Interisland Shipping Rates Set to Rise July 1 After Governor Signs Bill

Young Brothers quickly announced a 3% rate hike soon after the bill was signed. State wharfage fees will rise at the same time, potentially driving up prices even more.

Civil Beat.

U.S. Military’s Economic Impact in Hawaiʻi Overstated, Report Contends

The 199-page report from a consortium of groups and activists says the military contributes $7.2 billion to Hawaiʻi’s economy and 6.4% to its GDP annually, about 30% lower than most recently touted by the state and Pentagon.

Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiʻi Solar Energy Projects at Risk After Tax Credit is Signed Into Law

The governor signed a bill into law on May 21 that will not only phase out solar credits but also affect projects already in the pipeline.

Hawai‘i Public Radio.

Push for Renewed Look at Legislative Corruption Petition

Former federal attorney Alexander Silvert sent a three-page letter to state House Speaker Nadine Nakamura and Vice Speaker Linda Ichiyama on Wednesday, asking them to bring back the petition he started last year that collected more than 900 signatures.

Hawaii News Now.

State Blesses Homeless Kauhale Village in Waimanalo

Hawaiʻi’s 26th homeless kauhale — 20 tiny homes on the makai side of the former Weinberg Village in Waimanalo — was blessed Wednesday in a community that had seen a nearby homeless encampment at Waimanalo Beach Park grow to more than 40 people lining Kalanianaole Highway last year, which has since been cleared.

Star-Advertiser. KHON2.

O‘ahu Headlines

Access to Oʻahu Outdoor Recreation Spot Still Restricted After Storm Damage

High above Kaʻena Point, access to the campgrounds and accompanying trails at Peacock Flats has been restricted for more than a month due to damage from this spring’s Kona low storms.

Civil Beat.

Manhunt Ongoing for Puna Man Suspected of Three Homicides

A manhunt continues for 36-year-old Jacob Daniel Baker of Pahoa, who is a suspect in three homicides that occurred over the course of two days in Kapoho and Kalapana earlier this week.

Tribune-Herald. Civil Beat. Big Island Video News.

Hawai‘i Island Headlines

Water Conservation Notice Issued After Quake Damages South Kona Tank

The Hawaiʻi County Department of Water Supply says customers in the affected areas must reduce water usage by at least 10%, in order to maintain adequate water storage while DWS performs emergency repairs to the damaged tank.

Big Island Video News. 

High Schoolers Granted Precious ‘telescope Time

Eight Kealakehe High School students were the recipients of Maunakea Scholars awards last Friday, earning them the coveted opportunity to carry out research using the telescope array atop Hawaiʻi Island’s tallest mountain.

Tribune-Herald. 

New Hotel Zoning Clears Council Committee, 6-1, Despite Planning Commissions’ Opposition

The Maui County Council’s Housing and Land Use Committee voted 6-1 Tuesday to advance new hotel zoning districts for thousands of short-term vacation rentals facing a county-mandated phase-out — overriding unanimous rejection from all three county planning commissions.

Maui Now. 

Maui Headlines

Man Accused of Throwing Rock at Seal is Banned From Hawaiʻi Beaches

Igor Mykhaylovych Lytvynchuk  was released on a $25,000 unsecured bond ahead of his next court appearance.

Star-Advertiser. Associated Press. Hawai‘i Public Radio.

Keoni Kuoha Announces Campaign for Hawaiʻi State House, District 12

Surrounded by supporters on May 18, 2026, Keoni Kuoha formally announced his candidacy for the Hawaiʻi State House of Representatives, District 12, representing the Maui communities of Makawao, Hāliʻimaile, Pukalani, Kula, Pūlehu, ʻUlupalakua, Kanaio and Kahikinui.

Maui Now. 

Kaua‘i Headlines

Veterans Affairs Pacific Islands Health Care System to Host Community Call, Town Hall on Kaua‘i

Garden Isle veterans can learn about available services, get health screenings and vaccines, receive assistance with Veterans Affairs healthcare enrollment, renew or replace Veterans Affairs identification cards and more.

Kaua‘i Now.