Damages on AG Land From Kona Low Storms Estimated at $40M

During a joint hearing Wednesday, the Hawai‘i Farm Bureau updated state lawmakers on the impacts to agricultural lands, which the group estimated at about $40 million. The organization said about 1,600 farmers reported damages through its survey, developed with other agricultural groups — about a quarter of the roughly 6,500 farms in Hawai‘i.

Hawaii News Now.

Measure Seeks to Curb Deceptive Cost Advertising for Live Events, Hotels

The Legislature is considering a measure that would crack down on companies misrepresenting the costs of live events and hotel lodging: when, during checkout, the total cost has significantly increased from the advertised price due to added fees.

Hawai‘i Public Radio.

Low-Income Hawaiʻi Patients and Their Doctors Face a Financial Cliff

A senior Hawaiʻi health care leader says issues with government reimbursements are leading to “a state of non-viability” for the state’s entire health care system.

Civil Beat.

Hawaiian Electric Bills to Soar Up to 30% Due to Higher Oil Prices

Hawai‘i’s biggest utility on Wednesday warned customers that typical residential bills may rise between 20% and 30% over the next several months due to global oil prices soaring since late February amid the war in Iran and other geopolitical tensions.

Star-Advertiser. Big Island Video News.

Citizen Scientists Collect Hundreds of Ocean Samples to Test Storm Runoff Effects

The project started as a text chain last week between University of Hawaiʻi researchers Sara Kahanamoku, Nyssa Silbiger and Andrea Kealoha. As the state reeled from heavy rains, the group wondered how the resulting runoff of floodwaters into the ocean might affect Hawaiʻi’s reefs.

Hawai‘i Public Radio.

O‘ahu Headlines

Honolulu Council Criticizes Slow City Response To North Shore Flooding

City officials didn’t immediately have a clear picture of conditions on the ground. By the time they did, they said evacuation might not have been the safest option.

Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

North Shore Flood Will Add a Month’s Worth of Debris to Landfill

The city has limited options when it comes to disposing tons of refuse from the flash floods that roared through the North Shore last month.

Civil Beat.

Multiple High Bacteria Advisories in Place for North Shore Beaches

A high bacteria advisory means there are high levels of enterococci, which the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency uses as an indicator of fecal matter in the water and, therefore, the possible presence of disease-causing bacteria, viruses, and protozoa.

Star-Advertiser.

First Guideway Column Completed for Skyline’s Downtown Extension

The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART) announced the first of 148 columns that will be installed to support the guideway along Segment 3 stretching from Middle Street to Civic Center Station in Kakaako.

Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

State’s First Health Learning Lab Opens at Waianae High School

Waianae High School, home of the Seariders, became the first public school in Hawai‘i to get a state-of-the-art health learning lab on Wednesday.

Star-Advertiser.

Land Under BOH Waikiki Center Sold for $67M

The sale of the leased fee interest under most of the Bank of Hawaii Waikiki Center fronting Kalakaua Avenue and Beach Walk was made to an undisclosed buyer, according to Ian Clagstone of brokerage firm Standard Commercial, who represented the seller.

Star-Advertiser.

Hawai‘i Island Headlines

Progress on Roundabout for Waimea Near Parker School

Gov. Josh Green has released $1.4 million in capital improvement project funds for initial work on the Waimea Roadways Improvement Project, according to state Rep. David Tarnas, a Waimea Democrat.

Tribune-Herald. Big Island Now.

Public Invited to Comment on Plans for 95-Acre Shoreline in South Kona

The National Park Service Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail is working on a long-term management plan for the Kauleolī parcel.

Big Island Video News.

Police Roll Out New “Blue and White” Patrol Vehicles

Twenty-one new, marked “blue and white” patrol vehicles have been delivered to the Hawaiʻi Police Department, and will soon be appearing in all districts on the Big Island.

Big Island Video News.

More Help Sought in Fight Against Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle

As detections of the highly destructive coconut rhinoceros beetle in West Hawai‘i continue to climb, two bills making their way through the state Legislature aim to slow the bugs’ spread in markedly different ways.

Tribune-Herald.

Maui Headlines

Wailuku Water Co.’s Damaged System Has Left Farmers Without Water. Who Will Repair It?

Central Maui’s water supply is short by 3 million gallons a day, with users cut off in Waikapū, after two consecutive Kona low storms last month damaged Wailuku Water Co.’s private system, Maui County officials said Sunday.

Maui Now.

DWS Requests South Maui Conservation of Nonessential Water Use April 3 Due to Mainline Repair

The County of Maui Department of Water Supply is requesting all South Maui customers, including residents, visitors, hotels and condominium properties, to conserve water and limit nonessential use from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday, April 3, 2026, while crews work to repair a mainline break.

Maui Now.

Legacy Land Conservation Grants Awarded to Five Projects on Maui and Molokaʻi

Pristine coastal areas, culturally significant shorelines, native forest habitat and lands that support traditional practices and community access will now be protected with the help of state funding for land acquisition.

Maui Now.

Kaua‘i Headlines

Community Invited to Workshop for Kaua‘i Comprehensive Safety Action Plan

Kauaʻi County is developing the safety action plan to identify strategies to improve road safety and move toward the goal of eliminating traffic deaths and serious injuries for all road users.

Kaua‘i Now.