Hawai‘i state pension fund starts fiscal year with small loss
It was another turbulent quarter for financial markets, but the  Hawai‘i Employees’ Retirement System pension fund’s investments dipped just 1.4% in the first three months of its new fiscal year. Star-Advertiser.

Senate committee releases public briefings schedule for state budget
The January briefings allow state and county agencies to present their budget requests to the Ways and Means Committee before the 2023 legislative session. Big Island Now.

Survey: Hawai‘i visitor satisfaction continues upward trend
Overall satisfaction among visitors from key North American markets in 2022 rivals pre-pandemic levels, say state officials. Maui Now. Big Island Now.

Service honors those lost to Covid in Hawai‘i
Central Union Church held its annual “Longest Night of the Year” service on the winter solstice honoring those who have died of Covid. Hawai‘i’s death toll grew by 10 last week to 1,758 fatalities. Star-Advertiser.

City delays landfill decision, again
Facing a year-end deadline for a decision on the controversial Waimanalo Gulch landfill in West O‘ahu, officials announced Friday that they wold seek a two-year extension while they look for a replacement location. Civil Beat. Hawai‘i Public Radio.

City could be held liable for Kealohas’ crimes, potentially costing millions
A federal judge rejected the city’s defense that it was not responsible for Louis and Katherine Kealoha’s actions because they were acting in their own self-interest. Hawaii News Now.

Problems frustrate people who rely on TheHandi-Van
The O‘ahu service has 207 paratransit vehicles to take about 5,000 users on almost 78,000 rides each month. But 84 of the vans are out of commission. Star-Advertiser.

Navy says Red Hill cameras may not be operable for defueling
The Navy says that repairs to its video surveillance system may not be completed before it begins draining all 104 million gallons of fuel from its underground tanks, which is slated to begin in February 2024. Star-Advertiser.

OHA takes another shot at lifting residential ban in Kaka‘ako Makai
Over the past decade, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs has spent at least $7 million on attempts to redevelop 30 acres received as part of a land settlement with the state in 2012. Civil Beat.

When not making music, you might spot this Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award winner at his new coffee wagon in Kailua…. read more.

County fights civil rights charges from man who claims he was falsely accused of crimes
A Waimea man currently serving time for a knife attack is suing the county and two police officers in federal court for arresting him on charges that he kidnapped, tortured and raped a Puna woman. He claims he was wearing a pretrial ankle monitor that proves his innocence. West Hawaii Today.

New CEO named to oversee Kona Community and Kohala hospitals
Clayton McGhan, who has been interim CEO since May, was appointed permanently into the position by the board of the Hawai‘i Health Systems Corp. West Hawaii Today.

Plan would move four endangered bird species to Hawai‘i Island
Critically endangered forest birds on Maui and Kaua‘i could find new homes on the Big Island, according to a plan by the U.S. Department of the Interior. Tribune-Herald.

Maui has a new plan to prevent desecration of significant cultural sites
After more than a dozen meetings, Maui County is on its way to becoming the first in the state to create an interactive map that will allow anyone to search the historical and cultural legacy of a property. Civil Beat.

Honokōwai Beach project by resort group aims to restore shoreline after severe erosion
A group of hotel landowners says it’s a race against time to restore and preserve the popular West Maui beach. Maui Now. KITV4.

State plans to expand Maui captive bird facility to cost $5 million
The proposed expansion of the Olinda Endangered Species Facility would house 80 additional birds while a mosquito control program is developed. Star-Advertiser.