Hawaiʻi Supreme Court: OHA Trustees Bound By State Ethics Code

The court also upheld dozens of charges against former Trustee Rowena Akana.

Civil Beat.

Erosion of Democratic Norms Focus of State Senate Committee Informational Briefing

Committee members will receive an informational briefing beginning at 10 a.m. on Sept. 18 from Colin Moore, a University of Hawaiʻi Economic Research Organization professor.

Big Island Now.

Kaiser Permanente Hospital Workers in Hawaiʻi Vote on Strike Authorization

More than 1,900 Kaiser Permanente hospital workers in Hawai‘i have begun casting ballots in a strike authorization vote this week, while tensions rise over ongoing contract negotiations.

Big Island Now. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Here’s What You Need to Know About a New Fee on Your HECO Bill

A small portion of Hawaiian Electric customers’ bills will now be put in a new state trust fund to pay developers of future renewable energy projects.

Hawaiʻi Public Radio.

Hawaiʻi High School Seniors Could Face Major Spike In Graduation Costs

A proposal from the state education department would raise the maximum cost for caps and gowns from $25 to $125.

Civil Beat.

O‘ahu Headlines

Honolulu Overtime Pumps Up Pensions, Costs Taxpayers Hundreds Of Millions

Public pension spiking fueled by Honolulu employee overtime has cost taxpayers a quarter of a billion dollars over the last seven years, based on department-by-department data the county provided.

Civil Beat. KITV4.

City Sells $217M in Bonds to Upgrade Wastewater System

The city asserts bond proceeds will finance the costs of certain improvements, including design and construction of projects that rehabilitate Oʻahu’s existing wastewater system, expand system capacity and upgrade treatment processes.

Star-Advertiser.

HPD Moves Forward With Plans for School Resource Officers at Three High School Campuses

Honolulu’s interim police chief, Rade Vanic, wants to start a pilot program that would result in law enforcement officers being on campus in some schools.

Hawaii News Now.

How Chaminade and HPU Are Handling the Latest Federal DOE Cuts

Administrators  are still trying to get their arms around the impact of losing what’s known as Title III grants, which is federal money set aside for minority serving institutions like UH, Chaminade University and Hawaiʻi Pacific University.

Hawaiʻi Public Radio.

Living in Hawaiʻi Just Got Even Pricier: 3 New Reports

To live comfortably in 2025, a Honolulu household needs between $225,751 and $280,000 a year, respectively. That amount covers basic needs, discretionary spending, long-term savings and taxes.

KHON2.

Hawai‘i Island Headlines

STVRs Study Unveiled: Report to County Council Highlights Economic, Social Impacts

A new study commissioned by the Hawaiʻi County Council is shedding light on the substantial economic and social impact of short-term vacation rentals across Hawaiʻi Island.

Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News.

Council Mulls Another Pedestrian Safety Bill

Bill 82, which passed out of the council’s Policy Committee on Public Works and Mass Transit with a 7-0 vote, will now be considered by the full council. It serves as a follow-up to a previously vetoed measure, offering revisions in response to legal concerns.

Tribune-Herald.

High Bacteria Count Notification Issued for Lehia Beach Park in Leleiwi

Hawai‘i Department of Health is retesting waters at Lehia Beach Park in Hilo’s Leleiwi community, located on the easternmost edge of the East Hawai‘i town, after bacteria levels of 288 per 100 mL were detected during recent routine beach monitoring.

Big Island Now.

Maui Headlines

Maui County Mulls Buying Water System Amid Drought

Maui County is open to acquiring water system infrastructure from a company that can’t meet demand amid a historic drought, though it’s unclear how such an acquisition might help affected customers suing the system’s owner.

Star-Advertiser.

State Hopes Change in Course Will Salvage Sentry Golf Tournament on Maui

State officials say they still hope to have the Sentry golf tournament played in Hawaiʻi after the PGA said it could not be played at the Kapalua course that has hosted it for years.

Hawaii News Now.

Poor Protection Of Molokaʻi From Invasive Beetles Called An Emergency

The loss of plants to invasive species would threaten the island’s food security and calls for more serious action.

Civil Beat.

Kaua‘i Headlines

Kaua’i County Holding Series of Community Meetings About Future of Island’s Water

The sessions come after a recently completed Water Systems Investment Plan – a comprehensive island-wide water system study aimed at improving Kauaʻi’s water infrastructure.

Kauai Now.

KIUC Warns of False Claims by Solar PV Companies on Island

The Kauai Island Utility Cooperative said it has received reports from members saying that solar PV and battery system salespersons have provided them with inaccurate or incomplete information on how solar installations interact with KIUC’s electric grid, rates and programs.

Star-Advertiser.