Hawaiʻi panel discusses vetoed open records measure
Open record advocates were disappointed when a bill that would have decreased costs for records was vetoed by Gov. David Ige last month. Senate Bill 3252 would have adopted the federal public interest standard, which defines who qualifies for fee waivers. But some worried it would have opened up a flood gate of requests. Hawaii Public Radio.

New rules curbing Hawai‘i beach barriers are further delayed
New rules cracking down on sandbags and so-called burritos that have come to litter Hawai‘i’s coastlines continue to face delays, this time as they undergo a legal review. As waves hit a hardened shoreline, they claw away at the sand, causing beaches to disappear. Some of the most visible effects of this can be seen along Lanikai Beach, Waikīkī and stretches of coastline along West Maui. Star-Advertiser.

Lawsuit seeks compensation for inmates over Hawai‘i’s response to Covid-19
More than 5,000 jail and prison inmates who were infected with the coronavirus should get thousands of dollars in compensation, according to a lawsuit alleging that the state correctional system fumbled the response to the pandemic. Civil Beat.

Can Patrick Branco’s mainland backers buy him a Seat in Congress?
The freshman legislator is a newcomer to Hawai‘i politics, but super PACs with special interests in Washington have spent more than $1 million trying to get him elected. Civil Beat.

Amid worrisome surge in opioid deaths, officials confirm Hawai‘i 14-year-old died of fentanyl overdose
The city Medical Examiner confirms a 14-year-old Big Island girl who died last November overdosed on fentanyl. The news comes amid growing alarm about the drug’s spread in Hawai‘i. A federal anti-drug task force says the powerful narcotic is being smuggled into Hawai‘i by Mexican cartels and that it’s killing more people in the islands than ever before. Hawaii News Now.

DOH says monkeypox transmission risk remains low in Hawai‘i
Three states have declared a state of emergency as monkeypox cases continue to rise nationwide, Hawai‘i health officials said the risk remains low in the state, but those at high risk should consider making an appointment for a vaccine. KHON2.

Ex-HPD officer charged with child sex trafficking denied bail as he awaits trial
A judge ordered a former Honolulu police officer accused of bullying minors into acts of prostitution to be held without bail as he awaits trial. Mason Jordan, 31, has pleaded not guilty to child sex trafficking and enticing minors to take part in prostitution. Hawaii News Now.

Native Hawaiian groups hold ‘Walk to the Box’ voter drive
Several Native Hawaiian organizations took part Monday in a public promotion to increase voting among Hawaiians. Efforts to boost voting by Hawaiians in election years have been long-standing, though this year’s event was the first one where participants dropped off ballots. Star-Advertiser.

Anthology Marketing Group is a proud sponsor of this year’s Leadership Conference. “If you came away from the conference with a little more optimism, it was time well spent,” said Managing Partner Dennis Christianson. Listen to the full message from Christianson. Watch now!

Thieves target nonprofit: $4K in school supplies, food taken from The Salvation Army
The community has stepped up to replenish more than $4,000 in school supplies and food stolen during a recent burglary of The Salvation Army Kona Corps. West Hawaii Today.

Seeing demand, HCC works to expand cybersecurity program
In 2019, a survey from security.org consisting of FBI cyberattack data listed Hawai‘i as the No. 1 state at risk for cyberattacks, reporting a 136.4% increase of attack incidents for the state between 2016 and 2017. Tribune-Herald.

Maui restaurant temporarily closed after cockroach infestation
Lahaina Fish Company on Maui received a red placard last week from the state Department of Health due to a cockroach infestation. Roaches were sighted in a kitchen storage space and a downstairs bar area during a routine inspection. Hawaii Public Radio.

County seeks nonprofit projects for funding
The county Office of Economic Development is requesting proposals for fiscal year 2022-23 Innovation Grants. The intent of this grant program is to support new programs or projects that advance innovation by identifying and solving local problems in the areas of small business, technology, transportation, agriculture, local manufacturing, creative industries, workforce development, circular economies and tourism on Kaua‘i. Garden Island.

Service center opens for primary voting
There are only two weeks remaining before primary election day, and the County of Kaua‘i Office of the County Clerk Elections Division opened its Primary Election Voter Service Center Monday in the Historic County Building Annex on Rice Street in Lihu‘e. Garden Island.