Hawaii chief justice delivers final State of Judiciary speech
The Hawaii State Judiciary needs money to design a new courthouse in Waimea, add a District Court judge in Kona and address a “critical shortage” of court-appointed counsel in criminal and termination of parental rights cases, Hawaii Supreme Court Chief Justice Mark E. Recktenwald told state lawmakers Thursday.
Mother, father arrested in fatal Aliamanu fireworks explosion
The deaths and injuries a minute into the new year have refocused community frustration with the proliferation of illegal aerial fireworks.
Oahu soldier’s death is remembered 20 years later in annual competition
In the dark hours Wednesday morning as the sun slowly rose over the horizon in Waimanalo, soldiers from the 25th Infantry Division’s 21st Regiment and cadets from University of Hawaii’s Reserve Officer Training Corps tested themselves to the limits, training in remembrance of fallen soldiers who had come before — including one born and raised on Oahu.
Road, lane closures for the week of Jan. 26 – Feb. 1
The Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) notifies highway users the southbound one-way Temporary Kapaa Bypass Road (Route 5600) will be closed between Kuhio Highway and Olohena Road on Monday, Jan. 13 through Jan. 31 and Tuesday, Feb. 18 through Tuesday, Feb. 25 from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., excluding holidays and weekends.
HPD officers to be deposed in connection with Jan. 1, 2024, beating
Investigators with the Department of the Prosecuting Attorney and a deputy prosecutor are looking into evidence turned over by Honolulu police following the criminal investigation of an alleged beating of a 25- year-old man by 10 to 12 officers on Jan. 1, 2024.
Hikers who trespass might pay for search, rescue costs
Two Senate bills seek to recover the hefty cost to search for and rescue trespassing hikers who venture onto illegal or closed trails across the state.
Community led, government supported Haena State Park comfort station breaks ground
Community-led nonprofit organizations commenced construction efforts for the new comfort station at Haena State Park last week.
Double overtime forces hoops playoff in Kauai Interscholastic Federation girls basketball
Waimea High School girls basketball and Kapaa High School girls basketball earned victories on Thursday night to force a playoff for Monday night.
State seeks to stop neglect at adopted government cemeteries
Several often-neglected Hawaii government cemeteries adopted from private operators could be in store for better care.
Hawaii public schools regress in farm-to-plate program
The state Department of Education failed to make progress in 2024 toward an ambitious goal prescribed by state law to use more locally produced food in public school meals.
Saiki returns to help control insurance coverage, costs
Former House Speaker Scott Saiki has returned to state government service following his 2024 election defeat — this time to help consumers obtain and afford homeowner’s insurance.
Oahu man faces federal charges for allegedly smuggling fish
An Oahu man faces federal charges after he allegedly ran an illegal aquarium fish smuggling operation with non-native, endangered species and protected Hawaii reef fish for sale starting at $300 each.
Happy Camper for Saturday, January 25, 2025
Kudos to Kauai High School student Dave Brahman (yes, Jim Brahman was there, too) for coordinating the Special Olympics (they’re called Unified Athletes) style athletes for a halftime basketball activity where the athletes passed through several basketball skills stations. And, they did add some minutes to accommodate the athletes.
ISLAND HISTORY: Hawaiian artifact hunter Julius Scammon Rodman
Julius Scammon Rodman (1912-2001), of New Bedford, MA whaling stock, arrived in Hawaii in 1930 following a year at sea, and from then until 1940, he scoured the caves of Hawaii in search of age-old Hawaiian artifacts – bark tapestry, weapons, calabashes, ornaments of feather work and ivory, and the like – that he supplied to collectors such as Honolulu’s Bishop Museum.
Alaska Air’s profit rises despite costly acquisition
Alaska Air Group posted stronger-than-expected earnings Wednesday in its first full quarter report filed since its merger with Hawaiian Airlines, which it anticipates will help generate $1 billion in additional pretax profit over the next three years.
Rail-affected businesses could soon get grants
Honolulu businesses affected by the ongoing construction of the nearly $10 billion Skyline rail project can soon apply for financial relief, city officials announced last week.
ERSOY: How to start something new and keep your drive (part 2)
In my previous column I explained motivation and how to keep ourselves motivated to maintain drive. I also talked about dopamine, a neurotransmitter and central to motivation, serving as the brain’s signal to start and persist in goal-oriented actions. It not only drives the desire to achieve but also sustains effort during the process.
TAX MAN: Those container fee nickels add up!
By now, most of us who go to the grocery store are used to seeing a bunch of little charges whenever we buy bottled or canned beverages.
EDITORIAL: Take urgent action on housing needs
To hear Gov. Josh Green tell it, the state is making considerable headway to meet the housing needs of its people.
Obituaries for Saturday, January 25, 2025
• Jaime Keoki Dianne Pearl Mikami • Jaime Keoki Mikiala Malama • Kenneth Kiyokazu Ishii • Anastacia Narito Villanueva
Kauai Fire Department celebrates 4 new firemen, 2 promotions
Watched by a group of family, friends and Kauai Fire Department supporters gathered in the chilly morning air at the Moikeha Building, there were four new firefighters and a pair of promotions celebrated.
Grand Hyatt Kauai names ‘Exceptional Employees’
Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa employee Yolanda “Yoyo” Mangayayam and Anara Spa Director Kristi Dickinson got to enjoy the glitz and glam that prevailed during the Grand Hyatt Kauai’s annual awards party on Jan. 15.
Kapaa boys, Kauai girls are KIF soccer champs
Waimea High School and Kapaa High School boys soccer posted wins following the Wednesday encounters during the Kauai Interscholastic Federation games.
Green’s bills go after sellers of fireworks that maim, kill
Gov. Josh Green’s bills call for enhanced penalties and new legal language aimed at easing “the standard of proof” to make cracking down on illegal pyrotechnics easier for law enforcement.
Bill seeks tougher penalties for sex trafficking in Hawaii
Current Hawaii law classifies sex trafficking as a class A felony, punishable by a prison sentence of up to 20 years and a fine of up to $50,000, with parole an option.