Incumbents Lead the Money Race for Congress. Will Outside Groups Wade In?

When it comes to money, U.S. Reps. Ed Case and Jill Tokuda are in pretty good shape as we near a June primary. That said, state Sen. Jarret Keohokalole is just about neck-and-neck with Case in the fundraising game. But will a third candidate in the race — state Rep. Della Au Belatti — tip the scales in incumbent Case’s favor?

Civil Beat.

Harassment at Center of Lawsuit Against Top Hawaiʻi Land Official

A former top executive in Hawaiʻi’s land management agency is suing his former boss, alleging discrimination and escalating retaliation. Russell Tsuji — a veteran manager at the Department of Land and Natural Resources — says Chair Dawn Chang referred to him as a mole for a legislator and repeatedly overrode his recommendations. See what else is in the lawsuit.

Civil Beat.

Lawsuit Demands More Information on Hiring of UH President Wendy Hensel

A new lawsuit by the Public First Law Center alleges the University of Hawaiʻi violated open meetings laws during the 2024 hiring of President Wendy Hensel. The complaint argues that candidate interviews and the creation of a special adviser role for Kim Siegenthaler occurred behind closed doors illegally. Plaintiffs are now seeking all meeting notes and recordings to ensure transparency.

Civil Beat.

Family Suing Kamehameha Schools Can Stay Anonymous for Now

A federal judge sided with the family suing Kamehameha Schools in their request to stay anonymous and shield themselves from the threats levied at leaders of the organization that’s brought the lawsuit. The family, from a small town on Kauaʻi, has been identified thus far by their initials and has challenged the school’s admissions policy giving preference to Native Hawaiians.

Civil Beat.

O‘ahu Headlines

HART OKs Eminent Domain for Large Properties

The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation will pursue legal action against two downtown area property owners to obtain land for two planned rail stations along the over-$10 billion Skyline extension into Kakaʻako, rail officials say.

Star-Advertiser.

Commission to Pick Next HPD Chief May 20

A search firm will detail who the top candidates are to serve as Honolulu’s 13th police chief out of a pool of 41 applicants during a confidential meeting of the Honolulu Police Commission on Monday. Up to 25 community members, who will sign NDAs, will interview the panelists on May 5, and share their thoughts and recommendations with commissioners.

Star-Advertiser. KITV4.

UH Mānoa Receives Over 100 Water-Related Service Requests in Student Housing

The first storm hit during the university’s spring break, meaning students could have left windows open or AC units on, which may have contributed to the excess bacteria growth.

Hawaiʻi Public Radio.

Large Section of Aloha Stadium Demolished as Project Proceeds

The dismantling of Aloha Stadium took a big step forward Thursday with the first section of seating pulled down from the steel structure.

Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

‘Really Gross’: Windward Oʻahu School Infested With Millipedes

For weeks, students at Kalāheo High School in Kailua say thousands of critters have been crawling about campus.

Hawaii News Now.

Hawai‘i Island Headlines

County Budget of Nearly $1B Is Under Review

A Hawaiʻi County Council committee reviewed Mayor Kimo Alameda’s proposed operating budget this week, which includes significant funding increases for public safety, waste processing and debt servicing for the next year.

Tribune-Herald.

Hawaiʻi County Department of Environmental Management Outlines Its Budget for Council

Daniel Girvan, the new director of the Department of Environmental Management, gave a presentation to the Hawaiʻi County Council on Thursday about its priorities that include several wastewater projects for its proposed budget of $95.5 million for fiscal year 2026-27.

Big Island Now.

New Parking Payment System Begins at Hilo Courthouse on Friday, April 17

Parking at Hale Kaulike will transition from individual meters to a centralized pay station located inside the courthouse lobby.

Big Island Video News.

Hearing Set for Two East Hawaiʻi Men Accused of Smuggling Fireworks

Darrel Goo, 52, of Keaʻau and Cy Tamura, 45, of Hilo, are accused by federal authorities of illegally importing fireworks into Hawaiʻi from the mainland U.S. and distributing them. They are due in court Monday in Honolulu.

Tribune-Herald.

Puna Man Sentenced to 40 Years for Sexually Assaulting Minors

Joseph Donald Tibbs, a 45-year-old Mountain View man, was sentenced Wednesday to 40 years in prison for sexually assaulting two minors and other child abuse incidents that took place between February and May 2025.

Tribune-Herald. Big Island Now. KHON2.

Maui Headlines

Maui Police Department Aims for Funding for Staff Shortages, Law Enforcement Modernization

The Maui Police Department is requesting a $12.2 million budget increase next fiscal year, or 11.6% more than this year, to address staffing shortages and modernize public safety technology across Maui County.

Maui Now.

Molokaʻi Man Dies Following Dog Attack

Sylvester Apiki, 69, of Kaunakakai, died following a dog attack reported Tuesday afternoon. The incident was reported at 12 p.m. on April 14 at a home on Hoʻomalu Drive in Kaunakakai.

Maui Now.

Lawmakers Reject Molokaʻi Principal’s Appointment to HTSB

The state Senate this week rejected Gov. Josh Green’s nomination of Molokaʻi High School Principal Katina Soares to the Hawaiʻi Teacher Standards Board following pointed floor debate over her leadership and communication record.

Star-Advertiser.

Kaua‘i Headlines

Worker Removing Invasive Species on Kauaʻi Trail Rescued After Suffering Apparent Leg Injury

According to a preliminary report from Kaua‘i County, first responders aboard Air 1 responded to the scene shortly before 11:50 a.m. When they arrived on scene, approximately 2 miles into the trail, they discovered the 36-year-old resident.

Kauaʻi Now.