Good evening, Hawaii. Here are the main stories we've been following today:
Your Weather Planner
Rain chances will climb throughout the second half of the week over the western end of the state as a front stalls near Oahu Thursday into Friday. Breezy to locally strong winds return Friday with a showery trade wind pattern through this weekend.
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Today's Big Stories
1. City moves ahead with next phase of Kuwili Station area project
The City and County of Honolulu is contacting property owners along Kaahi Street in Iwilei as it moves forward in acquiring additional parcels of land for the next phase of its Kuwili Station Transit Oriented Development Area Redevelopment project.
The project, part of a larger plan to redevelop key areas along the still-expanding Skyline rail transit route, aims to transform the underutilized area into a mixed-use, walkable community with a focus on expanding access to affordable housing and transportation.
The project will include new pedestrian pathways, bike lanes and street networks to improve connectivity and access to neighboring uses and nearby employment centers and to provide convenient access to multiple forms of transportation, including major roads, shared-use paths, bus lines, and the Kuwili Station located makai of the Dillingham Boulevard and Kaaahi Street intersection.
Compensation for properties will be based on fair market value, as determined by an appraisal of the property.
DLM is still seeking a qualified development partner to plan, finance, design, and construct a high-density, mixed-use housing development at the Iwilei Center site to advance the City’s redevelopment efforts.
2. AG sues over HHS grant terminations
State attorney general Anne Lopez joined in another suit against the Trump administration on Tuesday, this time seeking to compel the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and HHS secretary Robert Kennedy to make good on some $12 billion in previously authorized and appropriated public health grants.
According to the AG’s office, Hawaii stands to lose more than $89 million in grants that were abruptly rescinded by HHS last week.
The grants fund state Department of Health contracts for data infrastructure and modernization, community support services, substance abuse prevention services and public health staff, as well as capital improvements and equipment upgrades for state labs on Oahu and Kauai. If the funding is not restored, many of these contracts could be terminated.
The administration justified the cuts as an extension of its ongoing efforts to rid the federal government of waste, fraud and inefficiency.
“The HHS cuts threaten the urgent public health needs of Hawaii and other states around the country at a time when emerging disease threats — such as measles and bird flu — are on the rise,” Governor Josh Green warned.
3. Sterling Carvalho out as head coach of Kahuku football program
Despite authoring a run of success that included three consecutive Open Division state championships, Sterling Carvalho has been removed as head coach of the Kahuku football program.
The Honolulu Star-Advertiser’s Billy Hull first reported late Tuesday night that Carvalho, the Red Raiders’ six-season leader, was the subject of an email dated March 31 sent to parents of student-athletes by Kahuku principal Donna Lindsey.
“This letter is to inform you that effective immediately, Coach Sterling Carvalho will no longer be serving as the head coach of the KHIS Football Program,” Lindsey wrote. “Plans are in place to ensure continued support and stability for our student-athletes and the Football Program. An interim head coach will be assigned while we begin the process of selecting a new head coach.”
There was no immediate word on the specific reasoning for his removal.
Carvalho, a Kauai native, went 59-18 in his six seasons with the varsity starting in 2018 after leading the school’s JV program.
He did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Spectrum News on Wednesday.
4. City launches new HNL Alert notification system
Residents and visitors can now sign up for the City and County of Honolulu’s new mass notification system, HNL Alert, to receive alerts about severe weather, emergencies or other important community news via text, push notification or email. HNL Alert replaces the city’s current HNL.Info Alerts.
“In times of emergency, getting accurate, timely information can make all the difference,” said Mayor Rick Blangiardi in a news release. “HNL Alert is a critical tool that allows us to provide residents and visitors with real-time updates, helping them make informed decisions for their safety. But it is not just about receiving alerts — it is about taking personal responsibility and acting on them."
Users can sign up for either customized alerts that require creating an account or only urgent alerts that do not require registration.
For customized alerts, visit the HNL Alert website to create an account.
For urgent alerts only, text “HNLALERT” to 888777 to quickly subscribe for the most important safety alerts by text.
5. Cancer C.A.R.E. Community aims to empower those on the cancer journey
The University of Hawaii Cancer Center invites cancer patients, survivors, thrivers, and caregivers to the launch of its new Cancer C.A.R.E. Community on April 5 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Sullivan Conference Center at the UH Cancer Center, 701 Ilalo Street, Honolulu.
The free event and new program are designed to empower those navigating their personal and difficult cancer journey by offering support and encouragement, a safe space to talk story, information on new cancer treatments, resources for emotional well-being, and more.
“This event is an opportunity for those impacted by cancer to come together, gain knowledge, and find hope,” said Susan Hirano in a release. Hirano is a stage-4 metastatic breast cancer “thriver,” and a founder of the Cancer C.A.R.E. Community. “We want to provide a space where patients and caregivers can feel empowered and supported throughout their journey.”
The April 5 event is free but attendees are asked to register for either in-person or online attendance.
Your Notes for Tomorrow
Thursday, April 3
- U.S. International Trade in Goods and Services
- Opening night for world premiere 'Good Night, and Good Luck' stage adaptation starring George Clooney in Broadway debut
- NATO North Atlantic Council foreign ministers meeting, chaired by NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte
- John Carpenter honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
- Primary Mortgage Market Survey
In Case You Missed It
(Getty Images/neicebird)
Summer learning programs geared toward ‘enriching student learning’
The Hawaii State Department of Education will offer summer learning programs for all grade levels over the summer, from a kindergarten transition program for incoming students to paid internships for graduating seniors.
HIDOE encourages families to check with their child’s school for specific offerings and registration details.
“Our robust summer learning opportunities have been integral in accelerating and enriching student learning,” said Superintendent Keith Hayashi in a release. “We’re focused on building on the progress made over the past few years, and we encourage families to explore the many options available to support their child’s learning and growth this summer.”
Visit the HIDOE Summer Learning 2025 website for more information on summer programs or check with your child’s school for specific details.
