Lahaina Rep. Elle Cochran Switches Party Affiliation to Republican

State House Rep. Elle Cochran of Lahaina announced on Monday that she is switching her political party affiliation from Democrat to Republican. Her move to the other side of the aisle increases the House Republicans’ numbers to 10.

Hawaiʻi Public Radio. Civil Beat.

Hawaiʻi Bill Requiring Sterilization of Cats Advances

A bill aimed at reducing the overpopulation of cats in Hawaiʻi continues to progress through the state Legislature. House Bill 1736 establishes a special spay-neuter fund, but also requires owners of all pet cats ages five months or older to get their felines sterilized and prohibits intact cats from being imported into Hawaiʻi, with some exceptions.

Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Business Magazine

HB20: Ryan Kuniyuki, Bank of Hawai‘i

Bringing 15 years of global banking experience home, Ryan Kuniyuki leads with a values-driven approach that puts people before transactions.

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‘He Gave Everything to Save Nothing’: Firefighter’s Family Wants Change

In 2023, 24-year-old Maui firefighter Tre’ Evans-Dumaran died after being swept into an uncovered storm drain during severe flooding. Colleagues later informed his family that the tragedy was preventable had safety protocols been followed. Now, seeking accountability and compensation, his family is urging the county to fund a legacy foundation in his name to ensure such a tragedy never recurs.

Civil Beat.

Hawaii Business Magazine

Aloha Stadium’s $4 Billion Gamble

Demolition has officially begun at the old Aloha Stadium, kicking off the state’s most ambitious public-private project ever. But with tariff threats, transparency concerns and a 20-year timeline, the real question isn’t whether it will get built, it’s who pays if it doesn’t go according to plan.

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Weaker Storm Forms as Damage Resonates

A powerful storm that drenched Hawaiʻi over the weekend delivered rainfall totals not seen statewide since the early 1980s, overwhelming rivers, knocking out power and destroying homes and property. The National Weather Service said a wet weather pattern will persist across the islands this week, with bands of showers — some heavy at times — moving through the state.

Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaiʻi Public Radio.