Rich, Controversial PAC Backing Kawakami in Lieutenant Governor Race

A political action committee formed by the carpenters union and Pacific Resource Partnership has begun spending money to support Kaua‘i Mayor Derek Kawakami in the lieutenant governor race, drawing criticism from incumbent Sylvia Luke.

Hawaii News Now.

Hawai‘i’s 2026 Election Includes a Few High-Profile Challenges

Hawai‘i’s most interesting 2026 election races so far include Kaua‘i Mayor Derek Kawakami’s Democratic primary challenge of incumbent Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke and opponents for the state’s two members in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Star-Advertiser.

State Lawmakers Monday to Discuss Hawaiʻi Hurricane Relief Fund

Representatives from Hawaiʻi Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs Insurance Division, Hawaiʻi Property Insurance Association and Hawaiʻi Hurricane Relief Fund will cover the status of Act 296, aimed at stabilizing the state’s property insurance market and ensuring coverage remains available when private insurers are unable to meet demand.

Big Island Now.

Construction Bill Advances Amid Support, Labor Concerns

Senate Bill 2024 would authorize the Hawaii School Facilities Authority to partner with private developers to design, finance and build public school facilities — including on privately owned land — and launch a pilot program to develop three new schools across the state.

Star-Advertiser.

O‘ahu Headlines

City Council Mulls Measure to Enhance TOD Communities

Private developers aiming to secure city-offered incentives like monetary grants or increased height and density allowances to build transit-oriented development projects near Skyline stations will first be required to provide greater benefits to surrounding communities, new city-initiated legislation dictates.

Star-Advertiser.

Schofield Soldiers Lead the Charge in Army’s AI Testing

The U.S. Army has put the 25th Infantry Division at Schofield Barracks at the forefront of testing how it can use AI models and tools on the battlefield. The 25th is one of two divisions — the other being the 4th Infantry Division in Colorado — that is experimenting with these systems as part of the Army’s “Next Generation Command and Control Modernization” program.

Star-Advertiser.

Waikīkī Is a Testing Ground for Mitigation Against Sea Level Rise

Hawaiʻi’s dependence on coastal areas makes it vulnerable to sea-level rise. And thatʻs especially the case on the South Shore of Oʻahu.

Hawai‘i Public Radio.

North Shore Businesses Suffer in Aftermath of Kona-Low Storms

Spring break is typically busy at Sharlyn Foo’s budget accommodations in Haleiwa. But last month, instead of welcoming surfers and families, Foo spent her days canceling reservations, refunding payments and responding to repeated calls from travelers asking whether Oahu’s North Shore was even open.

Star-Advertiser.

Farmers Next to Otake Camp Are Months Away From Being Able to Grow Again

Much of the land next to the camp is still covered in at least half-a-foot of mud, now dry and cracked — and unusable for farming.

Hawai‘i Public Radio.

Hawai‘i Island Headlines

Hotel Sought for Hilo Airport; Some Developers Already Have Expressed Interest

The Hawaii Department of Transportation has issued a notice of request for information (RFI) that seeks input from potential developers to gauge their interest and ability to build a hotel on state land adjacent to Hilo International Airport.

Tribune-Herald.

Vote on Pahoa Town Rezoning Bills Postponed; Goal of Measures Is to Help Revitalize the Area

The Hawaii County Windward Planning Commission voted unanimously Thursday to postpone passing a slate of legislation intending to rezone parts of downtown Pahoa.

Tribune-Herald.

Hawaiʻi Island Lawmakers Review County General Plan

The county’s Planning Department has been working on the latest version for more than 10 years.

Hawai‘i Public Radio.

Pahoa Agricultural Park Eyed for Piggeries

Farmers at the Pahoa Agricultural Park would be allowed to raise pigs for food under a state House bill making its way through the Legislature.

Tribune-Herald.

Maui Headlines

Maui Oceanfront Condo Damaged by 2025 Flood Did Not Survive 2026 Storm

Owners association blames county inaction. Kīhei Kai flooded four times in the past five years after Maui County reconstructed a nearby bridge over Waiakoa Gulch on South Kīhei Road.

Maui Now.

Molokaʻi Storm Recovery Needs Start to Shift — But There’s Still Lots of Mud

For nearly two weeks, volunteers at a temporary Manaʻe community hub on Molokaʻi’s east end have been delivering supplies and checking on neighbors after massive flooding.

Hawai‘i Public Radio.

Kaua‘i Headlines

Kaua‘i Mayor’s $504 Million Budget Prioritizes Housing, Infrastructure

The proposed spending plan continues Mayor Derek Kawakami’s long-term focus on road resurfacing, bridge repairs and parks improvements.

Civil Beat.