Good evening, Hawaii. Today’s news roundup includes crucial updates on weather conditions, a serious incident involving Hawaiian Airlines, local environmental efforts, legislative changes, and food assistance concerns.
As we transition into late May, the weather across Hawaii will remain breezy, with trade winds carrying clouds and rain potential primarily in windward and mauka regions.
An upper-level disturbance approaching the islands may bring heavier rain and thunderstorms towards the end of the week.
However, a welcome change is expected as drier and sunnier weather moves in, particularly over the Memorial Day weekend.
In major news, Hawaiian Airlines Flight 15 was evacuated at San Diego International Airport after a bomb threat was reportedly made by a passenger.
A 35-year-old military member, John Stea, allegedly told a flight attendant that another passenger had explosives.
As the aircraft was preparing for departure to Honolulu, the pilot took precautionary measures, taxiing the plane to a secure location where local law enforcement and the FBI responded around 8:45 a.m. local time.
Passengers, numbering 283 along with 10 crew members, were safely removed from the aircraft while a thorough inspection was conducted.
Authorities ultimately found no dangerous items on board, and after clearance was given, the flight departed San Diego at 2:15 p.m., five hours later than originally scheduled.
On another front, the Hawaii Department of Transportation announced public engagement regarding the removal of PFAs-impacted soil at Kahului Airport.
Residents are invited to a meeting scheduled for May 21 from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Kahului Airport Conference Room to discuss the project, which involves addressing soil contaminated with potential per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances.
These substances are often found in firefighting foams used at airports, and the meeting aims to clarify the removal process and its duration.
In legislative news, a new bill aimed at allowing tinting on sedans comparable to trucks and SUVs awaits Governor Josh Green’s approval.
State Representative Darius Kila, the bill’s author, emphasized that the proposed changes modernize vehicle tint regulations that have not been updated in over 40 years.
This legislation is positioned as a measure of fairness, ensuring all vehicles benefit from safety enhancements that window tinting can provide.
It includes a stipulation that requires drivers and passengers to lower tinted windows during traffic stops to promote transparency and safety for law enforcement officers.
Support for the bill has been expressed by the Honolulu Police Department Traffic Division, which underscores the balance in ensuring both public protection and officer safety.
In a positive development for Hawaii’s internet connectivity, Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke announced the success of the Digital Detectives campaign aimed at mapping internet speeds statewide.
More than 6,000 residents, mainly students, participated in testing their internet speeds, with the goal of pinpointing areas in dire need of better internet infrastructure.
Data gathered from these speed tests will guide the construction of fiber-optic lines in underserved regions beginning as soon as this year.
Awards were given to the most engaged classes, highlighting student involvement and the importance of understanding digital equity.
Lastly, concerns are rising about proposed cuts to the SNAP food assistance program that could have dire consequences in Hawaii.
After losing his job due to an injury, Micah Naniole-Furutani shared how critical the $500 in monthly SNAP benefits has been for him and his family.
Republican plans to cut around $300 billion from SNAP over the next decade to finance tax cuts could worsen food insecurity in a state already grappling with high food costs.
State lawmakers warn that such cuts could dramatically intensify food scarcity affecting roughly 157,600 residents in Hawaii.
Rep. Jill Tokuda criticized these proposals, describing them as excessively punitive and detrimental to low-income families already struggling to make ends meet.
The fate of the proposed changes is uncertain, but discussions continue as community leaders and residents advocate for maintaining essential support services during challenging times.
image source from：https://spectrumlocalnews.com/hi/hawaii/evening-briefing/2025/05/20/hawaii-evening-briefing–may-20–2025
