Hawaii’s Medicaid Fraud Enforcement Record Ranks Worst Nationally
Hawaii’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit has produced zero indictments and convictions for four straight years, marking the worst enforcement record in the nation according to federal data. Hawaii is the only state with no Medicaid fraud indictments or convictions in each of the last four years. Federal reviews in 2015 and 2019 found serious operational […]
Nantucket Short-Term Rental Zoning Bylaw Gets State Approval
The Attorney General approved Nantucket’s bylaw explicitly allowing short-term rentals island-wide after November’s town meeting vote. The measure can now take effect once final posting requirements are completed. The bylaw passed at November’s town meeting by 71% (1,045-421 votes) and survived state review challenges. An opponent argued the measure violated rules against reconsidering failed zoning […]
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 […]
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 Legislature Passes Bills to Streamline Housing Development Process
Four housing reform bills await governor approval that would require studies before inclusionary zoning, speed up historic preservation reviews, expand school fee exemptions, and improve permit processes. These measures aim to reduce regulatory barriers that slow housing construction statewide. HB1741 would require counties to study impacts before implementing inclusionary zoning requirements on new housing projects. […]
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 […]
New Registry Platform Tracks Hawaii STR Compliance Amid 2026 Law Changes
A new platform called JP-Homes has launched to help travelers and property owners verify which vacation rentals comply with Hawaii’s updated 2026 zoning laws. The service aims to prevent booking cancellations and legal issues as enforcement of new short-term rental regulations intensifies. JP-Homes provides real-time verification of which buildings meet Hawaii’s 2026 resort-zone requirements for […]
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, […]
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. […]
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. […]