Green Suggests Hawaiʻi Might Scale Back on Income Tax Cuts

Gov. Josh Green warns that recent federal actions will cost Hawaiʻi an estimated $3 billion in lost revenue over six years. To bridge the gap, he may ask lawmakers to reduce the scope of the state income tax cuts approved just last year.

Civil Beat.

Commentary: Why Doesn’t the Hawaiʻi Legislature Have an Electronic Voting System?

Most states have them, and some lawmakers argue it would improve transparency and jolt some of their colleagues out of their complacency.

Civil Beat.

Hawaiʻi’s Biggest Shipper Is Shifting Its China Business Model

Companies that ship in goods from China have adopted a strategy to diversify their supply chains. Hawaiʻi shipping company Matson is shifting its service to accommodate this China Plus One strategy.

Hawaiʻi Public Radio.

Lack of Funding Puts Hawaiʻi Tourism Program on Hold

The Hawai‘i Tourism Authority invested upwards of $700,000 to launch the regenerative tourism program Qurator, but with no funding to keep it running, the award-winning, state-backed initiative has been put on ice.

Star-Advertiser.

Hiring Slowing as Costs, Minimum Wage Increase

As a gauge of the slowing American economy, nationwide private hiring dropped by 32,000 jobs in November. This deceleration is already impacting Hawaiʻi’s job market, with small businesses facing the hardest hits.

Star-Advertiser.

O‘ahu Headlines

Pearl Harbor Ceremony Carries on as Survivors Skip This Year

Veterans, dignitaries and community members gathered at Pearl Harbor on Sunday to mark the 84th anniversary of the surprise attack that pulled the United States into World War II. Only 12 survivors are still alive — all centenarians — and this year none were able to make the pilgrimage to Hawaiʻi to mark the event Sunday.

Star-Advertiser. Associated Press. Hawaii News Now.

Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Survivors in Honolulu for WWII Memorial Events

Nagasaki atomic bomb survivors, known as the “hibakusha,” will host events to share personal stories of the 1945 World War II atomic bombing and engage in discussions of peace as this year marks the 80th anniversary.

Hawaii News Now.

First of 10 Towers at Mayor Wright Homes Positioned to Rise Next Year

The first phase of a more than $1 billion plan to redevelop one of Hawaiʻi’s oldest and biggest public housing communities is on track to begin next year after a recent financing commitment by a state board following over a decade of work.

Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiʻi Patients to Join New Lawsuit Against Army Doctor Accused of Abuse

Early this week, more than 75 women are expected to file a lawsuit against the Army for sexual abuse they say they experienced at the hands of Maj. Blaine McGraw when he was their OB-GYN. Among those lining up as plaintiffs are at least 10 patients McGraw saw in Hawaiʻi when he served as a resident at the Tripler Army Medical Center from 2019 to 2023.

Civil Beat.

News Outlets Are Closer to Renewed Access to Honolulu Police Communications

A bill ordering the Honolulu Police Department to share information with news outlets has passed through its final hearing at the Honolulu City Council, though some worry community reporting on social media will suffer.

Hawaiʻi Public Radio.

Hawai‘i Island Headlines

Council Questions Nonprofit Spending

Hawaiʻi County Council on Tuesday advanced a $6 million package of homelessness and housing grants out of committee, but not without sharply criticizing local service providers for what members described as inefficient spending, weak accountability and uneven delivery of services.

Tribune-Herald.

Agriculture Property Tax Measure Advances

The Hawaiʻi County Council voted unanimously Tuesday to advance Bill 103, Draft 2, a measure that would extend a 3% annual property assessment cap to certain former agricultural parcels that also qualify for the homeowner tax class.

Tribune-Herald.

Hawaiʻi County Leaders Outline Needs, Priorities to State Senators During Big Island Visit

During their early November visit, members of the Senate Ways and Means Committee also met with county and community leaders to receive updates on projects and initiatives relating to biosecurity, economic development and sustainability, housing, culture and workforce pathways, which are outlined in a 20-page report.

Big Island Now.

Prized Cattle Reunited With Owners Thanks to New Ag Crimes Task Force

An agricultural crimes task force created and funded by “Duke’s Law” is starting to bear fruit. On Wednesday, a miniature cow named Daisy and her heifer calf — appropriately named Justice — were returned to their rightful owners at Rosie Rainbow Ranch, a small multigenerational farm in Laupahoehoe.

Tribune-Herald.

Enormous Lava Fountain Erupts at Kīlauea, Destroys Webcam

Episode 38 in the ongoing Kīlauea summit eruption ended abruptly at 8:52 p.m. HST on Saturday evening after 12.1 hours of continuous lava fountaining.

Big Island Video News.

Maui Headlines

ʻIt’s About Balance’: Maui Nears Final Vote to Phase Out Thousands of Vacation Rentals

A measure that would close about half of vacation rentals in Maui County passed the first reading in the full council by a narrow 5-3 vote this week. Now, it’s headed to a second and final reading on Dec. 15.

Hawaiʻi Public Radio.

Maui Council Advances Tax Relief Extension for Lahaina Wildfire Survivors

The Maui County Council unanimously passed a bill on first reading Friday that would extend real property tax relief for Lahaina wildfire survivors through June 2028.

Maui Now.

Delayed Maui County Grants Leave Local Nonprofits in Limbo

Maui nonprofit leaders have had to consider layoffs and lean on one another for support as they wait to receive hundreds of thousands of dollars that the county owes them in grant payments. The county says it is tightening up its oversight of public money to prevent fraud and abuse.

Civil Beat.

Kaua‘i Headlines

Kauaʻi Grant Aims to Elevate Sustainable Tourism, Cultural Preservation Efforts

The start of the new year could bring extra cash to some nonprofits on the Garden Isle through the annual Kauaʻi Cultural Program and Events Grant.

Hawaiʻi Public Radio.

Temporary Service Changes at Hanalei Transfer Station Scheduled This Week

Kaua‘i County Solid Waste Division reports that the transfer station serving the North Shore community will accept bagged trash only — no loose mixed waste — Friday (Dec. 12). The facility will also be completely closed to the public Saturday (Dec. 13).

Kauaʻi Now.