#Public Safety

The Hawai’i Senate Majority today announced its 2026 legislative priorities in advance of the Hawaiʻi State Legislature’s Opening Day on Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026.

Maui police said they arrested an individual this week in connection to multiple home break-ins but provided few details, including the name of the suspect.

Famed for its hundreds of twists and turns through lush East Maui rainforests and dozens of one-lane bridges, the Road to Hāna has become infamous for something else — the head-scratching antics of visitors. Tourists have been spotted ignoring “No Parking” signs, failing to pull over for emergency vehicles and sometimes stopping in the middle of the road to take selfies.

In the wake of a burglary and sex assault in Haʻikū  last month, the Haʻikū Community Association is urging residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the Maui Police Department. The non-emergency number is 808-244-6400. For an emergency, call 911. Public safety tips include: The community association is also actively monitoring water quality […]

Gov. Josh Green, MD, launched a new policy report titled “Results for our People,” which outlines the Green administration’s plans to tackle significant issues facing the state of Hawai‘i. The report builds upon priorities discussed during his 2025 State of the State Address to the Legislature.

Gov. Josh Green, M.D., signed four measures into law on Thursday to strengthen Hawaiʻi’s public safety through the enactment of safety measures and protocols surrounding retention and detention ponds, as well as legislation that implements education and safeguards for pressing kūpuna issues. According to the governor, these bills reflect the state’s ongoing priorities to protect […]

House Democrats celebrated the successful advancement of the 2025 House Majority Package on Wednesday, with all seven bills now either passing final reading in both legislative chambers, adopted through companion legislation, or funded through the state budget. All measures now await the governor’s signature. 

Sen. Carol Fukunaga (Senate District 11 – Mānoa, Makiki/Punchbowl, Tantalus, and Papakōlea) is sponsoring a community forum tonight to discuss the potential impact of federal funding cuts on local services and resources, along with critical topics such as condo insurance, little fire ants, fireworks, schools and public safety. The forum is held alongside fellow area […]

The Hawaiʻi House of Representatives has approved all seven bills in the House Majority Package on third reading ahead of the first crossover deadline on Thursday. The bills move on to the Senate for further consideration. 

Home ownership feels out of reach for 72% of renters who would like to purchase a home in the future, but high costs and limited availability continue to pose barriers.

Hawai‘i Emergency Management Agency officials also noted in their announcement that a test of the live audio broadcast segment of the Emergency Alert System will accompany the sounding test of the sirens at roughly the same time, in cooperation with the Hawai‘i broadcast industry.

The monthly test of the all-hazard Statewide Outdoor Warning Siren System is scheduled for Tuesday, September 3, 2024, at 11:45 a.m. The siren test will be coordinated with a test of the Live Audio Broadcast segment of the Emergency Alert System.

Gov. Josh Green held a news conference Wednesday at the state Capitol to detail some of the 253 bills he signed out of 260 bills passed during the 2024 legislative session.

Gov. Josh Green signed into law 17 bills aimed at crime prevention, public safety and law enforcement, including one that makes those owning or operating illegal gambling houses criminally responsible.

To help curb axis deer populations in Maui County, the Hawaiʻi State Division of Forestry and Wildlife is launching a program that will incentive eligible private landowners and lessees to harvest the non-indigenous animals.

Maui lawmakers are among those selected for leadership roles in the upcoming legislative session. Sen. Lynn DeCoite was named Assistant Majority Floor Leader and Sen. Troy Hashimoto was selected as one of five Assistant Majority Whips.

The siren test will be coordinated with a test of the Live Audio Broadcast segment of the Emergency Alert System.

Resolution 23-29, FDI states that, although 911 emergency services dispatchers are not physically at the scene of emergencies, they often face job-related stress. Information gathered and communicated by the dispatchers can mean the difference between positive and negative outcomes in an array of emergency situations, said Council member Sugimura.

New Maui Police Chief John Pelletier staunchly defended himself and his administration from the critical results of a survey taken by nearly 60% of his rank and file about low morale and staffing shortages.

The 2022 legislative package of the bipartisan Hawaiʻi Women’s Legislative Caucus includes eight bills with measures that cover gender equity, health care and public safety.