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Proposed bill would nearly cut Hawai‘i’s legal limit for drunk driving in half
The bill would lower the legal limit for driving under the influence from a blood alcohol content of .08 to .05. The lower limit is already a standard for 90 other countries and the state of Utah. KHON2.

State auditor Les Kondo blasts House hearings as ‘hit job’
Auditor Les Kondo has blasted a draft report of a five-month-long special House Investigative Committee that was created to scrutinize two audits but quickly expanded into an investigation of Kondo and his office. Star-Advertiser.

Gov. Ige enters his final year in office with a rare show of emotion
Gov. David Ige regularly thanks the people of Hawai‘i who have sacrificed and worked together over the past two years of Covid-19, but choked up at the end of his eighth — and last — State of the State address Monday when he spoke in a nearly empty ceremonial room at the state Capitol and wondered to himself when he’ll ever be able to hug and thank people in person. Star-Advertiser. KITV4.

Free job training offered at University of Hawai‘i community colleges
The Hana Career Pathways program will offer $2 million in training statewide that leads to industry credentials in the fields of health care, technology and skilled trades. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Airlines finishes strong but delays Japan ramp-up
Hawaiian Airlines said it ended 2021 with strong demand and positive signs of recovery in domestic travel but that it has delayed ramping up service to Japan until the second quarter due to the lingering omicron variant. Star-Advertiser. West Hawaii Today.

Central Pacific Bank boosts earnings and dividend
The state’s fourth-largest bank boosted its net income 83.4%, increased its dividend for the second consecutive quarter and announced an investment in a new financial technology company that plans to launch a nationwide consumer banking app combining checking, credit and more into one integrated account. Star-Advertiser.

Gov. Ige confirms booster shot requirement will soon be added to Safe Travels Program
The requirement would mean travelers would need to have their Covid booster shot in order to by-pass quarantine. The other option for folks not vaccinated or who haven’t gotten their booster would be to get a negative Covid test taken 72 hours before departure. KHON2.

Hawai‘i governor says he’s not ready to permanently close Red Hill
The governor wants to see proof the Navy can operate the fuel tanks safely but says he’ll consider issuing the facility a new permit. Civil Beat.
Plans for fuel storage facilities in the Pacific could offer alternatives to Red Hill. Hawaii News Now.

Petroleum chemicals detected in soil vapor, groundwater near Red Hill in 2021
U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz on Tuesday pressed the Navy to release its full investigation into what caused the fuel contamination in its drinking water system, saying that it is essential that the public “has a full accounting of the multiple failures at Red Hill.” Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. KITV4.

Bill proposes to roll out enforcement positions at Wawamalu Beach
Bill 2799, introduced by Sen. Chris Lee, aims to designate the area as the Kaiwi Coast State Park under the Department of Land and Natural Resources. KITV4.

Hawai‘i lawmakers look for federal help, dogs to combat illegal fireworks
The state legislature has 16 bills related to illegal fireworks, ranging from creating police enforcement units to increasing fines. KHON2.

The next generation of leadership opens new doors for perspectives, innovation, and problem solving to the workplace – all with the ambition and gumption to create and carry out new ideas… read more.

House bill would phase out UH, create new Mauna Kea stewardship authority
House Bill 2024 requires the new entity to develop a framework to limit astronomy development and create a plan to return the summit to its natural state. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Tribune-Herald. Hawaii News Now.

Big Island bioenergy firm appeals case to the Supreme Court again
Hu Honua Bioenergy LLC, which has been entangled in a multiyear fight to begin operating a biomass plant on Hawai‘i Island, will have its case heard before the Hawai‘i Supreme Court for the third time as it attempts to win approval from the state Public Utilities Commission for the $474 million project. Star-Advertiser.

Annual survey of homelessness underway
The annual Point in Time Count is underway on the Big Island with volunteers and advocates working to provide a snapshot of all those experiencing homelessness in the community. West Hawaii Today.

Council Member Mike Molina announces bid for Maui mayor
Known for his public school teaching and Maui County Council tenure, Mike Molina announced Tuesday evening that he will leave his Makawao-Haʻikū-Pāʻia residency seat in a bid for mayor.  Maui Now.

Menehune Road in Waimea reopens
Temporary road closures may still be necessary for the next few weeks, officials cautioned, as additional work on the slope is needed. Menehune Road was the site of a rockfall earlier this month. Garden Island.