Hawaiʻi Lawmakers Push Back on Green’s Plan to Defer Tax Cuts

In 2024, lawmakers passed a huge package of tax cuts. But as financial pressure mounted, Gov. Josh Green suggested pausing the multi-year state income tax cuts planned after 2025. It seems like legislators aren’t onboard. A leader in the state Housing announced a new plan yesterday to preserve a key piece of these cuts.

Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser.

Lawmakers Consider Prohibiting Food Packaging Made With PFAS

House Bill 644 would prohibit the sale, distribution or use of single-use plastic ware that contains perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl — also known as PFAS. PFAS are largely known as “forever chemicals” due to their toxic nature. The substances are often used to greaseproof and waterproof materials in food packaging.

Hawaiʻi Public Radio.

Panic Buttons in Schools: $7 Million Effort Is Delayed a Year

Officials say Hawaiʻi secured three contracts with SaferWatch, but the program is facing significant delays. Two years after signing the initial contract, only one school has panic buttons on campus and it won’t be using them until August — more than a year later than originally planned. The main holdup? DOE negotiations with SaferWatch and unions about issues like employee surveillance.

Civil Beat.

Bill Could Place Additional Support in Math Classrooms

A bill advancing at the state Capitol would establish a statewide numeracy coaching program in Hawaiʻi public schools, as lawmakers and education officials grapple with persistent gaps in math achievement.

Star-Advertiser.

New State Initiative Helps Schools Buy Local Produce Directly From Farms

The Hawaiʻi State Department of Education (HIDOE) said the initiative is part of the department’s broader farm-to-school program, which supports food sustainability in the state and aligns with Act 175’s goal to improve student health while strengthening the agricultural economy.

Hawaii News Now.

O‘ahu Headlines

Honolulu Mayor Approves Skyline Rail System Expansion Plan

On March 4, Mayor Rick Blangiardi signed Bill 60 into law. It gives HART the green light to start planning future rail extensions, even though funding to build them is not in place yet.

KHON2. KITV4.

DTS Mulls Higher Fees, More Citations for Public Parking

The Honolulu Department of Transportation Services is contemplating increased parking fees and high-tech parking citations to free up often congested city-owned public parking stalls on Oʻahu.

Star-Advertiser.

Digital Signs Sought for Stadium Zone

Outdoor digital advertising screens would still be prohibited in Waikīkī, but could soon become a part of the New Aloha Stadium district, two key Senate committees decided this week.

Star-Advertiser.

Dillingham Plaza Is Getting a Major Makeover — And a Costco Gas Station

A massive makeover is in the works for an aging retail center in Kalihi, but some are concerned that at least one possible new tenant may add to traffic congestion in the area.

Hawaii News Now. KHON2. KITV4.

HPD Commander Demoted for Allegedly Sharing Details of Teen Sexual Assault Victim

Ryan Nishibun, an HPD veteran with over 35 years of service, allegedly spread a juvenile victim’s name and personal information on social media. Nishibun had been serving as the acting deputy chief of field operations since Keith Horikawa’s retirement last August; however, an internal memo reveals that as of March 1, he was removed from that post and reassigned as assistant chief of the administrative bureau.

Hawaii News Now.

Hawai‘i Island Headlines

Council Bill Targets Some ‘Luxury’ Homes in Hawaiʻi County

The Hawaiʻi County Council voted 5-1 on Wednesday to pass a measure creating a new residential property tax classification for luxury homes worth more than $4 million.

Tribune-Herald. Big Island Now.

County Bill to Cap Private Parking Rates in Historic Kailua Village Postponed to Consult Lawyers

A bill proposing free parking and a cap on hourly and daily rates at privately owned lots in the Historic Kailua Village was postponed Tuesday to allow the Hawai‘i County Council to consult with its attorneys about the legality of the measure.

Big Island Now. Big Island Video News.

North Kona’s Primary Aquifer Provides Plenty of Water — For Now

North Kona is growing, and there’s good news for neighbors: the area’s primary aquifer can handle more demand, even after water use increased 19% over the past decade. Still, our climate is changing and rainfall may decline. Folks in the area are split on how to proceed.

Civil Beat.

Maui Headlines

FEMA Maui Fire Aid Delayed by Top Trump Official, Senators Say

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s policy of personally reviewing large grants held up a request to renew emergency housing aid on Maui, a new report says.

Civil Beat.

Maui Group Empowers Residents During Blackouts With Backup Batteries

Organizers of the Power Back project are running a pilot program to loan the batteries and panels to community members with backup power needs.

Hawaiʻi Public Radio.

Kahului Airport’s Main Runway Built During World War II Prioritized for First Reconstruction Project

Runway 2-20, the only one on Maui long enough to handle those large jets and cargo planes that arrive from the mainland and keep the island’s economy purring, has needed 12 major resurfacing projects over the years to stay functional.

Maui Now.

Kaua‘i Headlines

Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation-Airports Division Seeks Input

More than a dozen people opted to spend their lunch hour with the Līhuʻe Airport Optimization Plan team on Wednesday at the Moʻikeha Building Conference Rooms.

Garden Island.

DMV, Real Property Offices to Close for Training

Kaua‘i County Division of Motor Vehicles and Real Property Assessment and Collections Section will be closed March 11 to accommodate staff training. Regular hours will resume March 12.

Kauaʻi Now.