Green to Sign Budget That Restores Tax Cuts for Most

The state’s $21 billion budget over the next two fiscal years will be signed by Gov. Josh Green today, ensuring Hawaiʻi’s historic tax breaks for all but the highest-earning residents.

Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiʻi AG to Review Supreme Court Decision on Gun Law

The state Department of the Attorney General is reviewing Thurday’s U.S. Supreme Court decision to strike down restrictions on where and when guns may be carried, but said current Hawaiʻi law should still be obeyed.

Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.

New Funding Opens for Hawaiʻi Farmers, Ranchers, Forest Managers

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is offering $18.5 million through the Hawaiʻi Grown Partnership for Agriculture, or HiGPA, project. The funds will go toward conservation efforts and market expansion initiatives led by farmers, ranchers and forest managers across the islands.

Hawai‘i Public Radio.

New Loan Program Set to Help Homeowners Finance Cesspool Conversions

This session, state lawmakers allocated $2 million in Green Fee funds to create a new low-interest loan and grant program for residents looking to convert their cesspools.

Hawai‘i Public Radio.

OHA Reopens TV Station Study After Vote Shift

The Office of Hawaiian Affairs on Thursday revived a proposal to explore buying Honolulu television stations KITV and KIKU, approving up to $172,500 for due diligence after Trustee John D. Waihe‘e IV reversed his earlier vote and shifted the board’s majority.

Star-Advertiser. KITV4.

O‘ahu Headlines

NOAA: Monk Seal Ka‘ale’s Death Was Caused by Toxoplasmosis

According to NOAA, the parasite reproduces in cats’ intestines, and its infectious eggs are released into the environment through cat feces.

Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Volunteers Say More Protections Are Needed for Rocky and Her Monk Seal Pup at Kalaeloa Beach

Rocky the monk seal is famed for giving birth to pups at Kaimana Beach. This time, she decided to give birth to a pup at Nimitz Beach at Kalaeloa for the first time, an area rarely used by monk seals for that purpose.

Hawaii News Now.

Oʻahu Satellite City Halls to Stop Cash Property Tax Payments

Beginning July 2026, Oʻahu satellite city halls will no longer accept cash payments for real property taxes. Property tax payments at satellite city halls must be paid by check, credit card or debit card.

KHON2.  KITV4. 

Part of a Frantic Charge to Feed People During Covid, He’s Now Charged With Fraud

Former city employee, who helped steer federal funds to the hungry, is accused of deceiving the food bank into spending money that wasn’t there.

Civil Beat. 

State Orders Junkyard Shutdown as Violations Mount

The state Department of Health has ordered a junkyard next to Waiawa Stream to shut down. There are multiple city violations, but operations are still going on.

Hawaii News Now. 

Hawai‘i Island Headlines

Aircraft Alert Issued for Hawaiʻi Island Ahead of RIMPAC 2026

Jet engine and aircraft noise may increase to and from Pōhakuloa Training Area in July for the 2026 Rim of the Pacific exercise.

Big Island Video News. 

Community Invited to Learn More About How to Grow Vegetables in Hawaiʻi.

“Vegetable Production for Hawai’i Growers” with researcher, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa tropical plant and soil sciences professor and University of Hawaiʻi Extension Specialist Ted Radovich is scheduled for 10 a.m. to noon June 27 at Kohala Village Hub Barn in Hāwī.

Big Island Now. 

Honokaʻa Suspect in Child Enticement Case to Receive Mental Exam

Police became aware that 23-year-old Honokaʻa resident Kainalu Palik allegedly used the messaging app Snapchat to meet a 14-year-old girl for sex after her 17-year-old sister noticed the sexually explicit messages on her younger sister’s phone and notified authorities, according to court documents filed by police.

Tribune-Herald. 

Maui Headlines

New Maui County Water Rates Set to Go Into Effect With New Fiscal Year, July 1

During Maui County Council final 2027 budget deliberations, members of the Budget, Finance and Economic Development Committee members did not recommend substantive changes to the Department of Water Supply’s proposed 5% increase to monthly service fees and higher tiered rates for fiscal 2027.

Maui Now. 

Public Presentation of Final Designs for Olowalu-Ukumehame Coastline Coming July 9

Conceptual landscape designs that could help shape the future of the Olowalu-Ukumehame coastline will be presented to the public July 9 at the Maui Ocean Center Sphere in Maalaea.

Maui News. 

Kaua‘i Headlines

140 Kauaʻi Coffee Jobs Saved Through New Land Lease Agreement

After months of uncertainty around the future of the country’s largest coffee grower, roughly 140 jobs at Kauaʻi Coffee Company will be preserved through a new long-term agricultural lease.

Civil Beat.  Kaua‘i Now. Garden Island.

Can a $400+ Million Loan Push the Stagnant Coco Palms Project Ahead?

The Kaua‘i project is could reopen in 2028, after being closed for nearly four decades. Developers behind the planned rebirth of Kaua‘i’s famed Coco Palms hotel have secured a $431 million loan to reconstruct the 1953 resort where Elvis Presley’s “Blue Hawaiʻi” was filmed.

Civil Beat.