Legislative session began amid uncertainty, ended with relief for Maui and taxpayers
HONOLULU — The Hawai‘i legislative session began Jan. 17 clouded in unknowns over how much money would be available overall, how much could be spent to help Maui recover from the Aug. 8 wildfires, and concerns that lawmakers would have to tap into the state’s so-called rainy day fund to meet Hawai‘i’s needs.
Lane closures scheduled on Kaua‘i
LIHUE — The spring road improvement season is in full swing with projects scheduled in heavily traveled areas, the Hawai‘i Department of Transportation said in an update on Friday.
Obituary for Saturday, May 4, 2024
• Michael Miyuki Cardinez
JONES: Water workouts: Whatever floats your boat
I’m a regular reader and always appreciate the fun-filled facts you provide about fitness and fat loss. In last month’s column, you mentioned that working out in water might not be a great exercise. I actually love the resistance that water provides when I’m practicing my martial art kicks and punches. Please clarify your perspective for me, and keep up the great work, sensei.
RICK STEVES: The highlights of happening Helsinki
Europe’s youngest and northernmost capital city — feels like an outpost of Europe. While it lacks the cutesy cobbles of Copenhagen, the aristocratic setting of Stockholm, or the futuristic vibe of Oslo, Helsinki holds its own among Nordic capitals with its creative spirit, zest for architecture and design, and a steamy love of saunas.
ISLAND HISTORY: Sam Mia, Madame Pele and the Coco Palms Hotel
Originally from Kona, Sam Mia (1919-1970), of 100 percent Hawaiian ancestry, was one of the original employees of Kaua‘i’s Coco Palms Hotel when it opened in 1953, and he continued to work there until the day he died in 1970.
Brush fires consume about 5 acres in Anahola
AHAHOLA — Multiple brush fires thrust the Kaua‘i Fire Department (KFD) into action on Thursday afternoon in Anahola.
Dehydrated hiker rescued on Kalalau Trail
KALALAU — First responders rescued a 36-year-old Massachusetts woman on the Kalalau Trail after she felt dehydrated on Thursday afternoon.
Kupuna lost nearly $28M to fraud in 2023, FBI reports
HONOLULU — Seniors in Hawai‘i over 60 years of age lost $27,965,497 last year to fraud schemes targeting older Americans’ money or cryptocurrency, according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Obituaries for Friday, May 3, 2024
• Desiree Kuilani Tung Loong • Gilbert Ontoy Pacleb • Francisco ‘Cisco’ Campos Jr. • Opal Healani Sui Len Trembath • Aletha ‘Puna’ Kawelukawahinehololioolimaloa Goodwin Kaohi
Book sales after the Charity Walk
LIHU‘E — No less than two Friends of the Public Libraries are hosting used book sales on Saturday.
Hawai‘i lawmakers approve nearly 200 bills, including tax relief
HONOLULU — As the legislative session winds down to a largely ceremonial finish on Friday, the full House and Senate on Wednesday sent nearly 200 bills to Gov. Josh Green that include $1 billion to help Maui recover from the wildfires and another bill that gives counties the authority to regulate short-term vacation rentals on their islands, including the ability to ban them if they choose.
Charity Walk road closures begin at 7 a.m. Saturday
LIHU‘E — A number of road closures will take place ahead of the 2024 Charity Walk on Saturday.
Obituaries for Thursday, May 2, 2024
• Elden Layne Nakashima • Rodrigo Ronolo Dikilato • Opal Healani Sui Len Trembath
Nonprofits seek help as poverty hits 15 percent in Hawai‘i
Child & Family Service put out a call to action to other nonprofits on Monday to join it in the battle to fight the harmful effects of poverty in Hawai‘i, where an estimated 15 percent of families are living below federal poverty guidelines.
Obituaries for Wednesday, May 1, 2024
• Arthur Wentworth Keale • Annabel Bunao Ragasa • Rochelle Nora Paalua (Nishibata) San Agustin • Leonida Defuntorum Leones • Glenda Vierra • Opal Healani Sui Len Trembath • Jonathan Hurd • Teodulo ‘Teddy’ Ganal Ganiron • Kelvin K. Kanahele, Sr. • Aletha ‘Puna’ Kawelukawahinehololioolimaloa Goodwin Kaohi
Births for Wednesday, May 1, 2024
• Kamakana Keolamauloa O Makalakahi Taufaahau Tupou • Deanara Alejandro Martin • Tayden Kalani Mitsuki Hardesty • Tailiana Diane Kau‘anoeanuheao‘nalani
HOOSER: A ‘teachable moment’
While it’s likely too late to impact it’s passage, Senate Bill 3202 represents an important “teachable moment” for those interested in the legislative process (or lack thereof).
Kahili Beach internships available
LIHU‘E — The Hawai‘i Land Trust (HILT) is accepting applications for its Kahili Preserve Summer Internship Program on Kaua‘i.
Education bills advancing to full House and Senate
HONOLULU — House and Senate conference committees plan to forward a host of education-related bills this week to the full House and Senate for final approval. That includes a statewide registry, which would document and share all school staff misdeeds, along with other bills to ease qualifications for teacher licenses in Hawai‘i and provide more funding for Hawaiian immersion education.