An estimated 70 patients completed the medical-aid-in-dying request process last year, nearly double the number in 2020, when 37 patients qualified, according to state Department of Health testimony submitted to the Legislature during its most recent session. Read more
Despite competitive wages and a promise of “awesome, fun-filled opportunities,” the pandemic-era labor shortage has extended to two of Oahu’s largest summer programs for kids. Read more
In the first quarter of 2022, the state Department of Health recorded 4,466 marriages, up 54% from 2,908 in the same three months of 2021, according to preliminary data. Read more
Friday night fireworks off the Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort might soon return in what could be seen as another sign of recovery from the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Read more
The matter is on the agenda for Friday’s BLNR meeting. Read more
A Hawaii man charged with murder in the shooting death of his wife’s lover should be locked up because of his wealth and the danger he poses to his family, a prosecutor said. Read more
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Oahu’s population declined by 12,337 residents from July 1, 2020, to July 1, 2021, according to U.S. Census Bureau data released Thursday, continuing a trend that was hurried along by the COVID-19 pandemic. Read more
Maui Grown Therapies will open its third medical cannabis dispensary in Pukalani, as Big Isle-based Hawaiian Ethos has introduced cannabis-infused chocolates for medical marijuana patients in the state. Read more
The state’s total population was estimated at 1,441,553, down 0.7% from the July 1, 2020, figure. Read more
Proposals to cap tour flights over Hawai‘i Volcanoes and Haleakala national parks — or ban them altogether — are among the options being considered as two federal agencies work to draft mandated air tour management plans that are more than 20 years overdue. Read more
The previously limited menu of edible products at Hawaii’s medical cannabis dispensaries has been expanded under new Department of Health rules allowing the sale of gummies, chocolates, beverages, brownies, cookies and other items. Read more
A new federal study on the effects of lowering the legal limit for impaired driving in Utah could provide a substantial push for legislative efforts in Hawaii to follow suit. Read more
Hawaii’s medical cannabis dispensary program, launched in 2016, allows only eight licensees statewide. Read more
Shark bite numbers vary from year to year for no apparent reason, but over the past 10 years, there have been an average of almost nine incidents annually, according to the state Division of Aquatic Resources. Read more
The sale and possession of electronic guns became legal in Hawaii on Jan. 1, but it will be at least several weeks before they are available to the public. Read more
The “pre-final” master plan for University of Hawaii-managed lands on Mauna Kea clarifies a commitment that none of the five sites where observatories are to be removed by the end of 2033 will be used for future astronomy operations. Read more
The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops has voted to support possible sainthood for “Brother” Joseph Dutton, who converted to Catholicism on his 40th birthday in 1883 and worked at the Hansen’s disease settlement at Kalaupapa for almost 45 years as penance for what he called his “degenerate decade” of hard drinking. Read more
A newly released draft environmental review of a proposed $54 million, 200-room hotel adjacent to Kahului Airport that would cater to business travelers anticipates few negative impacts but comes amid impassioned debate on Maui about over- tourism. Read more
The Maui location is the once-formidable retailer’s last full-line department store in Hawaii. Today’s closure at the end of business will complete a gradual withdrawal from the islands that began after Sears’ 2018 bankruptcy. Read more
Coronavirus is ‘far deadlier’ than influenza, which killed 1 in past year, Hawaii officials say. Read more
With the new flu season just underway, health officials are urging the public to get their annual shots, which can be administered at the same time as COVID-19 vaccinations. Read more
