If Hawaiʻi Roads Damaged Your Car, Don’t Expect a Payout

The Department of Transportation receives and rejects the most claims, data shows. Tort claimants seeking financial damages from state agencies last year cost $249,344.72, according to data from the Department of Accounting and General Services. But most people don’t receive any money.

Civil Beat.

Hawaiʻi Joins National Network of Gun Crime Evidence

Hawaiʻi joined the rest of the nation recently by joining a computer network run by the U.S. Department of Justice that captures, stores and compares digital images of ballistic evidence pulled from shell casings found at gun crime scenes.

Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Bill Banning Cash Crypto Purchases at Kiosks Awaits Governor’s Decision

Hawaiʻi Gov. Josh Green has until the end of the month to send his intent-to-veto list to lawmakers. Among the legislation he is considering is a bill that would ban using cash to buy cryptocurrency at kiosks.

Hawaii News Now.

UH Athletics to Get $5M for NIL Compensation

Bank of Hawaiʻi, First Hawaiian Bank, Matson shipping company and community leaders Jack Tsui and Walter Dods are each contributing $200,000 a year to help the University of Hawaiʻi retain and recruit student-athletes and also provide Title IX-­compliant opportunities.

Star-Advertiser.

Getting up to SPEED: New Task Force Continues Work to Streamline Permitting Process

The task force during its May 27 meeting reviewed outcomes from the 2026 Hawai‘i Legislative Session, including measures from the first round of Permitted Interaction Groups and discussed legislation tied to prior recommendations and broader permitting reform priorities.

Kaua‘i Now.

O‘ahu Headlines

Pursuing Performers: Should Waikīkī Buskers Be Regulated? Street Performers Help Bring Waikīkī to Life, but Some Residents Said the Entertainment is Causing Problems

City leaders are now looking at new rules to crack down on unregulated performers.

KHON2.

Honolulu Budget Leaves Out Support for Storm-impacted Farmers

Oʻahu farmers still reeling from the Kona low storms didn’t get the funding assistance they asked for from the Honolulu City Council, so city support for them may be sparse.

Hawai‘i Public Radio.

‘Aloha’ to Aloha Stadium, Final Tripping Event

Another major chapter in the history of Aloha Stadium came to an end Tuesday as crews carried out the final stadium tripping event, marking a significant milestone in the dismantling of the iconic facility.

KHON2. 

Workers Fear for Safety at Overcrowded State Hospital

The union representing staff at Hawaiʻi State Hospital says it is considering filing a grievance over unsafe conditions as overcrowding increases while staff resources fall. Nearly 390 patients were in the mental health facility this weekend, according to sources. The hospital was built for about 300 patients.

Hawaii News Now. 

Some Kapolei Residents Frustrated for Now Being Ticketed for No Parking Area

Residents at a Kapolei townhouse complex said they’re feeling frustrated, as authorities are now cracking down on the street parking they’ve been using for years.

KHON2. 

Council Approves Potential Purchase of Queen Theater

Legislation aimed at pushing the city to acquire and restore the long-derelict Queen Theater in Kaimuki into a public, multipurpose venue has received Hono­lulu City Council approval.

Star-Advertiser. 

Hawai‘i Island Headlines

Dramatic Shakeup Coming to Hawai‘i County Council. Priorities, Alliances and Leadership Could Change With Four Open Seats This Election

Three council members — Ashley Kierkiewicz, Matt Kealiʻi-Kleinfelder and Rebecca Villegas — are termed out. Michelle Galimba is not seeking another two-year term. This could lead to a dramatic shift in how the council operates.

Civil Beat. 

Hawaiʻi Police Issue 300+ Citations on Deadly Highway

In less than a week, Big Island police issued more than 300 citations during traffic enforcement on the Daniel K. Inouye Highway, also known as Saddle Road.

KHON2. 

‘Terrified’ Kids’ Long-Held Concerns About Dentist Surface After Viral Video

Dr. Andrew Choy is one of few pediatric dentists in the Hilo area accepting Medicaid. Parents who say he’s traumatized their kids now drive four hours round trip to visit someone else.

Civil Beat. 

Emergency Officials Say 18 Homes Destroyed in South Kona Quake

Civil Defense told HPR that 18 homes were destroyed, and 104 homes sustained major damage during the May 22nd earthquake.

Hawai‘i Public Radio. 

A Wet Start to the Dry Season in East Hawaiʻi

June 1 marked the official start of the dry season for most of Hawaiʻi, but that might not be apparent after the rainfall East Hawaiʻi has received so far this month.

Tribune-Herald. 

Maui Headlines

County to Provide Update on Zoning Code Rewrite June 17

The Maui County Department of Planning is inviting residents, businesses and other stakeholders to learn more about the ongoing rewrite of Title 19 of the Maui County Code, the set of laws governing how land and buildings throughout the county can be used and developed.

Maui News. 

Public Comments Due July 8 on Lahaina Sewer Force Main Replacement Project

Public comments are being accepted through July 8 on a draft environmental assessment for a Maui County project to replace a sewer force main in Lahaina.

Maui Now. 

6 Tons of Trash Removed From Pūlehu Road, 34 Abandoned Vehicles Tagged During ‘routine Cleanup’

The area has a known history of people living in vehicles along that stretch.

Maui Now. 

Kaua‘i Headlines

Friends Mourn Sergio ‘Tito’ Reyes, Who Was Murdered After His Shift at Mexican Restaurant in Hanalei

They remember the 37-year-old chef as a person who loved cars, DJing, arts, the beach, his job, his friends and his family, whom he regularly sent money to in Guatemala.

Kaua‘i Now. 

Applegate Supporters Take to the Streets

Candidate for Kauaʻi County Council Paul Applegate joined about 30 of his campaign supporters in waving support signs and greeting motorists on Friday in Hanapepe, fronting the Kauaʻi Soto Zen Temple and the Hanapepe Armory.

Garden Island.