Good evening, Hawaii. Here are the main stories we've been following today:
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Stable conditions are expected as breezy easterly trade winds strengthen this week. Winds will weaken again this weekend as a cold front moves in from the northwest. Increasing clouds and shower chances will be in the forecast early next week.
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Today's Big Stories
1. UH President Hensel announces 10-person local committee, national firm for Manoa AD search
The University of Hawaii on Wednesday announced a 10-member advisory committee in addition to a national firm to aid its search for a new Manoa athletic director.
UH President Wendy Hensel has said she wants the permanent replacement for Craig Angelos to be in place in the summer, and UH’s latest timetable would appear to hold to that; UH said in a news release that it plans to conduct finalist interviews in late May and announce the hire by “mid to late summer.”
Hensel acknowledged in a statement in Wednesday’s release that “we are working under a tight timeline.” As was the case for former president David Lassner with Angelos, Hensel will make the final decision on the hire.
UH revealed it has tapped Parker Executive Search, a national firm based in Atlanta, to help produce candidates.
“As Hawaii’s only NCAA Division I program, UH Manoa athletics plays a crucial role in our state’s sports culture and economy,” Hensel said in a statement.
The group of local committee members is comprised of six men and four women, co-chaired by UH Board of Regents chair Gabe Lee and Clarence T.C. Ching Foundation chair Jack Tsui.
2. Green considering judicial nominees
The Judicial Selection Commission has transmitted its nominees for positions on the Intermediate Court of Appeals and the Circuit Court of the First Circuit to Gov. Josh Green for consideration.
The ICA vacancy was created by Judge Lisa Ginoza’s elevation to associate justice of the Hawaii Supreme Court. Two nominees must also be selected to fill one existing vacancy left by Judge Shanlyn Park and another by the anticipated departure of Judge Dean Ochiai.
Green has until April 16 to make his appointments from the respective lists. The public is invited to provide comments on the nominees via the governor’s website.
3. Phase 1 of Koa Vista affordable housing project opens
The first phase of a new affordable rental project for seniors and families is ready to accept applicants and a second phase is underway with completion set for next year.
Once complete, Koa Vista will offer 192 senior and family rental apartment units in two mid-sized buildings within the Koa Ridge planned community in Waipio.
“Koa Vista is more than just a housing project, it’s a promise to our kupuna and local families that they will always have a place to call home,” Gov. Josh Green said at a dedication and groundbreaking ceremony on Monday. “Stable, affordable housing is the foundation of strong communities, and today, we take another step toward ensuring that Hawaii’s families and seniors can live with dignity and security.”
Tenant applications are currently being accepted for phase one of the project. Applications are available online at hawaiiaffordable.com and can also be picked up at 1050 Queen St, Suite 304.
For more information on the application process, call Randeatte McEnroe at 808-589-1845 ext. 14 or via email at koavista1applications@gmail.com.
4. Hawaiian Electric applauds growth in rooftop solar systems
Hawaiian Electric is celebrating a significant increase in the number of rooftop solar systems connected to its grid, with the total number of systems now reaching 114,000 across the five islands the company serves, according to a news release.
In 2024 alone, 7,976 new solar systems were added, primarily to residential homes, bringing the total to 113,999 grid-connected systems — representing a 7.5% increase over 2023. This growth is contributing to a rise in the company’s overall solar generating capacity, which now stands at 1,410 megawatts, marking a 13% increase from the previous year.
Hawaii is a leader in rooftop solar adoption in the United States. About 26% of Hawaiian Electric’s residential customers and 43% of its single-family home customers have rooftop solar systems.
5. Social Security Administration to require in-person identity checks for new and existing recipients
In an effort to limit fraudulent claims, the Social Security Administration will impose tighter identity-proofing measures — which will require millions of recipients and applicants to visit agency field offices rather than interact with the agency over the phone.
Beginning March 31, people will no longer be able to verify their identity to the SSA over the phone and those who cannot properly verify their identity over the agency's "my Social Security" online service, will be required to visit an agency field office in person to complete the verification process, agency leadership told reporters Tuesday.
The change will apply to new Social Security applicants and existing recipients who want to change their direct deposit information.
Retiree advocates warn that the change will negatively impact older Americans in rural areas, including those with disabilities, mobility limitations, those who live far from SSA offices and have limited internet access.
The plan also comes as the agency plans to shutter dozens of Social Security offices throughout the country and has already laid out plans to lay off thousands of workers.
More than 72.5 million people, including retirees and children, receive retirement and disability benefits through the Social Security Administration.
Your Notes for Tomorrow
Thursday, March 20
- National Book Critics Circle Awards
- Employment Situation of Veterans (Annual 2024)
- National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, DC
- Unemployment Insurance Weekly Claims Report - Initial Claims
- NCAA Men's Basketball First Round begins
- Court hearing for Erik and Lyle Menendez, after former Los Angeles District Attorney George Gascón said the pair should receive lower sentences considering new evidence that corroborated the brothers suffered molestation at the hands of their father
In Case You Missed It
Stock up on your favorite Girl Scout cookies before the end of the month
Girl Scouts of Hawaii says cookies are selling out quickly this year, so they encourage anyone looking to get their “fix” to purchase them sooner than later.
Booths selling Thin Mints, Adventurefuls, Samoas, oatmeal Do-si-dos, Tagalogs, the original Girl Scout shortbread cookie Trefoils, and others are open for only two more weekends — March 22 to 23 and 29 to 30.
To find a cookie booth near you or purchase cookies online, visit the Girl Scouts of Hawaii website. Purchases made online will still be used to benefit local troops.
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