State Parks Plans Restroom and Shower Upgrades at Mākena State Park
The state will propose improvements to Mākena State Park including permanent restrooms, outdoor showers, and expanded parking to replace portable toilets and address safety issues. Permanent restrooms will replace portable toilets at both north and south parking lots. New outdoor shower facilities will be added for visitors to rinse off. Paved parking areas will be […]
Kauai Man Convicted on Federal Child Pornography Charges
A 40-year-old Hanapepe resident was convicted by federal jury on charges of producing, receiving, and possessing child pornography after targeting vulnerable children online. Roger Biggs faces mandatory minimum 15-year prison sentence with sentencing scheduled for September 2026. FBI investigation began after anonymous online complaint and multiple CyberTipline reports from social media platforms. Evidence showed Biggs […]
Convention Center Prohibits Off-Duty Officers from Carrying Weapons
The Hawaii Convention Center bars off-duty police officers from carrying firearms inside the facility, even though HPD policy requires officers to carry weapons while off duty. Off-duty police officers attending personal events at the Hawaii Convention Center must disarm before entering. Only uniformed officers or those on official duty are allowed to carry firearms in […]
Hawaii Reports 70% Jump in Concealed Carry Permits, Maui Lower Than Average
Hawaii’s Attorney General released 2025 concealed carry permit statistics showing statewide increases, with Maui County having notably fewer permit holders relative to its population compared to other counties. Statewide concealed carry permits increased 70.5% to 3,764 total licenses by end of 2025. Maui County was underrepresented with only 6.3% of state permits despite having 11.3% […]
County Approves $240K for Remaining Wildfire Legal Costs
Maui County Council committee approved an additional $240,000 to cover remaining legal fees from wildfire litigation after insurance coverage gap. This closes out the county’s out-of-pocket legal expenses with all future costs covered by insurance. County committee unanimously approved $240,000 to cover outstanding legal fees from 2023 Lahaina wildfire litigation. The cost resulted from a […]
Hawaii Enacts Tax Structure Changes to Address $3B Revenue Shortfall
Governor Josh Green signed legislation making targeted changes to Hawaii’s tax structure in response to a projected $3 billion revenue shortfall from federal actions, as reported by multiple news outlets. The law preserves most income tax relief for low- and middle-income households while revising future tax adjustments and eliminating certain tax credits. Senate Bill 3125 […]
Public Input Sought for Planned Lahaina Community Center and Field House
Maui County has launched a virtual platform seeking community feedback on planned recreational facilities in Lahaina. Multiple county announcements detail the public input process running through mid-June. County Department of Parks and Recreation launched website for public comments on upcoming Lahaina community center and field house through June 14, 2026 Virtual open house seeks input […]
Mayoral Candidate Vows to Repeal STR Phase-Out Law, Cut Property Taxes
Former Planning Commission chair Denise La Costa is running for mayor promising to repeal Bill 9 that phases out vacation rentals in apartment districts, plus cut various county taxes and fees. La Costa wants to repeal Bill 9, which phases out vacation rentals from apartment districts over 3-5 years. She claims repealing the STR phase-out […]
Townsend Gives STR Owners 60 Days to Get Required City Permits
Townsend commissioners approved new short-term rental ordinances requiring owners to obtain city permits within 60 days. The permits cost $250 annually and include safety requirements like smoke detectors and 24/7 contact availability. STR owners have 60 days from ordinance approval to obtain required city permits costing $250 per year. Safety requirements include smoke detectors, carbon […]
Idaho Law Creates Insurance Gap for Short-Term Rental Operators
Idaho’s new law classifies short-term rentals as residential activity, but homeowners insurance policies still exclude commercial rental activity, leaving hosts potentially uncovered. The disconnect between state classification and insurance coverage could expose property owners to significant financial risk. Idaho House Bill 583 prohibits cities from requiring STR licenses or permits starting July 1, 2026. The […]