Good evening, Hawaii. Here are the main stories making headlines today.
High pressure systems are expected to maintain moderate to breezy northeast to easterly trade winds throughout today and the early part of next week. This weather is accompanied by increased chances of rain tomorrow and Sunday, with typical summer patterns anticipated to return next week.
In significant news, Scott Saiki has been appointed as the state insurance commissioner nearly a year following his unexpected primary loss to Kim Coco Iwamoto. Saiki, a former Speaker of the Hawaii House of Representatives, will oversee the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs’ Insurance Division at a crucial time for Hawaii’s insurance sector.
The state’s insurance market has been challenged by escalating premiums and the withdrawal of property insurers, largely due to a rise in climate-related catastrophic events, notably the recent Maui wildfires. In a proactive move, Governor Green recently signed Act 296 into law, which revitalizes the Hawaii Hurricane Relief Fund and expands the powers of the Hawaii Property Insurance Association. This legislation aims to enhance coverage options available to residents and also establishes a Condominium Loan Program to aid in maintaining insurability for buildings.
As part of his responsibilities, Saiki will be mandated to conduct a comprehensive study aimed at developing sustainable strategies for stabilizing the insurance market. He brings a wealth of experience, holding a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Hawaii at Manoa and a juris doctor from the William S. Richardson School of Law.
Meanwhile, the Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Aquatic Resources is seeking public input regarding the management of Maui’s near-shore waters. The Holomua Marine Initiative has called upon local residents to participate in discussions surrounding a revised draft proposal designed to protect Maui’s aquatic ecosystems, ensuring healthy reefs and abundant resources for future generations.
For over two years, the community-nominated Maui Navigation Team has collaborated with DAR to craft these draft management recommendations, which were initially presented in September 2024 through public information sessions. Thanks to the valuable feedback gathered, the navigation team has made further refinements to the proposal and is now soliciting additional input from the community to perfect the draft.
Residents interested in contributing their thoughts are encouraged to RSVP for one of the upcoming public sessions scheduled for July 29 at the Mayor Hannibal Tavares Pukalani Community Center in Pukalani, and August 5 at the Kihei Community Center.
On another front, the Honolulu Police Commission is advancing efforts to recruit a new police chief. In a unanimous vote, the Commission has decided to engage a consultant to aid in the search, ensuring that the selection process yields a candidate well-suited for the role.
This decision stems from previous reviews and public concerns regarding the extensive timeframe taken during the last search, which lasted almost a year. Current Chief Joe Logan, who was appointed in May 2022, will officially leave his position on August 1, paving the way for a new leader.
Interim Police Chief Rade Vanic, who has assumed responsibilities effective immediately, emphasized the significance of this role, noting that Honolulu’s police department ranks among the largest in the country in terms of officer count and annual budget.
The Commission is optimistic about receiving numerous applications for the role but acknowledges that the quality of candidates is paramount, necessitating a professional approach to the search. Commissioner Doug Chin highlighted the importance of the Honolulu police chief position, reflecting on its impact on public safety and service.
In a related sphere, a report from the University of Hawaii Rural Health Research and Policy Center sheds light on the various travel-related obstacles faced by residents in rural areas and the neighbor islands when accessing healthcare services.
The study, titled “The Impacts of Transportation and Travel Access of Rural Health in Hawaii,” identifies numerous challenges, from long response times for ambulances to high costs and unreliability of non-emergency transportation. This is particularly salient for residents of Molokai and Lanai, who are often limited by minimal airline service, leading to significant delays and cancellations that hinder their access to timely medical care.
Approximately 30% of Hawaii’s population resides in rural communities, yet most specialty healthcare services are concentrated on Oahu. The Queen’s Medical Center, Hawaii’s only Level 1 trauma center, is located in Honolulu, exacerbating these access issues.
John Desfor, a policy and data analyst at RHRPC, stressed the necessity for coordinated efforts across healthcare, transportation, and policy sectors to improve access to healthcare in rural regions. The report compiles policy options aimed at addressing these critical barriers, hoping to stimulate meaningful action to enhance transportation accessibility for rural healthcare.
Lastly, in national news, President Donald Trump has filed a $10 billion lawsuit against The Wall Street Journal and media magnate Rupert Murdoch over a report highlighting his connections to the late financier Jeffrey Epstein. This legal action comes in the wake of an article detailing a suggestive letter purportedly signed by Trump and included in a 2003 birthday compilation for Epstein.
The contents of this letter have been termed “false, malicious and defamatory” by Trump, who vehemently denied authorship. The letter, which is reported to include a hand-drawn image and a whimsical birthday wish, adds to the complex narrative surrounding Trump and Epstein’s past associations.
This lawsuit was filed in federal court in Miami and underscores the ongoing scrutiny faced by the former president amidst the backdrop of a tumultuous political landscape.
As we approach the weekend, here are some events to keep in mind:
On Saturday, July 19, the World Snail Racing Championships will take place in Norfolk, UK, featuring up to 200 snails competing.
The Garden State Cat Club of NJ will celebrate its annual Cat Expo and Show, reputed to be the largest in New York and New Jersey.
Coinciding with events in Hawaii, Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent will lead a U.S. delegation to the World Expo in Osaka, Japan.
In sports, Oleksandr Usyk is set to face off against Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium.
Looking ahead to Sunday, July 20, the much-anticipated Shark Week 2025 will kick off on the Discovery Channel, marking its 37th installment.
Additionally, the 20th anniversary of the popular TV dance competition ‘So You Think You Can Dance’ will premiere on FOX, showcasing dance talent from across the nation.
Finally, July 20 also marks Eunice Kennedy Shriver Day, a day of recognition for the founder of the Special Olympics International and her lifelong dedication to individuals with intellectual disabilities.
This weekend promises a variety of events and important discussions, highlighting community engagement and celebration across the islands.
image source from：spectrumlocalnews
