Good evening, Hawaii. It has been a day filled with significant developments across the state.
Unsettled weather persists, particularly affecting Kauai with rain and storm warnings in place until Wednesday. A Flood Watch is ongoing, while other areas will experience scattered afternoon showers due to southerly winds.
### Federal Project Cuts in Hawaii
In local news, seven federally funded projects in Hawaii have been cut due to ongoing federal spending cuts.
The cancellation includes a $4.8 million project aimed at improving public transportation in and out of Waianae. This decision was documented in a memo from Honolulu managing director Mike Formby to the City Council’s Budget Committee last week.
The cuts consist of four Congressional Directed Spending programs valued at over $8.7 million and three federally granted projects totaling $1.7 million. State Rep. Darius Kila expressed disappointment over the termination of the Waianae Coast Bus Rapid Transit project, calling it “devastating” for residents who depend on reliable transit.
“Every day, Waianae residents depend on public transit to get to work, school, and support their families,” Kila stated, emphasizing the long-standing neglect faced by the community.
The projects affected also include vital initiatives like special-needs housing improvements at $3 million, a green stormwater infrastructure planning study at $500,000, and a community equity program for small businesses at $404,000.
Additionally, a Federal Emergency Management Agency grant for a microgrid installation at Kaimuki Middle School has also been rescinded.
### Progress on Hawaii’s Biennial Budget
On a more positive note, Hawaii’s biennial state budget has moved forward, having cleared conference committees with unanimous support.
House Bill 300’s Conference Draft 1 is now headed for a final vote in both the Senate and House of Representatives.
Senate Committee on Ways and Means chair Donovan Dela Cruz highlighted the budget’s aim to strengthen Hawaii’s future, addressing core programs for vulnerable populations and promoting regional economic development.
The total operating budget proposed is just under $40 billion, with a Capital Improvement Project budget approximating $5.7 billion.
For the upcoming fiscal years, the draft allocates $19.94 billion for Fiscal Year 2026 and $19.76 billion for Fiscal Year 2027.
### Legislation Against Nepotism in Hawaii County
In another significant development, the Hawai ʻi County Council has taken steps to outlaw nepotism among government employees.
Last week, the council considered Bill 21 to update the Hawaiʻi County Code, aiming to ensure an impartial hiring and promotion process that prohibits nepotism.
This proposed legislation aligns with the state’s ethics policies, which forbid hiring relatives for government jobs or participating in related discussions.
Council member Heather Kimball introduced Bill 21, citing difficulties in filling government positions due to the close-knit nature of the community, where a significant portion of the population is related.
“Trust in government is at an all-time low level,” Kimball noted, referring to past corruption cases in various government sectors.
If the bill is passed and signed into law, the Human Resources Department will need to revise its hiring processes to avoid conflicts of interest when relatives are involved in the review of applications.
### Kilauea Volcano Erupts Again
The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory has reported that Kilauea volcano erupted again, marking the 18th episode of activity.
The latest activity series started on Wednesday but paused later that same evening, resuming on Sunday with newly formed lava flows before a temporary halt.
Following this, on Tuesday morning, the volcano intensified, exhibiting lava overflows, leading to impressive lava fountains reaching over 650 feet high.
The eruption phase lasted for over ten hours before both the north and south vents of Kilauea ceased erupting around 1:28 p.m.
This activity resulted in lava flows covering more than 60% of the Halemaʻumaʻu crater floor.
The observatory cautioned local communities about elevated sulfur dioxide emissions, which have been reported at rates of 20,000 to 50,000 tonnes per day.
### Airlines Consolidate Operations
Hawaiian and Alaska Airlines are making moves to streamline operations by co-locating facilities in various U.S. airports.
Alaska Airlines announced these changes in a recent release, indicating the integration of airport spaces would enhance the experience for travelers.
The transition includes Hawaiian Airlines relocating its check-in operations at Los Angeles International Airport to Terminal 6, where Alaska Airlines currently operates.
This is aimed at facilitating quicker movement between various airport services for guests.
Moreover, Hawaiian Airlines has launched operations at Terminal 8 at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport, moving from Terminal 4.
By October, a full merger at Terminal 8 is expected, enhancing connectivity with Alaska’s one-world alliance partners like American Airlines and British Airways.
As part of this partnership, First Class guests on both airlines will enjoy access to the Admirals Club at the JFK terminal.
### Summary and Upcoming Notes
Tomorrow, April 23, the community will observe notable events including the sentencing of a man found guilty of attempted murder of Salman Rushdie and court hearings related to various legal cases.
Additionally, tomorrow marks the 20th anniversary of YouTube, a significant milestone in media history.
Stay tuned for more updates and coverage on these stories and more right here on Spectrum News+.
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