Politics

The 4th annual Future Focus Conference on technologies and innovation is underway in Honolulu. The highlight was educating tomorrow’s workforce.

The University of Hawai’i at Manoa is re-launching its Oral History Center.

2,700 Marriott Hotel workers went on strike this morning in Waikiki and Maui.  Unite Here Local 5 union representatives asked for a three dollar raise and hotel negotiators countered with 30 cents.

The 2018 Global Tourism Summit last week focused on attracting more affluent travelers who tend to stay longer and spend more.

The 2018 Global Tourism Summit opened today with a very special luncheon guest.

The City is reviving a proposal to build a bridge to connect McCully and Mo’ili’ili to Waikiki.

The Honolulu City Council is gearing up to clamp down on Monster Homes and Illegal Vacation Rentals.

Only one in three races for the Hawai’i State Senate and House of Representatives are being contested by Republicans.

The City and County of Honolulu is considering ways to develop partnerships to refurbish and maintain the iconic Koko Head Trail.

The Hawai’i Interagency Council on Homelessness conducted its quarterly meeting today and provided updated plans.

Tropical Storm Olivia is weakening but Hawai’i homeowners should be aware of what their insurance policies cover.

A Tropical Storm Watch remains in effect as Olivia advances toward the islands.

Baby Boomers are celebrating their 65th birthdays at a rate of 8-10-thousand each day.  And many aren’t prepared for health care expenses.   HPR’s Wayne Yoshioka reports.

Amid all the high-rise developments in Kaka’ako, one property owner has decided to turn the clock back 90 years. HPR’s Wayne Yoshioka reports.   

The Dearborn Chemical Company Warehouse was built in 1928 on Ward Avenue, between Waimanu and Kawai’ahao Streets. 

Dearborn 535 LLC is requesting a building permit to spend $5 million to restore the property to its original 1928 configuration.  Jenna Wells is Dearborn’s executive director.

An ongoing dispute over the use of state-owned beachfront land in Kahala is heading to the Board of Land and Natural Resources next week.  HPR’s Wayne Yoshioka reports.   

Federal agency leaders were briefed today on relief efforts in the state during 4 months of devastating natural disasters. HPR’s Wayne Yoshioka reports.   

U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary, Kirstjen Nielsen, who also heads the Federal Emergency Management Agency, says FEMA coordinators were already in Hawai’i assisting during the volcanic eruption on the Big Island, the April flood on Kaua’i and O’ahu, and ramped up operations when Hurricane Lane threatened the islands August 22nd.

The Honolulu City Council is attempting to get ahead of rapidly evolving transportation technology.  HPR’s Wayne Yoshioka reports.   

The state is moving ahead with its plan to replace O’ahu’s aging jail for pre-trial detainees and those will less than a year sentence.

The state was spared from distructive force winds as Hurricane Lane passed by the islands.  But, public utility and city leaders aren’t waiting for another close call.

Tourists in Waikiki are weathering the storm as Hurricane Lane moves closer to O’ahu.   HPR’s Wayne Yoshioka reports.   

There are an estimated 70-80-thousand tourists in Waikiki on any given day.  Elaine D’Sa from San Francisco is sitting on the beach under cloudy skies and a slight drizzle, looking out at a choppy ocean.

The effects of Hurricane Lane are being felt on the Big Island and has prompted State and County leaders to take immediate action.

The State and Counties are preparing for Hurricane Lane, which is moving toward the island chain.

Running for Elected Office in Hawai’i is a daunting endeavor for many first-time candidates. But, win or lose, there are many lessons to be learned.

A Constitutional Amendment question on public education funding will be on the General Election Ballot. In his second report on this issue, HPR’s Wayne Yoshioka provides the teacher’s union perspective.

The State Legislature is expected to submit a Constitutional Amendment question next week for placement on the General Election ballot.

The Democratic Party had its Unity Breakfast yesterday following hard-fought Primary Election races for the state’s top two jobs.

Precinct voting sites are due to open Saturday and the Democratic contenders for Governor are making their final push to the finish line.

2018 marks the re-emergence of the women’s movement for social and economic justice. In Hawai’i, that conversation is making its way across traditional generational and political lines.

Hawai’i’s Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard has made it through two election cycles without facing any of her challengers in a public debate or forum.

An Independent Political Action Committee is financing a negative campaign against an incumbent Honolulu City Councilwoman.