Taxes Will Drive Agenda of Hawaiʻi Lawmakers in Coming Session

Federal actions cloud the revenue picture. Immigration, marijuana and energy issues also loom. When state lawmakers begin the 2026 legislative session Jan. 21, they will be forced to navigate some unusual and unwelcome political risks. That’s because Gov. Josh Green and the county mayors seem poised to press for action on touchy tax issues that could prove to be perilous in an election year.

Civil Beat.

New $16 Minimum Hourly Wage Complicates a Cost Crunch for Hawaiʻi Restaurants

With the new year comes a new minimum wage in Hawaiʻi. It’s now $16 an hour — and many local restaurant owners are concerned about what that means for their industry.

Hawai‘i Public Radio.

Climate Security Threats to Hawai‘i Outlined in Report

A climate report released by the Council on Strategic Risks outlined how climate change could threaten both Hawai‘i’s civilian and military communities, and how cuts to programs that monitor weather and other environmental threats could leave both more vulnerable. Security analysts have warned that droughts, sea level rise and other changes risk fueling displacement of communities and competition over resources, potentially destabilizing countries or entire regions.

Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiʻi Lawmakers Propose Climate Literacy Program in Public Schools

State lawmakers have revived a measure that would create a climate literacy program in public schools. House Bill 99 was first introduced last year by a cohort of state representatives who believe “that climate change education is necessary to ensure that the next generation are climate leaders,” according to language in the bill.

Hawai‘i Public Radio.

Hawaiian Language Schools Grow as DOE Shrinks

There’s One Big Problem. The state doesn’t have enough teachers to keep up with demand for schools taught in Hawaiian. Upcoming retirements are expected to add to the challenge.

Civil Beat.

O‘ahu Headlines

Volunteers Needed for Annual Homeless Count On O‘ahu

The annual Point in Time Count is set to take place on Monday, Jan. 26. Organizers said they are looking for volunteers to help their partner agencies in the field for the one-day survey, or by helping pack incentive kits.

Hawaii News Now.

UH Earns Top Global Rankings in Oceanography, Atmospheric Science

The University of Hawaii at Manoa earned high marks across nearly 20 disciplines in the 2025 Global Ranking of Academic Subjects, with oceanography, atmospheric science and hospitality and tourism management emerging as its highest-ranked programs, according to a news release.

Star-Advertiser.

Hawai‘i Island Headlines

Snow Covers Hawaiʻi Summits Overnight, High Wind Warning Issued

Observatory webcams using night vision captured a view of the snow after sundown, as the Maunakea Access Road was closed to the public due to the weather conditions.

Big Island Video News.

Big Island Traffic Fatalities Down in 2025

The number of traffic fatalities rose sharply statewide in 2025 with 129 to 102 in 2024, a 26.5% increase and the highest total since 2007. Here in Hawai‘i County, however, the number of traffic deaths decreased last year from the previous year’s total of 28 to 21, a 25% reduction.

Tribune-Herald.

Maui Headlines

50th Anniversary of ‘Kaho‘olawe Nine’ Begins Year-Long Remembrance, Lessons

Fifty years ago, as the U.S. Coast Guard turned away a flotilla of Native Hawaiians trying to make landfall on Kaho‘olawe, a lone Boston Whaler made its way through while carrying occupants who would become known as the Kaho‘olawe Nine.

Maui Now. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Kaua‘i Headlines

Economic Slowdown Forecast for Kauaʻi in 2026

Steven Bond-Smith with the University of Hawaiʻi Economic Research Organization told the Kauaʻi County Council at a briefing in mid-December that factors like inflation and tariffs are dampening domestic consumers’ outlook, which may make them less likely to visit Kauaʻi on vacation. The tourism industry accounts for about a third of Kauaʻi’s economy, and up to 95% of Kauaʻi’s visitors come from the U.S. continent.

Hawai‘i Public Radio.

In Last Leg of His Second Term, Kaua‘i Mayor Looks Back at County’s Successes

As he prepares for the final 11 months in office, Kaua‘i Mayor Derek Kawakami reflected on the strides made while leading the county, and also talked about his final priorities in a one-on-one interview Friday.

Hawaii News Now.

The Kauai Bus Offers 100 No-Cost Holomua Transit Cards

The Kauai Bus is announcing a special promotion offering 100 no-cost Holomua Transit Cards, each preloaded with $5, to the first 100 riders who show up to claim them.

Garden Island.