Hawaii Business Magazine Newsletters

Spectrum seeks to move Lahaina fire case to Honolulu court
The vast majority of fire victims are not citizens of Maui or even Hawai‘i, the company is arguing, in a move that could prevent a Maui jury from determining whether Spectrum and other utilities were liable for the Aug. 8 fires. Civil Beat.

U.S. fire official warns of risks for Hawai‘i, strain on firefighters
A top federal fire official warned that Hawai‘i’s firefighters are under considerable strain, and that residents need to be aware of the risks and begin making fire survival plans for themselves and their communities. Star-Advertiser.

Maui wildfire-recovery costs prompt state spending cuts
The largest redirected appropriation is $64 million to fix the Hawai‘i Convention Center’s leaky roof. Other pullbacks include $45 million out of $50 million for the Department of Education to produce teacher housing, and $15 million out of $25 million for state park improvements. Star-Advertiser.

Hawai‘i’s state-run psychiatric hospital is so crowded patients sleep in conference rooms
The killing of a nurse last week happened outside the main secure facility, but it cast a spotlight on concerns about staff safety. The hospital’s original license is for 297 patients, but the facility exceeds capacity with 325 patients. Civil Beat.

Inclusion of special-education students still eludes Hawai‘i public schools
Inclusion rates have risen in recent years, reaching 53% last year. But that’s still far below most other states, and some teachers question if inclusion can be effectively implemented with the resources available. Civil Beat.

OHA approves $6 million for Hawaiian-focused charter schools
Public charter schools that serve Native Hawaiian students are getting a boost from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs to help with curriculum and facilities maintenance. Hawai‘i Public Radio.

Red Hill texts show Navy officials worried about groundwater months before crisis
The messages, released as part of a lawsuit, also document a commander drastically underestimating the volume of the first of two spills. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Liquor Commission’s new administrator plans changes
Sal Petilos assumes the helm of the powerful agency, which is hoping to move away from its marred past involving bribery, a backlogged licensure system and alleged harassment of LGBTQ+ bars and clubs. Civil Beat.

State proposes Waiāhole Bridge substitute
The replacement proposal comes after structural deficiencies were found on the bridge, which is located on Kamehameha Highway in Waiāhole Valley. Star-Advertiser.

North Shore residents propose hub for first responders in place of retail development
Small retailers now operate in the area across from Shark’s Cove. but the company Hanapohaku wants to build a 34,000-square-foot shopping center, with 126 parking stalls. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

First Hawaiian Bank launched its 165th anniversary celebration with a memorable event at Campbell High School in Ewa Beach. In line with its commitment to give back to the community, FHB acknowledges the significance of high school sports in a child’s growth, backing this belief with a $50,000 donation to support Saber’s girls’ athletic programs. Explore the highlights of the kick-off gathering at Campbell High, featuring a special celebrity guest as part of the ongoing series, “The Yes Effect.” Click here to learn more!

Honua Ola sues Hawaiian Electric for $1 billion
Honua Ola Bioenergy is seeking more than $1 billion in damages, claiming in federal court that the electric utility has used monopolistic measures to keep Honua Ola’s completed but idle biomass power plant from going online. Tribune-Herald.

Surf school lottery ends with 3 of 4 permits awarded to one owner
On Friday, 17 companies entered the state Department of Land and Natural Resources’ lottery in a bid to operate at Kahalu‘u Beach. Three of the four winning entries are owned by Wesley Moore. West Hawaii Today.

Hāna nonprofit acquires more land in its mission to preserve East Maui coast
The nonprofit Ke Ao Hāli‘i has completed the purchase of 8.6 acres of Hamoa lands for permanent cultural preservation and stewardship, the latest step in a long-term plan to preserve 150 acres of East Maui coastal lands. Maui News.

New Wailuku parking garage set to open next month with 393 stalls
On Friday, the contractor handed off the four-story parking structure to the county, which plans to open it to the public in early December. Maui Now.

Brush fire scorches 10 acres in Hanapēpē before being put out by firefighters, landowner
Multiple firefighting personnel responded Saturday evening to a brush fire located on property owned by Gay & Robinson. Garden Island. Kaua‘i Now.