Rebates of up to $300 per resident are approved by lawmakers
Hawai‘i taxpayers earning less than $100,000 annually and their dependents could each receive a $300 payment. Those earning more than $100,000 could get a rebate of $100. Hawaii News Now.

Bill to raise the minimum wage to $18 by 2028 passes out of conference committee
The bill raises the state’s current $10.10 base pay to $18 in January 2028, two years behind the version that passed out of the House earlier in April. Hawai‘i Public Radio. Maui Now.

Legislature approves bill aimed at bolstering child welfare system
State lawmakers approved a measure aimed at significantly strengthening Hawai‘i’s child welfare system and expanding investigative powers following the death of 6-year-old Isabella Kalua, whose foster parents have been charged with murder. Hawaii News Now.

U.S. military tracks Russian vessel near Hawai‘i waters
One retired Marine officer said it’s not uncommon to see ships, but it does have the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command’s attention due to the war in Ukraine. KHON2.

Waters, Tokuda file FEC paperwork for U.S. House race
While Kai Kahele has not officially announced that he is leaving Congress to run for governor, efforts to replace him are building. Tommy Waters is currently chair of the Honolulu City Council and Jill Tokuda is a former state senator. Civil Beat.

Caldwell sees Neighbor Island path to governorship
Former Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell calls himself “the underdog” in the three-way race for governor in the August Democratic primary, but he sees a path to victory despite his unpopularity after serving two terms. Star-Advertiser.

State Board of Education names three finalists for superintendent position
The three finalists for public school chief are Interim Superintendent Keith Hayashi, former BOE member Darrel Galera, and Caprice Young, president of an education consulting group in Los Angeles. Civil Beat.

How Honolulu’s push for more housing sparks opposition from rival interests
Almost every proposed development, idea or policy to increase housing runs into community opposition. For example, farm advocates oppose using ag land for housing, trade unions oppose lowering construction costs and environmentalists worry about fragile ecosystems. Civil Beat.

BWS board member declines to step down, despite indictment in federal probe 
More than four months after being charged in connection with the Kealoha corruption probe, Max Sword hasn’t stepped down from the Board of Water Supply’s board of directors, and has no plans to do so. Hawaii News Now.

Waikīkī community on alert after violent attacks
Among recent incidents, a 24-year-old visitor from Tacoma, Wash., was attacked so viciously last month that he was hospitalized for two days. Star-Advertiser.
Law enforcement’s handling of recent high-profile crimes highlights the challenges in holding criminals accountable. Star-Advertiser.

Daily ridership would drop by thousands if rail ends at the Civic Center
An average of 119,600 people were originally expected to board the trains each weekday, but that will drop to 84,000 daily riders with the shorter route. Civil Beat.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ latest data shows that 222,000 local employees had voluntarily resigned. In September alone, about 38,000 people quit – 6.6% of the local workforce and the highest rate for that month in the nation. Here’s what local experts say is driving the exodus and why efforts to keep employees should start the day they’re hired… read more.

A new shooting range for the Big Island?
A bill passed by both state House and Senate conference committees last week would establish a working group to determine potential locations and designs for a public shooting facility. Tribune-Herald.

2,400 acres in Kohala are gifted to Hawai‘i Community Foundation 
The New Moon Foundation and Kohala Institute gave the land to HCF to develop a research center focused on sustainability solutions for energy, water and food. Hawaii News Now.

$41 million homestead project envisions centers for culture, food, education
The project is being proposed under the Kēōkea Homestead Farm Lots Association’s master plan. Maui News.

Costs estimated at $500K to turn vacant Moloka‘i home into fire station
A three-bedroom home purchased by Maui County in ‘Ualapu‘e will serve as the new fire station on Moloka‘i’s East End. Maui News.