New Farmers Help Hawaii Grow More Food

Coming to your inbox every Tuesday. Click here to subscribe!

Interest in e-guns is “very high” now that they’re legal to buy and carry in Hawai‘i
The sale and possession of electronic guns became legal on Jan. 1, but it will be at least several weeks before they are available to the public. Star-Advertiser.

State lawmakers want a detailed plan for transition to 100% clean energy by 2045
Earlier this week, a Public Utilities commissioner said backup diesel generators would need to be purchased if the state didn’t meet its 2045 clean energy goal. Hawai‘i Public Radio.

Report: Solar panels might endanger Hawai‘i’s birds
Seabirds can mistake solar panels for bodies of water, while panels that reflect the sky can cause birds to crash into them. Researchers say mitigation efforts should come hand in hand with solar development plans. Civil Beat.

Hawai‘i PUC chairman stepping down in June
Public Utilities Commission Chairman James (Jay) Griffin has told Gov. David Ige that he will be leaving at the end of his term, which expires on June 30. Civil Beat.

New East-West Center president brings Hawaiian values to Asia-Pacific challenges
Suzanne Vares-Lum is the first woman and Native Hawaiian to hold the position. She graduated from ʻAiea High School and UH Mānoa. Hawai‘i Public Radio.

HPU hopes a new School of Nursing will boost recruiting efforts
Hawai‘i Pacific University has had a nursing program for some time but hopes the creation of a dedicated school will help expand enrollment. Civil Beat.

Miscovich: State needs more Covid testing
Hawai‘i is dangerously underestimating the Omicron variant, says health care executive Dr. Scott Miscovich. Tribune-Herald.

SHOPO leader wants faster progress in finding a new Honolulu police chief
The union’s newly elected president, Robert Cavaco, criticized the police commission’s decision to hire a consulting firm to help with the search. Civil Beat.

Coast Guard acquiring new aircraft, $45M hangar at Barbers Point
The Coast Guard in recent years has added significantly to its range and capabilities across the vastness of the Pacific, and as China and Arctic issues heat up. Star-Advertiser.

Affordable rentals available in new Waikīkī high-rise
The first rental apartment tower built in Waikīkī in over 20 years has scheduled a lottery for 38 studios reserved for households with lower-moderate incomes. Star-Advertiser.

Miske’s Hawaii Kai home is for sale, but he’s unlikely to get the proceeds
The waterfront property has been encumbered by the federal government’s intent to seek its forfeiture if Michael J. Miske Jr. is convicted on the charge of racketeering conspiracy. Civil Beat.

O‘ahu homes stay above $1M to end 2021
Tight inventory finally pulled down single-family home sales but is expected to keep upward pressure on prices this year. Star-Advertiser.

The cost of the state’s largest public works project and when it will be finished have changed many times over the years. These are just some of those milestones… read more.

Hele-On riders offered free Bikeshare use
Passengers can request an access code from bus drivers, which is valid for 30 minutes of bike use. Tribune-Herald.

Property owner seeks reimbursement for 23 years of past sewage bills
The question of whether a storage shed with restroom and laundry facilities should be billed for sewer service is apparently more complicated than first envisioned, at least for the Environmental Management Commission. West Hawaii Today.

Increased home sales expected to continue
After a strong year for Big Island real estate, agents expect 2022 will be almost as robust. Tribune-Herald.

Waimea Cherry Blossom Heritage Festival is canceled
The current Covid surge has prompted officials to rethink holding even a scaled-down version of the event next month. Big Island Video News. West Hawaii Today.

Covid outbreak causes some shipping disruptions on Maui 
Temporary inter-island delays are expected because of an outbreak among workers at the Young Brothers shipyard on Maui, Mayor Michael Victorino confirmed. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now.

Ige extends emergency relief period for Maui’s axis deer problem
Gov. David Ige signed a supplemental proclamation that extends the emergency relief period to deal with overpopulation issues. Maui Now.

New Hanalei National Wildlife Refuge viewing area set to open in summer
Construction in underway on the facility, which will include parking, interpretive displays and native plantings. Garden Island.