Lobbying and ethics reforms top agenda at new Hawai‘i standards commission meeting
A commission tasked with beefing up government transparency in Hawai‘i kicked off its first regular meeting Wednesday with a two-hour long discussion on proposals to increase reporting requirements for lobbyists and address conflicts of interests with state lawmakers. Civil Beat. West Hawaii Today.

Hawai‘i’s aging schools need a facelift
With about 20% Hawai‘i’s public schools more than 100 years old, the DOE is struggling to meet a growing backlog of repairs. The DOE’s facilities maintenance branch has a backlog of more than 4,600 repair projects with an estimated cost of $1.4 billion. It’s a sharp increase from 3,800 backlogged projects in 2018. Civil Beat.

Hawai‘i coalition urges Biden to expand remote marine national monument
A coalition of Hawai‘i scientists, conservationists and cultural practitioners is calling on President Joe Biden to expand the Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument to create the largest highly protected marine sanctuary in the world. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Maui Now.

Environmental advocates sue state Department of Transportation
Fourteen Hawai‘i youths sued the state Department of Transportation in federal court Tuesday, alleging its operation of a transportation system that results in high levels of greenhouse gas emissions is harming their communities and violating their constitutional right to a clean and healthful environment. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

What’s in the works to further electrify Hawaiʻi transportation?
The Legislature took steps to address that in the last session by increasing the number of public charging stations. But that same measure also takes on a more ambitious goal of encouraging inter-island flights powered by electricity. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hearings on federal resources for Native Hawaiian community
During a meeting Wednesday, leaders of multiple agencies serving Native Hawaiians said they are grateful to Sen. Brian Schatz for what they believe he has done for the Hawaiian people. KHON2. KITV4.

Passengers will soon be paying more to ride TheBus, TheHandi-Van
Ordinance 21-7, which enacts the fare price increase, was a recommendation of the Honolulu Rate Commission in 2020. This will be the first change to the fares since 2018. Fee increases will start in July. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

City Council approves slimmed down rail construction plan, but not everyone is on board
The Honolulu City Council approved the financially troubled rail project’s recovery plan on Wednesday, 6-3. Officials said the plan will shorten the rail route to Kaka‘ako and eliminate a $330 million parking structure at the Pearl Highlands station. Council members who voted against the recovery plan said it takes away too much money from core city services and shortchanges Central O‘ahu commuters. Hawaii News Now.

Ousted police union official sues SHOPO, alleges blackmail and discrimination
The former vice president of the State of Hawai‘i Organization of Police Officers is suing the union and its executive board, alleging they conspired to remove him by falsely accusing him of double-dipping into travel funds from the union and the Honolulu Police Department, and blackmailing him with the threat of criminal charges. Star-Advertiser. KHON2.

Health Department fines Marine Corps for fecal bacteria discharges in Kāne‘ohe
In addition to the fine, the Marine Corps will have to take corrective action to upgrade its wastewater treatment system to include “disinfection of final effluent,” the DOH said. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

Approved City Council budget includes $1.3M to tear down Haiku Stairs
Critics say the so-called “Stairway to Heaven” is unsafe and attracts trespassers. But the group “Friends of Haiku Stairs” is fighting to keep the landmark and says the city is underestimating costs. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Pearl Harbor National Memorial to charge parking fees next year
The Pearl Harbor National Memorial will begin collecting parking fees next year. The National Park Service announced Wednesday that it would begin charging $7 a day to visitors beginning Jan. 15. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

The challenge that businesses are facing, in light of the Great Resignation, is recruitment and retention. Many businesses are benefiting from hiring midcareer employees in the Gen-X or Baby Boomer age group… read more.

$5M annually for affordable housing: Bill advances on first reading despite vague wording
A bill requiring at least $5 million be budgeted annually for affordable housing projects passed the County Council on first reading Wednesday, despite some council members’ concerns that they don’t know how the money will be spent. West Hawaii Today.

‘Optimist’ official: Kalanianaole construction on schedule
The project was originally scheduled to be completed in 2018, and was intended to widen about a mile of roadway from Kanoelehua Avenue to Kuhio Street, allowing for an additional sidewalk, a paved shoulder, bicycle lanes and a turn lane. It’s on track to meet a scheduled completion date by the end of 2022. Tribune-Herald.

Hirono visits Maui, tours site of Honoapiʻilani realignment project
A visit to Maui by US Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) highlighted federal investments in Hawaiʻi communities and efforts to support ongoing recovery and rebuilding efforts from the Covid-19 pandemic. Maui Now.

Highway closed at Mile 39 in Kīpahulu for two months
Maui County closed the back road to Hana on Wednesday night after crews found severe damage under the Kukuiula Bridge. The Department of Public works said recent flooding weakened the bridge’s foundation, rendering the bridge unsafe for vehicle traffic. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now.

Mayor Victorino to speak at Climate Mayor’s Leadership Forum
Mayor Michael Victorino will speak at the Climate Mayors Leadership Forum on Thursday, June 2, where he will present Maui County’s case study about the costly impacts of climate change, including drought, wildfire, floods, and sea level rise. Maui Now.