Actions on homeless are complaint-driven, city says

HONOLULU — As states and municipalities across the country push forward with sweeps of encampments in the month after a U.S. Supreme Court ruling granted officials new authority to police homelessness, the city says enforcement actions conducted on O‘ahu should not be deemed to be the same thing.

Vacation rentals post statewide occupancy drop

Vacation rental occupancy in June was lower compared with the same month in 2023; however, supply, average daily rate and demand were higher, according to the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism.

New bill would nix building permit affidavits

HONOLULU — Among the many requirements to obtain a city-issued building permit, applicants must submit a sworn statement declaring they have no outstanding fines or liens payable to the City and County of Honolulu.

Union workers picket Waikiki hotels

HONOLULU — Nearly 1,000 Unite Here Local 5 union workers picketed in front of major Waikiki hotels Tuesday demanding new contracts that provide “living wages, fair workloads, and proper staffing that ensures quality service.”

Miske to forfeit more than $20 million in assets

HONOLULU — Michael J. Miske Jr., found guilty of racketeering conspiracy, murder, and 11 other felony charges, must forfeit assets totaling more than $20 million, the jury that convicted him determined Wednesday.

Hunting Unit L closed

KEKAHA — The Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) announced on Tuesday the closing of Hunting Unit L until further notice as a precaution due to ongoing wildfire suppression efforts.

Heat safety campaign takes root

LIHU‘E — The Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) along with the Office of Economic Development (OED) launched a Heat Safety Awareness Campaign, aimed at highlighting the health and well-being of all Hawai‘i residents and its visitors.

Trust looking to give Lahaina land new life

One of the largest owners of undeveloped land in Lahaina, Kamehameha Schools, intends to dramatically improve stewardship of its property in the wake of the Aug. 8 wildfire disaster, which the trust has been accused in litigation of partly facilitating.

Husband of Big Island crash victim sues other driver

KAILUA-KONA, Hawai‘i — The family of a Hawai‘i Island woman who was killed two years ago in a North Kona traffic crash is suing the driver of the other car, his parents and a car rental company, seeking more than $14 million in damages.

TSA aims to bolster its staff on Kaua‘i

LIHU‘E — The Transportation Security Administration is looking for a few good people to help bolster its ranks at Lihu‘e Airport, where thousands of tourists arrive every week for the start of their Kaua‘i experience.

RIMPAC exercises continue on USS Carl Vinson

As the biennial exercise Rim of the Pacific continues off the coast of Hawaii, the U.S. Navy’s Carrier Strike Group 1 has been practicing flight operations from its flagship the USS Carl Vinson.