Hawaiʻi Lawmakers Head Into Final Vote Week With More Than 270 Bills Still in Play

Of the nearly 3,000 bills that were introduced at the Legislature, about 270 have made it to the final step of the legislative process. Most of the measures will be voted on a final time by the House and Senate on Wednesday, and the legislative session will end on Friday.

Hawaiʻi Public Radio. KITV4.

It’s a Wrap: A Bill to Enhance Spending Rebates for Film Productions in Hawaiʻi Is Set for Passage

Negotiators in the state House and Senate on Friday agreed on a compromise draft of a bill to increase incentives to make movies, episodic shows, TV specials and commercials in Hawaiʻi after several bills in recent years aimed at attracting more film productions with enhanced incentives failed to win approval.

Star-Advertiser.

Bill Stalls to Allow Insurers to Sue Fossil Fuel Companies

A bill aiming to allow Hawaiʻi insurers to seek damages against fossil fuel companies for the corporations’ role in climate change-related disasters stalled in the Legislature on Friday.

Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiʻi Families Need Preschool. Who Will Fund It?

Finding a preschool could get even harder as the possibility of federal funding cuts looms. Not to mention that Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke, a champion of efforts to expand preschool access, is on a leave of absence amid a state investigation. And nearly all early learning bills died this year. Can Hawaiʻi still reach its goal of providing preschool to all 3- and 4-year-olds by 2032?

Civil Beat.

O‘ahu Headlines

HART to Receive $89M Rail Reimbursement, State Says

The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation is slated to receive more than $89.43 million in reimbursements toward the cost to construct the city’s over $10-billion rail project, state officials say.

Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Police Chief Search Nears Final Decision

The search for Honolulu’s next police chief is entering its final phase, with a decision expected later this month after an extensive process involving community input and national recruitment.

KHON2.

Lake Wilson Closed as Wahiawā Dam Rehab Gets Underway

State officials have closed public access to Lake Wilson in advance of a major Wahiawā Dam rehabilitation project. Wahiawā Freshwater Park will remain open for onshore activities, but lake access via the boat ramp, reservoir banks and reservoir shores is prohibited.

Star-Advertiser.

Soldiers From 9 Countries Compete in Hawaiʻi in Squad Contest

On Monday at Schofield Barracks they did a “stress shoot,” in which soldiers ran, climbed and pushed themselves physically to increase their heart rates and breathing before shooting at targets. Soldiers from each squad cheered each other on and pushed each other as comrades struggled.

Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Police Shoot Teen in Stolen Vehicle

Interim Chief Rade Vanic said a police officer was injured in the incident, but did not provide details on the extent of the officer’s injuries.

Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser. KHON2.

This North Shore Resident Keeps Open a Community-Led Hub From Her Garage

Sharmaine Arial’s spot is now called “Sharmaine’s Hub” located at Kukea Circle. Now, more people have been donating to her to give to other flood victims.

Hawaiʻi Public Radio.

Hawai‘i Island Headlines

General Plan Debate Rages On: Council Committee Narrowly Advances ‘2045’ Version

Supporters of two competing long-term public planning documents turned out in droves Monday at a Hawaiʻi County Council committee meeting, some making claims that were later characterized by one council member as “conspiracy theories” and “AI psychosis.”

Tribune-Herald.

Kīlauea Volcano Alert Level Raised to Watch as Lava Flows Begin

Lava flows from the north vent at Kīlauea began early Monday afternoon, as the Hawaiʻi island volcano builds towards episode 46 of the ongoing summit eruption.

Big Island Video News. KITV4.

Maui Headlines

Council Deals With Housing Refund, Adds Millions for Storm Response, Sends Houseless Bill to Committee

Maui County Council members passed on second and final reading Friday a bill to refund $234,050 to Kamalani Ventures LLC for overpayments related to a 2015 workforce housing agreement.

Maui Now.

County Announces Closures of Ukumehame Firing Range, Wahikuli Terrace Park

County officials said assessments found berm damage at both the pistol and rifle ranges, requiring repairs before the facility can safely reopen.

Maui News.

ʻIkenākea Development Opens Hale O Piʻikea, Delivers 223 Affordable Rentals to South Maui

ʻIkenākea Development has opened Hale O Piʻikea, a three-phase affordable rental community in Kīhei delivering 223 new homes for Maui families, individuals and kūpuna. Representing $141 million total cost, the project is one of the largest and most significant affordable housing developments completed on Maui in recent years.

Maui Now. Hawaii News Now.

Kaua‘i Headlines

Kauaʻi County Council Chair Expresses Frustration Over Suspension of Junk Vehicle Disposal Services

The Kaua‘i County Council Chair, Mel Rapozo, expressed frustration over the recent announcement that the county has suspended its derelict vehicle disposal services. Kaua‘i County Public Information Officer Meghan Wright said the current capacity challenge is related to the high volume of vehicles being processed.

Kauaʻi Now.

Kauaʻi Democratic Party Elects New Leadership

The Kauaʻi Democratic Party held its 2026 Biennial Convention on Saturday. Margie Merryman was elected as the new Kauaʻi County Democratic Party chair.

Garden Island.

Sewage 3 Feet Underground? Hanalei Pushes for $19 Million Sewer System

Kauaʻi’s picturesque Hanalei is home to a lot of iwi kūpuna — and cesspools. The former makes it much harder to address the latter. A local nonprofit is suggesting the community pursue a $19 million, 30-year sewer system that advocates believe will minimally impact iwi kūpuna found throughout the town’s yards and sand dunes.

Civil Beat.