Gov. Green signs bill to clarify counties’ authority in regulating short-term rentals

The House of Representatives officially adjourned sine die, marking the conclusion of the 32nd Legislature on Friday. House Committee on Finance Chair Kyle T. Yamashita (D-12 Upcountry Maui) said, “We approached the crafting of the state budget with careful consideration, reflecting the House’s dedication to fiscal prudence, accountability, and transparency. As we commenced this legislative session, our immediate […]

Gov. Josh Green followed through on his pledge to sign Senate Bill 2919, clarifying the counties’ authority to regulate short-term rentals. Mayor Richard Bissen has already moved ahead with introducing a bill to phase-out thousands of short-term rentals to open up long-term housing for residents.

Officer arrested a houseless man this morning on three charges during the second day of a cleanup operation at Kahului Boat Harbor. Authorities with the state Department of Land and Natural Resources say the man resisted arrested and attempted to flee. An officer used a taser to control the suspect and to take him into custody, according to department reports.

On Wednesday, May 1, 2024, the Hawaiʻi State Legislature unanimously passed Senate Bill 2305 SD2 HD2 CD1 to establish a Silver Alert Program to help locate and safeguard missing persons who are particularly vulnerable, including community members who are elderly or are cognitively impaired or developmentally disabled.

This action is taken to honor the 89 firefighters who died in 2023 and the 137 firefighters who died in previous years. One of the firefighters died in the line of duty was Tre’ Evans-Dumaran from the County of Maui Department of Fire and Public Safety. 

The 20th Annual Ian Walsh Menehune Mayhem, a free two day surf contest for Maui’s youth ages 15 years old and younger, is taking place at Hoʻokipa Beach Park all-day Saturday and Sunday.

Maui Mayor Richard T. Bissen, Jr. signed a proclamation to recognize 2024 as Ka Makahiki o Nā Manu Nahele, Year of The Forest Birds, on Wednesday. This action follows Gov. Josh Green, M.D.’s proclamation in January and county proclamations on Hawaiʻi Island on Feb. 1, and on Kaua‘i on March 11.

Maui County Council members voted unanimously this morning to approve land use measures on first reading for expansion of the University of Hawaiʻi, Maui College’s plans for a new 3,300-square-foot classroom building at the Molokaʻi Education Center in Kaunakakai.

The Maui Youth Philharmonic Orchestra will open their Spring Concert 2024 with members of the newly formed Kahului School String Orchestra Beginning Strings Class (fourth graders) joining the MYPO Beginning Strings Class performing Dance of the Strings and Jazz of the Open Strings, both composed by JiYoung Um, as well as the traditional French Folk Song.

Internet reliability and worldwide connectivity are expected to be enhanced with a $1 billion project to create a new fiber-optic undersea cable network, according to an announcement from Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke, leader of Connect Kākou, Hawaiʻi’s high-speed internet initiative, and Benji Robinson, director of Asia Pacific Network Planning and Acquisition for Google.

Gov. Josh Green, M.D. announced the inauguration of the Climate Advisory Team (CAT). This newly formed committee, comprising experts and stakeholders, is dedicated to tackling the challenges of climate disasters and providing a comprehensive roadmap for the state’s strategy to mitigate the financial impact of climate change.

A fire at a commercial structure in Wailuku on Thursday afternoon was confined to a second floor unit. The fire was reported at 1:51 p.m. on May 2, at a building on Hoʻokahi Street.

Internet reliability and worldwide connectivity are expected to be enhanced with a $1 billion project to create a new fiber-optic undersea cable network, according to an announcement from Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke, leader of Connect Kākou, Hawaiʻi’s high-speed internet initiative, and Benji Robinson, director of Asia Pacific Network Planning and Acquisition for Google.

The Kaiser Permanente Lahaina Clinic sign was all that was left standing after the Aug. 8 wildfire swept through historic Lahaina town and leveled the Waineʻe Street clinic where doctors and nurses cared for patients’ colds and flu, broken bones and expectant moms since opening its doors in 1969. And, so a 7.5-foot woven lei was a fitting way to connect the past, present and future at Kaiser’s official Hoʻōla (meaning to rejuvenate, to give life and energy, to heal) event Tuesday at the clinic’s new 5,200-square-foot location at the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort in Kāʻanapali.

Hawaiian Electric has developed an online tool designed to facilitate the installation of electric vehicle charging stations by showing available capacity on the electric grid at the circuit level.

The Hawai‘i Tourism Authority has launched new targeted campaigns as part of its global marketing and visitor education efforts. The purpose of these initiatives is to reinvigorate responsible travel demand from key markets around the world to the Hawaiian Islands.

Since midnight of April 27, over 1,600 earthquake events have been recorded on Kīlauea on the Big Island.

Administrators confirmed St. Catherine's closure on Friday, after parents staged a failed attempt to save the school in mid-March.

The program will help locate and safeguard missing persons who are elderly or are cognitively impaired or developmentally disabled.

No injuries or damaged structures were reported. as a result of three small blazes near ‘Ehukai Road and a 4.3-acre fire in an area called Crack 14.

The 36-year-old woman, who apparently became dehydrated, declined medical treatment after being transported to Princeville Airport and was released.

This year’s theme is “Who Protects Hawaiʻi? We All Do,” underscoring the collaborative approach necessary to address and effectively manage the risks invasive species pose.

The search warrant also led to the arrest of a 45-year-old man.

The program will help locate and safeguard missing persons who are elderly or are cognitively impaired or developmentally disabled.

The gift comes as the center moves to its next phase as an advanced research and patient care facility.

45-year-old Ronald P.K. Kahihikolo of Ocean View pleaded no contest in February to charges of first-degree attempted assault, carrying or use of a firearm in the commission of a separate felony, first-degree unauthorized control of a propelled vehicle and first-degree resisting an order to stop in connection with a March 2023 domestic dispute and subsequent manhunt.