Ahi Origin Labeling Law Takes Effect on July 1st

Retail establishments selling raw processed ʻahi products must display a country of origin label beginning July 1. Act 238 requires local tuna fisheries and associated seafood markets to have a country of origin label to better inform and safeguard consumers.

Big Island Now. Big Island Video News. Maui News.

Global Tuna Fishing Practices Pose Significant Risks to Marine Protected Areas

Drifting devices used by the global tuna fishing industry are entering marine protected areas worldwide, creating potential risks for wildlife and sensitive ocean habitats, according to a new international study.

Maui Now.

$20B State Budget Signed Into Law, Accounts for Federal Cuts

There were challenges this year to settle on a budget that both the state House of Representatives and Senate could agree on, as lawmakers had to find funding for important programs, like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and Medicaid, that faced significant slashes by the Trump administration.

Hawaiʻi Public Radio.

Four State Bills This Year Face Potential Veto

Gov. Josh Green may block the Legislature’s intended deposit into the state’s “rainy day” fund for a third time in four years. Green announced on Friday that he intends to veto a bill that lawmakers passed in May to put $50 million of state general fund revenue next fiscal year into Hawaiʻi’s Emergency and Budget Reserve Fund.

Star-Advertiser. Hawaiʻi Public Radio.

New Law Enforcement Drones to Take Flight in Hawaiʻi

State law enforcement is expanding the use of drones in Hawaiʻi with new technology that is designed to protect first responders in close-quarters situations. Officials are also looking to broaden outdoor drone operations while some have concerns about eyes in the sky.

KHON2.

O‘ahu Headlines

UH Report: Oʻahu Needs More Solar, Not New Power Plants

Building more solar farms with battery storage is the most cost-effective way to power Oʻahu as the state transitions to 100% renewable energy, and policymakers should do more to support solar and storage to further reduce costs, the University of Hawaiʻi Economic Research Organization said in a report issued Monday.

Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser.

HART Board Adopts $1.07B Budget for Skyline Construction

The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation’s board of directors Monday formally adopted the rail agency’s $1.07 billion operating and capital improvement program budgets for fiscal year 2027, which takes effect Wednesday.

Star-Advertiser.

Councilman and His Opponent Are Big on Construction. Similarities End There

Honolulu City Council member Tyler Dos Santos-Tam is running to represent Kakaʻako and Kalihi for a fourth year, but first-time candidate Corey Morihara is looking to take that seat. While both have backgrounds in construction, they bring very different experience and priorities to this year’s race.

Civil Beat.

Former Honolulu Employee Pleads Not Guilty to Defrauding Hawaiʻi Foodbank

A former Honolulu government employee pleaded not guilty to theft, forgery and professional misconduct charges. Prosecutors say Dexter Kishida told the Hawaiʻi Foodbank that $800,000 in pandemic relief funds were available, then covered up the fact that it wasn’t after the food had already been distributed. Kishida’s lawyer says he was simply doing his job and it wasn’t his fault that the government pulled the funding.

Civil Beat.

Changing Retail Market Space Gives Some Ward Centre Retailers Problems to Find Comparable Location

Some tenants at Ward Centre said they’re having trouble finding a new location. Others said it was difficult to find a comparable area. Experts said the challenges are due to the changing landscape of retail market space.

KHON2.

Activists Angered Over West Oʻahu Chicken Fights, Residents Defend Practice

An animal rights advocate recorded video showing vehicles lining Hakimo Road in Nānākuli on Saturday afternoon for what he said was a cockfighting event.

Hawaii News Now.

Hawai‘i Island Headlines

Kīlauea Eruptions and Puna Roads: State House District 5 Candidate Q&As

State House District 5 includes the communities of Pāhala, Punalu’u, Nā’ālehu, Wai’ōhinu, Hawaiian Ocean View, Ho’okena, Volcano, Fern Forest, Glenwood, Mountain View, and portions of Kea’au and Kurtistown. The incumbent District 5 House representative has two opponents.

Civil Beat.

Substantial Repairs Planned for Laupāhoehoe Harbor and Breakwater

Much-anticipated repairs to the Laupāhoehoe Small Boat Harbor Breakwater are finally moving forward, with an informational meeting scheduled next week for the public to review design proposals and ask questions.

Tribune-Herald.

UH Hilo to Offer New AI Concentration

As the use of artificial intelligence becomes increasingly prevalent across industries, the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo is rolling out several new AI-focused offerings this fall to help prepare students for the rapidly changing landscape.

Tribune-Herald.

Maui Headlines

Public or Private? The Future of East Maui’s Water Is at Stake

Who should control the flow of water from East Maui’s century-old ditch system — a large farming company or a voter-created water authority? The system delivers millions of gallons daily to Upcountry residents and Central Maui farms, but a decision has been on hold since last fall, when the state land board gave Mahi Pono and East Maui Water Authority six months to reach a deal. More than seven months later, the two sides remain at odds.

Civil Beat.

Maui County Asks Court to Dismiss Former Chief of Staff’s Lawsuit; Trial Possible as Election Looms

Maui County is asking the court to dismiss a lawsuit filed by Mayor Richard Bissen’s former chief of staff Leo Caires, who alleges he was wrongfully terminated for sounding the alarm on fraudulent activity.

Maui Now.

Rebuilt Lahaina Affordable Housing Community Is Fully Occupied Again

An 89-unit affordable housing community in Lahaina that was destroyed in the August 2023 wildfires has reopened and is fully occupied again.

Maui News.

Kaua‘i Headlines

Pacific Missile Range Facility Honors Lineal Descendants of Na ‘Ohana Papa ‘O Mānā

Leadership from the Pacific Missile Range Facility, Barking Sands in West Kauaʻi joined lineal descendants of Na ʻOhana Papa O Mānā, to observe Summer Solstice on June 20 during a reverent and unifying ceremony at Lua Kupapa’u ‘O Nohili (Nohili crypt) on base.

Kauaʻi Now.