Tax credit, early childhood education bills remain alive
One of the bills plans to expand tax credits for teachers’ expenses, household renters and those caring for dependents. KHON2.

Hawai‘i lawmakers grappling with sea level rise say it’s ‘not the right time’ for managed retreat
Several bills were introduced this legislative session that would have taken big steps toward implementing managed retreat strategies. But by now, all have lost momentum.The task of moving people away from the coast faces a hurdle: economic complexities. Civil Beat.

Lawmakers inch closer to eliminating Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority
State lawmakers advanced measures in both chambers last week that would disband the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority and place some of its functions under a new office at the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. Hawaii Public Radio

Hawai‘i gun control bill moves forward
A bill aimed at restricting who can obtain firearm permits and where they can carry them passed its second reading in the state House of Representatives, moving it one step closer to becoming law. Garden Island.

Push to lower the legal alcohol limit for Hawai‘i drivers runs out of gas again
Advocates argue a lower BAC level is an effective deterrent and makes roads safer overall. Civil Beat.

Coast Guard to send additional cutter to Hawai‘i
The service announced that it has selected the CGC Harriet Lane as its new “Indo-Pacific Support Cutter” and that the vessel will move from Portsmouth, Va., to Honolulu early in fiscal year 2024. Star-Advertiser.

Feds seek prison for wife of convicted former union boss
The wife of the former business manager of a Hawai‘i labor union convicted of rigging a vote to raise dues and using members’ money to live a luxurious lifestyle should spend 70 to 87 months in federal prison, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. Star-Advertiser.

As manufacturers pay for e-waste, local recyclers see huge demand
Hawai‘i’s new system for collecting old computer equipment and televisions is moving into high gear, three months after electronic companies began footing the bill. Hawaii News Now.

Tiny homes proposed for DHHL lands in West O‘ahu
However, the chairs of the Senate and House Hawaiian affairs committees are proposing two different approaches to providing housing options to certain DHHL beneficiaries. Civil Beat.

Honolulu rail moves step closer to opening as HART expands trial run
The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation released new drone video showcasing the Honolulu Rail Transit Project’s latest trial run.  Hawaii News Now.

Questions remain over future of Concealed Gun Carry policies in Honolulu
Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi is expected to sign a bill aiming to protect sensitive places, such as schools, from gun violence. KITV4.

Gun scare at Straub highlights disturbing trend
A patient armed with a ghost gun was arrested at Straub Medical Center after sources say staff discovered the firearm along with a high capacity magazine hidden in the man’s backpack. Hawaii News Now.

Environmentalists criticize health department for delayed toxic chemical reporting in Kunia Village
There’s growing national concern over PFAS forever chemicals because of its potential links to several health issues including cancer. Hawaii News Now.

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.

Court dismisses challenge against the state on lease revision
A warehouse operator signed an agreement for a 30-year lease extension in Feb. 2022, but the DLNR later that year made revisions to the agreement. Some of those revisions included requiring the company to provide the state with up to 40% of its sublease rent on top of the annual rent on the property, and to remove all improvements to the site at the conclusion of the lease. Tribune-Herald.

Community receives $10 million for new Papa‘aloa Community Center Gym
In 2021, the County of Hawai‘i notified the Papa‘aloa community that their beloved gym would not reopen after Covid-19 and would be demolished due to extensive termite damage. Tribune-Herald.

The former Country Club Condominium Hotel is up for new development
The 152-unit Banyan Drive building has gone through a series of management changes over the last several years while the state tries to figure out what to do with the property. Tribune-Herald.

Rep. Tokuda to host first community town hall on Maui, April 6
Representative Jill Tokuda (HI-02) announced her first community town hall on Maui, Thursday, April 6, 2023, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at UH Maui College. Maui Now.

Kīhei Community Association president hopes to overcome funding road blocks
Kīhei Community Association president Michael Moran points out that his group has had its measure of successes in pushing forward projects that benefitted South Maui from Māʻalaea to Mākena.  Maui Now.

Expansion plan at Grand Wailea hits permitting complication
A Maui Planning Commission hearing officer has recommended denying the Grand Wailea, a Waldorf Astoria Resort’s applications for a planned development and special management area permits, which are needed for the luxury resort to complete its plan to add about 137 more units. Star-Advertiser.

Mokulele adding planes to aid scheduling for Lanai and Molokai
Southern Airways, the parent company of Mokulele Airlines, announced Monday that it will deploy $10 million in additional aircraft to Molokai and Lanai. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.  KHON2.

Japanese school connects with Kaua‘i
Three high school students from Moriyama, Japan, all winners of an English language proficiency contest sponsored by Moriyama, arrived on Kaua‘i on Sunday and met their respective host families. Garden Island.