Bill Aims to Elevate Status of Hawaiʻi’s Coconut Trees

In response to the scourge of coconut rhinoceros beetles, Senate Bill 2925 proposes recognizing the coconut tree as a cultural treasure and vital resource. The bill has the support of environmental, farming and Native Hawaiian groups but also has raised concerns about enforcement and its impact on current pest-control practices.

Star-Advertiser.

The People Suing Kamehameha Schools Are Getting Death Threats

A white family suing Kamehameha Schools over its Native Hawaiian admissions policy wants to stay anonymous for the duration of the case over online death threats and fears that being named publicly could affect their careers.

Civil Beat.

Hawaiʻi Lawmakers Look to Space for Economic Diversification

Two legislative measures are moving forward to support a California firm’s plan for low-cost space launches from Hawaiʻi. The proposal involves a winged booster ship towed skyward by plane to deploy payloads. If passed, the bills would authorize $40 million in low-interest bonds and provide state funding for a specialized high-tech hangar at Hilo International Airport.

Star-Advertiser.

Measures Could Incentivize Locally Produced Sustainable Aviation Fuel

House Bill 1694 creates a tax credit to encourage the production of sustainable aviation fuel, a lower-carbon alternative to conventional jet fuel. If the measure is adopted, distributors of sustainable aviation fuel could get up to $2 back per gallon of fuel sold in the state.

Hawaiʻi Public Radio.

New Hawaiʻi Rental Car Tax Proposed

A variety of bills are being considered this year to generate around $90 million in new tax revenue annually from the rental car industry for the state’s general fund, or for Hawaiian homestead development, or for retroactive hazard pay for public school teachers who worked during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Star-Advertiser.

O‘ahu Headlines

OHA to Study Feasibility of Native Hawaiian Cultural Center

The Office of Hawaiian Affairs announced Sunday that it selected AEA Consulting to conduct a feasibility study for a proposed Native Hawaiian Cultural Center in Kaka‘ako Makai, launching what officials describe as a community-driven planning process for the long-discussed project.

Star-Advertiser.

Controversial Developer Ousted as Manager of Downtown ‘Hell Hole’ Building

Time is just about up for the founder of a downtown co-living space that descended into such squalor that one former tenant called the place a “hell hole.” Developer Chad Waters has just a few more days to find someone else to manage the building, which is without electricity, air-conditioning, elevators and water.

Civil Beat.

Flash Flooding Forces Evacuations With More Wet Weather Ahead

Eight feet in 1-1/2 hours. That is how quickly Kaukonahua Stream rose to flood stage Saturday afternoon, causing the Honolulu Department of Emergency Management to evacuate roughly 80 residents from Otake Camp in Waialua on Oʻahu’s North Shore.

Hawaii News Now. Star-Advertiser.

Dole Assures No Wahiawā Reservoir Dam Breach After Heavy Rain

Dole Food Company said there was no breach of the Wahiawā Reservoir Dam after heavy rain and flash flood warnings prompted an evacuation order in the Haleʻiwa-Waialua area Saturday.

Hawaii News Now.

Hawai‘i Island Headlines

Hawai‘i County Reduces Vacancies, but Workforce Still Down 17%

A year ago, there were 690 open county positions. Residents were seeing fewer hours at transfer stations and public pools, and slower response to maintenance of roads, parks, fields and tree trimming. Hawaiʻi County Mayor Kimp Alameda said Wednesday that things have improved, with about 100 of those openings filled. But vacancies still are high, with 589 out of a workforce of 3,395.

Big Island Now.

Reed Mahuna Sworn in as Hawaiʻi Police Chief

Mahuna was sworn in by Mayor Kimo Alameda during a private ceremony Friday in the Mayor’s office in Hilo. County officials say a larger, public swearing-in ceremony will take place on Friday, March 6.

Big Island Video News.

Banyan Drive Redevelopment Bills Advance in Legislature

Legislation to facilitate redevelopment of Hilo’s Banyan Drive — once an East Hawaiʻi crown jewel, now a picture of dilapidation and disrepair — continues to move in both the state House and Senate, but not without contention.

Tribune-Herald.

Waipiʻo Valley Road to Close for Geophysical Survey

The road will be closed to all traffic between 8:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. each day from Tuesday, February 24 through Friday, February 27.

Big Island Video News.

Maui Headlines

As Demand for Organic Food Rises, Federal Program to Help Local Farmers Transition Is Cut Short

‘Oko‘a Farms is one of 43 operations, including six on Maui, that is enrolled in the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Transition to Organic Partnership Program in Hawai‘i. The five-year initiative that started under the Biden presidency was set to run through 2027.

Maui Now.

As Focus Turns to Lahaina Commercial Rebuilds, Owners Face Daunting Challenges

As Lahaina commercial property owners navigate a daunting post-fire road to rebuilding, some are finding it so challenging that they’re not sure if they’ll be able to reconstruct at all.

Hawaiʻi Public Radio.

Planned New Telescopes for Haleakalā Draw Strong Opposition

As the military moves forward on its plans to build as many as seven new telescopes on the summit of Haleakalā, opposition to the project is mounting on Maui.

Star-Advertiser. Maui Now.

Kaua‘i Headlines

Kaua‘i Residents Worry 148-Unit Housing Project Will ‘Kill’ Kōloa Town

Historic Kōloa on Kauaʻi’s South Shore is the kind of town with single-family homes and plantation-style buildings. Now, a 148-unit housing project is being proposed in the area. Is this project too big for small-town Kōloa?

Civil Beat.

Hanapēpē Bus Stop Closed Due to Damage

The Kauaʻi Bus announced that the bus stop in front of the Hanapēpē First United Church is closed until further notice due to damage.

Kauaʻi Now.