Giving Up On Washington

Working in Legislature gives Sylvia Luke a leg up in lieutenant governor’s race
The state representative has a clear advantage over the four other candidates as the only one currently serving in elected office and, especially, as chairwoman of the powerful House Finance Committee. Star-Advertiser.

Big state budget proposal moves forward with anticipated record surplus
The state Senate is ready to vote on a draft budget that increases spending, thanks to higher than expected revenues. Lawmakers said much of the anticipated surplus will go toward restoring critical programs and services. Hawaii News Now.

Patients are dying before they can get help to end their lives
More than three years after physician-assisted death was legalized in Hawai‘i, advocates say redundancies in the law and doctor shortages prevent terminally ill patients from utilizing the option. They hope House Bill 1823 will make it easier. Civil Beat.

“Forever chemicals” are everywhere. Hawai‘i lawmakers want to ban them
Last year, trace levels of PFAS were detected in Honolulu’s drinking water. House Bill 1644 would prohibit the manufacture and sale of food-packaging items that contain this class of long-lasting chemicals. Civil Beat.

Pride of America cruise ship relaunches inter-island sailings after two years
Officials say that initial trips will be at 50% capacity, which is just over 1,000 passengers and crew members. Hawaii News Now.

U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin reaffirms pledge to defuel Red Hill
Austin reiterated the Defense Department’s pledge to defuel the Navy’s Red Hill fuel storage facility, but did not give a timeline for doing so. Hawai‘i Public Radio.

O‘ahu developers face fallout from the Red Hill water crisis
The potential water shortage facing urban Honolulu is already threatening to hold up hundreds of units of affordable housing, new residential and commercial projects in Kaka‘ako, and a major upgrade to a sewage treatment plant. Star-Advertiser.

A proposed garbage-to-energy power plant could rival O‘ahu’s current facility
An upstart Hawai‘i company aims to build a second plant on O‘ahu using technology it says is superior to the city’s long-running H-POWER facility. Star-Advertiser.

New modular complex could be model for future affordable housing projects
The newest affordable housing complex that opened in ‘Ewa Beach is made of modular units built in Canada. The City Council has urged leaders to consider this kind of construction to speed up the process. Hawaii News Now.

Why more apartment buildings may not be the answer to O‘ahu’s high housing costs
A Canadian asset management company is stepping into a void with more than 1,000 apartments built or planned for Honolulu. But it’s tough to make it pencil out. Civil Beat.

Members of key state boards must disclose their finances to the public. If a new law is passed, they would still need to disclose the sources of income and debts and what they own, but not the amounts and values… read more.

State House and Senate on a collision course over future of astronomy on Mauna Kea
After Friday’s Senate Ways and Means Committee meeting, HB 2024, which is intended to transfer authority of the summit lands to a newly formed state entity, passed with additional amendments that allow UH to retain control of astronomy. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News. Hawaii News Now.

Army seeks input on Pōhakuloa Training Area lease
The U.S. Army is requesting public feedback on a draft environmental impact statement that will determine whether part of the PTA will remain under its management. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News.

Waipi‘o Valley road closure prompts community organizing, legal action
One lawsuit was filed in late March. Another case is in the works. And a petition demanding that Mayor Mitch Roth lift or amend his Feb. 25 emergency road closure has garnered more than 800 signatures. Civil Beat.

Hula advocates urge support for proposed Hālau of ʻŌiwi Art
Many of the more than 50 people who testified during a budget committee meeting on Friday voiced support for a Maui center dedicated to the study, practice and perpetuation of hula and various ‘ōiwi arts. Maui Now.

Maui County seeking applications for recycling grant program
The county’s Environmental Protection and Sustainability Division is soliciting applications for fiscal year 2023. Maui Now.

Health officials shut down Lāhainā restaurant 
The Hawai‘i Department of Health’s Food Safety Branch has issued a “closed” placard to a Chinese restaurant due to pests, food debris and grease accumulation. Hawai‘i Public Radio.

Kamokila Hawaiian Village’s future is up in the air as eviction looms
The state Department of Land and Natural Resources allowed the Fernandes family lease to expire in December, citing alleged violations. The Wailua cultural institution has been out of operation since, leaving the family and 10 employees out of work. Garden Island.