Cruise Ship Industry Sues to Scuttle Hawaiʻi’s New Visitor Green Fee
Ship passengers will soon to start paying the same visitor tax as hotel guests to help cover the conservation fee — unless the cruise lines can stop it in court.
New HTA Advisory Board Under Pressure to Regain Public Trust
The Hawai‘i Tourism Authority advisory board — composed of eight new members and four returning ones — met Thursday with the hope of achieving a paradigm shift that proves its trustworthiness to manage state tourism and the tens of millions of dollars of public money that funds it.
State Working to Improve Tsunami Reaction Protocol
Deficiencies in managing the tsunami threat to Hawai’i last month are leading to planned improvements that include manual traffic intersection management, fewer broken warning sirens and safety information websites that don’t crash under high demand.
Electrifying Vehicles Is Key to the Hawaiʻi DOT’s Climate Roadmap
The Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation is finalizing a climate roadmap to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. About half of the state’s total emissions come from the transportation sector.
The Aloha Stadium Authority has secured the necessary permits from the City and County of Honolulu to start work on dismantling the old stadium in Halawa, but the stadium board chair said it will likely be “early in the new year” before the public starts to notice large pieces of the old facility being torn down.
Breadshop, located in Kaimukī, isn’t your typical bakery. Founder and owner Chris Sy says from its inception, he wanted Breadshop to be “an exploration of bread products” and “make a difference in what was available here.”
Kaua‘i Pediatrician Who Warned About One Toxic Pesticide Sees a Bigger Threat
Hawai‘i led the nation in outlawing chlorpyrifos, but Dr. Lee Evslin says pending legislation in the U.S. Congress might prevent EPA review of new scientific evidence, which opponents say could limit states’ roles in the future
Residents Push Back on Puna Geothermal Venture During Upgrade Project
The company’s Repower Project has equipment upgrades and increased power generation. It has 12 generating units that are more than 30 years old, and the plan is to install three larger generating units and decommission the old ones.
County to Proceed With Plans for Old Hilo Hospital Site
The project, located at 34 Rainbow Drive in Hilo, is a key part of the county Office of Housing and Community Development’s effort to create a resource hub focused on housing stabilization, workforce readiness and behavioral health services.
Hawaii Business Wins 19 Awards, Including 7 Top Prizes
The accolades were handed out during the Society of Professional Journalists’ annual statewide competition. Among those winning multiple awards for the magazine were Cynthia Wessendorf, Jeff Sanner and Noelle Fujii-Oride.
Convent Repurposed Into Housing for Homeless Kupuna
Ten elders without housing are expected to move into the bright and airy single-story North Hawaii home in October, according to representatives of HOPE Services Hawaii and their partner for the housing project, Honoka‘a’s historic Our Lady of Lourdes Parish.
Hawaiʻi County, HALE O Hawaiʻi Partner to Deliver Affordable Homeownership
The handover ceremony and celebration Aug. 22 marked a milestone in a partnership between HALE O Hawaiʻi Community Land Trust and Hawaiʻi County Office of Housing and Community Development, advancing an innovative land trust model to keep homes affordable for generations to come.
Procession and Memorial Service to Honor Officer Suzanne O
The Maui Police Department, in partnership with the family of Officer Suzanne O, will hold a procession and memorial service honoring her life and service on Friday, Aug. 29.
South Maui Beach Parking Zones Get Maui Council Nod; First Priority for Residents
Maui County Council members unanimously gave initial approval Tuesday to a measure that would establish paid parking zones at South Maui beach parks, a move to give residents first priority access to some of the island’s most popular beaches.
Maui DWS to Use Backup Water for Upcountry System Starting in Early September
County to supplement Upcountry water supply due to drought conditions. In September, the Maui County Department of Water Supply is planning to supplement water delivery to the Upcountry area, which has been plagued by ongoing drought conditions.
The Kauaʻi County Council’s Bill 2972 would require minors to wear helmets while using e-bikes, or electric bicycles. It would also effectively ban bike tricks like wheelies, along with riding in a “hazardous manner” — such as driving with more than one person.
Total Visitor Arrivals, Spending in July Increases in Kauaʻi, Decreases Statewide
There were 143,289 visitors to Kauaʻi in July 2025, an increase of 5.6% from the 135,740 visitors in July 2024 and a 3% increase from the 139,157 visitors in July 2019.
The 2025 Kauai Marathon and Half Marathon will take place on Sunday, Aug. 31, 2025, starting at 6:00 a.m. The racecourse will impact Koloa, Poipu, Lawai, and Kalaheo, with a combination of lane closures, full road closures, and partial restrictions between 5 a.m. and 2 p.m.
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kh6jrm@gmail.com
I am the retired news director of Pacific Radio Group stations on the Island of Hawaii. I am a retired Lt. Col., USAF Reserve. I am a FCC-licensed Amateur Radio Operator, holding the Amateur Extra Class License. I am a substitute teacher for the state of Hawaii Department of Education.
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