Hawai‘i bill would give counties authority to raise their minimum wage
The bill would allow counties in Hawaiʻi to set local minimum wages. The idea is that it costs more to live in some counties, so the county government should have the autonomy to give their constituents more. Maui Now. KITV4.

‘Clean elections’ bill gains support
The Senate Judiciary Committee on Thursday passed unanimously a bill to establish a comprehensive public financing system for political candidates running for state and county offices who agree to abide by campaign fundraising and expenditure guidelines. Tribune-Herald.

New bill proposes an outright ban to riding in truck beds
A new bill moving through the Legislature raises safety concerns around the issue, as traffic fatalities continue to rise. KHON2.

Blinding headlights to be regulated by new bill
The bill proposes that the Hawai‘i Department of Transportation should adopt necessary rules to address head lamp requirements. This will be achieved during a motor vehicle safety check process conducted by an inspection station.  KHON2.

Hawai‘i Legislature proposes more aid for Kūpuna housing
Lawmakers want to create a new rental subsidy program targeted at those 62 years and older. Civil Beat.

Various criminal acts would be subject to fines instead of arrests
A bill aimed at curbing overcrowding in Hawai‘i’s jails has cleared its first legislative hurdle. Tribune-Herald.

Bill looks to install photovoltaic panels over school playgrounds
Solar arrays would help offset electricity costs for the department, according to House Bill 896.  West Hawaii Today.

Why blind students struggle to get braille textbooks on time
Legislators are considering a bill that would force public schools to provide timely instructional material. Civil Beat.

Hawai‘i is short medical workers. Are interstate compacts the solution?
A string of bills allowing the state to join different industry compacts will be heard in the Senate on Friday, with lawmakers hoping that their passage will expand medical access. Civil Beat.

Waiahole Valley residents on O‘ahu fear mass eviction
A rural Windward O‘ahu community where physical standoffs occurred five decades ago between a private landlord and tenants is once again the scene of intense discord over rent, though this time the landlord is the state. Star-Advertiser.

Application process opens for ‘affordable’ units in Kuilei Place
Situated on a 3.15-acre site currently occupied by low-rise rentals near the corner of Kapiolani Boulevard and Mahiai Street, the project will receive upward of $12.3 million in exemptions and waivers for city permitting, plan reviews, fire, storm drain and public works fees. Star-Advertiser.

Legislators take another run at lifting residential ban on Kakaʻako Makai
Lawmakers are considering a bill to allow the Office of Hawaiian Affairs to build housing units in Kakaʻako, makai of Ala Moana Boulevard. However, a 17-year-old ban on residential development in the area is still in place. Hawaii Public Radio.

Autopsy: South African rugby player killed by Honolulu police had CTE
A Black former professional rugby player from South Africa shot by police months after moving to Hawai‘i suffered from a degenerative brain disease often found in American football players and other athletes subjected to repeated head trauma, autopsy results show. Hawaii News Now.

Sea Life Park facelift moves ahead
The Honolulu City Council is moving toward approval of a major facelift and refurbishment of a popular marine life entertainment center on a spectacular land parcel on eastern O‘ahu. Civil Beat.

Kikubari means “to share one’s spirit,” and the model can be adapted to Hawai‘i’s hospitality industry, or any company. Hawai‘i employees can be trained to provide that same level of service – the kind that satisfies customers and helps all kinds of businesses… read more.

Hawai‘i preschool at center of contentious dispute with state closes its doors
An unlicensed preschool in Hilo ordered to close last fall, partly over lead concerns, is now shut down for good. Staff at Kalamapii Playschool are moving out after the facility’s lease was terminated. Hawaii News Now.

Final EA on Miloliʻi Beach Park project published
The Miloliʻi Beach Park Accessibility Improvement Project will bring the pavilion and other park amenities into ADA compliance. Big Island Video News.

Two Big Island resorts among top 15 in country by U.S. News & World Report
Four Seasons Resort Hualalai in Kailua-Kona on the Big Island was ranked No. 6 on the latest “Best Hotels in the USA” list by U.S. News & World Report.  Big Island Now.

‘Welcome to Paia, do not feed the Hippies’ sign doesn’t reflect the town, residents say
While some got a laugh out of a new Pāʻia road sign that mocks hippies, longtime area residents said it’s derogatory and divisive during a time when the historic town needs help. Maui Now.

1 Hotel Hanalei Bay set to open Wednesday
After nearly three years of renovations, the former St. Regis Princeville Resort is reopening under a new luxury hotel brand focused on sustainability and local ties. Garden Island.