Traffic-related fatalities in Hawai‘i surged in 2022
By the end of the year, the number of traffic-related fatalities, 117, was higher than for 2021, 2020 and 2019 but even with 2018, according to statistics from the state Department of Transportation. Star-Advertiser.

Final moments of missing Hawai‘i plane detailed in NTSB report
A witness saw a medical transport plane that disappeared on a flight between Maui and the Big Island go into a spiraling descent and hit the ocean, according to a preliminary report released Thursday by the National Transportation Safety Board. Star-Advertiser. Tribune-Herald. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now.  KITV4.

Air ambulance crash exposes vulnerability in neighbor island health care
Gov. Josh Green agrees that Hawai‘i needs a major health care build-out on the neighbor islands so that the state can wean itself off its dependency on medical air transport. Civil Beat.

To address staffing shortfalls, 12-hour shifts proposed for adult corrections officers
Christin Johnson, the coordinator for the Correctional Systems Oversight Commission, is proposing 12-hour shifts in a bid to cut down on sick time and reel in new applicants.  Hawaii News Now.

Hawaiʻi sees more out-of-state homebuyers; Canadians, Californians purchase on Maui
A state report showed about 25% of single-family homes from January to September of 2022 were bought by out-of-state residents. Of those, 23% of purchases were from the U.S. Mainland and 2% were from international residents. Maui Now.

Bringing students home to fix Hawai‘i’s doctor shortage
A Hawai‘i Pacific Health program brings local college students in for medical research and to make connections with island experts. Hawai‘i needs about 800 doctors, according to the Hawai‘i Physician Workforce Assessment Report. KHON2.

Public input sought about adding 100 land parcels to Hawaiʻi nature reserve systems
The Hawaiʻi State Department of Land and Natural Resources is seeking comments on a proposal to protect nearly 100 unencumbered state land parcels across Hawai‘i as part of the State Forest Reserves, Natural Area Reserves and Wildlife Sanctuaries systems.  Maui Now.

State of Hawai‘i has a new poet laureate, succeeding Kealoha
Brandy Nālani McDougall has been selected as the second Hawai‘i State Poet Laureate, succeeding Kealoha, who served from 2012-2022. Big Island Now.

Semi-sub in fraud case missing from harbor
Semisub One, the vessel belonging to Curtiss Jackson, a tour boat company co-founder charged with federal securities fraud and released on pretrial bond in October, was gone from its slip in Kewalo Harbor on Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

Hundreds of Honolulu parking meters disabled by Verizon 3G shutdown
An estimated 2,200 digital parking meters in Honolulu suddenly stopped accepting credit cards on Wednesday after Verizon shut down its 3G network, according to the Department of Transportation Services. Civil Beat. KHON2.

State adds more ‘No Right Turn On Red’ signs at major intersections
The state said it’s a renewed effort to increase safety for pedestrians and bicyclists. But it’s not sitting too well with some drivers. Hawaii News Now.

Former health director suggests water storage for Red Hill tanks, staying at Kapolei landfill
In a column for the Honolulu Star-Advertiser, former state Department of Health Director Bruce Anderson suggested the tanks could be used to store drinking water for emergency use. Hawaii Public Radio.

Macy’s to close Windward Mall store on O‘ahu
Macy’s at Windward Mall in Kāne‘ohe is among four Macy’s stores nationwide that are slated to close this year. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Need a parking space in the city for a month or just a day? Check our online guide, which includes locations, daily and monthly prices, and more information to find the right place at the right price….. read more.

‘Record-breaking’ demand for healthcare takes toll on workers at Maui hospital
Employees at Maui’s only acute care hospital are crying out for help. They say they can’t keep up with the current demand for healthcare. Hawaii News Now.

Investigative reporter may have to testify despite journalist privilege
A federal judge said Hawaii News Now’s Lynn Kawano did not waive her privilege when reporting about a Maui police officer accused of sexual misconduct. Civil Beat.