Two measures that would allow counties to begin phasing out non-conforming use permits for transient vacation rental units passed out of both of their chambers. It would give counties more control over short-term rentals. HPR's Ashley Mizuo has more.

The operator of a lūʻau in a residential area of Honolulu said he plans to continue his business despite city officials ordering him to stop. At the end of February, the Honolulu Department of Planning and Permitting gave Karl Veto Baker until March 30 to correct the violation. Baker said he created the lūʻau to bring back representation of Hawaiian culture. HPR's Cassie Ordonio has more.

The state Legislature is still working on measures addressing marijuana this session — not legalization, but increasing the amount covered by decriminalization. The attention to the regulation of the substance has raised questions about clearing criminal records for marijuana convictions under old laws. HPR's Ashley Mizuo reports.

Anyone convicted of unauthorized driving three times would be guilty of a Class C felony under House Bill 2526. A driver’s vehicle could also be taken away.

Lāna'i will be getting federally subsidized air service for the first time. Mokulele Airlines and Pacific Air Charters have submitted competitive bids. Both are proposing 42 weekly round trips between Lānaʻi and Honolulu, and 21 weekly round trips to Maui. HPR's Catherine Cluett Pactol reports the selection process is currently underway.

While Hawaiʻi has one of the highest rates of rooftop solar per capita, multi-family homes face barriers to adoption. Lawmakers are considering a bill that would help condo owners reap the benefits of solar.

Those who may have been impacted by the fuel-contaminated drinking water at Red Hill in 2021 are encouraged to attend a webinar at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, April 9. The Conversation talked to Col. (Dr.) John Oh, the chief of the Occupational and Environmental Health Division of the Defense Health Agency Public Health in Virginia, about the meeting and an upcoming independent registry.

The bill would amend a $10 million city program by offering grants to developers before the construction of rental units, instead of just after construction. It would also allow developers to receive up to $35,000 per eligible unit — up from a maximum of $15,000.

Since the Aug. 8 wildfires, Lahaina Strong has been fighting for dignified housing for survivors. HPR’s Catherine Cluett Pactol reports they’ve turned to legislative advocacy to continue the battle.

This week represents a key deadline for bills to move forward this legislative session, and lawmakers have kept some alive for the most problematic pest species in Hawaiʻi.