Hawaiʻi projected to receive over $500M in federal funds for military, housing and more
Sen. Brian Schatz announced Wednesday that he has secured more than $530 million for Hawaiʻi in congressionally directed spending — an increase of more than double than last fiscal year’s amount. Hawaii Public Radio. Hawaii News Now.

Kahele introduces bill lowering blood quantum for home lands
In the waning days of the current lame-duck congressional session, U.S. Rep. Kai Kahele introduced a bill to lower the blood quantum for successors of Hawaiian Home Lands lessees, making it easier for those on homesteads to pass their land leases and homes on to their children or spouses. Civil Beat. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News.  Maui Now. KITV4.

Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke sees both sides of how to build the state budget
Luke will submit her own budget requests in the coming weeks. She’d like to see preschool expansions with partners like the state Department of Education, Department of Human Services and the private sector. Hawaii Public Radio.

Could bolstering public preschool create more affordable housing? That’s the hope
Hawai‘i’s education system is moving on two major goals: Finding classrooms for thousands of new preschool children and building more housing to attract and keep teachers. Now, there’s an effort to fulfill both challenges ― in the same buildings. Hawaii News Now.

What to know about the upcoming 32nd Hawaiʻi State Legislature session
The deadlines for the 2023 Regular Session have been established and the legislative calendar has been published.  Big Island Now.

Hawai‘i hotel occupancy decline signals continued slowdown
About 30% of Hawai‘i’s hotel rooms were unoccupied in November — giving credence to the slowdown Hawai‘i’s hoteliers begin anticipating from late summer.  Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Air CEO apologizes to frustrated passengers as strong winter storm threatens more delays
Travelers in Hawai‘i and nationally are encountering mounting delays and cancelations in the wake of a winter storm that impacted the state and as a “bomb cyclone” threatens extreme cold across much of the mainland. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Shelter dog finds a home after Gov. Josh Green’s news conference
In less than 72 hours, Sweetie the poi dog went from a kennel at the Hawaiian Humane Society to putting her paws on the desk of Gov. Josh Green to finding her forever home after she was adopted Wednesday by a family with two excited children. Star-Advertiser.

EPA proposes new Red Hill settlement with Navy to protect drinking water
The Navy already had a regulatory agreement with the EPA when it contaminated the water last year, but little progress had been made.  Civil Beat. KITV4.

Waikīkī fisheries area will be closed in 2023
The management area encompasses the nearshore waters between the Ewa wall of the Waikiki War Memorial Natatorium and the Diamond Head Lighthouse, from the high-water mark on shore to a minimum seaward distance of 500 yards, or to the edge of the fringing reef if it’s beyond 500 yards. Star-Advertiser. KHON2.

Massive Kalihi home under construction draws flurry of complaints ― and new city scrutiny
The city says it plans to issue notices of violations to the owners of a massive home in Kalihi that includes eight bedrooms, four kitchens and two wet bars. Hawaii News Now.

Houseless camps on O‘ahu endure winter storms, as advocates try to help
Large rocks and whatever items are available, that’s what those living off of Farrington Highway have been using to try to secure tents and belongings from the heavy winds. KITV4.

The HoMA Shop, nestled between the Honolulu Museum of Art’s iconic courtyards, brings together the local and international scope of the museum’s collection of artwork through a wide selection of unique publications, prints, jewelry, handicrafts, and Hawai’i-made goods….. read more.

Visitor arrivals still hovered below pre-pandemic levels in October
Visitor arrivals to Maui in October still did not reach pre-pandemic levels, but spending did increase nearly 14 percent from October 2019. Maui News.

Kaua‘i activists talk trash, recyclables, as island’s only landfill maxes out
At current rates, the landfill, located in Kekaha on Kaua‘i’s West Side, will reach maximum capacity by January 2027 – just five years from now. Kauai Now.