BC Privacy Ruling Protects Short-Term Rental Operator Address Privacy
British Columbia’s privacy commissioner ruled that Vancouver must keep short-term rental operator addresses confidential to protect owners from harassment and financial harm. The decision came after a years-long public records dispute by a housing advocate. BC privacy adjudicator ruled short-term rental addresses must remain private to prevent harassment and reputational damage to operators. The decision […]
Traffic Accident Briefly Blocks Kuihelani Highway, Now Reopened
A motor vehicle accident temporarily closed the southbound lane of Kuihelani Highway at Maui Lani Parkway. The roadway has since been reopened to traffic. Southbound lane of Kuihelani Highway was closed due to a motor vehicle accident. The closure affected traffic between Kuihelani Highway and Maui Lani Parkway. County officials have confirmed the roadway is […]
Big Island Council Debates Competing 20-Year Development Plans
Hawaii County Council is split between two development plans that will guide the Big Island’s growth over the next 20 years, rushing to approve one before November elections change council membership. Two competing plans are under consideration: a 310-page General Plan 2045 from the Planning Department and a shorter 72-page alternative from a council member. […]
Grammy Winner Paul Wertico to Perform at Ritz-Carlton Maui May 21
Jazz drummer Paul Wertico, who won seven Grammy Awards with the Pat Metheny Group, will perform his first Maui show at The Ritz-Carlton Kapalua on May 21. Seven-time Grammy winner Paul Wertico will debut at The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua on May 21. Wertico played drums with jazz legend Pat Metheny for 18 years and won […]
Maui Musician Releases Funk-Ukulele Album with Star-Studded Lineup
Local musician Vince Esquire has released ‘Funkulele,’ a nine-track funk album featuring ukulele and high-profile backing musicians including Tower of Power horns. The project was partially sponsored by Ron Panzo, owner of Nalu’s South Shore Grill. Vince Esquire, who previously toured with Gregg Allman, released an instrumental funk album featuring ukulele as the lead instrument. […]
Indiana Power Company Constructs Natural Gas Plant, Brings 4,000 Jobs
Duke Energy began construction on a natural gas power plant in Indiana that will create nearly 4,000 jobs and power 1.1 million homes when completed in 2029-2030. The new facility will generate 1,476 megawatts of power, 500 megawatts more than the current coal plant it’s replacing. Construction will employ approximately 700 workers with priority given […]
State Approves $200M for Lahaina Elementary Rebuild and Infrastructure
Hawaii legislature allocated nearly $200 million to rebuild King Kamehameha III Elementary School and improve Lahaina infrastructure. The funding includes $146 million for the school, $12 million for harbor improvements, and $76.7 million for highway relocation. King Kamehameha III Elementary will receive $146 million for rebuild on new 14-acre site below Lahaina Bypass, contingent on […]
Environmental Coalition Backs Green Fee Spending, Pushes for Better Oversight
Hawaii’s new Green Fee is funding $100+ million in environmental projects including wildfire prevention and marine protection. A coalition of 70+ groups wants stronger public tracking of how the money is spent. Green Fee generates over $100 million annually for conservation and climate projects statewide. Funding includes $15.7 million for wildfire risk reduction and $6.64 […]
British Election Results May Signal Challenges for US Progressive Politics
A political columnist analyzes Britain’s recent election where Labour Party lost support over immigration policies, drawing parallels to US Democratic Party challenges with progressive positions. Britain’s Labour Party lost support as voters expressed concerns about immigration and social disorder issues. Reform UK, an anti-immigration party, gained ground by breaking traditional two-party dominance. The column draws […]
Weekend Road Closures on Makawao Avenue Continue Through June 21
County reconstruction work will close sections of Makawao Avenue on weekends through June 21, 2026, with local traffic access only during 6am Saturday to 6:30pm Sunday closures. Weekend closures affect different Makawao Avenue sections each weekend from May 16 through June 21, 2026. Local traffic access will be maintained during full weekend road closures from […]