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Maui County Mayor Accused of Wrongful Termination in Whistleblower Case

Maui County Mayor Accused of Wrongful Termination in Whistleblower Case

A lawsuit has been filed against Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen, alleging wrongful termination of his former chief of staff, Leo Caires. The lawsuit claims Caires was fired for reporting suspected fraud involving public funds in the mayor's office. Filed in Hawaii’s 2nd Circuit Court, the lawsuit accuses Bissen of violating the Hawaii Whistleblowers’ Protection Act. Caires' attorney, Joseph Rosenbaum, stated that Caires acted as a responsible public servant by reporting the suspected fraud. Mayor Bissen has denied the allegations, asserting that the claims are inaccurate and expressing confidence in prevailing in court. The lawsuit seeks a jury trial and damages, alleging that Caires' job duties were reduced and he was demoted before being fired while on medical leave.

Oʻahu's New Flood Maps to Impact Homeowners with Increased Insurance Requirements

Oʻahu's New Flood Maps to Impact Homeowners with Increased Insurance Requirements

Oʻahu, Hawaii, is set to implement new flood maps on June 10, which will significantly affect homeowners in the region. According to State Insurance Commissioner Scott Saiki, the revised maps will increase the number of parcels classified as high-risk flood zones by nearly 4,000, adding to the existing 15,000 parcels. Homeowners with federally backed mortgages in these zones will be required to obtain flood insurance. The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), which is the largest flood insurer in Hawaii, provides coverage up to $250,000. However, the program's limitations mean that homeowners may need to seek additional insurance options. The changes come in the wake of recent natural disasters, including the 2023 Maui wildfires and Kona low storms, which have strained Hawaii's insurance industry.

Supermodel Jessica Stam Lists Hawaii Estate for $5 Million Amid Career Relocation

Supermodel Jessica Stam Lists Hawaii Estate for $5 Million Amid Career Relocation

Canadian supermodel Jessica Stam has listed her expansive Hawaii estate for sale at $4.99 million. Stam, known for her work with Victoria's Secret, moved to Maui from New York during the pandemic with her husband, Brahman Turner, and their two children. The family purchased the five-bedroom, three-and-a-half-bathroom property in Kula in 2021 for $1.7 million. The estate, described as a 'legacy estate,' is situated on 2.4 acres and offers panoramic ocean views and a mild upcountry climate. The home features a Mediterranean architectural style, with custom craftsmanship and modern amenities, including a separate suite with a private entrance, a full-size gym, and a 40-foot saltwater pool. The decision to sell comes as Stam's career requires her to relocate.

Native Hawaiian Health Scholarship Program Faces Legal Challenge Over Discrimination Claims

Native Hawaiian Health Scholarship Program Faces Legal Challenge Over Discrimination Claims

The Native Hawaiian Health Scholarship Program, established in 1988 to support Native Hawaiian medical students, is facing a lawsuit from the conservative group Do No Harm. The group argues that the program discriminates against non-Hawaiian students by restricting scholarships based on Native Hawaiian ancestry. The lawsuit seeks to declare the program unconstitutional and open scholarships to all applicants, regardless of race. The program has supported hundreds of medical students who have served in underserved areas in Hawaii, addressing healthcare disparities among Native Hawaiians. The legal challenge is part of a broader effort by conservative groups to dismantle minority support programs following the Supreme Court's decision to end race-conscious admissions in higher education.

State Legislatures Consider Banning Credit-Based Insurance Rates Amid Consumer Concerns

State Legislatures Consider Banning Credit-Based Insurance Rates Amid Consumer Concerns

Several state legislatures, including those in Iowa, New York, Oklahoma, and Pennsylvania, are considering bills that would prohibit insurers from using consumers' credit history to determine premiums for homeowners or auto insurance. This practice, known as credit-based insurance scoring, is used to predict the likelihood of a consumer filing a claim. Critics argue that it unfairly raises premiums for individuals with low credit scores, regardless of their actual risk or driving record. The Consumer Federation of America supports these legislative efforts, highlighting the financial burden on consumers. Currently, only a few states, such as California, Hawaii, and Massachusetts, have bans on using credit history for certain insurance decisions.

Hawaii Legislature Considers Bills to Address Home Insurance Issues Post-Disasters

Hawaii Legislature Considers Bills to Address Home Insurance Issues Post-Disasters

In response to the 2023 Maui wildfires, the Hawaii Legislature is considering bills aimed at addressing home insurance issues that have left many residents underinsured. Families like Bhejay Yadao's, who lost their homes in the fires, discovered that their insurance coverage was insufficient to cover rebuilding costs. The Lahaina Community Land Trust has been assisting affected families by securing additional funding. A proposed measure would require insurers to provide annual replacement cost estimates to homeowners, highlighting any coverage inadequacies. However, this measure has been diluted in the legislative process. The Hawaii Insurers Council has suggested forming a task force to study the issue further, citing challenges such as demand surges for contractors and materials post-disaster. The bills are currently awaiting a conference committee hearing for final negotiations.

New Acting Lt. Gov. Chosen in Hawaii As Luke Takes Leave Of Absence

New Acting Lt. Gov. Chosen in Hawaii As Luke Takes Leave Of Absence

Hawaii Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke says she is taking an indefinite leave of absence without pay amid an investigation

NOAA Identifies 'Golden Orb' as Deep-Sea Anemone Remnant, Enhancing Ocean Exploration

NOAA Identifies 'Golden Orb' as Deep-Sea Anemone Remnant, Enhancing Ocean Exploration

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has identified a mysterious 'golden orb' discovered during a deep-sea expedition in the Gulf of Alaska. Initially found in 2023 by a remotely operated vehicle aboard the NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer, the orb sparked curiosity and debate among scientists. It was unclear whether the object was an egg case, a sponge, or something entirely unknown. Recent DNA analysis conducted at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of Natural History revealed that the orb is a biological remnant of a giant sea anemone, Relicanthus daphneae. The orb consists of dead cells that once formed the base of the anemone, which anchored it to the seafloor. This discovery highlights the role of advanced technologies, such as DNA analysis, in expanding NOAA's exploration capabilities.

Hawaii's State Comptroller Keith Regan Appointed Acting Lieutenant Governor Amid Bribery Investigation

Hawaii's State Comptroller Keith Regan Appointed Acting Lieutenant Governor Amid Bribery Investigation

Sylvia Luke, the Lieutenant Governor of Hawaii, has taken a leave of absence following the receipt of a target letter related to a bribery investigation. In her absence, Keith Regan, the state's comptroller, has been appointed as the acting lieutenant governor. This appointment follows the state's line of succession laws, as Regan was sixth in line. The situation mirrors a previous instance in 2018 when Doug Chin, then the state attorney general, assumed the role of lieutenant governor after Shan Tsutsui stepped down. Chin has shared insights into the process and the challenges of such transitions, emphasizing the importance of experienced state workers in maintaining governmental stability during these periods.

49ers News: De’Zhaun, Romello, and Kaelon… welcome to the bay!

49ers News: De’Zhaun, Romello, and Kaelon… welcome to the bay!

Your daily San Francisco 49ers news for Saturday, April 25th, 2026

Bill McKibben to Speak at Hawaii Electric Home Show, Promoting Sustainable Living

Bill McKibben to Speak at Hawaii Electric Home Show, Promoting Sustainable Living

Bill McKibben to Speak at Hawaii Electric Home Show, Promoting Sustainable Living

Hawaii Lowers Flags to Honor Former Governor George R. Ariyoshi

Hawaii Lowers Flags to Honor Former Governor George R. Ariyoshi

In Hawaii, flags have been ordered to fly at half-staff starting April 20 in honor of former Governor George R. Ariyoshi, who passed away at the age of 100. Governor Josh Green issued the directive for U.S. and Hawaii state flags at the State Capitol, all state offices, and Hawaii National Guard facilities. Ariyoshi, who was Hawaii's third and longest-serving governor, was a significant figure in both state and national politics. He was the first Asian American elected as governor of a U.S. state and played a crucial role in Hawaii's development during its early years of statehood. His contributions included steering the state through economic changes and the establishment of key public institutions. Ariyoshi's memorial service date has not yet been announced, and the flags will remain at half-staff until sunset on that day.