Friday

06-13-2025 Vol 1990

Hawaii Updates: Governor’s Veto List, New Basketball GM, Parking Rate Increases, and More

Good evening, Hawaii!

Tonight, we bring you the latest updates on significant stories impacting the state as we continue to navigate through the week.

In a move that has garnered attention across the state, Governor Josh Green has announced his intent to veto 19 bills from the 2025 legislative session.

Among the bills included in his veto list are crucial measures related to property forfeiture, tax credits, access to medical cannabis, and electric bicycles.

Out of the 320 bills passed this session, Green’s decision reflects thorough legal and fiscal considerations aimed at serving the people of Hawaii and protecting the state’s resources.

The Governor has until July 9 to finalize his decisions on these bills, with any bill not acted upon by that date automatically becoming law.

Green commented, “Our team has completed a review of every measure, and the overwhelming majority of legislation will become law.”

For more details on the specific bills he intends to veto, click the link above.

In another noteworthy development in Hawaii’s collegiate athletics, Patty Mills, a seasoned veteran of the NBA, has stepped into the role of general manager for the Hawaii men’s basketball program.

This announcement aligns with a rising trend across college athletics where established sports figures are taking on GM roles, reshaping the dynamics of collegiate sports.

Mills joins the Rainbow Warriors in a multifaceted role that could encompass roster building, fundraising, and player development, all vital in the era of Name, Image, and Likeness regulations.

His extensive experience in the NBA, coupled with his local ties — having spent many off-seasons on Oahu and a personal connection to the community — position him as a valuable asset for the program.

Notable figures like Shaquille O’Neal and Stephen Curry have also joined the management ranks in college programs, showcasing the increasing intersection of professional sports and college athletics.

Meanwhile, parking rates at the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) are set to increase starting July 1, stirring discussions among travelers.

The Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) announced that while the first hour rates will remain unchanged at $1 for the first half hour and $3 for the first hour, incremental increases will follow in the upcoming two years.

These adjustments are designed to support ongoing modernization efforts and enhance public safety at the airport’s parking facilities.

For those picking up passengers, HNL offers two designated cell phone waiting lots, providing a convenient option while avoiding parking fees during short waits.

The rates are expected to help improve the overall infrastructure of the airport, ensuring it aligns with the needs of travelers.

In a significant community-focused effort, dredging work began this week to restore access to the Pohoiki Boat Ramp, which has remained blocked due to lava flows from Kilauea for the past eight years.

The restoration efforts follow a community blessing and aim to remove approximately 42,000 cubic yards of black sand and boulders, with completion anticipated by November.

State officials emphasized the importance of the ramp to the local fishing community, underscoring that nearly 6 million was allocated specifically to this project.

Delays in the project attributed to federal support issues were addressed, with state officials expressing gratitude to local legislators for securing funding necessary for the dredging efforts.

Lastly, after nearly two decades without a dedicated racing facility, plans have been unveiled for a new dirt racetrack in Kalaeloa, aimed at Oahu’s motorsport enthusiasts.

This initiative was announced by Mayor Rick Blangiardi and city officials during a town hall meeting, revealing the project is set to occupy 20 acres in an undeveloped park area.

The facility aims to curb illegal street racing and enhance recreational opportunities for motorsport enthusiasts while addressing safety concerns associated with unauthorized racing activities.

The community has long awaited the return of a racing venue since the closure of the Hawaii Raceway Park in 2006, marking a potentially transformative moment for local motorsport culture.

As we continue to follow these stories and their developments, stay tuned for more updates on various community initiatives and legislative actions shaping the future of Hawaii.

Thank you for joining us this evening, and we hope you enjoy the rest of your night.

image source from:https://spectrumlocalnews.com/hi/hawaii/evening-briefing/2025/06/10/hawaii-evening-briefing–june-10–2025

Charlotte Hayes