Lieutenant Governor Says She May Be the ‘Influential State Legislator’ Referred to in Federal Case

Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke said Monday amid the ongoing furor that she did not take $35,000 in a paper bag in front of state House colleague turned FBI informant Ty J.K. Cullen during a January 2022 dinner, but did accept $10,000 in checks for her campaign from two people whom Cullen introduced her to that night.

Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Long-Vacant State Jobs With Languishing Funds on Rise in Hawaiʻi

The number of state positions vacant for over four years climbed to 485 as of Nov. 1, according to a Department of Human Resources Development report. This spike in long-term vacancies has expanded a reserve of taxpayer revenue that Hawaiʻi lawmakers now hope to tap for urgent projects amid increasing state budget concerns and financial instability.

Star-Advertiser.

Free Public Transit? Committee Debates How Hawaiʻi’s Finances Would Fare

State lawmakers are discussing an “ambitious” proposal that would make public transportation free across Hawaiʻi. House Bill 2451 would require Hawaiʻi’s counties to implement “fare-free” access to their public transit systems.

Hawaiʻi Public Radio.

Bills to Address Dementia, Alzheimer’s Gain Traction at State Capitol

Hawaiʻi legislators are introducing a number of measures to tackle the growing problem of dementia in our islands. These efforts come as concerns grow about the mental health of one of their colleagues.

Civil Beat.

Pacific Plays Strategic Role, Air Force Official Says

Under Secretary of the Air Force Matthew Lohmeier wrapped up a tour of the Pacific last week that took him to Hawaiʻi, South Korea and Japan as the service works out its strategy for the region.

Star-Advertiser.

O‘ahu Headlines

Native Hawaiian-Led Productions Anchor $10M Push at Ko Olina

More than $10 million in investment tied to “Kaula Lu‘au” and related contracts is poised to deliver hundreds of jobs and multi- million‑dollars in work to Ko Olina, injecting new momentum into a resort district that has long fought to draw visitors — and their spending — to Oʻahu’s West Side.

Star-Advertiser.

Dog Attack Leaves 11 Sheep Dead in West Oʻahu

A devastating dog attack at Kaʻala Farm in Waiʻanae has decimated the farm’s sheep flock and dealt a major blow to wildfire prevention efforts.

KHON2.

Oʻahu High School Students Protest ICE Actions

Hundreds of high schoolers across Oʻahu gathered after school Friday to protest recent U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement violence.

Hawaiʻi Public Radio.

Damage Reported Across Oʻahu Following Severe Weekend Storm

Heavy rains flooded neighborhoods while fierce winds uprooted trees that stood for decades. At last check, the Honolulu Fire Department responded to at least 92 storm-related incidents since Saturday morning. Sixty were for downed trees, 21 were blown roof-type calls, and 11 were for downed power lines.

Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

‘Unreal’: Storm Gusts Rip Roofs off Oʻahu Homes, 12 Displaced

Sunday’s whipping winds ripped roofs off 22 structures, the Honolulu Fire Department reported. One of the buildings with a blown roof was an apartment complex in Nānākuli along Helelua Street, leaving 12 people without a home.

Hawaii News Now.

Hawai‘i Island Headlines

Hawaiʻi Volcano: Neighborhoods Still Littered With Ash and Debris

The Big Island hasn’t seen debris and ashfall like this in 1,000 years. Nearly two weeks ago, Kīlauea’s 41st eruption threw debris as far away as Hilo. It can have real consequences for the respiratory system and eyes — especially for our kūpuna. Public pools are dirty. School playgrounds are littered. Water catchment systems are clogged. Folks near the volcano say they need more help from the county.

Civil Beat.

Storm Damage Minimal for Big Island

Heavy rain fell in the Hāmākua and North Hilo districts. For the 48-hour period ending at 8 a.m. Monday, a gauge above Laupāhoehoe measured 20.48 inches, while Honokaʻa checked in with 19.3 inches. The Hawaiian Electric station on Ala Kahua Drive in Waimea clocked 60 mph gusts at 9:30 p.m. Saturday, while Kohala Ranch measured 59 mph winds.

Tribune-Herald.

Maui Headlines

National Fight Over Immigration Enforcement Roils Maui County

Maui County Council members are doing some serious soul-searching. At issue is Bill 92 — legislation to renew a long-standing agreement between Maui police and the FBI. Even the police chief wants to add language to prevent his officers from being pulled into a potential federal immigration crackdown, if one were to touch down here in the islands.

Civil Beat.

Maui County Severe Weather Impacts

All County of Maui offices on Maui, Molokaʻi, and Lānaʻi—as well as the Olowalu Recycling and Refuse Convenience Center—are scheduled to reopen Tuesday, Feb. 10. County crews will inspect parks early thhis morning prior to their reopening.

Maui Now.

Kaua‘i Headlines

Rep. Jill Tokuda Meets With Kauaʻi Residents to Address Local, National Concerns

U.S. Rep. Jill Tokuda visited Līhuʻe on Saturday to meet with residents and hear their questions and concerns about a variety of issues, including Immigration & Customs Enforcement operations, rising costs for farmers and accountability in Washington.

Kauaʻi Now.

Flood Advisory Upgraded to Flash Flood Warning; Allowed to Expire Early Today

The National Weather Service upgraded the flood advisory previously in effect for Kauaʻi to a flash flood warning because of heavy rains happening over the island. The flash flood warning was allowed to expire at 2 a.m. today.

Kauaʻi Now.