Indoor Mask Mandate To End

Record funding proposed for Hawai‘i low-income rental housing
Members of the Senate Ways and Means Committee have proposed giving $300 million to a state agency that helps developers produce affordable homes. The current proposed contribution would help finance construction of 1,938 new affordable rental homes and rehabilitation of 800 rentals, according to the committee. Star-Advertiser.

Budget bill allocates $1.7M to mitigate rapid ‘ōhi‘a death
Rapid ‘ōhi‘a death is caused largely by the fungus
Ceratocystis lukuohia, and has killed more than a million ‘ōhi‘a on the Big Island alone. Funding from the bill would go towards surveying, applied research, animal removal and public outreach.  Tribune-Herald.

Two years of persistent catalytic converter thefts prompt legislative bills
Bills before state legislators aimed at cracking down on catalytic converter thefts would require anyone selling one to provide a receipt as proof of ownership. Star-Advertiser. KITV4.

Regents seek public’s input on University of Hawai‘i’s future
The University of Hawai‘i Board of Regents at a special meeting Friday will weigh how the university should grow in its various roles: Indigenous-serving institution, provider of online education, supplier of the state’s workforce, and more. Star-Advertiser.

State to pay $250,000 to cover lawyers’ fees in lawsuit over Covid-19 in Hawai‘i prisons
A federal judge ruled the corrections system failed to follow its own protocols for coping with the pandemic, which has now been blamed for 10 inmate deaths. Civil Beat.

Hawaiʻi National Guard concludes Covid-19 support mission
The Hawai‘i National Guard’s Joint Task Force has transitioned its remaining Covid-19 responsibilities such as vaccinations, testing, Covid-19 mapping, and unemployment office temperature screenings back to the state as of March 15. Maui Now.

Hawai‘i community health centers to split $23 million in federal funding
The newest round of funding follows over $40 million in federal dollars distributed to Hawai‘i’s 14 health centers during the pandemic. Civil Beat.

Plan to stop rail construction at South Street puts several Kaka‘ako properties in limbo
The rail system paid about $12 million for properties it condemned near Kona and Pensacola streets ― land which they now may not need. Hawaii News Now.

Head of Honolulu transportation services on ending rail short of Ala Moana
City Transportation Services Director and HART Board Member Roger Morton says they’ve tested and modeled the plan, which calls for buses to continue service to major destinations in the area. Morton says the HART Board is still committed to going all the way to Ala Moana when more money is available. Hawaii Public Radio.

Bill regulating O‘ahu commercial activity passes
The Honolulu City Council approved a proposal to regulate commercial activities at beach parks on the east side of O‘ahu on Wednesday, March 16. Bill 38 will go to Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi for signature. KHON2.

Lawmakers call for more clarity on Navy’s timeline for emptying Red Hill tanks
Some lawmakers are expressing concern that the Navy won’t begin draining fuel from the Red Hill tanks before possible mandatory water restrictions this summer. Hawaii News Now.

City halfway to green goal of planting trees
The City and County of Honolulu is half way toward its ambitious goal of planting 100,000 more trees. Four years ago, the city embarked on a plan to plant those trees by 2025. KITV4.

As Hawaii’s largest coed Pre-K through 12th grade Catholic private school, each student receives personalized instruction and guidance to develop the knowledge, skills, and character to thrive in a global society… read more.

Kanuha receives Press Club’s ‘Torch of Light’ award; San Buenaventura, others, get ‘Lava Tube’ dishonor
The Torch of Light award is given to an individual or entity for illuminating the public’s right to know, while the Lava Tube dishonor is given for a lack of communication and keeping the public in the dark. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News.

Court upholds approval of Paeahu Solar agreement
Finding that the state Public Utilities Commission properly evaluated a Maui community group’s allegations of harm, the state Supreme Court has upheld the commission’s approval of a power purchase agreement between Maui Electric Co. and Paeahu Solar. Maui News.

The deer population is devastating Maui. Hunters want to help
For decades, axis deer have threatened everything from ranching to watersheds. Hunters can limit the destruction while feeding their families but accessing the land has proven difficult. Civil Beat.