Two County Council members say their proposed legislation is aimed at helping to ease Hawaii island's housing crisis for residents.

But the weakened yen has slowed down the return visitors from Japan.

The state Senate Ways and Means Committee grilled tourism officials about a major tourism marketing contract that has been mired in the procurement process for more than a year.

The decision comes as the state agency faces legal challenges to previous decisions.

The tail boom separated from the fuselage during that tour crash. Missing bolts that attach those parts have investigators concerned.

The travel publication listed the island among regions “suffering from water crises.”

Mike McCartney, director of the Hawaii Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, wants the two organizations who have been fighting over the $34 million contract to split the job.

The helicopter was found lying on its left side with significant damage to the cockpit, and the tail boom was nearly 800 feet from the main wreckage, according to a report.

City officials could appeal to a higher court or find some way to compromise with property owners who rent their places for fewer than 90 days.

The City Council is considering halting commercial activity at Kokololio Beach. Residents and tour companies say beach-by-beach bans push the problem down the road and don't solve the overall problem.