infrastructure

Gov. Josh Green addresses several issues in the aftermath of the deadly Maui wildfires; the Consumer Protection office warns against fundraising scams; Bishop Museum looks to salvage historic artifacts; and local chefs organize to provide free meals to Maui residents impacted by the fires

The Hawaiʻi County Council unanimously passed a resolution urging the United States Postal Service to increase infrastructure after long-time community concerns.

The remote peninsula of Kalaupapa, on Molokaʻi's northern coast, will get electrical upgrades in 2025 — and overcome many logistical challenges to complete the project. Reliable electricity is critical to daily life, and the current electrical system is aged and failing. It was first installed in 1969. HPR's Catherine Cluett Pactol has more.

Compared to the national average, it takes three times longer to obtain building permits in Hawaiʻi — which could add nearly $325,000 to the cost of a home. Gov. Josh Green's latest year-long emergency proclamation creates a working group to expedite housing and infrastructure developments to bypass some specific permit and environmental reviews. HPR's Sabrina Bodon has more.

The County of Maui will reopen a rural roadway for limited evening and nighttime access for local residents at Alelele Point. The road will be open from 5:30 p.m. to 7 a.m. daily.

A federal fund that aims to support infrastructure projects across the country has awarded $50 million to two separate projects in Hawaiʻi. The Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RISE) grant program is a $2.2 billion fund dedicated to aiding regions in persistent poverty or those that have been historically disadvantaged.

The city is set to take control of the first segment of Honolulu’s rail system. Transportation officials hosted a couple dozen members of the disabled community last week to get feedback about accessibility. The Conversation's Catherine Cruz spoke to one man who said some things could be improved, but overall the system is a good experience.

The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation is preparing to hand over the first segment of rail to city officials on June 9. Meanwhile, the next segment from Hālawa to Middle Street, which includes the airport station, is slated to open in 2025. The Conversation's Catherine Cruz spoke with HART leaders to learn the latest.

Kauaʻi lawmakers want the state to consider reassigning privately leased state lands in Wailua for public use and access. The parcels are connected to the dilapidated Coco Palms Resort, which has been under scrutiny by county and state entities for years since it was destroyed by Hurricane ʻIniki in 1992. HPR's Sabrina Bodon reports.

In a widespread disaster, many people rely on emergency radio broadcasts for the latest information. To strengthen its national network of broadcasting facilities, the Federal Emergency Management Agency has partnered with local AM radio station CBS 1500, or KHKA.