Hawaiʻi Tax Revenue Forecast Stable Amid Upbeat Economic Outlook

The Council on Revenues maintained its state general fund forecasts Wednesday, leaving the Legislature to build the upcoming budget on a projected $9.7 billion in revenue. This represents a 2.0% increase over the current fiscal year’s $9.5 billion estimate, providing the baseline for the budget cycle beginning July 1.

Star-Advertiser. Big Island Now.

$35K Mystery Payment: Bill Would Extend Time to Prosecute

Investigators have just one more year to bring charges and prosecute the unnamed lawmaker caught on camera taking $35,000 in a paper bag. One legislator wants to give the state Campaign Spending Commission more time to look into it, even though the state’s top law enforcement officer said the state won’t look into the matter while a federal investigation is ongoing.

Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaiʻi’s Physician Shortage Keeps Getting Worse

Hawaiʻi is home to 12,688 licensed physicians but less than a third serve patients — and neighbor islands bear the brunt of these challenges. We pay a big price for our doctor shortage, regardless of insurance coverage. See which county had the most significant shortage and check how your island stacks up.

Civil Beat.

Hawaiʻi Wildfire Plan in the Works as New State Fire Marshal’s Office Expands

A plan that aims to overhaul how state agencies prepare for wildfires is expected to be completed in early 2027, according to the Hawai‘i Wildfire Management Organization.

Maui Now.

DFS Pulls Out of Hawaiʻi After More Than 60 Years

After more than 60 years in Hawaiʻi, Duty Free Shoppers (DFS) is preparing to pull out of the market.They are set to close their two locations at the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, Maui Airport location and Waīkikī location by the end of March.

KHON2.

O‘ahu Headlines

Mayor Blangiardi Signs Honolulu Police Department Media Access Bill

Mayor Rick Blangiardi has signed a bill into law requiring the Honolulu Police Department to release timely and accurate information to selected news outlets during major public safety incidents. Blangiardi’s Dec. 22 approval of Bill 46 means HPD is expected to use its newly-created media crime alert system to provide limited media access to its radio communications.

Star-Advertiser.

Rebates Increased on Appliances to Encourage Water Conservation

The Honolulu Board of Water Supply and Department of Environmental Serv­ices announced Wednesday it would be increasing rebates on certain household appliances to encourage more water conservation on Oʻahu.

Star-Advertiser. KITV4.

HMSA, Hawai‘i Pacific Health Propose New Health Care Affiliation Amid Affordability Concerns

Hawaii Medical Service Association and Hawai‘i Pacific Health said the proposal would bring the two local, nonprofit organizations under a new parent entity, tentatively called One Health Hawaii, while allowing each to continue operating independently as legal affiliates.

Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Proposed Healthcare Partnership Questioned by Queens, Nurses’ Union

Not everyone is cheering the proposed affiliation between HMSA and Hawaiʻi Pacific Health. The Queens Health Systems said the partnership could skew competition and strain hospitals that care for Hawaiʻi’s most vulnerable patients.

KHON2.

Hawai‘i Island Headlines

Dominic Yagong, Former Council Chairman, Dies at 66

Dominic Yagong, a former County Council chairman who represented Hāmākua and was the beloved emcee of Honokaʻa High School Dragons sports, died Wednesday. He was 66. Yagong was in hospice care the past couple of weeks after suffering a second stroke late last year.

Tribune-Herald. Big Island Now.

Hawaiʻi Island Homeless Population Still Grew Despite $30 Million Investment

Big Island went all in on addressing homelessness nearly four years ago. Since then, the county has spent more than $30 million. It seems like the problem has only gotten worse to council members, service providers and parents who hope to take their kids to the park. Now some are asking: Where did the money go?

Civil Beat.

Community Groups Out in Front in the Fight Against Hunger on Hawaiʻi Island

An estimated 90,000 people on Hawaiʻi island are battling some degree of food insecurity. The island has one of the highest rates of hunger in the state, according to a report compiled by major food banks in 2025.

Hawaiʻi Public Radio.

Maui Headlines

Bill to Save Thousands of Maui Vacation Rentals Heads to Planning Commissions

Last month, the Maui County Council passed a plan to phase out thousands of the island’s short-term vacation rentals. Yesterday, the council advanced a measure that could cut the number of affected units in half. Now, the Planning Commission will share its two cents.

Civil Beat.

Mahi Pono Announces First Commercial Harvest of Hawaiʻi-Grown Mandarins

Mahi Pono today announced the first commercial harvest of its Hawaiʻi-grown mandarins, marking a significant milestone in the company’s ongoing efforts to increase local food production and strengthen Hawaiʻi’s food security.

Maui Now.

Kaua‘i Headlines

Kauaʻi Police Department Adds Four Officers From the 102nd Recruit Class

Family members, friends, fellow officers and the Kauaʻi County Council gathered on Dec. 6 for the 102nd Police Recruit Class graduation ceremony at the Kauaʻi War Memorial Convention Hall for recruits Kent Morano, Brandon Chun, Kaleo Josiah and Daylin Huni.

Kauaʻi Now.