Hawaii Counties Gain New Regulatory Authority Over Short-Term Rentals
Hawaii has implemented new framework changes affecting short-term rental operators, giving local counties expanded regulatory control over STR operations. Hawaii has moved forward with regulatory framework changes that hand a ‘regulatory kill switch’ to local counties for short-term rental oversight. The changes are part of broader 2026 short-term rental law updates affecting operators across multiple […]
Hawaii Uses Odometer Readings for New Mileage-Based Road User Fees
Hawaii has implemented a mileage-based user fee system that charges drivers per mile driven rather than per gallon of fuel, using odometer readings during annual safety inspections to protect privacy. Hawaii assesses mileage-based fees through odometer readings during annual vehicle safety inspections, with payment due at registration renewal. The system replaces traditional fuel taxes and […]
State Attorney General Continues Public Corruption Probe Updates
Hawaii’s Attorney General provides routine biweekly updates on an ongoing public corruption investigation involving $35,000 in transferred funds. The AG emphasizes protecting investigation integrity while working expeditiously. Special Investigation and Prosecution Division continues reviewing records, conducting interviews, and evaluating subpoenaed information. Recent media coverage has increased public interest and speculation about the investigation. Attorney General […]
Small Business Bills Tracked by NFIB in 2026 Hawaii Legislative Session
The National Federation of Independent Business monitored 22 bills affecting small businesses during Hawaii’s 2026 legislative session. Several potentially costly measures including minimum wage increases and expanded leave requirements were deferred or failed to advance. Bills to raise minimum wage to $18/hour by 2027 and eliminate tipped wage credits failed to advance. Legislation expanding collective […]
Two Americans Killed Fighting With Communist Group in Philippines
Two Americans, including one radicalized at San Francisco State University, died in a firefight while fighting for a designated terrorist organization in the Philippines. Both were involved with Filipino-American activist groups that allegedly serve as fronts for Communist recruitment. Lyle Prijoles, 40, and Kai Dana-Rene Sorem, 26, were killed fighting for the New People’s Army, […]
Property Owners Sue Township Over Restrictive STR Rules in Class Action
Homeowners filed a class action lawsuit against Milton Township, claiming new short-term rental restrictions violate constitutional rights and are designed to eliminate STRs through excessive regulation. The lawsuit challenges restrictions including a seven-day minimum stay requirement and six-week annual rental cap. Property owners argue the ordinance bans basic activities like birthday parties and family gatherings […]
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 […]