FEMA Nurses Leave Hawaii

State leaders review future of Safe Travels Hawai‘i program
Government leaders have begun convening to determine the next generation of Hawai‘i’s $37 million-plus pandemic-era travel policy, which ended March 25. Star-Advertiser.

Senate considers allowing foreclosure on problem properties without court proceedings
HB 1434 passed second reading in the state Senate in March after crossing over from the House of Representatives. It is scheduled for a hearing in the Senate Judiciary and Ways and Means Committee on Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

Bill to control feral chicken population advances
While the bill is moving through the Legislature, the departments tasked with implementing population control measures say it shouldn’t fall under their purview. KHON2.

Coffee labeling bill now calls for study, no change to law
Hawai‘i coffee farmers may have to wait until 2024 to know whether the state will require more locally grown beans in coffee blends that use local names in their branding. Star-Advertiser. West Hawaii Today.

Thousands of “genki balls” dropped into the Ala Wai Canal
More than 200 people threw balls of mud and helpful bacteria into the canal on Saturday morning to help clean up sludge in the water. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Ala Wai watershed flood risk study invites public input
The Army Corps of Engineers is revising a study on how to help mitigate potential widespread flooding. The public is invited to give input throughout the month. Hawai‘i Public Radio.

More fuel and water spilled from Red Hill pipeline, Navy says
About 30-50 gallons spilled from a maintenance line at the Navy’s fuel facility on Friday afternoon. The leak is the first to be reported at the World War II-era fuel complex since November. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

Where is the Red Hill contamination moving? Experts are “working blind”
Scientists are struggling to pin down vital details, including exactly how much fuel contamination is under the Navy facility, how much already has spread, how quickly it’s moving and what direction it may be going. Civil Beat.

Employees’ views about their workplace have changed dramatically over the last two years – engagement, morale, life balance and community commitment now often play a bigger role in workplace satisfaction than compensation. Employees have spoken in the Best Places to Work Survey. Find out where they work and why they love their jobs… read more.

High oil prices spur 16% increase in water power charge
The county Department of Water Supply is proposing the power cost adjustment on local water bills. West Hawaii Today.

County Council reopens its doors
After a two-year pause, the public can now attend and provide in-person testimony at meetings. West Hawaii Today.

Judge dismisses remaining cases involving kūpuna arrested during TMT protests
All remaining cases were dismissed on Friday. The kūpuna had been arrested in July 2019 for obstructing the Mauna Kea Access Road during Thirty Meter Telescope protests. Hawaii News Now.

Hawai‘i’s Consumer Advocate opposes bioenergy power plant on the Big Island
Critics say there are too many outstanding questions for the Public Utilities Commission to approve the Hu Honua project. Civil Beat.

Mokulele to expand fleet for Moloka‘i, Lāna‘i
The airline hopes to run two 30-passenger planes by the middle or end of May that will help transport high school athletic teams, wheelchair-bound residents and large passengers traveling to O‘ahu. Maui News.

Suit claims proposed restrictions on stun guns violate the Second Amendment
A new lawsuit claims Maui County would violate Second Amendment rights by making it harder for businesses to sell stun guns. Maui lawmakers want to impose a pricey insurance requirement, which the suit seeks to block. Hawaii News Now.

Kaua‘i DMV to close early every other week 
The county drivers’ license office in Līhu‘e will close at 3 p.m. every other week, beginning today. Garden Island.