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. […]
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 […]
Maui Mayor Bissen Files for Re-Election, Key Council Members Seek New Terms
Mayor Richard Bissen has officially filed to run for re-election as Maui’s mayor, emphasizing the need for steady leadership. Several key Maui County Council incumbents have also committed to seeking re-election. Mayor Bissen has filed his re-election paperwork, campaigning on providing steady leadership for Maui. Multiple current Maui County Council members have officially entered the […]
Hawaii High Court Reviews Civil Case Delays During Criminal Proceedings
The Hawaii Supreme Court is considering when civil cases should be paused while defendants face criminal charges, in a case involving jailed defense contractor Martin Kao. The ruling could set precedent for how Hawaii courts handle overlapping civil and criminal proceedings. Former Navatek CEO Martin Kao is serving 10+ years for fraud and illegal campaign […]
Jackson Developer Admits to Unlawful Short-Term Rental of Worker Housing
A Jackson business owner admitted to using a deed-restricted worker apartment as an Airbnb rental, violating his 2019 contract with the town, though he denies fraudulent intent. Jeff Neishabouri admitted to short-term renting a deed-restricted apartment required for Jackson Hole workers on platforms like Airbnb and VRBO. The Town of Jackson sued Neishabouri in March […]
HGTV Stars Owe $40K in Fines for Unpermitted Vacation Rentals
Renovation Aloha hosts Kamohai and Tristyn Kalama face $40,000 in unpaid fines for operating two illegal short-term rentals in Honolulu without proper permits. The properties were operating outside resort zones without special permits required by city regulations. One Kaneohe property was fining $1,000/night for 3-night stays without permits, resulting in $10,000 fine and now requires […]
February Tourist Spending Rises 10.3% as Economic Recovery Continues
Tourist spending in Hawaii increased 10.3% in February while UHERO released analysis on Maui’s post-fire tourism economic impact. Several other legal and political developments are affecting the state. February tourist spending increased 10.3% compared to the previous period. UHERO published analysis examining the economic impact of Maui’s tourism downturn following the fires. Honolulu officials are […]