Trump’s Executive Order Targets Mail-in Voting in All States

President Donald Trump attempted Tuesday to put federal controls on mail-in voting handled by states including Hawaiʻi, where the vast majority of votes were cast by mail in recent elections. Scott Nago, Hawaiʻi’s chief elections officer, said he was reviewing the order closely and how it may or may not impact elections scheduled for Aug. 8 and Nov. 3.

Star-Advertiser.

Trump’s War in Iran Is About to Show Up in Your Electric Bill

As the nation’s most oil-dependent state, Hawaiʻi relies heavily on imported fuel to generate electricity. Hawaiian Electric customers should prepare for significant rate hikes as global conflict impacts energy costs. Oʻahu rates are forecast to jump 20–30% this month, with neighbor islands following in May and June.

Civil Beat.

Hawaiʻi Gas Prices Up More Than $1 per Gallon in 1 Month

California currently has the record for the highest average gas price at $5.88 per gallon. Hawaiʻi is in second place, with each gallon averaging $5.45.

KHON2.

Hawaiʻi Still Awaits Word on Presidential Disaster Declaration Request

The state is still waiting on more federal assistance, nearly two weeks after the second Kona Low caused widespread devastation. Gov. Josh Green submitted a request for a Presidential Disaster Declaration eight days ago, on March 23.

Hawaii News Now.

Senate Committee Advances Resolution Reaffirming Access to Abortion Care

The Senate Health and Homelessness Committee advanced a resolution that would reaffirm the state’s commitment to require hospitals to provide abortion care when it is necessary to stabilize the patient.

Hawaiʻi Public Radio.

O‘ahu Headlines

Storm Damage Tally for City About $100M, Honolulu Officials Say

Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s administration is still assessing the cost of the devastation wrought by two powerful Kona-low storms in March on city-owned properties and operations, but preliminary estimates put the damage at over $100 million.

Star-Advertiser.

Pearl Harbor Pollution Trial Against Navy Begins

Opening statements in the case against the Navy alleging ongoing violations of the Clean Water Act began Tuesday, with the judge taking a motion for a partial judgment under consideration.

Star-Advertiser.

Kaimukī’s Queen Theater Is Falling Apart. Honolulu Doesn’t Want to Step In

The Queen Theater in Kaimukī has been an eyesore for decades. We’ve written about many false starts and hopes for the theater’s second act over the years. The city is hesitant to take on its many liabilities: lead-based paint, asbestos and mold to name a few. Elected officials who represent the neighborhood aren’t giving up.

Civil Beat.

Reports of Mold Concerns Inside UH Mānoa Dorms After Kona Low Storms

For years, Frear Hall has been considered one of the campus’s more modern residence halls. But several students say excess moisture and repeated storms have left some rooms with persistent mold.

Hawaii News Now.

Hokulani Elementary Closed for the Rest of School Year Due to Storm Damage

With 12 of its 18 classrooms heavily damaged, the campus has been forced to close for the remainder of the school year. Students will resume in-person learning Thursday at nearby campuses while repairs are underway.

Star-Advertiser.

Residents Urged to Combat Mosquitoes by Removing Standing Water

The state Department of Health traps thousands of mosquitoes every year and tests them for contagious viruses like Zika, dengue and chikungunya. Standing water from the recent storms is the perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes. The department has redirected some of its efforts to impacted areas in Waialua, Waimānalo and West Oʻahu.

Hawaiʻi Public Radio.

Hawai‘i Island Headlines

Hawaiʻi Island’s Kona Low Storm Damage Could Top $59M

Gov. Josh Green and Mayor Kimo Alameda on Tuesday toured Hawaiʻi island sites damaged by the recent Kona low storm, including Konawaena High School, which was so badly flooded it is delivering its curriculum via distance learning for the remainder of the school year.

Tribune-Herald.

Missing Members and Muscle, Hawaiʻi Ethics Board Struggles to Function

When potential conflicts of interest pop up in Big Island government, the government ethics board steps in to restore order. That’s the idea, anyway. But the county Board of Ethics has canceled six of its monthly meetings since 2024 because at least four of its volunteer members couldn’t make it — that’s the number needed for a quorum.

Civil Beat.

Police Make Arrest After Bomb Threat Shuts Down Keaʻau Shopping Center

43-year-old Erick Smith of Volcano was arrested for first-degree terroristic threatening, after he allegedly told an employee that he left a bomb at the counter of a post office in the Kea‘au Shopping Center.

Big Island Video News. Big Island Now. Hawaii News Now.

Water Discoloration Notice Issued for Waimea

The Hawaiʻi County Department of Water Supply says it is currently flushing the water system and investigating the possible cause of the discolored water.

Big Island Video News.

Hawaiʻi Island Newlyweds Recount Immigration Detainment That Nearly Tore Them Apart

Hawaiʻi island resident Juan José Estrada Lopez was detained by ICE agents at his green card interview. He remained in the Honolulu FDC until late January.

Hawaiʻi Public Radio.

Maui Headlines

New Hire at Maui Police Department Arrested on Suspicion of Sexual Assault While off Duty

The 26-year-old Makawao man was taken into custody on Monday, March 30, 2026, following allegations of sexual abuse and remains detained. He has been placed on administrative leave without pay.

Maui Now.

Hawaiʻi Community Lending Revives Kānaka Anti-Displacement Fund After Storms

Hawai‘i Community Lending, a nonprofit community development financial institution, announced it has revived its Kānaka Anti-Displacement Fund following the devastating Kona storms that have impacted communities across the state.

Maui Now.

Sunken Graves at Molokaʻi Cemetery Shock Loved Ones After Severe Rainfall

Kapaʻakea Cemetery, just east of Kaunakakai, is managed by Maui County, but families have traditionally cared for their own burial plots.

Hawaiʻi Public Radio.

Kaua‘i Headlines

Kauaʻi Has Good Final Ocean Count for 2026

Cindy ‘Iwalani Among-Serrao, the Ocean Count coordinator and the Hawaiʻi island program coordinator for the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary, said that on Kauaʻi, the total number of whales observed during the four-hour count period was 169.

Garden Island.