Clash over labeling of Hawai‘i mac nut products results in split legislation
Counties differ in approach to regulating vacation rentals
HONOLULU — New state legislation giving the counties the power to reduce or even phase out short-term vacation rentals has triggered different responses — none likely to result in immediate county action even on Maui, where proposed reform was inspired by the housing needs of those displaced by the deadly Aug. 8 wildfires.
Telescope controversy growing on Maui
Lawa‘i still cleaning up from flood debris
New Ililani condo tower in Kaka‘ako opens after years of setbacks
KAKA‘AKO — Hawai‘i architect Ken Chang received thanks from local government leaders Friday for recently completing a mainly mid-priced Honolulu condominium tower despite setbacks that turned the project into an eight-year endeavor.
Jury returns not-guilty verdict in corruption trial of Kaneshiro, Mitsunaga
HONOLULU — Former Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney Keith Kaneshiro, prominent Hawai‘i businessman Dennis Mitsunaga and four Mitsunaga & Associates executives were found not guilty on all counts in their pay-to-prosecute conspiracy trial in federal court on Friday.
First building permit issued after Lahaina Fire
The Maui County Recovery Permit Center, which opened three weeks ago to facilitate permitting for August wildfire survivors, has issued its first building permit to a Lahaina couple to rebuild their destroyed home.
Hawai‘i coffee wins greater protection from Legislature
Many Hawaii coffee farmers got most, but not all, of what they wanted at the state Legislature this year to protect valuable crop origin names.
Lane closures scheduled on Kaua‘i
LIHU‘E — A number of road-related projects are on tap in the coming week with work set to take place from Waimea to Princeville, the Hawai‘i Department of Transportation said in an update on Friday.
Health declines seen in survivors of Maui wildfires, UH study finds
Nearly half of the people affected by the Maui wildfires in August 2023 suffered a decline in health, according to a study that aims to track the well-being and social conditions of those exposed to the disaster.
Honolulu’s rail agency ‘stretched thin,’ CEO says
HONOLULU — As the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation suffers the loss of key personnel, an embattled leader’s current work contract that might not be renewed and long-standing employee vacancies, one rail official posed a question about the future of the nearly $10 billion Skyline project.
Ethics Commission to reintroduce two bills to improve transparency
HONOLULU — The executive director of the state Ethics Commission plans to again push for two bills in the next legislative session designed to provide greater transparency about relationships between lawmakers and lobbyists.
Morgan’s Ponds reopens
County working on homelessness strategic plan
Rosy U.S. travel forecast excludes Hawai‘i
Authorities seek public’s help in homicide investigation
Construction to begin at Lahaina housing site
Regulating Big Island bike tours
Planning panel mulls next step on landfill alternative
The Honolulu Planning Commission continues to wrestle with the city’s request for an extension to find an alternate site for the 34-year-old Waimanalo Gulch Sanitary Landfill in Kapolei which is scheduled to close in 2028.
Two bills aimed at preventing drownings in Hawai‘i become law
HONOLULU — The state of Hawaii’s first annual Water Safety Day occurred Wednesday under a newly-enacted law aimed at spreading awareness to prevent children and adults from drowning.