Draft EA Details Undersea Fiber Optic Cable Between Hawaiian Islands

A University of Hawaiʻi proposal to install a subsea fiber optic cable system connecting the six main Hawaiian Islands is detailed in a new draft environmental assessment.  The subsea cable system would improve and expand high-speed internet access and availability to the six main Hawaiian Islands.

Big Island Video News.

Gambling Bills Struggle to Remain Alive Amid Hawai‘i’s Prohibition on Wagering

A bill that would allow cruise ship gambling — even while ships are docked in Hawai‘i ports — stalled in a House committee Wednesday while another bill that would allow sports betting squeaked through as the state Legislature continues to debate whether to end Hawai‘i’s prohibition on gambling.

Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiʻi Eyes Expanded Automatic Voter Registration With Driver’s Licenses

A state proposal could automatically register eligible residents to vote in elections — unless they explicitly “opt out” of that opportunity. Hawaiʻi already has an automatic voter registration system, but it follows an “opt-in” model.

Hawai‘i Public Radio.

Election Advocates Warn of Political Fallout Following Recent Scandal

Several bills are already teed up this session to crack down on bribery and money-driven influence over lawmakers. Advocates say funding elections publicly is another way to bring ethics back to politics.

KHON2.

Unlicensed Teachers Want to Work in Hawai‘i Schools for Longer

The state has become increasingly reliant on emergency hires in recent years, but educational leaders are split on what role they should play in schools moving forward. A package of bills that would allow emergency hires to work in schools for five years is now sparking debate around the role unlicensed teachers should play in Hawaiʻi classrooms.

Civil Beat.

O‘ahu Headlines

Luke Donor and Friends Cashed in on City-Funded COVID Testing Program

In a public health crisis, Tobi Solidum saw a business opportunity, and his company made millions from a Honolulu-funded program. Now he’s at the center of a public corruption scandal.

Ciivil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

Student Homelessness Rises on Oahu’s West Side

The number of students experiencing homelessness is rising on Oahu’s west side, according to Hawaii State Department of Education officials who say they are seeing the highest numbers in years.

Hawaii News Now.

‘Let the Kids Play’: Legal Dispute Cancels Flag Football League for Hundreds of Keiki

Scott Nunotani, who started the NFL Flag Football Hawaii organization, was slapped with an injunction last Friday by his former employer, Ultimate Lokahi Sports, for starting the company and improperly competing against them.

Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu Woman Sentenced for Threatening to Kill Presidents Biden and Trump on Facebook

A 49-year-old woman was sentenced to seven months in prison on Tuesday after she pled guilty to threatening to kill Presidents Biden and Trump in multiple Facebook posts and comments.

KITV4.

Hawai‘i Island Headlines

$33 Million Well Spent? Resolution Seeking Audit of County Homeless Fund Spending Passes

The Hawai‘i County Council on Feb. 4 voted 8-0 to approve a resolution requesting the county auditor conduct a performance audit of the Office of Housing and Community Development’s Homeless and Housing Fund, a five-year program established by the council in 2022 to combat homelessness.

Tribune-Herald.

Grand Opening Friday for New Hilo Goodwill Store

Goodwill Hawaii has announced that the Hilo Store and Donation Center will be relocating to its Hawai‘i Island Campus (17 Makaala St.), which offers a larger retail space, more parking and a convenient donation drop-off.

Tribune-Herald.

Maui Headlines

High Court Blocks Appeal of $4 Billion Maui Wildfire Settlement, but Payouts Still Delayed

For the second time in two years, the Hawaii Supreme Court has blocked insurance companies from acquiring part of a $4 billion Maui wildfire settlement.

Star-Advertiser.

Maui Housing Policy Divides Top Candidates for Mayor This Election

Maui County Council member Yuki Lei Sugimura is trying to unseat Mayor Richard Bissen in a closely watched race this election.

Civil Beat.

Kaua‘i Headlines

Kauaʻi Small Business Energy Efficiency Grant Program Continues Through This Year

The grant operates alongside the utility co-op’s Commercial Retrofit Program, which provides funding for efficiency upgrades of existing items and units — including air conditioning, motors and refrigeration.

Kaua‘i Now.

New CPR Machines Coming to Wilcox

A new cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) machine is scheduled to appear at the Wilcox Medical Center thanks to the generosity of a charitable trust.

Garden Island.