$35K Case: New Development Sparks Calls for Independent Probe

Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke has shared her side of the story, but not everyone is buying it. Attorney Alexander Silvert, a leading advocate for transparency, argues her account makes no sense. He and other advocates are now calling on Hawaiʻi’s Attorney General to recuse herself and appoint an independent prosecutor, though AG Anne Lopez insists that won’t be necessary.

Civil Beat. KITV4. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaiʻi Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke Comes Under More Scrutiny

The Hawaiʻi Campaign Spending Commission will investigate whether Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke violated state law when she failed to report $16,000 in campaign contributions, including $10,000 tied to a businessman involved in a high-profile bankruptcy.

Star-Advertiser. Hawaiʻi Public Radio.

Speed-Limiting Devices Could Be Coming for Hawaiʻi Repeat Offenders

A bill moving through the Legislature would let judges order speed-limiting devices in the cars of habitual offenders, similar to ignition interlocks for drunk drivers.

KHON2.

Hawai‘i Doctor Shortage Has Patients Paying Fees for Fast Care

If you can’t go through insurance, go around it. It can be just about impossible to find a doctor that accepts your insurance and is taking new patients. Some are skipping the insurance route altogether and opting for monthly memberships through what’s known as direct primary care practices. This means faster care for patients. And it could either lessen Hawaiʻi’s doctor shortage or make it worse.

Civil Beat.

‘It Is Not a Fraud’: Schatz, Murkowski Blast Attack on Native Contracting

A federal contracting program that funnels millions to initiatives benefitting Native Hawaiians is under attack after Christopher Dawson was accused of abusing the program to enrich himself. This story has been used by Trump administration officials to attack the program. Now, U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz is teaming up with U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, a Republican from Alaska, to defend and safeguard this initiative, while making room for oversight.

Civil Beat.

O‘ahu Headlines

State Affordable-Housing Project Fails to Gain Traction

The endeavor to develop one leasehold condo tower on state land in Kakaʻako as a pilot project for envisioned replication ran into trouble several months ago over concerns that unit prices and use restrictions would deter buyers, who would receive 99-year leases instead of fee-simple ownership.

Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiʻi Pacific Health, HMSA Partnership Plans Proceeding

Hawaii Medical Service Association insures more than 750,000 people statewide, while HPH operates major hospitals including Kapi‘olani Medical Center for Women & Children, Pali Momi Medical Center, Straub Medical Center and Wilcox Medical Center on Kauaʻi.

Star-Advertiser.

Council Urges City to Secure Lower Cost Ambulance Services

The Honolulu City Council is urging the city to work with state officials to establish a federally funded program aimed at reducing the city’s cost of ambulance serv­ices for low-income people.

Star-Advertiser.

Plan for Japanese Archery Range Draws Some Opposition From Kaimukī Neighbors

For decades, the 125-year-old Hawaiʻi Kyudo Kai club has been looking for a permanent home. The search may soon be over as the nonprofit Hawaiʻi Kyudo Foundation and the city announced last year that it would build a kyudojo at the Mauʻumae Nature Preserve, located on 16th Avenue and Claudine Street.

Hawaiʻi Public Radio.

Hawai‘i Island Headlines

Another Big Island Man Sentenced for Affordable Housing Scam

Rajesh Budhabhatti, a 65-year-old Big Island businessman who prosecutors said “played a central role in the conspiracy and scheme” to earn millions of dollars illegally using Hawaiʻi County affordable housing credits, was sentenced Friday in Honolulu to 7 1/2 years in federal prison.

Tribune-Herald.

Public Invited to Provide Feedback on HTA’s Destination Management Plan

The Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority’s Hawaiʻi Island virtual meeting is from noon to 1 p.m. this Thursday. Registration is required to receive the Zoom links to the virtual meeting. Register here.

Tribune-Herald.

Hawaiʻi Care Choices Is Expanding Services, Care Options to North Hawaiʻi This Month

Beginning this month, the Kupu Palliative Care Program will be available through a dedicated clinic space within the North Hawaiʻi Hospice office, extending palliative care services to residents of Hāmākua, Waimea, North Kohala, and South Kohala.

Big Island Now.

Maui Headlines

Maui Cops Could Still Aid Feds Despite Council Immigration Concerns

Maui County Council members were faced with a tough decision over a controversial bill to renew a longtime agreement between local police and the FBI. Folks worried that this could be co-opted for other purposes by the federal government amid a national crackdown over immigration enforcement. Yesterday, the council killed that bill, meaning the police department’s current agreement with the FBI will remain in effect — for now.

Civil Beat.

Supreme Court Ruling Deemed ‘Huge Milestone’ for Maui Wildfire Settlement

A ruling from the Hawaiʻi Supreme Court on Tuesday could allow for the more than 21,000 Maui fire survivors in a $4 billion settlement to begin receiving payments in a matter of weeks, an attorney for the victims said.

Hawaii News Now.

Budget Priorities Topic of Discussion at South Maui Community Town Hall on Feb. 24

Maui County Council member Tom Cook will host a South Maui town hall at 6 p.m. Feb. 24 at the Malcolm Center, 1305 N. Holopono St., Suite 5, to gather input on the community’s budget priorities.

Maui News.

Kaua‘i Headlines

Free Tax Preparation Opens

Due to the large amount of people needing tax returns — both federal and state — hours have been extended on opening day for several of the sites.

Garden Island.