Honolulu’s Source for Local News, Business & Events
Honolulu’s Source for Local News, Business & Events
City, county, and state government news affecting Honolulu
Mayor Rick Blangiardi departed for China today on a 10-day mission to convince Beijing to loan giant pandas to the Honolulu Zoo. The ambitious panda diplomacy effort comes just after the zoo’s accreditation was extended through 2030.
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Honolulu City Council withdrew $34M to buy the former JAIMS site in Hawaii Kai, citing storm recovery costs. Community groups wanted the oceanfront property for public use rather than private development.
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The Honolulu City Council voted 8-1 to authorize HART to study rail extensions to UH Manoa and Waikiki. The 18-month feasibility studies will examine ridership projections and costs for expanding beyond the current system’s planned Kakaako terminus.
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The Honolulu City Council is considering Bill 48 to expand Fort Street Mall’s pedestrian zone as a strategy to reduce crime and revive downtown’s struggling economy. Local merchants remain divided on whether the proposal will solve underlying problems or simply spread them over a larger area.
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The Honolulu Police Commission has narrowed its search for the next police chief to six semi-finalists from an initial pool of 11 candidates. The selection will shape HPD’s approach to crime, community policing, and department culture across Oahu.
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Honolulu City Council will vote on $17 million in COVID hazard pay for over 2,000 bus workers, giving each $7,500 for pandemic service. The approval comes nearly two years after federal funds became available.
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State lawmakers finalized 90 projects worth $129 million to be funded by Hawaii’s proposed $50 visitor Green Fee. Oahu projects include North Shore coastal protection and Ko’olau invasive species removal, though some community priorities were cut.
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Former Hawaii Gov. George Ariyoshi, the nation’s first Asian American governor, died Sunday at age 100. His 12-year tenure shaped modern Honolulu through environmental protections and controlled growth policies that continue benefiting residents today.
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Honolulu City Council removed $34 million from the budget meant to acquire six acres in Hawaii Kai, leaving residents wondering what the city planned for the prime real estate. The decision came with minimal public discussion despite years of community advocacy for infrastructure improvements.
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The Honolulu City Council is considering expanding Fort Street Mall’s pedestrian zone by two blocks, from Hotel to Merchant Street. The $2.8 million proposal aims to create a larger car-free corridor through Downtown’s financial district.
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