Hawaii Tax Changes Could Affect Property Owner Deductions and Business Zones
New Hawaii tax legislation adopts some federal tax changes including no tax on tips, but keeps stricter itemized deduction limits and adds new enterprise zone benefits. The changes could impact how property owners calculate deductions and business tax benefits. Hawaii adopts federal ‘no tax on tips’ provision but rejects no tax on overtime and enhanced […]
Hawaii Supreme Court Justice Position Open for Applications
The Judicial Selection Commission is accepting applications for an Associate Justice position on Hawaii’s Supreme Court, with nominations due June 29 and applications due August 13, 2026. Position requires Hawaii residency, US citizenship, and at least 10 years of Hawaii law practice. Ten-year term offers $290,016 annual salary plus comprehensive state benefits package. Nomination deadline […]
Memorial Day ceremony planned at Makawao veterans cemetery May 25
The Maui County Veterans Council will host a Memorial Day tribute ceremony on May 25, 2026 at 8:30 a.m. at the Maui Veterans Cemetery in Makawao. The public ceremony will include wreath presentations and honors for fallen service members. Memorial Day tribute scheduled for Monday, May 25, 2026 at 8:30 a.m. at Maui Veterans Cemetery […]
Hawaii Supreme Court Reviews Tobacco Case That Could Affect Business Liability
The Hawaii Supreme Court is reviewing a $14 million verdict against Philip Morris in a case that could set precedent for how business liability is determined when customers are harmed by deceptive marketing practices. A lung cancer survivor won $14 million from Philip Morris after jury found the company liable for deceptive marketing about smoking […]
Vice President Honors Fallen Maui Police Officer at National Memorial
U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance honored fallen Maui Police Officer Suzanne O at the National Peace Officers Memorial Service. Officer O was killed in the line of duty in August 2025 while searching for a suspect in Paia. Officer Suzanne O was fatally shot on August 15, 2025, while searching for a suspect near the […]
County Council Approves $1.6B Budget with Contested Temple Grant
Maui County Council unanimously passed a $1.6 billion budget for fiscal 2027, including a controversial $2.5 million grant for shoreline stabilization at a historic Buddhist temple in Pā’ia facing erosion. The budget is $8.4 million less than the mayor proposed, shifting funds from capital projects to operations. Council approved $2.5 million for Pā’ia Mantokuji Mission […]
Hawaii Attorney General Defends State’s Medicaid Fraud Enforcement Record
Hawaii’s Attorney General responded to federal criticism by citing 25 Medicaid fraud prosecutions and $14 million in recoveries since 2021. The state is working with federal partners to strengthen enforcement after a recent federal review identified challenges. Hawaii’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit has secured $14 million in judgments and settlements across 25 cases since 2021. […]
Hawaii Bans Corporate Political Spending Starting July 2027
Governor Green signed a new law prohibiting corporations and LLCs from spending money on political campaigns or ballot measures. The law takes effect July 1, 2027 and applies to all business entities organized under Hawaii law. Act 011 bans corporations, LLCs, and other business entities from spending on elections or ballot measures starting July 2027. […]
Whitehorse Implements Staged Restrictions on Short-Term Rental Properties
Whitehorse City Council approved new regulations limiting short-term rentals in residential areas, with restrictions on non-resident operators taking effect in October 2027. Current operators can continue under a grandfather clause if they comply with city regulations. New short-term rental operators will be prohibited from renting residential properties that aren’t their primary residence starting October 1, […]
Maui County Council Elections May Shift Policy Direction This Fall
Upcoming Maui County Council elections could create a progressive majority as conservative members step down and competitive races emerge. The results may influence post-wildfire recovery policies, housing decisions, and development regulations. Two conservative council members are not seeking reelection, creating opportunities for progressive candidates to gain control. Elections are viewed as a referendum on local […]