Recent Government Salary Hikes at the Top Leave Many Public Workers Behind

Many Hawaiʻi state and local government leaders have gotten raises lately — the highest jump in over a decade. But if you’re a rank-and-file worker, tough luck. The median salary for the top 100 highest-paid public workers is now four times that of the rest of the public workforce.

Civil Beat.

Here’s What Proposed Changes to the Endangered Species Act Mean for Hawaiʻi

The Department of the Interior proposed new rules to the ESA in late November that would allow the federal government to take into account economic factors when deciding to list a new species or designate critical habitat for a protected species.

Hawaiʻi Public Radio.

Civil Beat’s Public Salary Database Is Updated. Here’s How to Use It

Civil Beat’s database of Hawaiʻi public employee salaries has been updated with the latest numbers for the fiscal year running from July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026. Start here for a few tips on how to make the best of this tool, which spans data from 19 state and county agencies.

Civil Beat.

DHHL Expects to Meet Deadline to Spend $600M

The state Department of Hawaiian Home Lands anticipates meeting a June 30 deadline to fully use $600 million appropriated in mid-2022 by the Legislature mainly to develop homestead lots for beneficiaries.

Star-Advertiser.

.08 Is Hawaiʻi’s Blood Alcohol Content Limit Under DUI Laws. Some Want That Changed

Hawaiʻi’s legal limit for blood alcohol content stands at .08, which is in alignment with most of the country. Depending on a number of factors like gender and weight, reaching .08 on average is reached after about three to five drinks.

Hawaii News Now.

O‘ahu Headlines

New City 3-1-1 App and System Expected to Speed Up Resident’s Requests

Most know about calling 9-1-1 for emergencies, or 2-1-1 for assistance or support, but do you know about dialing 3-1-1? That is the city’s site for Honolulu residents to request services in their community.

KITV4.

DPP Closes Building Permit Counter for a Week

The Honolulu Department of Planning and Permitting has closed its building permit counter through Friday to deal with a stated backlog of permits stuck in the prescreen process since the summer time.

Star-Advertiser.

Family Housing Service Provider Sees Increase in Calls for Assistance

Family Promise of Hawaiʻi, an organization that serves families experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity, has seen the number of calls for assistance significantly increase over the last few months.

Hawaiʻi Public Radio.

Hawai‘i Island Headlines

Council Resolution Urges State to Push Back Against Trump’s Immigration Order

A new resolution before the Hawaiʻi County Council is challenging the Trump administration’s latest immigration directives and urging the state to resist stepped-up federal enforcement.

Tribune-Herald.

No-Parking Change Proposed for Kona Street

Bill 109, introduced by Council Chair Holeka Inaba, would amend Chapter 24 of the Hawaiʻi County Code to revise the existing no-parking designation on Hina-Lani Street.

Tribune-Herald.

Arson Not Suspected in Hilo Fire That Burned Multiple Buildings

Fire investigators also reported there was no indication of accelerants or evidence of foul play, and the cause of the fire is currently classified as undetermined, police said in a follow-up statement on Monday.

Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now.

Maui Headlines

Maui County Council Advances Plan to Phase Out Short-Term Vacation Rentals

The Maui County Council voted 5 to 3 on Monday to pass the first of three readings on Bill 9 — Mayor Richard Bissen’s divisive proposal to convert 6,100 short-term vacation rentals into long-term housing for Maui residents.

Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Maui News.

Lahaina Community Meeting Set for Wednesday, Dec. 3

Residents are encouraged to attend the County of Maui’s Lahaina Community Meeting at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025, at the Lahaina Intermediate School cafeteria.

Maui Now.

Hawaiian Electric to Install Bird Diverters Using Drones on Maui

Hawaiian Electric will be installing power line markers, also known as bird diverters, on its electrical infrastructure using unmanned aircrafts or drones, in parts of Kahakuloa, Honomanū and Keālia National Wildlife Refuge areas from Dec. 1 to Dec. 22, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily and weather permitting. Electric service will not be impacted.

Maui Now.

Kaua‘i Headlines

SHOPO Says It Will Work With New Kauaʻi Police Chief Amid Call for Transparency

On Nov. 21, the Kauaʻi Police Commission made a conditional offer to San Diego Police Department Deputy Chief Rudy Tai to lead the island’s beleaguered police department. The State of Hawaiʻi Organization of Police Officers said it wants to help Tai succeed, despite its concerns about his past.

Hawaiʻi Public Radio.

Kauaʻi Lifeguard Discharged From Hospital After Shark Bite

Chance Swanson, 33, was surfing at a spot he frequents just outside of Hanalei Bay when he was bitten by a shark that severed a major artery in his leg.

Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

More Lights on Tap for the Holidays

The Kauaʻi Rotary Club Lights on Rice holiday parade is coming on Friday, starting at 6:30 p.m. on Rice Street.

Garden Island.