Hawaii - Newslocker

Who is Ahead in Hawaii's 1st Congressional District?

Wed, 03 Jun 2026 10:41:00 +0200

Track the latest polls in Hawaii's 1st Congressional District.

Kilauea Volcano in Hawaii Breaks Lava Record

Tue, 02 Jun 2026 20:53:00 +0200

Hawaii’s most active volcano broke a record on Monday, producing the 48th lava fountaining episode of its current eruption.

Kilauea Spews More Lava, Reaching a Volcanic Milestone

Tue, 02 Jun 2026 20:50:00 +0200

On Monday, the volcano on Hawaii’s Big Island had a 48th episode of “lava fountaining” in an eruption that began in 2024.

Man Is Charged With 3 Murders After Manhunt in Remote Hawaii Community

Tue, 02 Jun 2026 14:39:00 +0200

An expansive search on the Big Island of Hawaii ended with the suspect’s arrest on Thursday in the deaths of the men, who were in their 60s and 70s.

5 Beautiful Hawaiian Swimming Holes

Tue, 02 Jun 2026 11:00:00 +0200

Clear natural pools, many fed by crystalline waterfalls, give visitors to Hawaii a refreshing reason to expand their explorations beyond the beach.

Havoc in Hawaii’s Coffee Fields After an Earthquake Destroyed Water Collection Tanks

Sun, 31 May 2026 23:26:00 +0200

An earthquake destroyed many water catchment systems on Hawaii’s Big Island, capping a spring filled with devastating floods.

6 Perfect Beaches for Your Summer Getaway

Wed, 27 May 2026 20:52:00 +0200

Bask on pristine white sand, wander among picturesque lakefront dunes or explore an island where wild horses roam. Just don’t forget the sunscreen.

A Memorial Day Tribute to Henri (aka Hank) Carbonell

Thu, 21 May 2026 10:24:00 +0200

Editor’s Note: Immigrants, as we are reminded of late, have not always been perceived favorably. The debate over immigration is as old as the country itself. What is less often acknowledged is how many of the men and women at the center of that debate have answered America’s call to arms — and what that […]
The post A Memorial Day Tribute to Henri (aka Hank) Carbonell appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

6 Perfect Beaches for Your Memorial Day Getaway

Wed, 20 May 2026 11:01:00 +0200

Bask on pristine white sand, wander among picturesque lakefront dunes or explore an island where wild horses roam. Just don’t forget the sunscreen.

Lamenting the End of Colbert’s ‘Late Show’

Tue, 19 May 2026 18:14:00 +0200

Readers will miss Stephen Colbert’s “joy, wit, nonsense and sanity,” in the words of one writer. Also: President Trump’s fund; Kash Patel’s snorkeling trip; Meta’s retort.

Follow the Yellow Brick Road, Part 2

Mon, 18 May 2026 18:00:00 +0200

This week, we continue our coverage of significant Hawaii tax bills that have cleared our Hawaii legislative session and are on their way to Gov. Green’s desk. House Bill 2329, which conforms our state tax law to provisions of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, is our first topic this week. Our legislature normally adopts […]
The post Follow the Yellow Brick Road, Part 2 appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Iran Trumps US on Breast Cancer Front

Mon, 18 May 2026 15:02:00 +0200

May 18, 2026 In the war on breast cancer, the US has poured billions of dollars into biomedical research with very little impact on the number of women developing breast cancer. Lifestyle is known to play a large part in the cause of breast cancer. But one lifestyle factor is ignored, which is the harmful […]
The post Iran Trumps US on Breast Cancer Front appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Snorkeling at Pearl Harbor: Kash Patel’s Travels Add to Focus on Ethical Issues

Fri, 15 May 2026 23:21:00 +0200

The F.B.I. director continues to come under scrutiny for mixing government business with dates, vacation and leisure time.

Overlooked No More: Jackie Pung, Pioneering Golfer Whose Setback Became Her Story

Wed, 13 May 2026 22:45:00 +0200

She was the first golfer from Hawaii to win a national championship. But she is best remembered for a mishap that cost her the biggest title of her career.

Building Nests Is Hard. That’s Why Some Birds Steal.

Tue, 12 May 2026 15:00:00 +0200

When researchers used GPS devices to monitor the nests of Hawaiian honeycreepers, they found dozens of cases of brazen avian burglary.

Follow the Yellow Brick Road

Mon, 11 May 2026 22:01:00 +0200

In our Hawaii legislative session, conference committee work is now done and bills are being readied for final floor votes and trips to the Governor’s office. Some bills look pretty much the same as they did when they began the conference negotiations. Others look radically different. Here are some of the more significant ones. Senate […]
The post Follow the Yellow Brick Road appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

A Quietly Radical Experiment in Criminal Justice

Sun, 10 May 2026 17:10:00 +0200

Hawaii might have the answer.

What Would a Feminist Justice System Look Like?

Sun, 10 May 2026 12:00:00 +0200

Hawaii might have the answer.

Register Now: Final Briefing for the 2026 Legislative Session

Wed, 06 May 2026 22:09:00 +0200

The Tax Foundation’s final briefing for the 2026 Legislative Session will have both an in-person option and Zoom option. Tuesday, May 12, 20267:30am to 8:30amThe Pacific Club1451 Queen Emma StreetHonolulu, Hawaii 96813 Continental Breakfast will be served. Cost for TFH Members: $40Cost for non-TFH Members: $55 Zoom only option: $25 Click HERE to register and […]
The post Register Now: Final Briefing for the 2026 Legislative Session appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Deciphering the Budget

Mon, 04 May 2026 18:01:00 +0200

One of the most important and consequential bills considered in any legislative session, including this one, is the budget bill. This year’s budget bill is House Bill 1800. Reading the bill, however, is not for the faint of heart. There is a kind of code used in the budget bills, making it (we suppose) efficient […]
The post Deciphering the Budget appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

The ‘Scarface’ Mansion Is Listed for $237 Million in Florida

Mon, 04 May 2026 11:02:00 +0200

The Key Biscayne property has views of the Miami skyline. In London, a mansion sold for $358 million, and in Monaco a penthouse sold for $550 million.

What’s Dead – For Now

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 18:00:00 +0200

We are at the point in our legislative session where House-Senate conference committees are hashing out the final versions of bills that, if passed by both chambers, would be sent up to the Governor’s office for possible signing into law. The conference committee process is opaque. Public testimony is not allowed, and the conferees meet […]
The post What’s Dead – For Now appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

The Prepper Delusion

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 11:00:00 +0200

As the environment becomes more treacherous, stuff won’t keep us safe.

Staying Healthy with the new Vitamix Ascent X5

Sat, 25 Apr 2026 01:44:00 +0200

I like to eat healthy. I admit, I’m hardcore. My friends consider me on the edge of the food spectrum but it works for me. My Vitamix aides and abets this practice. Case in point. I don’t eat meat and rely on nuts and beans for much of my protein. Hummus, for example, is a […]
The post Staying Healthy with the new Vitamix Ascent X5 appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Sheldon Simeon Throws a Celebration for His Cookbook

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 22:49:00 +0200

The chef Sheldon Simeon celebrated his new cookbook with a low-key feast at an over-the-top venue.

George Ariyoshi, 100, America’s First Governor of Asian Descent, Dies

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 23:49:00 +0200

A Democrat, he served three terms as Hawaii’s governor (1974-86), rising out of a tough district of Honolulu. He tried to diversify an economy heavily dependent on tourism.

Where’s Your Second Tax Return, Part 2

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 18:00:00 +0200

A couple of weeks ago, we spotlighted a bill, House Bill 2429, that essentially would have forced taxpayers to file a second, publicly available, tax return upon pain of losing the benefit of most income tax credits and all general excise tax and use tax exemptions and deductions. This bill, if passed in that form, […]
The post Where’s Your Second Tax Return, Part 2 appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Court Rejects Trump Administration Climate Lawsuit Against Hawaii

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 18:19:00 +0200

In a setback for federal efforts to thwart climate litigation, the judge ruled that the suit, which tried to block the state from suing oil companies, was too speculative.

Conveyance Tax Fright

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 06:00:00 +0200

Hawaii conveyance tax is imposed any time real estate in Hawaii is bought, sold, or leased for a term of five years or more. Goings-on at our legislature give us some conveyance tax fright. The tax dates back to 1967, in the first decade after statehood. (Act 10, Hawaii Session Laws 1966.) At the time […]
The post Conveyance Tax Fright appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Ending Hawaii’s housing crisis depends on homebuilding feasibility

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 20:27:00 +0200

By Keli‘i Akina A new report from economists at the University of Hawai‘i makes a point that many of us have known all along: If we want to end the housing crisis, we need to build more homes. That’s because each new unit creates a chain of housing openings. A family that moves into a […]
The post Ending Hawaii’s housing crisis depends on homebuilding feasibility appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Hawaii Doctor Convicted of Attempted Manslaughter in Attack on Wife

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 04:04:00 +0200

Gerhardt Konig, 47, an anesthesiologist from Maui, attacked his wife, Arielle Konig, on a hiking trail near Honolulu, prosecutors said. He claimed it was self-defense.

Parts of Hawaii Face a Foot or More of Rain From Yet Another Storm

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 23:35:00 +0200

Last month was one of the wettest Marches on record for the state, leading to widespread flooding and evacuations. More rain is hitting this week.

‘The government should not spend more than it will bring in’

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 20:42:00 +0200

By Keli‘i Akina I have some good news to share with you: All of Hawaii’s county mayors have released their proposed budgets for the next fiscal year, and most appear to be fiscally responsible. Could the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii’s spending principles finally be taking root with elected officials? Let’s start with Honolulu, which has […]
The post ‘The government should not spend more than it will bring in’ appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Hawaii Storm Will Bring More Rain After Recent Floods

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 22:56:00 +0200

The islands are expected to see heavy rain through Friday. Thousands of people were displaced by flooding last month.

Additional Car Tax Dead for Now

Mon, 06 Apr 2026 18:00:00 +0200

In our current legislative session, there had been a couple of bills that would have created brand new taxes for us. One of them, House Bill 2604, would have slapped a new $1 per ticket tax on concert tickets on top of the general excise tax that ticket sellers already pay. The incremental revenue from […]
The post Additional Car Tax Dead for Now appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Where’s Your Second Tax Return?

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 18:00:00 +0200

Tax season is here. Most of us dread the prospect of filling out and filing our tax returns. We have to bare our souls to the government every year at about this time, telling them intimate details of what we made and what we lost — but at least that information is kept private so […]
The post Where’s Your Second Tax Return? appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Legislature seems to choose spending over promised tax relief

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 17:10:00 +0200

By Keli‘i Akina The state’s behemoth budget bill is making its way through the Legislature, and I can’t help but notice that taxpayers seem to be the only ones expected to make a sacrifice for the sake of government spending. Gov. Josh Green kicked off this year’s session claiming the state’s budget crunch is so […]
The post Legislature seems to choose spending over promised tax relief appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

3 Killed in Helicopter Crash Off Hawaii

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 14:20:00 +0100

Two survivors were taken to a hospital for treatment after the crash on Thursday afternoon, according to the authorities on the island of Kauai.

Man Held in Hawaii for 2 Years Over Mistaken Identity Gets $975,000 Settlement

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 02:47:00 +0100

After spending over two years in a psychiatric hospital, Joshua Spriestersbach, 54, should no longer face the risk of being rearrested or jailed for the crimes of the person he was mistaken for.

Trump’s ‘Brute Force Imperialism’

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 01:57:00 +0100

From saber rattling over Greenland to war with Iran, the Opinion columnist Jamelle Bouie argues, treating the world like a game of Risk has left America in its weakest position since World War II.

Flooding in Hawaii: What We Know

Wed, 25 Mar 2026 00:14:00 +0100

There were no deaths reported, but hundreds of people were rescued and thousands evacuated as a series of hard-hitting storms inundated the islands over the last two weeks.

Hawaii Storms Bring More Rain to Oahu and Maui

Tue, 24 Mar 2026 22:51:00 +0100

Experts agree that the past weeks have been one of the rainiest periods in recent memory across the state.

Could President Trump’s latest waiver lead to Jones Act reform?

Tue, 24 Mar 2026 16:45:00 +0100

By Keli‘i Akina Something has gone very wrong if it becomes necessary during a time of war to waive a law that was intended to strengthen national security. Earlier this week, President Donald Trump issued a 60-day waiver of the Jones Act for the transport of certain energy products and fertilizer. As you might already know, the […]
The post Could President Trump’s latest waiver lead to Jones Act reform? appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Halftime Report

Mon, 23 Mar 2026 17:00:00 +0100

We’ve just passed the halfway point in our legislative session, where bills in the House need to go to the Senate for consideration, and vice versa. Any bill that hasn’t crossed over is dead for this session, although it is certainly possible for all or part of a dead bill to be resurrected by inserting […]
The post Halftime Report appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Oahu Residents Assess Flood Damage as Rain Drenches Maui

Sun, 22 Mar 2026 23:21:00 +0100

Hawaii has been pounded for over a week by back-to-back storms. Weather officials said that 10 to 14 inches of rain fell on Thursday into Friday on Oahu, unleashing severe flooding. The storm has moved to Maui, where flash flood warnings were issued on Saturday.

Maui Braces for Storm as Oahu Lifts Evacuation Orders

Sun, 22 Mar 2026 04:47:00 +0100

Thousands of residents on Oahu were allowed to return home on Saturday afternoon as the storm moved to Maui.

Already Flooded, Oahu Braces for More Rain

Sun, 22 Mar 2026 01:23:00 +0100

Thousands of residents on Oahu had yet to return home as the Hawaiian island dealt with the aftermath of severe rainfall. The storm was moving south over the island toward Maui.

Evacuations Ordered on Oahu as Heavy Rain Brings Flash Flooding

Fri, 20 Mar 2026 20:27:00 +0100

A dam on the northern part of the island was close to failing, emergency officials said.

Heavy Rains Pummel Hawaii and Prompt Evacuation Orders for Parts of Oahu

Fri, 20 Mar 2026 19:23:00 +0100

Days after an intense storm moved through the islands, another is dropping yet more rain on already saturated areas.

Evacuation Ordered for Parts of Oahu as Heavy Rains Pummel Hawaii

Fri, 20 Mar 2026 17:46:00 +0100

Days after an intense storm moved through the islands, another is dropping yet more rain on already saturated areas.

How Japan Reacted to Trump’s Pearl Harbor Joke

Fri, 20 Mar 2026 05:42:00 +0100

Some people criticized President Trump’s decision to invoke a painful chapter of history. Others worried it might harm U.S.-Japan relations.

Using Charm and Restraint, Japan’s Leader Mostly Avoids Trump’s Wrath

Fri, 20 Mar 2026 05:01:00 +0100

During her first visit to the White House, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi drew praise from President Trump. But the war in the Middle East will test their relationship.

Trump Jokes About Pearl Harbor in Meeting With Japan’s Prime Minister

Fri, 20 Mar 2026 00:44:00 +0100

Breaking a taboo, President Trump needled Japan’s prime minister about the World War II attack, as she widened her eyes and appeared to take a deep breath in the Oval Office.

Trump Makes Pearl Harbor Joke In Meeting With Japan’s Prime Minister

Thu, 19 Mar 2026 22:23:00 +0100

President Dondald Trump made a joke about the Japanese attack on Dec. 7, 1941, which led the United States into World War II, during a press conference with Japan’s prime minister Sanae Takaichi on Thursday. The president has been pressing Japan’s leader for military help in the Middle East to ease the oil crisis.

Mending Ceramics and Slowing Time With the Japanese Art of Kintsugi

Thu, 19 Mar 2026 15:11:00 +0100

Plus: a guide to Honolulu’s Kaimuki neighborhood, a ski-in, ski-out guesthouse in Austria and more recommendations from T Magazine.

Critical housing reform bills come to unfortunate abrupt end at Legislature

Tue, 17 Mar 2026 21:42:00 +0100

By Keli‘i Akina Two important housing reform measures were unexpectedly killed this week as the state House and Senate prepared for “crossover” at the Legislature, during which the chambers exchange all the bills they have so far approved. This is regrettable not just because of what it means for Hawaii’s ongoing housing crisis, but also […]
The post Critical housing reform bills come to unfortunate abrupt end at Legislature appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

A Taxing Debate

Sun, 15 Mar 2026 17:00:00 +0100

We have written earlier this year about the Administration’s bill to “pause” (actually, stop) the planned tax cuts that were to happen in years 2027 and beyond. The House and Senate money committees heard that bill independently. Both committees opted to make substantial modifications to it before moving it forward. What will likely follow will […]
The post A Taxing Debate appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Rains Inundate Hawaii, Closing Schools and Triggering Landslides

Sat, 14 Mar 2026 19:56:00 +0100

A storm system lashing Hawaii since Tuesday has caused flooding and power outages. The wettest spot in Maui had gotten nearly two feet of rain in the past 24 hours.

Hawaii Storm Bringing Flooding, Fierce Winds and Even Snow

Wed, 11 Mar 2026 18:34:00 +0100

The storm, called a kona low, is expected to churn slowly across the islands all week.

Slowly, Slowly, ‘Darwin’s Finches of the Snail World’ Return From Near Extinction

Wed, 11 Mar 2026 10:02:00 +0100

Partula snails all but vanished from Polynesia after the arrival of a carnivorous foreign snail. But a global alliance of zoos has worked to bring them back.

Residents voice their concerns on proposed pause of historic tax cuts

Tue, 10 Mar 2026 16:55:00 +0100

By Keli‘i Akina I wish more of our lawmakers would realize that no government program could do as much to help struggling families in the islands as significant tax cuts. But maybe public reaction to the governor’s effort to “pause” the phase-in of the state’s historic 2024 income tax cuts will help them come to […]
The post Residents voice their concerns on proposed pause of historic tax cuts appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

As Iran War Spikes Gas Prices, Americans Struggle With the Rising Cost of Living

Tue, 10 Mar 2026 10:03:00 +0100

Shocked by the rapid price increases, many Americans are scrambling to figure out how to stretch their budgets to cover an essential expense.

The Rental Car Loophole

Mon, 09 Mar 2026 17:00:00 +0100

There are a number of bills in this year’s Legislature that seek to raise revenue by closing a “loophole” in our General Excise Tax Law. But is it really a loophole? When a wholesaler sells tangible personal property to a retailer and that retailer resells it, the wholesaler is taxed at 0.5% and the retailer […]
The post The Rental Car Loophole appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Pilgrimage to Anzio — Part 1

Fri, 06 Mar 2026 22:29:00 +0100

This is the first in a series of articles by Rob Kay, the author of “Hans & Henri go to War—Exile, Friendship, and the War that Brought Them Home”. He recently spent several months in Europe, researching his father’s service during the Italian Campaign. In the course of his investigation he created the following travelogue. […]
The post Pilgrimage to Anzio — Part 1 appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Pilgrimage to Anzio

Fri, 06 Mar 2026 22:29:00 +0100

This is the first in a series of articles by Rob Kay, the author of a soon to be released memoir, “Hans & Henri go to War—Exile, Friendship, and the War that Brought Them Home”. He recently spent several months in Europe, researching his father’s service during the Italian Campaign. In the course of his […]
The post Pilgrimage to Anzio appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

FILMFREUDE – 3rd EDITION! April 3-5 @ Doris Duke Theater

Wed, 04 Mar 2026 02:53:00 +0100

FilmFreude is bringing a stunning slice of German cinema to the islands this April 3-5. This year, we’ve selected 4 powerful, moving, and entertaining films from Germany and Switzerland — edgy, daring, mesmerizing, and thought-provoking stories. We think these 2024/25 productions are the best of the year. Venue for the 3rd German Film Festival in Hawai’i, FilmFreude […]
The post FILMFREUDE – 3rd EDITION! April 3-5 @ Doris Duke Theater appeared first on Ha

Legislature needs to rein in governor’s emergency powers

Tue, 03 Mar 2026 01:37:00 +0100

By Keli‘i Akina Hawaii’s emergency management law has some critical flaws. Namely, what constitutes an emergency is up to just one person — the governor — who also has wide latitude to address those declared emergencies by indefinitely suspending whatever laws he or she thinks are getting in the state’s way of responding to them. […]
The post Legislature needs to rein in governor’s emergency powers appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

The Cruise Fee Quandary

Mon, 02 Mar 2026 17:00:00 +0100

Litigation is still raging over the extension of our Transient Accommodations Tax to cruise ships in what has been called the “Green Fee” bill. And the Legislature is getting involved as well. In last year’s legislative session, as you may recall, the TAT was increased and broadened to include cruise ships. The cruise ship industry […]
The post The Cruise Fee Quandary appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Resorts That Are Family Friendly and Actually Cool

Sat, 28 Feb 2026 11:00:00 +0100

Luxury travel with children? At places like these, it’s highly possible.

Honolulu on a Budget

Fri, 27 Feb 2026 11:00:00 +0100

Hawaii is expensive, but basing yourself in the capital, where local culture and nature are within easy reach, can save you money on lodgings and food, leaving funds for a few splurges.

Use That Hoarded Tuition and Fees Now

Mon, 23 Feb 2026 17:00:00 +0100

We have been writing several pieces about money languishing in special funds. This week we will concentrate on one of them. The University of Hawaii has a special fund for tuition and fees. According to Department Communication 100 submitted to this year’s Legislature, that fund built up, as of June 30, 2025, almost $429 million. […]
The post Use That Hoarded Tuition and Fees Now appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Bills at the Legislature ‘a good start’ in addressing Hawaii’s healthcare crisis

Mon, 23 Feb 2026 16:35:00 +0100

By Keli‘i Akina People around the world view Hawaii as a paradise. And in a lot of ways, it is. But for many of us who live here, our islands have become a place where we simply cannot afford to get sick. The statewide physician shortage continues to worsen and is now estimated to be 833 full-time […]
The post Bills at the Legislature ‘a good start’ in addressing Hawaii’s healthcare crisis appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

How Lunar New Year Traditions Take Root Across America

Sat, 21 Feb 2026 11:02:00 +0100

The New York Times traveled to Honolulu, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, New Orleans and New York to see how Asian American communities blend old and new customs to celebrate the Lunar New Year.

See and Hear How Lunar New Year is Celebrated Across the U.S.

Sat, 21 Feb 2026 11:01:00 +0100

The Pan-Asian landscape is rich with tradition. In Honolulu, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, New Orleans and New York, communities blend old and new customs to make the holiday their own.

Support local agriculture by removing barriers to farmworker housing

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 03:33:00 +0100

By Keli‘i Akina When it comes to supporting agricultural production in Hawaii, there seems to be a big difference between rhetoric and reality. State and county officials frequently identify farming as the key to diversifying our economy and making our islands self-sufficient in food production. But what policies have they implemented that would make it […]
The post Support local agriculture by removing barriers to farmworker housing appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Pause versus Stop

Mon, 16 Feb 2026 17:00:00 +0100

In 2024, we in Hawaii became the beneficiaries of Act 46 (House Bill 2404) which the Governor’s office called the “largest income tax cut for working families in the state’s history.” In odd-numbered years up to 2031, the bill jacked up the standard deduction; in even-numbered years, the bill substantially broadened the existing rate brackets […]
The post Pause versus Stop appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Julian Marley, Five for Fighting, Foghat, Tower of Power, and Reggie Watts Headline a Genre-Spanning February at Blue Note Hawaii

Fri, 13 Feb 2026 02:16:00 +0100

From Grammy-winning reggae and jazz icons to indie innovators, comedy favorites, and local legends, February delivers soul-stirring performances across genres. HONOLULU (February 3, 2026) – Blue Note Hawaii lights up February with a genre-spanning lineup that blends legendary acts, rising stars, and local icons. Pop-rock hitmaker Five for Fighting brings his timeless catalog of anthems […]
The post Julian Marley, Five for Fighting, Foghat, Tower of Power, and Reggie Watts Headline a

Makana Lei Kukui Tour – March 2026 Hawai’i

Fri, 13 Feb 2026 02:02:00 +0100

Lei Kukui: a night of music to kindle the flames of culture, resilience and a path forward. Rooted in all things Hawaiian yet ripe with cultural diversity, Makana weaves an intimate evening of uplifting and diverse song, stringing together mele and moʻolelo with newly-invented and handed-down slack key tunings, styles and untold stories. Hawaiian slack […]
The post Makana Lei Kukui Tour – March 2026 Hawai’i appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Playbook to make housing in Hawaii ‘more abundant and affordable’

Tue, 10 Feb 2026 00:14:00 +0100

By Keli‘i Akina It’s that time of year again — the Sunday in February when many of us gather with family and friends to eat delicious food and tune in to watch the Super Bowl. This year, the Patriots and Seahawks will take the field, each having made it to the championship game by following […]
The post Playbook to make housing in Hawaii ‘more abundant and affordable’ appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Idle Land and Natural Resource Funds

Mon, 09 Feb 2026 17:00:00 +0100

Earlier this year, we started looking at reports of agencies that have administratively established special funds. We noted some fairly large nest eggs controlled by the Department of Education and the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity. This week we will turn our attention to the Department of Land and Natural Resources because we wouldn’t want […]
The post Idle Land and Natural Resource Funds appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Restaurant Review: Maze

Fri, 06 Feb 2026 18:18:00 +0100

In the first starred New York Times review from the Hawaiian islands, our chief restaurant critic Ligaya Mishan finds intriguing twists on a cuisine that’s already fluid with Asian influences.

For a Long Valentine’s Weekend, 6 Wellness Getaways

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 11:03:00 +0100

Couples have three days to celebrate togetherness this year, and resorts and hotels are going all out on the feel-good front.

How Maui Is Recovering From the Firestorm of 2023

Tue, 03 Feb 2026 11:02:00 +0100

Our reporter Claire Fahy visited Maui to see if it’s recovering from the 2023 firestorm that killed more than 100 people and razed thousands of structures in the town of Lahaina.

Revisiting a Changed Maui, Nearly 3 Years After a Firestorm

Tue, 03 Feb 2026 11:01:00 +0100

As the town of Lahaina continues to rebuild, residents, local officials and even visitors are envisioning how tourism and community life can coexist in a new, more sustainable way.

Family of Spies

Mon, 02 Feb 2026 23:22:00 +0100

Family of Spies—A World War II Story of Nazi Espionage, Betrayal, and the Secret History Behind Pearl Harbor by Christine Kuehn, is a terrific read. It’s the second work I’ve encountered in the last six months in what I’ve dubbed as the “my-German-grandfather-did-odious-things-during-the-war” genre. Both are nonfiction creations from American journalists who uncovered disturbing truths […]
The post Family of Spies appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Audit finds Honolulu OER big on spending, short on accomplishments

Mon, 02 Feb 2026 18:40:00 +0100

By Keli‘i Akina It seems that Honolulu’s Office of Economic Revitalization is very good at spending money, but not particularly effective at revitalizing the county’s economy. That’s not just my opinion. The Honolulu Office of the City Auditor released an audit earlier this month that paints a picture of an agency that has spent hundreds of millions […]
The post Audit finds Honolulu OER big on spending, short on accomplishments appeared first on Hawaii Re

Tax versus Judiciary

Mon, 02 Feb 2026 17:00:00 +0100

While our Legislature is busily considering changes to our tax laws, the courts are also helping us work through the laws we already have. There are two Hawaii Supreme Court cases pending that involve fights over the extent to which courts can get involved at all. In Booking.com BV vs. Suganuma, the taxpayer sued under […]
The post Tax versus Judiciary appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Offense and defense needed as legislative session begins

Mon, 26 Jan 2026 17:02:00 +0100

By Keli‘i Akina The Hawai‘i Legislature kicked off its 2026 session this week, and it sure feels like it could be another year for big, positive changes. The Grassroot Institute of Hawaii, of which I am president, stands ready to make that happen by supporting initiatives that promise to move our state forward, while opposing […]
The post Offense and defense needed as legislative session begins appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

New Year, New Variance

Mon, 26 Jan 2026 17:00:00 +0100

Budget hearings already have begun at our Legislature. Our legislators make sure that the tax money we entrust to them is being spent wisely and efficiently. Or at least that’s what they are supposed to do. To help them do this, our state law, HRS section 37-75, requires agencies to come up a “variance report” that […]
The post New Year, New Variance appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Healthy Aging Tips from Longevity Expert Dr. Bradley Willcox

Fri, 23 Jan 2026 22:45:00 +0100

As the new year begins, many of us find ourselves reflecting on how we want to live in the years ahead. Resolutions often focus on eating better, exercising more, or managing stress, but underlying all of these goals is a deeper aspiration: to live not just longer, but healthier. To better understand what actually supports […]
The post Healthy Aging Tips from Longevity Expert Dr. Bradley Willcox appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

A Honolulu Restaurant That’s as Border-Bending as Hawaii

Thu, 22 Jan 2026 16:40:00 +0100

In the first starred Times review from the islands, our critic finds intriguing twists on a cuisine that’s already fluid with Asian influences.

Canadian Former Flight Attendant Posed as Pilot to Get Free Flights, Prosecutors Say

Wed, 21 Jan 2026 19:23:00 +0100

Federal prosecutors accused Dallas Pokornik of using false identification to get hundreds of free flights from three unnamed airlines, which he denied.

Former Flight Attendant Posed as Pilot to Get Free Flights, Prosecutors Say

Wed, 21 Jan 2026 17:03:00 +0100

Federal prosecutors accused Dallas Pokornik of using a false I.D. to get hundreds of free flights from three unnamed airlines, which he denied.

Canadian Man Posed as Pilot to Get Free Flights, Prosecutors Say

Wed, 21 Jan 2026 17:03:00 +0100

Federal prosecutors accused Dallas Pokornik of using a false I.D. to get hundreds of free flights from three unnamed airlines, which he denied.

Majority of Supreme Court Appears Skeptical of Hawaii Gun Law

Tue, 20 Jan 2026 19:03:00 +0100

The court grappled with a Hawaii law restricting carrying concealed weapons onto private property, setting up a potential clash between gun and property rights.

Supreme Court to Hear Case Testing Limits of Hawaii Gun Law

Tue, 20 Jan 2026 11:02:00 +0100

The justices will hear arguments over whether a Hawaii law that imposes restrictions on carrying concealed weapons violates the Second Amendment.

In Honolulu, a Menu Spiked With Plush Provocations and Wit

Tue, 20 Jan 2026 11:01:00 +0100

In the first starred Times review from Hawaii, our critic visits a rule-bending restaurant where the eating and drinking are inseparable.

Instead of pausing historic tax cuts, reallocate current state funding

Tue, 20 Jan 2026 02:29:00 +0100

By Keli‘i Akina Remember that historically big tax cut passed in 2024 that was supposed to save Hawaii taxpayers more than $7 billion through 2031? Well, I hope you didn’t count your chickens before they hatched because now it appears those phased-in cuts are already in danger. I had been hearing rumblings that Gov. Josh […]
The post Instead of pausing historic tax cuts, reallocate current state funding appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Idle Agriculture Funds

Mon, 19 Jan 2026 17:00:00 +0100

Last week, we started looking at reports of agencies that have administratively established special funds. These funds are pots of money that are not created by statute so that only the expending agency, and not necessarily the Legislature (which is supposed to be overseeing all state expenditures), knows the details. We examined some Department of […]
The post Idle Agriculture Funds appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Easing regulations to build ag-worker housing ‘would be a win-win-win’

Tue, 13 Jan 2026 02:24:00 +0100

By Keli‘i Akina What if we could help farmers, ease the housing crisis and improve Hawaii’s economy all at the same time? A series of simple reforms could do that. The starting point would be to make it easier to build farmworker housing on agricultural land. That would enable farm and ranch workers to find […]
The post Easing regulations to build ag-worker housing ‘would be a win-win-win’ appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Idle DOE Funds

Mon, 12 Jan 2026 17:00:00 +0100

This year, much of our legislative session is going to be about finding enough money to counter massive cuts in federal funding that we used to depend on. New credits and incentives are going to be a tough sell. We will be fighting hard against new “revenue raisers,” i.e., taxes, that are certain to be […]
The post Idle DOE Funds appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

New Incentives and Rules Prompt Homeowners to Upgrade Fire-Prone Homes

Wed, 07 Jan 2026 11:01:00 +0100

Leaders use a mix of new rules, visual aids and incentives to convince residents to protect their homes — and entire neighborhoods — from wildfires.

Three things our state legislators could do to make 2026 a great year

Mon, 05 Jan 2026 22:24:00 +0100

By Keli‘i Akina The first day of 2026 was two days ago, but it’s never too late to make resolutions about how we can improve ourselves. This applies as well to our state lawmakers, who will gather later this month for another legislative session that, for good or bad, will affect all of us who […]
The post Three things our state legislators could do to make 2026 a great year appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Fierce Storm Expected to Wallop Hawaiian Islands

Mon, 05 Jan 2026 18:30:00 +0100

Strong winds will make travel difficult on Monday, and forecasters warned of more than half a foot of snow on some mountains.

Charitable Giving This Year?

Sat, 03 Jan 2026 06:43:00 +0100

I’m sometimes asked about what the tax laws are with regard to charitable deductions. Do our governments allow a tax benefit for donations to charitable organizations such as the Tax Foundation of Hawaii (shameless plug there)? Well, they do, and then they don’t. This year, both the federal and state governments allow an itemized deduction […]
The post Charitable Giving This Year? appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Ring in new year with ideas promoting freedom, opportunity, prosperity

Fri, 02 Jan 2026 22:08:00 +0100

By Keli‘i Akina At the dawn of a new year, it’s always nice to take stock of where we have been and where we are going. It’s also a good time to identify harmful old ideas that have done nothing to help and should be sent to the scrapyard. One of those is that more […]
The post Ring in new year with ideas promoting freedom, opportunity, prosperity appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Post-Pandemic Pandemonium: The Reason for our Crazy Times

Wed, 31 Dec 2025 15:47:00 +0100

For anyone who still looks at the news, the world seems on the brink. Many nations are experiencing internal conflict between increasingly alienated political parties, with free speech being limited and violence surging. Ethnic unrest is challenging the social fabric of many western societies, as nationalists clash with immigrants. At the same time, there is […]
The post Post-Pandemic Pandemonium: The Reason for our Crazy Times appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Judge Blocks Conditions Imposed on States Seeking FEMA Grants

Wed, 24 Dec 2025 03:16:00 +0100

The Trump administration had sought to require states to account for population losses tied to deportations in order to receive emergency preparedness grants.

Gaming This Year?

Tue, 23 Dec 2025 22:21:00 +0100

The revenue news that has been put out recently has been less than encouraging. Federal support is dropping. Prices of things are rising. Tourism numbers are getting softer. At recent events, our Governor said that he wanted to tap into the Rainy Day Fund to help balance the budget, and that the historic tax cuts […]
The post Gaming This Year? appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Reworked Christmas song highlights pitfalls of Hawaii’s medical ‘CON’ laws

Tue, 23 Dec 2025 00:24:00 +0100

By Keli‘i Akina I’ve had a funny old Christmas song running through my head lately — “Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer. But I’ve changed the lyrics a bit after reading the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii’s newest white paper about how to improve healthcare in Hawaii by reforming the state’s rules concerning medical certificates of need. […]
The post Reworked Christmas song highlights pitfalls of Hawaii’s medical ‘CON’ l

Plastic Wrapped: The Hazards of Tight, Toxic Clothing

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 18:59:00 +0100

Adam, of Adam and Eve fame, was probably the first fashion designer. Using fig leaves, he created a loin cloth to cover his nasty bits. Ever since then, people have been covering their entire bodies with clothing, and for all sorts of reasons, including modesty, protection, status display, or just to look cool. The material […]
The post Plastic Wrapped: The Hazards of Tight, Toxic Clothing appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Exploring Hawaii’s Big Island on a Budget

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 11:00:00 +0100

Rural stays booked on the Hipcamp platform allow budget visitors to save money while reveling in the outdoors.

More Grief Over SNAP

Mon, 15 Dec 2025 17:00:00 +0100

We recently wrote about additional confusion surrounding the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, SNAP for short, that the U.S. Department of Agriculture administers with assistance from the States. The program, formerly known as the Food Stamp Program, serves as a critical resource for low-income individuals and families by giving them monthly benefits to purchase food. What’s […]
The post More Grief Over SNAP appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Hilo fire recovery dependent on lifting burdensome regulations

Mon, 08 Dec 2025 22:13:00 +0100

By Keli‘i Akina Last weekend, separate fires in Hilo claimed the lives of two people, displaced nearly three dozen other residents and razed at least five buildings. Even amid ongoing investigations and debris cleanup, Hawaiʻi County lawmakers should be taking steps to help business and property owners get back on their feet — and they […]
The post Hilo fire recovery dependent on lifting burdensome regulations appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Making a Federal Case Out of the Green Fee

Mon, 08 Dec 2025 17:00:00 +0100

From recent news, you have probably heard that the 2025 Legislature’s enactment of the “Green Fee” bill not only raised taxes on land-based transient accommodations but expanded the tax to sleeping quarters on cruise ships. This, not surprisingly, did not go over well with the cruise ship industry. Its trade group, the Cruise Line Industry […]
The post Making a Federal Case Out of the Green Fee appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Grassroot Institute among finalists for Atlas Network’s Templeton Freedom Award

Wed, 03 Dec 2025 23:44:00 +0100

By Keli‘i Akina This Thanksgiving, I thought a lot about the familiar phrase “Lucky we live Hawaii.” It’s not just a tourism gimmick. There is truth to be found in those words. I am lucky to be living life here. More than that, I’m thankful. Even though, as president of the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii, […]
The post Grassroot Institute among finalists for Atlas Network’s Templeton Freedom Award appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

SNAP Confusion…On Us

Mon, 01 Dec 2025 17:00:00 +0100

We wrote a few weeks ago about the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP. In that article we mentioned that under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, States’ feet are going to be held to the fire because if States make mistakes (as judged by the federal government) in how they administer SNAP benefits, they […]
The post SNAP Confusion…On Us appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

How Measuring Blood Pressure Causes High Blood Pressure

Wed, 26 Nov 2025 19:42:00 +0100

The only things certain in this world are death, taxes, and never being taken off blood pressure medication. It’s important not to be on medication for blood pressure when you don’t need it, since this causes low pressure that can result in light-headedness, dizziness, fatigue, increased falls, and other side effects from the drug. It […]
The post How Measuring Blood Pressure Causes High Blood Pressure appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

‘Focus on making the state more affordable, not throwing more money toward marketing’

Mon, 24 Nov 2025 21:18:00 +0100

By Keli‘i Akina When you make it difficult for people to visit you, they tend to take the hint and stop coming. That’s a good strategy for dealing with unwanted houseguests, but not the smartest move for a state that depends on visitor dollars to fuel its economy. Hawaii already has some of the highest […]
The post ‘Focus on making the state more affordable, not throwing more money toward marketing’ appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Pitfalls in Tax Appeals

Mon, 24 Nov 2025 17:00:00 +0100

People sometimes get into a disagreement with the Department of Taxation over the amount of tax they owe, or whether they owe tax at all. To solve these disputes, there is a tax appeal process. To help taxpayers understand this process, the Department typically sends two documents to taxpayers who they are auditing: Tax Information […]
The post Pitfalls in Tax Appeals appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

My All-Star Gear Update: Reviewed products that continue to perform flawlessly

Mon, 24 Nov 2025 02:10:00 +0100

Over the past couple of years I’ve reviewed a wide range of consumer products for HawaiiReporter.com—from speakers to safes to tools—and what stands out is how consistently these particular items keep performing long after the review cycle ends. These are the “all-stars,” the products I continue to use because they work exactly as advertised. Here’s […]
The post My All-Star Gear Update: Reviewed products that continue to perform flawlessly appeared firs

Honolulu Charter amendments: ‘Let’s make the most of it’

Mon, 17 Nov 2025 20:59:00 +0100

By Keli‘i Akina Every 10 years, Oahu residents get a chance to vote on suggested changes to the Honolulu Charter. This time around, there are many changes that have been proposed. The Honolulu Charter Commission, which reviews the suggestions, announced this week that more than 250 were submitted by the Nov. 7 deadline. That compares to 154 a decade […]
The post Honolulu Charter amendments: ‘Let’s make the most of it’ appeared first on Hawaii Re

Student Loan Forgiveness

Mon, 17 Nov 2025 17:00:00 +0100

If you have a student loan and you’re thinking that you might be able to get forgiveness of that loan by working for the government or for a nonprofit, better watch out because there are changes coming to that program. Recently, the U.S. Department of Education adopted a final rule saying that a government entity […]
The post Student Loan Forgiveness appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Eligible Charges

Wed, 12 Nov 2025 10:23:00 +0100

Our issue of the week has been brought to us by an alert reader. He noted that some health insurance programs don’t cover general excise tax that we in Hawaii impose on health care charges. So, sometimes a patient gets a bill for the GET on a medical charge. As one health insurer’s website states: […]
The post Eligible Charges appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Strange DPP case emphasizes need to keep pushing for permitting reform

Mon, 10 Nov 2025 23:41:00 +0100

By Keli‘i Akina Is Honolulu’s building permit process so broken that fast-moving approvals are automatically suspicious? A recent Honolulu Civil Beat article tells the strange story of Kim Kehrwieder, who was fired last year from her job as a building plans examiner for the Honolulu Department of Planning and Permitting. The problem? She expedited permits in violation […]
The post Strange DPP case emphasizes need to keep pushing for permitting reform appeared first o

In Alaska and Hawaii, Higher Food Prices Intensified SNAP Anxiety

Mon, 10 Nov 2025 02:13:00 +0100

Some residents are receiving benefits, but the uncertainty over the past weeks has burdened many in the two states, where the cost of food is the highest in the nation.

My All-Star Gear Update: Seven products that continue to perform flawlessly

Mon, 10 Nov 2025 02:10:00 +0100

Over the past couple of years I’ve reviewed a wide range of consumer products for HawaiiReporter.com—from speakers to safes to tools—and what stands out is how consistently these particular items keep performing long after the review cycle ends. These are the “all-stars,” devices I continue to use because they work exactly as advertised. Here’s a […]
The post My All-Star Gear Update: Seven products that continue to perform flawlessly appeared first on H

In Alaska and Hawaii, Higher Food Prices Intensify SNAP Anxiety

Mon, 10 Nov 2025 00:58:00 +0100

Some residents are receiving benefits, but the uncertainty over what will happen over the coming weeks has many worried.

36 Hours Kauai, Hawaii: Things to Do and See

Thu, 06 Nov 2025 11:03:00 +0100

With its pristine jungles and small towns, this Hawaiian island retains the unmanicured charm of Old Polynesia with few modern intrusions.

UPS Plane Crash Near Louisville Airport Kills at Least 9, Officials Say

Wed, 05 Nov 2025 15:12:00 +0100

The plane crashed and exploded shortly after taking off from a Kentucky airport, disrupting operations at the delivery company’s main air cargo hub.

UPS Plane Crash Near Louisville Airport Kills at Least 7, Officials Say

Wed, 05 Nov 2025 04:22:00 +0100

The plane crashed near an airport shortly after takeoff, and two businesses were struck.

UPS Plane Crash Near Louisville Airport Kills at Least 4, Officials Say

Wed, 05 Nov 2025 04:06:00 +0100

At least 11 people were injured, the Kentucky governor said, and two businesses were struck.

UPS Plane Crash Near Louisville Airport Kills at Least 3, Kentucky Governor Says

Wed, 05 Nov 2025 02:42:00 +0100

At least 11 people were injured, the Kentucky governor said, and two businesses were struck. Data from Flightradar24 showed that a cargo plane bound for Honolulu reached an altitude of just 175 feet before swiftly descending.

3 People Dead After UPS Plane Crashes in Louisville, Police Say

Wed, 05 Nov 2025 02:21:00 +0100

At least 11 people were injured, officials said, and two businesses were struck. Data from Flightradar24 showed that a cargo plane bound for Honolulu reached an altitude of just 175 feet before swiftly descending.

UPS Plane Crash Near Louisville Airport Leaves Multiple Injured, Police Say

Wed, 05 Nov 2025 00:55:00 +0100

Data from Flightradar24 showed that a cargo plane bound for Honolulu reached an altitude of just 175 feet before swiftly descending.

Injuries Reported After UPS Plane Crashes in Louisville, Police Say

Wed, 05 Nov 2025 00:21:00 +0100

Data from Flightradar24 showed that a cargo plane bound for Honolulu reached an altitude of just 175 feet before swiftly descending.

Injuries Reported After Plane Crashes in Louisville, Police Say

Tue, 04 Nov 2025 23:58:00 +0100

Data from Flightradar24 showed that a UPS plane bound for Honolulu reached an altitude of just 175 feet before swiftly descending.

Jones Act, taxes and rail among ‘spooky creatures’ haunting Hawaii

Mon, 03 Nov 2025 23:54:00 +0100

By Keli‘i Akina Halloween was yesterday, but we still have a lot of spooky creatures in Hawaii to worry about. I’m thinking of the Jones Act goblin, the budget banshee and the grasping rail, among many others. The Jones Act goblin’s purpose is to frighten people away from reforming or repealing the Jones Act, which […]
The post Jones Act, taxes and rail among ‘spooky creatures’ haunting Hawaii appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

TATmas Tree

Mon, 03 Nov 2025 17:00:00 +0100

We wrote last week about how our Department of Hawaiian Home Lands is facing the outright cancellation of a 2026 Native Hawaiian Block Grant because of our good friends in the federal government. DHHL proposes to make up for it by hiking our Transient Accommodations Tax. Again. We just hoisted it as a result of […]
The post TATmas Tree appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Recorridos turísticos para turistas que no quieren serlo

Sat, 01 Nov 2025 08:01:00 +0100

Puesto que algunos visitantes se interesan cada vez más por las realidades sociales y políticas de los lugares turísticos más importantes del mundo, algunos guías locales están adaptando sus ofertas.

‘Anti-Tourism’ Tours Show Visitors a Different Side of Vacation Hot Spots

Wed, 29 Oct 2025 21:53:00 +0100

With visitors increasingly interested in the social and political realities of global tourist hot spots, some local guides are adapting their offerings.

Small victories keep Lahaina rebuild inching onward

Tue, 28 Oct 2025 00:41:00 +0100

By Keli‘i Akina The rebuilding of Lahaina in the wake of the 2023 wildfires might not be happening fast, but there are signs that it is inching forward. The complex web of state and county regulations has significantly hampered that effort — including rules about building in the state’s Special Management Areas, especially along shorelines; […]
The post Small victories keep Lahaina rebuild inching onward appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Spend That Money, Vought Is Watching

Mon, 27 Oct 2025 17:00:00 +0100

For many years now, the federal government has provided Native Hawaiian Block Grants, administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), to help with housing issues surrounding our kanaka maoli. One of our biggest problems with that money is that we haven’t been using it. We have written about that issue before, […]
The post Spend That Money, Vought Is Watching appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

This School Has Taught Native Hawaiians Since 1887. Is That Discrimination?

Thu, 23 Oct 2025 04:25:00 +0200

The admissions policy of Kamehameha Schools gives preference to Native Hawaiians. A new lawsuit calls it “blood-based discrimination.”

Presenters find common ground at event about Hawaii’s housing crisis

Tue, 21 Oct 2025 03:36:00 +0200

Photo by Sofia Luczak By Keli‘i Akina I often tell my colleagues at the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii that we owe it to our principles to know how to win. For example, if we want to make sure we all have places to live in Hawaii, we have to find common ground with others to […]
The post Presenters find common ground at event about Hawaii’s housing crisis appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Even More TANF Hoarding

Mon, 20 Oct 2025 18:00:00 +0200

This week we revisit Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, or TANF. Under TANF, the federal government provides a block grant to the states, which then use these funds to run their own programs for relief of the poor. To receive federal funds, states must also spend some of their own dollars on those programs, known […]
The post Even More TANF Hoarding appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Let Oahu voters vote on major decisions regarding runaway rail?

Mon, 13 Oct 2025 22:05:00 +0200

By Keli‘i Akina When it comes to the future of the Honolulu rail, it feels like we’re on a runaway train — pun intended. The Skyline project has blown way past its construction deadlines and cost estimates, and there’s little evidence that anyone is fully in control. It is becoming increasingly apparent that at some […]
The post Let Oahu voters vote on major decisions regarding runaway rail? appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Rebelling Against the Culture of Silence

Mon, 13 Oct 2025 18:00:00 +0200

For a very long time, there has been a culture of silence within Hawaii state government. This culture has manifested in various ways. In our Legislature, for example, Civil Beat recently reported that legislators just vote yes to move things along, 98% of the time. UH Professor Colin Moore found this to be just one […]
The post Rebelling Against the Culture of Silence appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

What Hawaii’s Tiny Homes Reveal About the Housing Crisis

Thu, 09 Oct 2025 19:04:00 +0200

They show the promise of modular construction in response to housing shortfalls.

Resist resolution to reverse recent gains in Hawaii housing reform

Thu, 09 Oct 2025 04:08:00 +0200

By Keli‘i Akina If we want to solve Hawaii’s housing shortage, we need to embrace change. My prime example at the moment is the importance of defending Act 39. State lawmakers enacted this landmark housing reform measure last year with the intent of expanding the use of accessory dwelling units as a way to help ease Hawaii’s housing […]
The post Resist resolution to reverse recent gains in Hawaii housing reform appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Brown Bag Speaker Series #17 – Breaking Bottlenecks: The Future of Meat Processing in Hawaiʻi

Wed, 08 Oct 2025 22:58:00 +0200

This free, one-hour Zoom webinar will take place on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM HST, and continues the Center’s deep dive into the vital role of local food infrastructure in Hawaiʻi’s agri-food economy. About the Series The Brown Bag Speaker Series is a monthly webinar featuring 15-minute presentations followed by […]
The post Brown Bag Speaker Series #17 – Breaking Bottlenecks: The Future of Meat Processing in Hawaiʻi appeared first o

Kapō Ma’i Lele (Kapō and her Flying Lady Parts)

Tue, 07 Oct 2025 06:35:00 +0200

After 5 years in production, Kapō Maʻi Lele, (Kapō And Her Flying Lady Parts) will premiere at the Hawai’i International Film Festival where it is a Made In Hawai’i Award Nominee. Composed of over 7000 hand painted images as well as original oil painted backgrounds along with original music by I’okepa Seaward, the short film […]
The post Kapō Ma’i Lele (Kapō and her Flying Lady Parts) appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Nonresident Withholding, Six Years Later

Mon, 06 Oct 2025 18:00:00 +0200

If you have, or know of, a partnership, estate, or trust that does business in Hawaii and has investors, owners, or beneficiaries that reside outside of Hawaii, then you might want to read this. About a month ago, the Department of Taxation issued Tax Information Release 2025-03 to provide guidance on a legal requirement that […]
The post Nonresident Withholding, Six Years Later appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Supreme Court to Hear Challenge to Hawaii Law Limiting Guns on Private Property

Fri, 03 Oct 2025 17:52:00 +0200

The Second Amendment case involves a Hawaii law that generally prohibits firearms on private property that is accessible to the public.

Senator Schatz on How Democrats Should Talk About Climate Change

Thu, 02 Oct 2025 11:02:00 +0200

At a Climate Forward live event, Senator Brian Schatz, Democrat of Hawaii, said his party needed to change the way it talked about climate issues.

‘Too much agreement can sometimes cover up serious problems’

Mon, 29 Sep 2025 23:32:00 +0200

By Keli‘i Akina I’m a big fan of cooperation. My colleagues and I at the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii are always looking for opportunities to work with people from across the political spectrum toward a common goal. But this does not mean that we ignore our differences. In fact, too much agreement can sometimes cover […]
The post ‘Too much agreement can sometimes cover up serious problems’ appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

The Deduction for State and Local Tax

Mon, 29 Sep 2025 18:00:00 +0200

This week, we look at the push and pull that the federal tax system inflicts on state and local tax systems. Before Trump’s first term, people who had to pay state-specific taxes, such as state income tax or real property tax, could write off those taxes as an itemized deduction. The Tax Cuts and Jobs […]
The post The Deduction for State and Local Tax appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Hawaiian Village Rebuilds With Modular Tiny Homes After Maui Wildfire Destruction

Sat, 27 Sep 2025 17:16:00 +0200

After Lahaina burned in August 2023, the state invested in a modular home development, hoping to nurture community and leave behind permanent infrastructure.

Freedom of speech ‘essential to the pursuit of truth’

Tue, 23 Sep 2025 09:10:00 +0200

By Keli‘i Akina In the wake of the recent murder of national political activist Charlie Kirk, there has been an outpouring of confusion, speculation and misinformation about why he was targeted. So much so that I chose to wait before speaking publicly. But regardless of what is ultimately revealed about the killer’s motives, one truth […]
The post Freedom of speech ‘essential to the pursuit of truth’ appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Need a new printer for your home office? Consider the Epson EcoTank ET-4950

Tue, 23 Sep 2025 02:42:00 +0200

Yes, the dream of the “paperless office” has been floating around for decades, but let’s face it: paper isn’t going anywhere. Sooner or later, you’re going to need a new printer. Whether it’s for contracts, school assignments, medical records, or, in my case, cartons of World War II era documents, there’s still a need for […]
The post Need a new printer for your home office? Consider the Epson EcoTank ET-4950 appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Your Money Stays in Vegas — Then the IRS Wants Some

Mon, 22 Sep 2025 18:00:00 +0200

We continue our coverage of the Trump tax act by looking at the new rules on gambling losses. Under prior law, gambling losses are fully deductible, but only against gambling winnings. So if you went to Vegas and spent all day at a blackjack table and you lost the $500 you decided would be the […]
The post Your Money Stays in Vegas — Then the IRS Wants Some appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Western States Issue Their Own Vaccine Recommendations to Counter Kennedy

Wed, 17 Sep 2025 23:55:00 +0200

The guidelines, from California, Oregon, Washington and Hawaii, mirror those of major medical organizations. They were issued a day before an advisory panel was set to meet to review potential changes to federal recommendations.

7 Places to Take a Beach Getaway During Hurricane Season

Tue, 16 Sep 2025 11:00:00 +0200

Fall brings lower prices and fewer crowds, but more risk of hurricanes. Here are some spots to enjoy late-season sand and surf without so much uncertainty.

Kudos to League of Women Voters for tackling blankety-blank bills head-on

Tue, 16 Sep 2025 04:58:00 +0200

By Keli‘i Akina I’m pleased that the League of Women Voters of Hawaii has filed a lawsuit intended to stop so-called blankety-blank bills from being introduced at the Hawaii State Legislature. Blankety-blank bills, which I’ve criticized before, have broad and vague titles such as “Relating to government” or “Relating to taxation,” and they contain no actual content […]
The post Kudos to League of Women Voters for tackling blankety-blank

Charitable Giving Under OBBBA

Mon, 15 Sep 2025 18:00:00 +0200

We continue our coverage the Trump tax act by focusing on one provision that is very important to charities — like us. In President Trump’s first term, the tax code was changed to give taxpayers a significant boost to the standard deduction, which is what every individual taxpayer can claim just for being alive even […]
The post Charitable Giving Under OBBBA appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Scientists Begin Testing Bird Flu Vaccine in Seals

Wed, 10 Sep 2025 00:32:00 +0200

If the results are promising, veterinarians hope to give the shots to wild Hawaiian monk seals, which are endangered.

Progress toward housing reform at the county level worthy of praise

Mon, 08 Sep 2025 22:34:00 +0200

By Keli‘i Akina You’ve heard much from me lately about how the state Legislature seems to have gotten serious about addressing Hawaii’s extreme lack of affordable housing — and there is recent progress at the county level to highlight as well. I’ve said it before, but it bears repeating: There is no silver-bullet solution to […]
The post Progress toward housing reform at the county level worthy of praise appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

No Tax on Tips — Not!

Mon, 08 Sep 2025 18:00:00 +0200

Last week our column focused on the “No Tax on Tips” provision in the Trump tax act. This week we look at some news that Hawaii recently dropped. It’s at the very end of Tax Information Release 2025-01. It says that Hawaii General Excise Tax applies to tips. Now, there is an exemption in the […]
The post No Tax on Tips — Not! appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Seven of the Best State Parks in the U.S., According to New York Times Readers

Tue, 02 Sep 2025 21:19:00 +0200

Last spring, when we recommended five state parks to visit, readers told us we had missed some of their favorites. So here are a few you wanted us to share.

Case introduces federal Jones Act bill worth considering

Tue, 02 Sep 2025 16:46:00 +0200

By Keli‘i Akina The most revolutionary Jones Act reform proposed in recent memory seems to be flying under everyone’s radar. On Aug. 1, U.S. Rep. Ed Case of Hawaii introduced HR4839, which would establish the Merchant Marine Allies Partnership Act. This bill proposes exempting Jones Act carriers from the federal 50% tax on major vessel modifications […]
The post Case introduces federal Jones Act bill worth considering appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Los Angeles Wildfires Left the City With a Toxic Mess

Mon, 01 Sep 2025 18:51:00 +0200

Urban wildfires are becoming public health emergencies.

No Tax on Tips

Mon, 01 Sep 2025 18:00:00 +0200

When we last discussed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, we focused on the provision providing no tax on overtime. This week we focus on no tax on tips. The provision itself is reasonably straightforward. An individual who receives tips can exclude up to $25,000 of those tips from his or her gross income. But, […]
The post No Tax on Tips appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Will the new Aloha Stadium project wind up being another boondoggle?

Mon, 25 Aug 2025 23:06:00 +0200

By Keli‘i Akina The work of Grassroot Institute of Hawaii cartoonist Dave Swann — pictured here — was recently featured in a report issued by Sen. Joni Ernst of Iowa. It’s always nice to have the work of my colleagues at Grassroot acknowledged, especially on the national stage. What’s not so nice is that the […]
The post Will the new Aloha Stadium project wind up being another boondoggle? appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Classroom Heat

Sun, 24 Aug 2025 18:00:00 +0200

“Stop the presses!” The Hawaii State Tax Watch Doggie burst into the room. “What?” I turned around and squinted at the Doggie. “We don’t even have presses. We do everything electronically these days. Website. Email.” “But I just wanted to say that!” “Okay, so what’s the big news you have that is worth stopping the […]
The post Classroom Heat appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

New Hawaii Tourism Authority on track to look a lot like the old HTA

Wed, 20 Aug 2025 00:46:00 +0200

By Keli‘i Akina Some bad ideas just won’t go away. Even when everyone agrees that there are serious problems to be addressed, a hope persists that this time we can make it work. Today’s example is the Hawaii Tourism Authority. Earlier this week, Gov. Josh Green announced the appointment of a dozen members to the […]
The post New Hawaii Tourism Authority on track to look a lot like the old HTA appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

In Lahaina, ‘Dignified’ Havens for Wildfire Survivors

Tue, 19 Aug 2025 17:49:00 +0200

With rebuilding after disasters stretching to years, factory-built houses aspire to faster delivery, longer life than trailers — and to “lift people’s spirits.”

No Tax on Overtime

Sun, 17 Aug 2025 18:00:00 +0200

By now, most of us have heard that President Trump signed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act into law and some of the tax changes it makes will be effective this year. We’ll dive a little deeper into one of them, “No Tax on Overtime,” this week. The benefit of the new provision is pegged […]
The post No Tax on Overtime appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Maps: Tracking Tropical Storm Henriette

Wed, 13 Aug 2025 18:52:00 +0200

See the likely path and wind arrival times for Henriette

Two years after Lahaina wildfires, ‘much more needs to be done’

Tue, 12 Aug 2025 01:53:00 +0200

By Keli‘i Akina Maui County was forever changed two years ago when wildfires destroyed much of historic Lahaina. But it’s also been tragic to witness how regulations and bureaucracy have made life so much more difficult for the survivors trying to rebuild. From the very beginning, my team at the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii knew […]
The post Two years after Lahaina wildfires, ‘much more needs to be done’ appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Encumbrance for the Stadium

Sun, 10 Aug 2025 18:00:00 +0200

Last week we were discussing some of the expenditure controls in the Hawaii Constitution that are supposed to rein in spending by our well-meaning government officials. One of these controls is a requirement that all general fund appropriations, namely money given out by our Legislature, must lapse within three years. When the appropriation lapses, all […]
The post Encumbrance for the Stadium appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Got Osteoporosis? You can change the equation

Sun, 10 Aug 2025 01:12:00 +0200

It sneaks up on all of us. We get older, and with that comes a quiet, often invisible decline: loss of bone density. It begins subtly after age 30 and accelerates over time. I learned this the hard way. A little over a year ago, I had a DEXA scan—a test that measures bone density—and […]
The post Got Osteoporosis? You can change the equation appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

The Fight to Save Hawaii’s Coconut Palms

Fri, 08 Aug 2025 11:02:00 +0200

An invasive beetle is killing coconut trees across the archipelago, and spreading fast. Researchers are racing to contain it.

Grassroot releases policy brief on ways to expedite rebuilding of Lahaina

Thu, 07 Aug 2025 11:46:00 +0200

The following was issued as a news release by the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii.____________ HONOLULU, Aug. 5, 2025 >> As the second anniversary approaches of the wildfires that destroyed much of Maui’s beloved Lahaina town, the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii has released a policy brief detailing additional actions state and Maui County lawmakers could take […]
The post Grassroot releases policy brief on ways to expedite rebuilding of Lahaina appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Schatz is proof that housing reform has become a nonpartisan issue

Thu, 07 Aug 2025 11:43:00 +0200

Sen. Brian Schatz, third from right, looked on as Gov. Josh Green signed housing reform measure SB3202 in 2024. Photo courtesy of the Office of the Governor. By Keli‘i Akina A U.S. senator recently made the following statement about the housing shortages across America. Can you guess who it was? “Ask anyone who has tried […]
The post Schatz is proof that housing reform has become a nonpartisan issue appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Jason Momoa prefiere que le digan ‘macho alfa sensible’

Tue, 05 Aug 2025 09:00:00 +0200

El actor pasó de los superhéroes ficticios a uno real en “El gran guerrero”, un épico proyecto ambientado en su natal Hawái.

Big Island Bees Honey Crowned Winner in “15 Years of Good Food Awards”

Tue, 05 Aug 2025 01:04:00 +0200

Editor’s Note: I have to admit a bias. When I first saw this release I wanted to post it. Not just because this is a legitimate award. Good Food Foundation’s “Good Food Awards” are a well-established, U.S.-based annual competition recognizing exceptional craft food products that score highly in blind taste tests and meet rigorous sustainability, […]
The post Big Island Bees Honey Crowned Winner in “15 Years of Good Food Awards” appeared first on Hawaii

Maps: Tracking Tropical Storm Gil

Mon, 04 Aug 2025 00:44:00 +0200

See the likely path and wind arrival times for Gil

Constitutional Expenditure Controls

Sun, 03 Aug 2025 18:00:00 +0200

Recently I was reading through the proceedings of the 1978 Constitutional Convention. The last time our State had a constitutional convention was almost fifty years ago. The delegates to that convention included several people who are political luminaries now. One of the things that the delegates were trying very hard to do was to give […]
The post Constitutional Expenditure Controls appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Saving Hawaii’s History From the Ashes, One Object at a Time

Sat, 02 Aug 2025 11:00:00 +0200

Two years after deadly wildfires hit Lahaina, archaeologists, conservators and congregants have taken on a “CSI” challenge: saving thousands of cultural artifacts from landmarks and sacred sites.

‘Chief of War’ Review: Battleground Hawaii

Fri, 01 Aug 2025 03:06:00 +0200

Jason Momoa stars in an Apple TV+ series that turns Hawaiian history into bloody spectacle.

¿Por qué un terremoto tan potente produjo un tsunami tan débil?

Fri, 01 Aug 2025 01:23:00 +0200

El sismo de esta semana en Rusia está entre los 10 más fuertes de los que hay registro; la ola que generó fue pequeña en muchos lugares.

Cruceros en Hawái dejaron pasajeros varados al anunciarse la alerta de tsunami

Thu, 31 Jul 2025 16:35:00 +0200

Las autoridades de la isla indicaron a los barcos salir al mar por su seguridad, pero algunos pasajeros que estaban de excursión en tierra no pudieron regresar a tiempo para abordar.

6 Spa and Wellness Resorts for Hydrotherapy and Cold Plunges

Thu, 31 Jul 2025 11:00:00 +0200

Whether it’s bubbling up from a hot spring or rushing off a glacier, water can help relax muscles and soothe stress. Here are some places to harness that healing power.

States Sue Trump Administration Over Efforts to Get Food Stamp Data

Tue, 29 Jul 2025 04:58:00 +0200

The lawsuit argues that the federal government’s demand was an attempt to obtain sensitive personal information for use outside the food stamp program.

I can hardly wait for Hawaii’s new cottage food rules to be completed

Tue, 29 Jul 2025 02:55:00 +0200

By Keli‘i Akina Hawaii Island farmer Rourk Reagan of Pukana Lā Farms in Waiohinu wants to more easily produce and sell jams, relishes and sauces made with local ingredients. Sally Stewart of Sally Jane’s Sweets and Savories, based in Kailua-Kona on Hawaii Island, would like to expand the sales of her homemade baked goods. Mark […]
The post I can hardly wait for Hawaii’s new cottage food rules to be completed appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Maps: Tracking Tropical Storm Keli

Mon, 28 Jul 2025 23:30:00 +0200

See the likely path and wind arrival times for Keli

Maps: Tracking Hurricane Iona

Mon, 28 Jul 2025 23:26:00 +0200

See the likely path and wind arrival times for Iona

Pay for No Work

Mon, 28 Jul 2025 18:00:00 +0200

In our state, we have a civil service system that is supposed to protect workers. Workers are not to be fired unless the employer has “cause,” or a good reason, to fire them. But, as we will see, the system that has built up around this principle is now broken. Under most of the union […]
The post Pay for No Work appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

An Ancient Law Could Shape the Modern Future of America’s Beaches. Here’s How.

Mon, 21 Jul 2025 20:10:00 +0200

The growing battle over how to manage sea level rise turns partly on a legal principle set down in Roman times.

DOT targeting cruise ships to achieve emission goals clearly a red flag

Mon, 21 Jul 2025 00:02:00 +0200

By Keli‘i Akina Hawaii has a problem. When the only plan to accomplish certain goals is to put people out of work and damage the state’s economy, you know we have to look for a better way. My latest case in point is the new climate roadmap from the state Department of Transportation, which calls for reducing […]
The post DOT targeting cruise ships to achieve emission goals clearly a red flag appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Nonprofit Blankety Blank

Sun, 20 Jul 2025 18:00:00 +0200

This week, we are going to add our two cents’ worth to the controversy surrounding Senate Bill 933, now Act 310 of 2025. That bill puts $50 million in the hands of a four-person committee, which will distribute the money among nonprofits. These nonprofits must “have sustained a reduction or termination of their federal funding” […]
The post Nonprofit Blankety Blank appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Progress made in permitting reform as governor signs two bills into law

Mon, 14 Jul 2025 23:39:00 +0200

Photo by Mark Coleman By Keli‘i Akina After years of complaints and horror stories, policymakers can finally say they’ve taken decisive action to address Hawaii’s notorious permitting delays. SB66, now Act 295, might not be as attention-grabbing as big tax cuts, but it could wind up being one of the most important bills passed by […]
The post Progress made in permitting reform as governor signs two bills into law appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

SNAP Cliffs Are Coming

Mon, 14 Jul 2025 18:00:00 +0200

Now that the federal One Big Beautiful Bill Act is law, we are going to focus on some provisions that are not as well known as the federal tax changes but may have a profound impact on our state fiscal health. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, SNAP for short, has been part of our social […]
The post SNAP Cliffs Are Coming appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Brown Bag Speaker Series #14 – Food Hubs Part Two: Building the Necessary Physical and Social Infrastructure for a Resilient Food System in Hawaiʻi.

Wed, 09 Jul 2025 23:05:00 +0200

This free, one-hour Zoom webinar will take place on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM HST, and continues the Center’s deep dive into the vital role of food hubs in Hawaiʻi’s local food economy. About the Series The Brown Bag Speaker Series is a monthly webinar featuring 15-minute presentations followed by […]
The post Brown Bag Speaker Series #14 – Food Hubs Part Two: Building the Necessary Physical and Social Infrastructure for a Resilient Food Sys

Building Schools

Mon, 07 Jul 2025 18:00:00 +0200

In this past legislative session, we were closely watching a bill that would have axed the “school impact fees” that housing developers now have to pay. As we have pointed out before, the fees have been collected but have not been used, and for a very long time. During testimony on the bill, House Bill […]
The post Building Schools appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Brush Fire Burns Hundreds of Acres in Maui, Prompting Evacuations

Tue, 17 Jun 2025 00:25:00 +0200

The island was the site of devastating, deadly fires in 2023.

Scientific Dreams in the Balance

Mon, 02 Jun 2025 11:01:00 +0200

Research breakthroughs are often sagas of passion, curiosity and sacrifice. If Trump’s proposed budget cuts for 2026 are enacted, many such journeys may never get started.

‘Lilo & Stitch’ Cast Discuss What Lured Them to the Live-Action Remake

Thu, 29 May 2025 17:38:00 +0200

Cast members from the original 2002 animated film and the live-action remake explain what lured them to — or back to — “Lilo & Stitch.”

An Effort to Kill Off Lawsuits Against Oil Giants Is Gaining Steam

Wed, 14 May 2025 23:38:00 +0200

The Trump administration has declared litigation to hold oil companies responsible for climate change a threat to the American economy and has taken aggressive steps to fight it.

Hawaii’s Prized Kona Coffee Fields Have Become a Target for ICE

Wed, 14 May 2025 11:01:00 +0200

The Trump crackdown has reached the volcanic Island of Hawaii, where immigrants, some of them undocumented, are crucial to cultivating the rare coffee.

Civil asset forfeiture in Hawaii ‘a system ripe for abuse’

Tue, 13 May 2025 22:56:00 +0200

By Keli‘i Akina Imagine having the police seize your car because someone stole it and used it in a crime. Now the car’s gone, and there’s nothing you can do about it. Well, that’s exactly what happened to Darrell Teixeira of Waimanalo. He wasn’t even home when his daughter’s ex-boyfriend took his 2000 Honda Accord to Makapuu, […]
The post Civil asset forfeiture in Hawaii ‘a system ripe for abuse’ appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

2025 Legislative Wrap-Up

Mon, 12 May 2025 18:00:00 +0200

Our legislature is done for the year. Bills that survived the last-minute scramble are now on their way to the Governor‘s desk, where he has until the latter part of next month to decide whether he will veto any bills. And yes, there were a few revenue raisers (meaning tax increases) and a bill that […]
The post 2025 Legislative Wrap-Up appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Judge Awards $680,000 to Military Families Sickened by Jet Fuel Spill

Fri, 09 May 2025 23:37:00 +0200

A lawyer for the plaintiffs said that they had “prevailed against all odds” but called the damage award “disappointing.”

Electric Ghosts and Surf Psych: Dengue Fever Returns to Phnom Penh

Fri, 09 May 2025 08:01:00 +0200

by Joe Cummings By the time the tuk-tuk reached Phnom Penh Island Club, the sky was already rusting over with twilight. A cottony haze hung above the Bassac River, where dragonflies hovered like stage lights testing the water. Onshore, the pulse of a Farfisa organ shimmered through the palms. March 21, 2025—nine years since their […]
The post Electric Ghosts and Surf Psych: Dengue Fever Returns to Phnom Penh appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Trump Is Picking New Climate Fights With States. Here’s Why.

Tue, 06 May 2025 18:03:00 +0200

The White House has begun a new effort to sue individual states over their climate initiatives and to stop lawsuits against fossil fuel companies.

Where to Hike and Eat on the Hawaiian Island of Oahu.

Tue, 06 May 2025 11:00:00 +0200

A frequent visitor shares his favorite walks and restaurants on the Hawaiian island.

For second year in a row, Legislature earns praise for housing reform

Tue, 06 May 2025 00:44:00 +0200

Photo by Mark Coleman By Keli‘i Akina With the 2025 legislative session officially in the books, it’s time to assess the results. I’ll talk about the broader picture in the near future. Today, I just want to affirm that when it comes to housing reform, state lawmakers mostly earned our praise. Bills they passed that […]
The post For second year in a row, Legislature earns praise for housing reform appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

The Major Raid that Wasn’t

Mon, 05 May 2025 18:00:00 +0200

It’s around this time in our legislative session when surprises start happening. Some are good, some not so great. But you, the taxpaying public, are not alone when it comes to surprises. Sometimes it’s the government itself that is on the receiving end. House Bill 1153, Relating to Funding Adjustments for State Programs, is an […]
The post The Major Raid that Wasn’t appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Library for Kakavem village in Timor-Leste (East Timor) is a Dream for Better Future

Sun, 04 May 2025 03:49:00 +0200

by Kris Fernandes In the heart of Kakavem, a small rural community in Timor-Leste, a dream is taking shape—one that has the power to change lives, ignite imaginations, and open doors to a brighter future. This is the story of a community that refuses to let distance, poverty, or the lack of resources define its […]
The post Library for Kakavem village in Timor-Leste (East Timor) is a Dream for Better Future appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Hawaii Announced a Climate Lawsuit. So the Government Sued Hawaii First.

Fri, 02 May 2025 02:42:00 +0200

In an unusual move, the Trump administration pre-emptively sued Hawaii and Michigan to try to stop them from suing oil companies over global warming.

Blame Your Mom for Your Crooked Penis

Tue, 29 Apr 2025 23:05:00 +0200

The Impact of Early-Life Sleep Position on Penile Curvature and other Anatomical Malformations It may sound like a small matter, but the way parents treat their newborn son’s penis is a big deal. At least, it will be when the kid grows up and finds that his penis is bent. A bent penis may not […]
The post Blame Your Mom for Your Crooked Penis appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Days After Trump Commits to Seabed Mining, Two Sides Face Off

Tue, 29 Apr 2025 22:41:00 +0200

At a congressional hearing, one executive welcomed President Trump’s “starting gun” to begin mining. Democrats and Republicans clashed over environmental and business concerns.

Resolutions on building code reform, fiscal notes a cause for celebration

Tue, 29 Apr 2025 04:12:00 +0200

By Keli‘i Akina As we await official word on which bills hashed out by this year’s Legislature will head to the governor’s desk for final approval, I’d like to take a moment to acknowledge the still-hopeful path of two ideas that didn’t make it to the finish line in quite the way we’d hoped. I’m […]
The post Resolutions on building code reform, fiscal notes a cause for celebration appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Small Victory

Mon, 28 Apr 2025 18:00:00 +0200

At this time in our legislative session, in the chaos that is our system for making laws in this State, those interested in laws being made, like us in the Foundation for instance, are relegated to waiting on the side nervously while back-room decisions about legislative bills are being made. It is the time for […]
The post Small Victory appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Backpacker Yachties and Other Stories Sets Sail on a Voyage of the Heart and Mind

Sat, 26 Apr 2025 00:15:00 +0200

From the shores of academia to the vast expanse of the Pacific, Backpacker Yachties and Other Stories is the latest compelling installment in the series Adventures in International Living, Self-Discovery, and a Life of Meaning. This third book invites readers on an unforgettable journey that blends thrilling maritime adventure with deeply human introspection. Many young people are eager […]
The post Backpacker Yachties and Other Stories Sets Sail on a Voyage of the Hea

‘Bone Collector’ Caterpillars Don’t Play With Their Food. They Wear It.

Thu, 24 Apr 2025 20:00:00 +0200

Carnivorous caterpillars discovered on the Hawaiian island of Oahu have a freaky fashion sense.

How Safe Are Helicopter Sightseeing Tours?

Wed, 23 Apr 2025 23:47:00 +0200

The F.A.A. allows many of these popular flights to operate under less stringent rules than other commercial aviation, opening the door to dangers like pilot fatigue.

Lahaina fire shoreline victims don’t deserve to be treated differently

Tue, 22 Apr 2025 02:10:00 +0200

By Keli‘i Akina State legislators have an opportunity to help Lahaina recover from the 2023 wildfires, and I hope they don’t pass it up. Before them now, in the closing days of the 2025 legislative session, is SB1296, which, with Lahaina in mind, is a forward-looking proposal that seeks to exempt buildings anywhere in Hawaii destroyed […]
The post Lahaina fire shoreline victims don’t deserve to be treated differently appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Say no to ‘blankety blank’ bills; focus on policies to strengthen economy

Tue, 22 Apr 2025 01:49:00 +0200

By Keli‘i Akina I think we can all agree that we are living in a period of financial stress. Local businesses are still recovering from the unprecedented COVID-19 lockdowns; Lahaina is still years away from fully rebuilding after the August 2023 wildfires; housing prices are still out of reach for most people; everyone is worried […]
The post Say no to ‘blankety blank’ bills; focus on policies to strengthen economy appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Category Killer

Mon, 21 Apr 2025 18:00:00 +0200

We are now in the home stretch at the Legislature. This is the time when conference committees meet to iron out differences between versions of legislation passed by the House and by the Senate. Unfortunately, all of the negotiations and conversations take place behind closed doors. We don’t get to see the results until agreement […]
The post Category Killer appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Supporting Government’s Central Services

Mon, 14 Apr 2025 18:00:00 +0200

Sometimes we at the Foundation have to save our government from accidentally shooting itself in the foot. In our current legislative session, the Hawaii Department of Transportation (HIDOT) introduced Senate Bill 1473, Relating to Central Services Assessment. HIDOT’s work is largely paid for by special funds, namely the Highway Fund, the Airport Revenue Fund, and […]
The post Supporting Government’s Central Services appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Artists Stand Up for Invasive Species

Sun, 13 Apr 2025 11:00:00 +0200

Artists and scientists are finding ways to highlight troublesome plants and animals, tell their stories and, in some cases, use them as raw materials.

A Honolulu Bakery That Folds In Tropical Flavors

Thu, 10 Apr 2025 11:04:00 +0200

Plus: lakeside cabins in the Berkshires, wooden lamps and more recommendations from T Magazine.

How Over-Thinking About Food Can Cause Diabetes

Wed, 09 Apr 2025 22:24:00 +0200

We all know that over-eating leads to insulin resistance, weight gain, and Type-2 Diabetes. But did you realize that over-thinking about food can also cause these problems? Before you consume the rest of this article, try this simple thought experiment. Start thinking about your favorite food. Imagine it in all its mouthwatering deliciousness. It could […]
The post How Over-Thinking About Food Can Cause Diabetes appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

COVID mRNA Vaccines Cause Persistent Inflammation

Wed, 09 Apr 2025 15:23:00 +0200

Remember the “cytokine storm” that devastated people during COVID? Well, researchers just found that the mRNA vaccine for COVID causes long-term cytokine release. Could this explain the symptoms of long-COVID? The March 25, 2025 study, in the journal Molecular Systems Biology, is entitled,Persistent epigenetic memory of SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccination in monocyte-derived macrophages. According to the […]
The post COVID mRNA Vaccines Cause Persistent Inflammation appeared first on

Finding Positive Climate News, One State at a Time

Wed, 09 Apr 2025 09:00:00 +0200

A new project by the Climate desk aims to recognize local climate and environmental solutions in all 50 states.

Taxing Capital Gains

Mon, 07 Apr 2025 18:00:00 +0200

In our Legislature, crunch time has arrived. Bills need to get out of their final committees and prepare for conference negotiations. If they can’t clear their final committees, they are dead for this session, possibly to be revived next year. There is a growing concern in our Legislature that the recent goings-on in Washington, D.C., […]
The post Taxing Capital Gains appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Ausman victory good sign for anyone hit with wrongful permit revocation

Mon, 07 Apr 2025 05:24:00 +0200

By Keli‘i Akina They say you can’t fight city hall. Well, Shahzaad Ausman just did — and he won! More specifically, Ausman sued Hawai‘i County’s Board of Appeals and its former Department of Public Works director after finding himself in the strange position of owning a beach house in Milolii that he couldn’t live in […]
The post Ausman victory good sign for anyone hit with wrongful permit revocation appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Need a new phone? With tariffs here, consider the Pixel 9 Pro–before prices go up…

Sun, 06 Apr 2025 02:51:00 +0200

Nothing like the threat of tariffs to make you consider buying a new phone…like now. I’m suggesting the Pixel 9 Pro, which I’ve had a chance to use daily for the last few months. I’ve dictated my email and text messages into it, dropped it, doom-scrolled on FB, taken loads of photos and even used it […]
The post Need a new phone? With tariffs here, consider the Pixel 9 Pro–before prices go up… appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Wiley’s X Saber Advanced safety shooting glasses are eye insurance

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 12:02:00 +0200

The theme for this story has been a long time coming. I’d been using substandard shooting glasses for ages. I’m a regular attendee at SHOT in Vegas, the largest gun show in the world. While there, they always provide free glasses when you’re sampling the latest “hardware”. Over the years I’ve accumulated a fair amount […]
The post Wiley’s X Saber Advanced safety shooting glasses are eye insurance appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Make Hawaii a place where we can all thrive, including businesses

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 01:03:00 +0200

By Keli‘i Akina The good news is that Hawaii’s economy “overall” has fully recovered from the coronavirus lockdowns — at least according to Eugene Tian, chief economist of the Hawaii Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. But I don’t remember people cheering about how wonderful the local economy was before COVID-19 hit. In fact, Hawaii’s anemic […]
The post Make Hawaii a place where we can all thrive, including busines

You Want to Raise the TAT by HOW Much?

Mon, 31 Mar 2025 18:00:00 +0200

We are past the halfway point in our current legislative session, and there are still plenty of bills to watch out for. Two of them that are still alive propose a rate change in the Transient Accommodations Tax, or TAT. I say “change” rather than “hike” because the bills replace the current 10.25% tax rate […]
The post You Want to Raise the TAT by HOW Much? appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Khentrul Rinpoche, to speak APRIL 19 AND 20, 2025, 10-12 noon and 2-5:00 pm PACIFIC BUDDHIST ACADEMY

Fri, 28 Mar 2025 22:12:00 +0100

This teaching points out that both happiness and suffering are merely perceptions of the mind. As such, whatever conditions arise – be they positive, negative, neutral, external, or internal – ultimately our experience is determined by our mind. Khentrul Rinpoche shares this extraordinary pith advice of the great mind training master Gyalsey Togmey. This training […]
The post Khentrul Rinpoche, to speak APRIL 19 AND 20, 2025, 10-12 noon and 2-5:00 pm PACIFIC

Do-in: Mindful Self Massage Workshop with Dr. Greg Yuen APRIL 12, 2025, 12:30-2:30 PM

Thu, 27 Mar 2025 02:21:00 +0100

Are you interested in mastering the health of your body? Traditional Chinese Medicine says that most diseases are caused by an imbalance orblockage in qi. Do-In provides the ideal vehicle to restore balance and promote self-healing. In the Tai chi Classics, they say, “where your mind goes, the qi goes”.In Traditional Chinese Medicine, they say, “where […]
The post Do-in: Mindful Self Massage Workshop with Dr. Greg Yuen APRIL 12, 2025, 12:30-2:30 PM appeared first on

Bills crucial to Lahaina’s recovery clear hurdles; more reforms needed

Wed, 26 Mar 2025 01:21:00 +0100

By Keli‘i Akina Robert Pritchett’s home on the Lahaina waterfront stood for 90 years before being lost to the August 2023 wildfires. Now, he’s paying a mortgage on an empty lot and watching his resources drain away while waiting for permits and approvals to rebuild. Similarly, the Stevens family built their shoreline home on Kai […]
The post Bills crucial to Lahaina’s recovery clear hurdles; more reforms needed appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

At This Clinic in Hawaii, Nature Is the Medicine

Wed, 26 Mar 2025 01:00:00 +0100

A neglected parcel of land was restored by volunteers and patients at a community medical center. Along the way, their health also improved.

The New Tax Cuts Website

Mon, 24 Mar 2025 17:00:00 +0100

Perhaps the most significant tax legislation in our state was passed last year, when we enacted significant increases in our standard deduction amounts and a considerable broadening of our rate brackets. It didn’t drop our highest rate, which is still second highest in the nation, but it made it much more unlikely that the top […]
The post The New Tax Cuts Website appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Ke Ō Mau Center for Sustainable Island Food Systems – Brown Bag Speaker Series Webinar Event #11

Sat, 22 Mar 2025 06:04:00 +0100

Topic: Food Hubs, Part One: Community Perspectives on Strengthening Hawaiʻi’s Local Food Networks Please register here for this event, which features brief presentations followed by a Q&A session to foster dialogue and collaboration. Our monthly series highlights important agri-food system change initiatives across Hawaiʻi, offering insights and updates on key issues. Join us on Wednesday, April 16, […]
The post Ke Ō Mau Center for Sustainable Island Foo

Administration Officials Believe Order Lets Immigration Agents Enter Homes Without Warrants

Thu, 20 Mar 2025 17:53:00 +0100

It remains unclear whether the Trump administration will apply the law in this way. But such an interpretation, experts say, would infringe on basic civil liberties.

36 Hours in Hilo, Hawaii: Things to Do and See

Thu, 20 Mar 2025 10:03:00 +0100

Low key and affordable, Hilo has recently raised its coolness factor with a swanky new speakeasy and local chefs gaining national recognition. And outside town, you can witness the fiery spectacle of its resident volcano, Kilauea, now in a particularly active phase.

$1.1 Million Homes in New York, Hawaii and Pennsylvania

Wed, 19 Mar 2025 10:02:00 +0100

A 19th-century townhouse in Hudson, a condo in Honolulu and a Romanesque Revival building in Philadelphia.

Universal Vax for Hawaii

Mon, 17 Mar 2025 17:00:00 +0100

One bill in our legislative session that was getting a lot of attention, at least with respect to written testimony, is Senate Bill 1434, Relating to Universal Immunization Funding Program. This bill is an Administration bill sponsored by the Department of Health. The bill would establish a “universal immunization funding program” and an associated special […]
The post Universal Vax for Hawaii appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Restaurateurs hit with GET bill from COVID-era deserve legislative relief

Sat, 15 Mar 2025 23:52:00 +0100

By Keli‘i Akina It’s always nice to see legislators recognize a wrong committed by our state government and act relatively quickly to fix it. That’s what is happening with SB1278, which would exempt from the state general excise tax any federal grants that Hawaii restaurants received during the COVID-19 lockdowns. Pending approval by the Legislature and […]
The post Restaurateurs hit with GET bill from COVID-era deserve legislative relief appeared first on Hawaii Re

Rejected by Washington, Federal Workers Find Open Arms in State Governments

Sat, 15 Mar 2025 20:06:00 +0100

Seeking to serve as a counterweight to the Trump administration, a flurry of mostly blue states has created initiatives — and ad campaigns — to lure federal employees to state government jobs.

Are We Crazy to Cross Such a Treacherous River?

Sat, 15 Mar 2025 12:00:00 +0100

Life lessons when the path ahead is blocked.

Mauna Loa Observatory’s Lease May End Because of NOAA Cuts

Sat, 15 Mar 2025 02:22:00 +0100

NOAA, the nation’s leading climate science agency, may lose dozens of offices, including one that is key to the Mauna Loa Observatory in Hawaii.

Mauna Loa Observatory’s Lease May End Because of NOAA Cuts

Fri, 14 Mar 2025 22:09:00 +0100

NOAA, the nation’s leading climate science agency, may lose dozens of offices, including one that is key to the Mauna Loa Observatory in Hawaii.

Famous Climate Observatory’s Lease May End Because of DOGE

Fri, 14 Mar 2025 22:09:00 +0100

NOAA, the nation’s leading climate science agency, may lose dozens of offices, including one that is key to the Mauna Loa Observatory in Hawaii.

The Great Escape: The Benefits of “Dissociative Dementia”

Tue, 11 Mar 2025 15:16:00 +0100

One issue that is on many peoples’ minds is dementia. Either you are old and are worried about it, or you are young with an old parent and are worried about it. For the elderly, there are daily reminders that they may be losing their memory, sending people to the neurologist who will assess their […]
The post The Great Escape: The Benefits of “Dissociative Dementia” appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Gabbard Begins Trip to Visit Japan, Thailand and India

Tue, 11 Mar 2025 02:50:00 +0100

Tulsi Gabbard, who stopped in Honolulu on Wednesday, will address a security conference in New Delhi next week and stop in France en route back to the United States.

Poorly managed school impact fees serve only to increase housing costs

Tue, 11 Mar 2025 00:51:00 +0100

By Keli‘i Akina The road to sky-high housing costs has been paved with good intentions. An excellent example of this is found in Hawaii’s school impact fees, which are levied on homebuilders but ultimately paid for by homebuyers. In theory, school impact fees are supposed to help fund the construction and renovation of K-12 schools. […]
The post Poorly managed school impact fees serve only to increase housing costs appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Jessie Mahaffey, Survivor of Pearl Harbor Attack, Dies at 102

Tue, 11 Mar 2025 00:28:00 +0100

He was cleaning the deck of the U.S.S. Oklahoma when it capsized under Japanese torpedo fire. Less than a year later, he survived the sinking of another Navy ship in the Pacific.

Lien on Me

Mon, 10 Mar 2025 17:00:00 +0100

“I just might have a problem that you’ll understand,” goes the song by Bill Withers. “We all need somebody to…” lien on? A lien is a nasty little device used by tax agencies. It is a public document that records the name of a taxpayer and how much that taxpayer owes the government. Although a […]
The post Lien on Me appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Measles, RFK Jr., and the fight against the people who control the pathogens

Thu, 06 Mar 2025 18:12:00 +0100

The COVID-19 pandemic infected many people with the viruses of cynicism and skepticism, especially regarding vaccines. The coercive vaccination experiment with novel mRNA vaccines robbed many people of their freedom, health, body autonomy, and trust in authority. Now, all vaccines are under scrutiny, and being anti-vaccination has moved towards the center, from being out on […]
The post Measles, RFK Jr., and the fight against the people who control the pathogens appeared first on Hawaii R

Will Kōloa Rum Co. lawsuit be the nail in Jones Act coffin?

Tue, 04 Mar 2025 23:51:00 +0100

By Keli‘i Akina For years, my colleagues and I at the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii have been working to achieve political reform of the Jones Act, producing research and sponsoring forums that highlight the drawbacks of this protectionist maritime law. Recently, there has been momentum in Congress to revisit the law, which for more than […]
The post Will Kōloa Rum Co. lawsuit be the nail in Jones Act coffin? appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

A Stealthy Tax Hike

Mon, 03 Mar 2025 17:00:00 +0100

When following bills at our Legislature, it usually isn’t too tough to spot bills that propose tax hikes. There is usually a section in the law that provides for a tax rate. A bill that amends that section to make the rate higher is, obviously, a tax hike. But there are ways to raise taxes […]
The post A Stealthy Tax Hike appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Of Mice and Men: The Problems with Studying Mice to Learn about Men

Sat, 01 Mar 2025 20:45:00 +0100

Every day throughout the world, scientists are scurrying around their labs, studying mice. They don’t just study mice, like you would study a book, or observe a brook. They devour the mice, chewing them up into organs, tissues, cells, and molecules, as they hunger for ways to better detect and treat human disease. Each stab […]
The post Of Mice and Men: The Problems with Studying Mice to Learn about Men appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Ke Ō Mau Center for Sustainable Island Food Systems – Brown Bag Speaker Series Webinar Event #10

Fri, 28 Feb 2025 23:45:00 +0100

Topic: Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems Education in the University of Hawaiʻi System: Programs and Practices for Realizing Core Competencies Please register here for this event, which features brief presentations followed by a Q&A session to foster dialogue and collaboration. Our monthly series highlights important agri-food system change initiatives across Hawaiʻi, offering insights and updates […]
The post Ke Ō Mau Center for Sustainable Island Food Systems &

From Anxious to Empowered Menopause: Q&A with Dr. Traci — Tuesday, March 11 — 5:30 PM

Thu, 27 Feb 2025 21:57:00 +0100

Dr. Traci Potterf, PhD, founder of Inner Genius Health will be giving a Community Q&A at the Blue Lotus in Kailua (1300 KAILUA RD) on Tuesday, March 11 — 5:30 PM. Traci is a medical anthropologist turned functional health practitioner with over 20 years experience helping people overcome chronic anxiety and complex health conditions. A […]
The post From Anxious to Empowered Menopause: Q&A with Dr. Traci — Tuesday, March 11 — 5:30 PM appeared first on Hawaii Repor

Three Former E.P.A. Leaders: You’ll Miss It When It’s Gone

Thu, 27 Feb 2025 11:00:00 +0100

When the next environmental catastrophe arrives, who will be there to deal with the emergency and its aftermath?

FilmFreude Honolulu is back!

Thu, 27 Feb 2025 07:21:00 +0100

FilmFreude Honolulu is back for its 2nd edition! After our 2024 debut, Hawai‘i’s German Language Film Festival returns with a bold lineup of new German & Austrian cinema, an new exciting short film contest exploring the Theme: Doppelgänger, and a cool opening at the Honolulu Museum of Art with music by Lovejack and deserts by […]
The post FilmFreude Honolulu is back! appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

TAT Is Not Duct Tape

Mon, 24 Feb 2025 17:00:00 +0100

When we look at the bills that have been introduced in this legislative session, we wonder if lawmakers aren’t thinking that the transient accommodations tax (TAT) is like duct tape, in that it fixes everything. Senate Bill 1396/House Bill 1077, for example, is a bill being pushed by the Governor’s office. It would create two […]
The post TAT Is Not Duct Tape appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Hawaii Man Wrongfully Convicted of Murder Is Freed After 30 Years

Mon, 24 Feb 2025 11:02:00 +0100

Gordon Cordeiro, 51, who was serving a life sentence for a 1994 murder on Maui, was released on Friday after DNA evidence was presented in his case.

Emergency proclamations have become far too common in Hawaii

Sun, 23 Feb 2025 11:28:00 +0100

By Keli‘i Akina You might not have realized this, but Hawaii residents are living in multiple, continual states of emergency — at least if the governor’s emergency proclamations are anything to go by. I’m not talking about just the emergency orders related to the Maui wildfires or the flooding on Kauai. In recent years, the […]
The post Emergency proclamations have become far too common in Hawaii appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Reform ‘historic significance’ reviews to help speed up home construction

Thu, 20 Feb 2025 01:01:00 +0100

Above, a Kaimuki house over 50 years that was recently demolished. Photo by Mark Coleman By Keli‘i Akina If your house is at least 50 years old, do you think it should be considered historically significant? Under state law, that could easily be so, because it defines any building, structure, object, district, area or site, including […]
The post Reform ‘historic significance’ reviews to help speed up home construction appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

GRAHAME WHITE on O’AHU — April 9 – 23, 2025

Tue, 18 Feb 2025 19:37:00 +0100

Please join the Aloha Sangha Buddhist Group, Vipassana Hawaii, Bodhi Tree Meditation Center, and the Honolulu Dhamma Community in welcoming from Australia esteemed Vipassana Meditation teacher, Grahame White, for dhamma talks and short and daylong sittings. Please see the schedules and bio below. For those new to Vipassana meditation, and/or meditation in general, please join […]
The post GRAHAME WHITE on O’AHU — April 9 – 23, 2025 appeared first on Hawaii Repo

How a Perfect Smile Can Make You Frown

Tue, 18 Feb 2025 02:29:00 +0100

There is an old expression, designed to cheer people up, that says it costs nothing to smile. That was before the days of cosmetic dentistry. Now, it costs a great deal to smile, since it needs to show ultra-white, perfectly-shaped teeth in a full-toothed mouth. There was a time when mouths were as unique as […]
The post How a Perfect Smile Can Make You Frown appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Candy Crush

Mon, 17 Feb 2025 17:00:00 +0100

This week I will be writing about a very interesting bill moving through our Legislature, House Bill 959 / Senate Bill 1043. I call it “Candy Crush” because it’s being pushed very hard as a sweet deal, but it has the potential to really stomp our economy. So, what does Candy Crush do? First, here […]
The post Candy Crush appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

14 States Sue to Challenge Musk’s ‘Unchecked Power’

Fri, 14 Feb 2025 00:29:00 +0100

Since President Trump’s inauguration, Mr. Musk’s team has inserted itself into at least 19 agencies, according to a tally by The New York Times.

Video Shows Kilauea Volcano in Hawaii Erupting Again

Wed, 12 Feb 2025 19:20:00 +0100

Hawaii’s most active volcano has been erupting intermittently since December. The latest episode sent lava more than 300 feet into the air.

Kilauea Volcano in Hawaii Spews Lava

Wed, 12 Feb 2025 18:49:00 +0100

Kilauea, Hawaii’s most active volcano, has been erupting intermittently since Dec. 23. of last year.

Dedicated Funding?!

Mon, 10 Feb 2025 17:00:00 +0100

When we do our work here at the Foundation, we get to review a LOT of bills in detail because they involve tax or public financing. This year we are following more than 300 bills out of nearly 3,200 that have been introduced this session. One of the bills that is moving this session attempts […]
The post Dedicated Funding?! appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Focus on affordability and prosperity, not more taxes

Sun, 09 Feb 2025 23:24:00 +0100

By Keli‘i Akina Every legislative session, I am asked: “So, how many tax hikes are they trying to pass this time?” I’d love to be able to answer, “None.” But no matter what, proposed tax or fee increases are sprinkled throughout many of the hundreds of bills submitted each year. There’s a little fee here, […]
The post Focus on affordability and prosperity, not more taxes appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Silvano Casaldi’s New Book Commemorates Anzio/Nettuno Landing of January 22, 1944

Thu, 06 Feb 2025 10:30:00 +0100

Editor’s Note: I first met the author, Silvano Casaldi, several years ago while researching my father’s military service (which included the Anzio landing). Silvano showed me around the Anzio/Nettuno area and introduced me to a former police officer, in his nineties, who had witnessed the landing as a child. The old police officer helped me […]
The post Silvano Casaldi’s New Book Commemorates Anzio/Nettuno Landing of January 22, 1944 appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Taxing tourists more is not way to ‘economic resiliency’

Tue, 04 Feb 2025 11:52:00 +0100

By Keli‘i Akina Few ideas are as tenacious as the myth that we can make tourists pay for major programs without affecting locals. Yet, Hawaii policymakers seem to believe that tourists are an endless source of funds, a golden goose that will never stop laying. The most persistent example of this is the so-called green […]
The post Taxing tourists more is not way to ‘economic resiliency’ appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

When Seeing Isn’t Believing: The Psychological and Social Impact of Virtual Reality and AI

Mon, 03 Feb 2025 17:54:00 +0100

There is an old saying that goes, “Seeing is believing”. Well, that isn’t the case anymore. At this point in the 21st Century, our culture is being challenged by computer-generated images that are difficult to tell are manufactured and not real. This is especially problematic for images of places or objects that are unfamiliar, since […]
The post When Seeing Isn’t Believing: The Psychological and Social Impact of Virtual Reality and AI appeared first on Hawai

Hold On to Our Gains!

Mon, 03 Feb 2025 17:00:00 +0100

Last year, the Legislature passed, and the Governor signed, the biggest individual income tax cut in Hawaii’s history. The 2025 Legislature is now in session. Hold on to your wallets, folks, because nobody’s safe now. As we predicted, there are some bills in the legislative hopper that would get rid of that tax relief. Here […]
The post Hold On to Our Gains! appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Karen Pryor, Guru of Positive Reinforcement, Is Dead at 92

Sun, 02 Feb 2025 21:10:00 +0100

She was so successful at training dolphins that she began applying the same techniques to other creatures, including dogs — and humans.

Heavy Rain and Floods Sweep Hawaii’s Big Island and Maui

Fri, 31 Jan 2025 21:59:00 +0100

Flash flood warnings and several inches of rain fell across parts of the chain of islands as part of a storm system moving southeast.

Hawaii Governor, a Doctor, Blames R.F.K. Jr. for Measles Deaths in Samoa

Tue, 28 Jan 2025 22:03:00 +0100

Gov. Josh Green battled a measles outbreak that killed 83 people, mostly children. President Trump wants Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., a vaccine skeptic, as his health policy chief.

Tulsi Gabbard’s Unorthodox Path to Trump’s Intelligence Team

Tue, 28 Jan 2025 01:44:00 +0100

Ms. Gabbard grew up in a secretive offshoot of the Hare Krishna movement and has made a dizzying journey from conservative to liberal darling to Trump ally.

Those Nickels Add Up!

Mon, 27 Jan 2025 17:00:00 +0100

By now, most of us who go to the grocery store are used to seeing a bunch of little charges whenever we buy bottled or canned beverages. We get nicked for a nickel per container as a “deposit,” which theoretically is refundable if you bring the container back to the store or to a recycling […]
The post Those Nickels Add Up! appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Remembering Raymond M. Jefferson III

Sun, 26 Jan 2025 02:08:00 +0100

Editor’s Note: Ray Jefferson, who passed away October 13, 2024, lived in Hawaii for about a decade and served as Deputy Director of the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism (DBEDT) from 2003 to 2004. He fell in love with the culture, the community, and the spirit of aloha, which he carried with him […]
The post Remembering Raymond M. Jefferson III appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Mike Hynson, Surfing Star of ‘The Endless Summer,’ Dies at 82

Sat, 25 Jan 2025 22:19:00 +0100

The hit 1966 surfing documentary immortalized the maverick California wave rider as an archetype of the footloose rebel surfer.

Do-in: Mindful Self Massage Workshop with Dr. Greg Yuen Saturday, February 8, 2025

Sat, 25 Jan 2025 02:21:00 +0100

Lessons learned from Lahaina could help in rebuilding LA

Thu, 23 Jan 2025 22:52:00 +0100

By Keli‘i Akina Watching fires sweep across the Los Angeles area recently has hit close to home for those of us in Hawaii. Having witnessed the devastation in Lahaina, we know firsthand the pain of seeing friends and neighbors lose their homes — or entire neighborhoods — to wildfires. We also know the challenges involved […]
The post Lessons learned from Lahaina could help in rebuilding LA appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Historic income tax cut threatened by potential hikes

Thu, 23 Jan 2025 22:51:00 +0100

By Keli’i Akina You might have noticed something a little different about your most recent paycheck. The largest state income tax cut in Hawaii history, which was proposed last year by Gov. Josh Green and approved by every state senator and representative, is finally kicking in — and people are seeing the benefits. The cuts […]
The post Historic income tax cut threatened by potential hikes appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Two Hawaiian Brothers Say That Police Framed Them in a 1991 Murder

Thu, 23 Jan 2025 04:09:00 +0100

Ian and Shawn Schweitzer argued in a federal lawsuit that local police had failed to arrest a leading suspect.

O‘ahu Weddings on a Budget: Kama’aina Kine Guide

Thu, 23 Jan 2025 03:20:00 +0100

Aloha kākou! Planning a wedding can be exciting, but guarantee going be expensive. No worry chicken katsu curry, ‘cause if you plan ‘em right, still can be mayjah. Yessah. Get ready for take notes cuz Unko going learn you how. Summertime is nuts. Try look at November to February (but not holidays). Venues and vendors […]
The post O‘ahu Weddings on a Budget: Kama’aina Kine Guide appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Nearly 50 Years After Honolulu Teen’s Killing, Police Arrest an Ex-Schoolmate

Wed, 22 Jan 2025 23:29:00 +0100

DNA evidence helped lead long-stymied detectives to a suspect in the murder of Dawn Momohara, 16, who was strangled and found dead at her high school.

Honolulu Police Arrest Suspect in 1977 Murder of Dawn Momohara

Wed, 22 Jan 2025 23:29:00 +0100

DNA evidence helped lead long-stymied detectives to a suspect in the murder of Dawn Momohara, 16, who was strangled and found dead at her high school.

Join Us for a Community Koa Tree Planting Event! 🌱

Tue, 21 Jan 2025 21:47:00 +0100

📅 Date: February 1, 2025⏰ Time: 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM📍 Location: Ka Hiapo Farm, Kūkaniloko (Entry at Kamehameha Hwy + Whitmore Ave) Aloha ʻāina kākou! We warmly invite you to be a part of our upcoming ʻĀina Kaiāulu Koa Tree Planting Event at Ka Hiapo Farm, Kūkaniloko. Together, we will kanu 1,000 koa trees, […]
The post Join Us for a Community Koa Tree Planting Event! 🌱 appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Climate Resiliency

Mon, 20 Jan 2025 17:00:00 +0100

Sooner or later, we and Hawaii will have to face problems caused by increased risk of catastrophic events due to global climate change. In recognition of this danger, the governor has gotten together a blue-ribbon panel, called Hawaiʻi’s Climate Advisory Team (CAT), to develop community-informed policy recommendations to drive the state’s climate-related disaster policies for […]
The post Climate Resiliency appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Ke Ō Mau Center for Sustainable Island Food Systems – Brown Bag Speaker Series webinar event #8 – Food System Planning and Policy in Hawaiʻi: Emerging Issues & Strategic Directions

Wed, 15 Jan 2025 03:43:00 +0100

Please join us for the first webinar of 2025 in our ongoing monthly series, which features brief presentations followed by a Q&A session to foster dialogue and collaboration. This monthly series highlights important agri-food system change initiatives across Hawaiʻi, offering insights and updates on key issues. This January, our focus will be on Food System […]
The post Ke Ō Mau Center for Sustainable Island Food Systems – Brown Bag Speaker Series webinar event #8 &nda

Hawaii’s Ban on Braiding Without a License Won’t Allow Me to Work

Tue, 14 Jan 2025 01:25:00 +0100

By Kaiulani Flores Many artists and musicians start their training at an early age. For me, growing up on Maui, my passion was natural hair braiding. I began braiding hair when I was five years old, practicing French braids on my dad. As I got older, I experimented with new styles, using my mom, siblings, […]
The post Hawaii’s Ban on Braiding Without a License Won’t Allow Me to Work appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Case Dismissed—For Now

Mon, 13 Jan 2025 17:00:00 +0100

Earlier this year, we wrote about a document that directed staff at the Department of Taxation to use the negligence penalty, a penalty of 25% of the tax due, against taxpayers who receive requests for documents from a tax auditor and for whatever reason are not able to comply with the request within the time […]
The post Case Dismissed—For Now appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Why It’s Good to Snore: The Link Between Snoring and the Thyroid

Sat, 11 Jan 2025 17:32:00 +0100

Snoring is one of those things that seems to affect other people more than yourself, especially those who share your bedroom. In a way, it’s a social disease, since it can cause insomnia in those around you. This makes the snorer as welcome in bed as someone who ate beans for dinner. Why do people […]
The post Why It’s Good to Snore: The Link Between Snoring and the Thyroid appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

I can braid hair, but Hawaii will not let me work

Sat, 11 Jan 2025 05:28:00 +0100

By Kaiulani Flores Musicians and artists often start training young. My childhood passion while growing up in Maui was natural hair braiding. I started practicing French braids on my dad when I was 5. I then discovered different styles and recruited my mom, siblings, cousins, and friends as volunteer clients. There were no YouTube videos […]
The post I can braid hair, but Hawaii will not let me work appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Here are some New Year’s resolutions I hope our lawmakers will embrace

Wed, 08 Jan 2025 23:11:00 +0100

By Keli’i Akina Happy New Year! We’re only a few days into 2025, and it is time for one of my favorite traditions — making a list of New Year’s resolutions for Hawaii policymakers. Resolutions typically don’t stick for very long, but 2024 broke the mold. Last year at this time, I suggested that Hawaii’s lawmakers resolve […]
The post Here are some New Year’s resolutions I hope our lawmakers will embrace appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Small group has a big impact in native forest restoration

Wed, 08 Jan 2025 22:02:00 +0100

Waiʻalae Nui is located in the southeastern Koʻolau Mountains. The forest at Waiʻalae Nui was once described to me as a “pristine native forest from the mid elevations to the summit. Here, koa (Acacia koa), ʻōhiʻa (Metrosideros polymorpha) and uluhe (Dicronopteris linearis), a common but important fern that helps shield steep slopes from erosion, dominate […]
The post Small group has a big impact in native forest restoration appeared f

Firefighter Is Killed After Roof Partly Collapses in Honolulu Blaze

Tue, 07 Jan 2025 14:28:00 +0100

Five other people, including four firefighters, were taken to the hospital with injuries from the fire.

Hawaii Governor: Robert F. Kennedy Is Unfit to Be HHS Secretary

Tue, 07 Jan 2025 11:01:00 +0100

Before I was governor of Hawaii, I saw how Robert Kennedy Jr. contributed to a measles outbreak in Samoa.

New Year’s Fireworks Explosions Kill 3 in Honolulu

Thu, 02 Jan 2025 14:06:00 +0100

A series of explosions caused by fireworks in a residential area left more than two dozen people with burns and other injuries, officials said.

The Deadly Impact of Illegal Fireworks in Honolulu

Thu, 02 Jan 2025 08:58:00 +0100

The recent fireworks explosion in Honolulu’s Salt Lake neighborhood, which claimed at least three lives and injured more than 20 people, is a tragic culmination of a long-standing issue that has plagued our city for years. Illegal fireworks, often dismissed as a mere nuisance, have now proven to be deadly. This disaster should be a […]
The post The Deadly Impact of Illegal Fireworks in Honolulu appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Fascism in America — Part 2

Thu, 02 Jan 2025 08:02:00 +0100

Editor’s Note: This is the second of a two-part series by Manfred Henningsen, formerly a political science professor at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, where he taught for fifty years until his retirement in 2020. by Manfred Henningsen The extent of violence to which the freed slaves in the southern states were exposed to […]
The post Fascism in America — Part 2 appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Hoarding More School Impact Fees

Mon, 30 Dec 2024 17:00:00 +0100

In February of this year, we wrote about an issue with our Hawaii Department of Education (DOE), which, in addition to being one of the largest agencies we have in state government, has the unique ability to levy a tax. That tax is called a school impact fee, and it has been levied under a […]
The post Hoarding More School Impact Fees appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

WPI- Hawaii Project Center- Let us help!

Mon, 30 Dec 2024 04:59:00 +0100

MISSION: Do good. Solve problems. Make a small contribution. Big goals, little time. CHALLENGES: economy, politics, Hawai‘i faces critical environmental and sustainability issues. We are stretched, no time to think, just do. We are doing what we can, with what we have. We could use some help. The WPI- Hawaii Project Ce

Warren Upton, Who Escaped Sinking Battleship at Pearl Harbor, Dies at 105

Sun, 29 Dec 2024 16:45:00 +0100

The last survivor of the U.S.S. Utah, he was a 22-year-old Navy radioman when Japanese forces attacked.

Warren Upton, Pearl Harbor Survivor, Dies at 105

Sun, 29 Dec 2024 16:45:00 +0100

The last survivor of the U.S.S. Utah, he was a 22-year-old Navy radioman when Japanese forces attacked.

Stowaway on a Delta Seattle-Hawaii Flight Is Caught Before Takeoff

Sat, 28 Dec 2024 06:48:00 +0100

The person, who boarded the flight without a ticket, was detected as the plane was preparing to take off for Hawaii on Christmas Eve.

Dear Santa, please bring the changes Hawaii needs

Fri, 27 Dec 2024 03:06:00 +0100

By Keli’i Akina This week, I’d like to share with you a letter I wrote recently to Santa. I hope making it public won’t jinx my requests, but I think he would be OK with me doing this. So here it is: Dear Santa, Christmas is right around the corner, and I know you are […]
The post Dear Santa, please bring the changes Hawaii needs appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Encuentran un cuerpo en el hueco de las ruedas de un avión de United Airline

Thu, 26 Dec 2024 17:02:00 +0100

Se está investigando la muerte de una persona cuyo cuerpo fue encontrado en un vuelo que salió de Chicago y aterrizó en Hawái el martes por la mañana.

20 Years Ago a Tsunami Killed 230,000 People. We Can Do Better Now.

Thu, 26 Dec 2024 07:00:00 +0100

With better technology, we could further shorten the time between an earthquake and when the tsunami warning goes out.

Dead Body Is Found in Wheel Well of United Airlines Plane After Hawaii Landing

Thu, 26 Dec 2024 00:26:00 +0100

The body was discovered after the flight, which originated from Chicago, landed at the airport in Hawaii. The death is under investigation.

Dead Body Is Found in Plane’s Wheel Well After Hawaii Landing

Thu, 26 Dec 2024 00:26:00 +0100

The body was discovered after the flight, which originated from Chicago, landed at the airport in Hawaii. The death is under investigation.

Hawaii’s Kilauea Volcano Erupts on Big Island

Tue, 24 Dec 2024 15:44:00 +0100

Scientists said that the main hazard from the eruption on Monday was increased levels of volcanic gas.

Fascism in America — Part 1

Tue, 24 Dec 2024 07:20:00 +0100

Editor’s Note: This is the first of a two-part series by Manfred Henningsen, formerly a political science professor at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, where he taught for fifty years until his retirement in 2020. by Manfred Henningsen If you’re familiar with German historian Ernst Nolte’s 1963 classic, The Three Faces of Fascism, you’ll […]
The post Fascism in America — Part 1 appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Tug of War

Mon, 23 Dec 2024 17:00:00 +0100

Many of us were following the progress of the City and County of Honolulu’s proposal for an Empty Homes Tax, which we wrote about here and here, and felt relieved when the City Council deferred the matter on Wednesday, December 11. Deferred doesn’t mean dead, however. As pointed out often that day, the City had […]
The post Tug of War appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Surfers Return for Rare Big Wave Contest in Hawaii

Sun, 22 Dec 2024 23:03:00 +0100

The Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational is held only when conditions are just right. The 45 invited surfers had less than 48 hours to arrive on the North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii, on Sunday.

Two Dead in Small Plane Crash in Hawaii

Wed, 18 Dec 2024 16:23:00 +0100

The plane, which was reportedly on a training flight with a cargo carrier, could be seen veering away from a highway before it crashed into a vacant building.

Dashcam Video Shows Honolulu Plane Crash

Wed, 18 Dec 2024 16:23:00 +0100

A small plane crashed near the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu, killing two people, officials said.

Oh, the Places We Went!

Tue, 17 Dec 2024 11:00:00 +0100

This year, of the 52 destinations on our annual list, our writers and photographers touched down in 11 to capture their essence. Here’s what they found.

Deferral of ‘Swiss cheese’ bill a victory for responsible lawmaking

Mon, 16 Dec 2024 23:13:00 +0100

By Keli’i Akina This week, we witnessed a victory for individual freedom and responsible lawmaking. On Wednesday, the Honolulu City Council voted to defer Bill 46, thereby saving Oahu homeowners from a so-called empty homes tax — at least for now. Much of the credit for this win goes to you, the people who got involved […]
The post Deferral of ‘Swiss cheese’ bill a victory for responsible lawmaking appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Qualified Charitable Distributions

Mon, 16 Dec 2024 17:00:00 +0100

I’m sometimes asked, “What’s the biggest break that today’s tax code gives us?” There are many ways to measure big breaks, of course, but how about this one: Qualified Charitable Distributions. This benefit is mainly for those of us who are older and who have put a fair amount of retirement savings into a tax-deferred […]
The post Qualified Charitable Distributions appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Robert Fernandez, Who Survived Pearl Harbor as a Teen, Dies at 100

Sun, 15 Dec 2024 17:06:00 +0100

He was a 17-year-old sailor aboard the U.S.S. Curtiss when Japanese forces attacked. He said he had joined the Navy to see the world.

Robert Fernandez, Who Survived Pearl Harbor as a Teenager, Dies at 100

Sun, 15 Dec 2024 17:03:00 +0100

He was a 17-year-old sailor aboard the U.S.S. Curtiss when Japanese forces attacked. He said he had joined the Navy to see the world.

6 destinos turísticos para escapar del frío

Sun, 15 Dec 2024 08:00:00 +0100

No tienes que viajar muy lejos para aprovechar los beneficios del sol en pleno invierno.

Bob Fernandez, Who Survived Pearl Harbor as a Teenager, Dies at 100

Sat, 14 Dec 2024 23:49:00 +0100

Mr. Fernandez was a 17-year-old sailor aboard the U.S.S. Curtiss when Japanese forces attacked. He had recently canceled a trip to Hawaii for the 83rd anniversary of the bombing.

Tired of Swiping Left? Here Are the Best U.S. Cities for Singles.

Thu, 12 Dec 2024 11:02:00 +0100

A recent study ranked large U.S. cities on the quality of dating life. A city in the South came out on top.

Hannah Kobayashi Is ‘Found Safe,’ Weeks After She Was Reported Missing

Wed, 11 Dec 2024 23:32:00 +0100

The search drew national attention after she flew from Maui to Los Angeles and did not board a connecting flight to New York. Her family said she was found safe a weeks later.

Suspect in CEO’s Killing Had Discussed His Health Struggles on Reddit

Tue, 10 Dec 2024 20:19:00 +0100

In posts that stretch over years, he described debilitating back pain, “brain fog” in his college years and testing for irritable bowel syndrome.

Supreme Court Turns Down Cases on Admissions, Gender Identity and Guns

Mon, 09 Dec 2024 19:39:00 +0100

Conservative justices voiced objections and concerns about the court’s failures to take up a series of cases on major social controversies.

The Upcoming 2025 Session

Mon, 09 Dec 2024 17:00:00 +0100

The last month of the year has begun. Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and its variants are behind us. And the 2025 legislative session is approaching with blinding speed. The House and the Senate have announced a new lineup of leadership positions and committee chairs. The chairs of the money committees, which have sway over much […]
The post The Upcoming 2025 Session appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

What to Know About Hannah Kobayashi, Who Was Reported Missing in California

Wed, 04 Dec 2024 22:50:00 +0100

The search drew national attention after she flew from Maui to Los Angeles and did not board a connecting flight to New York. The police later said she had crossed into Mexico on foot.

Researchers Release Hawaiian Crows Back Into the Wild

Wed, 04 Dec 2024 19:30:00 +0100

Researchers are trying a new strategy to reintroduce Hawaiian crows, which have been extinct in the wild for two decades.

Why Nutrition Research is Full of Crap

Wed, 04 Dec 2024 17:27:00 +0100

These days there are so many nutrition studies being vomited out to the public by the media that it’s just too much to swallow. And that’s a good thing, since they are junk food for your brain. There is a really big problem with nutrition research that makes it unreliable. It has to do with […]
The post Why Nutrition Research is Full of Crap appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

6 Warm Winter Getaways That Will Lift Your Spirits

Tue, 03 Dec 2024 11:03:00 +0100

Looking to take a break from the cold without traveling too far or spending too much? Here are some sunny, easy-to-reach places to beat the winter blahs.

Exploring Timor-Leste From the Air

Tue, 03 Dec 2024 00:29:00 +0100

Exploring Timor-Leste From the Air is a stunning photography book featuring over 100 high-quality aerial images taken throughout this captivating, yet often overlooked, country. The book illustrates the variety and beauty of sights in Timor-Leste, including rice fields, traditional Timorese houses, Portuguese colonial architecture, mountains, beaches, rivers, markets, cemeteries, churches, wildlife, cities, and hamlets. This […]
The post Exploring Timor-Leste From the Air appeared first o

Deferred Maintenance

Mon, 02 Dec 2024 17:00:00 +0100

One of the problems that has plagued Hawaii governments at all levels is “deferred maintenance.” Simply put, it means there’s stuff broken and there isn’t presently money to fix it, so it has to stay broken until some future time when the money is available. We’ve heard about deferred maintenance at the airport, at the […]
The post Deferred Maintenance appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

National Public Radio Interview with Rob Kay on Fiji

Mon, 02 Dec 2024 09:30:00 +0100

A few weeks ago I had the good fortune to be interviewed about Fiji by Tom Wilmer, on his “Journeys of Discovery” podcast for National Public Radio. Tom and I had both been members of the Society of American Travel Writers and the two of us had also been recipients of the Lowell Thomas Travel Journalism […]
The post National Public Radio Interview with Rob Kay on Fiji appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Auli’i Cravalho es mucho más que Moana

Sun, 01 Dec 2024 22:08:00 +0100

La película de Disney la convirtió en una estrella. Ahora Cravalho, a sus 24 años, vuelve a la secuela, mientras debuta en Broadway y acepta papeles más atrevidos.

Life on Oahu during World War II–a conversation with Bishop Museum Historian DeSoto Brown

Sun, 01 Dec 2024 03:31:00 +0100

by Tom Wilmer Editor’s Note from Rob Kay: As we get closer to yet another anniversary of December 7, 1942, I think it’s appropriate to post this interview that NPR podcaster Tom Wilmer conducted with Bishop Museum Historian and Curator of the Archives, DeSoto Brown. I met with Tom Wilmer earlier this year when he was […]
The post Life on Oahu during World War II–a conversation with Bishop Museum Historian DeSoto Brown appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Auli’i Cravalho on ‘Moana 2’ and Making Her Broadway Debut

Sat, 30 Nov 2024 11:00:00 +0100

“Moana” made her a breakout star. Now Cravalho, at 24, is back in the sequel, while also making her Broadway debut and embracing edgier parts.

36 Hours in Honolulu: Things to Do and See

Thu, 28 Nov 2024 11:02:00 +0100

Explore lush forest trails, midcentury architecture and tropical flavors in Hawaii’s multicultural capital.

Healthy, safe and eminently practical holiday gifts

Thu, 28 Nov 2024 11:01:00 +0100

It’s that time of the year again. What to get your significant other, friends and family? Here are some suggestions, based items I’ve reviewed over the past year… So let’s look at the newest product first. I’ve had about a month to review the Soundcore Space One Pro headphone ($200) from Anker. Essentially it does everything […]
The post Healthy, safe and eminently practical holiday gifts appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Let’s hope third time won’t be lucky for efforts to impose ’empty home’ tax

Wed, 27 Nov 2024 02:37:00 +0100

By Keli’i Akina I’ve written in the past about how a so-called empty homes tax would be highly unlikely to solve Oahu’s housing crisis. Twice in the past few years, bills to impose such a tax have been introduced at the Honolulu City Council, and twice those bills failed to gain traction. But the idea […]
The post Let’s hope third time won’t be lucky for efforts to impose ’empty home’ tax appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Legislative History

Mon, 25 Nov 2024 17:00:00 +0100

In my role with the Tax Foundation of Hawaii and in private practice as a lawyer, I often have occasion to visit the Capitol website, capitol.hawaii.gov, to do research. The more I have gotten to know the site, the more I understand that it has a great deal of resources to do legislative research. Legislative […]
The post Legislative History appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Warning: Discovery of Anatomical Structure that Causes Breast Cancer

Sat, 23 Nov 2024 14:32:00 +0100

Breast cancer is a leading cause of cancer in women, and despite decades of research into the genetics and biochemistry of this disease, little progress has been made in prevention. This is mostly due to the lack of knowing the cause. You can’t prevent a disease without knowing the cause. However, we believe we discovered […]
The post Warning: Discovery of Anatomical Structure that Causes Breast Cancer appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Exploring Timor-Leste on Foot

Thu, 21 Nov 2024 09:45:00 +0100

Exploring Timor-Leste on Foot: 30 incredible hikes in one of the least visited countries in the world is the first comprehensive hiking guide to Timor-Leste. One of the world’s newest countries, Timor-Leste offers an abundance of hiking opportunities for adventurous travellers. The country boasts some of Southeast Asia’s most spectacular scenery, with near 3,000-metre-high mountains, […]
The post Exploring Timor-Leste on Foot appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Viking Security Safe VS-50SX — a great place to stash your valuables

Tue, 19 Nov 2024 23:12:00 +0100

In the scheme of things the Viking Security Safe VS-50SX is not the largest gun safe you’ll ever encounter. However, it may well be the handiest. At 19.7x W 13.8” x D 12.2” it approaches almost two cubic feet and it weighs in at 50 lbs. (It’s priced at $289 on Amazon). So, what’s the point? […]
The post Viking Security Safe VS-50SX — a great place to stash your valuables appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Breast Cancer Research must make Dollars, and not just Sense

Tue, 19 Nov 2024 16:14:00 +0100

Why is there still a breast cancer epidemic despite billions in research funding? In the pre-pandemic days, when we were able to focus on other diseases besides COVID, there were annual gala events to raise awareness, and funds, for breast cancer research. Literally billions of dollars went to the Susan G. Komen Foundation, which made […]
The post Breast Cancer Research must make Dollars, and not just Sense appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Economic reform urgently needed to stem exodus from Hawaii

Mon, 18 Nov 2024 21:22:00 +0100

By Keli’i Akina I’m guessing most of us have heard about Hawaii’s net population decline in recent years. Prices here are high, housing is scarce, there are few job or business opportunities, and access to healthcare can be problematic. In short, Hawaii is seen as paradise, but it can be a tough place to live. […]
The post Economic reform urgently needed to stem exodus from Hawaii appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Charging Convenience Fees for Our Kids

Mon, 18 Nov 2024 17:00:00 +0100

Back in the Dark Ages when I was going to public school here in Honolulu, I could get my school lunch for a quarter. An extra half-pint carton of milk was a dime. Nowadays, a school lunch costs $2.75 for most kids, and for those who qualify for low-income treatment, it costs 40 cents. But […]
The post Charging Convenience Fees for Our Kids appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Why Do Flowers Mean So Much to Us?

Thu, 14 Nov 2024 11:00:00 +0100

Icons of beauty, providers of sustenance, even symbols of divinity — blossoming plants have assumed a deep significance to many cultures across the globe.

Vicky Holt Takamine Wins the Gish Prize

Wed, 13 Nov 2024 18:01:00 +0100

Vicky Holt Takamine, a renowned teacher of hula dance and a champion for Indigenous culture, will receive a cash award of more than $450,000.

Lahaina Fire Settlement is Caught up in Legal Fight With Insurers

Wed, 13 Nov 2024 15:31:00 +0100

Insurers that paid claims in Maui say a deal unfairly keeps them from recouping their own losses.

Tips for People with Noses

Tue, 12 Nov 2024 18:03:00 +0100

Some people smell well, and smell good. And some people are real stinkers. In the typical American household, the nose is assaulted by an army of smells. You rise in the morning and go to the bathroom. If you are lucky enough not to be constipated, you have your morning bowel movement, and then spray […]
The post Tips for People with Noses appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

A Secret Masterpiece by the Father of Hawaiian Modernism

Tue, 12 Nov 2024 11:04:00 +0100

This hexagonal home, hidden on an Oahu mountaintop, is the best example of Vladimir Ossipoff’s blend of Japanese and American midcentury design.

Washington Monument Strategy

Mon, 11 Nov 2024 17:00:00 +0100

In the annals of politics is the legendary strategy once used by the National Park Service to avoid crippling budget cuts. As the story goes, when the tentative budget cuts were announced the Service told the public that, because of the looming funding issues, they would be forced to close the Washington Monument. A great […]
The post Washington Monument Strategy appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Does new report offer ‘cure’ to Hawaii permitting woes?

Mon, 11 Nov 2024 01:46:00 +0100

By Keli’i Akina Have you ever had trouble getting a building permit? I’m guessing yes because the reaction to my recent column about a homeowner’s permitting troubles on Hawaii Island has been some of the most intense I’ve seen in my many years of sharing my thoughts with you. Readers responded with their stories of […]
The post Does new report offer ‘cure’ to Hawaii permitting woes? appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

The Lei Makers Reimagining an Ancient Tradition

Sat, 09 Nov 2024 11:02:00 +0100

A new generation of floral designers are incorporating fresh styles into their creations.

Abortion Initiative Results 2024

Thu, 07 Nov 2024 02:16:00 +0100

See results for ballot measures on abortion in the 2024 general election

Tracking 2024 U.S. House Races: Remaining Path to 218 Seats

Thu, 07 Nov 2024 01:37:00 +0100

Follow the results in the undecided congressional districts in the race for House control.

Path to 218: Tracking the Remaining House Races 2024

Wed, 06 Nov 2024 21:05:00 +0100

Follow the results in the undecided congressional districts in the race for House control.

Presidential Election Results Map: Trump Wins

Wed, 06 Nov 2024 11:58:00 +0100

Get live presidential results and maps from every state and county in the 2024 election.

Live 2024 Election Results Map: Harris vs. Trump

Wed, 06 Nov 2024 04:53:00 +0100

Get live presidential results and maps from every state and county in the 2024 election.

Halloween is over but ‘the Blob’ remains as monster at Legislature

Wed, 06 Nov 2024 03:03:00 +0100

By Keli’i Akina Halloween is over, but there is still a monster that threatens us. In years past, I have talked about the dangers of zombie and Frankenstein bills at the state Capitol. But there is another monster lurking there, quietly devouring the time and attention of all it touches. It is that large, shapeless […]
The post Halloween is over but ‘the Blob’ remains as monster at Legislature appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

The Needle: Live 2024 Presidential Election Forecast

Wed, 06 Nov 2024 02:06:00 +0100

Follow real-time estimates from The New York Times of the outcome in the race between Kamala Harris and Donald J. Trump.

2024 Presidential Election Results Live: Harris vs. Trump

Tue, 05 Nov 2024 21:14:00 +0100

Get live presidential results and maps from every state and county in the 2024 election.

U.S. Senate Election Live Results 2024

Tue, 05 Nov 2024 21:00:00 +0100

U.S. House Election Live Results 2024

Tue, 05 Nov 2024 21:00:00 +0100

Hawaii Election Live Results 2024

Tue, 05 Nov 2024 21:00:00 +0100

Get live results and maps from the 2024 Hawaii elections.

Hawaii First Congressional District Election Results 2024: Case vs. Largey

Tue, 05 Nov 2024 20:52:00 +0100

Get live results and maps from the 2024 Hawaii general election.

Hawaii Amendment 2 Election Results 2024: Standardize Judicial Appointment Process

Tue, 05 Nov 2024 20:52:00 +0100

Get live results and maps from the 2024 Hawaii general election.

Hawaii Amendment 1 Election Results 2024: Right to Marry

Tue, 05 Nov 2024 20:52:00 +0100

Get live results and maps from the 2024 Hawaii general election.

Abortion on the Ballot: 2024 Live Results

Tue, 05 Nov 2024 20:52:00 +0100

See results for ballot measures on abortion in the 2024 general election

Marijuana on the Ballot: 2024 Live Results

Tue, 05 Nov 2024 20:51:00 +0100

See results for ballot measures on marijuana in the 2024 general election

Hawaii U.S. Senate Election Results 2024: Hirono vs. McDermott

Tue, 05 Nov 2024 20:51:00 +0100

Get live results and maps from the 2024 Hawaii general election.

Hawaii Second Congressional District Election Results 2024: Tokuda vs. Bond

Tue, 05 Nov 2024 20:51:00 +0100

Get live results and maps from the 2024 Hawaii general election.

Hawaii Presidential Election Results 2024

Tue, 05 Nov 2024 20:51:00 +0100

Get live results and maps from the 2024 Hawaii general election.

Exploring Timor-Leste’s Religious Sites

Tue, 05 Nov 2024 07:22:00 +0100

by Jonty Crane Despite being home to a population that is 98% Catholic—the second highest concentration in the world after the Vatican City—Timor-Leste (formerly East Timor) boasts a diverse array of sites from other religions, including Islam, Protestantism, Hinduism, and Buddhism. The book illustrates the variety and beauty of religious sites in Timor-Leste, including churches, […]
The post Exploring Timor-Leste’s Religious Sites appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Asbestos exposure may still concern Hawaii veterans

Tue, 05 Nov 2024 04:05:00 +0100

by Cristina Johnson The U.S. armed forces resorted to asbestos-containing products throughout the last century in preparation for WWII, when affordable materials were in high demand for mass-producing military equipment in a short time. All five military branches used products made with asbestos, resulting in many service members being exposed to asbestos, especially Second World War, […]
The post Asbestos exposure may still concern Hawaii veterans appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Hold That Abortion – Social Justice for Fetal People

Tue, 05 Nov 2024 00:42:00 +0100

Our culture has awakened to the need for greater social justice for traditionally marginalized groups. The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) movement has grown out of this concern, and one of its hallmark approaches is to promote equity by advocating for special consideration for those who are systemically oppressed. Through the lens of equity, special […]
The post Hold That Abortion – Social Justice for Fetal People appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

The Cato Report Cards

Mon, 04 Nov 2024 17:00:00 +0100

The Cato Institute is a nonprofit organization, based in Washington, DC, that promotes fiscal and regulatory restraint and opposes the spiraling growth of government spending. Every two years, it puts out a Fiscal Policy Report Card on America’s Governors. Before we tell you how our Hawaii fared in 2024, let’s go through some history. In […]
The post The Cato Report Cards appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Japanese American Baseball Players Return to Manzanar Internment Camp

Sun, 03 Nov 2024 11:02:00 +0100

As Shohei Ohtani played in the World Series, Japanese American ballplayers returned to Manzanar for the first baseball games in the internment camp since World War II.

Vote Green, Not for Genocide!

Sat, 02 Nov 2024 09:24:00 +0100

by Michael Sukhov As I sat down to my morning coffee and paper today I was again greeted with the newsthat the Israeli military continues to slaughter innocent civilians in the West Bank, Gaza,and Lebanon. None of this would be possible without U.S.-manufactured and suppliedbombs, drones, and other weapons that our government continues to provide […]
The post Vote Green, Not for Genocide! appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

The Role of Social Media Platforms in Disaster Response: A Call for Change

Sat, 02 Nov 2024 01:44:00 +0100

During the Lahaina wildfire, 808 Viral became a vital information source amid confusion and misinformation. Social media platforms struggled to moderate content, allowing disinformation and distrust to spread, hindering legitimate aid efforts. The experience highlights the urgent need for better crisis communication protocols and accountability measures against harmful misinformation in both disasters and political contexts.
The post The Role of Social Media Platforms in Disaster Response: A Cal

Magpul’s Santini Aviator Glasses–a blast from the past

Fri, 01 Nov 2024 21:07:00 +0100

Magpul’s Santini Eyewear is one of the newest incarnations of iconic Aviator Glasses. The company has an entire line of eyewear for use at the range but the Santini model is relatively new for them. Of course Aviator glasses have been around for decades. A lot of manufacturers make them but there’s a natural connection […]
The post Magpul’s Santini Aviator Glasses–a blast from the past appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Historic income tax cut exactly what Hawaii needed

Wed, 30 Oct 2024 23:50:00 +0100

By Keli’i Akina It always amazes me when I hear people criticize the historic personal state income tax cut that our Legislature and Gov. Josh Green enacted into law this year. Finally, Hawaii’s lawmakers listened to the people and did the most effective thing they could to significantly lower our incredibly high cost of living: […]
The post Historic income tax cut exactly what Hawaii needed appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

A Chef Embraces an Elusive Fruit of Her Ancestors

Wed, 30 Oct 2024 10:02:00 +0100

Her take on beautifully ripe ‘ulu, or breadfruit in Hawaiian, is worth the wait.

The U.S. Army Prepares for War With China: New Vehicles, Face Paint and a 1,200-Foot Fall

Tue, 29 Oct 2024 17:26:00 +0100

The big and cumbersome Army is trying to transform itself to deploy quickly to Asia, if needed. It is an inherently dangerous business.

New Vehicles, Face Paint and a 1,200-Foot Fall: The U.S. Army Prepares for War With China

Tue, 29 Oct 2024 17:15:00 +0100

The big and cumbersome Army is trying to transform itself to deploy quickly to Asia, if needed. It is an inherently dangerous business.

Self-Insurance Is No Insurance

Mon, 28 Oct 2024 17:00:00 +0100

One of our newer lawmakers recently penned a piece, “Consumer-Centered Property Insurance Can Help Condo Owners” (Civil Beat, Oct. 18), floating the idea that condominium associations should consider self-insurance as one way to deal with the difficulties, costs, and practicalities of getting insurance for condominium common areas. The author notes that self-insurance entails putting away […]
The post Self-Insurance Is No Insurance appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Making Money is a Waste of Time

Thu, 24 Oct 2024 16:26:00 +0200

It’s common American folk wisdom, apparently started by Benjamin Franklin, that “time is money”. You would expect a capitalist country, focused on finance, to worship the dollar and define time in terms of cash. It gives people a reason for working as much as possible, producing as much as possible, to make as much money […]
The post Making Money is a Waste of Time appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Hawaii Island homeowner at wit’s end over nightmarish permitting snafu

Thu, 24 Oct 2024 12:21:00 +0200

By Keli’i Akina Imagine buying a house with the intention of remodeling it, doing everything you’re supposed to do — obtain permits, begin remodeling, schedule inspections — only to have the county tell you to tear it down. That’s not just a hypothetical nightmare situation used to illustrate the power of the state over the […]
The post Hawaii Island homeowner at wit’s end over nightmarish permitting snafu appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Uluniu – Niuversary at Kūkaniloko

Thu, 24 Oct 2024 03:49:00 +0200

Saturday, November 2, 2024, 9:00 am – 1:00 pm Please join us as we celebrate Makahiki and gather to mālama niu. On November 20, 2021, we planted 108 coconut trees in Kūkaniloko. Every year, we return to share food and take care of the trees we love so much. Please bring a meal to share […]
The post Uluniu – Niuversary at Kūkaniloko appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Autocorrect, Now Pay Up!

Mon, 21 Oct 2024 18:00:00 +0200

Most of us with smartphones are aware of the “AutoCorrect” feature that sometimes can be a great help, at other times a major annoyance. Simply put, when I am typing something, the computer sometimes replaces what I type with what it thinks I intended to type. So, one evening I sent my wife a text, […]
The post Autocorrect, Now Pay Up! appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

The $4 Billion Maui Wildfire “Settlement”

Mon, 14 Oct 2024 18:00:00 +0200

There have been a lot of sharp words in the news lately surrounding a $4 billion “global settlement” relating to financial responsibility for the Maui wildfires. Homeowners’ property insurance has paid fire victims more than $2.3 billion and expect to pay $1 billion more, according to Property Insurers for Hawaii, a coalition of more than […]
The post The $4 Billion Maui Wildfire “Settlement” appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

The New Epidemic of SAD

Mon, 14 Oct 2024 16:52:00 +0200

Why we hate each other more now than ever, and what to do about it I have a confession to make. Most of my life I have been an extroverted person, friendly, helpful, and communicative. I would enjoying making jokes with strangers, such as cashiers at the supermarket, or waiters in a restaurant. I could, […]
The post The New Epidemic of SAD appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Interview with Big Island filmmaker Zoë Eisenberg

Wed, 09 Oct 2024 22:49:00 +0200

by Rob Kay and Cindy Ramirez Big Island-based filmmaker Zoë Eisenberg has crafted a body of work that reflects a deep connection to her island roots. Known for her multifaceted talents as a filmmaker—having produced, written, and directed—2024 has been a standout year for Eisenberg, with the release of her solo directorial debut, Chaperone, alongside the publication […]
The post Interview with Big Island filmmaker Zoë Eisenberg appeared first on Hawaii Repo

Exploring Timor-Leste: A comprehensive travel guide to one of the least visited countries in the world

Tue, 08 Oct 2024 09:32:00 +0200

Exploring Timor-Leste: A comprehensive travel guide to one of the least visited countries in the world, by Jonty Crane, is the first internationally available guide book to this remarkable country since the 2011 edition of the Lonely Planet guide. As one of the world’s newest and least explored nations, Timor-Leste (formerly East Timor) is now […]
The post Exploring Timor-Leste: A comprehensive travel guide to one of the least visited countries in the world appeared first on Hawaii

Oahu beekeeping industry almost latest victim of overregulation

Tue, 08 Oct 2024 00:50:00 +0200

By Keli’i Akina If you hang around Hawaii long enough, you’ll hear a lot of buzz about the need to diversify our economy, help small businesses and support agriculture. Yet, Hawaii often ranks poorly in surveys of state business climates, due in large part to our taxes and regulations. All too often, we find ourselves defending those […]
The post Oahu beekeeping industry almost latest victim of overregulation appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

More on the Empty Homes Tax

Mon, 07 Oct 2024 18:00:00 +0200

Our Honolulu City Council has once again taken up the idea of the “empty homes tax.” Versions of this tax were considered in Bill 6 (2020) and Bill 9 (2022). Bill 46 (2024) is the current version moving forward in the Council. The idea behind an empty homes tax is to impose an outrageously high […]
The post More on the Empty Homes Tax appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Bras, Booze, and Breasts: The Recipe for Cancer You’re Not Being Told

Fri, 04 Oct 2024 16:35:00 +0200

If you are one of those women who like to dress to kill and go to a bar to meet friends, then you are at a high risk of breast cancer. Bras and alcohol are both lifestyle factors that increase breast cancer rates. But you will not hear much about this because our culture promotes […]
The post Bras, Booze, and Breasts: The Recipe for Cancer You’re Not Being Told appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Masamitsu Yoshioka, Last Pearl Harbor Bombardier, Dies at 106

Thu, 03 Oct 2024 17:40:00 +0200

He was 23 years old when he took part in the attack that triggered America’s declaration of war against Japan. He rarely spoke publicly about it.

Lahaina Inferno Emerged From Smoldering Remnants of Quelled Fire

Thu, 03 Oct 2024 02:48:00 +0200

Federal investigators have concluded that hidden embers remained from a morning fire in the Hawaii town of Lahaina. They reignited later into a fire that destroyed much of the town.

Read Your Way Around Hawaii

Wed, 02 Oct 2024 11:00:00 +0200

To read Hawaii is to understand that much of it will never be accessible to the masses. The writer Megan Kamalei Kakimoto recommends books that illuminate the islands’ rich history and storytelling spirit.

Rent control is not the solution for alleviating Hawaii’s housing crisis

Tue, 01 Oct 2024 03:58:00 +0200

By Keli’i Akina My heart goes out to our Maui ohana who are still struggling to find affordable rental housing in the wake of the devastating fires that razed much of Lahaina last year. But I am dismayed that several groups have called on the local government to institute rent control policies in the hopes […]
The post Rent control is not the solution for alleviating Hawaii’s housing crisis appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

I. T. E. M. (Incompetence Takes Everyone’s Money)

Mon, 30 Sep 2024 18:00:00 +0200

Our latest major government snafu comes to us courtesy of the Hawaii Department of Education (DOE). Their teachers are underpaid enough as is, but through some mysterious turns of events, they wound up stiffing hundreds of teachers for multiple pay periods. According to the Hawaii teachers’ union HSTA, 377 teachers who were supposed to receive […]
The post I. T. E. M. (Incompetence Takes Everyone’s Money) appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Ke Ō Mau Center for Sustainable Island Food Systems – Brown Bag Speaker Series Event #5

Sat, 28 Sep 2024 02:47:00 +0200

Featuring: Catherine Pirkle – Pirkle Epidemiology and Evaluation Consulting, LLC; Amy Miller – President and CEO, Hawaiʻi Food Bank; Jason Shon – Food Security & Sustainability Program Manager, City & County of Honolulu; Alex Narrajos – Sustainable Agriculture & Food Systems Manager, City & County of Honolulu. Hosted by Brian “Ioane” Jahn. Please join us […]
The post Ke Ō Mau Center for Sustainable Island Food Systems – B

Hawaii Budget Primer

Mon, 23 Sep 2024 18:00:00 +0200

This week we wanted to bring special attention to a 32-page pamphlet recently published by the Hawaii Appleseed Center for Law and Economic Justice, simply called “Hawaii Budget Primer 2024-25.” The pamphlet’s cover page says that it is written for “Candidates, Elected Officials and Concerned Members of the Public.” Lots of us in the public […]
The post Hawaii Budget Primer appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Gabriel Sachter-Smith’s Quest for Wild Bananas Around the World

Mon, 23 Sep 2024 16:00:00 +0200

One man’s “never-ending quest” for the least-known varieties of the world’s most-eaten fruit.

Is Jones Act unconstitutional as it applies to Hawaii, Alaska?

Sun, 22 Sep 2024 21:49:00 +0200

By Keli’i Akina There’s a new legal theory against the Jones Act on the block, and I’m hoping that it has some legs. My colleagues and I at the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii have been advocating for years that federal lawmakers reform the maritime law known as the Jones Act, which you might recall requires […]
The post Is Jones Act unconstitutional as it applies to Hawaii, Alaska? appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Tax cut was only first step toward healthier Hawaii economy

Sun, 22 Sep 2024 21:40:00 +0200

By Keli‘i Akina As any doctor will tell you, one lifestyle change isn’t necessarily enough to improve your overall health. So it is with cutting taxation and spending. Gov. Josh Green — who is also a doctor, by the way — put Hawaii onto the path of a healthier fiscal lifestyle earlier this year when […]
The post Tax cut was only first step toward healthier Hawaii economy appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Move Over, Matcha. Strawberry Milk Is Here.

Fri, 20 Sep 2024 22:56:00 +0200

Long beloved in Japan, the drink is becoming a fixture on cafe menus in Hawaii and now the mainland, too.

Broadway in Hawaii Announces 2025 Season Featuring Honolulu Premiere of SIX and TINA – The Tina Turner Musical

Thu, 19 Sep 2024 21:15:00 +0200

HONOLULU (September 18, 2024)— Broadway in Hawaii is thrilled to announce that a brand-new season is coming to Blaisdell Concert Hall. The season includes the Hawaii debut of SIX and TINA – The Tina Turner Musical, as well as a much-anticipated return of CHICAGO. Season tickets for the three shows start at $200 and are […]
The post Broadway in Hawaii Announces 2025 Season Featuring Honolulu Premiere of SIX and TINA – The Tina Turner Musical appeared first on Hawaii Repor

Alaska Airlines Chief Plans More Routes After a Deal With Hawaiian

Wed, 18 Sep 2024 17:55:00 +0200

The airline’s chief executive, Ben Minicucci, said in an interview that closing its acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines would allow it to expand, including on international routes.

Suspect in Trump Golf Course Episode Ran a Business in Hawaii

Tue, 17 Sep 2024 21:19:00 +0200

In the town of Kaaawa, he constructed tiny homes at cut-rate prices and neighbors described him as a handyman who was often eager to help.

Alaska Airlines Can Merge With Hawaiian Airlines, U.S. Says

Tue, 17 Sep 2024 21:00:00 +0200

The airlines agreed to maintain some routes and meet other conditions to secure the Transportation Department’s approval of their merger.

State Workers Have Immunity – Even Without Being Trump

Mon, 16 Sep 2024 18:00:00 +0200

As we watched the current Presidential election campaign this year, a decision popped out of the U.S. Supreme Court that made some of our eyes glaze over. It was about Presidential immunity, and the decision said that the President of our country has the right to do certain things without worrying about civil liability or […]
The post State Workers Have Immunity – Even Without Being Trump appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

No Criminal Charges Expected in Aftermath of Maui Wildfire

Sat, 14 Sep 2024 02:36:00 +0200

Hawaii’s attorney general released the latest findings on the 2023 fire that destroyed much of the town of Lahaina, finding a range of shortcomings in the response.

Ex-C.I.A. Officer Who Spied for China Is Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison

Thu, 12 Sep 2024 19:49:00 +0200

The former officer, who also worked as a contract translator for the F.B.I., provided classified documents to Beijing.

Give Me Your Documents

Mon, 09 Sep 2024 18:00:00 +0200

In this past year’s legislative session, there was a a lot of squabbling about a bill proposed by the Department of Taxation. That bill would have penalized a taxpayer under audit who was requested to give documents to the auditor if the taxpayer couldn’t or didn’t produce those documents within a certain number of days […]
The post Give Me Your Documents appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Obscure water-fixture rules hindering Maui homebuilding and renovations

Mon, 09 Sep 2024 01:25:00 +0200

By Keli‘i Akina When my good friend the late Dick Rowland founded the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii 23 years ago, he purposely chose the singular form of “grassroot” for the organization’s name, instead of the more common plural use, because he believed in the power and importance of the individual. A good example of that […]
The post Obscure water-fixture rules hindering Maui homebuilding and renovations appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Hiking Trail in Hawaii Closes After Norovirus Outbreak

Sat, 07 Sep 2024 21:41:00 +0200

Four people tested positive for the virus, which causes a highly contagious gastrointestinal illness, officials said. The trail was recommended to remain closed until at least Sept. 19.

California Can Ban Guns in Parks and Bars, but Not Hospitals, Court Says

Sat, 07 Sep 2024 02:32:00 +0200

California and Hawaii banned guns from various public venues. A federal appeals court dusted off the history books to help determine where to allow prohibitions.

Court Says No to Guns in Parks and Bars. Banks and Hospitals? Yes.

Sat, 07 Sep 2024 02:26:00 +0200

California and Hawaii banned guns from various public venues. A federal appeals court dusted off the history books to help determine where to allow prohibitions.

Maui County plumbing rules hindering housing, new Grassroot report shows

Thu, 05 Sep 2024 10:47:00 +0200

Grassroot Institute of Hawaii researchers find that the county’s policies regarding water fixtures are outdated and need reform HONOLULU, Sept. 4, 2024 >> A new report from the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii shows how small changes to plumbing regulations could have a big impact on Maui County’s housing crisis, especially as thousands of Maui residents remain […]
The post Maui County plumbing rules hindering housing, new Grassroot report shows appeared first on Hawai

Remove barriers to restoring Lahaina’s Front Street as we knew it

Thu, 05 Sep 2024 03:55:00 +0200

Front Street, Lahaina, circa 1910. Photo by R.J. Baker By Keli‘i Akina I can still picture Front Street, Lahaina. I miss the charm of its historic buildings as well as its sense of community. I know that I’m not alone in wanting to see a rebuilt Lahaina that evokes the same spirit of the one […]
The post Remove barriers to restoring Lahaina’s Front Street as we knew it appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Protest Payments

Mon, 02 Sep 2024 18:00:00 +0200

One of the worst kept secrets in Hawaii law is that there is a statute allowing for payments under protest. The good news is that it provides a basis for the courts to get involved if there is some question as to the legitimacy of any fee or tax imposed by any state agency (not […]
The post Protest Payments appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Mapa: la trayectoria del ciclón postropical Hone en vivo

Sun, 01 Sep 2024 22:41:00 +0200

Consulta la trayectoria probable y las horas de llegada de los vientos de Hone.

Map: Tracking Post-Tropical Cyclone Hone

Sun, 01 Sep 2024 22:41:00 +0200

See the likely path and wind arrival times for Hone.

About 10,000 Hotel Workers Walk Off the Job on Labor Day Weekend

Sun, 01 Sep 2024 18:26:00 +0200

The union representing the workers, Unite Here, has planned a rolling strike for several days in cities like Boston, San Francisco and Seattle after contract negotiations stalled.

Mapa: la trayectoria de la depresión tropical Hone en vivo

Fri, 30 Aug 2024 05:04:00 +0200

Consulta la trayectoria probable y las horas de llegada de los vientos de Hone.

Map: Tracking Tropical Depression Hone

Fri, 30 Aug 2024 05:04:00 +0200

See the likely path and wind arrival times for Hone.

National think tank warns about Hawaii counties evading housing law

Tue, 27 Aug 2024 08:31:00 +0200

Niskanen Center researchers note that local governments often try to circumvent state laws aimed at providing more housing In an attempt to address Hawaii’s longstanding housing crisis, Hawaii lawmakers enacted a bill this year, SB3202, that requires the state’s four counties to allow at least two ADUs on single-family lots. It will be a challenge, […]
The post National think tank warns about Hawaii counties evading housing law appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

‘If it can happen in Hawaii, it can happen everywhere’

Tue, 27 Aug 2024 08:23:00 +0200

By Keli’i Akina Hawaii is no longer a footnote to what’s happening politically and economically in America’s 50 states. Instead, we are one of the main attractions. That became apparent to me when I was in Phoenix earlier this week representing the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii at the 32nd annual convention of the State Policy […]
The post ‘If it can happen in Hawaii, it can happen everywhere’ appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

A California “Fix” Back to ‘66

Mon, 26 Aug 2024 18:00:00 +0200

“Lucky you live Hawaii,” the saying goes. Sometimes we take it for granted; sometimes we consider it hype; but sometimes we really do have it better than some of our neighbors. This week, we focus on a development in our neighboring state of California that was brought to our attention by our counterpart organization there, […]
The post A California “Fix” Back to ‘66 appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Tropical Storm Hone Brings Heavy Rains to Hawaii

Mon, 26 Aug 2024 16:48:00 +0200

The storm weakened from a hurricane to a tropical storm late on Sunday and was expected to continue to bring heavy rains and strong winds.

On Hawaii’s Big Island, Hurricane Hone Brings Heavy Rain but No Major Damage

Sun, 25 Aug 2024 23:41:00 +0200

About 15,000 customers were without power on early Sunday, butneither the winds nor the flooding from the storm were dramatic.

Hurricane Hone Nears Hawaii, Bringing Heavy Rains

Sun, 25 Aug 2024 15:42:00 +0200

The storm strengthened to a Category 1 hurricane on Sunday morning and could bring up to a foot of rain in some parts of Hawaii before it spins westward.

Mapa: la trayectoria del huracán Hone en vivo

Sun, 25 Aug 2024 11:08:00 +0200

Consulta la trayectoria probable y las horas de llegada de los vientos de Hone.

Map: Tracking Hurricane Hone

Sun, 25 Aug 2024 11:08:00 +0200

See the likely path and wind arrival times for Hone.

In Hawaii, a Sense of Alertness Without Panic Ahead of Tropical Storm Hone

Sat, 24 Aug 2024 18:46:00 +0200

Although the storm is not expected to pass directly over the Big Island, forecasters warned of threats including flooding and damaging winds.

Hawaii Eyes Approach of Tropical Storm Hone

Fri, 23 Aug 2024 10:23:00 +0200

The storm was about 1,000 miles east-southeast of the Hawaiian islands, which were expected to receive strong wind, rainfall and swells in the coming days.

At the Ballpark, a Reporter Roots for Lahaina

Fri, 23 Aug 2024 09:00:00 +0200

Last year, a Times reporter covered the wildfires that destroyed a town on the island of Maui. This year, he cheered on a team from Maui as it made its way to the Little League World Series.

Mapa: la trayectoria de la tormenta tropical Hone en vivo

Fri, 23 Aug 2024 00:07:00 +0200

Consulta la trayectoria probable y las horas de llegada de los vientos de Hone.

Map: Tracking Tropical Storm Hone

Thu, 22 Aug 2024 23:26:00 +0200

See the likely path and wind arrival times for Hone.

Tropical Storm Hone Forms East of Hawaii

Thu, 22 Aug 2024 23:05:00 +0200

The storm was about 1,000 miles east-southeast of the Hawaiian islands, which were expected to receive strong wind, rainfall and swells in the coming days.

Viking Security Safe VS-12SX Lockbox

Thu, 22 Aug 2024 01:20:00 +0200

Editor’s note: This is the fourth and final article in a series on mechanical and electronic “lock boxes”. In this piece we’ll review the Viking Security Safe VS-12SX Lockbox. Priced very competitively and chock full of cool features, it’s an excellent option for gun owners or folks who just want to keep their valuables safe. The official name […]
The post Viking Security Safe VS-12SX Lockbox appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

She Survived the Maui Wildfires. She Couldn’t Survive the Year After

Wed, 21 Aug 2024 11:04:00 +0200

Edralina Diezon was working as a janitor and sending money to her family in the Philippines when wildfires destroyed everything she had. The road to rebuilding her life proved to be perilous.

Man Who U.S. Says Faked Death to Avoid Child Support Gets 81 Months in Prison

Wed, 21 Aug 2024 04:32:00 +0200

The man, Jesse Kipf, hacked into state death registry systems to fake his own death in part to avoid paying more than $100,000 in child support, federal prosecutors said.

Man Who Faked Death to Avoid Child Support Gets 81 Months in Prison, U.S. Says

Wed, 21 Aug 2024 04:23:00 +0200

The man, Jesse Kipf, hacked into state death registry systems to fake his own death in part to avoid paying more than $100,000 in child support, federal prosecutors said.

Animal Research: The Rot at the Core of Medicine

Tue, 20 Aug 2024 16:06:00 +0200

In the mid-1800’s, a researcher named Claude Bernard set in motion a vile practice that has since become the standard operating procedure in medicine. It involves experimenting on animals with the hope of discovering something of value to medical science. Most notable was his experiments on dogs, who were kept alive for days with their […]
The post Animal Research: The Rot at the Core of Medicine appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Alaska Airlines’ Acquisition of Hawaiian Clears Key Antitrust Review

Tue, 20 Aug 2024 13:06:00 +0200

The airlines said the Justice Department had declined to challenge the merger in court.

Another Emergency Proclamation for … Insurance

Mon, 19 Aug 2024 18:00:00 +0200

Recently in the news, we’ve seen that we in Hawaii are facing another crisis. If you live in a condominium, you may be having a huge problem because fewer (if any) insurance companies are willing to insure your building. Maybe it’s because of recent events like wildfires. Maybe it’s the fear of natural disasters caused […]
The post Another Emergency Proclamation for … Insurance appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Good intentions not enough to make ’empty homes’ tax work

Mon, 19 Aug 2024 05:50:00 +0200

By Keli‘i Akina In politics, it’s important to differentiate between good intentions and good policy. Otherwise, you could be just wasting time and possibly also making things worse. Consider, for example, Bill 46, the latest “empty homes” tax proposal being considered by the Honolulu City Council. This is far from a new idea. We saw similar proposals in 2020 and […]
The post Good intentions not enough to make ’empty homes’ tax

The Nation’s Electric Grid Is a Wildfire Hazard. It Doesn’t Have to Be.

Sat, 17 Aug 2024 13:00:00 +0200

We can expect added strain on the system as weather turns more extreme and demand for electricity rises.

Hobie Floating Eyewear–use them on the water or in your car

Fri, 16 Aug 2024 07:22:00 +0200

Editor’s note: In this article we’ll look at a couple of very cool, new sun glasses from Hobie–the Bluefin and the Hank Cherry Mojo Float. Before getting into my Hobie Floating Eyewear review I thought it fitting to talk about the company’s deep roots in the Aloha State. History counts for a lot, and Hobie […]
The post Hobie Floating Eyewear–use them on the water or in your car appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Wally Amos, Creator of Famous Amos Cookies, Dies at 88

Wed, 14 Aug 2024 20:12:00 +0200

With a background in marketing, his aunt’s recipe and a winning personality, he built one of the world’s best-known brands of baked goods.

Grassroot’s way of helping Lahaina has been to focus on zoning reforms

Tue, 13 Aug 2024 00:42:00 +0200

By Keli‘i Akina As most of us are acutely aware, Thursday was the one-year anniversary of the terrible wildfires that swept through West Maui and destroyed the town of Lahaina. Many of us have family and friends on Maui, and those first few weeks after the disaster were marked by fear and sorrow as we came to […]
The post Grassroot’s way of helping Lahaina has been to focus on zoning reforms appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Grassroot brief suggests six ways to speed up homebuilding in Lahaina

Tue, 13 Aug 2024 00:22:00 +0200

The nonpartisan group targets regulations and fees that could be removed or waived to more quickly help displaced residents The Grassroot Institute of Hawaii has released a second policy brief regarding how to speed up homebuilding on Maui in the wake of the deadly August 2023 wildfires that killed 102 people in Lahaina and left […]
The post Grassroot brief suggests six ways to speed up homebuilding in Lahaina appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

A Legislative Analyst Office Created Decades Ago That Still Doesn’t Exist

Mon, 12 Aug 2024 18:00:00 +0200

This week’s commentary follows up on a great op-ed piece in Civil Beat by Jonathan Helton of the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii and Nicole Woo of the Hawaii Children’s Action Network. Did you know that we have a law on our books establishing a Joint Legislative Budget Committee, consisting of members from both the House […]
The post A Legislative Analyst Office Created Decades Ago That Still Doesn’t Exist appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Hawaii 1st Congressional District Primary Election Results 2024

Sat, 10 Aug 2024 21:11:00 +0200

Get live results and maps from the 2024 Hawaii primary election.

Hawaii Primary Election Results 2024

Sat, 10 Aug 2024 20:38:00 +0200

Get live results and maps from the 2024 Hawaii primary elections.

Hawaii U.S. Senate Primary Election Results 2024

Sat, 10 Aug 2024 20:05:00 +0200

Get live results and maps from the 2024 Hawaii primary election.

Hawaii 2nd Congressional District Primary Election Results 2024

Sat, 10 Aug 2024 20:05:00 +0200

Get live results and maps from the 2024 Hawaii primary election.

SnapSafe GlideVault–hide your valuables in plain sight

Sat, 10 Aug 2024 10:41:00 +0200

Editor’s note: This is the third article in a series on mechanical and electronic lock boxes. In this piece we’ll review the SnapSafe GlideVault, which has a drawer that pops out like a cash register. No, this is not strictly something for gun owners. It’s quite roomy so in addition to handguns it’s useful for stashing whatever you […]
The post SnapSafe GlideVault–hide your valuables in plain sight appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Burned Out of Lahaina, Thousands Try to Rebuild Lives Elsewhere

Thu, 08 Aug 2024 15:09:00 +0200

Many struggled to find housing and work after the wildfire destroyed the seaside town on Maui last year. But they have faced new hardships.

After the Fire, Thousands of Lahaina Residents Are Trying to Rebuild Their Lives Elsewhere

Thu, 08 Aug 2024 15:00:00 +0200

Many struggled to find housing and work after the wildfire destroyed the seaside town on Maui last year. But they have faced new hardships.

Firefighters Battle Wildfire in Maui Year After Historic Blaze

Thu, 08 Aug 2024 06:02:00 +0200

The deadly 2023 blazes killed more than 100 people on the Hawaiian island and destroyed communities.

A Year After Lahaina’s Fire, A Little Leaguer Finds Solace in Baseball

Wed, 07 Aug 2024 22:29:00 +0200

A team from Maui is now steps away from the Little League World Series, including one player whose family lost almost everything.

5 Ways Hawaii Is Trying to Prevent the Next Deadly Fire

Wed, 07 Aug 2024 19:53:00 +0200

When a fire devastated the island of Maui a year ago, officials said they would make fire safety and preparedness improvements. But progress is slow and costly.

Ft. Knox Original Pistol Box

Tue, 06 Aug 2024 23:39:00 +0200

Editor’s note: This is the second article in a series I’m doing on mechanical and electronic lock boxes. In this article we’ll review the Ft. Knox Original Pistol Box. Is this strictly something for gun owners? Not necessarily. More often than not, they are used to store handguns but naturally, you can stash whatever you […]
The post Ft. Knox Original Pistol Box appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Read the Letter to Harlan Crow

Mon, 05 Aug 2024 18:39:00 +0200

Senator Ron Wyden, Democrat of Oregon, wrote a letter to Harlan Crow asking for details about private travel with Justice Clarence Thomas.

Researching State Tax Law

Mon, 05 Aug 2024 18:00:00 +0200

Albert Einstein once said, “You have to learn the rules of the game. And then you have to play better than anyone else.” That’s why it’s critically important for tax practitioners, and people having interaction with the tax authorities, to know the tax rules. The tax rules include not only the law, but also any […]
The post Researching State Tax Law appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

A Year After a Devastating Fire, Lahaina Is Ready to Rebuild. But How?

Mon, 05 Aug 2024 11:04:00 +0200

Much of the fire-ravaged community on the island of Maui has been cleared of debris. But for a town steeped in history, there are thorny questions about what the future should look like.

How we can change Hawaii’s image of being unfriendly to businesses

Mon, 05 Aug 2024 02:42:00 +0200

By Keli‘i Akina How much do Hawaii lawmakers really want to help businesses thrive? On the surface, it seems like a lot. There are innovation grants, a trade expansion program, an investor center, tax incentives and at least three kinds of special zones: enterprise, opportunity and foreign trade. And yet, WalletHub in January ranked Hawaii 42nd among […]
The post How we can change Hawaii’s image of being unfriendly to businesses appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Expat Tales: Life in ‘one of the least-visited countries on the planet’

Mon, 05 Aug 2024 01:55:00 +0200

by Lorna Thornber Originally from the UK, Jonty Crane (above) spent 14 years in New Zealand before moving to one of the least-visited countries on the planet. But with its world-class snorkelling, diving and hiking, he reckons Timor-Leste deserves to be on more travellers’ bucket lists. What inspired your move, and how long have you been there? […]
The post Expat Tales: Life in ‘one of the least-visited countries on the planet’ appeared first on Hawaii Reporter

Mindful Self-Massage, “Do-in”, Workshop at Still and Moving Center August 17

Mon, 05 Aug 2024 00:01:00 +0200

According to Dr. Greg Yuen, who will be leading a “DDo-in” workshop, the secret to greater vitality can now Be in your hands. He says it’s easy to learn, yet can provide profound benefit. A little known technique, called Do-in, is an ancient Chinese practice that uses self-massage to increase energy, reduce stress, and promote […]
The post Mindful Self-Massage, “Do-in”, Workshop at Still and Moving Center August 17 appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Hornady’s RAPID Safe Night Guard keeps your valuables hidden in plain sight

Sun, 04 Aug 2024 05:50:00 +0200

News of children gaining access to handguns is a theme that we’ve heard about way too often. The recent saga of a 6-year-old boy who shot his first grade teacher is chilling. (The child’s mother received 21 months in prison). It goes without saying that keeping firearms secure is key to preventing unwanted incidents and […]
The post Hornady’s RAPID Safe Night Guard keeps your valuables hidden in plain sight appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Hornady’s RAPID Safe Night Guard hides your valuables in plain sight

Sun, 04 Aug 2024 05:50:00 +0200

Editor’s Note: This is the first of a series on electronic and mechanical lock boxes for your handgun or other valuables. The first item for review is the RAPID Safe Night Guard from Hornady which looks like an alarm clock but is a bedside safe with three options for access. News of children gaining access […]
The post Hornady’s RAPID Safe Night Guard hides your valuables in plain sight appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

AUGUST’S LINEUP: Spyro Gyra’s 50th Anniversary, Maxi Priest, MAGIC! and More

Sat, 03 Aug 2024 07:20:00 +0200

Blue Note Hawaii is thrilled to present an eclectic lineup of world-class performances this August, offering an array of music genres and comedy acts to captivate every audience. We kick off the month with a heartfelt tribute to Jerry Garcia by the Skeleton Krewe All-Star Band, followed by a soulful homage to Amy Winehouse led […]
The post AUGUST’S LINEUP: Spyro Gyra’s 50th Anniversary, Maxi Priest, MAGIC! and More appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Maui Wildfire Plaintiffs Reach $4 Billion Settlement as Anniversary Nears

Sat, 03 Aug 2024 03:29:00 +0200

Hawaiian Electric is expected to pay the largest share — nearly $2 billion — but avoided a heftier price tag that could have forced the utility into bankruptcy.

In Hawaii, Weaving New Life Into a Nearly Vanished Art Form

Wed, 31 Jul 2024 11:00:00 +0200

The age-old practice of turning tree leaves into mats has been revived on the islands. “It teaches you how to weave relationships, past and present,” one master artisan says.

Will Free Beer Make Travelers More Responsible?

Tue, 30 Jul 2024 11:04:00 +0200

In the carrot-versus-stick debate, fees and fines have dominated the conversation. But some destinations’ new policies aim to reward tourists who behave responsibly.

Why Can’t We Feed Keiki Local Food?

Mon, 29 Jul 2024 18:00:00 +0200

For some time now, our Department of Education has been under a legislative mandate to provide local ingredients to our schools so we can feed them to our kids. And, also for some time now, federal money has been available to pay for this. It’s called a Local Food for Schools grant from the U.S. […]
The post Why Can’t We Feed Keiki Local Food? appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Pass regulations that respect freedom, choice and tradition

Mon, 29 Jul 2024 11:06:00 +0200

By Keli‘i Akina I’ve been saying for a long time that Hawaii lawmakers should be careful to take a light-handed approach with occupational licensing — because as we’ve seen time and again, government regulations can have unintended consequences. Back in December 2022, I wrote about the negative effect that licensing requirements can have on niche […]
The post Pass regulations that respect freedom, choice and tradition appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

What to Know About Shark Season: Risks, Attacks and More

Sun, 28 Jul 2024 19:48:00 +0200

Attacks are rare, but they do happen. Here's what you need to know.

Hawaiian-German Music Legend Tribute to Henry Berger

Thu, 25 Jul 2024 08:44:00 +0200

PLEASE JOIN US FOR A FREE CONCERT & LECTURE HONORING GERMANY’S GIFT TO HAWAIIAN MUSIC: HENRY BERGER Sunday, August 4, 2024,5 PM to 7 PM — Kawaiahaʻo Church | 957 Punchbowl Street | Honolulu On this day, we will celebrate the life and legacy of the “BANDMASTER from COSWIG”, born on August 4, 1844, in Prussia. BERGER left an enduring […]
The post Hawaiian-German Music Legend Tribute to Henry Berger appeared first on Hawaii Repo

Why an Annual GET Return?

Thu, 25 Jul 2024 00:47:00 +0200

For those of you who pay GET, here’s a quick quiz. Let’s say you are a monthly filer. How many returns do you have to file to report one year of business activity? The answer is thirteen. Twelve will be monthly returns on Form G-45. One will be an annual reconciliation return on Form G-49. […]
The post Why an Annual GET Return? appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

America Needs Civility, Not Unity

Tue, 23 Jul 2024 12:52:00 +0200

Political vitriol spilled over into violence recently with the assassination attempt on ex-President Donald Trump, prompting pundits and politicians to preach for unity. President Biden addressed the nation to call for national unity in response to the increasingly violent political atmosphere, asking everyone to tone down the negativity. In a nation increasingly divided, unity seems […]
The post America Needs Civility, Not Unity appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Will Evidence Based Medicine (EBM) Turn Medical Care from an Art into a Science?

Mon, 22 Jul 2024 15:48:00 +0200

Sydney Ross Singer, Medical Anthropologist 7/22/24 Evidence Based Medicine, or EBM, is the new catchphrase suggesting that healthcare goals can be better reached by using the best research available to inform doctors and patients. But consumer beware! EBM is another power grab by the pharmaceutical industry, and is more about censoring alternative treatments than anything […]
The post Will Evidence Based Medicine (EBM) Turn Medical Care from an Art into a Science? appeared first on Hawaii

Maui Council’s housing bills setting example for whole state

Sun, 21 Jul 2024 07:01:00 +0200

By Keli‘i Akina When it comes to promoting housing growth, some of the most important work takes place at the county level. That’s why my colleagues and I at the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii have been deeply involved in advocating housing reform at both the state and county levels. Year-round, we work closely with county […]
The post Maui Council’s housing bills setting example for whole state appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Remembering Henri (aka Hank) Carbonell

Sat, 20 Jul 2024 21:14:00 +0200

Editor’s Note: On this day 81 years ago Henri (aka Hank) Carbonell, an Army Air Corps pilot died when his P-39 Airacobra fighter plane crashed shortly after take off from Hato Field in Curaçao, the Dutch West Indies. Hank immigrated from France prior to the Second World War with his parents. An only child, he […]
The post Remembering Henri (aka Hank) Carbonell appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Telling Hawaii’s Stories, One Hand-Carved Surfboard at a Time

Thu, 18 Jul 2024 11:00:00 +0200

As a kid in Kauai, the waves were his home. Today, Leleo Kinimaka pours his native knowledge and passion into one-of-a-kind creations that double as works of art.

Your 2024 Guide to the International ʻUkulele Festival of Hawaiʻi July 27th at Kapiʻolani Park

Thu, 18 Jul 2024 06:50:00 +0200

The ʻUkulele Foundation of Hawaiʻi presents the International ʻUkulele Festival of Hawaiʻi scheduled for Saturday, July 27th, 2024, at Kapiʻolani Park in Waikiki. Founded in 2009 as ʻUkulele Picnic in Hawaiʻi, the annual all-day ʻukulele event is celebrating its 15th anniversary. Special sales booths include Kanilea ‘Ukulele, and MUSE Kailua, featuring specialty Hawaiian goods. There […]
The post Your 2024 Guide to the International ʻUkul

We Need to Keep What We’ve Won

Mon, 15 Jul 2024 18:00:00 +0200

Recently, the Legislature passed, and the Governor signed into law, a bill giving us taxpayers one of the largest, if not the largest, tax cut in Hawaii’s history. The bill was not without its detractors. Some screamed and howled and said that the wealthy, whoever they are, shouldn’t have received any cuts because, well, “they […]
The post We Need to Keep What We’ve Won appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Freedom is the key to future abundance

Sun, 14 Jul 2024 06:44:00 +0200

By Keli‘i Akina Greetings from Las Vegas! You might be wondering what has brought me to Hawaii’s unofficial sister city. I’m excited to say that I’m here to celebrate liberty. Every year, some of the most influential thinkers and speakers on the topic of freedom gather at FreedomFest — an annual convention that explores all […]
The post Freedom is the key to future abundance appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Helicopter Crashes Off Hawaii Coast, Leaving 1 Dead and 2 Missing

Fri, 12 Jul 2024 10:03:00 +0200

The helicopter, operated by a tour company, went down in waters off the island of Kauai.

NATO Needs to Decide if It’s 1914 or 1938

Tue, 09 Jul 2024 07:00:00 +0200

It’s essential that NATO members agree on how they see the war in Ukraine.

The Importance of Conformity

Mon, 08 Jul 2024 18:00:00 +0200

Recently, Governor Green, without much fanfare, signed into law a number of bills that had been proposed by the Department of Taxation. Many of them covered relatively arcane subjects such as whether the Department had the authority to serve administrative subpoenas outside the State of Hawaii. (The bill said that they can.) One of them, […]
The post The Importance of Conformity appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

How about a cemetery tour of Tahiti?

Mon, 08 Jul 2024 09:56:00 +0200

First a backgrounder: Allegra Marshall is of French/ Australian background and has been living part time in French Polynesia for over 40 years. Wanting to visit the remote islands before they were to be “discovered” by tourists, she went on local cargo ships with her mountain bike in the early 1990s. This was a most […]
The post How about a cemetery tour of Tahiti? appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Letting HB1633 become law would align with spirit of governor’s other housing initiatives

Sun, 07 Jul 2024 05:08:00 +0200

By Keli‘i Akina This year’s Fourth of July has come and gone, but I’m still thinking about how restrictions on our freedoms have caused so many of the problems we face in Hawaii today. In particular, I’m concerned about how Hawaii’s severe restrictions on homebuilding have resulted in too few homes and some of the […]
The post Letting HB1633 become law would align with spirit of governor’s other housing initiatives appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Remembering Gerry Takano

Wed, 03 Jul 2024 02:30:00 +0200

Editor’s Note from Rob Kay: I first met Gerry back in 1996. Someone from my yoga class invited me to a party. I cracked open a beer and amidst the buzz I heard someone say “Fiji”. I’d spent a great deal of time there (I’d written a Lonely Planet guidebook to Fiji) and was curious […]
The post Remembering Gerry Takano appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

People do best when their governments embrace economic freedom

Tue, 02 Jul 2024 00:13:00 +0200

By Keli‘i Akina The Fourth of July is just around the corner, and the freedoms that all Americans enjoy are well worth celebrating. Of course, Hawaii tends not to be known for enjoying great amounts of economic freedom — at least not compared to most other states in the U.S. But it appears that finally […]
The post People do best when their governments embrace economic freedom appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Budget Drama Continues

Mon, 01 Jul 2024 18:00:00 +0200

For the 2024 legislative session, the governor has just released his intent to veto list. That means bills not on the list are going to become law, with or without his signature, in the beginning of July. For the most part, bills affecting taxation or public finance did not make the list. There were, however, […]
The post Budget Drama Continues appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

For July 4, Here Are 6 Beach Destinations to Enjoy the Sun and Surf

Mon, 01 Jul 2024 11:03:00 +0200

From Hawaii to Rhode Island, here are some of our favorite shores on which to enjoy some hard-earned R & R this Independence Day holiday.

Join Us to Hear About the Loopholes of Hawaii’s Pay-to-Play Law

Fri, 28 Jun 2024 17:24:00 +0200

A joint investigation examined the role money plays in politics in Hawaii. Hear how journalists put the story together in a livestreamed event on July 10.

Rucking for fun, fitness and strong bones

Fri, 28 Jun 2024 09:32:00 +0200

Rucking is one of the latest fitness crazes. Full disclosure, I’ve succumbed. First a definition. Rucking is walking or hiking with a loaded backpack, over varying distances and terrain. You can observe ruckers all over town. It’s those folks with backpacks, clambering around Diamondhead or up Wilhelmina Rise. They are on a mission. Rucking is […]
The post Rucking for fun, fitness and strong bones appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Medicine’s Clothing Problem

Thu, 27 Jun 2024 17:05:00 +0200

Sydney Ross Singer, Medical Anthropologist 6/26/2024 If you look around you at other people, there is one thing you will find all of them are doing, regardless of race, religion, nationality, gender, or any other way people are differentiated from one another. This one thing is something all people do, whether they like it or […]
The post Medicine’s Clothing Problem appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Buying a Bread Knife

Thu, 27 Jun 2024 07:14:00 +0200

Over the last few years, I’ve become wedded to my bread knife. I would venture to say there’s nary a single tool in the kitchen as versatile as a bread knife. It not only glides through crusty artisan loaves and baguettes, it will magically cut through soft, delicate breads. Let’s not forget how it effortlessly […]
The post Buying a Bread Knife appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Taylor Wily, ‘Hawaii Five-0’ and ‘Forgetting Sarah Marshall’ Actor, Dies at 55

Wed, 26 Jun 2024 22:27:00 +0200

He spent his early career as a professional sumo wrestler.

We are listening

Tue, 25 Jun 2024 02:22:00 +0200

By Keli‘i Akina One of my favorite parts about leading the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii is that I have many opportunities to talk with our supporters, whether in person at our events or just out and about in the community, or over the phone or by email. I have the pleasure of hearing a lot […]
The post We are listening appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Will Hawaii’s new tax cut break the state budget?

Tue, 25 Jun 2024 02:20:00 +0200

By Keli‘i Akina A lot of people have expressed concern to me that today’s historic tax cut will be next year’s excuse to impose tax increases. Or that letting Hawaii taxpayers save $5 billion through 2031 will result in some sort of a budget crisis for the state. My take is that Hawaii absolutely can […]
The post Will Hawaii’s new tax cut break the state budget? appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

What You Ask

Mon, 24 Jun 2024 18:00:00 +0200

In my position here at the Tax Foundation, I get to meet and speak with quite a few tax professionals. Like you and me, they’re human, they don’t know everything, and part of their job is finding out answers that they don’t know off the top of their heads. When they have state tax questions, […]
The post What You Ask appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Warning: The Food Safety Risk of a Hot Meal and Drink

Sun, 23 Jun 2024 04:06:00 +0200

Do you like to eat and drink hot foods? Well, here’s some hot news to help you avoid getting burned. One common food safety method to prevent food poisoning is to heat the food to a temperature where bacteria are killed, and serving the food hot. We love hot food, and enjoy its aroma filling […]
The post Warning: The Food Safety Risk of a Hot Meal and Drink appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Taylor Wily, ‘Hawaii Five-0’ and ‘Forgetting Sarah Marshall’ Actor, Dies at 56

Sat, 22 Jun 2024 00:12:00 +0200

He spent his early career as a professional sumo wrestler.

Hawaii Settles With Young Plaintiffs in Climate Case

Fri, 21 Jun 2024 19:12:00 +0200

The state agreed to take steps cut greenhouse gas emissions from transportation. It’s the latest of several victories for youth-led climate lawsuits.

Budgeting Backwards

Mon, 17 Jun 2024 18:00:00 +0200

Most of you have heard by now of the massive tax cuts just signed into law by Governor Green. At the press conference held at the signing ceremony, some very good journalists asked him: “With such massive cuts, are you going to be able to maintain public employee salaries and social services?“ “Yes,” he said. […]
The post Budgeting Backwards appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

2024 Legislative outcomes shows support for new ideas

Mon, 10 Jun 2024 21:00:00 +0200

By Keli‘i Akina Some people might have been surprised to see staffers from the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii in attendance at Gov. Josh Green’s recent bill-signing ceremonies for historic tax cuts and housing reform. But they shouldn’t have been. These events — and Grassroot’s presence at them — were proof of something I’ve been telling […]
The post 2024 Legislative outcomes shows support for new ideas appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Some History Behind the Newly Enacted Healthcare GET Exemption

Mon, 10 Jun 2024 18:00:00 +0200

With a few strokes of the pen, Governor Green turned Senate Bill 1035 into Act 47 of the 2024 Legislature. It marks an end in a multi-year journey for the many health care providers in the Hawaii Provider Shortage Crisis Task Force who were trying to find some way out of the General Excise Tax […]
The post Some History Behind the Newly Enacted Healthcare GET Exemption appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Soundcore Motion X600 Portable Bluetooth Speaker–Take it anywhere

Fri, 07 Jun 2024 12:19:00 +0200

There is a plethora of portable Bluetooth speakers on the market in all price categories. So why do you need or want Soundcore Motion X600? After all your mobile devices, your TV, your internet radio, etc. all have speakers. So what is the point? Let’s look at one application and go from there. I […]
The post Soundcore Motion X600 Portable Bluetooth Speaker–Take it anywhere appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Global Hot Spots Take Aim at Overtourism

Tue, 04 Jun 2024 11:02:00 +0200

From Barcelona to Bali, higher fees and new rules are targeting overtourism and unruly behavior. Some locals are worried the changes will keep tourists away.

Kilauea Volcano Erupts in Hawaii

Tue, 04 Jun 2024 01:44:00 +0200

Kilauea, the most active volcano in Hawaii, began erupting early on Monday morning.

Dealing with the Insurance Crisis

Mon, 03 Jun 2024 18:00:00 +0200

One pair of bills being pushed very heavily in this past legislative session was House Bill 2686/Senate Bill 3234, relating to the stabilization of property insurance. The bill was introduced because it appears that the property insurance carriers are starting to look at Hawaii as a high-risk place, like Florida and California. Premiums are rising […]
The post Dealing with the Insurance Crisis appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Kilauea Volcano Erupts on Hawaii’s Big Island

Mon, 03 Jun 2024 17:52:00 +0200

The volcano erupted three times in 2023. There did not appear to be any immediate danger to residents on Monday.

Hawaii cannot afford to not cut taxes

Mon, 03 Jun 2024 09:43:00 +0200

By Keli‘i Akina Hawaii residents have long been asking lawmakers to help lower the state’s high cost of living. This year, Gov. Josh Green and the Legislature showed they were listening by passing the biggest income tax cut in state history and literally reducing the cost of living for every Hawaii resident. In the face […]
The post Hawaii cannot afford to not cut taxes appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Sustainable Business Leadership

Tue, 28 May 2024 17:00:00 +0200

Join Chamber of Sustainable Commerce for a Lunch and Learn. Thursday, June 6, 2024 at 12-1 PM via Zoom
The post Sustainable Business Leadership appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Administrative Directives, Part 2

Mon, 27 May 2024 18:00:00 +0200

Last week, we wrote about “Administrative Directives,“ which are instructions from the Director of Taxation to his staff. We asked for all of them under Hawaii‘s version of the Freedom of Information Act. The Department produced 11 documents. We are asking for help from the Hawaii Office of Information Practices to get the rest. This […]
The post Administrative Directives, Part 2 appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Embrace Your Future as an I-Wheel Facilitator

Mon, 27 May 2024 17:00:00 +0200

Are you familiar with the work of Joel Barker and his transformative approach to foresight? Whether you are or not, you’ll be excited to learn about the I-Wheel—an innovative tool for exploring the implications of possible future scenarios. Read on to discover why becoming an I-Wheel facilitator could be a game-changer for you and certainly […]
The post Embrace Your Future as an I-Wheel Facilitator appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

6 Best Beaches for Kids in the U.S. and Mexico

Sun, 26 May 2024 11:02:00 +0200

For families with children, we found half a dozen beaches in the United States and Mexico, each tailored to a particular summer activity.

6 Beaches for Budding Swimmers, Surfers and Castle Builders

Sun, 26 May 2024 11:02:00 +0200

For families with children, we found half a dozen beaches in the United States and Mexico, each tailored to a particular summer activity.

Fighting the Night: Iwo Jima, World War II, and a Flyer’s Life

Sat, 25 May 2024 22:19:00 +0200

Paul Hendrickson’s Fighting the Night tackles a question that obsessed so many of my boomer contemporaries: “What did you do during The War, Daddy?” But this isn’t a reference to the 1966 movie of the same name. As Washington Post columnist David Von Drehle states on the book jacket, this is “a son’s quest to know—really know—his father.” The […]
The post Fighting the Night: Iwo Jima, World W

Moanalua High School air riflery team shoots for national championship

Wed, 22 May 2024 00:40:00 +0200

Thanks to Hawaii News Now for this story–The Moanalua Air Riflery team is coming off a historic performance at the Civilian Marksmanship Program Regional Competition. They’re preparing for nationals. The team then competed in the Western Regional Championships in Utah, where they placed second, the highest in school history. Top photo courtesy of CMP
The post Moanalua High School air riflery team shoots for national championship appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

GET exemption could be turning point in Hawaii healthcare crisis

Tue, 21 May 2024 00:25:00 +0200

By Keli‘i Akina For years, doctors have been practically begging legislators for an exemption to the state general excise tax for medical services. And for just as long, some people have responded by asking why we are so concerned with the profitability of doctors. To this, I have two responses. First, and most important, if […]
The post GET exemption could be turning point in Hawaii healthcare crisis appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Administrative Directives, Part 1

Mon, 20 May 2024 18:00:00 +0200

While our legislature has been hard at work, and we at the Tax Foundation of Hawaii also have been striving to keep up with legislative bills affecting tax and public finance, the Foundation also has been working and fighting on another battleground. In the Hawaii Department of Taxation‘s annual report, some passages refer to a […]
The post Administrative Directives, Part 1 appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Digital Nomad travel gear review – getting packed

Fri, 17 May 2024 11:17:00 +0200

Choosing a Travel Backpack and Roller bag Editor’s Note: Getting all your belongings from Point A to Point B is the subject of this posting. The first step is to pick the right backpack and roller bag. In this article our travel editor, Rob Kay, reviews gear and discusses the merits of bringing all your […]
The post Digital Nomad travel gear review – getting packed appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Lost Youth, Lost Cartilage: Getting Older is Not 75% Pain-Free

Thu, 16 May 2024 14:20:00 +0200

I opened my inbox to this header yesterday morning: ” pain-free joints”. It was another one of those cheap ad copies trying to sell a miracle cure. The sub-heading read: “Regrow cartilage by 51% in days…” The ellipsis points – indicating that the people writing this, overwhelmed by the magnitude of their discovery, were at a […]
The post Lost Youth, Lost Cartilage: Getting Older is Not 75% Pain-Free appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Big tax cut was legislative highlight, but killing tax hikes important too

Tue, 14 May 2024 09:45:00 +0200

With so many great bills having been approved by the 2024 Legislature, it’s easy to forget that success also can be measured by the types of bills that were defeated. Yes, I am thrilled that my colleagues and I at the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii were able to help pass excellent legislation — such as […]
The post Big tax cut was legislative highlight, but killing tax hikes important too appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

The Green Affordability Plan Passes

Mon, 13 May 2024 18:00:00 +0200

One of the survivors of the 2024 legislative session has been House Bill 2404, which has been the primary vehicle for Governor Green to advance his so-called “Green Affordability Plan.” It passed the Legislature in a form somewhat different from that in which it was introduced, but it is still significant tax reform which, we […]
The post The Green Affordability Plan Passes appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

People of Hawaii win big at Capitol

Mon, 06 May 2024 21:55:00 +0200

By Keli‘i Akina Yesterday was the last day of Hawaii’s 2024 state legislative session, and what a session it was. The best news to come out of it was that our lawmakers passed a major income tax-relief bill, HB2404, which Gov. Josh Green is almost certain to sign because it was part of his much-touted “Green […]
The post People of Hawaii win big at Capitol appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

The Also-Rans

Mon, 06 May 2024 18:00:00 +0200

News has been piling up about many of the bills that made it through this year’s legislative session. We will be discussing some of those in the weeks ahead. But this week we will be focusing on some of those bills that almost made it to the end but fell off just before the finish […]
The post The Also-Rans appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

The Home Stretch at the Legislature

Mon, 29 Apr 2024 18:00:00 +0200

Those of you watching the Legislature probably know that we are now in the home stretch. Both the House and the Senate have had a chance to consider bills, and this is the stage of the legislative session where differences get worked out between House and Senate versions of bills. It also has little public […]
The post The Home Stretch at the Legislature appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

2024 Legislature poised to take big steps toward lower cost of living

Sun, 28 Apr 2024 20:28:00 +0200

By Keli‘i Akina Every once in a while, something happens that makes you proud to have worked so hard for so many years. For me, that something happened yesterday at the Legislature, where at least five bills strongly supported by my colleagues and I at the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii were passed out of conference […]
The post 2024 Legislature poised to take big steps toward lower cost of living appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

36 Hours on Maui: Things to Do and See

Thu, 25 Apr 2024 11:05:00 +0200

The beauty and hospitality of this Hawaiian island, still recovering from last year’s wildfires, remain as vibrant as ever.

Hawaii is odd state out when it comes to taxing medical services

Wed, 24 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0200

By Keli‘i Akina Testimony at this year’s Hawaii State Legislature has made it pretty clear why medical services in Hawaii should be exempted from the state general excise tax. At a recent legislative hearing on a bill that would do just that, dozens of doctors and healthcare advocates explained how the GET makes practicing in […]
The post Hawaii is odd state out when it comes to taxing medical services appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Nurse agreement could help heal Hawaii’s healthcare ills

Tue, 23 Apr 2024 23:55:00 +0200

By Keli‘i Akina We must give credit where it’s due: Hawaii lawmakers seem to be getting serious about solving our healthcare shortages. Problems such as Hawaii’s doctor and nursing shortages existed before the COVID-19 crisis, but facing such a healthcare emergency without enough healthcare workers made it clear that the issue couldn’t be ignored any […]
The post Nurse agreement could help heal Hawaii’s healthcare ills appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

And Now the Big Guns Come Out

Mon, 22 Apr 2024 18:00:00 +0200

Those of you who like to watch the legislative process unfold have probably wandered through (virtually, perhaps) a number of committee hearings. Seeing these, you have probably gotten a taste of the power that legislative committee chairs wield. The more bills that need to go through the committee, the more powerful that committee is. For […]
The post And Now the Big Guns Come Out appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

As Lahaina Burned, Fire Crews Waited an Hour for Equipment

Wed, 17 Apr 2024 11:04:00 +0200

A new analysis of the August inferno on the island of Maui in Hawaii described heroic efforts by firefighters. But it also found many ways the town could have been better prepared.

Inside the Late-Night Parties Where Hawaii Politicians Raked In Money

Wed, 17 Apr 2024 11:01:00 +0200

After the state passed a law barring government contractors from donating to politicians, fund-raising parties showed just how completely the reform effort failed.

Aloha ThinkTech

Mon, 15 Apr 2024 18:00:00 +0200

For those of you who care about citizen journalism and the free flow of ideas here in Hawaii Nei, you probably should know about ThinkTech Hawaii. For many years it has been providing a platform for people to broadcast about all sorts of issues important to society and government in Hawaii. My first appearance on […]
The post Aloha ThinkTech appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Akebono, Hawaii-Born Sumo Champion in Japan, Dies at 54

Thu, 11 Apr 2024 08:08:00 +0200

Born in Hawaii, he moved to Japan in 1988 and won 11 grand championships. His success drove a resurgence in the sport’s popularity.

Akebono, Foreign-Born Sumo Champion in Japan, Dies at 54

Thu, 11 Apr 2024 05:47:00 +0200

Born Chad George Ha’aheo Rowan in Hawaii, he won 11 grand championships and paved the way for other foreign wrestlers in the sport.

Hawaii Locals Recommend Their Favorite Shave Ice Shops

Wed, 10 Apr 2024 17:49:00 +0200

Cups of flaky ice topped with flavored syrups are easy to find in the state. But the best shops set themselves apart with fresh ingredients and old-school charm.

Book Review: ‘The Wide Wide Sea,’ by Hampton Sides.

Tue, 09 Apr 2024 11:02:00 +0200

In “The Wide Wide Sea,” Hampton Sides offers a fuller picture of the British explorer’s final voyage to the Pacific islands.

The PTE (Passthrough Entity) Problem

Mon, 08 Apr 2024 18:00:00 +0200

There are a couple of measures moving in this year’s Legislature that are important for the many small businesses here that do business in passthrough entities (partnerships or S Corporations, mostly). So, here’s the problem. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2016 put a $10,000 hard cap on individual taxpayer deductions for state and […]
The post The PTE (Passthrough Entity) Problem appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Lou Conter, Last Survivor of the Battleship Arizona, Dies at 102

Mon, 01 Apr 2024 22:55:00 +0200

Escaping injury in the Japanese attack on the ship in Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941, he went on to help in recovering bodies and putting out fires.

Lift rules holding back conversion of office buildings to housing

Mon, 01 Apr 2024 22:50:00 +0200

By Keli‘i Akina I have said many times that there is no single solution to Hawaii’s housing crisis. We need a variety of approaches to improve the situation. One promising option is so-called adaptive reuse — that is, turning older office or commercial buildings into residential apartments or condominiums. In the wake of the COVID-19 […]
The post Lift rules holding back conversion of office buildings to housing appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

GET on Health Care, Revisited

Mon, 01 Apr 2024 18:00:00 +0200

We’ve passed the halfway point in this year’s legislative session. The mood at the Capitol is kind of somber, as there is a growing realization that the amount of state resources that wildfire recoveries are going to consume has destroyed even the most pessimistic projections. “There’s not a whole lot of extra money this year, […]
The post GET on Health Care, Revisited appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Sailor’s Remains Identified 82 Years After Pearl Harbor

Fri, 29 Mar 2024 22:10:00 +0100

David Walker, 19, of Norfolk, Va., was a mess attendant aboard the U.S.S. California. Officials used advanced forensic technology to identify his remains.

Digital Nomad travel gear update for 2024

Tue, 26 Mar 2024 10:26:00 +0100

Editor’s Note: This series on traveling light and right has been updated for 2024. Our travel editor, Rob Kay, is preparting to embark on an assignment to Fiji, Australia and East Timor. In this column he’ll offer advice on what to bring in the way of clothing (such as the Outdoor Vitals merino t-shirt featured […]
The post Digital Nomad travel gear update for 2024 appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Hawaii can’t afford inaction on housing reform

Mon, 25 Mar 2024 20:55:00 +0100

By Keli‘i Akina Through the years, each of my weekly letters to you has concluded with the Hawaiian phrase “E hana kākou” (“Let’s work together”) as a reminder of how important it is for us to find common ground as we work toward establishing a more free and prosperous Hawaii for all. Recently, that’s been […]
The post Hawaii can’t afford inaction on housing reform appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Fear of the Unknown

Mon, 25 Mar 2024 17:00:00 +0100

Usually, it’s possible to tell which bills in the legislative hopper provide tax breaks as opposed to tax hikes. The bill replaces a current tax rate with another one, and if the new tax rate is higher it’s a tax hike; if it’s lower, a tax break. But what about the bills that are “none […]
The post Fear of the Unknown appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Oral Health and my Heart

Sat, 23 Mar 2024 20:25:00 +0100

The Link between Oral Health and Cardiovascular Disease There is a growing body of research suggesting a link between oral health, specifically mouth cavities (also known as dental caries or tooth decay), and cardiovascular disease. Bacteria can enter the bloodstream through the mouth One theory suggests that the harmful bacteria involved in tooth decay and […]
The post Oral Health and my Heart appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Utility-Caused Wildfires Are Becoming a National Problem

Fri, 22 Mar 2024 10:04:00 +0100

Climate change is raising the risk of blazes that are started by power lines and other utility equipment in many parts of the U.S. besides California.

Burn Easily in the Sun? It Could be your Diet and Medications

Thu, 21 Mar 2024 14:57:00 +0100

Consumers these days are being warned about the health hazards of highly processed foods. The message is that the health-conscious consumer should buy more whole foods and process them minimally. However, not all whole foods are safe, either, and some should come with a warning label. One of the most common problems caused by some […]
The post Burn Easily in the Sun? It Could be your Diet and Medications appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Richard C. Higgins, One of Last Pearl Harbor Survivors, Dies

Thu, 21 Mar 2024 07:53:00 +0100

Richard C. Higgins was stationed at the Hawaiian naval base as a radioman on the day of the Japanese attack, which pulled the U.S. into World War II.

HAWAI‘I TO HOST FESTIVAL OF PACIFIC ARTS & CULTURE FROM JUNE 6-16, 2024

Thu, 21 Mar 2024 02:49:00 +0100

The Festival of Pacific Arts & Culture (FestPAC) is the world’s largest celebration of indigenous Pacific Islanders. The South Pacific Commission (now The Pacific Community – SPC) launched this dynamic showcase of arts and culture in 1972 to halt the erosion of traditional practices through ongoing cultural exchange. It is a vibrant and culturally enriching […]
The post HAWAI‘I TO HOST FESTIVAL OF PACIFIC ARTS & CULTURE FROM JUNE 6-16, 2024 appeared first on Hawa

Zephyr GTX from LOWA–Light, breathable and robust

Wed, 20 Mar 2024 21:32:00 +0100

Spoiler alert: This will not be an objective review. I have dual American and German citizenship, so my impartiality regarding LOWA, may be skewed. Of course, there are a few other well-known German brands such as BMW or Siemens, but LOWA (pronounced Low-va) isn’t (yet) a household name in America. However, you don’t have to […]
The post Zephyr GTX from LOWA–Light, breathable and robust appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Ease up on Hawaii’s zealous enforcement of jaywalking rules

Tue, 19 Mar 2024 03:04:00 +0100

By Keli‘i Akina Have you ever stood on a street corner waiting impatiently for the crossing signal — with not a car in sight? Here in Hawaii, crossing the street before the signal gives you the go-ahead could easily earn you a jaywalking ticket. But, I’m happy to report, that might soon change. A growing […]
The post Ease up on Hawaii’s zealous enforcement of jaywalking rules appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

The Hawaii Estate Tax

Mon, 18 Mar 2024 17:00:00 +0100

In this year’s legislative session, there are bills advancing that would, if enacted, fundamentally change how Hawaii’s estate tax works. Those bills include House Bills 2652 and 2653, and Senate Bill 3289. What is an estate tax? It’s a tax that is imposed when an individual dies. It is imposed on the net value of […]
The post The Hawaii Estate Tax appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

It’s Time for the Endangered Species Act to Become Extinct

Mon, 18 Mar 2024 05:18:00 +0100

As homelessness sweeps across the country and people struggle to survive, the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) is setting aside 120,000 acres in Hawaii for 12 endangered species, including 11 plants and one fruit fly. It pays to be rare and endangered, if you are not a human. Non-human species are protected by the […]
The post It’s Time for the Endangered Species Act to Become Extinct appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Hawaii Republican Presidential Caucus Results 2024

Tue, 12 Mar 2024 17:42:00 +0100

Get live election results and maps from the 2024 Hawaii Republican caucus.

Preserving the Integrity and Future of Hawaii-Grown Coffee

Tue, 12 Mar 2024 07:06:00 +0100

A bill advancing through the legislature establishes a timeline by which coffee sold as ‘Hawaii-grown’ must contain at least 50% of actual Hawaii-grown coffee. Coffee growers throughout the state overwhelmingly support this measure. A recent state-funded study showed this change would increase income to nearly 1,500 small farms that are only marginally profitable under the […]
The post Preserving the Integrity and Future of Hawaii-Grown Coffee appeared first on Hawaii Reporter

The Worst States to be Rich, Poor, or In Between

Mon, 11 Mar 2024 17:00:00 +0100

A new study has come out from the financial site WalletHub. It rates each of the 50 states in terms of the tax burden that it places on its wealthiest residents, and it rates the 50 states again in terms of the tax burden that it places on its poorest. Only one state made the […]
The post The Worst States to be Rich, Poor, or In Between appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Get rid of zoning rules that created ‘monster homes’ in first place

Mon, 11 Mar 2024 03:04:00 +0100

By Keli‘i Akina I’ve been listening to naysayers in the housing debate and many of them seem to think monsters lurk behind every corner — monster homes, monster condos, even monster housing developments. Yet, it turns out that much like the mythical monster under the bed and the monster in the closet, once you turn on the lights and […]
The post Get rid of zoning rules that created ‘monster homes’ in first place appeared first on Hawaii Re

Good News and Bad News for Astronomers’ Biggest Dream

Fri, 08 Mar 2024 11:02:00 +0100

The National Science Foundation takes a step (just one) toward an “extremely large telescope.”

Hawaii Democratic Caucus Results 2024

Wed, 06 Mar 2024 21:57:00 +0100

Get live election results and maps from the 2024 Hawaii Democratic caucus.

Wendy Ikemoto Brings an Indigenous Perspective to a New York Museum

Wed, 06 Mar 2024 11:02:00 +0100

Wendy Nalani E. Ikemoto, chief curator of the New-York Historical Society, aims to interpret, contextualize and activate art “in a way that is relevant to today.”

Opening Doors

Wed, 06 Mar 2024 06:54:00 +0100

Author’s Note: An ileostomy is a surgically created opening in the abdominal wall for the ‘stoma’ which is constructed by bringing the end of the small intestine out onto the surface of the skin, and with an external abdominal pouch fitted to collect intestinal (fecal) output). Originally published in The Phoenix ostomy magazine – www.phoenixuoaa.org By […]
The post Opening Doors appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Labor-related mandate adds to our already highest cost of living

Mon, 04 Mar 2024 23:45:00 +0100

By Keli‘i Akina A couple of weeks ago, while most people were paying attention to tax and budget discussions at the Legislature, Hawaii became a little more expensive. That’s because on Feb. 16, the governor’s office issued a new “administrative directive” that requires all state construction projects worth more than $1.5 million to be performed under so-called […]
The post Labor-related mandate adds to our already highest cost of living appeared fi

Local Hawai’i Organizations get a Boost!

Mon, 04 Mar 2024 19:46:00 +0100

Seven of Hawai’i’s local non-profit and governmental organizations got a boost from 26 college students from Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) – Worcester, Massachusetts. Over 7 weeks in Honolulu, these students experienced our culture, our people, and lent their science and technology skills to address real world problems/challenges that these organizations face. How it works: WPI […]
The post Local Hawai’i Organizations get a Boost! appeared first

Amended Return Equals Guilty Plea

Mon, 04 Mar 2024 17:00:00 +0100

We have been hearing through the grapevine that a number of examiners and auditors at the Department of Taxation have been using a “please amend your return” tactic. It’s by no means a new strategy, but for those who haven’t gone through an audit before it can have a very profound side effect…that they know […]
The post Amended Return Equals Guilty Plea appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Diversity or Perversity: Are Immigrants an “Invasive Species”?

Sun, 03 Mar 2024 00:10:00 +0100

As people around the world are fighting wars, polluting the environment with plastics and other toxic chemicals, clearing the forests for agriculture, developing new pathogens to kill people, and attempting to alter the weather with geo-engineering experiments, we are told to take a moment out of this mayhem and chaos to recognize Invasive Species Awareness […]
The post Diversity or Perversity: Are Immigrants an “Invasive Species”? appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

The 15th ʻUkulele Picnic Presents the International ʻUkulele Festival of Hawaiʻi Newly Named International Ukulele Event to be Held on July 27th at Kapiolani Park

Fri, 01 Mar 2024 23:39:00 +0100

The ʻUkulele Foundation of Hawaiʻi today announces the renaming of its annual signature event to “The 15th ʻUkulele Picnic Presents the International ʻUkulele Festival of Hawaiʻi” and is scheduled for Saturday, July 27th, 2024, at Kapiolani Park in Waikiki. Founded in 2009 as ʻUkulele Picnic in Hawaiʻi, the annual all-day ʻukulele event is celebrating its […]
The post The 15th ʻUkulele Picnic Presents the International ʻUkulele

Hawaii needs better budgeting for Maui recovery

Mon, 26 Feb 2024 20:34:00 +0100

By Keli‘i Akina Helping our Maui ohana recover from last year’s disastrous wildfires is paramount. But the only way to do that without hiking taxes or going into massive debt is to cut state spending. We can rely on federal aid to some extent, but the local share of the expenses is spiraling out of […]
The post Hawaii needs better budgeting for Maui recovery appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

The Department’s Quest to Nullify Evidence

Mon, 26 Feb 2024 17:00:00 +0100

Every so often, because our Department of Taxation is given the opportunity to recommend legislation to our lawmakers, the Department sponsors some bills to make their administrative lives easier…which sometimes means trampling on taxpayers’ rights. One of the Department’s bills before the current Legislature, which has been introduced as HB 2487 and SB 3176, titled […]
The post The Department’s Quest to Nullify Evidence appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Medical Deception: Fake Breast Cancer Study from Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center

Sun, 25 Feb 2024 16:47:00 +0100

In 1995, the world was taken by surprise with the announcement of a study linking the excessive wearing of tight bras with an increased incidence of breast cancer, published in the book, Dressed to Kill: The Link Between Breast Cancer and Bras. We are the authors of this book. As a result of this study, […]
The post Medical Deception: Fake Breast Cancer Study from Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

1st Annual FilmFreude Honolulu Film Festival–A Celebration of German Cinema–March 1-3, 2024

Sun, 25 Feb 2024 00:17:00 +0100

German cinema takes center stage as FilmFreude Honolulu German Film Festival (FFHGFF) proudly announces its inaugural edition, set to captivate audiences from March 1 to 3, 2024. In collaboration with the Honolulu Museum of Art the festival showcases the most exciting new German Films at HOMA’s Doris Duke Theatre, (900 S. Beretania St.) FilmFreude Honolulu […]
The post 1st Annual FilmFreude Honolulu Film Festival–A Celebration of German Cinema–March 1-3, 2024 appea

The Ultimate Product Placement: Thailand on ‘The White Lotus’

Fri, 23 Feb 2024 18:58:00 +0100

Season 3 of the hit HBO series is being shot in the lush Southeast Asian country, which is betting financial incentives given to the production will pay off in increased tourism numbers.

Open Letter- Calls for Retraction of Faulty Breast Cancer Study

Wed, 21 Feb 2024 16:53:00 +0100

To: Lu Chen, Division of Public Health Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, 1100 Fairview Avenue North, Mail Stop M4-C308, Seattle, WA 98109-1024. Phone: 206-667-5028; Fax: 206-667-5948; E-mail: luchen78@uw.edu Thomas J. Lynch Jr., MD, President and Director, Fred Hutch, Phone: 206.667.6767, Email: tom@fredhutch.org American Association for Cancer Research 615 Chestnut Street | 17th Floor | […]
The post Open Letter- Calls for Retraction of

The ConAm Returns Again

Mon, 19 Feb 2024 17:00:00 +0100

Back in 2018, we as voters were inundated with impassioned arguments on both sides of a proposed constitutional amendment (“ConAm” for short). The amendment would have given the State the power to impose a surcharge on real property tax, ostensibly to fund teacher pay raises. The Hawaii Supreme Court voided the ballot question associated with […]
The post The ConAm Returns Again appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Good housing reform bills making headway at Legislature

Mon, 19 Feb 2024 01:49:00 +0100

Photo by Charley Myers By Keli‘i Akina It’s really wonderful to finally see so many Hawaii policymakers trying to do something about Hawaii’s soul-crushing housing shortage. We are awash with both state and county proposals intended to help solve the problem, and 2024 could be one of the best years yet in terms of enacting […]
The post Good housing reform bills making headway at Legislature appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

The Biomechanics of Bras and Lymphatics and the Link to Breast Cancer

Sun, 18 Feb 2024 04:03:00 +0100

Sydney Ross Singer, Medical Anthropologist 2/17/2024 All biological systems operate in the same physical universe as all other matter, and the same principles of physics that apply to the stars, planets, moons, mountains, missiles, also apply to eyes, brains, muscles, nerves, and cells. This means you can apply physics to the human body to understand […]
The post The Biomechanics of Bras and Lymphatics and the Link to Breast Cancer appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

As Home Insurance Bills Go Up, Owners’ Coverage Is Going Down

Fri, 16 Feb 2024 11:03:00 +0100

Frequent natural disasters and high inflation have led insurers to raise premiums, and forced many customers to pare back their policies.

Shaka Law to Designate Official State Gesture Set for Critical Senate Hearing

Tue, 13 Feb 2024 22:06:00 +0100

The Shaka is perhaps the best symbol of aloha and Hawai’i
The post Shaka Law to Designate Official State Gesture Set for Critical Senate Hearing appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Common sense wins in debate over fate of cryptocurrency in Hawaii

Tue, 13 Feb 2024 00:34:00 +0100

By Keli‘i Akina What a nice surprise it was this week when I learned that the state Division of Financial Institutions had quietly decided to let cryptocurrency companies operate freely in Hawaii, just as they can most everywhere else. This is an incredible win for economic freedom in our state, which isn’t known for cutting […]
The post Common sense wins in debate over fate of cryptocurrency in Hawaii appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Hoarding School Impact Fees

Mon, 12 Feb 2024 17:00:00 +0100

Here in Hawaii, our Department of Education is unique in several respects. In most states, K-12 education is handled by localities such as towns and counties and is largely funded by property tax. Our DOE, however, is descended from royalty – it was established by King Kamehameha III in 1840 – and it now runs […]
The post Hoarding School Impact Fees appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

How Tight, Toxic Shoes Cause Skin Cancer on the Feet

Mon, 12 Feb 2024 16:18:00 +0100

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer, affecting about 1 in 5 people by the age of 70. More people get skin cancer than all other cancers combined. What could be driving skin cancer to these high incidence levels? When you research skin cancer, the primary cause most medical authorities will mention is […]
The post How Tight, Toxic Shoes Cause Skin Cancer on the Feet appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

9 Key Revelations in Maui’s First Review of the Lahaina Inferno

Sun, 11 Feb 2024 05:22:00 +0100

Officials provided the first comprehensive look at where the 100 victims of the Aug. 8 wildfire were found.

C.D.C. Investigating Gastrointestinal Illness on Queen Victoria Luxury Cruise Ship

Thu, 08 Feb 2024 20:55:00 +0100

The Queen Victoria was on its way to Honolulu from San Francisco on a 107-night world cruise when more than 150 people on board reported symptoms, officials said.

Maui Economy, 6 Months After Wildfire, Is Still Reeling

Wed, 07 Feb 2024 11:00:00 +0100

Six months after the Maui wildfire, hundreds of businesses remain closed, and questions linger about how much a local economy should rely on tourism.

Use tax policy to help Hawaii residents thrive and prosper

Tue, 06 Feb 2024 22:35:00 +0100

By Keli‘i Akina It used to be that you could trust the Legislature to not raise taxes during an election year. That’s when we could all breathe a sigh of relief, confident that the desire of politicians to get reelected would keep our wallets safe a little longer. But not this year. An emerging trend […]
The post Use tax policy to help Hawaii residents thrive and prosper appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Important Tips for Hacking Your Penis

Mon, 05 Feb 2024 22:15:00 +0100

Greetings, fellow people with penises. (Those who do not possess penises may want to skip to another article, unless you’re curious.) Some of you are new to having penises, including young people, and there are lots of things you need to know to keep your penis healthy. And in today’s sick world, it’s tough for […]
The post Important Tips for Hacking Your Penis appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

What Were They Thinking?

Mon, 05 Feb 2024 17:00:00 +0100

It’s now 2024 and a new session of the Hawaii Legislature is upon us. The deadline for introducing bills for consideration by the Legislature has passed, and the process to separate the wheat from the proverbial chaff has begun. In this week’s column, we will look at a handful of the bills that have been […]
The post What Were They Thinking? appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Are COVID Variants Coming from a Lab?

Mon, 29 Jan 2024 18:18:00 +0100

The COVID-19 virus, called SARS-CoV-2, has underdone many changes since it came into our lives in 2019. But one thing remains the same. We are still not getting the full story about this virus from the government. Now, in early 2024, there are still new variants emerging which baffle scientists, and which prompt calls for […]
The post Are COVID Variants Coming from a Lab? appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Oh BOI, More Red Tape for All

Mon, 29 Jan 2024 17:00:00 +0100

A new reporting requirement has kicked in this year, and lots of people will be affected. The reason for the requirement is a growing perception that ultra-wealthy oligarchs, bad actors, and others are seeing us—the United States—as a haven where they can park money or assets in entities, like limited liability companies, corporations, or partnerships, […]
The post Oh BOI, More Red Tape for All appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

In 100 Victims of the Lahaina Fire, Legacies That Live On

Sun, 28 Jan 2024 16:46:00 +0100

Authorities have identified the last known person to have died in the wildfire. Young and old, those lost won’t be forgotten.

Chances are good 2024 Legislature will lead us toward a better Hawaii

Sun, 28 Jan 2024 09:07:00 +0100

By Keli‘i Akina The start of Hawaii’s annual legislative session is always marked by hope and trepidation. Will this be the year that we finally start to see positive big changes — or are we going to see more taxes, more spending, more regulations? In short, the same old same old? Overall, I am optimistic […]
The post Chances are good 2024 Legislature will lead us toward a better Hawaii appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Interested in Beekeeping? Scott Nakaido offers some great advice for neophytes

Sun, 28 Jan 2024 00:37:00 +0100

Editor’s Note: Rob Kay has been a bee keeper for the past four years and is active in Oahu Beekeepers, a grassroots organization dedicated to promoting beekeeping and assisting beekeepers. Rob was a recipient of the 2023 Bee Heroes Grant which strives to make a difference on Oahu and the Aloha State by promoting a […]
The post Interested in Beekeeping? Scott Nakaido offers some great advice for neophytes appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Tight Clothing Affects Tumor Microenvironment

Sun, 28 Jan 2024 00:32:00 +0100

Great news for the cancer field! Researchers are now looking beyond the tumor, into the tumor microenvironment, to better understand more fully what is actually happening when cancers develop. This relatively new approach does not just look at cancer as a cellular mutation that causes cells to grow without stopping. The cancer paradigm is shifting […]
The post Tight Clothing Affects Tumor Microenvironment appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Fire Blanketed Lahaina in Toxic Debris. Where Can They Put It?

Thu, 25 Jan 2024 11:01:00 +0100

Crews are sending thousands of truckloads of debris to a temporary disposal site, alarming Native Hawaiian residents and those seeking to protect a prized coral reef.

A New Theory for Racial Disparity in Breast Cancer Deaths

Mon, 22 Jan 2024 17:06:00 +0100

Introduction One of the big mysteries in the cancer field is why young black women have about twice the death rate from breast cancer as white women. This paper will propose a new theory for explaining this increased death outcome. What could be causing black women to be more likely to die from breast cancer […]
The post A New Theory for Racial Disparity in Breast Cancer Deaths appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Colorado’s State of the State

Mon, 22 Jan 2024 17:00:00 +0100

Our 2024 Legislature has just opened and is warming up to its usual fever pitch. Other States, however, are already rolling. In Colorado, for example, Governor Jared Polis (D) recently delivered his State of the State address. It was unusual in that he is a Democrat Governor who was urging lawmakers to cut taxes. Before […]
The post Colorado’s State of the State appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

How to improve the Maui Interim Housing Plan

Mon, 22 Jan 2024 00:24:00 +0100

By Keli‘i Akina When facing a challenge such as rebuilding Lahaina, it’s important to work together to get the best possible outcome. Everyone involved won’t always agree on the best approach, but open discussion and debate will give the public a say to help find the best route forward. That’s why on Thursday, as president […]
The post How to improve the Maui Interim Housing Plan appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Olympic Champion Carissa Moore Goes in Search of a New Identity

Fri, 19 Jan 2024 12:23:00 +0100

As she prepares to step away from surfing, Carissa Moore confronts a question that many people face when they make a change in life: Who am I if I don’t do this anymore?

Kona Coffee Lawsuit: How Science Helped Farmers Look for Counterfeit Beans

Thu, 18 Jan 2024 11:00:00 +0100

A testing method borrowed from geology helped farmers sue a slew of stores selling supposed “Kona” coffee.

More Tax Hikes Coming

Mon, 15 Jan 2024 17:00:00 +0100

It isn’t very far into the new year, but already the tax hike proposals have begun. As reported by Hawaii News Now, Gov. Josh Green is proposing some “revenue raisers” to have resources available to fight wildfires and other environmental disasters. He is proposing to raise $100 million by either hoisting the Transient Accommodations Tax, […]
The post More Tax Hikes Coming appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Rolling blackouts cloud Hawaii’s energy future

Sun, 14 Jan 2024 00:13:00 +0100

By Keli‘i Akina If you spent part of this week sitting in the dark without any electricity, you probably have some questions about the state’s energy plan. So do I. Power shortages on Monday forced Hawaiian Electric Co. to institute rolling blackouts that left 120,000 customers on the island without power for 30-minute periods throughout […]
The post Rolling blackouts cloud Hawaii’s energy future appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

How to Give Yourself Breast Cancer in 10 Easy Steps

Thu, 11 Jan 2024 16:54:00 +0100

If you are a woman who wants to get breast cancer, or if you know of any woman who wants to get breast cancer, then you’re in luck. It’s easier than you think. I am a breast cancer researcher, especially of the cultural causes of this disease, such as the exposure to toxic chemicals, or […]
The post How to Give Yourself Breast Cancer in 10 Easy Steps appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

2024 Travel Destinations: 52 Places to Go This Year

Wed, 10 Jan 2024 15:23:00 +0100

No matter why you travel, our list offers inspiration.

What Breast Cancer, Inc. Doesn’t Want You To Know About Bras

Mon, 08 Jan 2024 14:53:00 +0100

Why is there still a breast cancer epidemic despite billions in research funding? In the pre-pandemic days, when we were able to focus on other diseases besides COVID, there were annual gala events to raise awareness, and funds, for breast cancer research. Literally billions of dollars went to the Susan G. Komen Foundation, which made […]
The post What Breast Cancer, Inc. Doesn’t Want You To Know About Bras appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Housing regulations add up to solid brick wall against homebuilding

Sun, 07 Jan 2024 23:52:00 +0100

By Keli‘i Akina There is something very telling in the fact that it’s taken almost half a year to see anything come from the governor’s emergency proclamation aimed at speeding up homebuilding in Hawaii. The governor’s order, announced in July 2023, established a 36-member Beyond Barriers Working Group to guide the hastening of housing construction, […]
The post Housing regulations add up to solid brick wall against homebuilding appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

How a Maui Local Makes Sashimi Extra Special

Fri, 05 Jan 2024 04:58:00 +0100

Hamachi gets a surprising lift from sweet onions in a ponzu sauce.

The Real Reason Why Cellphones Cause Breast Cancer

Tue, 02 Jan 2024 22:08:00 +0100

Nobody these days is without a cellphone. We all live through our cellphones. But like every other human innovation that comes to define our lives, there are side effects and problems caused that must be discovered after the new technology is introduced. Cellphones stored in a bra are being shown to cause breast cancer. But […]
The post The Real Reason Why Cellphones Cause Breast Cancer appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Three New Year’s resolutions I hope Hawaii lawmakers will take to heart

Tue, 02 Jan 2024 05:58:00 +0100

By Keli‘i Akina The new year is almost upon us, which means it’s time for one of my favorite traditions: making a list of resolutions for Hawaii’s policymakers. First and foremost, I suggest they resolve to reduce Hawaii’s tax burden. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: One of the best ways to increase tax […]
The post Three New Year’s resolutions I hope Hawaii lawmakers will take to heart appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Restaurants Getting Cooked

Mon, 01 Jan 2024 17:00:00 +0100

A number of restaurants are in a pinch recently. Here’s what happened to them. A few years ago, the COVID-19 pandemic began. In the initial months of the pandemic, many governments including ours locked down the populace. People who were shut in couldn’t spend money like they usually could, and businesses of all stripes suffered. […]
The post Restaurants Getting Cooked appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

KICK OFF THE NEW YEAR AT BLUE NOTE HAWAII – January Features Some of Music’s Most Iconic Performers like Sister Sledge, The Four Tops & the 50th Anniversary of Los Lobos

Mon, 01 Jan 2024 04:36:00 +0100

January in Hawaii Features Some of Music’s Most Iconic Performers like Sister Sledge, The Four Tops & the 50th Anniversary of Los Lobos
The post KICK OFF THE NEW YEAR AT BLUE NOTE HAWAII – January Features Some of Music’s Most Iconic Performers like Sister Sledge, The Four Tops & the 50th Anniversary of Los Lobos appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

How Thermography can PREVENT Breast Cancer

Sun, 31 Dec 2023 21:21:00 +0100

According to the medical industry, for some unknown reason most women in the US have sick breasts, with over 80% of women experiencing some degree of breast pain and discomfort and/or cysts, and many developing cancer. Doctors say 5-10% of the cancers may be related to genetics, and scratch their heads as to the cause […]
The post How Thermography can PREVENT Breast Cancer appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Monster — Director Hirokazu Kore-eda’s latest film –awarded best screenplay at Cannes

Wed, 27 Dec 2023 00:57:00 +0100

by Yurika Matsumori Editor’s note: Yurika Matsumori is Hawaii Reporter’s newest film critic. A keen observer of Japanese Cinema and a native speaker, she also interviewed both Messrs. Kore-eda and Yuji Sakamoto (screenplay author) about their collaboration on Monster. The film was screened at HIFF 2023. ********************** The story begins with a familiar scenario. A fifth grader, Minato Mugino […]
The post Monster — Director Hirokazu Kore-eda&rsqu

Monster — Director Hirokazu Kore-eda’s latest film and, Cannes winner of best screenplay award

Wed, 27 Dec 2023 00:57:00 +0100

by Yurika Matsumori The story begins with a familiar scenario. A fifth grader, Minato Mugino (Sōya Kurokawa), tells his mother that he is bullied and mistreated by his teacher, Michitoshi Hori (Eita Nagayama). His concerned mother, Saori Mugino (Sakura Andō), pays a visit to school to confront the school officials on the issue. At first, […]
The post Monster — Director Hirokazu Kore-eda’s latest film and, Cannes winner of best screenplay award appeared first on Hawai

How a Paradise Became a Death Trap: An Update

Tue, 26 Dec 2023 12:00:00 +0100

Many residents of Lahaina, on Maui, tried to escape — but they had nowhere to go.

Merry Wet Christmas for Honolulu BWS

Mon, 25 Dec 2023 17:00:00 +0100

In late November, the Honolulu Board of Water Supply (BWS) approved a Christmas present for itself – a five-year schedule of rate increases that result in the cost of water in Honolulu going up by about 50%. Two of the increases take place in 2024, one in February and one in July, so Honolulu consumers […]
The post Merry Wet Christmas for Honolulu BWS appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Find common ground to foster holiday cheer

Sun, 24 Dec 2023 21:49:00 +0100

By Keli‘i Akina It’s the most wonderful time of the year. Family and friends gather to celebrate, exchange gifts and make memories. Everyone brims with a sense of fellowship and harmony. Until someone brings up politics. No matter what your beliefs, nothing can derail a family get-together like an unexpected political discussion. But just as […]
The post Find common ground to foster holiday cheer appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

New brief outlines how to facilitate more homebuilding in Hawaii

Thu, 21 Dec 2023 20:44:00 +0100

By Keli‘i Akina Some Hawaii policymakers might say it’s not possible to address Hawaii’s housing crisis without spending big bucks on public construction projects. But I have exciting news. Not only is it possible, my team at the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii has produced a roadmap that can help make it happen. Our latest report, […]
The post New brief outlines how to facilitate more homebuilding in Hawaii appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Hawai‘i Utilities Commission Slams Door on Rooftop Solar, Undermines Hawai‘i’s Progress on Clean Energy

Wed, 20 Dec 2023 21:49:00 +0100

A recent decision issued by the Hawai‘i Public Utilities Commission (PUC) sparked an upheaval in Hawai‘i’s homegrown clean energy industry because it undervalues the industry’s contribution to our electric grid and our climate goals. This decision threatens to shut down access to rooftop solar for homes and small businesses, which will set off another wave […]
The post Hawai‘i Utilities Commission Slams Door on Rooftop Solar, Undermines Hawai‘i&rs

Eight Points to Consider Before Accepting One of the Genworth Long Term Care Insurance Settlement Offers

Tue, 19 Dec 2023 23:06:00 +0100

Editor’s Note: John Robinson, aka JR, is not only one of the most astute retirement planners in town, he’s one of the few local financial pros with a national profile. He’s become an authority on Genworth Long Term Care Insurance and was extensively quoted in a recent NY Times article, Difficult Choices for Some Long-Term […]
The post Eight Points to Consider Before Accepting One of the Genworth Long Term Care Insurance Settlement Offers appeared first on Hawaii Reporter

School Non-Spending

Mon, 18 Dec 2023 17:00:00 +0100

In this space, we have been writing a lot about grief caused by spending taxpayer money unwisely. It turns out that lots of grief can also be caused by failure to spend it. Recently, according to reporting by Civil Beat, the Department of Education approached the Department of Budget and Finance with a list of […]
The post School Non-Spending appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Interview with Monster Director Hirokazu Kore-eda and screenwriter Yuji Sakamoto

Mon, 18 Dec 2023 10:33:00 +0100

by Yurika Matsumori Editor’s note: Yurika Matsumori is Hawaii Reporter’s newest film critic. A keen observier of Japanese Cinema and a native speaker, she interviewed both Messrs. Kore-eda and Sakamoto about their recent collaboration on Monster, a film just released in the US and screened at HIFF last month. The interview, conducted in Japanese, was […]
The post Interview with Monster Director Hirokazu Kore-eda and screenwriter Yuji Sakamoto appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

U.S. Military Returns to the Jungle, Training for a Very Different Threat

Fri, 15 Dec 2023 18:29:00 +0100

Far from the deserts of the Middle East, the Army is instructing troops in Hawaii on the skills needed for a potential clash with China.

Tourism Is Big in Waikiki. That Doesn’t Mean You Shouldn’t Go.

Wed, 13 Dec 2023 11:01:00 +0100

It’s fashionable to look down on the famous Honolulu beach as touristy and inauthentic. But you can still find the tropical paradise that inspired dreams of the islands, if you know where to look.

8 Winter Cruises in Warm Places

Wed, 13 Dec 2023 11:00:00 +0100

Among the ships sailing this season is the new Icon of the Seas, the world’s largest cruise ship. But you can go smaller on itineraries that range from the Caribbean to the South Pacific.

The Two Gorillas Still Menace the Budget

Mon, 11 Dec 2023 17:00:00 +0100

In the upcoming legislative session, which is right around the corner from now, there is going to be tremendous budgetary pressure. For one thing, lots of resources were used for wildfire relief efforts. This money had to come from somewhere. The Governor said that a bunch of it was just moved from other projects and […]
The post The Two Gorillas Still Menace the Budget appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

With taxes, less is more

Mon, 11 Dec 2023 08:00:00 +0100

By Keli‘i Akina Hawaii’s state budget is in a precarious position. It’s a startling reversal of where we were at the beginning of the year, when the state had a huge surplus and many of our lawmakers were going hog-wild trying to spend it all. In June, I praised Gov. Josh Green for cutting $1 billion from […]
The post With taxes, less is more appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Pesticides & Public Health

Sat, 09 Dec 2023 05:35:00 +0100

Thursday, December 21 An exploration of the public health risks associated with pesticide exposure in Hawaiʻi and beyond. Location Ka Waiwai1110 University Avenue Honolulu, HI 96826 Pesticides are a common tool in modern farming, however, some are known or suspected to pose a range of public health risks. Join us for this conversation about pesticide […]
The post Pesticides & Public Health appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Building the Better Rat (and Mongoose) Trap

Wed, 06 Dec 2023 23:27:00 +0100

The old trope about building a better mouse trap is something that we’ve all heard–probably more often than not. This time around, it has a bit more currency. In my case finding a better rat trap was of more than passing interest. It starts with the disappearance of Penguin, my cat. Cats are probably the […]
The post Building the Better Rat (and Mongoose) Trap appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Address Maui housing crisis with incentives, not mandates

Tue, 05 Dec 2023 02:15:00 +0100

By Keli‘i Akina Usually when people negotiate, they are looking for a “win-win” result — one that will leave everyone happy — or at least satisfied. Ideally, no one is left feeling angry or taken advantage of. Hawaii’s leaders should keep that in mind as they try to persuade short-term rental owners to house Maui […]
The post Address Maui housing crisis with incentives, not mandates appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Population: Still Losing

Mon, 04 Dec 2023 17:00:00 +0100

This week, we get to look at Census numbers, distilled and brought to us by Pacific Business News, that tell us whether we gained or lost people during 2021-2022. We lost. Again. According to the data, 67,257 people left Hawaii for somewhere else in the U.S., while 56,209 moved in. The top five destinations for […]
The post Population: Still Losing appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Underwater Video Shows U.S. Plane on Fragile Coral Reef

Sat, 02 Dec 2023 18:44:00 +0100

Earlier this month, the naval aircraft overshot a runway and landed in Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii. Divers stabilized the plane to prevent it from lodging deeper into the reef.

How Bras Cause Lymph Stasis and Breast Cancer

Sat, 02 Dec 2023 15:18:00 +0100

When it was first announced back in 1995, the world was in shock. Bras cause breast cancer! You’re kidding, right? How could this foundation garment that lifts and shapes the breast be a source of disease? If this was true, then why hasn’t this information been announced before now by mainstream medicine? It must be […]
The post How Bras Cause Lymph Stasis and Breast Cancer appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

U.S. Navy Works to Salvage Plane From Fragile Hawaiian Bay

Sat, 02 Dec 2023 03:42:00 +0100

The maritime patrol aircraft overshot a runway at a U.S. Marine Corps base and landed in the water. The Navy plans to haul it out on Saturday.

Kaylee Shimizu: From the time she shocked everyone at a Karaoke Performance to The Voice Spotlight

Fri, 24 Nov 2023 00:53:00 +0100

On November 2, 2022, Kaylee Shimizu was at our Hawaii Creators event at the Tipsy Pig in Honolulu. It is a creator collaboration event so everyone is in different rooms and areas talking story and making content. And Kaylee starts to sing.The post Kaylee Shimizu: From the time she shocked everyone at a Karaoke Performance to The Voice Spotlight appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Navy Plane Misses Hawaii Runway With 9 Aboard

Tue, 21 Nov 2023 05:45:00 +0100

None of the crew members were injured when a maritime patrol aircraft overshot a runway at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, the military said.

Pet Blindness Epidemic Coming to Oahu

Tue, 14 Nov 2023 21:44:00 +0100

Throughout the tropical world, dogs, cats, chickens, and much wildlife suffer from a type of eye disease that leads to progressively cloudy eyes and blindness, called tropical keratopathy. And it has now come to Oahu. It’s shocking to see your pet’s eyes lose their sparkle and become cloudy. It can start when your pet is […]
The post Pet Blindness Epidemic Coming to Oahu appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Pond in Hawaii Turned Pink, Raising a Red Flag for the Environment

Sun, 12 Nov 2023 00:36:00 +0100

Dry conditions and high salt levels in the water allowed for halobacteria to thrive, turning a pond bubble-gum pink.

After Maui Wildfire, Lahaina’s Immigrants Weigh an Uncertain Future

Fri, 10 Nov 2023 11:01:00 +0100

Consumed by loss after the August wildfire, many immigrants who have made the historic town their home wonder if they will have to move.

Maui Wildfire Timeline: How the Lahaina Inferno Raged, Hour by Hour

Fri, 10 Nov 2023 01:38:00 +0100

The Times used video evidence, data and interviews to reconstruct the wildfire that raged through what was once Hawaii’s royal capital.

Crossing the Rubicon Again

Mon, 06 Nov 2023 17:00:00 +0100

When we were in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic and Governor Ige was peppering us with emergency proclamations early and often, we at the Tax Foundation accepted that the Governor had emergency authority but questioned some of the things it was being used on. For example, we were one of several nonprofits to challenge […]
The post Crossing the Rubicon Again appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Telehealth could be game-changer in effort to improve Hawaii healthcare

Mon, 06 Nov 2023 05:40:00 +0100

By Keli‘i Akina Could broader use of telehealth improve the quality of healthcare in Hawaii? I think so, and let me tell you why. Telehealth — sometimes called telemedicine — is when patients consult with their doctors over the internet via Zoom, Skype, Google Meet or some other video conference program without the significant inconvenience […]
The post Telehealth could be game-changer in effort to improve Hawaii healthcare appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

The Deadly Maui Inferno, Hour by Hour

Wed, 01 Nov 2023 16:26:00 +0100

The Times used video evidence, data and interviews to reconstruct the wildfire that raged through what was once Hawaii’s royal capital.

Upsetting the Apple Cart in 24-Year-Old Litigation

Mon, 30 Oct 2023 17:00:00 +0100

One of the longest running court cases in modern history is Kalima v. State. The case, filed in 1999, concerned 2,515 beneficiaries of the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) who sued the state over its handling of the Hawaiian homes program. On July 21, Circuit Court Judge Lisa Cataldo approved a $328 million settlement […]
The post Upsetting the Apple Cart in 24-Year-Old Litigation appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Why monster homes came to be in the first place

Sun, 29 Oct 2023 10:31:00 +0100

By Keli‘i Akina In the spirit of Halloween, I want to tell you a spooky story about a monster. The mere whisper of the monster can be enough to terrify the community. Some speak in hushed tones and others shout with alarm and dread about how its large, shambling form is a grotesque violation of […]
The post Why monster homes came to be in the first place appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Hawaii Settles Sex Discrimination Case With High School Female Athletes

Sat, 28 Oct 2023 03:52:00 +0200

The landmark class-action case was one of the farthest-reaching challenges to high school sports under federal Title IX protections.

The Scientists Watching Their Work Disappear From Climate Change

Thu, 26 Oct 2023 15:41:00 +0200

Some are stubborn optimists. Others struggle with despair. Their faces show the weight they carry as they witness the impact of climate change.

Hawaii Bribery Scandal Casts a Shadow Over Lahaina’s Ruins

Wed, 25 Oct 2023 11:01:00 +0200

For years, a local businessman paid off officials in exchange for lucrative contracts. The system he exploited has been left largely unchanged.

Hawaii the Sinkhole State

Mon, 23 Oct 2023 18:00:00 +0200

We just got through with a legislative session where, due to anticipated federal aid to our state, we seemed to be swimming in money and were finding money for all kinds of things. At the end of session, however, our Council on Revenues dropped our revenue forecast by a Billion Dollars and our Governor used […]
The post Hawaii the Sinkhole State appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

DeWALT’s new DCV501HB—A shop vac you can take home to the family

Mon, 23 Oct 2023 00:26:00 +0200

A recent “Tools in Action” YouTube video extolling the virtues of DeWALT’s new, DCV501HB vacuum suggested that this shop vac might be “The GREATEST Handheld?” I’ll leave the answer to the influencers out there, but I can humbly state that this little yellow vac does live up to DeWALT’s legacy of excellence. I’ve been a DeWALT […]
The post DeWALT’s new DCV501HB—A shop vac you can take home to the family appeared first on Hawa

Reform permitting process to cut inequality, favoritism and delays

Sun, 22 Oct 2023 22:40:00 +0200

By Keli‘i Akina All permit applications are equal, but some are more equal than others. With apologies to George Orwell, that was the thought that kept running through my mind as I read Honolulu Civil Beat’s new exposé on wait times at the Honolulu Department of Planning and Permitting. In Orwell’s 1945 classic “Animal Farm,” the many animals of […]
The post Reform permitting process to cut inequality, favoritism and delays appeared

After Devastating Wildfires, Maui Pushes for Honoring Its Past

Fri, 20 Oct 2023 17:29:00 +0200

The wildfire that devastated Lahaina wiped out many vestiges of the town’s past. Conservators are racing to recover what they can.

Maui Is Open for Travel, but the Loss of Lahaina May Reshape Tourism

Fri, 20 Oct 2023 11:02:00 +0200

The entire island of Maui is bracing for the return of tourism even as disaster relief efforts continue. The path to recovery is uncertain.

Tourists, Keep Out!

Mon, 16 Oct 2023 18:00:00 +0200

In Vermont, there is a small town known as Pomfret. It has one of the most picturesque areas of the country for fall foliage, called Sleepy Hollow Farm. The town decided to close two of its main roads to tourists for the seasons. Why? According to NBC News, the tourists who showed up “damaged roads, […]
The post Tourists, Keep Out! appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

‘I Have to Do Better.’ A Young Father Was Rebuilding His Life When the Flames Came.

Sun, 15 Oct 2023 11:02:00 +0200

A 28-year-old was working to get his life back on track. But an early death from the Maui wildfires meant he could never fully atone for a rocky past.

Interstate compacts are painless way we can improve healthcare access

Sun, 15 Oct 2023 03:05:00 +0200

By Keli‘i Akina Imagine that licensed medical professionals from various mainland states are lined up to work in Hawaii. Let’s say they all arrived by plane and are now in a locked room at the Honolulu airport, waiting for state officials to let them come in and start treating people. Under current law, they will […]
The post Interstate compacts are painless way we can improve healthcare access appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Ryuzo Yanagimachi, Researcher Who Cloned Mice, Dies at 95

Sat, 14 Oct 2023 21:02:00 +0200

Working separately from the Scottish team that had earlier cloned Dolly the sheep, he and his team pioneered an easier, more successful method.

Behind the Coverage of the Maui Wildfire’s Toll

Sat, 14 Oct 2023 13:00:00 +0200

A New York Times reporter spent more than a week in Maui talking with residents who lost relatives in the fire.

Who Really Pays?

Mon, 09 Oct 2023 18:00:00 +0200

Have you ever thought about who, really, pays the cost of something like a Lahaina wildfire or a Hurricane Iniki? In the Lahaina wildfire case, victims are getting assistance from our federal and state governments. Some of them are trying to short-circuit the process by suing the government. Then the government is suing a private […]
The post Who Really Pays? appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Government should take hands-off approach to Maui tourism

Mon, 09 Oct 2023 05:39:00 +0200

By Keli‘i Akina There has been a lot of passionate debate about when to reopen West Maui to tourism in the wake of the Aug. 8 fires in Lahaina that killed almost a hundred people and destroyed thousands of homes and nearly a thousand businesses. Proponents of reopening say Maui desperately needs the revenues to […]
The post Government should take hands-off approach to Maui tourism appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

West Maui Is Reopening. Here’s What Travelers Should Know.

Sun, 08 Oct 2023 12:01:00 +0200

The island’s west side has reopened to visitors two months after the devastating wildfires. But the travel industry anticipates the return of much-needed tourism to be a slow drip.

Vomit Warning: How Throwing Up Can Cause a Stroke

Tue, 03 Oct 2023 17:34:00 +0200

Vomiting is a distasteful subject most people don’t touch, which is why we never learn the correct way to vomit. As a result, people risk potentially fatal health problems when they throw up, some of which will blow their minds, literally. Scientists have studied the physiology of vomiting, but to remind anyone who doesn’t remember […]
The post Vomit Warning: How Throwing Up Can Cause a Stroke appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Say “Yes in God’s backyard” to more housing

Tue, 03 Oct 2023 06:08:00 +0200

By Keli‘i Akina I don’t usually endorse following California’s lead on policy issues, but there might be something Hawaii can learn from our close mainland neighbor when it comes to housing reform. Specifically, California legislators recently passed what became known as the “Yes in God’s backyard” bill, which streamlined the state’s permitting and zoning laws […]
The post Say “Yes in God’s backyard” to more housing appeared firs

Disaster Preparedness and Food System Resilience in Hawaii

Tue, 03 Oct 2023 00:32:00 +0200

Thursday, October 19, 2023 5pm – 8pm Hawaii’s greater food system resilience and disaster preparedness in the context of accelerating climate change-induced extreme weather. By Civil Beat, UHWO, Better Tomorrow Series, Waiwai Click here for tickets! Location Ka Waiwai1110 University Avenue Honolulu, HI 96826 Show map The Maui fires exposed Hawaii’s vulnerability to extreme climate change-induced […]
The post Disaster Preparedness and Food System Resilience in Hawaii

Let the Donor Beware

Mon, 02 Oct 2023 18:00:00 +0200

You may have heard the phrase “caveat emptor,” meaning “Let the buyer beware.” It’s an old proverb, from the Latin phrase meaning that a buyer of something should make sure that the product is good, and that the seller has the right to sell it, before buying a product. In modern contract law in this […]
The post Let the Donor Beware appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Maui Fire Victim Dies After 7 Weeks in Burn Unit

Sat, 30 Sep 2023 23:07:00 +0200

Laurie Allen had to run through a wall of flame to escape the August wildfire. Doctors went to extraordinary lengths to try to save her.

After 7 Weeks in Burn Unit, Another Maui Fire Victim Dies

Sat, 30 Sep 2023 23:07:00 +0200

Laurie Allen had to run through a wall of flame to escape the August wildfire. Doctors went to extraordinary lengths to try to save her.

Schofield Barracks: Man Arrested After Prompting Lockdown in Hawaii

Fri, 29 Sep 2023 11:26:00 +0200

The man was believed to have a handgun and had a confrontation with a soldier at Schofield Barracks before fleeing, officials said.

Schofield Barracks: Lockdown Ends, Search for Armed Man Continues

Fri, 29 Sep 2023 06:12:00 +0200

A man who was believed to have a handgun was on the run on Thursday after a confrontation with a soldier at Schofield Barracks, officials said.

How to teach Hawaii’s youth the principles of freedom

Tue, 26 Sep 2023 01:44:00 +0200

If you want to create a generation of leaders and engaged voters for the future, you need to understand what is going on with our education system today. And according to Connor Boyack, the featured speaker at the latest Grassroot Institute of Hawaii luncheon, our education system isn’t doing so well. Boyack is founder and […]
The post How to teach Hawaii’s youth the principles of freedom appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Aiming a Sledgehammer at Monster Homes

Mon, 25 Sep 2023 18:00:00 +0200

In Honolulu, some people have dealt with the housing crisis by building “monster homes.” As one prominent real estate company has described them, they are large houses built in land zoned for single-family homes. They “tend to take up more than 75% of the lot space on which they stand, can have as many as […]
The post Aiming a Sledgehammer at Monster Homes appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Plastic Water: The Dark Effects of Sunlight on Plastic Water Bottles

Mon, 25 Sep 2023 17:45:00 +0200

This may be hard to swallow, but the drinking bottle that you are dutifully carrying around with you all day to stay properly hydrated may be delivering more than water into your body. The most commonly used plastic water bottle is made of polyethylene terephthalate, or PET, which is indicated on the bottle with a […]
The post Plastic Water: The Dark Effects of Sunlight on Plastic Water Bottles appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Chickens and Goats and Pigs, Oh My.

Wed, 20 Sep 2023 21:47:00 +0200

Aloha Animal Sanctuary Volunteers
The post Chickens and Goats and Pigs, Oh My. appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Lahaina’s Burned Banyan Tree Grows Leaves, After Maui Fires

Wed, 20 Sep 2023 15:29:00 +0200

The 150-year-old tree was badly burned in the fires that ravaged Maui last month. New green leaves hint at the possibility of recovery for the tree and its community.

Burned Lahaina Banyan Tree Grows New Leaves, Giving Residents Hope

Wed, 20 Sep 2023 12:02:00 +0200

The 150-year-old tree was badly burned in the fires that ravaged Maui last month. New green leaves hint at the possibility of recovery for the tree and its community.

HART continues its crusade against transparency

Mon, 18 Sep 2023 20:48:00 +0200

By Keli‘i Akina When will the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation learn that a lack of openness undermines public trust in the rail? HART has been dogged by questions about transparency and accountability for years. We’ve witnessed the agency’s seeming reluctance to conduct a forensic audit, confusion over the status of the Federal Transit Administration’s […]
The post HART continues its crusade against transparency appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Challenging the Housing Czar

Mon, 18 Sep 2023 18:00:00 +0200

This week we look at Governor Green‘s Emergency Proclamation Relating to Housing, and his use of the emergency statutes to suspend many of the laws that account for delays upon delays in housing starts. The proclamation has been on the books for a couple of months. It came after much effort was expended in developing […]
The post Challenging the Housing Czar appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Maui Fire Death Toll Drops to 97 After Weeks of DNA Review

Sat, 16 Sep 2023 04:33:00 +0200

For more than three weeks, officials said 115 people had died in the wildfire that destroyed most of Lahaina. They announced on Friday that they had overstated the death toll.

Save your Smile: The Battle against Cavities

Fri, 15 Sep 2023 15:42:00 +0200

Battling Cavities: Your Guide to Prevention and Care Have you ever cringed with tooth pain while enjoying a sugary treat? Likely, that’s a cavity knocking on your dental door. But don’t worry, understanding how to spot, prevent, and manage cavities with advice from your dentist can keep your smile shining. Understanding Cavities Cavities, also called […]
The post Save your Smile: The Battle against Cavities appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Terremoto en Marruecos: lo que los turistas deben saber

Fri, 15 Sep 2023 02:59:00 +0200

El terremoto en Marruecos plantea dudas que también surgieron en Maui, Grecia y otros lugares muy afectados por desastres. ¿Los turistas son una carga más para el país o una fuente vital de ingresos?

Lahaina Family Describes an Impossible Escape From the Maui Wildfires

Wed, 13 Sep 2023 11:03:00 +0200

The nation’s deadliest wildfire in more than a century gave almost no time for Lahaina residents to flee. Friends and family tried to save one another, but some ran into impossible challenges on Maui.

Morocco Earthquake and Travel: What Tourists Should Know

Tue, 12 Sep 2023 23:54:00 +0200

Last week’s disaster raises questions that also emerged in Maui, Greece and other hard-hit places. Is the presence of tourists a hindrance? Or can visitors, and the revenue they bring in, help?

After the Earthquake in Morocco, Tourists Grapple With the Ethics of Travel

Tue, 12 Sep 2023 23:54:00 +0200

Last week’s disaster raises questions that also emerged in Maui, Greece and other hard-hit places. Is the presence of tourists a hindrance? Or can visitors, and the revenue they bring in, help?

China Sows Disinformation About Hawaii Fires Using New Techniques

Mon, 11 Sep 2023 22:08:00 +0200

Beijing’s influence campaign using artificial intelligence is a rapid change in tactics, researchers from Microsoft and other organizations say.

Those Hawaii Wildfires? Caused by U.S. Weather Weapon, China Says

Mon, 11 Sep 2023 21:51:00 +0200

Beijing’s influence campaign using artificial intelligence is a rapid change in tactics, researchers from Microsoft and other organizations say.

Taxing Government Benefits

Mon, 11 Sep 2023 18:00:00 +0200

We’re still well into the aftermath of the Maui and Hawaii County wildfires. Our governments have opened up their coffers and have begun doling out lots of money toward disaster relief and emergency assistance. Legitimate questions now need to be asked about whether the government is going to want to take back some of that […]
The post Taxing Government Benefits appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Kilauea, Hawaii’s Most Active Volcano, Erupts Again

Mon, 11 Sep 2023 07:43:00 +0200

The volcano, located on the Big Island, last erupted in June. The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory said there was no immediate threat to people or property.

Respect property rights in Lahaina rebuilding process

Mon, 11 Sep 2023 02:13:00 +0200

By Keli‘i Akina Policymakers and various interest groups began sharing plans for rebuilding Lahaina just days after wildfires destroyed the iconic seaside town. In the month that has passed since the Aug. 8 fires, rebuilding ideas have varied widely — from taking over land to build affordable housing or leaving some of it vacant as […]
The post Respect property rights in Lahaina rebuilding process appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Warning: Vaccines Can Inactivate Your Medications

Fri, 08 Sep 2023 19:18:00 +0200

Vaccines are a fundamental part of the US public health policy. From cradle to grave, people are being vaccinated against a growing list of problems. And while vaccine side effects are recognized, there is a general belief that the potential benefits outweighs the potential harms. However, one side effect of vaccines has not been mentioned, […]
The post Warning: Vaccines Can Inactivate Your Medications appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

One Month After the Lahaina Fire, Families and Residents Seek Closure

Fri, 08 Sep 2023 06:00:00 +0200

More than 380 people remain on the F.B.I.’s official list of missing people, while surviving residents wonder what comes next and wait for a glimpse of their burned homes.

Economic growth needed to ease shock of Lahaina devastation

Tue, 05 Sep 2023 10:08:00 +0200

By Keli‘i Akina A lot of ideas are floating around right now concerning the future of Lahaina, but few of them consider the enormity of the economic challenge ahead of us. More problematic, most of the suggestions involve a bit too much “top-down” direction and not enough listening to the people most affected by the […]
The post Economic growth needed to ease shock of Lahaina devastation appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Tax Deadlines on Maui

Mon, 04 Sep 2023 18:00:00 +0200

On August 18, 2023, the Internal Revenue Service announced “expansive tax relief” for Hawaii wildfire victims in Maui and Hawaii counties. Generally, what that means is that if a tax filing or payment for an affected taxpayer is due between August 8, 2023, and February 15, 2024, then the filing or payment can be made […]
The post Tax Deadlines on Maui appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Maui Sent an Evacuation Alert. Why Did So Few People Get It?

Sun, 03 Sep 2023 09:01:00 +0200

The Hawaii wildfire offered insights into the promises and shortcomings of a wireless alert system that relies on cellphones for emergency warnings.

Tourists Were Told to Avoid Maui. Many Workers Want Them Back.

Fri, 01 Sep 2023 16:19:00 +0200

A plunge in tourism after a disastrous fire has already crippled the economy in Maui. Now, some locals who wanted visitors to stay away are urging them back.

Weddings Go on in Maui After Wildfires

Fri, 01 Sep 2023 11:02:00 +0200

Some couples are continuing to plan nuptials on the island recently devastated by wildfires. “Moving forward and capturing positive emotions is to be of service,” one local photographer said.

Oprah and Dwayne Johnson Give $10 Million to Help Maui Wildfire Victims

Fri, 01 Sep 2023 00:51:00 +0200

The stars helped establish the People’s Fund of Maui, which will give direct payments of $1,200 a month to residents displaced by the wildfires.

Soil, food security highlighted at 33rd HTFG Confab Oct. 5-7 in Honolulu

Wed, 30 Aug 2023 20:35:00 +0200

“Security Starts with the Soil” is the title of the 33rd Hawaii International Tropical Fruit Conference Oct. 5-7 at the Neal Blaisdell Center in Honolulu. The 2023 conference offers a full lineup of educational offerings, panel discussions, a trade show, and the Famous Friday Fruit Tasting. Geared to farmers, educators, orchard managers and proponents of […]
The post Soil, food security highlighted at 33rd HTFG Confab Oct. 5-7 in Honolulu appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Bras Linked to Breast Cancer: Are Lawsuits Inevitable?

Wed, 30 Aug 2023 18:25:00 +0200

Have you or someone you know been harmed by wearing bras? If so, then you could possibly become a co-plaintiff in a future class action lawsuit against the bra and cancer industries. Product liability applies to garments, as well as other consumer products. Bras are known to cause health problems, from headaches and back pain, […]
The post Bras Linked to Breast Cancer: Are Lawsuits Inevitable? appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Regimes of Terror/Regimes of Memory: Beyond the Uniqueness of the Holocaust

Wed, 30 Aug 2023 10:39:00 +0200

by Manfred Henningsen Editor’s note: Manfred Henningsen is a frequent contributor to Hawaii Reporter. His latest book — a coming of age memoir that spans WWII and postwar Germany is also a trenchant political commentary that reminds Americans that they need to come to terms with their own racist past. Henningsen, who came to the […]
The post Regimes of Terror/Regimes of Memory: Beyond the Uniqueness of the Holocaust appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Lahaina Parents, Students Try to Keep School Community Intact

Tue, 29 Aug 2023 23:32:00 +0200

Nearly 60 percent of Lahaina students haven’t enrolled in classes after the deadly fire, and families are yearning to rebuild their school network for educational and emotional support.

What Fani Willis Got Wrong in Her Trump Indictment

Tue, 29 Aug 2023 11:01:00 +0200

We are starting to see the costs of complexity.

Hawaiian Electric Pushes Back on Blame for Deadly Wildfire

Tue, 29 Aug 2023 02:20:00 +0200

Hawaiian Electric says power was shut off and an initial fire put out before a second blaze razed Lahaina. The county continues to blame the company.

Hawaii’s Big Utility Pushes Back on Blame for Deadly Wildfire

Tue, 29 Aug 2023 01:10:00 +0200

Hawaiian Electric says power was shut off and an initial fire put out before a second blaze razed Lahaina. The county continues to blame the company.

Lahaina Scammers

Mon, 28 Aug 2023 18:00:00 +0200

Instead of “here today, gone to Maui,” it really was, “here today, [Lahaina is] gone tomorrow.” It is a tale of devastation and heartbreak that is still unfolding as residents and authorities gradually pick up the pieces. We in Hawaii tend to be generous people. Across the news and social media, there are many heartwarming […]
The post Lahaina Scammers appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

A Legacy of Colonialism Set the Stage for the Maui Wildfires

Sun, 27 Aug 2023 17:34:00 +0200

Forging a sustainable postdisaster future requires a reckoning with the entrenched systems of inequality that set the stage for the tragedy to begin with.

Disappearing medical clinics highlight need to implement policy fixes now

Sun, 27 Aug 2023 05:56:00 +0200

By Keli‘i Akina State lawmakers recently made some inroads into addressing Hawaii’s doctor shortage, but the state’s healthcare crisis, especially in our most rural communities, is far from over. In fact, among the heartbreaking losses earlier this month in fire-ravaged Lahaina were three healthcare clinics that served approximately 30,000 patients. That leaves few healthcare options […]
The post Disappearing medical clinics highlight need to implement policy fixes now a

The Island In Me (Motion Picture Soundtrack) Released

Sat, 26 Aug 2023 23:24:00 +0200

‘The Island In Me’ – Talcual Films’ feature-length documentary about the atoll of Pukapuka – premieres this week at Cinequest Film and Creativity Festival in Mountain View, CA. The screening coincides with the release of an evocative music album composed by the People of Pukapuka and Nassau in collaboration with GRAMMY Award-winning composer and producer Todd […]
The post The Island In Me (Motion Picture Soundtrack) Released appeared first on Hawaii Repo

Fact-Checking Ramaswamy’s Claims on Campaign Trail, Including on Climate and Jan. 6

Sat, 26 Aug 2023 11:01:00 +0200

The upstart Republican candidate has made inaccurate claims about climate change as well as the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol, while mischaracterizing his own positions and past comments.

Cómo empezaron los incendios en Lahaina, Háwai

Sat, 26 Aug 2023 09:00:00 +0200

El fiscal general del estado ha dicho que encargará una investigación externa para indagar las causas del incendio de Lahaina y las labores para combatirlo.

After the Fires, Native Hawaiians Find Strength in Spirituality

Fri, 25 Aug 2023 23:46:00 +0200

On an island where Christianity and Buddhism are also prominent, many are finding strength in traditional Hawaiian spirituality and culture.

Officials Release List of 388 People Missing From Maui Fires

Fri, 25 Aug 2023 19:33:00 +0200

The list names people still unaccounted for after wildfires devastated the town of Lahaina and other areas. Officials asked anyone on the list who survived the fires to come forward.

Have You Been Approached by Real Estate Buyers in Lahaina? Tell Us.

Fri, 25 Aug 2023 18:46:00 +0200

Sharing your experience will help inform our coverage of land speculation in Hawaii following the devastating wildfires.

Hawaii Officials Release List of 388 People Missing From Maui Fires

Fri, 25 Aug 2023 14:36:00 +0200

The list names people who are unaccounted for after wildfires in Maui. They asked anyone on the list who survived the fires to come forward and help narrow the tally.

Hawaii Wildfires Spur Insurers to Reassess the State’s Risk

Fri, 25 Aug 2023 11:02:00 +0200

Hawaii has long been a low-risk and profitable market for insurers, but the Maui disaster could change that, and even have a global ripple effect.

Biden Didn’t Hear Question on Maui He Appeared to Brush Off, White House Says

Fri, 25 Aug 2023 03:39:00 +0200

The president has faced criticism that his “no comment,” in apparent response to a query on the mounting death toll of the wildfires, was callous.

Maui Officials Blame Hawaiian Electric for Deadly Fires in New Lawsuit

Fri, 25 Aug 2023 02:02:00 +0200

In a new lawsuit, Maui County said Hawaiian Electric acted negligently by failing to disconnect power lines that were at risk of toppling in high winds.

Maui Officials Blame Utility for Allowing Deadly Fire to Start

Fri, 25 Aug 2023 01:49:00 +0200

In a new lawsuit, Maui County said Hawaiian Electric acted negligently by failing to disconnect power lines that were at risk of toppling in high winds.

Keep focus on assisting Maui wildfire victims

Thu, 24 Aug 2023 00:40:00 +0200

By Keli‘i Akina As we continue to learn more about the tragedy in Lahaina, the priority should be clear: We must continue to help the victims of the fire. Cleanup and aid — among the hardest tasks of all — are already underway, and will continue to be the center of emergency efforts for some […]
The post Keep focus on assisting Maui wildfire victims appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Thursday Briefing: Prigozhin Listed Aboard Crashed Plane

Wed, 23 Aug 2023 23:02:00 +0200

Also, a paralyzed woman regains her voice.

Lahaina Inferno Began After Firefighters Departed a ‘Contained’ Scene

Wed, 23 Aug 2023 11:00:00 +0200

Some residents said they were alarmed when fire crews left the site of an early-morning fire: “Someone should have stayed.”

Conversation with Betsy Kawamura on Women Peace and Security in North Asia

Wed, 23 Aug 2023 10:08:00 +0200

Honolulu native Betsy Kawamura is founder of Women4Nonviolence in Peace+Conflict Zones (Oslo). As a survivor of GBV gender-based violence, she has worked internationally to empower other survivors, especially those of Asia-Pacific origin through instruments including UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on WPS women, peace and security. Her presentations and workshops in Europe, Asia and US have been geared toward raising […]
The post Conversation with Betsy Kawamu

With Reported Missing in Maui Topping 1,000, Officials Will Release Names

Wed, 23 Aug 2023 06:07:00 +0200

Investigators in Hawaii hope that making the names public will narrow the search, as happened after the 2018 Camp fire, which killed 85 people in California.

Long in the tooth: Senior Dental Care

Wed, 23 Aug 2023 04:36:00 +0200

Senior Dental Care: A Vital Component of Healthy Aging As we journey through life, the passage of time leaves its mark on us all. Just as a horse’s gums recede with age, making their teeth appear longer, our teeth can also undergo changes over the years. If you’ve noticed your teeth looking longer than before, […]
The post Long in the tooth: Senior Dental Care appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Maui Families’ Search For Missing After Fires Grows More Desperate

Wed, 23 Aug 2023 03:00:00 +0200

Hundreds of people are still unaccounted for after the deadly fires, and loved ones still hope for a “miracle.”

Extreme Weather Hits Around the World as Global Temperatures Rise

Tue, 22 Aug 2023 17:33:00 +0200

A mix of devastating wildfires, tropical storms, mudslides and heat waves foreshadows a future of intensified extremes as the world warms.

Alt: Biden Tours Maui Wildfire Damage

Tue, 22 Aug 2023 11:45:00 +0200

Exclusively from New York Times Audio, our new app.

Biden Tours Wildfire Damage on Maui

Tue, 22 Aug 2023 05:03:00 +0200

The president broke away from his vacation to meet with survivors and officials after flames demolished a town and killed more than 100 people.

Biden Tours Wildfire Damage in Maui

Tue, 22 Aug 2023 03:19:00 +0200

The president broke away from his vacation to meet with survivors and officials after flames demolished a town and killed more than 100 people.

Biden Surveys Wildfire Damage in Maui

Tue, 22 Aug 2023 01:46:00 +0200

During a visit to Lahaina, Hawaii, President Biden vowed to rebuild the fire-ravaged community “the way people of Maui want it built.”

Biden Surveys Wildfire Damage on Maui

Tue, 22 Aug 2023 01:31:00 +0200

During a visit to Lahaina, Hawaii, President Biden vowed to rebuild the fire-ravaged community “the way people of Maui want it built.”

Biden Arrived in Maui to See the Wildfire Devastation

Tue, 22 Aug 2023 00:01:00 +0200

Also, Hilary’s impact in Southern California. Here’s the latest at the end of Monday.

These Aren’t the Darkest Years in American History, but They Are Among the Weirdest

Mon, 21 Aug 2023 22:15:00 +0200

It isn’t every generation that produces a president who is charged with 91 counts by two local D.A.s and one special counsel.

Whether DOE Should Have a Monopoly on Our Kids

Mon, 21 Aug 2023 18:00:00 +0200

Over the last several years, we have been saying plenty about the Hawaii Department of Education (DOE), and not all of it has been peachy. We’ve talked about DOE fighting with other agencies regarding getting kids to school in Kihei. We’ve decried its multi-million dollar but imbecilic effort to cool the classrooms with solar air […]
The post Whether DOE Should Have a Monopoly on Our Kids appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Maui Knew Dangerous Wildfires Had Become Inevitable. It Still Wasn’t Ready.

Mon, 21 Aug 2023 11:00:00 +0200

As President Biden arrives to survey the damage with state and local officials, shock and grief are giving way to anger and questions about the government’s preparation.

Maui Fires Present a Huge Test for Hawaii’s Governor

Mon, 21 Aug 2023 11:00:00 +0200

Gov. Josh Green of Hawaii sees lessons far beyond the islands in the disaster that has unfolded on Maui.

Biden Visiting Hawaii to Inspect Wildfire Damage

Mon, 21 Aug 2023 11:00:00 +0200

After remaining secluded since Friday, the president will break away from his vacation for a brief trip to Maui, where flames have demolished a town and killed more than 100 people.

Lahaina Fire Prompts a Shift in Maui’s Long-Running Water Fights

Sun, 20 Aug 2023 14:34:00 +0200

After a fight over water on the day of the Lahaina fire, the governor says the state has “tipped too far” in trying to preserve water.

Why Didn’t Hawaii Evacuate Sooner During the Fires?

Sat, 19 Aug 2023 16:14:00 +0200

As good as Hawaii’s warning system is, it needs to be improved.

Maui Fire Brought Terror and Death to a Lahaina Senior-Living Complex

Sat, 19 Aug 2023 14:56:00 +0200

A 35-unit, senior-living complex in Lahaina may have been one of the first major buildings to burn down, and at least two residents are among the dead.

The Hawaii Fires Didn’t Have to Be This Catastrophic

Sat, 19 Aug 2023 13:00:00 +0200

As good as Hawaii’s warning system is, it needs to be improved.

With TikTok and Lawsuits, Gen Z Takes on Climate Change

Sat, 19 Aug 2023 11:01:00 +0200

‘We’re the last resort,’ one young activist said.

Hawaiian Electric Was Warned of System Fragility Before Maui Wildfire

Sat, 19 Aug 2023 11:01:00 +0200

The utility knew it needed to upgrade its equipment but did not make changes that could have reduced risks of fires, energy experts said.

Maui Fire Refugees Are Temporarily Housed in Hotel Rooms

Fri, 18 Aug 2023 23:51:00 +0200

People who lost their homes in last week’s fire increasingly are being housed in hotels a few miles away.

How a Paradise Became a Death Trap

Fri, 18 Aug 2023 12:00:00 +0200

Many residents of Lahaina, on Maui, tried to escape — but they had nowhere to go.

Maui’s Emergency Management Chief Resigns After Questions About Hawaii Fire Response

Fri, 18 Aug 2023 11:17:00 +0200

The chief, Herman Andaya, cited his health in stepping down. His agency’s decision not to sound emergency sirens as wildfires neared Lahaina had drawn scrutiny.

Digital Nomad travel gear review – Part 3

Fri, 18 Aug 2023 11:17:00 +0200

Maui Sued Big Oil in 2020, Citing Fire Risks and More

Fri, 18 Aug 2023 11:00:00 +0200

Maui County’s lawsuit against some of the world’s largest oil and gas companies is still winding its way through state court.

Volunteers Scramble to Save Pets in Maui After Fire

Fri, 18 Aug 2023 00:10:00 +0200

After a fire destroyed the seaside town of Lahaina, the fate of beloved animals became a wrenching concern.

Maui Pets Are Focus of Search Efforts by Volunteers

Thu, 17 Aug 2023 23:53:00 +0200

After a fire destroyed the seaside town of Lahaina, the fate of beloved animals became a wrenching concern.

Why Hawaii Is Scrutinizing Hawaiian Electric in the Maui Fire

Thu, 17 Aug 2023 23:07:00 +0200

The utility company’s share price has tumbled after lawsuits were filed seeking to hold it accountable for the blaze, which has killed more than 100 people.

Fire Exposes Flaws in Hawaii’s Defenses Against Climate Shocks

Thu, 17 Aug 2023 20:34:00 +0200

Neglected landscapes, weak building standards and decommissioneddams have left the state more vulnerable to wildfires.

Incendios en Hawái: así comenzó el fuego en Lahaina

Thu, 17 Aug 2023 20:04:00 +0200

Entrevistas y videos revisados por el Times muestran que el incendio comenzó bajo un tendido eléctrico que se rompió nueve horas antes de que se quemara la ciudad.

Listen: Hip-Hop Turns 50, Baby!, Sympathy for the Devil, ‘Forever Chemicals’

Thu, 17 Aug 2023 19:32:00 +0200

Each week, we share the best of new audio journalism and storytelling.

After Maui Wildfires, Will Tourism Help or Hurt?

Thu, 17 Aug 2023 17:52:00 +0200

Residents and travelers are grappling with the propriety of visiting Maui, the epicenter of last week’s wildfires but an island heavily reliant on tourist dollars.

State’s ‘Misguided Takeover’ of Houston Schools

Thu, 17 Aug 2023 17:49:00 +0200

A reader said the move “may be radical, but it’s clearly political and inequitable.” Also: A Trump deal?; greed on Maui; death on a mountain; camp memories.

Today’s Top News: Balancing Grief and Work After Maui’s Fires, and More

Thu, 17 Aug 2023 11:45:00 +0200

Exclusively from New York Times Audio, our new app.

Maui Wildfires Victims: What We Know So Far

Thu, 17 Aug 2023 06:29:00 +0200

Emergency responders, with help from anthropologists and cadaver dogs, must sift through a wasteland of ashes and debris to find human remains.

As Search for Maui Victims Goes On, Names of Dead Are Slow to Emerge

Thu, 17 Aug 2023 06:29:00 +0200

Emergency responders, with help from anthropologists and cadaver dogs, must sift through a wasteland of ashes and debris to find human remains.

After Maui’s Wildfire Horror, Residents Search for a Way Forward

Wed, 16 Aug 2023 22:11:00 +0200

As the search effort continues more than a week after the disaster, Maui’s residents try to balance helping friends and families with the tourism work needed to support themselves.

Searching for Normalcy After Maui’s Wildfire Horror

Wed, 16 Aug 2023 21:02:00 +0200

As the search effort continues more than a week after the disaster, Maui’s residents try to balance helping friends and families with the tourism work needed to support themselves.

Biden to Visit Maui on Monday to View Wildfire Damage

Wed, 16 Aug 2023 17:08:00 +0200

The president and the first lady will meet with emergency workers and survivors of the fire, which killed more than 100 people on the Hawaiian island.

The Age of the Urban Inferno Is Here

Wed, 16 Aug 2023 16:02:00 +0200

As infernos emerge hotter and more intense from the landscape, human structures have become fuel.

Today’s Top News: The Search for Those Lost to Maui’s Fires, and More

Wed, 16 Aug 2023 11:45:00 +0200

Exclusively from New York Times Audio, our new app.

Maui and the Age of the Urban Firestorm

Wed, 16 Aug 2023 11:00:00 +0200

As infernos emerge hotter and more intense from the landscape, human structures have become fuel.

Search for Maui Fire Victims Is Slow and Grim, With Deaths Expected to Rise

Wed, 16 Aug 2023 06:00:00 +0200

As families face an agonizing wait for word on missing loved ones, the final death toll from the fire is likely to rise.

Honolulu Burn Unit Put to the Test by Fires in Maui

Wed, 16 Aug 2023 02:19:00 +0200

An island airlift brought some of the fire’s most severely wounded survivors to a Honolulu hospital unit created for just that kind of mass-casualty moment.

Inside Hawaii’s Only Burn Unit, Doctors Rushed to Treat Maui Victims

Wed, 16 Aug 2023 01:31:00 +0200

An island airlift brought some of the fire’s most severely wounded survivors to a Honolulu hospital unit created for just that kind of mass-casualty moment.

In Hawaii, Paradise Plagued by Disaster

Wed, 16 Aug 2023 00:30:00 +0200

Jill Cowan, a reporter for the National desk, flew to Maui last week to cover the wildfires that have devastated the island.

Hawái se reinventará de nuevo tras los incendios

Wed, 16 Aug 2023 00:00:00 +0200

La catástrofe que arrasó con Lahaina y que ha dejado al menos a 99 personas fallecidas se vive con desconcierto. Cuando pase el duelo, debemos empezar a pensar cómo responder mejor.

Biden Says He Will Visit Hawaii After Wildfires

Tue, 15 Aug 2023 21:15:00 +0200

The president had not addressed the fires since last week, a relative silence that drew criticism from Republicans.

Biden Says He’ll Visit Hawaii After Deadly Wildfires

Tue, 15 Aug 2023 20:12:00 +0200

The president had not addressed the fires since last week, a relative silence that drew criticism from Republicans.

Hawaii Wildfires Timeline: How Lahaina Became a Death Trap

Tue, 15 Aug 2023 17:10:00 +0200

When a historic coastal town in Hawaii was overrun by fire, many residents fled for their lives — but there was nowhere to go.

How Fire Turned Lahaina Into a Death Trap

Tue, 15 Aug 2023 11:20:00 +0200

When a historic coastal town in Hawaii was overrun by fire, many residents fled for their lives — but there was nowhere to go.

FEMA Outlines Maui Wildfire Support as Victims Critique Government Response

Tue, 15 Aug 2023 03:46:00 +0200

FEMA is typically the first agency to face scrutiny after disasters. But while the federal agency plays a critical role in disaster response, it is not meant to be the first on the scene.

Hawaiian Electric Draws Scrutiny in Search for What Sparked Maui Wildfire

Tue, 15 Aug 2023 02:54:00 +0200

The main utility serving Hawaii did not pre-emptively shut off power before high winds reached Maui, and power lines fell in the windstorm.

Tuesday Briefing: A 4th Trump Indictment Looms

Mon, 14 Aug 2023 23:08:00 +0200

Plus, “Barbie” debuts in Saudi Arabia.

A Different Kind of Emergency in Government

Mon, 14 Aug 2023 18:00:00 +0200

According to Kali Watson, director of the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL), we have a new emergency in Hawaii state government. But it’s probably not the kind you’re used to. They need to spend money. Quickly. As you probably remember, in the 2022 legislative session, the legislature threw $600 million at DHHL, hoping that […]
The post A Different Kind of Emergency in Government appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

As the Maui Fires Grew, Lahaina’s Water System Collapsed

Mon, 14 Aug 2023 16:39:00 +0200

Firefighters who rushed to contain the Maui wildfire found that hydrants were running dry, forcing crews to embark instead on a perilous rescue mission.

Maui Resident Tried to Save Home Before the Water Shut Off

Mon, 14 Aug 2023 16:03:00 +0200

Ross Hart was working with firefighters as flames consumed his home in Kula, Hawaii, when the water supply cut off. Now he and his wife, Gayle, are grappling with how to start their lives over again.

What Lahaina Lost in Hawaii’s Wildfires

Mon, 14 Aug 2023 12:00:00 +0200

The fires that swept through Hawaii’s former royal capital devastated its historic center, including a 200-year-old church. Its minister explains what it means to lose the town.

After Maui Fires, A Lahaina Church Finds Sanctuary in a Cafe

Mon, 14 Aug 2023 11:49:00 +0200

Members of Grace Baptist Church, many of them now homeless, gathered on Sunday and described daring escapes from the fire.

Today’s Top News: Dry Hydrants as Lahaina Fought Wildfires, and More

Mon, 14 Aug 2023 11:45:00 +0200

Exclusively from New York Times Audio, our new app.

The Maui Fire Spared Lahaina’s Banyan Tree

Mon, 14 Aug 2023 11:01:00 +0200

This one symbol represents a long struggle to preserve Hawaii’s multicultural heritage against transience, tourism, and development pressures.

After Fire, A Lahaina Church Finds Sanctuary in a Cafe

Mon, 14 Aug 2023 11:01:00 +0200

Members of Grace Baptist Church, many of them now homeless, gathered on Sunday and described daring escapes from the fire.

Families Await Answers About the Missing After Hawaii Fires

Mon, 14 Aug 2023 10:20:00 +0200

Nearly a week after the fires started, relatives are receiving little information as search and identification efforts move slowly.

Families Await Answers About Missing Victims of Hawaii Fires

Mon, 14 Aug 2023 10:20:00 +0200

Nearly a week after the fires started, relatives are receiving little information as search and identification efforts move slowly.

Families of Hawaii’s Missing Wait for Answers

Mon, 14 Aug 2023 09:07:00 +0200

Nearly a week after the fires started, relatives are receiving little information as search and identification efforts move slowly.

As Inferno Grew, Lahaina’s Water System Collapsed

Mon, 14 Aug 2023 02:44:00 +0200

Firefighters who rushed to contain the Maui wildfire found that hydrants were running dry, forcing crews to embark instead on a perilous rescue mission.

How Invasive Plants Caused the Maui Fires to Rage

Mon, 14 Aug 2023 00:21:00 +0200

A sweeping series of plantation closures in Hawaii allowed highly flammable nonnative grasses to spread on idled lands, providing the fuel for huge blazes.

Monday Briefing: Hawaii Death Toll Rises

Sun, 13 Aug 2023 22:25:00 +0200

Also, a Japanese candy that tastes like nothing.

As Maui Tries to Recover From Wildfires, Residents Say Aid Is Scant

Sun, 13 Aug 2023 16:33:00 +0200

Days after the wildfire that destroyed Lahaina, those staying nearby say private volunteers have served as far more of a lifeline than federal and local agencies.

Warning Sirens Never Sounded on Maui, State Official Says

Sun, 13 Aug 2023 09:50:00 +0200

None of the 80 warning sirens placed around the island were activated in response to the devastating Lahaina fire, a spokesman for Hawaii’s emergency management agency confirmed.

Maui Fire Death Toll, at 89, Is Highest in U.S. in a Century

Sun, 13 Aug 2023 06:03:00 +0200

Questions mounted over whether some loss of life could have been averted, as officials confirmed that sirens were not activated and power lines were not deactivated.

After Maui Fires, Locals Fear Being Shut Out of Recovery

Sat, 12 Aug 2023 22:14:00 +0200

Hawaii has long endured battles for resources among developers, tourists, Natives and workers. Now, many who lost homes and jobs wonder if there will be a place for them in Lahaina.

A Survivor Made a Desperate Dash Into the Sea to Escape Wildfires

Sat, 12 Aug 2023 21:03:00 +0200

Help from a Good Samaritan

West Maui Had Been Warned of Wildfires Risk, Report Says

Sat, 12 Aug 2023 20:58:00 +0200

A report prepared for Maui County in 2020 detailed potential problems.

New York Times Correspondent Reports on the Wildfires in Maui

Sat, 12 Aug 2023 17:06:00 +0200

Mike Baker, the Seattle bureau chief for The New York Times, visited Lahaina, Hawaii, where raging wildfires have decimated the area.

The Maui fires are more deadly than Hawaii’s 1960 tsunami.

Sat, 12 Aug 2023 16:31:00 +0200

Officials have warned that the confirmed death toll, 80 as of Friday night, would rise as responders begin entering hundreds of charred buildings.

After the Maui Fires, Hawaii Will Reinvent Itself Once Again

Sat, 12 Aug 2023 13:00:00 +0200

Like other island dots in our rising oceans, Hawaii is unusually imperiled and must do something about planetary crisis.

Hawaii Wildfires: Mapping the Destruction in Lahaina

Sat, 12 Aug 2023 03:20:00 +0200

In an analysis of satellite imagery, The Times identified about 1,900 structures that had been visibly damaged or destroyed by the blaze.

Photos: A Journey Through the Destruction From the Fires in Lahaina

Sat, 12 Aug 2023 02:50:00 +0200

A historic Hawaiian town that was once home to 13,000 people is now a desolate ruin. With the death toll rising, the true scope of the tragedy is still unfolding.

FEMA’s Response to the Maui Wildfires Will Be Closely Watched

Sat, 12 Aug 2023 02:45:00 +0200

The agency has been criticized for slow responses to major disasters in the past.

Hawaii Governor Orders Review of Warning Systems After Maui Fires

Sat, 12 Aug 2023 02:15:00 +0200

‘We will do all that we can to find out how to protect our people more going forward,’ said Gov. Josh Green.

A Journey Through Lahaina’s Endless Streets of Suffering

Sat, 12 Aug 2023 00:50:00 +0200

A historic Hawaiian town that was once home to 13,000 people is now a desolate ruin. With the death toll rising, the true scope of the tragedy is still unfolding.

Maui Fires Come at a Moment of Turmoil for the Insurance Industry

Fri, 11 Aug 2023 20:41:00 +0200

Hawaii has the nation’s lowest rates for homeowner coverage because it has not suffered many natural disasters. That may change.

Scenes From the Hawaii Fires and the Aftermath

Fri, 11 Aug 2023 20:27:00 +0200

The historic town of Lahaina was devastated by the fires that moved through the island of Maui this week.

Wildfires Threatened a Haven for Hawaii’s Endangered Birds

Fri, 11 Aug 2023 19:06:00 +0200

A conservationist and a neighbor defended the center, part of an effort to save the state’s native birds from extinction, until firefighters arrived.

Photos from the Hawaii Fires and the Aftermath

Fri, 11 Aug 2023 18:59:00 +0200

The historic town of Lahaina was devastated by the fires that moved through the island of Maui this week.

Oprah Visits Maui Wildfire Shelter to Distribute Aid

Fri, 11 Aug 2023 18:56:00 +0200

Residents have been urging the billionaires and celebrities who own homes on Maui to support relief efforts.

Here Are Past U.S. Wildfires That Turned Especially Deadly.

Fri, 11 Aug 2023 18:46:00 +0200

The search for victims from the wildfires in Maui this week has evoked painful memories of fatal blazes on the mainland.

Survivor Recounts Escape From Hawaii Wildfires

Fri, 11 Aug 2023 17:57:00 +0200

Bill Wyland, a resident, fled the flames in Lahaina, Hawaii, on his motorcycle. “I don’t know how people are going to live now,” he said, describing the wildfires’ devastation.

Maui Had a Housing Shortage Even Before the Wildfires

Fri, 11 Aug 2023 15:59:00 +0200

With hundreds of homes lost in Lahaina, many fear rebuilding will be difficult or even impossible for some residents.

Today’s Top News: Wildfires’ Mounting Death Toll in Maui, and More

Fri, 11 Aug 2023 11:45:00 +0200

Exclusively from New York Times Audio, our new app.

Celebrity Homes Affected by Maui Fires: Oprah, Jeff Bezos and Many Others

Fri, 11 Aug 2023 11:44:00 +0200

Oprah Winfrey and Jeff Bezos are among those who have part-time homes on the island.

Some in Lahaina Say Maui Fires Reached Them Before Evacuation Orders

Fri, 11 Aug 2023 08:22:00 +0200

A fire near Lahaina that had initially been contained flared up again and threatened homes, but some residents said they received no evacuation orders.

In Lahaina, Maui, Many Hawaiian History Gems Are Lost to Wildfires

Fri, 11 Aug 2023 03:00:00 +0200

A city devastated by fire in Maui was a magnet for tourists. But for families from Lahaina, especially Native Hawaiians, it was a home with a deep history.

Video Shows a Landmark Banyan Tree Burned in Hawaii Wildfires

Fri, 11 Aug 2023 01:49:00 +0200

The 150-year-old tree is still standing, but whether it will survive after the deadly fires in Lahaina is unclear.

Maui Wildfires: What We Know About Cause, Search Efforts and Damages

Fri, 11 Aug 2023 01:33:00 +0200

The fire has been contained, but access to the islands is limited, and as the focus turns to search efforts, the death toll could rise.

Fears of Rising Death Toll in Maui, as Rescue Crews Scour Decimated Town

Fri, 11 Aug 2023 01:27:00 +0200

Lahaina lay in ruins following a wildfire that the governor said most likely killed more than 60 people, making it the deadliest in Hawaii’s history.

Hawaii Travel and Maui Fires: What to Know About Hotels, Flights and Rentals

Fri, 11 Aug 2023 00:48:00 +0200

The extent of the damage from the wildfires is still being assessed. Many hotel companies and airlines are offering refunds and waiving cancellation fees for Maui-bound travelers.

Before and After Images Reveal the Scale of Wildfire Damage in Maui

Fri, 11 Aug 2023 00:30:00 +0200

Raging wildfires ravaged the historic town of Lahaina on the Hawaiian island of Maui.

Biden Declares Disaster for Maui

Thu, 10 Aug 2023 23:41:00 +0200

Plus, the U.S. reached a deal with Iran to free Americans. Here’s the latest at the end of Thursday.

Morning Briefing: A Major Disaster in Hawaii

Thu, 10 Aug 2023 23:04:00 +0200

Also, Japan at the World Cup.

What’s Causing the Maui Wildfires? Unusual Weather Conditions

Thu, 10 Aug 2023 21:55:00 +0200

Atypical weather conditions conspiring with a healthy dose of bad luck created ideal circumstances for wildfires to ignite.

Satellite Images Show the Scale of Destruction on Maui From Wildfires

Thu, 10 Aug 2023 21:07:00 +0200

Comparing images taken before and after the fire shows extensive damage to the historic town of Lahaina.

Lahaina’s Historic Banyan Tree Is Scarred, but Standing

Thu, 10 Aug 2023 20:06:00 +0200

Planted in 1873, the tree has grown to cover more than half an acre. County officials said it “looks burned” after the Maui fires, but the roots may still be healthy.

Map: See Where the Hawaii Wildfires Spread in Maui

Thu, 10 Aug 2023 19:43:00 +0200

Fires tore through Maui and leveled entire neighborhoods.

How Climate Change Turned Lush Hawaii Into a Tinderbox

Thu, 10 Aug 2023 18:24:00 +0200

Declining rainfall, rising temperatures and invasive species have left the islands more susceptible to wildfires.

Wildfires Destroy Lahaina, a Historic Town in Maui

Thu, 10 Aug 2023 16:21:00 +0200

The town was once Hawaii’s royal capital, and there were fears that some of its oldest buildings had been destroyed by the wildfires.

The historic town of Lahaina, and its legacy, is in ashes.

Thu, 10 Aug 2023 16:21:00 +0200

The town was once Hawaii’s royal capital, and there were fears that some of its oldest buildings had been destroyed by the wildfires.

Maui Town Is Devastated by Deadliest Wildfire to Strike Hawaii

Thu, 10 Aug 2023 13:58:00 +0200

At least 36 people were killed in fires that tore through Maui andleveled entire neighborhoods.

Maui Wildfires: How to Help and Donate to Victims in Hawaii

Thu, 10 Aug 2023 12:58:00 +0200

Volunteers and aid groups have mobilized to help those who have been affected by the disaster. Here is some guidance on how to donate.

Here’s How to Help Victims of the Hawaii Wildfires

Thu, 10 Aug 2023 12:58:00 +0200

Volunteers and aid groups have mobilized to help those who have been affected by the disaster. Here is some guidance on how to donate.

Tourists in Maui Are Urged to Leave Hawaii During Wildfires

Thu, 10 Aug 2023 12:23:00 +0200

Local officials have asked visitors, who drive the island’s economy, to leave while the island is in crisis mode.

Lahaina, Devastated Town on Maui, Is a Trove of Hawaiian History

Thu, 10 Aug 2023 12:06:00 +0200

The town was once Hawaii’s royal capital, and there were fears that some of its historic buildings had been destroyed by the wildfires.

Today’s Top News: Biden Bans Investment in Key Chinese Tech, and More

Thu, 10 Aug 2023 11:46:00 +0200

Exclusively from New York Times Audio, our new app.

Here Are Some Ways to Help Victims of the Hawaii Wildfires

Thu, 10 Aug 2023 11:39:00 +0200

Volunteers and aid groups have mobilized to help those who have been affected by the disaster. Here is some guidance on how to donate.

Planning to Visit Hawaii? What to Know About Fires on Maui and Big Island

Thu, 10 Aug 2023 00:17:00 +0200

Devastating fires on Maui and the Big Island have destroyed businesses and homes, and caused at least six deaths. They are also upending tourism, leaving travelers wondering what to do.

Planning to Visit Hawaii? Here’s What You Need to Know About the Wildfires.

Thu, 10 Aug 2023 00:17:00 +0200

Devastating fires on Maui and the Big Island have destroyed businesses and homes, and caused at least six deaths. They are also upending tourism, leaving travelers wondering what to do.

6 Dead in Hawaii Wildfires That Quickly Besieged a Coastal Town

Wed, 09 Aug 2023 22:59:00 +0200

The historic town of Lahaina was damaged, thousands lost power and officials cut off access to popular Maui resorts as wind-swept flames threatened communities.

Maui Wildfires Burn Town of Lahaina and Force Evacuations: Latest Updates

Wed, 09 Aug 2023 20:57:00 +0200

The historic town of Lahaina was damaged, thousands lost power and officials cut off access to popular Maui resorts as wind-swept flames threatened communities.

Hawaii Wildfires Prompt Frantic Evacuations: Latest Updates

Wed, 09 Aug 2023 16:55:00 +0200

Enhanced by Hurricane Dora, high winds were fueling the fires on Maui and the Big Island.

High Winds Fuel Hawaii Wildfires

Wed, 09 Aug 2023 16:34:00 +0200

Wildfires burning on Maui and the Big Island have damaged buildings and prompted several evacuation orders.

Wildfires in Hawaii Fueled in Part by Hurricane Dora’s High Winds

Wed, 09 Aug 2023 15:40:00 +0200

Enhanced by Hurricane Dora, high winds were fueling the fires on Maui and the Big Island.

Hurricane Dora’s High Winds Help Fuel Wildfires in Hawaii

Wed, 09 Aug 2023 15:29:00 +0200

The Category 4 storm was well south of the islands, but its strong pressure helped create winds that fanned wildfires that damaged structures and prompted evacuations.

Hurricane Dora’s High Winds Fuel Wildfires in Hawaii

Wed, 09 Aug 2023 10:02:00 +0200

The Category 4 storm was well south of the archipelago, but its winds fanned wildfires that damaged structures and prompted evacuations.

Taking No Prisoners in California

Mon, 07 Aug 2023 18:00:00 +0200

“Lucky you live Hawaii,” goes the famous phrase. Sometimes it’s really true, as we recently found out from our good friends in the California Taxpayers Association, publishers of the Caltaxletter. California has two different tax agencies. The Franchise Tax Board, sometimes known as FTB, deals primarily with income taxes. The Department of Tax and Fee […]
The post Taking No Prisoners in California appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Single-stair construction could help Hawaii climb out of its housing crisis

Sun, 06 Aug 2023 09:55:00 +0200

By Keli‘i Akina If we want to find ways to lower the cost of housing in our state, we might have to take the stairs. Or, to be more precise, take away a set of stairs. Believe it or not, that small change in construction design could help homebuilders produce more efficient buildings in Hawaii, […]
The post Single-stair construction could help Hawaii climb out of its housing crisis appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Free-Fall – Sail On, Sailor

Sun, 06 Aug 2023 01:34:00 +0200

“I wrest the waters, fight Neptune’s waters Sail through the sorrows of life’s maraudersUnrepenting, often emptySail on, sail on sailor I work the seaways, the gale-swept seawaysPast shipwrecked daughters of wicked watersUninspired, drenched and tiredWail on, wail on, sailor Sail On, Sailor”Song by The Beach Boys Intermission Ladies and gentlemen, please return to your seats.Intermission […]
The post Free-Fall – Sail On, Sailor appeared first on Hawaii Report

Digital Nomad travel gear review – Part 2

Thu, 03 Aug 2023 11:26:00 +0200

Editor’s Note: This is Part 2 of a three-part series on traveling light and right. In this piece our travel editor, Rob Kay, looks at more digital nomad essentials. This includes clothing, battery chargers, rain jacket and phone services. Merino Fever Bringing the “right clothing” to Europe is crucial for a digital nomad. However, it’s […]
The post Digital Nomad travel gear review – Part 2 appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

On the Level? Not quite…

Wed, 02 Aug 2023 11:10:00 +0200

As travel editor of Hawaii Reporter I’m very lucky. Free travel? Not quite, but I get around. This summer I was in Europe doing research for a book. I took a couple of “local” (European-based) carriers, Level Airlines and EasyJet. Time to review Level Airlines and EasyJet Level, which took me from San Francisco to […]
The post On the Level? Not quite… appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Getting Kids to School in Kihei

Mon, 31 Jul 2023 18:00:00 +0200

Let’s start with a simple proposition. Taxpayers pay our government to get things done. Taxpayers don’t pay our government agencies to fight each other so that nothing gets done. We focus this week on Kihei, Maui, where our Department of Education (DOE) has been trying to open a new, $245 million, high school primarily for […]
The post Getting Kids to School in Kihei appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Kudos to Council for addressing Honolulu permitting delays

Mon, 31 Jul 2023 03:25:00 +0200

By Keli‘i Akina How long should Oahu residents have to wait for a permit to repair or renovate their homes? A few days? Weeks? Months? As recently as 2017, it took about three months. That might seem short compared to the average wait now of about six months, but it’s still too long. For commercial projects, the […]
The post Kudos to Council for addressing Honolulu permitting delays appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Emergency order for housing welcome, but also worrisome

Thu, 27 Jul 2023 00:13:00 +0200

By Keli‘i Akina Gov. Josh Green issued an emergency proclamation this week aimed at easing Hawaii’s housing crisis, and from its very first words, it was impressive. Much of the proclamation I could have written myself — especially the many “whereas” justifications for why the emergency order was issued — which states many of the points I’ve […]
The post Emergency order for housing welcome, but also worrisome appeared first on Hawaii Rep

Digital Nomad travel gear review – Part 1

Wed, 26 Jul 2023 03:22:00 +0200

Editor’s Note: This is the first of a three part series by Hawaii Reporter Travel Editor and creator of Fijiguide.com, Rob Kay. Ever consider being a digital nomad? This is a trend that became increasingly popular during the COVID era. If you’re going to be stuck somewhere, it may as well be someplace with great […]
The post Digital Nomad travel gear review – Part 1 appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

A Respite in the Heart of Portugal

Tue, 25 Jul 2023 02:27:00 +0200

Portugal is no stranger to the post covid, revenge travel boom. Lisbon and Porto, the two main cities located on the west coast of Portugal, are now once more streaming with tourists from all over the world. The Algarve on the south coast with its beaches, golf courses and countless nightclubs, is the typical haunt […]
The post A Respite in the Heart of Portugal appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Study the Empty Homes Tax Again?

Mon, 24 Jul 2023 18:00:00 +0200

One concept that has popped up again, more often than the little animals in a Whack-a-Mole game, is the prospect of an “Empty Homes Tax.” Simply put, if someone owns property here but doesn’t live in it for, say, six months out of the year, then we charge that someone a hefty real property tax […]
The post Study the Empty Homes Tax Again? appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Tropical Storm Calvin Passes South of Hawaii

Wed, 19 Jul 2023 14:25:00 +0200

The storm was passing near the Big Island on Wednesday, forecasters said, bringing high winds and heavy rain.

Tropical Storm Calvin Nears Hawaii

Wed, 19 Jul 2023 12:19:00 +0200

The storm was passing just south of the Big Island on Wednesday, forecasters said, bringing high winds and heavy rain.

Council members statewide working on property tax relief

Tue, 18 Jul 2023 01:05:00 +0200

By Keli‘i Akina When new property assessments threatened to send Hawaii’s property taxes sky-high, my colleagues and I at the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii were among the first to sound the alarm. We followed up by supporting proposals that would reduce the impact of the higher assessments, including higher homeowner exemptions, lower tax rates and […]
The post Council members statewide working on property tax relief appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Skyline’s $54 per passenger operating cost highest in U.S.

Tue, 18 Jul 2023 00:41:00 +0200

The following is a news release that was issued by the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii on July 13, 2023.___________ “Taxpayers are already paying an enormous amount to build the project, but now are paying even more to run it nearly empty” HONOLULU, July 13, 2023 >> The actual cost to operate Skyline in fiscal 2024 […]
The post Skyline’s $54 per passenger operating cost highest in U.S. appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

How Not to Cool the Schools

Mon, 17 Jul 2023 18:00:00 +0200

Imagine Hawaii’s keiki sitting in hot classrooms. That has been an issue for our public schools for many years, with then-Governor Ige signing several bills, such as Act 47 of 2016 that appropriated $100 million toward heat abatement upgrades, and Act 260 of 2022 that appropriated another $10 million. At the time, people in the […]
The post How Not to Cool the Schools appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Hurricane Calvin, Heading Toward Hawaii, Weakens to a Tropical Storm

Sun, 16 Jul 2023 17:36:00 +0200

The storm is expected to continue to weaken before passing near or over the Big Island of Hawaii on Wednesday, forecasters said.

Hurricane Calvin, Heading Toward Hawaii, Weakens to a Category 2

Sat, 15 Jul 2023 20:31:00 +0200

The storm is expected to continue to weaken before nearing the state next week.

Hurricane Calvin, Heading Toward Hawaii, Reaches Category 3

Fri, 14 Jul 2023 20:33:00 +0200

The storm is expected to weaken before nearing the state next week.

Hurricane Calvin Strengthens to a Category 3 and Heads Toward Hawaii

Fri, 14 Jul 2023 18:56:00 +0200

The storm is expected to weaken before nearing the state next week.

Hurricane Calvin Heads Toward Hawaii

Fri, 14 Jul 2023 14:33:00 +0200

The storm is expected to weaken before nearing the state next week.

Mikala Jones, Surfer Known for Photography Inside Waves, Is Dead

Wed, 12 Jul 2023 21:46:00 +0200

Mr. Jones was surfing on Sunday off the coast of Sumatra when the fin from his board cut an artery, The Associated Press reported.

The Budget Is Signed

Mon, 10 Jul 2023 18:00:00 +0200

On June 30, Gov. Green hosted a signing ceremony on the fifth floor of the Capitol where he dutifully put pen to paper and signed into law the state budget, House Bill 300, and the tax credit bill, House Bill 954. The budget, of course, was signed subject to line-item vetoing certain provisions, which we […]
The post The Budget Is Signed appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Lessons from the Honolulu rail we would do well to remember

Sun, 09 Jul 2023 04:58:00 +0200

By Keli’i Akina After years of delay, the Honolulu rail is finally open. Well, partly anyway. The Honolulu Star-Advertiser reports that more than 71,000 people took advantage of the five days of free rides that marked the opening of the first 11 miles of the rail, officially named Skyline. Despite a few complaints, the initial […]
The post Lessons from the Honolulu rail we would do well to remember appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

MĀNOA VALLEY THEATRE PRESENTS LLOYD SUH’S THE CHINESE LADY

Thu, 06 Jul 2023 22:48:00 +0200

Mānoa Valley Theatre is proud to present Lloyd Suh’s critically acclaimed The Chinese Lady July 13th – 30th. Inspired by the true story of the first Chinese woman to arrive on American soil, The Chinese Lady, follows Afong Moy, after she is brought from China to America and put on display for an eager public […]
The post MĀNOA VALLEY THEATRE PRESENTS LLOYD SUH’S THE CHINESE LADY appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

A Hawaii Shop Turning Oahu’s Invasive Trees Into Surfboards

Thu, 06 Jul 2023 15:00:00 +0200

Plus: home décor from Ulla Johnson, a restaurant in a vintage airstream and more recommendations from T Magazine.

Declaration of Independence set America on path to liberty

Tue, 04 Jul 2023 22:39:00 +0200

By Keli’i Akina July Fourth is just around the corner, and once again I am reminded of how lucky we are to live in a country whose principles are so clearly stated in its founding document. I’m not talking about the U.S. Constitution, which also is a wonderful achievement, but rather the Declaration of Independence, […]
The post Declaration of Independence set America on path to liberty appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

The 2023 Intent to Veto List

Mon, 03 Jul 2023 18:00:00 +0200

On June 23, Gov. Green issued his intent to veto list. Any bill that is now pending before him and not on the list will become law. Any bill that is on the list may or not be vetoed; the Governor has until July 11 to make a final decision. None of the tax bills […]
The post The 2023 Intent to Veto List appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Hurricanes Beatriz and Adrian Churn Off the Coast of Mexico

Fri, 30 Jun 2023 21:54:00 +0200

Tropical Storm Beatriz developed into a hurricane in the Pacific on Friday morning as Hurricane Adrian continued to move away from land.

Hurricane Adrian Churns Off the Coast of Mexico in the Eastern Pacific

Thu, 29 Jun 2023 12:07:00 +0200

The storm was more than 400 miles off Mexico’s west coast early Thursday morning. It was forecast to stay offshore.

Hurricane Adrian Forms Off the Coast of Mexico in the Eastern Pacific

Wed, 28 Jun 2023 20:04:00 +0200

The storm was about 360 miles southwest of Manzanillo, a coastal city in Mexico, and was moving away from land on Wednesday.

U.S. Coast Guard Rescues Stranded Rower in the Pacific Ocean

Wed, 28 Jun 2023 12:29:00 +0200

An American man’s rowboat had capsized in the Pacific. Low on battery, he put out a call for help.

A Dessert Recipe So Good, I Was Sworn to Secrecy

Wed, 28 Jun 2023 11:01:00 +0200

A friend told our columnist never to write about this easy Hawaii-style sherbet. Lucky for you, she did anyway.

Economic Misfortune Can Fix Our “Shadow Budget”

Mon, 26 Jun 2023 18:00:00 +0200

In recent weeks, we have been reporting on Hawaii’s “shadow budget.” We found out that a first responders’ campus in central Oahu, even when a bill to create it was stomped on, shaken violently, and killed in the House, could still be funded via the State’s budget bill due to some behind-the-scenes machinations involving the […]
The post Economic Misfortune Can Fix Our “Shadow Budget” appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

New licensure law major step toward better healthcare access in Hawaii

Mon, 26 Jun 2023 05:27:00 +0200

By Keli’i Akina State lawmakers handed Hawaii residents a great victory this week in the effort to improve healthcare access in Hawaii. Gov. Josh Green signed a series of healthcare-related bills on Wednesday — and one of those was SB674, which allows Hawaii to enter the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact. Joining the compact will make it easier for […]
The post New licensure law major step toward better healthcare access in Hawaii appeared first on Hawaii Rep

Sasha Colby, ‘Drag Race’ Winner, Shares Her Travel Tips

Fri, 23 Jun 2023 15:55:00 +0200

This season’s winner, now serving frequent-flier realness on her victory lap, shares tips for packing (Ziploc bags) and navigating the T.S.A. while transgender.

A Dirty Problem

Tue, 20 Jun 2023 06:00:00 +0200

We’ve long had a dirty problem here in Hawaii. A number of homes here are not serviced by a sewer system. Instead, waste goes into a cesspool in the ground, and every so often the homeowner calls up a friendly neighborhood pumping service to pump it out and get rid of the contents. This, of […]
The post A Dirty Problem appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Hawaii’s ‘Local Food,’ a Rich Mix That Isn’t Strictly Hawaiian

Mon, 19 Jun 2023 19:07:00 +0200

A blend of influences and ingredients from the many groups who have settled there, this cooking tradition is still sparking creativity, and some complications.

Governor shows courage trimming state budget

Sun, 18 Jun 2023 22:40:00 +0200

By Keli’i Akina My colleagues and I at the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii are not shy about challenging the actions of public officials. It’s part of our mission to promote a freer, more prosperous Hawaii. But we also want to celebrate wins and give credit where credit is due — which is why I would […]
The post Governor shows courage trimming state budget appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Five Places to Visit in Oahu, Hawaii, With Singer Jack Johnson

Wed, 14 Jun 2023 11:04:00 +0200

The Hawaii-born singer-songwriter and activist recommends some places he loves on the island he still calls home. And yes, surfing and music are involved.

Hawaii voters the ultimate weapon against political corruption

Tue, 13 Jun 2023 03:09:00 +0200

By Keli’i Akina Legal reforms can go a long way. But when it comes to putting a stop to longstanding corruption in Hawaii, the biggest impact of all will have to come from Hawaii’s voters. That’s my most important takeaway from the conversation I had with Judge Dan Foley during this week’s episode of my “Hawaii […]
The post Hawaii voters the ultimate weapon against political corruption appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Fevella’s Film Feud

Mon, 12 Jun 2023 18:00:00 +0200

On Wednesday, May 31st, there was a press conference held at the State Capitol regarding the Hawaii movie and TV production tax credit. Two of the main speakers were Kevin Holu of Hawaii Teamsters Local 996 and Senator Kurt Fevella (R, District 20). Hawaii News Now shared footage of the event. Mr. Holu complained that […]
The post Fevella’s Film Feud appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Joan Didion, RFK’s Assassination and Why “The White Album” Still Feels So Relevant Today.

Thu, 08 Jun 2023 11:00:00 +0200

The celebrated author wrote about having a breakdown. Only now do we know the full story of a moment that caused her to say she could feel the Sixties “snapping.”

Kilauea Volcano Erupts With ‘Incandescent’ Glow in Hawaii

Wed, 07 Jun 2023 22:27:00 +0200

The volcano on the Big Island gave hints in the past month that an eruption might be imminent.

Volcano in Hawaii Erupts

Wed, 07 Jun 2023 19:46:00 +0200

Kilauea on the Big Island erupted early Wednesday morning, sending lava spewing and spreading across its summit.

Hawaii’s Shadow Budget

Mon, 05 Jun 2023 18:00:00 +0200

Recently there has been criticism heaped on the Supreme Court of the United Sates for making very important rulings via a “shadow docket” consisting of motions for various kinds of emergency relief. Those rulings are typically made on the papers alone, without the benefit of oral argument, and normally do not contain discussion of the […]
The post Hawaii’s Shadow Budget appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

‘Empty homes’ another distraction from constructive housing policy

Sun, 04 Jun 2023 06:35:00 +0200

By Keli’i Akina At its core, the high cost of homes in Hawaii is a supply problem. We simply don’t have enough homes to keep up with demand, which drives up the prices of existing homes. The bottom line is there is no other solution than to build more homes. To do that, we need […]
The post ‘Empty homes’ another distraction from constructive housing policy appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Aloha to Hawaii’s ‘Lone Ranger’

Wed, 31 May 2023 00:44:00 +0200

By Keli’i Akina It’s a rare man who enters politics and leaves this world mourned as much by his political adversaries as his friends and allies. Sam Slom was a rare man. A former chief economist at Bank of Hawaii, president of Small Business Hawaii, member of the Grassroot Institute’s board of advisers and epitome […]
The post Aloha to Hawaii’s ‘Lone Ranger’ appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Stopping bad bills, passing good ones: A winning legislative strategy

Tue, 30 May 2023 21:45:00 +0200

By Keli‘i Akina Legendary football coach Bear Bryant is credited with saying: “Offense wins games … defense wins championships.” If that’s the case, then the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii is the Steel Curtain, the ’85 Bears and the 2000 Ravens of legislative advocacy. What you see might not always be flashy, but it is formidable. […]
The post Stopping bad bills, passing good ones: A winning legislative strategy appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

GET on Health Care

Mon, 29 May 2023 18:00:00 +0200

One of the bills in this past legislative session that fell to the cutting room floor when it probably shouldn’t have was Senate Bill 1035, which would have exempted medical services provided by health care providers if the services were paid for by Medicaid, Medicare, or TRICARE (the healthcare system for the uniformed services). At […]
The post GET on Health Care appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

A Letter to my Grandchildren–Part 2

Tue, 23 May 2023 07:29:00 +0200

by Louis Darnell Editor’s Note: This letter is the second of a two-part series by my friend, Louis (Lou) Darnell, a fixture in our community for many years. I met him at a local business event a few decades ago and spoke to him recently. Unbeknownst to me, he was in a hospice. We spoke […]
The post A Letter to my Grandchildren–Part 2 appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Two bills to sign, two to veto and one to pare down

Mon, 22 May 2023 22:20:00 +0200

By Keli‘i Akina Hawaii’s Legislature passed 274 bills this year — out of more than 3,000 introduced. But so far, Gov. Josh Green has signed only a handful of them. That leaves a lot of bills for him to read and decide their fates. So in the spirit of “E hana kākou” (“Let’s work together”), […]
The post Two bills to sign, two to veto and one to pare down appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

GRAHAME WHITE on O’AHU July 13-23, 2023

Mon, 22 May 2023 20:37:00 +0200

Please join the Aloha Sangha Buddhist Group, Vipassana Hawaii, Bodhi Tree Meditation Center, and the Honolulu Dhamma Community in welcoming from Australia esteemed Vipassana Meditation teacher, Grahame White, for dhamma talks and short and daylong sittings. Please see schedules and bio below. For those new to Vipassana meditation, and/or meditation in general, please join us, […]
The post GRAHAME WHITE on O’AHU July 13-23, 2023 appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Another Rainy Day Slush Fund

Mon, 22 May 2023 18:00:00 +0200

Many of us in Hawaii are aware that we have an Emergency and Budget Reserve Fund, enshrined in chapter 328L, Hawaii Revised Statutes, to save money for a “rainy day,” that is to say, an emergency. In the most recent legislative session, the state budget bill provides for an additional one billion dollars to be […]
The post Another Rainy Day Slush Fund appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Why Many Hawaiians Are Making Las Vegas Their Home

Sat, 20 May 2023 11:00:00 +0200

The scenery can’t compare. So why are Hawaiians increasingly moving there?

A Hawaiian Bungalow Resort Reopens on the Big Island

Thu, 18 May 2023 15:02:00 +0200

Plus: playful lamps, Loewe Craft Prize finalists on view in Queens and more recommendations from T Magazine.

Instant Pot Indian Cookbook from Anupy Singla

Thu, 18 May 2023 00:44:00 +0200

When Anupy Singla was studying foreign policy at Honolulu’s East West Center, cooking was never far from her mind. At the shared kitchen at her dorm at Hale Manoa she regularly cooked Indian food for her fellow students. She assures me, they really enjoyed it. I believe her. She’s still a foreign policy wonk but […]
The post Instant Pot Indian Cookbook from Anupy Singla appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Ding Dong, the Green Fee is Dead

Mon, 15 May 2023 18:00:00 +0200

Environmentalists are bemoaning the apparent demise of the “Visitor Green Fee,” a $50 charge that would need to be paid by whoever, as a nonresident, wants to visit parks, beaches, scenic sites, and other places of natural beauty. Most of the population, they say, supports such a charge if it is going to be used […]
The post Ding Dong, the Green Fee is Dead appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

A Letter to my Grandchildren–Part 1

Mon, 15 May 2023 02:09:00 +0200

by Lou Darnell Editor’s Note: This letter (the first of a two part series) was written by my friend, Lou Darnell. He founded an IT company called Comtel in Honolulu and later joined ranks with Vistage, a worldwide executive coaching company. Tall, with an understated but commanding presence, Lou has been a fixture in our community […]
The post A Letter to my Grandchildren–Part 1 appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Save the Planet

Sat, 13 May 2023 21:30:00 +0200

Anthems of progress and hope: “save the planet” . . . “save the earth”. Well meaning sentiments issuing from frightened people who see where it is going and want to make it right again . . . so that their children and grandchildren can enjoy and bask in the lush carpet of life that once […]
The post Save the Planet appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Behind the Heartbeat of Hawaii

Sat, 13 May 2023 13:00:00 +0200

Hula is an ancient and often sacred dance that is indigenous to the islands.

Love Letter: The Heartbeat of Hawaii

Sat, 13 May 2023 03:02:00 +0200

The last king of Hawaii said, “Hula is the language of the heart, therefore the heartbeat of the Hawaiian people.”

How Hammerhead Sharks Stay Warm Will Take Your Breath Away

Thu, 11 May 2023 20:00:00 +0200

To survive as they seek food in freezing parts of the ocean, hammerhead sharks use a trick that hasn’t been observed in other fish.

Your Tuesday Briefing: Texas Reels From Mass Shootings

Mon, 08 May 2023 22:42:00 +0200

Also, evacuation orders in occupied Ukraine.

Tax Relief, RIP

Mon, 08 May 2023 18:00:00 +0200

“Alas, poor Yorick! I knew him [well].” In Shakespeare’s Hamlet, Yorick was the court jester who had become a skull by the time Ophelia’s burial takes place and Hamlet talks about him. This legislative session, the same fate has befallen the broad-based tax reform proposal that would have widened our income tax brackets, increased the […]
The post Tax Relief, RIP appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

General excise tax exemptions flatline for groceries and medical services

Mon, 08 May 2023 00:44:00 +0200

By Keli‘i Akina As Shakespeare might have put it: “Friends, neighbors, taxpayers, lend me your ears. I have come to bury the Hawaii Legislature, not to praise it. The bad laws our legislators enact live after them, while the good are oft interred in committees.” That is certainly what happened to the many good proposals to exempt […]
The post General excise tax exemptions flatline for groceries and medical services appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Preserving Hula, the Heartbeat of Hawaii at the Merrie Monarch Festival

Sun, 07 May 2023 11:00:00 +0200

For 60 years, the Merrie Monarch Festival has contributed to the reclamation of Hawaiian culture, language and identity.

My Medicare Nightmare

Fri, 05 May 2023 13:34:00 +0200

Author’s Note: It’s been a pretty rough couple of years for me health-wise, but thankfully I am still here, having survived the latest close scrapes with death. Indeed, I am wondering when I may eventually run out of ‘cat lives’! After going off my bike and breaking my hip in March 2021, then surviving a […]
The post My Medicare Nightmare appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

LARGEST KARAOKE LOUNGE IN HONOLULU, WAVE808, IS OPEN FOR BUSINESS

Tue, 02 May 2023 10:16:00 +0200

by Yurika Matsumori Wave808, Hawaii’s largest karaoke lounge, officially opened its doors to the public on Thursday, April 27th, at 808 Sheridan Street. It features 15 karaoke rooms, each uniquely decorated with various themes and equipped with Healsonic karaoke machines, offering over 200,000 karaoke songs in 14 different languages including Hawaiian, English, Japanese, Korean, Filipino, […]
The post LARGEST KARAOKE LOUNGE IN HONOLULU, WAVE808, IS OPEN FOR BUSINESS appeared first o

Production Credit Hijinx

Mon, 01 May 2023 18:00:00 +0200

For a long time, Hawaii has had income tax incentives to encourage television, movies, and other productions to work their magic here in Hawaii. The production credit was enacted in 1988, at which time it was 4% of regular production costs plus 6% of transient accommodations, mirroring the GET and TAT rates at the time. […]
The post Production Credit Hijinx appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Winds of change at Capitol blow favorably for Hawaii residents

Sat, 29 Apr 2023 18:38:00 +0200

By Keli‘i Akina Yesterday was an amazing day at the state Capitol. After four months of hashing out the fate of more than 4,000 bills that were introduced in the 2023 Legislature, it finally became clear which big-ticket items were going to make it to the governor’s desk for signing — or hit the cutting […]
The post Winds of change at Capitol blow favorably for Hawaii residents appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Ken Potts, Oldest Survivor of U.S.S. Arizona Sinking, Dies at 102

Tue, 25 Apr 2023 23:18:00 +0200

Only one other known veteran of the battleship bombed by the Japanese at Pearl Harbor remains alive, at 101.

TANF Hoarding, Continued

Mon, 24 Apr 2023 18:00:00 +0200

About a year ago, we tried to shine the spotlight on a federal program for families and children called TANF, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families. That program provides assistance for struggling families and children – but not directly. The federal government does not write checks to recipients directly. Rather, it provides block grants to the […]
The post TANF Hoarding, Continued appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Red Hill crisis another example of Jones Act getting in the way

Fri, 21 Apr 2023 23:45:00 +0200

By Keli‘i Akina Oahu residents are keenly aware of the yearslong saga in which leakage from the U.S. Navy’s Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility in Moanalua has been contaminating the island’s water supply, sickening residents and forcing thousands of people out of their homes. The situation became so bad that the Pentagon last year […]
The post Red Hill crisis another example of Jones Act getting in the way appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

It’s Time for a Change:

Thu, 20 Apr 2023 06:22:00 +0200

People With Diapers Deserve DEI, Too They’re not just for babies anymore. People with diapers, or PWD’s, are a growing segment of society. However, a cultural stigma against PWDs, and adult diapers, is hampering diversity, equity, and inclusion at the workplace and other social environments. It’s time we liberate the people with diapers from the […]
The post It’s Time for a Change: appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Government overreach hides behind ‘pay transparency’ bill

Tue, 18 Apr 2023 10:39:00 +0200

By Keli‘i Akina Every year we see a handful of bills at the Legislature that put good intentions ahead of practical experience. Even when the people who would be most affected by the proposals explain that they are unworkable or counterproductive, those good intentions still keep the bills moving forward. Happily, many of these bills […]
The post Government overreach hides behind ‘pay transparency’ bill appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

It Isn’t Over Until It’s Over

Mon, 17 Apr 2023 18:00:00 +0200

We’ve come to that part of our legislative session where all the public hearings are done. From here on out, lawmakers in the House will be chatting with their counterparts in the Senate to hash out any differences between their respective versions of bills. Most of that will be done behind closed doors. Then, when […]
The post It Isn’t Over Until It’s Over appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

What to Know about the Trial of Lori Vallow Daybell

Mon, 17 Apr 2023 16:10:00 +0200

Ms. Vallow Daybell is being tried in connection with the deaths of two of her children and her husband’s previous wife. Prosecutors said she was driven by her “doomsday” religious beliefs.

Free Fall — Gone

Sun, 16 Apr 2023 00:58:00 +0200

There is no doubt that our familiar world has undergone significant change in recent years and continues to change at a rapid, accelerating rate. Viewed from the perspective of geological time, the brief moment of human history on earth seems, to us, an eternity. The relative and temporary environmental stability that we experienced seemed definite […]
The post Free Fall — Gone appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Taste of Tourism: Can the Visitor Industry Transform Hawaii’s Food System?

Sat, 15 Apr 2023 02:41:00 +0200

What is regenerative tourism and how can it support local agriculture? Friday, April 21st, 5pm-8pm HST Location: Ka Waiwai – 1110 University Ave Honolulu, HI 96826 CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS! About this Event: Presented by The Hawaiʻi Institute for Sustainable Community Food Systems at University of Hawaiʻi – West Oʻahu, Honolulu Civil Beat, UH Better Tomorrow […]
The post Taste of Tourism: Can the Visitor Industry Transform Hawaii’s Food System? appeared

The Trial of ‘Doomsday Mom’ Lori Vallow Daybell Begins

Fri, 14 Apr 2023 19:35:00 +0200

Ms. Vallow Daybell is being tried in connection with the deaths of two of her children and her husband’s previous wife. Prosecutors said she was driven by her “doomsday” religious beliefs.

What to Know About the Trial of ‘Doomsday Mom’ Lori Vallow Daybell

Thu, 13 Apr 2023 00:41:00 +0200

Ms. Vallow Daybell is being tried in connection with the deaths of two of her children and her husband’s previous wife. Prosecutors said she was driven by her “doomsday” religious beliefs.

Counties can afford, should prioritize property tax relief

Tue, 11 Apr 2023 01:22:00 +0200

By Keli‘i Akina No one likes the idea of our county governments profiting from Hawaii’s high cost of living. But that’s what is going to happen soon unless we engineer some property tax relief. Thanks to higher property assessments statewide, Hawaii homeowners and others are facing massive increases in their property taxes. That’s because the […]
The post Counties can afford, should prioritize property tax relief appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Hope for Tax Relief Still Alive

Mon, 10 Apr 2023 18:00:00 +0200

In the fast-paced, chaotic world that is the Hawaii Legislature this time of year, it is difficult to make any predictions about anything. But there seems to be a glimmer of hope that some pieces of the Governor’s income tax relief bill, part of what the Governor’s office calls the “Green Affordability Plan” or GAP, […]
The post Hope for Tax Relief Still Alive appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Overlooked No More: Alice Ball, Chemist Who Created a Treatment for Leprosy

Sat, 08 Apr 2023 20:39:00 +0200

After she died — and just a year after her discovery — another scientist took credit for her work. It would be more than half a century until her story resurfaced.

Downtown Walmart closure an opportunity for more housing

Tue, 04 Apr 2023 05:16:00 +0200

By Keli‘i Akina It seems a lot of people were surprised last week to hear that the huge Walmart store in Downtown Honolulu will be closing this month. It’s tempting to speculate about what this means for the future of retail in the area, but we shouldn’t make broad assumptions based on the closure of a single […]
The post Downtown Walmart closure an opportunity for more housing appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Hobie, legendary board maker, segues into eyewear

Mon, 03 Apr 2023 22:51:00 +0200

The name Hobie has been associated with Hawaii for a long, long time. Time to get acquainted with the Hobie sunglasses or, in industry terms, “eyewear”. But let’s digress. Decades before the board maker expanded into bikinis and shorts, a guy named Hobie Alter was shaping boards in his family’s Laguna Beach summer home for […]
The post Hobie, legendary board maker, segues into eyewear appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

How to Live Forever

Mon, 03 Apr 2023 19:48:00 +0200

I am about to ask you a question. Think hard about it before answering. How long do you expect to live? If your answer is not forever, then you may be killing yourself. You’ve heard of the placebo effect, which shows the power of the mind over the body. Whatever any healthcare provider provides, […]
The post How to Live Forever appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Legislative Madness

Mon, 03 Apr 2023 18:00:00 +0200

In the sports world, we have “March Madness.” Last week in this space, we wrote about “Credit Madness.” Now, lest we miss the forest for the trees, let’s discuss madness at the Legislature in general. A month ago, Civil Beat interviewed Sen. Stanley Chang, who had introduced Senate Bill 149 with a constitutional amendment to […]
The post Legislative Madness appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

A Classic Easter Ham Makes the Best Pizza Leftovers

Fri, 31 Mar 2023 19:42:00 +0200

Bejeweled with pineapple, the holiday classic gets an upgrade in flavor with a punchy glaze.

Memories of ‘a Renaissance Lei Maker’

Wed, 29 Mar 2023 11:00:00 +0200

Meleana Estes gathered stories from her grandmother and others on the art of making the islands’ traditional garlands.

Hawaii Tourism Authority: New name, same problems?

Tue, 28 Mar 2023 03:20:00 +0200

By Keli‘i Akina Another year, another attempt to reform the Hawaii Tourism Authority. Last year, the question was whether the Legislature should defund the HTA, which was established in 1998 to promote tourism to the islands. This year, some legislators have put forth a bill, SB1522, that would replace the HTA with a new “Office of Destination Management.” […]
The post Hawaii Tourism Authority: New name, same problems? appeared first on Hawaii

ChatGPT Says American Cancer Society Faces Potential Lawsuits Over Misinformation About Bra-Cancer Link

Mon, 27 Mar 2023 22:55:00 +0200

Medicine is about to undergo a revolution, along with the rest of society, as ChatGPT takes center stage in the artificial intelligence world. This AI language model responds to questions in a human-like way, relying on the Internet, including Wikipedia and other sources, and its internal programming for its amazingly intelligent responses. It also seems […]
The post ChatGPT Says American Cancer Society Faces Potential Lawsuits Over Misinformation About Bra-Cancer Link

Credit Madness

Mon, 27 Mar 2023 18:00:00 +0200
In the sports world, we have “March Madness.” At our Legislature this year, we have “Credit Madness.” With a surplus on the State balance sheet north of a billion dollars, lawmakers have proposed all kinds of tax credits to advance social policy of one type or another. Credits were proposed for, among other things, upgrading […]
The post Credit Madness appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

San Francisco’s award-winning dance troupe, Nā Lei Hulu i ka Wēkiu, presents MĀHŪ

Sat, 25 Mar 2023 13:09:00 +0100
Two performances only at Leeward Theatre – March 25th and 26th, 2023 Kumu Hula Patrick Makuakāne and his award-winning dance troupe, Nā Lei Hulu i ka Wēkiu, present an entirely new show, MĀHŪ, for two performances only. Na Lei Hulu’s newest production features some of the most well-known māhū artists in Hawai’i today, including Hinaleimoana Wong-Kalu, Kuini, and Kaumakaʻiwa Kanakaʻole. The […]
The

Pineapple and Ham Belong Together

Thu, 23 Mar 2023 22:30:00 +0100
On the Easter table and, yes, on pizza, these smart, flavorful tweaks make the retro combination even better.

F.A.A. Issues Safety Alert After Runway Near Misses

Wed, 22 Mar 2023 19:52:00 +0100
After a series of high-profile episodes at major airports, the Federal Aviation Administration has taken steps in recent months to address airport safety.

There’s never a bad time to cut taxes

Tue, 21 Mar 2023 09:35:00 +0100
By Keli‘i Akina Wednesday was Gov. Josh Green’s 100th day in office, and I think it’s safe to say his honeymoon period with voters and the Legislature has come to an end. When he took office in January, the state was looking at a budget surplus of about $2.6 billion, and there was a lot of excitement about his […]
The post There’s never a bad time to cut taxes appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

The Case for Conveyance Tax Hikes

Mon, 20 Mar 2023 17:00:00 +0100
We have recently passed the halfway point in the current legislative session. Many of the more outlandish or ruinous tax proposals have fallen by the wayside. Many tax proposals remain, mainly having to do with tax relief or credits. There are, however, a few tax hike proposals still moving. In many of the past sessions, […]
The post The Case for Conveyance Tax Hikes appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Eat for Your Poop: A Nutrition Lesson from the Bottom Up

Sun, 19 Mar 2023 17:09:00 +0100
When most of us choose what we want to eat for dinner, we think about how the food will taste and if we want that oral experience. Food connoisseurs, who are also called foodies, dive deep into the texture, aroma, chewiness, moistness, color, and flavor of food, and the subtleties of how it feels when […]
The post Eat for Your Poop: A Nutrition Lesson from the Bottom Up appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Hilo author Leslie Karst’s delectable memoir of Ruth Bader Ginsburg

Wed, 15 Mar 2023 06:24:00 +0100
One doesn’t usually conflate “Hilo” with “U.S. Supreme Court Justice” but in this case it’s a matter of fact. A heartfelt story of simultaneously searching for delicious recipes and purpose in life, Justice is Served is an inspiring reminder that it’s never too late to discover—and follow—your deepest passion. When Hilo author Leslie Karst learned […]
The post Hilo author Leslie Karst’s delectable memoir of Ruth Bader Ginsburg ap

Ann Napolitano’s New Novel, “Hello Beautiful,” Is the 100th Pick of Oprah’s Book Club

Tue, 14 Mar 2023 13:35:00 +0100
Ann Napolitano toiled in obscurity for years. Novels went unpublished; agents turned her down. She found recognition with “Dear Edward.” Then came the call: “Hello Beautiful” was the 100th pick for what is arguably the most influential book club in the world.

Governor’s redevelopment plan for Aloha Stadium on right track

Tue, 14 Mar 2023 00:08:00 +0100
By Keli‘i Akina It’s not easy being a governor when criticism can come from every quarter, no matter what you propose. That’s why I want to commend Gov. Josh Green for attempting to cut in half the cost of redeveloping the old Aloha Stadium on 25 acres of land in Halawa. Under the old plan, […]
The post Governor’s redevelopment plan for Aloha Stadium on right track appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

California’s Surplus to Deficit

Mon, 13 Mar 2023 17:00:00 +0100
“Lucky you live Hawaii,” the saying goes. Long-time readers of this column may chuckle at that because we have been pointing out lots of ways the government here could be improved. But sometimes our sister States get themselves into big piles of pickles that makes our situation look a lot better by comparison. Take California, […]
The post California’s Surplus to Deficit appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Free-Fall – Let It Be

Sun, 12 Mar 2023 22:31:00 +0100
Michael Benfield, one of the founders of the Green Party of England and Wales recently proclaimed “It’s too late to save the environment.” He told the BBC “I think we have succeeded in helping to educate… but we have failed in dealing with the battle for environmental survival. I’ll say to you now that it’s […]
The post Free-Fall – Let It Be appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Will DEI make us DIE?

Sun, 12 Mar 2023 02:08:00 +0100
These days, when you want to show you care about ending oppression of marginalized groups for their race, ethnicity, religion, or gender, you show it by saying you support the DEI movement. D is for Diversity. It means looking around you and asking if everyone looks the same. If they do, then you need to […]
The post Will DEI make us DIE? appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Toxic Baby Food Is Poisoning Hawaii’s Children

Thu, 09 Mar 2023 23:21:00 +0100
We all are becoming increasingly aware of the toxins in our food supply. From lead, cadmium, mercury and other heavy metals, to pesticides, antibiotics, and other chemical contaminants, we are increasingly having food to die from, instead of food to die for. Most affected, of course, are children, whose developing bodies are harmed by these […]
The post Toxic Baby Food Is Poisoning Hawaii’s Children appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Hawaii County has chance to make zoning more friendly to housing

Wed, 08 Mar 2023 04:26:00 +0100
The following commentary by policy researched Jonathan Helton was originally published March 5, 2023, by the Hawaii Tribune-Herald.___________ Hawaii island’s housing supply might get a boost in the near future, thanks to an effort underway to update the county’s zoning code. A project team working with the Hawaii County Department of Planning has been reviewing and […]
The post Hawaii County has chance to make zoning more friendly to housing appeared first on Hawaii Repo

Love-Hate Relationship with Tourism

Mon, 06 Mar 2023 17:00:00 +0100
Here in Hawaii, we officially have a love-hate relationship with tourism. How do we love it? Look no further than the Hawaii Tourism Authority. The HTA was established through legislation in 1998 (Act 156, Session Laws of Hawaii 1998). The preamble to that legislation recited that the visitor industry “accounts for almost twenty-five per cent […]
The post Love-Hate Relationship with Tourism appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

‘Visitor impact’ fee proposal fraught with problems

Mon, 06 Mar 2023 06:57:00 +0100
Photo by Charley Myers By Keli‘i Akina When a new policy proposal gets a heavy push from a popular new governor, people sometimes forget to ask the hard questions. That’s what the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii is for. On Wednesday, Gov. Josh Green took to Twitter to lobby for his proposed $50 “visitor impact” fee. He promised […]
The post ‘Visitor impact’ fee proposal fraught with problems appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

To Prepare for a Pacific Island Fight, Marines Hide and Attack in California

Sun, 05 Mar 2023 11:00:00 +0100
A 10-day exercise gave a new Marine regiment the chance to test war-fighting concepts the Pentagon may one day need in a battle with China.

SHAUN CASSIDY, BOB JAMES, JOSÉ FELICIANO & KEAHIWAI and more HEADLINE at the Blue Note Hawaii – March 2023

Thu, 02 Mar 2023 10:25:00 +0100
The Comedy Series Continues with Andy Bumatai, Gary Owen, Tip “T.I.” Harris and more Comedy takes center stage at Blue Note Hawaii this month, featuring Andy Bumatai with Augie T, and national headliners Gary Owen, James Adomian and Tip “T.I.” Harris. Henry Kapono returns with his Artist 2 Artist Series featuring the incomparable Keola Beamer. […]
The post SHAUN CASSIDY, BOB JAMES, JOSÉ FELICIANO & KEAHIWAI and more HEADLINE at the Blue Note Hawaii

Do we have to win ‘American Idol’ contest to afford living in Hawaii?

Wed, 01 Mar 2023 21:48:00 +0100
By Keli‘i Akina You shouldn’t have to win on “American Idol” to afford to move back home to Hawaii. But that’s the way it’s looking for more and more former Hawaii residents who felt they had to leave the state because of its high taxes and high cost of basic necessities such as housing, utilities and groceries. […]
The post Do we have to win ‘American Idol’ contest to afford living in Hawaii? appeared first on Hawaii Reporte

American Idol contestant’s family moved away from Hawaii due to high cost of living

Wed, 01 Mar 2023 21:48:00 +0100
By Keli‘i Akina You shouldn’t have to win on “American Idol” to afford to move back home to Hawaii. But that’s the way it’s looking for more and more former Hawaii residents who felt they had to leave the state because of its high taxes and high cost of basic necessities such as housing, utilities and groceries. […]
The post American Idol contestant’s family moved away from Hawaii due to high cost of living appeared first on Hawaii

Andy Bumatai and James Mane talk to the Daniela Stolfi-Tow from 808 Viral about Social Media and Mental Health

Wed, 01 Mar 2023 09:52:00 +0100
The Daily Pidgin Guest Daniela Stolfi-Tow from 808 Viral
The post Andy Bumatai and James Mane talk to the Daniela Stolfi-Tow from 808 Viral about Social Media and Mental Health appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Andy Bumatai and James Mane talk to Daniela Stolfi-Tow from 808 Viral about Social Media and Mental Health

Wed, 01 Mar 2023 09:52:00 +0100
The Daily Pidgin Guest Daniela Stolfi-Tow from 808 Viral
The post Andy Bumatai and James Mane talk to Daniela Stolfi-Tow from 808 Viral about Social Media and Mental Health appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

THE FUTURE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE IN HAWAI’I SPEAKER SERIES PRESENTS: Animal Agriculture – By Whom, For Whom, and at What Cost?

Mon, 27 Feb 2023 21:06:00 +0100
March 9, 2023 Animal agriculture plays an important and rapidly evolving role in the food system of Hawai’i. By Civil Beat, UHWO, Better Tomorrow Series, Waiwai This discussion will be dedicated to the recent developments in industrial scale animal agriculture in Hawai’i and the known ecological, social and economic costs and benefits. The conversation will explore best practices […]
The post THE FUTURE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE IN HAWAI’I SPEAKER SERIES PRE

Creative Districts

Mon, 27 Feb 2023 17:00:00 +0100
One of the more intriguing ideas to cross my desk recently is in Senate Bill 822. It proposes to have certain sections of our state designated as “creative districts.” The idea would be to gather artists, such as painters, photographers, and musicians; and cultural organizations, perhaps hula halau or ukulele schools, together in the […]
The post Creative Districts appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Honolulu Teen Wins Scholarship atInternational Music Competition

Fri, 24 Feb 2023 19:23:00 +0100
The prestigious Philadelphia International Music Festival awarded over $20,000 in scholarships and performance opportunities to ten young musicians who took the top spots in PIMF’s semi-annual Online Concerto Competition. Honolulu 10th-grader Yxing Guo won a partial scholarship to PIMF’s intensive classical music training program this summer after taking Third Place in her division. The 15-year-old […]
The post Honolulu Teen Wins Scholarship at
International Music Com

PILOT for Real Property Tax

Tue, 21 Feb 2023 05:00:00 +0100
In late 2021, the City & County of Honolulu’s Real Property Assessment Division inspectors took a look at several parcels of land on which solar farms and other renewable energy projects had been built. The inspectors noted that the land had been granted a super-duper low rate for agricultural use. We’re not sure of the […]
The post PILOT for Real Property Tax appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Awakening the Hero In All Of Us–Fundraiser for Turkey

Tue, 14 Feb 2023 20:54:00 +0100
As of the date of this press release, the death toll in Turkey is 29,695 and still climbing. The earthquakes that struck the morning of February 6, registered at magnitude 7.8 and the second at magnitude 7.5, are the deadliest earthquakes to hit the region in 100 years. “Our restaurant is grateful to be able […]
The post Awakening the Hero In All Of Us–Fundraiser for Turkey appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

United Flight From Maui Came Within 800 Feet of Striking Pacific Ocean

Mon, 13 Feb 2023 23:11:00 +0100
The plane, a Boeing 777-200, climbed to 2,200 feet on Dec. 18 before entering a steep dive and falling at a rate of nearly 8,600 feet per minute, according to flight data.

Get Out, Evil! Stay In, Good Fortune!

Mon, 13 Feb 2023 00:23:00 +0100
At around this time of year, the Japanese celebrate a festival known as Setsubun. While there are regional variations on how to celebrate it, many of them involve roasted beans and an Oni, or demon. According to tradition, people in the household pelt the Oni with the beans while saying, “Oni wa soto! Fuku wa […]
The post Get Out, Evil! Stay In, Good Fortune! appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

Tax cuts are better than tax credits

Wed, 08 Feb 2023 05:13:00 +0100
By Keli‘i Akina Gov. Josh Green’s big tax plan, the “Green Affordability Plan,” promises to put$300 million back into taxpayers’ pockets, making it one of the biggest tax reductions in Hawaii history. But can the GAP live up to that promise? For the past several years, the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii has urged Hawaii lawmakers […]
The post Tax cuts are better than tax credits appeared first on Hawaii Reporter.

What It Takes to Keep the Keeling Curve Going

Tue, 07 Feb 2023 19:11:00 +0100
Ever since an eruption in Hawaii halted a long-running record of carbon dioxide, scientists have found ways to carry on — atop a neighboring volcano.

Battling Lava and Snowstorms to Keep a Climate Project Alive

Mon, 06 Feb 2023 17:17:00 +0100
Ever since an eruption in Hawaii halted a long-running record of carbon dioxide, scientists have found ways to carry on — atop a neighboring volcano.