Hawai‘i’s Strict Gun Law Faces Supreme Court Scrutiny in Landmark Case

Hawai‘i’s gun laws, long among the strictest in the nation, will be the focus of arguments before the U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday. The court is taking up the state’s ban on firearms on private property that is open to the public, such as stores and hotels, unless the owner explicitly allows it.

Associated Press.

Democrats Lay Out Their Agenda for the 2026 Session

State officials are preparing for the possibility that federal funding cuts for Hawai‘i could continue in 2026, with Gov. Josh Green considering the possibility of dipping into the state’s $1.6 billion “rainy day fund” to compensate for lost support.

Star-Advertiser.

We Asked Hawaiʻi Lawmakers: Did You Take $35,000 In A Paper Bag?

Civil Beat contacted all the potential suspects. Many were quick to deny involvement. Some let others speak for them. Others remain silent.

Civil Beat.

Statewide Doctor Shortage Has Worsened, a New Report Finds

The Hawai‘i Physicians Workforce Report Opens in a new tab found the state short of 833 full-time equivalent doctors in 2025 compared to 768 in 2024, with the greatest gaps continuing on neighbor isles.

Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiʻi Judges Face More Threats. Courts Want Armed Guards To Help.

The Judiciary is seeking $3.25 million to hire private security as the Department of Law Enforcement, which protects the courts, faces staffing shortages.

Civil Beat.

O‘ahu Headlines

City Reviews Oversight Agreement in Chinatown

The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation’s planned construction of the more than $10 billion Skyline into Chinatown may coincide with the city’s desire for an updated agreement with the state to gain greater oversight over historical sites and future development projects along that portion of the rail line’s route.

Star-Advertiser.

Young Professionals Express Concerns With State Legislators

Sixty young professionals like Jordan Odo got to meet nine young state legislators and City Council members Wednesday night to lobby for issues they believe in, especially the need to make Hawai‘i more affordable.

Star-Advertiser.

Researchers Investigate Whale Carcass at Waimanalo Beach

Researchers were seen at Waimanalo Beach removing a whale carcass that washed up over the weekend.

KHON2. KITV4.

Hawai‘i Island Headlines

County: Bridge to Moku‘ola Will Be Reconstructed

Hawai‘i County officials have decided, after consulting with an engineer, that it would be more prudent to reconstruct the pedestrian bridge between Waiakea Peninsula and Moku‘ola (Coconut Island) than to simply repair the damaged section.

Tribune-Herald.

Hawaiʻi County Offers Right-of-Way Permits Through EPIC

Online payments are also being accepted for Grading, Grubbing, and Stockpiling Permits, officials say.

Big Island Video News.

Hilo Forest Reserve Cabins Reopen For Camping

The Keanakolu Bunkhouse and Ranger cabins have been closed since October due to drought and dry conditions in the area.

Big Island Video News.

Maui Headlines

Maui Police Investigate Alleged Attack Against Tourists on Road to Hana

Texas couple David and Angie Carroll’s visit went awry after a confrontation on the Road to Hana last Friday. What was supposed to be a scenic drive ended with an alleged attack and damage to their rental car. David claims he was also called a racial slur.

Hawaii News Now.

Oceanside Property Owners on Lahaina’s Front Street Face Dilemma: Sell to Maui County or Wait to Rebuild?

The county has reached out to owners in hopes of turning the makai side of Front Street into a connected stretch of open space to protect against flooding and create more shoreline access.

Maui Now.

Updates to Maui County’s CDBG Program Available for Public Review

Proposed updates to Maui County’s Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery Action Plan are now available to view on the Hoʻokumu Hou website. This is the official online site for the Office of Recovery Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery Program.

Maui Now.

Kaua‘i Headlines

Kaua‘i to Benefit From Nearly $5 Million in New Earmark Funding

Of the share designated for Kauai, the County of Kauai, Department of Water is earmarked for $1 million. This project supports the installation of a water storage tank to increase water storage capacity in the Kilauea community. The new storage tank will support approximately 2,800 full-time residents and 6,500 acres of agricultural lands.

Garden Island.