Hawaii governor defends emergency housing powers at state Supreme Court
Hype? Hawaii Trump Cuts only $95M – Mostly at UH
CB: … The total amount of confirmed federal funding cuts to Hawaiʻi state and county programs as of Thursday stands at nearly $95 million, according to figures compiled by Civil Beat.
That number represents confirmed reductions in federal grants and congressional spending in the state, not cuts made by organizations in anticipation of the loss of federal funding and preliminary announcements by President Donald Trump.
(TRANSLATION: $95M is the real number without the scare talk.)
And despite a series of grant terminations listed on the DOGE website, the state of Hawaiʻi has so far received only one official grant termination letter, according to the state’s administrator of federal grants, Mark Anderson.
(TRANSLATION: The real number may be less than $95M.)
A $6 million grant through the National Telecommunications and Information Administration had been intended to help expand broadband access in rural and underserved communities, extend free public Wi-Fi and improve access to remote learning and telehealth services.
Most of that money would have been distributed directly to the counties to run community programs (create positions that won’t be filled), said Chung Chang, strategic broadband coordinator at the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism.
The state won’t have to return funds because it hadn’t received them yet…
(TRANSLATION: $6M in imaginary money isn’t coming.)
The University of Hawaiʻi has had the largest amount of grant funding officially terminated and the largest number of positions affected since Jan. 20. As of Thursday, 76 federal grants had been impacted, including 65 that were fully terminated, UH spokesperson Dan Meisenzahl said.
These terminations reflect a loss of grants worth $78.2 million in funding and impacted nearly 70 employees. It’s not clear how many people lost jobs because of these cuts. Federal and state grants can be used to fund portions of positions.
“Together, these cuts and policy changes represent quite a significant threat to federal funded research, and it is obviously of concern,” UH President Wendy Hensel told the Board of Regents Wednesday.
The university has created a page to track the federal actions. …
(TRANSLATION: Most Trump cuts are at UH.)
Honolulu City Manager Michael Formby reported in April that three grant programs totaling $1.7 million and four congressionally directed spending programs worth $8.7 million had been terminated.
The largest impact was the loss of access to funding for expanded rapid transit service to the Waiʻanae Coast and funds for deferred maintenance on Honolulu’s special needs housing stock….
(IDEA: Schedule an express bus without a federal grant.)
The Big Island: Hawaiʻi island had a $114,000 grant for a program for retired and senior volunteers terminated, said Tom Callis, special assistant to the county’s mayor. That funding would have come from AmeriCorps. The county also lost three AmeriCorps interns who were volunteering in the county’s Research and Development Department, he said. Hawaiʻi is a plaintiff in a lawsuit challenging cuts to the AmeriCorps program. The county confirmed that no positions have been eliminated as a result of the cuts.
Maui: A National Endowment for the Arts grant for the Hui Moʻolelo storytelling program has been terminated, Lila Lawrence said. It’s an initiative of the Maui Public Arts Corp that supports Native Hawaiian storytelling projects.
Kauaʻi: The County of Kauai has been notified that some federal funding sources may be suspended, but it hasn’t yet experienced a loss ….
HNN: University of Hawaii: Trump administration cuts surge to nearly $73 million
KHON: UH risks losing $78 million in federal research funds due to cuts | KHON2
read … See Which Hawaiʻi Agencies Have Been Hit Hardest By Trump Funding Cuts - Honolulu Civil Beat
Cruise lines are signaling a fight against Hawaii's tourism tax
TW: … The fee will be burdensome to both cruise lines and their passengers, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings said, with Hawaii's per-passenger port fees and taxes expected to increase from $200 to $350. And several travel advisors and policy experts said they anticipate the tax could be a tourism deterrent.
Before the law was voted on, CLIA hinted in written testimony to Hawaiian lawmakers that if the bill passed, the state would face legal action from the cruise industry. …
CLIA's April 2 letter to the Hawaii House Finance Committee argued that the law would violate the U.S. Constitution's Tonnage Clause, which says states can't tax ship tonnage without congressional approval. It also cited federal law that restricts non-federal parties from imposing taxes and fees on vessels sailing in U.S. waters.
"We strongly urge the committee to ensure that taxes and fees proposed under the measure are allowable under federal law and do not expose the state to potential liability or risk of legal challenge," said the letter. "For these reasons, we respectfully request that the committee amend this measure to avoid conflicts with federal law."
Peter Walsh, a Florida-based attorney who specializes in maritime law, said that in a potential legal battle, the cruise industry may also argue that the green fee violates the commerce clause of the U.S. Constitution.
"Individual states are prohibited from enacting legislation that places an undue burden on interstate or foreign commerce," Walsh said. "We also have to remember that maritime law … historically limited the ability of states to regulate ships engaged in foreign or interstate travel, reserving much of that authority to the federal government."…
SC: NCLH calls new Hawaii tax a 'burden' and 'challenge'
read … Cruise lines are signaling a fight against Hawaii's tourism tax: Travel Weekly
Three More Army EIS Will Be Rejected Next Month
CB: … The decision by the Board of Land and Natural Resources to reject the environmental impact statement does not end the Army’s use of Pōhakuloa as a live-fire training area either. But it does deal an embarrassing blow to the federal government as it starts the process of renewing a series of land leases for the first time in more than six decades.
The Army is poised to make a decision on Sunday for how much state land it will seek to retain once its 23,000-acre Pōhakuloa lease ends in 2029, according to the Federal Register.
Environmental impact surveys for three Oʻahu sites will likely come before the resources board next month. On Oʻahu, the Army leases 6,300 acres of state land in Mākua Valley in Waiʻanae; on Poamoho Ridge near Wahiawā; and in the Kahuku Training Area on the North Shore. Those leases also end in 2029….
(CLUE: They will all be rejected. This is a negotiating tactic.)
The loss of state lands would not entirely stop military training in those areas. With the exception of Oʻahu’s Kawailoa-Poamoho Training Area, the military could switch to federally owned land instead. In the long term, the Army has floated several other options to retain its training grounds:
- It could renegotiate its leases with the state, in what could be a drawn out administrative process.
- It could buy the land from the state, which would require approval from a two-thirds majority in the 76-member Legislature.
- It could propose a land swap with the state, turning over federal lands.
Some of those options, and others, could escalate far above decisions under the purview of the resources board.
Gov. Josh Green and Hawaiʻi’s congressional delegation were among officials who sent out a flurry of press releases commenting on the decision last Friday. Green told Hawaii News Now that he would like to see the Army’s training footprint shrink, with land coming back to the state for use to build housing and renewable energy.
But President Donald Trump also looms large over the discussion of military leases. Many worry that if the military doesn’t get its way, the president could seize the state lands by executive order….
MN: Military presence at Pōhakuloa Training Area critical to community safety. But at what cost to the land, native species? : Big Island Now
HNN: Army publishes final EIS for proposed Oahu land retention
read … Is The Military In For A Wake-Up Call As Hawaiʻi Leases Near End? - Honolulu Civil Beat
Before Croaking, Miske names two Trustees and directs funds to granddaughter
ILind: … Less than three months before he died, convicted racketeering boss Michael J. Miske Jr. sat at a computer in Honolulu’s Federal Detention Center to get his affairs in order, and typed out four pages of changes to the trust he had created back in 2008 to hold title to his personal and business assets. His instructions were then printed, notarized by a mobile notary, and mailed to San Francisco-based criminal defense lawyer Christopher J. Cannon, who had previously been retained by Miske’s Kamaaina Termite and Pest Control.
Copies of these last amendments to the Michael J. Miske Revokeable Living Trust, as amended, along with the the full text of three earlier versions (2008, 2014, and 2016) were filed in federal court by another San Francisco attorney, Edward M. Burch, representing the current trustees of the Miske Trust in opposition to the government’s lawsuit seeking the forfeiture of all of Miske’s property. It is the first time that the provisions of Miske’s trust have been made public.
Miske’s new instructions started off relatively routinely. He confirmed the trust’s primary beneficiary–his granddaughter, the daughter of Miske’s only son, Caleb, who died in March 2016 from complications of injuries received when a vintage 1993 Honda he was driving collided at high speed into a pickup truck turning left across traffic just outside of Windward City Shopping Center….
(TRANSLATION: Miske is trying to keep his ill-gotten gains in the hands of his family.)
The new trustees named by Miske are Honolulu attorney Alen Kaneshiro, who frequently represented Miske, Caleb, and several other Miske associates, including Lance Bermudez, who had Kaneshiro’s telephone number tattood on his arm; Russel Mascoto (“Russel Boy”) who was identified in the trial as a “ghost employee” of Kamaaina Termite who didn’t really work there, but provided “muscle” to Miske; and Jon T. Dahl, owner of companies providing transportation services to the film production industry, a longtime friend and former business partner of Miske….
(CLUE: Now you know who he trusts.)
In another change of questionable legality, Miske directed his attorney to remove the boilerplate language that empowered the trustees to pay “legally enforceable claims against me or my estate.”….
“My trustee does not have my authority to make such payments,” Miske wrote, apparently hoping to increase the time and cost for anyone seeking to collect a debt owed by Miske or his trust.
He directed that two women he had close relationships with over a number of years–Andrea Kaneakua, his longtime live-in partner, and Delia-Anne Fabro-Miske, Caleb’s wife and the mother of Miske’s granddaughter–were to be completely written out of his trust and retain no interest in it. He provided no reasons for his action….
(TRANSLATION: They were disloyal.)
CB: Miske's Trust: A Look At His Moves To Control His Fortune From The Grave - Honolulu Civil Beat
read … “With sound mind….” | i L i n d
Carvalho, Rapozo, Kouchi for Kauai Mayor?
HNN: … Kauai voters will be selecting a new mayor next year and on Wednesday, a familiar face threw his hat into the ring.
Former Kauai mayor Bernard Carvalho made an official announcement at the Kauai War Memorial Conventional Hall.
He is currently on the county council, but served as mayor from 2008 to 2018.
Also considering a run is council chair Mel Rapozo, who has been a longtime public servant on the Garden Isle….
TGI: Carvalho announces mayoral candidacy - The Garden Island
KN: Kaua‘i councilman announces run for mayor : Kauai Now
FLASHBACK: Kouchi not running for reelection in 2026—Kawakami to take seat
read … Former Kauai mayor announces run for office
University of Hawaii tuition to rise for first time since 2018
KHON: … According to UH, undergraduate tuition at UH Mānoa will rise from $11,304 to $11,520 in the 2025–26 academic year, and to $11,760 the following year. For full-time students taking upper-level courses at UH community colleges, tuition will rise from $7,344 to $7,488 in fall 2025 and increase again in 2026–27….
read … University of Hawaii tuition to rise for first time since 2018 | KHON2
Kona property housing 22 illegals under investigation for code violations
KHON: … A Kona property where dozens of migrants were reportedly living in poor conditions is now under scrutiny by Hawaii County building enforcement officials.
Last week, federal agents detained 22 individuals at the site, all of whom had final orders of deportation.
The migrants told KHON2’s Always Investigating team they each paid thousands of dollars to live at the compound, located off Mamalahoa Highway.
Hawaii County officials confirmed the Department of Public Works is pursuing enforcement action against the property for unpermitted and substandard construction. Potential penalties could include fines or other corrective measures….
MN: Property owner troubled by ICE raid that turned up ‘nothing’ | News, Sports, Jobs - Maui News
read … Kona property housing migrants under investigation for code violations | KHON2
University of Hawaii continues search for $500k/yr Athletics Director
KHON: … UH President Wendy Hensel said the salary range for the position will be between $375,000 and $500,000 annually, with relocation expenses and potential bonuses included.
Hensel said the higher compensation is necessary to attract the right candidate for the job….
The position became vacant after former athletics director Craig Angelos was fired in December. He was earning about $350,000 a year at the time of his dismissal. University officials confirmed that Angelos has reapplied for the role.
While Hensel described the current applicant pool as “robust,” no additional names or details were released…
read … University of Hawaii continues search for Athletics Director | KHON2
Hawaiʻi Electricity Shut-Offs Are Nearly Triple Pre-Pandemic Levels
CB: … On Oʻahu, there were almost three times as many residential disconnections in 2024 as in 2019, the year before the pandemic, according to data from Hawaiian Electric Company, or HECO, which serves 95% of the state’s electricity customers.
Last year on Oʻahu, more than 10,000 residential customers were disconnected, compared to just over 3,650 in 2019. The latest total was the highest in a decade on Oʻahu. Those totals may include some customers who had their service cut off more than once, said Darren Pai, manager of external communications at HECO….
Disconnections on the Big Island last year also were nearly triple the number in 2019 — up to more than 3,300 from just over 1,200 in the year before the pandemic began.
During the worst of the pandemic, the Hawaiʻi Public Utilities Commission ordered a statewide moratorium on disconnections from March 2020 to June 2021. After that ended, HECO instituted payment plans for customers.
“Unfortunately, we did see an increase in disconnections after the moratorium ended as there were customers that did not keep up with their payment plans,” Pai said….
read … Hawaiʻi Electricity Shut-Offs Are Nearly Triple Pre-Pandemic Levels
Five Delayed Hawaiian Electric Projects
IM: … The latest filing describes five delayed projects.
MECO`s proposed the Waena 40 MW and 160 MWh of grid-tied stand-alone Battery Energy Storage System.
The 2020 application with the Public Utilities Commission stated, “The Company requests a Commission Decision approving the commitment of funds for the Project by mid-February 2021, to meet the Project schedule and the Guaranteed Commercial Operations Date (GCOD) of April 28, 2023.”
The latest Guaranteed Commercial Operations Date is now set for November 30, 2026.
Ho‘ohana Solar, founded by 174PG in 2013, proposed a 52MW, 208MWh solar/battery project in Kunia, Oahu. The Public Utilities Commission approved the power purchase agreement in 2019 and the overhead interconnection line in 2021. The latest Guaranteed Commercial Operations Date was October 31, 2024.
The AES Mountain View Solar proposed a 7 MW, 35 MWh solar/battery project on Oahu with a Guaranteed Commercial Operations Date of May 17, 2024. The latest new date is October 2025.
The AES Waiawa Phase 2 Solar proposed a 30 MW, 240 MWh solar/battery project on Oahu. The Guaranteed Commercial Operations Date of Sept. 1, 2024, is being pushed back to December 2025.
Arion Energy proposed the KHLS 1.72 MW solar farm on Oahu. The Guaranteed Commercial Operations Date of Mar. 17, 2023, was not achieved.
read … Five Delayed Hawaiian Electric Projects | Ililani Media
Hawaii Restaurant Closed for Roaches—But Who Would Know?
BH: … The public is told they can check the safety of Hawaii restaurants by visiting inspections.myhealthdepartment.com/soh. That’s the official platform for finding red and yellow placards, violations, and inspection history.
But even now—long after DOH rolled out the new system following a long and frustrating outage—the experience remains confusing and limited.
Searching terms like “L&L Maui,” “Maui Marketplace,” or “Dairy Road” brings up nothing. The closed restaurant appears only under its exact listing: “Maui L & L Food.” Most users will never guess that. It took us repeated attempts to find out what would yield this restaurant’s results ourselves….
read … Hawaii Restaurant Closed for Roaches—But Who Would Know? - Beat of Hawaii
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