Hawaiʻi’s Acting Lieutenant Governor Outlines Priorities Stepping Into New Role

Acting Lt. Gov. Keith Regan begins his 11-hour workdays at 6 a.m. as state comptroller and head of the Department of Accounting and General Services. In the afternoons, he crosses Punchbowl Street to the state Capitol’s fifth floor to fulfill his duties as acting lieutenant governor.

Star-Advertiser. KITV4.

Beyond the Bench: Mark Recktenwald Is Still Helping the Legal Profession

The recently retired Hawaiʻi Supreme Court chief justice is working with national legal advocacy groups, publishing articles and teaching a law class at UH Mānoa.

Civil Beat.

Mufi Hannemann to Retire After Leading HLTA in Tough Times

Mufi Hannemann, a former Honolulu mayor and longtime leader in Hawaiʻi’s visitor industry, announced Saturday that he will retire as president and CEO of the Hawai‘i Lodging and Tourism Association after more than a decade at the helm.

Star-Advertiser. KHON2.

Hawaiʻi Farmers Hit by Storm Face Long Road to Recovery

Farmers from the four major counties self-reported damages of more than $38.8 million, including more than $25 million in lost crops, with more than 4,600 acres impacted.

Star-Advertiser.

Taxpayer Funding to Pay State Legal Claims Tops $20M

The state is preparing to pay $20.4 million this year to settle legal claims that include a $1.2 million reimbursement of federal funding spent on COVID-19 rental assistance for undeserving households.

Star-Advertiser.

O‘ahu Headlines

Honolulu Budget Battle Over Potential Cuts

A debate is unfolding at Honolulu Hale as city leaders weigh in on a proposed operating budget that’s drawing criticism over a controversial $41.5 million provision and deep cuts to a key economic agency.

KHON2.

Honolulu Forced to Rehire Fired Paramedics After Botched Investigation

The paramedics, who were removed from their posts in August 2023 and brought back per an arbitrator’s order in 2025, are owed two years of backpay each.

Civil Beat.

On-duty Police Officer Indicted for Sexual Assault

Christopher John A. Oallesma, a 26-year-old Honolulu police officer has been indicted on multiple counts in the alleged sexual assault of a woman while he was on duty April 6 and 7.

Star-Advertiser.

Murder Charges, Then Freedom: Teens’ Pretrial Release Questioned

Recent incidents involving juvenile defendants granted pretrial release have raised questions about the leniency of the courts and the adequacy of the state’s electronic monitoring system.

Civil Beat.

Public Access to Lake Wilson in Wahiawā Is Shut Down

State officials said the closure is tied to ongoing concerns about low water levels and upcoming repairs to the Wahiawā Dam.

KHON2.

Honolulu Braces for Rising Costs as Storm Damage Exceeds $100 Million

Early estimates on the impacts of the back-to-back storms on city-owned properties and operations exceed $100 million, according to officials. But city leaders also say the final price tag could shift as assessments continue and as city agencies seek federal reimbursement.

Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.

Goats and Sheep Deployed in East Honolulu to Fight Wildfire Risk

Some 100 goats and sheep are busy munching away at the thick vegetation, including hardy koa haole trees, tall invasive California grasses, guinea grasses and other thorny brush along 3.3 acres of Laukahi Slopes Mini Park in the East Honolulu enclave.

Star-Advertiser.

Hawai‘i Island Headlines

Hilo Driver License Office to Relocate on May 11

The Hilo Driver License Office located at the police station will relocated to 120 Pauahi Street. This is the same space as the former Bank of Hawaiʻi branch, located on the first floor of the building.

Big Island Video News.

Kona Man Dies in Waters off Hōkūlia Shoreline

Police have ordered an autopsy for John Kauhaihao, a 64-year-old man from Kealakekua, after he was pulled unresponsive from the water. Investigators do not currently suspect foul play.

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

Ungulates Unchecked: What to Do About West Hawaiʻi’s Goat, Sheep Problem?

Even as roadkill carcasses of wild sheep and goats pile up along West Hawaiʻi highways, budget constraints for the Department of Land and Natural Resources continue to hamstring efforts to address the problem.

Tribune-Herald.

DLNR: Nēnē Killed in Keaukaha

The Department of Land and Natural Resources said the Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement received a call from the Hawaiʻi Police Department regarding an injured nēnē, the state bird, along Kalanianaʻole Street in Hilo in the vicinity of Leleiwi Beach Park.

Tribune-Herald.

Maui Headlines

Mayor Bissen Says Former Chief of Staff’s Lawsuit Is Politically Motivated as He Seeks Reelection

Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen is preparing to defend his seat and his first term against a slate of challengers and a lawsuit filed last week by his former chief of staff alleging retaliation for reporting suspected fraud.

Maui Now.

Old Pioneer Mill Site With Smokestack Sells for Nearly $20M, Future Plans Remain Mystery

A group of local buyers has purchased 21 acres in Lahaina that include the historic 225-foot-tall Pioneer Mill Co. smokestack for $19.9 million, but the plans for the industrial property in the heart of the burn zone have not been made public.

Maui Now.

County Announces Closures of Ukumehame Firing Range, Wahikuli Terrace Park

The Ukumehame Firing Range in West Maui remains closed following damage from the March Kona low storms, with no reopening date set.

Maui News.

Kaua‘i Headlines

Nearly a Thousand Make 47th Visitor Industry Charity Walk a Success

On Kauaʻi, proceeds from the Charity Walk are shared among more than 50 nonprofit organizations, and all funds raised on Kauaʻi stay on the island.

Garden Island.

End of an Era at Kōloa Rum Co. As Longtime President, Chief Executive Officer Bob Gunter Steps Down

The man who helmed Hawai‘i’s award-winning producer of premium, small-batch Hawaiian rum stepped down as the company’s chief executive officer and president after nearly two decades.

Kauaʻi Now.