Column: Make land trust, limited-profit developers for homes Star Advertiser Dale Kobayashi and Makana Hicks-Goo March 2, 2025 Original Article Hawaii has a housing crisis that needs no introduction. If you were born here, chances are you were born with it: mentions of our housing crisis started popping up in local papers in the 1930s. Nearly a hundred years on, we’re still trying to sort it out. These days the refrain you’re likely to hear is that it’s simply a matter of supply and demand. By which it’s always meant just supply — concerns about demand are gauche. Supply is the hot topic. Indeed our housing crisis is often described flatly as a “housing shortage.” The conventional wisdom stops here claiming that if we increase supply prices will fall. It’s true that we’ve seen the dire consequences of not building enough. In the 40 years since 1980 production has lagged and home prices (adjusting for inflation) have risen by 161%, according to Census data. But it’s hard to argue that we’ve never built enough. In the 40 years between 1940 and 1980, we built more homes than the rest of the U.S. on a per capita basis. Units per capita increased by 62%, our housing stock by 268%. The results were equally bad as when we didn’t build: home prices rose by 510%, adjusting for inflation. It seems whether we build or don’t, in Hawaii prices rise. This really shouldn’t be surprising. Everyone engaged in building homes in Hawaii benefits when prices go up, and they’re good at their job. The solution to this problem isn’t in the debate we see play out constantly between NIMBYs and YIMBYs (“not in my backyard” and “yes in my back yard”); both have had their crack at the problem. It’s instead something quite different, rooted in how property markets actually work, and our actual problems. Let’s call it LIMBY — locals in my backyard. LIMBYs know we need supply, but think it’s ridiculous to ignore the other side of pricing: demand. LIMBYs also think it’s silly to ignore how markets work and how land is priced to guarantee a return on investment determined more by Wall Street’s requirements than by local incomes. The solution that works through these tangled problems, that can better leverage public investment in housing, that can build a housing market tied to local incomes, is a land trust and limited-profit developers. Land trusts provide a ready mechanism to eliminate land speculation and thereby limit price increases. A limited-profit developer creates competition in the market to price development as a simple percentage of gross costs rather than a return on investment set by capital markets. These aren’t untested ideas. Land trusts underpin affordable housing across the globe — most notably in Vermont. Limited-profit developers are critical for housing development in Singapore and Austria. A raft of other changes are needed to shore up things now and help us build that market. State Sen. Stanley Chang has pending legislation to retool our state financing programs, which are currently giveaways to well-connected developers. Chang wants programs to direct developers toward actually affordable housing, and we agree. State Rep. Tina Grandinetti has introduced a slew of bills to make sure tenants in naturally affordable housing are protected — and they should be. State Rep. Amy Perruso and state Sen. Les Ihara have introduced legislation to study how to better create a housing market for locals, using state resources and trusts based on ideas from local developer Peter Savio. Hawaii ought to be a place where you are more likely to make it here if you were grown here. As our housing crisis has steadily gotten worse, you’re now more likely to own a home in Hawaii if you were flown here. Creating a housing market for locals is the only path forward.

Hawaii Electric rates changing now, but what about the future? KITV Paul Drewes June 24, 2025 Original Article HONOLULU (Island News) -- Hawaiian Electric said because of lower fuel costs, a typical household will now see about a $3 reduction in its monthly bill. But future rate increases for the utility company were the focus at the State Capitol. Like a report card for students, HECO's income is partly based on how well it does on certain metrics. And according to some lawmakers the state's largest utility has a failing grade. "From Oahu to the Big Island we're seeing spotty service, and the amount the system is down is increased almost threefold. We are paying three times the national average for electricity bills," said Senator Glenn Wakai. In 2018, lawmakers passed legislation that allowed rates to be set based on performance based regulation known as PBR. Which means if the company meets certain goals, for example: adding additional renewable products, or reducing power outages, HECO may get to keep more money. "PBR is like a toolbox and the performance mechanisms are your tools. Hawaii has the most tools in its toolbox than anywhere else," said PUC supervising Attorney Mark Kaetsu. Hawaiian Electric will soon enter the fifth and final year of its current PBR plan and the Public Utility Commission is already looking at rebasing rates for the next PBR plan. But some lawmakers worry that could mean higher rates without better service. "When the utility can come in at anytime and ask for more... what are we asking from them in return? We should be asking for things like prove you are saving money and running like a business," stated Senator Jarrett Keohokalole. Lawmakers are concerned the utility is dictating what it wants, rather than the Public Utility Commission telling HECO what is best for residents. Which is keeping rates from rising. "I worry that we are setting ourselves up for the largest cost increase to consumers in history," said Senator Chris Lee. Rates were not the only issue brought up at the meeting, so were whistleblower complaints about the PUC. Those claimed a certain manager has created a toxic environment, and called for leadership change. Now the PUC will have to deal with more than just utility rates in the future. "It is something mentioned in this letter that we believe for us through human resources to commence an investigation," said DCCA Director Nadine Ando.

Full-Time Criminal Investigative Unit Proposed To Tackle Illegal Fireworks Honolulu Civil Beat Chad Blair January 7, 2025 Original Article A report submitted to the Hawaiʻi Legislature Friday concludes that illegal fireworks are being smuggled into the state by sea and air on a year-round and possibly daily basis. It’s sustained by a flourishing and well-established black market that local law enforcement has found difficult to disrupt and dismantle. The report from the state’s Illegal Fireworks Task Force urges the Legislature to consider creating a full-time criminal investigation unit within the Department of Law Enforcement to confront the problem on a permanent basis. “Only a full-time approach can bring the necessary cultural changes to confront the fireworks problem at-large in Hawaii,” the report states. The Salt Lake area viewed after midnight from a Honolulu Airport parking structure showed only a small portion of the many aerial fireworks ignited this New Year’s Eve. (David Croxford/Civil Beat/2025) While specific funding, staffing and equipment for the unit are not suggested in the report, it also recommends a new firearms and explosives laboratory — estimated to cost $2 million — within the law enforcement agency. Hawaiʻi has only one forensic lab, housed in the Honolulu Police Department. Sen. Karl Rhoads, chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, welcomed the recommendation for a new criminal unit. “I think it’s the only really viable idea because, as they point out, there’s a lot of similarities between narcotics and fireworks,” Rhoads said. “And they’ve been using the narcotics investigators to investigate fireworks cases. That’s great in the short term, but it’s not going to work in the long term.” An ‘Alluring Attraction’ To Make Money Illegally The task force’s work was ordered by lawmakers in 2023, long before the massive fireworks explosion on New Year’s Eve in a Salt Lake neighborhood on Oʻahu. As of Monday, four people have been reported dead and around two dozen injured from that explosion, while another person was killed in a separate fireworks-related incident on Oʻahu. Now, leaders including Hawaiʻi’s governor, Honolulu’s mayor and several state senators and representatives are stepping up their demands for action. In addition to the Department of Law Enforcement, agencies taking part in the task force include the Honolulu Police Department, the Department of the Attorney General, the Department of Public Safety, Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and U.S. Customs and Border Control. Their recommendations are likely to be considered by the Legislature, which convenes Jan. 15. The Illegal Fireworks Task Force, which will conclude its work in June unless the Legislature extends its mission, was required to submit a final report this month. It previously reported that 227,000 pounds of illegal fireworks have been seized . The Friday report says that two people have pleaded no contest to felony indictments and 20 others were issued misdemeanor citations. The report says there are ongoing criminal investigations, so public discussion of tactics, techniques and procedures “would frustrate legitimate government interests.” The report, though only eight pages long, offers several insights into why the illegal enterprise is so popular. It calls the marketplace “an alluring attraction” for those looking to make money illegally. Street sources, according to the report, say that the return on investment for those who smuggle illegal fireworks into Hawaii is at a rate of 5 to 1. That means that if a typical smuggling organization purchases a shipping container of fireworks for $200,000 at wholesale, that same container has a street value of about $1 million once it arrives in the islands. ‘Kingpins, Conspirators’ Run Illicit Networks During the 2023 holiday season the task force found that street prices for illegal fireworks were already “astronomically high.” The Department of Law Enforcement said prices had been expected to be higher during the 2024 holiday season because there was “heat” from law enforcement and risk of loss of investment due to bulk seizures. In short, the task force aims “to price offenders out of the marketplace,” leading to reduced demand. But it will take long-term, comprehensive investigations to not only seize prohibited explosive material but also to find and prosecute the people running the illicit networks — “kingpins, conspirators, and their associated criminal finances and assets.” To do that, a new crime unit is necessary because the task force is only part time. While claiming success from its work, the task force concept in the long term “is not sustainable” the report states. It does not call for increased penalties for possession of contraband. Nor does it accomplish two of its primary purposes: to develop a comprehensive strategic plan to stop illegal fireworks, and to ensure the safety and security of airports, harbors and other facilities from explosive discharges. The first goal requires more work, the report states, which will begin “in earnest” this year. And, while the task force says it has increased awareness and surveillance at Hawaii’s ports of entry and mail distribution systems, “a sustained full-time effort” is needed.

Sex trafficking civil lawsuit bill advances in state Senate Maui Now Brian Perry March 27, 2025 Original Article A House bill that would authorize victims of sex trafficking to file civil lawsuits against their perpetrators has passed unanimously in the Senate Judiciary Committee . Now, it advances to the full Senate floor for second reading. Voting in favor in committee on Tuesday were committee Chair Karl Rhoads and Sens. Stanley Chang and Joy San Buenaventura. Two committee members were absent and excused: Vice Chair Mike Gabbard and Sen. Brenton Awa. According to a report published in 2018 by Arizona State University and the Hawaiʻi State Commission on the Status of Women, 1 out of 11 adult male residents in Hawaiʻi are “online sex shoppers.” House Bill 111 calls sex trafficking a form of modern-day slavery. “The report also estimated that there were 74,362 potential sex buyers in Hawaiʻi,” the bill says. “Moreover, Imua Alliance, a victim service provider for survivors of sex trafficking and sexual violence, estimates that 150 establishments participate in the commercial sex trade in the state, increasing the high risk for sex trafficking. In addition to allowing civil lawsuits in cases of sexual exploitation or sex trafficking, House Bill 111 would extend the statute of limitations for civil claims to 10 years. Written public testimony submitted on the bill was strongly in support of its passage. Supporters of the measure said it would support victims and make perpetrators more accountable. Sex trafficking victims suffer from complex forms of trauma that can include post-traumatic stress disorder, depression and anxiety, dissociation, parasuicidal behavior, and substance abuse. House Vice Speaker Linda Ichiyama introduced the bill. It made its way through the House without a single “no” vote in committee or on the House floor.

Bills seek to legalize betting on pro sports Hawaii Tribune-Herald John Burnett January 24, 2025 Original Article At least two bills have been introduced in the state Senate with the intent of cashing in by legalizing limited forms of sports wagering — which is still illegal in Hawaii, despite numerous attempts that have gone bust in recent years. Senate Bill 373 has been referred to the Economic Development and Tourism Committee, where a favorable vote would forward the measure to a joint session of the Ways and Means and Judiciary committees. The legislation, introduced by Sen. Angus McKelvey (D-Maui) and co-sponsored by Sens. Joy San Buenaventura (D-Puna) and Glenn Wakai (D-Oahu), the majority floor leader, would establish an online fantasy sports contests registration and monitoring program under the Department of the Attorney General. The measure also would impose an online fantasy sports contests tax on the gross revenues of registrants. “We’ve been such an outlier state,” McKelvey told the Tribune-Herald on Thursday. “And as I say in the preamble of the bill — and I point to that — there’s no law actually on the books against it. It’s the opinion, rather, of a former attorney general’s office.” McKelvey was referring to a 2016 opinion issued by then-Attorney General Douglas Chin, which stated that daily fantasy sports contests, such as those run by FanDuel and DraftKings, constitute illegal gambling under existing state laws. “Gambling generally occurs under Hawaii law when a person stakes or risks something of value upon a game of chance or upon any future contingent event not under the person’s control,” said Chin at that time. “The technology may have changed, but the vice has not.” “They say it’s gambling. I say it’s not,” opined McKelvey, who pointed to a 2018 study by researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, which also is included in the measure’s preamble. “The studies that were done show that online daily fantasy — not sports book, very important, sports book is gambling — but online daily fantasy is at a same level of skill or greater than solitaire, which is in Hawaii a game of skill,” McKelvey said. McKelvey noted that Utah is the only other state banning online daily fantasy sports contests, and that his measure, if passed, would provide Hawaii with a revenue stream already realized by 48 other states. “I thought it was a way to bring us up to speed with all the other states of the nation, allow us to tap into unrealized tourist revenue, and provide — especially with the federal government conditioning aid now to all sorts of things — trying to create a way for extra investment or extra monies for the Lahaina rebuild which, of course, affects everybody across the state,” he said. “That was the idea. And after that was done, the fund could be used to fund other worthy programs in education and infrastructure and potential tax relief.” McKelvey lost a home in the Lahaina wildfire of Aug. 8-11, 2023, which killed more than 100 people and devastated the historic former whaling town. “My understanding is because of the California wildfires, Maui’s concerned they aren’t going to have the rebuilding ability for Lahaina, because they expect the price of building supplies to skyrocket,” said San Buenaventura. “I support taxing what the federal government has allowed the states to be able to do. And I generally support the idea because people are already gambling online, and I want to be able to regulate and tax it.” The measure would legalize online daily fantasy wagering on professional sports, but not on collegiate or high school sports or sports involving animals, such as horse racing and dog racing. “I’m trying to align this with what’s on online daily fantasy sites,” McKelvey said. The bill, which passed first reading, does have a provision for allocating start-up funds for the registration and monitoring program, but the amount is left blank. The other measure, Senate Bill 1572, introduced by Sen. Lynn DeCoite (D-Maui, Molokai and Lanai) and co-sponsored by Sen. Donna Mercado Kim (D-Oahu), would establish the Hawaii State Sports Wagering Commission within the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. The commission would codify licensing requirements for sports wagering operators, as well as penalties for violations. In addition, the measure would specify that sports wagering shall not be considered games of chance or gambling. Under the bill, the commission would be allowed to conduct background checks on applicants for a sports wagering operator license and persons in control of applicants for a sports wagering operator license. It also would require tax revenue collected from sports wagering to fund certain initiatives, including 50% for public education programs and 25% for affordable housing. In addition to “online qualified gaming entities,” the bill also would allow sports wagering “in-person at a retail sports betting location approved by the commission.” The bill, like SB 373, would permit wagering on professional sports but prohibit bets on collegiate and high school sports, as well as sports involving animals. The fee for an initial sports wagering operator license would be $250,000. The fee for renewal of a sports wagering operator license would be $100,000. As of Thursday afternoon, SB1572 passed first reading but hadn’t received a committee referral.

Hawai'i Tourism Authority board in limbo as lawmakers call for briefing Honolulu Star-Advertiser Allison Schaefers June 22, 2025 Original Article The state legislators in charge of tourism are holding a post-session informational briefing Monday on the beleaguered Hawai‘i Tourism Authority that could play out more like an exit interview. Gov. Josh Green’s office said in an email Wednesday that he plans on asking for courtesy resignations from the entire HTA board before the beginning of the next fiscal year, which starts July 1. Green’s stance is related to the passage of Senate Bill 1571, which changed HTA’s governance model when he signed it May 29. “Because the responsibilities of the board have changed to an advisory role, he feels it best to start with a clean slate,” the email said. “The HTA board as it was previously established no longer exists, so it makes sense to look at the composition of the new board.” State Rep. Adrian Tam (D, Waikiki), chair of the House Committee on Tourism, and state Sen. Lynn DeCoite (D, East Maui-Upcountry-Molokai-Lanai-Kahoolawe), chair of the Senate Committee on Energy, Economic Development and Tourism, are holding the joint informational briefing at 10 a.m. Monday in Room 329 of the state Capitol. Tam said the briefing will review HTA’s interim action plans, current projects and recent developments. He said the briefing also will cover contract updates, the community-driven destination management action plans, or DMAPs, and audit findings issued by the state auditor. “The purpose of this is to have an open discussion about the future of HTA and the current plans as well as any open-ended questions that other members of the community and the Legislature may have,” Tam said, adding that legislators from outside the tourism committees are welcome to sit in and ask questions. “A lot of our members are genuinely curious about the future of HTA, and rightfully so. This is our largest industry,” he said. Caroline Anderson, HTA interim president and CEO, said in an email, “Establishing an effective governance structure is essential and will determine how successful HTA can be in fulfilling its mission to balance the economic benefits of tourism with the impacts on our natural resources, culture and community.” DeCoite said Thursday that the idea behind the briefing is to avoid waiting until the end of the year and then scrambling at the last minute to address concerns about tourism, especially since it’s the economic driver for the state. She said she expects Monday’s briefing will be comprehensive. “We just have had challenges with HTA and some of the things that they have been doing. We have tried to solve everything in the past years. There are just a lot of issues. We keep seeing HTA in the newspaper,” DeCoite said. She added that above all, HTA officials have to work together and prioritize its goals and projects. “They have got to be able to justify the funds that they requested for some of the priorities that they have asked for — more so on the destination management, which has been an issue for me,” DeCoite said. “I’m sure you saw the audit on the destination management action plans and it doesn’t look good.” The latest management audit released by State Auditor Leslie H. Kondo determined that HTA’s destination management focus is “not new or effective” and the agency remains unable to gauge its own performance. The state audit was especially critical of HTA’s DMAP effort, which it determined was “poorly planned and executed with key decisions deferred to third-party contractors and island steering committees. The result: many of the actions did not address hot spots, were underway or already achieved, or were impractical.” The DMAPs are HTA’s latest destination management strategy, and the plans approved by the HTA board in 2021 were intended to detail the steps the community, the visitor industry and other sectors deemed necessary to improve tourism management over a three-year period. The DMAPs were an outgrowth of the HTA Strategic Plan, which ran from 2020 to 2025 and was touted as the first strategic plan the agency developed as part of its shift from a mainly marketing focus to a greater emphasis on destination management. Anderson said in an email that the audit “identified areas for improvement, and we have begun assessing the recommendations provided in the report. HTA remains focused on improving its processes and procedures, including how we measure success and effectiveness in accomplishing our mission.” SOME OF the HTA board and staff disagreed with the management audit’s findings, and it’s unclear what tack they will take in the informational briefing. It’s also uncertain how current HTA board members will react to Green’s request or the other coming governance changes. HTA staff already is dealing with several key vacancies, although Anderson has launched a 90-day action plan to shore up the agency. In addition to downgrading the HTA board to an advisory board, SB 1571 lays out new operational and administrative criteria, and sets new standards for the selection of board members. The bill also amends eligibility requirements to serve on the advisory board. It removes the director of the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism from the board and requires that board members must be a representative of a tourism-impacted entity. Other provisions allow the House speaker and Senate president to each appoint an HTA advisory board member and allow the advisory board to appoint the HTA president and CEO, subject to the advice and consent of the Senate. Additionally, SB 1571 requires the HTA leader to report to the governor. The measure also clarifies that the Hawai‘i Convention Center must reflect a “Hawaii” sense of place instead of a “Hawaiian” sense of place. HTA board Chair Todd Apo said the board is still processing the changes. Apo added that John Cole, the deputy attorney general assigned to HTA, told the board at its last meeting that the state Department of the Attorney General’s interpretation of the law “does not require the board to get wiped out and restarted now.” Apo said Cole told the HTA board that “nobody has the authority to require any board member to resign, but obviously it can be asked for, and then it is up to each board member.” THE DILEMMA before the board members only adds to the recent uncertainties. In the past several months, HTA has undergone dramatic leadership shake-ups as it has struggled to address allegations of inappropriate freebies at the Hawai‘i Convention Center and inconsistencies in its Hawaii Tourism Conference partnerships. There were also allegations about potential procurement violations and late payments to contractors. Opens in a new tab State Sen. Kurt Fevella (R, Ewa Beach), HTA contractors, former HTA employees and some board members also alleged in a Honolulu Star-Advertiser story Opens in a new tab May 4 that HTA and DBEDT failed to respond promptly to complaints about a hostile work environment, including alleged racist and sexist comments, that they claim contributed to the recent resignations of five Native Hawaiian members of HTA’s leadership team. Isaac Choy, HTA vice president of finance and acting chief administrative officer, was put on unpaid leave May 9 at the direction of the state attorney general and the Department of Human Resources amid allegations he made racist and sexist remarks on the job. Since Choy was the project manager for $100 million in repairs at the convention center, his absence could extend the center’s planned construction beyond two years, putting the state at risk of losing millions of dollars Opens in a new tab in group tourism bookings. Choy, who remains on unpaid leave, has sued named and unnamed HTA officials, alleging they retaliated against him for reporting what he called procurement, spending and other violations.

Hawaii bans ticket scalping after Bruno Mars Fan uproar Hypebot Chris Castle January 31, 2025 Original Article Bruno Mars fans have been hit hard by ticket scalpers, with resale prices soaring to thousands of dollars. Now the state of Hawaii bans ticket scalping via new legislation that bans re-sale markups, stop bots and protect consumers. Bruno Mars is a huge star everywhere but has exceptionally loyal fans in Hawaii. Unfortunately, this means he is a top target for bots and ticket resellers. At a 2018 concert at Honolulu Stadium, second row seats priced at $125 face were reportedly resold for $6,972 . As usual, the artist had nothing to do with these resellers and the artist did not make the reseller’s margin. If that’s not a market failure , I don’t know what is. That margin was driven by bots that are as close to resellers as one is to two and have been the subject of a lot of attention by lawmakers at the federal level and increasingly in the states. Bots have been illegal under federal law since 2016, but federal law enforcement authorities have done little to enforce that law to the great frustration of Senators Marsha Blackburn and Richard Blumenthal who sponsored the legislation. This leaves enforcement to states and Hawaii is no exception. Hawaii state senators Chris Lee (D)*, Karl Rhoads (D)*, Joy San Buenaventura (D)*, and Lorraine Inouye (D), have introduced legislation under Hawaii’s consumer protection authority that would limit resale prices to the face price of any ticket . The bill language states: "The legislature finds that popular events held in the State attract secondary market profiteers, commonly known as scalpers. Scalpers often utilize computer software to navigate a ticket-selling platform and its security measures in a fraction of the time as a human being to purchase multiple tickets and conduct multiple transactions simultaneously. For example, in 2018, thousands of tickets for a concert held in the State by recording artist Bruno Mars ended up on third party websites at inflated prices. Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to eliminate the impact of scalpers on Hawaii residents by prohibiting tickets to be sold at a higher price than the original price charged by the primary venue ticket provider." See how easy that was? Does it make me uneasy to have government setting prices? It does, but it’s about the only way I can see in the current environment to stop resellers like StubHub from blatantly ripping off fans by leveraging their confederates in the vast bot ecosystem . If the federal government is not going to prosecute these people under existing laws, then don’t be surprised if the states pass their own consumer protection legislation with a host of penalties. The Hawaii legislation is scheduled for a January 30 hearing before Hawaii’s Senate Transportation and Culture and the Arts Committee. Fingers crossed it gets voted out of the committee. We should not be surprised. It’s gotten so bad, fans are not going to tolerate bot scalping and under well-trodden principles of subsidiarity, it’s only appropriate for states to take charge. To coin a phrase, “don’t believe me just watch.”

State calls for pause on interisland movement of birds due to avian flu Star Advertiser Nina Wu December 18, 2024 Original Article State agencies have called for a voluntary pause on the interisland movement of birds in Hawaii for 90 days following the discovery of the H5N1 bird flu in the state. The voluntary pause went into effect Friday, according to a news release from the state Department of Agriculture. State Sen. Lynn DeCoite (D, Lanai-Molokai-Hana) suggested the pause as a measure to stem the spread of H5N1, also known as highly pathogenic avian influenza. DeCoite told the Honolulu Star-Advertiser she actually sought a mandatory, rather than voluntary, pause. “I thought we should be more proactive while putting out public service announcements,” said DeCoite. “I’m basically saying let’s suspend it until they can figure out what’s going on.” Prior to November, HPAI had not yet been detected in Hawaii, which was the last U.S. state to confirm the virus in wild birds. On Nov. 15 the state Health Department said HPAI had been confirmed in an outbreak among a backyard flock of birds, later identified as rescued ducks and geese from Susie’s Duck Sanctuary in Wahiawa. It was the first confirmed detection of the virus announced in Hawaii, days after the department said H5 had been detected in wastewater serving the area. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service also confirmed HPAI in a wild duck at the James Campbell National Wildlife Refuge on Oahu’s North Shore. The duck, which exhibited no symptoms, was swabbed Nov. 1, with the national lab confirming HPAI in the sample Nov. 25. More recently, health officials reported the detection of H5 avian influenza in a sample collected Dec. 2 from the Hilo Wastewater Treatment Plan on Hawaii island. Based on the type of strain found in Hawaii’s detections, officials believe the virus was likely introduced by migrating birds from northern regions around Alaska. DeCoite said she was concerned for many constituents on Molokai, including farmers and small business owners who just started participating in egg-laying programs. She wants more prevention measures in place to protect poultry farms on other isles as well as Hawaii’s endangered native birds, with more urgency on the part of the state Department of Agriculture. At DeCoite’s request the agencies are also collecting data to “assess the feasibility and necessity of a formal quarantine while carefully considering the potential economic impacts of premature restrictions on local products.” State Sen. Tim Richards expressed his support for the precautionary measure as both a senator and a veterinarian. “In light of the ongoing avian flu threat, I fully support a voluntary 90-day stop movement of birds as a precautionary measure,” said Richards in the news release. “Similar actions have been successfully implemented before, such as the voluntary halt in Hawaii’s beef cattle industry approximately 15 years ago, which effectively mitigated risks to trichomoniasis and protected livelihoods until legislation could be brought forward. By taking proactive steps now, we can prevent greater harm to our poultry industry and ensure the health of our flocks and communities.” The U.S. Department of Agriculture said avian influenza spreads through direct, bird-to-bird contact but can also spread via contact with contaminated surfaces and materials such as manure, egg flats, crates, farming equipment — and people’s shoes, clothing or hands. Avian influenza can also be detected in wild bird populations, including birds that do not appear to be sick. Officials are urging poultry farmers and other bird owners to increase their biosecurity measures to reduce the likelihood of infections. HDOA said it is working with the state Department of Land and Natural Resources and state Department of Health on a coordinated response. DOH says the public health risk to humans remains low as there has been no evidence of person-to-person spread. To date, 61 U.S. cases have been reported in humans, mostly among dairy workers. On the mainland, meanwhile, millions of commercial and backyard flocks of birds, and thousands of wild birds, have been affected by HPAI since 2022. In March, HPAI also broke out among U.S. dairy cows, and more than 800 dairy herds in the U.S. have since been infected in 16 states.

Federal lawsuit filed to block tax on visiting cruise ships Hawaii News Now Ben Gutierrez August 28, 2025 Original Article HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - A consortium of cruise ship operators and tour businesses have filed a lawsuit in federal court to block the state’s new law to tax cruise ships in the same way as hotels. Cruise Lines International Association, Inc. v. Suganuma contends that Hawaii is blatantly violating the U.S. Constitution by imposing the 11% tax on out-of-state cruise passengers in January, and letting the counties add an extra 3%. It’s the first time cruise ships would have to pay the transient accommodations tax charged to guests at hotels and vacation rentals. “Here you have a floating hotel, right? You have a floating hotel,” said state Sen. Lynn DeCoite, who chairs the Senate Economic Development and Tourism Committee. “The hotel industry has paid their fair sure for the past years.” The group that filed the lawsuit wouldn’t do an interview. But the lawsuit claims that “As the Supreme Court long has recognized, the Constitution’s Tonnage Clause bars States from imposing any “charge for the privilege of entering, trading in, or lying in a port.” The complaint also said, “For an average family, Act 96 will add hundreds of dollars to the cost of popular cruise itineraries that dock in Hawaii ports. That substantial price increase will cause many families to forego trips to Hawaii in favor of other destinations.” “‘It’s going to hurt the industry and people are not going to come.’ Well then find me a tourist on your ship that is going to publicly say that. Say it publicly. If that’s the case, then this is not the place for you,” DeCoite said. Last year, the state said more than 150,000 out-of-state cruise line passengers came to Hawaii. “One of the challenges is because they don’t pay any tax when they come to port, yet they still have stress on the infrastructure,” said Jerry Agrusa, a professor with the University of Hawaii School of Travel Industry Management. The new tax also includes a .75% “Green Fee” to fund projects that help the environment. “I spoke with a lot of tourists this weekend while I was sitting there playing tourist myself and I didn’t hear anybody complain about it,” DeCoite said. “I brought up the Green Fee just like that, and they’re like, we don’t mind.” The state Department of the Attorney General said it was just served with the complaint and won’t comment until they have a chance to review it.

State lawmakers plans for homeowners insurance relief faces hurdles KHON2 Stephen Florino January 28, 2025 Original Article HONOLULU (KHON2) — State lawmakers say they’re looking at all they can to help homeowners deal with sky-rocketing insurance rates. But experts say it’s a tough road ahead. Because of massive disasters like the Lahaina wildfire and the fires in Los Angeles, insurance experts are predicting a grim future for insurance rates. “I foresee the rates will stay high and depending on how the rest of 2025 goes, if we continue to see disasters that are worse than expected, then we will probably see higher rates in the future as well,” said insurance agent Kendrick Nishiguchi. One plan that lawmakers have to help is to resurrect the Hawaii Property Insurance Association and the Hawaii Hurricane Relief Fund. But that admittedly has some hurdles. “HPIA is not set up to write condominium insurance,” said Matt Chun, HPIA board chair at a joint committee hearing at the state capitol. “It’s a new, developing event, emerging event. I believe some of the catalyst is the Lahaina, Maui fires because what it did is, it made a lot of our standard carriers gunshy, re-evaluate what they’d like to write, and started to not wanna write some of these buildings.” HPIA is already operating but needs to be re-structured to help the current situation. But the Hurricane Relief Fund is starting from scratch and is still finalizing contract details with consultant AON. “There’s been no firm timeline,” said Ed Haik, HHRF board chair at the same hearing. “We’re still in the contracting phase which really is not incumbent on hid or the board so far.” “If you guys are not under contract yet, can you also start looking for a different company to contract with? Because this is, I mean, getting a little ridiculous I think,” said Rep. Scot Matayoshi, House Consumer Protection & Commerce chair. “It’s a difficult problem,” said Sen. Jarrett Keohokalole, Senate Commerce & Consumer Protection chair. “It’s scary. You know if the state of Hawaii just started providing insurance to all homeowners statewide and we have another catastrophe, we could go bankrupt.” Lawmakers are looking at at least 10 insurance bills this session. While even they admit there might not be a silver bullet to the problem, they are looking at anything and everything to help. “I think people need to temper their expecations a little too,” Matayoshi said. “I think people are expecting us come up with a silver bullet, but with the LA wildfires, with other natural disasters around the world really, the re-insurance market is gonna go up and I want people to just be prepared that the solution may not as immediate as they’d like.” “Nothings gonna come quickly enough,” Keohokalole said. “And we’re not likely be able to reduce prices back to what people remember, but we can try and provide some relief and stabilize the market.”

State legislators to meet to discuss location of new Oʻahu landfill Yahoo News; KHON2 Cameron Macedonio January 3, 2025 Original Article HONOLULU (KHON2) — On Jan. 7, the Hawaiʻi State Legislature will hold a joint informational briefing between the House Committee on Energy and Environmental Protection and the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Environment to discuss the proposed Oʻahu landfill and its potential impacts. The Honolulu Department of Environmental Services and the Honolulu Board of Water Supply will provide presentations to the joint committees. “Protecting Hawaiʻi’s precious water supply is essential for sustaining life and preserving our environment,” said Rep. Nicole E. Lowen, chair of the House Committee on Energy and Environmental Protection. “We aim to fully understand the implications and potential impacts of the proposed location for the new landfill.” Controversy looms over potential sites for Oahu landfill Senator Mike Gabbard, chair of the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Environment, echoed the need to protect the environment. “Choosing the site of Oʻahu’s next landfill affects everyone island-wide, not only now, but for generations to come,” he said. “It’s important that we gather all the facts from the City and County, the Board of Water Supply and other experts before we make a final decision.” The meeting can be streamed live starting at 9 a.m. on Jan. 7 on YouTube .

UH Hilo receives $15M for capital improvements Star-Advertiser Kyveli Diener (Hawaii Tribune-Herald) November 11, 2025 Original Article The University of Hawaii at Hilo received $15 million in capital improvement funding that will allow the school to begin maintenance, design and renovation projects for the campus. The release of the capital improvement project funding from Gov. Josh Green’s office was announced last week by state Sen. Lorraine Inouye who said the funds “will support upgrades to university facilities to better serve students, faculty, and the wider Hawaii Island community.” “Investments like this strengthen our educational infrastructure and ensure our students have access to a modern, high-quality learning environment,” Inouye said in a news release. UH Hilo Vice Chancellor for Administrative Affairs Kalei Rapoza said a funding request for the CIP funds was approved by the Board of Regents and submitted to the governor’s office for inclusion in the biennium budget request to the Legislature. He said the funding enables the university to “move forward with procurement for design and construction” on four important projects that were “added to our list of projects within the last three years, superseding less critical projects.” “We are grateful for the support from the governor and Legislature that will allow us to better serve our students through improved facilities,” said UH Hilo Chancellor Bonnie Irwin. Rapoza said the projects selected for the fiscal year 2026 funding are renovation and improvement of the air-conditioning systems, renovation and improvement of the agricultural facility to provide modern instruction, designing renovations and upgrades to student housing, and designing a “replacement of built-up roofing.” “Addressing deferred maintenance early proactively allows repairs to be completed efficiently, preventing relatively simple issues from escalating and avoiding higher costs and impacts to operations,” Rapoza said. “By prioritizing maintenance investment now in critical areas, operations are safeguarded against disruptive outages, minimizing downtime and protecting critical assets.” Rapoza said he expects contracts for the work to be in place by spring 2026 to allow construction to begin in 2027.