling, will cease by June 30. There are two Job Corps centers in Hawaiʻi among about 125 nationwide: one in Waimanalo on Oʻahu and one in Makawao on Maui.

Star-Advertiser.

How Physically Present Must State Lawmakers Be During Session, if at All?

Hawaiʻi’s legislative session lasts 60 days, but there are no requirements for state lawmakers to be present.

Hawaiʻi Public Radio.

O‘ahu Headlines

ACLU Lawsuit Alleges HPD Made Impaired Driving Arrests Without Having Proof

A class-action lawsuit filed Thursday accuses the Honolulu Police Department of an “egregious and longstanding pattern and practice” of arresting people without probable cause or due process for allegedly driving under the influence.

Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. KHON2.

Developer Accused of Campaign Fraud Allowed to Travel While Out on Bail

A wealthy Honolulu real estate executive accused of making fraudulent campaign contributions will be allowed to travel outside Hawaiʻi for business while out on bail and as his case plays out in court.  Timothy Lee, chief executive officer of JL Capital, was indicted in February with nine counts of making false name contributions to candidates in Honolulu’s 2020 mayoral election.

Civil Beat.

Agency Warns Against Illegal Construction Activity

The Honolulu Department of Planning and Permitting urges the public to take care when hiring contractors, designers, architects and engineers for building projects.

Star-Advertiser.

Violent Video Brings Calls for Labor Talks Over Prison Staff

Public safety advocates say a violent video from inside the walls of Oahu Community Correctional Center is evidence of a rising crisis in Hawaiʻi’s correctional facilities.

Hawaii News Now.

Hawai‘i Island Headlines

Police Warn Residents of Parking Violation Scam in Kona

The Hawaiʻi Police Department is investigating the apparent scam – involving a device known as “The Barnacle” being placed on the windshields of parked cars.

Big Island Video News.

BJ Penn Misses Court Date Following 2 Arrests

UFC Hall of Fame mixed martial artist BJ Penn failed to show up in court Tuesday in a domestic abuse case after being arrested twice over the Memorial Day weekend at his family’s Puueo Street home in Hilo.

Tribune-Herald. Hawaii News Now.

County Aims to Rehome Puppy Taken From Hilo Homeless Woman

Hawaiʻi County has filed a petition asking a judge to order the forfeiture of a pet puppy owned by a 58-year-old Hilo woman who is accused of abusing the animal.

Tribune-Herald.

Maui Headlines

Workforce Housing for Educators Gets Underway in West Maui

State and county officials broke ground this week on a $20 million workforce housing project aimed at providing rental units for public school employees in West Maui, many of whom continue to face housing challenges in the aftermath of the Aug. 8, 2023, wildfires.

Star-Advertiser. Maui News. Maui Now.

Lahaina Shoreline Near Harbor Now Open for Recreational Use

The harbor itself is still closed, but after requests from the community, Maui County officials have opened up areas on the north and south ends of the harbor for noncommercial use.

Hawaiʻi Public Radio.

$46M Kahului Airport South TSA Checkpoint Expected to Reduce Wait Times

The new two-story security screening checkpoint building at the south end of the ticket lobby will house up to six screening lanes.

Maui Now.

Kaua‘i Headlines

Kauaʻi Tackles Child Care Crisis With New Spaces And Baby-Friendly Workplaces

Solving the problem is seen as an important step in helping recruit and retain much-needed workers on the Garden Island. Initiatives could be models for the rest of the state.

Civil Beat.

Public Feedback Wanted in Search for Kauaʻi’s Next Chief of Police

Kaua‘i County Police Commission thinks every member of the community is a stakeholder in the selection of the next chief and seeks input from Kaua‘i residents about the traits and qualities they want the next leader of Kaua‘i Police Department to possess.

Kauai Now.