Hawai’i Environmental Legislative Caucus announces 2023 bill package
The caucus is a coalition of legislators that works in collaboration with non-governmental organizations and governmental agencies on topics including climate change, energy and conservation.  Maui Now. Maui News

Chief justice calls on state to ‘join forces’ to solve homelessness, mental health crisis
Mark Recktenwald, the head of the state’s court system, advocated for more funding for diversion programs. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Bills both protecting, prohibiting abortions in Hawai‘i introduced
Following the U.S. Supreme Court’s historic decision not to guarantee a women’s right to an abortion, 11 abortion-related bills have been introduced this Legislative session that would both expand abortion protections and prohibit them. Star-Advertiser.

Hawai‘i bill aims to make it easier to do dialysis at home
The bill is being pushed by a multinational company from Illinois that wants to sell products in Hawai‘i more cheaply. Civil Beat.

Legislator wants ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi to be taught at every grade level across the state
The Hawaiian language was banned from use in state schools for 90 years following the overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom in 1893. Hawaii Public Radio.

Bills seek harsher penalties for fentanyl crimes
In the face of a “pandemic” of fentanyl overdoses, lawmakers are seeking to increase criminal penalties for possession of the dangerous drug. Tribune-Herald.

Revising ‘outdated’ law to curb Hawai‘i emergency powers
An outdated law with legacy language was how some lawmakers described a section of powers for Hawai‘i’s governors and mayors to suspend electronic transmissions during an emergency. A new bill could change that in 2023, however. KHON2.

Army official focused on being ‘good partner’ for Hawai‘i
U.S. Army Secretary Christine Wormuth this week wrapped up a four-day visit to Hawai‘i, which included an itinerary packed with tours of base facilities and the Pōhakuloa Training Area on Hawai‘i island, meetings with Native Hawaiian community leaders, a sit-down with Gov. Josh Green, and a town hall meeting with service members and military families at Schofield Barracks. Star-Advertiser. KITV4.

Blangiardi: Filling officer vacancies at HPD is ‘top priority’
Amid an ongoing officer shortage at the Honolulu Police Department, city leaders promised they are looking into solutions for attracting new recruits and retaining them. KITV4.

Ex-HPD chief takes stand in defamation trial, blames misquoted online news article
Former Honolulu Police Chief Susan Ballard took the stand Wednesday in the trial over a defamation suit filed against her by the former head of the police union. Ballard doubled down on her claim that she did not defame former SHOPO head Tenari Maafala. Hawaii News Now.

O‘ahu is looking for residents to fill over 400 neighborhood board seats
Nowadays, 33 boards across the island meet monthly. Various federal, state and county departments are supposed to show up at meetings in some capacity, but some of that is set to change this year. Hawaii Public Radio.

Miske trial postponed as prosecutors present new details of alleged conflicts involving lead attorneys
The trial of alleged racketeering boss Michael J. Miske Jr. and six remaining co-defendants has been delayed again, as newly released details have given fresh impetus to efforts by prosecutors to disqualify Miske’s lead co-counsel, Thomas Otake and Lynn Panagakos. Civil Beat.

‘Victims to the ocean’: Battle over beachfront erosion rises again with monster surf
Huge waves pounded on the beach on O‘ahu’s North Shore, part of the second-warning level swell this week. Each one of these swells makes beachfront residents more nervous and more and more sand is taken away. Hawaii News Now.

As they reach this milestone anniversary, they look forward to continuing to support members and the state of Hawaii for generations to come… read more.

Police misconduct down in ‘22: Two HPD officers discharged, eight suspended
Two Hawai‘i Police Department officers were discharged and eight received suspensions ranging from one to 21 days in 2022, the department’s annual disciplinary report to the state Legislature revealed. West Hawaii Today.

County to receive donated rapid-response shelters
The County Council on Wednesday voted 8-0 to accept the donation of 10 Pallet shelters from Maui County valued at $70,000. West Hawaii Today.

U.S. Army Secretary tours Pōhakuloa Training Area on Big Island
The U.S. Secretary of the Army, with an entourage of military personnel and a U.S. Congressman in tow, on Monday toured the rugged terrain at the Pōhakuloa Training Area where soldiers prepare for potential combat with high-powered weapons. Big Island Now.

Report pinpoints state facilities most at risk for sea level rise
On Maui, Department of Education buildings are the most vulnerable to sea level rise among state agencies.  Maui News.

Hawai‘i chef suing billionaire Larry Ellison’s company for violating whistleblower’s protection act
A Hawai‘i chef who used to work for Billionaire technology executive Larry Ellison’s Four Seasons Resort on Lanai is suing the tech titan’s company for violating the Whistleblowers’ Protection Act and public policy. KITV4.

PVC pipes resembling improvised explosive devices discovered during car crash investigation
Maui police evacuated nearby residents and closed area streets following a single vehicle accident in which police, while conducting a crash investigation, discovered two PVC pipes resembling improvised explosive devices within the involved vehicle. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now.  KHON2.

After being declared rat-free in 2021, Lehua Island restoration and monitoring continues
The restoration work on the islet aims to attract more native species and establish breeding populations of endangered native birds. Social attraction systems were installed at two different sites on the island this month. Maui Now.

A ‘slippah-ry’ story for Koloa
Chelsey Rivera of Koloa School spearheaded a community donation effort of slippers for students. She recently received four cartons of slippers, each carton containing four packages. Garden Island.