Bus system meltdown

HILO — The working poor and schoolchildren are left stranded. Bus schedules are inconsistent and would-be riders waiting at bus stops often don’t know when a route has been canceled.

HILO — Total state tax collections were up almost 5% in Fiscal Year 2019, which ended June 30.

KAILUA-KONA — A fifth accomplice was sentenced Friday to six years in jail for her role in assisting Justin Waiki after the July 2018 murder of Hawaii County Police Officer Bronson Kaliloa.

KAILUA-KONA — A West Hawaii mother whose daughter was removed from school and flown to Kauai to live with her father is suing several state agencies and the school’s principal for kidnapping.

KAILUA-KONA — The first graduate this year from a Jail Diversion program that offers offenders a new path in life was praised for his success in following through with the plan.

HILO — A fast-tracked bill to buy land owned by a distant relative of Puna Councilwoman Ashley Kierkiewicz is raising questions after her relationship was disclosed when the County Council was asked to approve a $1.45 million appropriation for the purchase and construction of a bus depot there.

HONOLULU — Months of frustration on the part of Native Hawaiian activists at Maunakea, Kahuku and Waimanalo coalesced in a passionate rally at the state Capitol on Wednesday for the opening day of the 2020 Legislature, but key lawmakers said they were unclear about the rally’s message.

HILO — A $25 increase in vehicle registration fees to pay for removing abandoned vehicles, a charge to drive on certain roads during peak hours and a surcharge on ride-sharing services such as Uber and Lyft are three of a largely transportation-related package the Hawaii Council of Mayors presented Wednesday to legislative money committees.

HONOLULU — Lawmakers opened a new session of the Hawaii Legislature on Wednesday with vows to address the state’s punishingly high cost of living so families don’t have to abandon the islands for cheaper places.