Sex trafficking civil lawsuit bill advances in state Senate Maui Now Brian Perry March 27, 2025 Original Article A House bill that would authorize victims of sex trafficking to file civil lawsuits against their perpetrators has passed unanimously in the Senate Judiciary Committee . Now, it advances to the full Senate floor for second reading. Voting in favor in committee on Tuesday were committee Chair Karl Rhoads and Sens. Stanley Chang and Joy San Buenaventura. Two committee members were absent and excused: Vice Chair Mike Gabbard and Sen. Brenton Awa. According to a report published in 2018 by Arizona State University and the Hawaiʻi State Commission on the Status of Women, 1 out of 11 adult male residents in Hawaiʻi are “online sex shoppers.” House Bill 111 calls sex trafficking a form of modern-day slavery. “The report also estimated that there were 74,362 potential sex buyers in Hawaiʻi,” the bill says. “Moreover, Imua Alliance, a victim service provider for survivors of sex trafficking and sexual violence, estimates that 150 establishments participate in the commercial sex trade in the state, increasing the high risk for sex trafficking. In addition to allowing civil lawsuits in cases of sexual exploitation or sex trafficking, House Bill 111 would extend the statute of limitations for civil claims to 10 years. Written public testimony submitted on the bill was strongly in support of its passage. Supporters of the measure said it would support victims and make perpetrators more accountable. Sex trafficking victims suffer from complex forms of trauma that can include post-traumatic stress disorder, depression and anxiety, dissociation, parasuicidal behavior, and substance abuse. House Vice Speaker Linda Ichiyama introduced the bill. It made its way through the House without a single “no” vote in committee or on the House floor.

State Department of Education sees expanded free meal access for students KHON2 Cameron Macedonio July 31, 2025 Original Article HONOLULU (KHON2) — The Hawaiʻi State Department of Education will see a change in school meal prices this upcoming academic year, which also includes more access to free school meals for keiki. Act 139, which was signed into law in May by Governor Josh Green M.D., provided this expanded free meal access to students beginning in the 2025-2026 school year. Per the act, qualifying students will now receive a free breakfast meal, as well as a free lunch meal daily. “Removing the cost for reduced-price meals ensures more students are fed, focused and ready to learn — no matter their family’s financial situation,” said Superintendent Keith Hayashi. Last school year, approximately 11,000 students qualified for reduced-price meals. Act 139 would make these reduced-price meals completely free for the students this upcoming year. “As a mother and grandmother, I have seen firsthand how hunger affects a child’s ability to focus and learn,” said Senate Vice President and Education Committee Chair Michelle Kidani, who introduced the act to the legislature. “I still remember visiting classrooms in my district where teachers kept granola bars or crackers in their desks, just in case a student came to school without breakfast.” For Kidani, equitable access to nutritious meals is not just a matter of hunger — it’s a matter of ensuring a successful future for keiki. “This bill is about more than food. It’s about dignity, equity and ensuring every child has a fair chance to succeed,” she said. “Well-nourished students learn better, and I am proud to have authored this bill.” The only price increase for meals are for second meals and adult meals, with the prices increasing by just over a dollar for breakfast and two dollars for lunch. Students in the state that receive free meals will be categorized as “reduced-price eligible” per federal guidelines, with their meals being 100% reduced and their state-designated category being “Reduced — No Charge.” Here’s the full list of meal prices for the 2025-2026 academic year: Breakfast PreK through eighth grade$1.10 Ninth through 12th grade$1.10 Reduced-price, PreK through 12th gradeFree Student second meal$3.50 Adult Meal$3.50 Lunch PreK through eighth grade$2.50 Ninth through 12th grade$2.75 Reduced-price, PreK through 12th gradeFree Entree$2.25 Student second meal$7.50 Adult Meal$7.50 To apply for the free and reduced meal program, visit the EZMealApp or the HIDOE website .

New library underway in Upper Puna Aloha State Daily Katie Helland November 13, 2025 Original Article The community gathered to break ground on a new library that will serve residents in Upper Puna on Monday, Nov. 10. Construction of the 13,885-square-foot building is expected to cost about $20 million and take at least two years, according to representatives of the Hawai’i State Public Library System. The one-story library will go up in the vacant lot adjacent to the existing Keaʻau Public and School Library. It will also include a separate community meeting room with an outdoor lanai. “We’re really happy to begin construction on this new library,” said Stacey Aldrich , the state librarian, in a statement. “This growing community deserves a library that can be a true hub for reading, learning and connecting. We are increasing the space available for collections, adding a tech lab to support current technology, and provide small and larger rooms for community use.” The Hawai’i State Public Library System has more than 50 branches across six islands , including Hawai’i Island, Lānaʻi, Maui, Molokai, Kauai and Oʻahu, according to its website. Library cards are free for kamaʻāina and military personnel as well as their dependents. To get a card, adults must present a valid photo identification card and proof of mailing address, if that is not listed on their identification card. Details.

City, state closer to condemning Wahiawa property known for illegal activity Hawaii News Now Lynn Kawano August 27, 2025 Original Article HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - A homeless man was killed Sunday after being attacked by a pack of dogs at an encampment in Wahiawa. The property at 525 Avocado Street overlooks Lake Wilson. It has been a source of community outrage, and lawmakers were already moving to condemn the lot and demolish the two, hollowed-out structures and container on site. “It’s been neglected for years and years,” said Peter Schmall. “I’ve lived in Wahiawa for 20 years and it’s been a constant problem.” The property is near a busy intersection with Kamehameha Highway and is a visible nuisance. When Hawaii News Now was at the location, multiple people were inside and started boarding up the windows. The unidentified man who was mauled by his five dogs this week was treated and transported to a hospital by Honolulu Emergency Medical Services, but died from his injuries. In 2020, police raided the place and said it housed a game room. A city council resolution to demolish the structures is moving forward and will be before the full council in September. The state has also been working to condemn the property. “It’s a public safety concern,” said state Sen. Donovan Dela Cruz, who represents the area. The state wants to eventually use the property as a substation for the Department of Land and Natural Resources because it is along the lake. “In 2023, we added over $1 million in capital improvement money so we could purchase the property,” Dela Cruz said. According to the lawmaker, the state has been trying to work with the landowner so that it could be sold. But Dela Cruz said the owner has refused, “which is why we’re going on the condemnation route.” City Council member Matt Weyer, who represents parts of Wahiawa, said the city has also “struggled” with communication. “That’s really the concern, that the land owner isn’t being responsive enough,” he said. County records list Yiu Wai Lam as the at-will manager. That is the same name as the person arrested on the property during the game room raid. His current address is a home in Kalihi Valley. Hawaii News Now went to the home, but no one answered and a neighbor said they were not home. Weyer said the city and state are working together to get the property cleared for use by both agencies. “The demolition of these structures is really the first step in moving forward,” he said. The Hawaiian Humane Society took the dogs involved in the fatal attack this week. “The Honolulu Police Department called our teams and asked for assistance,” said Brandy Shimabukuro, the agency’s communications manager. “Three of the dogs, when they were brought into our care, could not be safely handled by our staff and that posed an immediate public safety risk, so we had to move forward with a humane euthanasia,” she said. Shimabukuro said that is necessary because the agency cannot adopt out a dangerous animal. The other two dogs are still being evaluated.

New mobile pantry fills gaps in access to kupuna and families The Garden Island Dennis Fujimoto June 26, 2025 Original Article Reminiscent of the “yasai trucks” of the rural plantation camps and towns, the Hawaii Foodbank Kauai held a Mobile Food Pantry blessing by Kahu Jade Waialeale Battad on Tuesday, under weather conditions that started out threatening before ending in a downpour at the Kauai Philippine Cultural Center. The Mobile Food Pantry is designed to expand access to nutritious food in rural and underserved communities across the island. With the attendance of key dignitaries, including Kauai Council Chair Mel Rapozo, Senate President Ron Kouchi, Speaker of the House Nadine Nakamura, and Hawaii Foodbank President and CEO Amy Miller, the blessing and launch of the innovative mobile unit highlights a significant step forward in efforts to reduce food insecurity and improve health outcomes for thousands of Kauai residents. “Food insecurity affects one in four households on Kauai and one in three keiki,” said Wes Perreira, the Hawaii Foodbank Kauai Director. “Filling gaps and reaching all of our families and neighbors on the Garden Island is a major priority for Hawaii Foodbank Kauai. This Mobile Food Pantry is an innovative tool in making sure no family is left behind — no matter where they live.” The fully equipped 16-foot refrigerated vehicle functions as a grocery-style food pantry on wheels, allowing families and individuals to choose the food that best meets their needs. The Mobile Food Pantry will travel to communities with limited access to full-service grocery stores or regular food distribution points, helping remove transportation barriers and ensuring equitable access to fresh, healthy food. The truck will visit partner sites throughout the island on a regular schedule, offering a wide range of food items, including fresh produce, proteins, dairy products, and shelf-stable goods. The vehicle is generator-powered and self-sufficient, enabling Hawaii Foodbank Kauai to respond quickly during times of disaster or emergency. The press release states this new effort is part of Hawaii Foodbank’s broader mission to nourish ohana today and work to end hunger tomorrow. It reflects the organization’s deep commitment to increasing access to safe and healthy foods, broadening the approach to expand food distribution in identified areas of need, and strengthening community resilience. “Food insecurity across Hawaii — and especially on Kauai — is a complex issue, and it is important we understand the challenges uniquely faced by our local families, neighbors, and communities,” Miller said. “Most immediately, this new Mobile Food Pantry allows us to expand our reach and distribute more nutritious food to areas of need. In addition to that, it is a powerful example of our community coming together to create solutions that are centered on dignity, health, and choice.” The Mobile Food Pantry was made possible through Grant-in-Aid funding from the State of Hawaii, along with the generosity of local donors, volunteers, and agency partners committed to ending hunger on Kauai.

Who Should Be Trusted To Manage Remains Of Hawaiian Royals? Civil Beat Blaze Lovell December 8, 2024 Original Article Management of Mauna ʻAla, the burial place for many of Hawaiʻi’s monarchs, is at a crossroads. The state Department of Land and Natural Resources picked a new curator for the burial grounds in Nuʻuanu without consulting with key Native Hawaiian organizations or the family that has cared for the remains for the last 200 hundred years. That set off a fierce debate that will spill out into the Legislature next year. Lawmakers will propose that the state lands department step aside and transfer management of the grounds to the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. Meanwhile, descendants of the customary caretakers — who say the lands department broke with decades of tradition in picking the new curator — are trying to build support to hand over management to a private nonprofit. Burials in Hawaiian culture — and those of royal lineages in particular — are considered highly sacred. The debate over which entity gets to manage Mauna ʻAla is intertwined with who should be responsible for caring for those remains. Amid the debate, one thing has become clear: keeping Mauna ʻAla under the state lands department is unpopular to many involved. “I don’t think it being housed in DLNR is a good fit,” Sen. Tim Richards, who chairs the Senate Hawaiian Affairs Committee, said. Proposals to transfer management authority come with many unanswered questions, including who pays for the upkeep and what would happen to the current curator, Doni Chong. Kai Kahele, newly elected to chair the board of trustees of OHA, said his agency, established to represent the interests of Hawaiians, is the right pick to oversee the burial grounds. “We have the talent here to do it, we just have to work with the administration to bring that to fruition,” Kahele said. Sen. Lorraine Inouye, who chairs the Senate Water and Land Committee, said she plans to introduce a bill transferring management of the grounds to OHA. Inouye is worried that keeping Mauna ʻAla under the land department, whose director is a political appointee of the governor, means that policies could change with each new administration every four years. “If we leave it with OHA, that would be continuous,” Inouye said. While Inouye supports transferring management authority, she’s not sure that lawmakers would approve of giving OHA additional funds for Mauna ʻAla. Inouye thinks the office, which oversees vast trust resources worth $600 million, should be able to cover the costs for Mauna ʻAla itself. OHA has some experience managing historical sites. In 2012, the office acquired the land in Wahiawā that houses the Kūkaniloko birthing stones, the birthplace for many of Oʻahu’s high-ranking chiefs. But Inouye also acknowledged that OHA comes with some baggage. The office and its trustees have previously been criticized for mismanaging the office’s finances. An audit two years ago found possible instances of waste, fraud and abuse in OHA contracts within the last decade, which prompted the office’s leadership to tighten its internal controls. In addition to the state, the Aliʻi Trusts, whose namesakes are buried at Mauna ʻAla, have also contributed to improvements at the site under an agreement with DLNR from 2013. Three of the largest trusts — Lunalilo Home, Liliʻuokalani Trust and The Queen’s Health System — either declined to comment or didn’t respond to requests for comment on the future of Mauna ʻAla. In a written statement, Kamehameha Schools said that the care and guardianship of Mauna ʻAla “demands the highest standards from all who are entrusted with this sacred responsibility.” “We trust that OHA and DLNR will continue to work together, alongside the community, to malama this special place.” After Chong was appointed earlier this year, DLNR Director Dawn Chang said that she met with the Aliʻi trusts, royal societies, Hawaiian civic clubs and members of the family that have traditionally cared for the burials, but there was no consensus among them regarding the proposed transfer of Mauna ʻAla to OHA. There was also a proposal at one point to create a new position to deal with the cultural aspects of Mauna ʻAla. Chang said there also wasn’t consensus from those groups on what exactly that position would entail. At recent land board meetings, testifiers and board members have raised concerns that the land department planned to turn parts of Mauna ʻAla, including the curator’s house, into a sort of museum. While the department is undertaking a $325,000 renovation project of the curator’s house, Chang said the goal isn’t to turn it into a commercial enterprise. After the renovations are complete, Chong and future curators would still live on site. Chang said she believes Chong has been doing a good job. She said that Chong has been getting assistance from Kahu Kordell Kekoa on cultural protocols and recently hosted a graduating class of Honolulu firefighters. “I have not received any concerns or complaints,” Chang said. “If anything, we’ve been receiving positive comments about her work there.” Prior to Chong, a family that traced its lineage to chief Hoʻolulu had served as caretakers of Mauna ʻAla for decades. Hoʻolulu, along with his brother, hid the remains of Kamehameha I. In Hawaiian tradition, iwi, or bones, contain a person’s mana, or spiritual power. In ancient times, high-ranking chiefs would often have their remains hidden from people who sought to steal that power. Hoʻolulu and his descendants were entrusted with protecting the remains of Hawaiʻi’s aliʻi into the afterlife. Mauna ʻAla was established in 1864 to house the remains of Kamehameha’s descendants and their close advisers. It later became the resting place for relatives of David Kalākaua and other royal lineages. Now, the descendants hope to see a nonprofit established that could manage Mauna ʻAla in partnership with the Aliʻi trusts — removing the site from state government management entirely. “The OHA solution is just too political,” Mary ‘Amaikalani Beckley Lawrence Gallagher, one of the Hoʻolulu descendants, said. James Maioho, who comes from a branch of that family, is trying to get support from the Alii trusts and other royal societies to eventually transfer management to a nonprofit run by the family. “You’re giving that 3.3 acres back to Kanaka control, back as sovereign land,” Maioho said. Gallagher said that family members have already been discussing who could be the next caretaker and who should be trained to succeed them should the family take over management of Mauna ʻAla. She said the family has weathered through numerous regime changes over the years as management passed from the Hawaiian Kingdom, to the territory and now to the state. “We’ll keep our chins up,” Gallagher said, “and keep ourselves out of the monkey business.” Civil Beat’s coverage of Native Hawaiian issues and initiatives is supported by a grant from the Abigail Kawananakoa Foundation.

Hawai'i Tourism Authority board in limbo as lawmakers call for briefing Honolulu Star-Advertiser Allison Schaefers June 22, 2025 Original Article The state legislators in charge of tourism are holding a post-session informational briefing Monday on the beleaguered Hawai‘i Tourism Authority that could play out more like an exit interview. Gov. Josh Green’s office said in an email Wednesday that he plans on asking for courtesy resignations from the entire HTA board before the beginning of the next fiscal year, which starts July 1. Green’s stance is related to the passage of Senate Bill 1571, which changed HTA’s governance model when he signed it May 29. “Because the responsibilities of the board have changed to an advisory role, he feels it best to start with a clean slate,” the email said. “The HTA board as it was previously established no longer exists, so it makes sense to look at the composition of the new board.” State Rep. Adrian Tam (D, Waikiki), chair of the House Committee on Tourism, and state Sen. Lynn DeCoite (D, East Maui-Upcountry-Molokai-Lanai-Kahoolawe), chair of the Senate Committee on Energy, Economic Development and Tourism, are holding the joint informational briefing at 10 a.m. Monday in Room 329 of the state Capitol. Tam said the briefing will review HTA’s interim action plans, current projects and recent developments. He said the briefing also will cover contract updates, the community-driven destination management action plans, or DMAPs, and audit findings issued by the state auditor. “The purpose of this is to have an open discussion about the future of HTA and the current plans as well as any open-ended questions that other members of the community and the Legislature may have,” Tam said, adding that legislators from outside the tourism committees are welcome to sit in and ask questions. “A lot of our members are genuinely curious about the future of HTA, and rightfully so. This is our largest industry,” he said. Caroline Anderson, HTA interim president and CEO, said in an email, “Establishing an effective governance structure is essential and will determine how successful HTA can be in fulfilling its mission to balance the economic benefits of tourism with the impacts on our natural resources, culture and community.” DeCoite said Thursday that the idea behind the briefing is to avoid waiting until the end of the year and then scrambling at the last minute to address concerns about tourism, especially since it’s the economic driver for the state. She said she expects Monday’s briefing will be comprehensive. “We just have had challenges with HTA and some of the things that they have been doing. We have tried to solve everything in the past years. There are just a lot of issues. We keep seeing HTA in the newspaper,” DeCoite said. She added that above all, HTA officials have to work together and prioritize its goals and projects. “They have got to be able to justify the funds that they requested for some of the priorities that they have asked for — more so on the destination management, which has been an issue for me,” DeCoite said. “I’m sure you saw the audit on the destination management action plans and it doesn’t look good.” The latest management audit released by State Auditor Leslie H. Kondo determined that HTA’s destination management focus is “not new or effective” and the agency remains unable to gauge its own performance. The state audit was especially critical of HTA’s DMAP effort, which it determined was “poorly planned and executed with key decisions deferred to third-party contractors and island steering committees. The result: many of the actions did not address hot spots, were underway or already achieved, or were impractical.” The DMAPs are HTA’s latest destination management strategy, and the plans approved by the HTA board in 2021 were intended to detail the steps the community, the visitor industry and other sectors deemed necessary to improve tourism management over a three-year period. The DMAPs were an outgrowth of the HTA Strategic Plan, which ran from 2020 to 2025 and was touted as the first strategic plan the agency developed as part of its shift from a mainly marketing focus to a greater emphasis on destination management. Anderson said in an email that the audit “identified areas for improvement, and we have begun assessing the recommendations provided in the report. HTA remains focused on improving its processes and procedures, including how we measure success and effectiveness in accomplishing our mission.” SOME OF the HTA board and staff disagreed with the management audit’s findings, and it’s unclear what tack they will take in the informational briefing. It’s also uncertain how current HTA board members will react to Green’s request or the other coming governance changes. HTA staff already is dealing with several key vacancies, although Anderson has launched a 90-day action plan to shore up the agency. In addition to downgrading the HTA board to an advisory board, SB 1571 lays out new operational and administrative criteria, and sets new standards for the selection of board members. The bill also amends eligibility requirements to serve on the advisory board. It removes the director of the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism from the board and requires that board members must be a representative of a tourism-impacted entity. Other provisions allow the House speaker and Senate president to each appoint an HTA advisory board member and allow the advisory board to appoint the HTA president and CEO, subject to the advice and consent of the Senate. Additionally, SB 1571 requires the HTA leader to report to the governor. The measure also clarifies that the Hawai‘i Convention Center must reflect a “Hawaii” sense of place instead of a “Hawaiian” sense of place. HTA board Chair Todd Apo said the board is still processing the changes. Apo added that John Cole, the deputy attorney general assigned to HTA, told the board at its last meeting that the state Department of the Attorney General’s interpretation of the law “does not require the board to get wiped out and restarted now.” Apo said Cole told the HTA board that “nobody has the authority to require any board member to resign, but obviously it can be asked for, and then it is up to each board member.” THE DILEMMA before the board members only adds to the recent uncertainties. In the past several months, HTA has undergone dramatic leadership shake-ups as it has struggled to address allegations of inappropriate freebies at the Hawai‘i Convention Center and inconsistencies in its Hawaii Tourism Conference partnerships. There were also allegations about potential procurement violations and late payments to contractors. Opens in a new tab State Sen. Kurt Fevella (R, Ewa Beach), HTA contractors, former HTA employees and some board members also alleged in a Honolulu Star-Advertiser story Opens in a new tab May 4 that HTA and DBEDT failed to respond promptly to complaints about a hostile work environment, including alleged racist and sexist comments, that they claim contributed to the recent resignations of five Native Hawaiian members of HTA’s leadership team. Isaac Choy, HTA vice president of finance and acting chief administrative officer, was put on unpaid leave May 9 at the direction of the state attorney general and the Department of Human Resources amid allegations he made racist and sexist remarks on the job. Since Choy was the project manager for $100 million in repairs at the convention center, his absence could extend the center’s planned construction beyond two years, putting the state at risk of losing millions of dollars Opens in a new tab in group tourism bookings. Choy, who remains on unpaid leave, has sued named and unnamed HTA officials, alleging they retaliated against him for reporting what he called procurement, spending and other violations.

UH Hilo receives $15M for capital improvements Star-Advertiser Kyveli Diener (Hawaii Tribune-Herald) November 11, 2025 Original Article The University of Hawaii at Hilo received $15 million in capital improvement funding that will allow the school to begin maintenance, design and renovation projects for the campus. The release of the capital improvement project funding from Gov. Josh Green’s office was announced last week by state Sen. Lorraine Inouye who said the funds “will support upgrades to university facilities to better serve students, faculty, and the wider Hawaii Island community.” “Investments like this strengthen our educational infrastructure and ensure our students have access to a modern, high-quality learning environment,” Inouye said in a news release. UH Hilo Vice Chancellor for Administrative Affairs Kalei Rapoza said a funding request for the CIP funds was approved by the Board of Regents and submitted to the governor’s office for inclusion in the biennium budget request to the Legislature. He said the funding enables the university to “move forward with procurement for design and construction” on four important projects that were “added to our list of projects within the last three years, superseding less critical projects.” “We are grateful for the support from the governor and Legislature that will allow us to better serve our students through improved facilities,” said UH Hilo Chancellor Bonnie Irwin. Rapoza said the projects selected for the fiscal year 2026 funding are renovation and improvement of the air-conditioning systems, renovation and improvement of the agricultural facility to provide modern instruction, designing renovations and upgrades to student housing, and designing a “replacement of built-up roofing.” “Addressing deferred maintenance early proactively allows repairs to be completed efficiently, preventing relatively simple issues from escalating and avoiding higher costs and impacts to operations,” Rapoza said. “By prioritizing maintenance investment now in critical areas, operations are safeguarded against disruptive outages, minimizing downtime and protecting critical assets.” Rapoza said he expects contracts for the work to be in place by spring 2026 to allow construction to begin in 2027.

Tia Lewis: Balance Safety And Tradition When It Comes To Fireworks Honolulu Civil Beat Tia Lewis March 2, 2025 Original Article The air smelled of sulfur and smoke, the streets were covered in the red shreds of firecracker casings. A thick haze blurred Waiehu, Maui, glowing with the bursts of aerials. Some legal, most not. It was New Year’s Eve in Hawai‘i, and for as long as I could remember, this was the way we welcomed the new year. As a kid, I’d sit on the driveway with my family, lighting fountains and bright spinning flowers while Maoli played on the speaker. The crackling pops echoing down the street. Uncles would set off the more “giant” fireworks in the backyard, while my cousins and I lit sparklers from Walmart. The chaos, the noise, the smell, it was all part of the tradition. This New Year’s Eve, celebrations took a dark turn when the terrible explosion in Salt Lake left six people dead and many seriously injured. This reignited the debate over Hawai‘i’s long-standing love affair with fireworks. The question now isn’t whether something needs to change, it’s how we can balance safety with tradition. Because for many of us, New Year’s Eve just wouldn’t be the same without fireworks. “For those that have grown up here, we’ve seen how fireworks has sort of become a part of tradition and culture,” says Sen. Brandon Elefante, who chairs the Public Safety Committee. “In this day and age, fireworks has gotten out of hand and out of control, especially with illegal fireworks, to a point where people have lost their lives or have been seriously injured.” So, how can lawmakers crack down on illegal fireworks while preserving a tradition deeply woven into Hawai‘i’s culture? Enforcement remains the biggest obstacle. Law enforcement officials argue that current regulations are nearly impossible to uphold, as illegal aerials continue to flood in through shipping containers. While an outright ban was initially considered, legislators backed off, instead shifting their focus to stricter penalties and port inspections. Senate Bill 1226 proposes a shipping container inspection program to stop illegal fireworks at the source. Meanwhile, Senate Bill 999 increases fines for minor offenses and Senate Bill 302 protects the use of fireworks for cultural purposes but requires a permit for that use. With such widespread participation, acquiring a permit would likely be a challenge, especially with a cap on how many permits can be issued per person. The demand would far outweigh the supply, leaving many unable to obtain legal access to fireworks. Even so, no matter how strict the laws become, people will find a way to pop fireworks, whether through secret underground purchases or simply ignoring enforcement efforts. The balance between safety and tradition remains delicate and the idea of a silent New Year’s Eve feels unimaginable. Fireworks are more than just noise and light, they symbolize renewal, a way to cast out bad luck and welcome a fresh start. It’s an act of community bonding, a connection to heritage and a part of our local culture here in Hawai’i. Growing up in Waiehu, fireworks were an essential part of my New Year’s Eve. As someone of Chinese and Filipino heritage, my family has always embraced the belief that fireworks ward off evil spirits, ensuring a fresh start to the new year. The deafening cracks of firecrackers and sparkly bursts of aerials were more of a tradition for my family, rooted in cultural superstition and the hope for prosperity, protection and good fortune. Alongside the loud pops coming from neighboring streets, there was always an unspoken awareness of the risks. We all knew someone who had burned their fingers lighting a firework too soon or had a close call with an unexpected explosion. Reflecting back, it is almost like we turned a cold shoulder to the news reports of homes catching fire, pets running away in fear and all the injuries. We thought we were invincible. I was a very anxious kid when it came to fire and lighters; I was always hesitant to light fireworks myself. However, my aunties who were firm believers in the tradition always found a way to persuade me, reminding me that lighting at least one firework would bring me good luck for the new year. Instead of a lighter, I’d use a green mosquito repellent coil, my own little compromise between fear and tradition. Despite my initial hesitation, there was always that thrill in finally lighting the fuse and quickly stepping back, watching as the sparks traveled down before erupting into a burst of color. In that moment, fear gave way to excitement, and I felt a sense of connection to the generations before me who had upheld this tradition. New Year’s Eve nights carry the sound of laughter and cheers with a lingering scent of smoke. This night is so important to many of us. It reminds us that this is the one night the entire island is united in celebration, bound by culture, superstition and the unshakable belief that the new year should begin with a bang. Yet it is still so important to recognize the responsibility that comes with the use of fireworks. Following the rules and using fireworks responsibly ensures that this tradition can continue without causing harm. By finding a balance between celebration and safety, we can preserve what makes these moments of the New Year so special while respecting the well-being and safety of our communities.

Kokua Line: Is Postal Service Christmas mailer correct? Star Advertiser Christine Donnelly December 3, 2024 Original Article Question : Are the Christmas ship-by dates in the Postal Service mailer correct? I thought Hawaii was earlier. Answer : You are referring to the fold-out card titled “Delivering infinite moments of joy all season long,” which was produced at U.S. Postal Service headquarters with mainland customers in mind but also mailed to Hawaii customers. “In this case, the Priority Express Mail suggested mailing date is actually the same for mainland and Hawaii customers—Dec. 20. But our suggested mailing date for First-Class and Priority Mail for our Hawaii customers, which are the services that most local folks use, is Dec. 18 rather than the Dec. 19 date suggested in the mail piece,” Duke Gonzales, a postal service spokesperson, said Monday in an email. The mail-by dates aren’t hard deadlines for shipping to the mainland, “just suggested dates to give Christmas mail and packages the best chances of reaching their destinations before Dec. 25,” he said. Gonzales issued a news release Monday with other information about holiday shipping: >> Self-service ship and mail centers: Customers can use these kiosks to ship packages, buy stamps and handle other tasks without seeing a mail clerk. They generally are open 24/7 at all locations except for Mililani and Waipahu. Kiosks are available at the Kapahulu Safeway and at these 16 Hawaii post offices: Aina Haina, Downtown, Hawaii Kai, Hilo Main, Honolulu Main/Airport, Kailua, Kailua-Kona, Kaneohe, Kihei, Lahaina, Makiki, Mililani, Waialae- Kahala, Waikiki, Wailuku and Waipahu. >> Priority Mail flat-rate shipping: The box itself is free, while shipping up to 70 pounds to a domestic location costs $19.30 in a medium box and $22.80 in a large box. The large box holds 50% more (with the same 70-pound weight limit). >> Overseas military: Up to 70 pounds can be shipped in the military large flat-rate box to most APO and FPO locations for $26. >> Online service: Use usps.com, where you can create an online account to order free boxes, buy stamps, pay for and print shipping labels (Click-N-Ship) and participate in Operation Santa, the annual program that has donors fulfill children’s Christmas wishes. With Click-N-Ship you can have the post office come pick up your outgoing packages at no extra charge, or drop off the prepaid packages at a post office counter without standing in line. >> Peak days: “We expect customer traffic at our post offices to accelerate beginning the week of Dec. 9, and that the week of Dec. 16 will be our busiest week of the season,” the news release said. Q : How long is the new Leeward bike path? A : The 3.5-mile Leeward Bikeway follows the previous Oahu Railway and Land Co. path and “extends the Pearl Harbor Historic Trail, connecting through the West Loch Community Shoreline Path, to create an 11-mile path that wraps around Pearl Harbor and into Ewa Beach, culminating at the Hawaiian Railway Society’s train yard,” according to the Hawaii Bicycling League. Q : Regarding bird flu, can that spread to feral cats? A : Yes, and to pet cats, too, and to many other mammals, wild, stray (feral) or domesticated. “Although bird flu viruses mainly infect and spread among wild migratory water birds and domestic poultry, some bird flu viruses can infect and spread to other animals as well. Bird flu viruses have in the past been known to sometimes infect mammals that eat (presumably infected) birds or poultry,” according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In North America, H5N1 bird flu viruses have been detected in cats, dogs, goat kids (juvenile goats) and dairy cows, the agency says. It’s rare for people to catch bird flu from an infected animal, but it is possible, “especially if there is prolonged and unprotected exposure to the animal,” the CDC says. Read more at 808ne.ws/3ZhX9X1 Opens in a new tab (on the CDC website) and 808ne.ws/4fS9k3u Opens in a new tab (on the state Department of Health website).

Students paint mural along Kamehameha Highway Aloha State Daily Katie Helland October 27, 2025 Original Article High school students from three schools came together to paint a large mural in Waipio. They were led by the community artists Blythe Yoshikane Simpliciano, Jesse Velasquez and Solomon Enos. Learn more about the painting that took place on Saturday, Oct. 25, and Sunday, Oct. 26. About 100 students from Waipahu, Pearl City and Mililani high schools came together on Saturday, Oct. 25, and Sunday, Oct. 26, to create a mural that is more than three quarters of a mile long on Kamehameha Highway in Waipio. “Everyone that drives past this corridor now that connects the different communities can all take pride in the work that students have done,” said Keith Hayashi, the superintendent of the Hawaiʻi State Department of Education, in a written statement. The mural is located along part of Kamehameha Highway between Waipahu St. and Ka Uka Blvd. Each high school painted a portion of the wall. Mililani High School students painted the mauka-most section of the mural. Waipahu High School students took the middle of the design. Pearl City High School students painted the makai-most section of the mural. The mural was designed by designed by community artists Blythe Yoshikane Simpliciano, Jesse Velasquez and Solomon Enos. “It's amazing that people are willing to show up to beautify a space like this and do this all together,” said Simpliciano in a written statement. “I think a joint collaboration between DOT and DOE is impressive. Not only that, but a joint collaboration between three high schools in this area. That's super cool.” Enos is a Honolulu-based artist, illustrator, sculptor and muralist, who has created work for Google; Pixar Animation Studios; Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa; Howard Hughes; and Vans, among others. Enos also recently designed more than 3,000 square feet of murals for the inside of Amazon’s first delivery station in Hawai’i. “I think it's a really nice opportunity to connect and just build upon bringing back to the community and making improvements to our ʻāina,” said Lyric Esperanza, a ninth-grade student at Pearl City High School, in a written statement. The project was led by Senate Vice President Michelle Kidani, Chair of Education, who coordinated the state departments of education and transportation to provide workforce training, painting supplies and volunteer support for the event.

Hawaii Electric rates changing now, but what about the future? KITV Paul Drewes June 24, 2025 Original Article HONOLULU (Island News) -- Hawaiian Electric said because of lower fuel costs, a typical household will now see about a $3 reduction in its monthly bill. But future rate increases for the utility company were the focus at the State Capitol. Like a report card for students, HECO's income is partly based on how well it does on certain metrics. And according to some lawmakers the state's largest utility has a failing grade. "From Oahu to the Big Island we're seeing spotty service, and the amount the system is down is increased almost threefold. We are paying three times the national average for electricity bills," said Senator Glenn Wakai. In 2018, lawmakers passed legislation that allowed rates to be set based on performance based regulation known as PBR. Which means if the company meets certain goals, for example: adding additional renewable products, or reducing power outages, HECO may get to keep more money. "PBR is like a toolbox and the performance mechanisms are your tools. Hawaii has the most tools in its toolbox than anywhere else," said PUC supervising Attorney Mark Kaetsu. Hawaiian Electric will soon enter the fifth and final year of its current PBR plan and the Public Utility Commission is already looking at rebasing rates for the next PBR plan. But some lawmakers worry that could mean higher rates without better service. "When the utility can come in at anytime and ask for more... what are we asking from them in return? We should be asking for things like prove you are saving money and running like a business," stated Senator Jarrett Keohokalole. Lawmakers are concerned the utility is dictating what it wants, rather than the Public Utility Commission telling HECO what is best for residents. Which is keeping rates from rising. "I worry that we are setting ourselves up for the largest cost increase to consumers in history," said Senator Chris Lee. Rates were not the only issue brought up at the meeting, so were whistleblower complaints about the PUC. Those claimed a certain manager has created a toxic environment, and called for leadership change. Now the PUC will have to deal with more than just utility rates in the future. "It is something mentioned in this letter that we believe for us through human resources to commence an investigation," said DCCA Director Nadine Ando.