March 2023

March 23, 2023

Legislature Kills Measures To Protect Parental Rights In Child Welfare Cases

Critics say Hawaii's current policy flouts federal precedent and leaves it vulnerable to lawsuits.

March 22, 2023

Governor’s Embattled DBEDT Nominee Opts To Face A Full Senate Vote

Green expects Sadayasu to get an up-or-down decision within days as he urges lawmakers to let him form his team.

Abortion Protections Will Be Expanded In Hawaii Under New Law

The governor also signed a new law that will make it easier for prosecutors to bring felony charges.

New South Maui High School Likely To Welcome Students In August, Governor Says

Buses will transport students on an interim basis as the state builds a $25 million pedestrian bridge. over the next three years.

Hawaii Senate Delays Vote On Planning Director Nominee

Senate President Ron Kouchi said no members came forward to say they were coerced to vote against Scott Glenn's nomination.

Fatal Kailua Ambulance Fire Sparked By Oxygen Tank Mishap, Report Finds

Honolulu EMS Director Jim Ireland said the department has made changes to operating procedures in response.

Why Are Suicide Rates So High In NHPI Populations?

A Hawaii Health Department task force could help provide some answers.

Naka Nathaniel: It’s Time To Remember We Can Live With Less And Be Patient

Living on an island often means making do with what we have. 

Pint-Sized Plants Could Be Our Secret Weapon In Fight Against Invasive Beetle

Coconut rhinoceros beetles have decimated yields across the Pacific, but there may be a surprising workaround.

The Sunshine Blog: Reform Bills Head To Gov, And Carrots And Sticks For Counties

Short takes, outtakes, observations and other stuff you should know about public information, government accountability and ethical leadership in Hawaii.

March 21, 2023

New Kihei High School Will Finally Open Under Deal With Governor, Maui Mayor Says

In his first State of the County address, Bissen also addressed priorities related to water, housing and government jobs.

Hawaii Senate President Remains Mum On The Turmoil In His Caucus

Sen. Ron Kouchi isn't talking about whether longtime members of his caucus are bullying their peers over a political appointment.

Biden To Create New Marine Sanctuary In Pacific

Hawaii congressman says "our world's oceans are at mortal risk."

Teacher Housing Has Only Been In Rural Areas, But That Could Change

Proposed legislation would fund a pilot program with locations in urban Oahu.

Hawaii’s Republicans Don’t Get Many Bills Passed, But They’re Playing A Long Game

The minority caucus agrees it needs more members to get things done, but there is disagreement on how to get there.

Hawaii AG: Imprisoned Prison Guard Shouldn’t Get His Job Back

The state says the labor board exceeded its authority and made a "clearly erroneous" decision regarding Jonathan Taum.

A New Recipe: This Program Puts Oahu Inmates In College Cooking Courses

Kapiolani Community College has offered courses to women at the Women's Community Correctional Facility since 2008.

Senate ‘Bullies’ Are Creating Chaos At The Capitol This Year

Donovan Dela Cruz and Michelle Kidani have taken political strong-arming to an alarming level as they work to control business and financial issues, their colleagues say.

March 20, 2023

Hawaii Wildfire Defense Plans Gain Federal Funds

Local plans were last updated 8 years ago.

Not Just Fuel: Red Hill Families Drank Antifreeze Too, Lawsuit Says

The Navy confirmed the presence of "icing inhibitor" in its fuel.