With yet another announcement from the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) that a Hawaii business has shortchanged employees — this time by skimming off a portion of workers’ tips, in addition to failing to pay overtime — it’s time for a holiday-themed public service announcement to employers: Don’t do that. Read more
The post-pandemic return of Japanese tourists to Hawaii has been steady, but slow — an ongoing concern since these visitors have long been valued as mindful and respectful, and their spending notably helps to float the state’s economic boat. Read more
The city is walking a tightrope as it prepares to reveal next week “three potential paths” for creating a new landfill on Oahu. Problem is, not one of the locations scouted since 2022 as an alternative is legally viable. Read more
As holiday traditions go, Giving Tuesday is a relative newcomer, but it has shown its staying power. It was launched in 2012 as a project of New York City’s 92nd Street Y but now is operating globally as an independent nonprofit (online at www.givingtuesday.org) that pursues “radical generosity.” Read more
Honolulu has major housing problems, on two fronts: affordability and availability. Action is required in multiple ways to address these issues and make housing accessible to local residents — particularly young families and members of the workforce. Read more
On Nov. 21, state Auditor Les Kondo presented some of the alarming findings to Hawaii lawmakers. Read more
’is the season for holiday cheer, time with family and friends, gift-giving and feasts — and scams and fraud. Read more
Many people find themselves longing for a moment’s peace. Read more
The grant-funded initiative will feature local artists and storytellers, highlighting 11 culturally significant sites across the island — among them Haleiwa Beach Park and Hanauma Bay — and will even include the city’s roving buses. Read more
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The Honolulu Police Department is seeking to impede further the proliferation of these privately made, unregulated firearms. Read more
Far from the waning sands of Oahu’s North Shore, another insidious erosion problem gnaws away at downtown Honolulu. Read more
It’s well-documented that the Waianae Coast has a crime problem. Read more
On Nov. 12, the Honolulu Rate Commission (HRC) heard from DTS about the proposed changes — but frankly, this public rollout was handled too abruptly, if not clumsily. Read more
The sense of deja vu is hard to shake, after a viral outbreak that exploded to become the COVID-19 global pandemic. Read more
The Honolulu City Council has an opportunity to set an example for Oahu — and all Hawaii — by banning single-use plastic bottles at city facilities, then at city-sponsored events, in two phases over three-year periods. Read more
Is Ala Pono a bridge too far? That is at the center of a debate, underway for three years, about the planned pedestrian bridge over the Ala Wai Canal, crossing at the start of University Avenue. Read more
A proposed sewer fee increase currently under Honolulu City Council review could see resident and commercial customers shell out more than 124% above what they pay now. Read more
The ugly reality of Red Hill has risen to the surface once again, and it’s much worse than previously divulged. Read more
The Hawaii County Council is struggling with the proliferation of short-term rentals (STRs), which have taken residences off the market for locals and contributed to rising housing prices. Read more
The reality of coastal erosion from sea level rise is intensifying statewide, revealing more situations of structures precariously perched at ocean’s edge, undermined by waves and dangerously close to being swept out to sea. Read more
A gift of 249 acres in Makaha Valley from The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation to MA‘O Organic Farms promises to open up additional opportunities and college assistance for young people interested in agriculture, while also adding to Oahu’s severely limited supply of affordable housing stock. Read more
