New Honolulu Police Chief Selection Raises Questions About Background
David Lazar has been selected as Honolulu’s new police chief pending FBI background check and contract negotiations. Questions have been raised about his past role on the transition team for a recalled San Francisco prosecutor. David Lazar was selected as Honolulu Police Chief by a 5-2 commission vote on May 20, 2026. He must complete […]
Hawaii Pays $118K After Court Rules Political Speech Law Unconstitutional
Hawaii officials agreed to pay over $118,000 in legal fees after a federal court struck down a state law that restricted online political speech and satire. The state chose not to appeal the ruling and settled the case brought by The Babylon Bee and a Hawaii resident. A federal court ruled Hawaii’s law censoring online […]
Young Brothers Gets Automatic 5% Annual Rate Hikes Despite Earlier Denials
Governor Green signed legislation allowing interisland shipper Young Brothers automatic annual rate increases up to 5% for three years, overriding utility regulators who had rejected the hikes. This follows a 25.75% rate increase in January. Young Brothers can now raise shipping rates up to 5% annually for the next three years automatically. The Public Utilities […]
Federal Antitrust Case Targets Container Price-Fixing That Hit Supply Chains
Federal prosecutors indicted four major Chinese shipping container manufacturers and seven executives for conspiring to fix prices and restrict output from 2019-2024, roughly doubling container costs during the pandemic. The price-fixing conspiracy affected nearly all standard shipping containers worldwide and increased manufacturer profits by roughly 100 times during COVID-19. One executive was arrested in France […]
Child Near-Drownings Spike, Wildfire Power Shutoffs Possible on Maui
Multiple sources report a significant increase in child drowning incidents statewide, while Hawaiian Electric warns of potential power shutoffs on Maui due to wildfire risk conditions. Emergency officials are urging heightened safety precautions for both water and fire hazards. Honolulu EMS has responded to 12 pediatric near-drownings so far this year involving children ages 2-9, […]
South Kīhei Road Sinkhole Repairs Begin June 1, Target Fall Completion
Construction on permanent South Kīhei Road repairs near Kamaʻole Beach Park II begins June 1 with fall 2026 completion target. The county secured emergency federal funding for complex drainage and roadway restoration following March storm damage. P.B. Sullivan Construction awarded the emergency contract with work starting June 1, 2026. Conservative completion estimate is fall 2026 […]
Hawaii DOT Releases Draft Transportation Plan for Public Comment
The Hawaii Department of Transportation has released draft long-range transportation plans for public review, addressing infrastructure investment and mobility needs across the islands. Public comments are being accepted through June 18, 2026. Draft statewide and regional transportation plans are now available for public review and comment. Plans focus on six goals including safety, system preservation, […]
Kihei Road Storm Repairs Resume May 28 with Daytime Lane Closures
Storm damage repairs on South Kīhei Road will resume May 28 after a materials delivery delay, causing weekday and Saturday lane closures through June 20. South Kīhei Road between Ohukai Road and Kūlanihākoʻi Street will have daytime closures 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. weekdays and Saturdays starting May 28. Only local access will be allowed […]
Strong Wind Advisory Extended for Maui Through Saturday Morning
Multiple news sources report that a Wind Advisory remains in effect for parts of Maui County and the Big Island, with trade winds producing gusts up to 50 mph. Hawaiian Electric is monitoring conditions and may implement power shutoffs in high wildfire risk areas. Wind Advisory extended until 6 a.m. Saturday for Central Valley, West […]
Community Memorial Installation Opens at Queen Ka’ahumanu Center June 3
Multiple sources report on the upcoming opening of the Lahaina Think Space, a community healing and memorial installation at Queen Ka’ahumanu Center. The interactive space allows fire survivors and community members to share stories and help shape future memorials for Lahaina. The Lahaina Think Space opens June 3, 2026 at 10:30 a.m. at Queen Ka’ahumanu […]