The FB 2023-25 Executive Biennium Budget. Hawaii Department of Budget and Finance.

Here’s how the Green administration plans to tackle Hawai‘i’s housing shortage
Converting vacation rentals into homes, targeting areas with infrastructure already in place for new construction, and collaborating with counties and private business are some of the options on the table. Civil Beat.

New Hawai‘i housing director focuses on easing affordable-housing process
Nani Medeiros’ ideas include a wide-ranging series of incentives, fines and new taxes, and a detailed review of county and state regulations to identify whether they add unintended costs to construction, and therefore higher prices for buyers. Star-Advertiser.

Native Hawaiian communities to get $17M to expand broadband
The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands will receive nearly $17.3 million in federal funds from the U.S. Department of Commerce to expand high-speed internet access in Native Hawaiian communities, U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz announced Monday. Star-Advertiser. Tribune-Herald.  Maui Now.  KHON2.

The state plans to manage nearshore waters — and local fishermen want a ‘seat at the table’ 
The state Department of Land and Natural Resources has a plan to manage more than a quarter of Hawaiʻi’s nearshore waters — but some local fishermen fear it will add more restrictions to gathering rights. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaiʻi Emergency Management holding virtual workshop for hazard mitigation plan
The Hawai‘i Emergency Management Agency is holding a virtual workshop on Dec. 20, asking members of the public to help it build a safer Hawai‘i. Kauai Now.

Winter storm batters state with heavy rains and strong winds
Heavy rains and strong winds battered parts of the state Monday as a powerful winter storm moved over the islands, triggering power outages, bringing down trees and closing roads. Hawaii News Now.

Trace levels of PFOS detected in water system near Waipi‘o
The Hawai‘i Department of Health said trace levels of Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid – or PFOS — were recently detected in water samples collected from the Kipapa Acres water system in Central O‘ahu. Star-Advertiser.

Businessman wants Hawai‘i residents to help name his beef
Idaho billionaire Frank VanderSloot, owner of Honolulu Meat Co. LLC, whose humble beginnings in northern Idaho include milking cows and sleeping in an attic, offered to change the name printed on his retail beef business from Kua ‘Aina and Kua ‘Aina Ranches. He’s holding a community contest to rename the firm. Star-Advertiser.

Storm damage closes city facilities, public pool
Crews are beginning to clean up after a winter storm barreled over the state. The city said it got about 38 calls for downed trees or branches. Hawaii News Now.

Kaiser Permanente invests in efforts to end homelessness and increase affordable housing to make a difference in the health of Hawai‘i’s people….. read more.

Hilo man arrested after illegal planting of coconut palms in East Hawai‘i recreation area
A Hilo man was arrested on Sunday after attempting to plant 165 keiki coconut palms in the middle of the Wailoa River State Recreation Area. This is the fourth time over the past nine years Gene Tamashiro has been cited or arrested for leading the planting of the so-called “Kanaka Garden.” Big Island Now. Tribune-Herald. KITV4.

Hazardous conditions along Hāna Highway, travel restricted to local traffic
Continuing stormy conditions throughout Maui County have resulted in unsafe driving conditions along Hāna Highway.  Maui Now.