Trump Orders Jones Act Waiver Amid Iran War

The White House on Wednesday announced a 60-day waiver of the Jones Act. The waiver, a rare exception to the century-old law, temporarily would allow foreign-flagged vessels to move ‌fuel, fertilizer and other goods between U.S. ports in hopes of curbing sharp price increases and supply disruptions from the intensifying conflict.

Star-Advertiser.

‘Very Scary’ Stack of Bills Seek to Boost Taxes on Lots of Stuff in Hawaiʻi

Lawmakers are considering a lot of new taxes. It’s “very scary” in the eyes of a top Hawaiʻi tax expert. As Hawaiʻi backpedals on planned income tax cuts, we’re eyeing new taxes on capital gains, liquor, gas-powered cars, real estate, performing arts events — you name it. Will lawmakers back off in an election year? Or will the price of paradise grow higher as these bills advance with momentum?

Civil Beat.

Hawaiʻi House Approves $10B State Budget That Prioritizes Essential Services

House lawmakers advanced an initial draft of the state budget today. Some highlights include $170 million for Medicaid, $200 million for food stamps and $234 million for K-12 school improvements. See what else made the cut.

Civil Beat.

Proposal to Lower DUI Threshold Draws Mixed Reviews

Hawaiʻi lawmakers are considering lowering the state’s legal blood alcohol limit for drivers from 0.08 to 0.05. Supporters say the shift could save lives, while critics argue it would do little to stop impaired drivers from driving.

Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiʻi Lawmakers Push New Protections for Kids Online

Lawmakers at the Capitol are advancing new efforts to protect kids online – from artificial intelligence to social media.

KHON2.

O‘ahu Headlines

Honolulu’s Mayor Has Ideas to Improve Everyday Life on the Island

Quickly building more housing of all kinds, extending the city’s Skyline rail system into and beyond the city’s core, embracing new technology like artificial intelligence — all will make everyday life better for Honolulu’s million or so residents, Mayor Rick Blangiardi promised in his sixth State of the City address Wednesday evening.

Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Spreadsheet Error Inflated Benefits of LNG by Up to $1.2 Billion, Expert Says

As Hawaiʻi considers a proposal from Tokyo-based JERA Co. Inc. to build a liquefied natural gas-fueled power plant on Oʻahu, the state’s top energy official has acknowledged a spreadsheet error in a key LNG study, while stopping short of accepting independent experts’ claims that the mistake overstated projected benefits by as much as $1.2 billion.

Star-Advertiser. Hawaiʻi Public Radio.

Landslide at Waimea Bay Creates Safety Hazard, Traffic Delays

Last week’s storm triggered a landslide that prompted closures above Kamehameha Highway, as well as a portion of the beach near the chipped hill that is now taped off. The DOT predicts both lanes, and about 600 feet of the highway, will be closed for repairs from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. halfway between Waimea Bay’s parking lot and ‘Iliohu Way, for at least two weeks.

Hawaii News Now.

Hawai‘i Island Headlines

Second Hawaiʻi Police Officer Pleads No Contest in Evidence Tampering Case

Noah Serrao, a 29-year-old Hawaiʻi Police Department officer, pleaded no contest Tuesday to charges of perjury, making a false sworn statement in official matters, and tampering with a government record.

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

Areas Reopen in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park

Some sections of the park reopened Wednesday morning, but other areas remain closed due to major storm and volcanic impacts.

Big Island Video News.

Konawaena High Will Transition to Distance Learning During Storm Repairs

The Hawai‘i DOE reported Tuesday evening, March 18, that the school will be closed March 23-27 to students to allow time for cleanup and repair work. The state Education Department and school leadership are working to support about 850 students during this transition, including ensuring access to technology, instructional materials and grab-and-go meal service.

Big Island Now. Hawaii News Now.

Maui Headlines

Monthly Cash Payments Could Boost Disaster Survivors. A Maui Nonprofit Tries It Out

Some 69 households are enrolled in an experimental program sending Lahaina fire survivors cash for one year, an effort to stabilize some of the most at-risk during the island’s protracted recovery.

Associated Press.

Maui Food Bank Coordinates Airlift of 2,000 Pounds of Food to Hāna

The Maui Food Bank is coordinating with the Maui Emergency Management Agency and Maui United Way to load helicopter flights to deliver 2,000 pounds of shelf-stable food to Hāna residents cut off by the recent “March Kona Low” storm system.

Maui Now.

‘Worst It’s Ever Been’: In Hāna, Power and Roads Still Limited Days After Storm

Three days after leaving the office when a Kona low storm knocked out the power at Hāna Health, Executive Director Cheryl Vasconcellos returned to work on Monday to face thousands of dollars worth of spoiled vaccines and damaged crops on the clinic’s 15-acre organic farm.

Maui Now.

Kaua‘i Headlines

Recent Storms Cause Overflow, Resulting in a Wastewater Spill of 70,000 Gallons per Day

An ongoing wastewater spill of about 70,000 gallons per day at the Līhuʻe Wastewater Treatment Plant remains confined within the facility and does not pose a risk to public health at this time, county officials say.

Kauaʻi Now.

Kaua‘i County Officials Gather to Bless Water Line Improvements Project in Hanalei

Contracted with Koga Engineering & Construction Inc., the $3.1 million project will upgrade the water main infrastructure to meet current water system standards, including existing fire flow requirements.

Kauaʻi Now. Hawaii News Now.