Suddenly Hawaiʻi Lawmakers Aren’t Talking Much About Those Big Tax Cuts

The prospect of having to backpedal on promised tax breaks isn’t going over well in an election year. The killjoy this year is a politically painful chore Gov. Josh Green has assigned to state lawmakers. He wants them to “pause” a series of scheduled state income tax cuts that would save Hawaiʻi taxpayers billions of dollars in the years ahead.

Civil Beat.

Hawaiʻi Gradually Moving Beyond Recession, UHERO Report Says

The University of Hawaiʻi Economic Research Organization has published its first quarter forecast for 2026. Researchers say the Hawaiʻi economy is moving beyond last year’s mild recession, but the recovery will be gradual.

Big Island Video News.

$7 Billion Overhaul of Hawai‘i Airports Advances

The state Department of Transportation is advancing a $7 billion pipeline of airport construction and modernization projects over the next six to seven years, a scale Hawai‘i has never attempted before as it works to overhaul terminals, airfields and support facilities statewide.

Star-Advertiser.

Kidney Nonprofit Charged Taxpayers ‘Outrageous’ Prices for COVID Tests

During the pandemic, the National Kidney Foundation of Hawaiʻi charged island taxpayers premium prices for Covid tests – up to $166 per test – as millions of public dollars flowed to the nonprofit’s consultant, a man who may now be at the center of a major political scandal.

Civil Beat.

State Faces Scrutiny for Treatment of Homeless With Mental Illness

A deepening clash between state lawmakers, community providers and the state Department of Health is putting renewed scrutiny on how Hawai‘i handles defendants with serious mental illness and whether gaps in the system are fueling a costly “revolving door” between jail, the Hawai‘i State Hospital and the streets.

Star-Advertiser.

O‘ahu Headlines

Social Security Numbers of Over 1.2M ‘Potentially’ Exposed in UH Cyberattack

The Social Security numbers belonging to 1,241,020 people were “potentially” exposed during a cyberattack that was initially discovered Aug. 31 by the University of Hawai‘i Cancer Center’s Epidemiology Division. Among the records “possibly exposed” are Social Security numbers and driver’s license numbers from state Department of Transportation records collected in 2000 and Honolulu voter registration records from 1998.

Star-Advertiser. CIvil Beat.

University of Hawai‘i Begins Search for Manoa Chancellor

The decision separates the roles of UH system president and UH Manoa chancellor — a dual structure that has been in place in recent years — following months of discussion by the University of Hawai‘i Board of Regents.

Star-Advertiser.

West O‘ahu Refinery to Produce Plant-Based Biofuels

Par Hawaii proposes that part of its 151.4-acre facility at 91-325 Komohana St. in Kapolei will now produce low-carbon-emission, plant-based biofuels, including renewable diesel, sustainable aviation fuel and renewable liquefied petroleum gas, among others.

Star-Advertiser.

Event Marks Milestone to Bring Honolulu Chinatown’s First Arch

A groundbreaking ceremony was held Saturday for Honolulu Chinatown’s first arch, to be erected in about six months at the entrance of Kekaulike Mall at King Street.

Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiʻi Attorney Accused of Lying During Kealoha Trial Could Face Discipline

Kevin Sumida could face punishment ranging from a private admonition to suspension.

Civil Beat.

Hawai‘i Island Headlines

The Thirty Meter Telescope Is Still Alive For Now

The TMT project is back under consideration for federal support, but it must complete a final design phase without taxpayer assistance.

Civil Beat.

3 Priority Hotspots Identified in Hawai‘i Tourism Authority’s Draft Management Plan for Big Island

The draft of the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority’s latest destination management action plan for Hawai‘i Island has honed in on three priority hotspots – sites under strain that are cherished by residents and visitors – Keaukaha, Kealakekua and Ka Lae, also known as South Point.

Big Island Now.

Hearings to Be Held on Kaʻūpūlehu Fisheries Management Plan

As the end of the 10-year “Try Wait” fishing rest period at Kaʻūpūlehu nears, the State plans to create a Fisheries Management Plan for the area.

Big Island Video News.

Kea‘au Health Center Might Be Ready by 2028; Cost of New Facility Could Reach $90M

The estimated cost for a new outpatient medical facility to be built in Kea‘au by Hilo Benioff Medical Center has increased from $60 million to as much as $90 million.

Tribune-Herald.

Maui Headlines

Maui Vacation Rentals Face More Challenges After Setback

Owners of over 4,000 short-term vacation rental units on Maui and Molokai face more uncertainty after the Maui Planning Commission voted overwhelmingly against a proposal to create new hotel zoning districts that would allow owners to continue renting to tourists over local renters.

Star-Advertiser.

Maui’s Overtourism Hotspots Road to Hāna, Honolua Bay Targeted for Relief Under New Management Plan

After residents across Maui identified a long list of places they feel are overrun, desecrated or disrespected by the island’s millions of annual visitors, the draft of the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority’s latest destination management action plan has homed in on two priority hotspots: The Road to Hāna and Honolua Bay.

Maui Now.

Community Skeptical of Golf Course Owner’s Proposal to Buy West Maui Water System

The owner of two Kapalua golf courses has a plan to solve water issues in West Maui that would involve investing more than $30 million into acquiring and repairing Maui Land & Pineapple Co.’s water system before turning it over to a state agency.

Maui Now.

Kaua‘i Headlines

Līhuʻe Airport Optimization Plan Public Meetings Scheduled

The Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation will conduct a series of public meetings to provide the community with information about the Līhuʻe Airport Optimization Plan and to offer an opportunity for public input.

Kaua‘i Now.

Tanks Project for Kapa‘a Homesteads Ongoing Until May

The work is occurring from Kapuni Road at Kapahi Park to near the Kapahi Road intersection. The work is part of the Kapa’a Homesteads Tanks Project, which is being performed by the Department of Water and its contractor, Hawaiian Dredging Company Inc.

Kaua‘i Now.

Celebrating ‘Olelo Hawaii: The Native Hawaiian Language Is Thriving on Kaua‘i and Ni‘ihau

February is recognized as Mahina ‘Olelo Hawaii, or “Hawaiian Language Month,” and Kaua‘i joined the statewide celebrations and festivities.

Garden Island.