State to boost construction spending

State looks to boost construction to offset industry slowdown
Construction work in Hawaiʻi is likely to slow next year, but state lawmakers seem inclined to go along with Gov. David Ige’s plan to budget extra money to boost state construction spending and give a lift to the industry. Honolulu Star-Advertiser.

Mandatory report on trash disposal hasn’t been filed in 4 years
The state health department hasn’t been updating the Legislature on recycling programs, landfill diversion efforts or imported fuel reliance as required. Civil Beat.

Foodbank says hunger is a chronic problem
Going hungry in Hawaiʻi may happen a lot more than you might think because one in eight people in the islands regularly do not have enough food. KITV4.

Space Force unit coming to Hawaii Air National Guard
The Hawaii Air National Guard has been picked to have one of four offensive space control squadrons nationally in the Air Guard. The squadron will be based at the Pacific Missile Range Facility on Kaua’i. Honolulu Star-Advertiser.

One lettuce head at a time, farming program rooted at women’s prison changes lives
The farm program is called Learning to Grow. It’s run in partnership with the Lani-Kailua Outdoor Circle. The relationship started in 1999. Hawaii News Now.

Restriction on aquarium fishing being sidestepped, conservation group says
A coalition of conservation groups led by Earthjustice said the state has been shirking its duties in cracking down on the illegal collection of aquarium fish from Hawai’i ocean waters. Honolulu Star-Advertiser.

UH researcher documents impact of stainless-steel hooks on sharks
A newly published eight-year tiger shark study has found a significant number of sharks with stainless-steel fishing hooks lodged in their jaws. Honolulu Star-Advertiser. KHON2.

Facing backlash, Land Board scuttles parking plan for Ala Wai Boat Harbor
The state Land Board on Friday shot down a controversial plan to eliminate 125 free parking stalls at the Ala Wai Small Boat Harbor. Grassroots organizations quickly mobilized to argue against the plan. Hawaii News Now.

Māʻili residents sue to block affordable housing project
In a little less than a year, 51 Hawaiʻi families could be moving into some very affordable new rental homes in Māʻili with projected monthly rents as low as $526. But some neighbors of the largely state-financed project called Hale Makana O Maili have sued the developer in hopes of stopping construction on the two-story apartment complex they consider out of place and not rightly permitted. Honolulu Star-Advertiser.

Kakaʻako Waterfront Park upgrades set to begin at a cost of $450K
The parking lot at the Kakaʻako Waterfront Park will be temporarily closed beginning Jan. 17 for upgrades. The city said contractors will be re-paving and re-striping the stalls. Hawaii News Now.

Office vacancy rate down to 9.95 in 2019
Renters of office space on Oʻahu no longer have the upper hand against landlords. Colliers International said Oʻahu’s office market reached an equilibrium last year largely due to building owners removing office space from inventory for other uses including housing. Honolulu Star-Advertiser.