Tax Fairness Promoted in Bills Would Implement Major Changes

The Hawai‘i Tax Fairness Coalition is advocating for bills that would make major changes to the state’s income tax, capital gains tax, real estate sales tax and a tax on income for real estate investment trusts, putting more pressure on the wealthiest to pay more.

Star-Advertiser.

From Free Meals to Teacher Safety, an Array of Bills for Hawaiʻi Schools

Proposals have made it halfway through the legislative session, and some advocates are cautiously optimistic that legislation that failed in past years will make it this year.

Civil Beat.

Hawai‘i Agricultural Damage Estimated in the Millions After Kona Low

The Hawai‘i Farm Bureau said damage to agricultural crops and infrastructure is in the millions.

KHON2.

Nearly 300 Damage Reports at Schools as Another Kona Low Approaches Hawai‘i

The state Department of Education is continuing to assess damage to campuses statewide after a powerful Kona low storm brought heavy rain, flooding and strong winds across multiple islands, as another system is expected to impact the islands from Thursday evening through Monday.

Star-Advertiser.

What to Know About the Jones Act as Trump Unveils a 60-Day Waiver

U.S.-flagged ships are generally more expensive to both operate and build than foreign ones. And those costs are especially damaging to states that are supplied by sea, such as Hawai‘i.

Associated Press.

O‘ahu Headlines

Catastrophic Flooding Hits Northern O‘ahu Today

On Oahu, a large band of heavy showers and thunderstorms has already dropped 5 to 10 inches of rain in just six hours, causing catastrophic flooding in the northern part of the island.

KITV4.

City’s $24.6M Land Purchase Paves Way for Responder Hub

Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s administration and the owner of a commercial center on Oahu’s North Shore have finalized a $24.6 million land sale agreement that may lead to a first-responder hub built close to the area’s residents and to those visiting its world-renowned beaches, city officials say.

Star-Advertiser.

‘We’re Screwed’: Dole Did Little to Fix Dangerous Wahiawā Dam

Hawaiʻi’s proposal to acquire the dam, and have taxpayers foot the bill for repairs, let the company off the hook.

Civil Beat.

Kahuku Students Escape School Bus Fire on H-3 Freeway

The Kahuku High School girls’ flag football team escaped a raging bus fire on the H-3 Freeway Thursday night. School principal Walter Santiago confirmed the team was on the bus, and the coaches and players got off safely with no injuries.

Hawaii News Now. KHON2. KITV4.

Hawai‘i Island Headlines

135 MPH Wind Gust Recorded on Hawaiʻi Island

The University of Hawaiʻi’s Hawaiʻi Mesonet recorded the hurricane-force wind gust at Kaiāulu Puʻuwaʻawaʻa during last weekend’s kona low storm.

Big Island Video News.

Emergency Repairs Planned for Pāhala Transfer Station

Emergency repairs will begin Friday at the Pāhala Recycling and Transfer Station, due to a subsidence issue at the facility.

Big Island Video News.

Pahoa Food Drop Draws Large Crowd — And Plenty of Aloha

The aid event was organized by Vibrant Hawai‘i, a nonprofit organization running a network of community resilience hubs across Hawaii Island supporting disaster preparedness and relief work.

Tribune-Herald.

Maui Headlines

Council Hears Updates on Kona Low Response, Lahaina Wildfire Rebuilding

While Maui County braces for more severe weather, council members are poised to take action Friday morning on a $15 million request for emergency funding, following a Wednesday committee update on the effort to rebuild from the August 2023 Lahaina wildfire disaster.

Maui Now.

Planning Department Navigates ‘Relentless’ Workload Amid Staffing Shortages

Maui County planners are managing a “relentless” amount of work, including permit applications for Lahaina rebuilding, while operating with 15 staff vacancies, acting Planning Director Jacky Takakura told Maui County Council members Wednesday.

Maui Now.

Kaua‘i Headlines

No Public Risk From Ongoing Wastewater Discharge in Līhuʻe

An ongoing wastewater spill at the Līhuʻe Wastewater Treatment Plant is being contained on-site and does not pose a threat to pubic health, Kauaʻi County officials announced in a press release.

Kaua‘i Now.

County Again Urges Vigilance Ahead of Severe Weather

The Kaua‘i Emergency Management Agency is urgently warning the public to stay alert and take action, as the National Weather Service warns that another Kona low system poses a significant threat to Kaua‘i this weekend.

Garden Island.