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Community Voices: Hawai‘i climate policy going overboard on cruise ships
The new climate roadmap from the state Department of Transportation calls for reducing cruise ship visitors to Hawai‘i by 2030 and possibly eliminating them completely by 2040.
Keliʻi AkinaJuly 21, 2025
Community Voices: Nonprofit Blankety Blank bill
In a rush to help nonprofits that are losing federal funding, the Hawai‘i state Legislature pulled together Senate Bill 933, now Act 310 of 2025, putting $50 million in the hands of a four-person committee that will meet in secret. And the Legislature could not have known what it was voting for — this was yet another Blankety Blank bill devoid of financial details.
Tom YamachikaJuly 21, 2025
CONGRESS WATCH: Defense budget bill passes, over Democratic opposition
Hawai‘i reps repeatedly voted against $800 billion Department of Defense funding package.
Michael BrestovanskyJuly 19, 2025
Falls of Clyde to be removed from Honolulu Harbor
The 146-year-old vessel has been docked at the harbor for years and was impounded in 2016. Here's the fate that awaits the ship.
Stephanie SalmonsJuly 19, 2025
Protest billed as "Good Trouble" in Honolulu
Hundreds attend rally amid nationwide anti-Trump protests.
Michael BrestovanskyJuly 18, 2025
Kaua‘i Navy plans controversial among residents
Public meetings on the extension of Navy missile testing range draw condemnation.
Michael BrestovanskyJuly 18, 2025
New Hawai‘i insurance commissioner is a familiar name
Scott Saiki, a former longtime lawmaker who served as speaker of the House from 2017 to 2024, has been tapped for the role.
Stephanie SalmonsJuly 17, 2025
CONGRESS WATCH: Senate votes against Hirono proposal to protect emergency broadcasters
President Donald Trump's budget rescissions bill would cut over $1 billion from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.
Michael BrestovanskyJuly 17, 2025
Community Voices: Permitting progress prevails
Starting in 2026, new laws signed by Gov. Josh Green go into place to expedite home construction throughout the Islands.
Keliʻi AkinaJuly 16, 2025
Hawai‘i County to open waitlist for Section 8 voucher program
Applications will be accepted beginning at 9 a.m. Aug. 1 and the wait list will remain open until further notice
Stephanie SalmonsJuly 16, 2025
CONGRESS WATCH: House votes for AI consumer safety bill
Here's how Hawai‘i's lawmakers voted this week.
Michael BrestovanskyJuly 16, 2025
Ocean acidification study predicts bleak future for Hawai‘i corals
UH Mānoa study modeled effects of ocean acidification on Hawai‘i's marine ecosystems.
Michael BrestovanskyJuly 16, 2025
Hawai‘i Green Growth’s new CEO shares mission, priorities
Kailua-born and raised Kalani Kaʻanāʻanā, a former Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority executive, talks about what initially drew him to the organization focused on advancing statewide and global sustainability goals. Only a week in the role, he offers insights on collaboration and community-building to help implement such objectives by 2030.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosJuly 15, 2025
State land board shuts down Maui water rights petition
A permit to divert millions of gallons of water from East Maui will stand after July 11 BLNR decision.
Michael BrestovanskyJuly 15, 2025
Kaua‘i residents to weigh in on Navy lease
Public meetings next week will discuss future of Navy's Pacific Missile Range Facility in West Kaua‘i
Michael BrestovanskyJuly 12, 2025
New law expands resources for homeless youth
Legislation signed this week by Gov. Josh Green establishes a Safe Spaces for Youth program within the Office of Youth Services for those experiencing, or at the risk of, homelessness.
Stephanie SalmonsJuly 12, 2025
Honolulu to open waitlist for Section 8 voucher program
Pre-applications received next week will be randomized and 3,000 will be selected through a lottery and placed on the waiting list.
Stephanie SalmonsJuly 11, 2025
CONGRESS WATCH: Hirono bill demands ICE agents be clearly identifiable
Hawai‘i senator co-introduces bill to increase transparency of immigration enforcement agencies
Michael BrestovanskyJuly 11, 2025
Community Voices: Why I think the governor and Legislature deserve praise
The Hawaiʻi State Legislature has concluded the 2025 regular session, still more work to be done
Keliʻi AkinaJuly 11, 2025
Hale‘iwa housing proposal stirs controversy at City Council
Hale‘iwa residents urge council to "Keep Country Country" and reject housing development.
Michael BrestovanskyJuly 11, 2025
Demolition of abandoned Waikīkī apartment begins
The work clears the way for a future affordable housing project on land owned by the City and County of Honolulu.
Stephanie SalmonsJuly 11, 2025
Mayor appoints new executive director for office of culture and the arts
She will lead arts and culture initiatives through strategic and community-informed programing for the Mayor's Office of Culture and the Arts for the City and County of Honolulu.
Katie HellandJuly 10, 2025
DPP to launch new permitting software Aug. 4
Officials with the City and County of Honolulu's Department of Planning and Permitting say the new system will bring "greater consistency, transparency, and efficiency to the way the public interacts with the department."
Stephanie SalmonsJuly 10, 2025
UH Mānoa study predicts total Waikīkī drainage failure by 2050
Waikīkī's stormwater drainage system can't support rising sea levels and heavy rainfall, study finds
Michael BrestovanskyJuly 10, 2025