Hawai‘i’s affordable housing law sparks battles at the Capitol
Should developers be allowed to sidestep regulations on a project’s size and type in the name of affordable housing? Some want to rein in the broad power developers have to dodge land use laws. Others want to give them more power. Civil Beat.

Bill to repeal Hawai‘i Tourism Authority advances
In total, three bills are seeking to repeal the embattled HTA this legislative session, which looks to be one of the more contentious since the agency’s founding in 1998. Star-Advertiser. Hawai‘i Public Radio.

New Hawai‘i DBEDT director is getting down to business
Chris Sadayasu of the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism says he’s focused on righting an upended $2 billion-plus Aloha Stadium redevelopment project and securing a $1 billion federal prize to produce hydrogen for local use and export. Star-Advertiser.

Partial public financing for elections could see boost, with substantial benefits for OHA
Senate Bill 200 would increase public financing by 30% to 50%. OHA candidates currently receive $1,500 maximum per election period, compared to $5,000 to $100,000 for other public offices. Hawai‘i Public Radio.

Bill proposes making Native Hawaiian language a required course
A recently introduced bill would make Native Hawaiian classes  mandatory in public schools for grades elementary through high school, similar to required English courses. Star-Advertiser.

Bill proposes banning tobacco products for Generation Z
Senate Bill 148 would ban cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco, e-cigarettes and vapes for anyone born on or after Jan. 1, 2003. Tribune-Herald.

Empty shelves for kids’ medicines continue
Many drugstores are still struggling to stock over-the-counter cold medicines, particularly for popular brands for children under 12. Star-Advertiser.

Waitlist is opening for rent subsidy program
Honolulu’s waitlist for the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program is opening. The program provides rental assistance for eligible households with funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Hawaii News Now.

Battle over Kaka‘ako housing continues 
For nearly two decades, an ideological battle has centered on whether to allow housing on the makai side of Ala Moana Boulevard between Kewalo and Honolulu harbors. Both camps are now girding for their biggest face-off yet. Star-Advertiser.

Farmers say they’re interested in Savio’s Waialua agriculture project
More than 100 people turned out Sunday to hear about Orchard Plantation, a project by Peter Savio that will sell fee-simple land to local farmers. Star-Advertiser.

Navian Hawaii’s Kymberly James is part of an end-of-life team that includes doctors, social workers and spiritual counselors… read more.

Few Big Island schools have undergone vulnerability assessments
Despite an increase in threats reported at the state’s public schools, just 14 of 41 campuses on the island have completed assessments since 2017. Tribune-Herald.

“An incredible partnership”: Health centers open at three West Hawai‘i schools
Hawai‘i Island Community Health Center launched clinics at Hōnaunau Elementary and Kealakehe Elementary and Intermediate schools. Each offers well-child exams and acute-care visits, behavioral health care and dental services. West Hawaii Today.

The tragic life and death of a Hilo homeless woman
Deborah Ann Cohn-Hoomalu, who died in a Banyan tree fire last month, was once an award-winning coffee farmer. But she struggled with mental illness. Civil Beat.

Maui County Council confirms Lutey as clerk
Moana Lutey was confirmed in a 9-0 vote. She will serve as the county’s top election official and administrator for the council through 2025. Civil Beat. Maui News.

Protestors meet with U.S. Space Force general in “good first step” to address fuel spill
On Sunday, around 40 activists met with Brig. Gen. Anthony Mastalir about the 700-gallon spill at a Haleakalā military complex. The meeting came after Mayor Richard Bissen told the military to work with local groups in clean-up efforts. Hawaii News Now. Maui News.

Maui firefighter dies after being swept into storm drain
Twenty-four-year-old Tre Evans-Dumaran died Saturday after being swept to sea on Jan. 27 while responding to flooding in Kīhei. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Kaua‘i housing market is the state’s most expensive
Last year’s eye-popping real estate transactions made Kaua‘i the Islands’ priciest housing market. Garden Island.
Despite the slowdown in sales, the median price of a single-family home hit $1.6 million in December. Garden Island.