After a Dry Spell, Three Film and Television Productions Underway in Hawai‘i

Hawai‘i’s film industry is staging a comeback, with three major film and TV productions getting underway in the islands. The Netflix series “Untamed” is the first series since “Rescue HI Surf,” which was canceled in May of last year. It was a blow for a sector that generated over $320 million for the state’s economy in 2024.

Hawaii News Now.

The Success of Hawaiʻi’s Food and Farm Bills Could Depend on One Thing

As Hawaiʻi continues to pinch pennies and fill holes created by federal cuts, lawmakers may have to choose between bills designed to bolster local food or fight invasive species.

CIvil Beat.

Hawai‘i Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke Stays Silent on State Subpoenas

Twelve days after Hawai‘i’s attorney general said she issued multiple subpoenas and completed interviews in a criminal investigation born out of a federal political bribery case, Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke will not say if she has been subpoenaed by state investigators.

Star-Advertiser.

O‘ahu Headlines

More Design Delays Could Push Back Honolulu Rail Project — Again

The city center segment of the $10B rail project is supposed to open in March 2031, but an outside consultant questions whether that plan is still feasible.

Civil Beat.

Red Hill: Fears Linger Over Navy Reopening Water Shaft

After waiting hours to hear the latest update on the Red Hill water crisis cleanup at a lengthy meeting Tuesday with the Commission on Water Resource Management, concerned community members learned the Navy had left the meeting.

Star-Advertiser.

36 City Parks Designated as ‘On-leash’ Allowing for Dogs on Leashes

The Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation has added 36 new on-leash dog parks. That move doubles the number already in place.

KHON2.

Changes Coming to High-Traffic Hawai‘i Offramp, Intersections

Transportation officials said there have been over 12 serious crashes near the Koko Head offramp in recent years.

KHON2.

Hawai‘i Island Headlines

Hawai‘i Police Department Officer Blane Kenolio Pleaded No Contest Wednesday to a Charge of Tampering With Physical Evidence

The charge stemmed from Kenolio’s unconstitutional search of an arrestee’s belongings on May 24, 2023, inside the Hilo Police Station.

Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now.

Hawaiʻi County Changes Mulch Loading Fees for Commercial Customers

Hawaiian Earth Recycling, will be charging commercial customers $5 per cubic yard at the Kealakehe Recycling and Transfer Station. Commercial customers will be charged $20 per cubic yard at the East Hawaiʻi Organics Facility.

Big Island Video News. Big Island Now.

Maui Headlines

Plan Floated to Solve West Maui Water Crisis

The plan, presented by TY Management Corp. to the state Commission on Water Resource Management on Tuesday, intends to benefit Maui County, financially struggling Maui Land &Pineapple Co., a state agriculture development agency, Native Hawaiian taro farmers, other small farmers, Kapalua homeowners and TY.

Star-Advertiser.

Treecovery Helps Maui Wildfire Recovery

In December, Treecovery, three Rotary Clubs, Maui County, and the Lahaina Restoration Foundation helped with a native-planting at Keawaiki Park near Lahaina Harbor.

Maui News.

Controversial $13M Nāpili Home Now Offering Partial Ownership to Buyers

Cohana Homes, which describes itself as a vacation home co-ownership company, is offering 25% ownership of the house for $3.55 million apiece. The entire 7,344-square-foot house at 5385 Lower Honoapi‘ilani Road is listed with a value of $12.9 million.

Maui Now.

Kaua‘i Headlines

State Senate Confirms New Circuit Court Judge for Kaua‘i

The Hawai’i State Senate voted to confirm Stephanie R.S. Char, Gov. Josh Green’s selection to fill the vacancy in the Fifth Circuit Court of the Fifth Circuit, created by the retirement of Judge Kathleen N.A. Watanabe in August 2025.

Kaua‘i Now.

Group Created to Protect Kaua‘i From CRB

CRB Action Kauai, a new community-driven initiative, has formed to support Kaua‘i residents, landowners, farmers, businesses and community groups responding to the growing threat of the Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle (CRB), an invasive pest impacting coconut and other palms across the island.

Garden Island.