Is Hawai‘i government effective? It’s hard too tell
Lawmakers are considering a slate of bills aimed at making state agencies better at reporting their performance goals. Civil Beat.

Lawmaker apologizes for comparing housing chief to the devil, but doubles down on DHHL criticism
Two days after Gov. Josh Green accused state Sen. Kurt Fevella of harassing his staff, the ‘Ewa Beach lawmaker is apologizing. But he isn’t backing down from his criticisms of the Green Administration’s housing plans for Hawaiians. Hawaii News Now.

Bills call for rehiring state workers who defied vaccine mandate
Two bills introduced by Republican legislators would require state agencies to rehire and give back pay to employees who resigned or were terminated for refusing to be vaccinated or undergo weekly testing for Covid-19. Star-Advertiser.

Bill adding a teacher to the state Board of Education advances
House Bill 556 proposes adding a teacher and a school administrator representative on the state Board of Education — both in nonvoting capacities. Hawaii Public Radio

Hawai‘i Environmental Legislative Caucus introduces visitor ‘green fee’ bill
The state Legislature’s Environmental Legislative Caucus has introduced a bill that could create more than $400 million in annual funds for environmental protections by charging visitors entrance fees for visiting certain state recreational sites. Garden Island. KHON2.

Bill seeks lifeguards for tour boats
A bill that would require certified lifeguards on boats that take tourists onto the water for snorkeling and other activities is again making its way through the state Legislature. West Hawaii Today.

Law would stop vendors from prematurely setting up shop on the beach
Senate Bill 67 would prohibit resort and commercial vendors from setting up equipment on public beaches or public land, unless a customer is present. This would be for items such as rented beach chairs, umbrellas, surfboards, kayaks and non-motorized water equipment. Hawaii Public Radio.

Lawmakers seek solution for Hawaiian burial sites at risk of coastal erosion
Hawaiʻi lawmakers are considering a bill that would strengthen protections of Hawaiian burials or iwi along the islands’ coastlines. Hawaii Public Radio.

Discussion stresses importance of limiting light pollution
Environmental and astronomical experts are urging residents throughout the state to reduce outdoor lighting in order to prevent the spread of light pollution. Tribune-Herald.

House reestablishes Red Hill working group amid continuous concern
The seven-member group will address issues related to the U.S. Navy’s Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility, water contamination and remediation, which continues to be a source of frustration for many. Hawaii Public Radio.

A public charter school on UH land “caught off guard” about possibly having to move
The principal at the University Lab School says their relationship with UH dates back all the way to the 1930s. Still, a recent comment by UH President David Lassner is alarming some parents and teachers who are wondering if that relationship will continue. Hawaii News Now.

Anti-crime programs need time to work, Honolulu prosecutor says
Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney Steve Alm confirmed Wednesday that his office continues its anti­-crime efforts, albeit slowly, in known trouble spots like Waikīkī, Chinatown and even into the Leeward areas of O‘ahu. Star-Advertiser.

Commission grills HPD chief about slow discipline for officers accused of wrongdoing
HPD Chief Joe Logan said Wednesday he doesn’t have the power to immediately discharge a police officer, which raised even more questions about police discipline at a Honolulu Police Commission meeting Wednesday afternoon. Hawaii News Now.

22 Honolulu police officers disciplined in 2022
Twenty-two police officers were disciplined last year in connection with 14 incidents including covering up a cellblock beating, and failing to report a barricade incident before fatally shooting the suspect, according to the Honolulu Police Department’s annual report to the state Legislature. Star-Advertiser.

1,700 O‘ahu parking meters now accepting payment via phone app
The modernized meters will be primarily in the Honolulu area from Chinatown to Waikīkī. Fees will remain the same. Star-Advertiser.

If your business is looking for an over-the-top food presentation and catering experience at affordable prices, then look no further than Tanioka’s. They put their heart and soul into providing quality food and excellent service…. read more.

National Park superintendent John Broward retires
Broward was Superintendent of Kaloko-Honokōhau and Puʻuhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park, as well as a former Chief Law Enforcement Ranger for HVNP. Big Island Video News.

Council to consider resolution protecting traditional and indigenous birth attendant practices
The council will consider Resolution 23-38 at its meeting on Friday, urging the State Legislature to enact a statute permanently exempting birth attendants from state licensure requirements, Council member Keani Rawlins-Fernandez announced. Maui Now.

Two Maui County lawmakers named to panel overseeing $600M in DHHL funds
Central Maui Rep. Troy Hashimoto will chair a working group tasked with oversight of the $600 million provided to the state Department of Hawaiian Home Lands to address its beneficiary waiting list. Maui News.

Some appear to be flouting new rules for commercial bike tours on Maui
New rules started Wednesday to limit Maui’s famous cycling tours down Haleakala. The law is intended to keep people safe, but tour owners say it threatens their business. Hawaii News Now.

Marine debris contributed to death of sperm whale found at Lydgate Beach on Kaua‘i
Researchers at the Health and Stranding Lab spent 15-hours trying to find clues about the death of a 56-foot-long sperm whale that washed up Friday on the reef in front of Lydgate Park on Kaua’i. Kauai Now. KITV4.