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NEPA FONSI for MHI Bottomfish Annual Catch Limits 2025-2027

NOAA has issued a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) for Annual Catch Limits (ACL) governing the Main Hawaiian Islands (MHI) Bottomfish fishery for fishing years 2025, 2026, and 2027. The FONSI completes the environmental review required before implementing these multi-year catch limits for commercially and recreationally significant bottomfish species including Deep 7 species. Fishermen, charter operators, and seafood dealers in Hawaii should anticipate fishing quotas and trip limits consistent with the ACL framework once implemented.

AG Frey Joins Coalition Condemning DOJ Coercion Against Minnesota

Maine Attorney General Aaron M. Frey joined a coalition of 22 state attorneys general in condemning the Department of Justice's use of armed federal agents to coerce Minnesota officials into turning over protected resident data including Medicaid, SNAP, and voter information. The coalition, led by New York AG Letitia James, sent a letter to U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi and DHS Secretary Kristi Noem on January 29, 2026, asserting the demands intrude on state sovereignty and conflict with ongoing court-ordered protections. The attorneys general warned they will continue to defend state sovereignty and resident rights against unlawful federal interference.

Summer EBT Benefit Levels Adjusted for 2026

USDA has published the 2026 Summer EBT benefit levels for children, effective January 1 through December 31, 2026. The contiguous 48 states and District of Columbia maintain the 2025 rate of $40 per month ($120 total summer), as the Thrifty Food Plan cost change of 0.49 percent rounds down to no change. Alaska, Hawaii, and U.S. Territories receive increased benefits reflecting higher food costs in those areas.

Coastal Medical Supply Settles 10 Consumer Billing Complaints

The Hawaii Office of Consumer Protection reached a settlement with Coastal Medical Supply, Inc., a distributor of durable medical equipment including CPAP and bilevel positive airway pressure machines and supplies. The Assurance of Voluntary Compliance resolves ten consumer complaints alleging unauthorized billing for supplies not ordered, with some accounts sent to debt collectors despite consumer disputes. As part of the settlement, Coastal Medical Supply agreed to cancel consumers' accounts and existing balances, implement a new customer complaint response procedure, provide restitution and injunctive relief, and contact the three major credit reporting bureaus on behalf of three consumers to request removal of collection items.

DCR Employee Julianne Kaniaupio Charged With Fraud, Theft, Official Misconduct

The Hawaii Department of the Attorney General's Special Investigation and Prosecution Division (SIPD) charged DCR employee Julianne Kaniaupio on April 8, 2026, with nine criminal counts including Fraud as a class B felony, two counts of Official Misconduct, Credit Card Theft, Fraudulent Use of Credit Card, Unauthorized Possession of Confidential Personal Information, Attempted Theft in the Second Degree, Identity Theft in the Third Degree, and Theft in the Third Degree. Kaniaupio is accused of stealing a credit card containing $8,960.11 from the out-processing paperwork of an inmate set for release at Hālawa Correctional Facility and withdrawing $500 in cash before the card was deactivated. Arraignment is scheduled for April 27, 2026 at 8:30 a.m. in case State v. Kaniaupio, 1CPC-26-0000464.

Annual Catch Limit and Accountability Measures; Main Hawaiian Islands Deep 7 Bottomfish for Fishing Years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027

NMFS has finalized an annual catch limit (ACL) of 493,000 pounds (223,621 kg) for Deep 7 bottomfish in the Main Hawaiian Islands for fishing years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027. The rule maintains existing accountability measures requiring the fishery to close for the remainder of the fishing year if the ACL is reached, and a reduction in the following year's ACL if it is exceeded.

Hawaii Deep 7 Bottomfish ACL 493,000 lbs 2025-2027

NMFS has implemented an annual catch limit (ACL) of 493,000 lb (223,621 kg) of Deep 7 bottomfish in the main Hawaiian Islands for fishing years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027, effective May 21, 2026. The rule retains existing accountability measures requiring the fishery to close for the remainder of the fishing year if the ACL is reached, and a reduction in the following year's ACL if exceeded. The ACL is based on a 2024 benchmark stock assessment and the best available scientific and management information.

Deep 7 Bottomfish ACL at 493,000 lb for 2025-2026 and 2026-2027

NMFS has finalized an Annual Catch Limit (ACL) of 493,000 pounds (223,621 kg) for Deep 7 bottomfish in the main Hawaiian Islands for fishing years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027. The rule maintains current accountability measures requiring the fishery to close for the remainder of the fishing year if the ACL is reached, and requiring a reduction in the following year's ACL if overages occur. The Deep 7 bottomfish complex, consisting of seven species (lehi, ehu, onaga, hapuupuu, opakapaka, kalekale, and gindai), is currently very healthy with biomass more than double the overfished threshold.

Hawaii Joins $149.7M Multistate Settlement with Mercedes-Benz Over Emissions Fraud

Hawaii OCP joined 50 attorneys general in a $149,673,750 settlement with Mercedes-Benz USA and Mercedes-Benz Group AG for marketing vehicles with undisclosed emissions defeat devices in over 211,000 diesel cars and vans from 2008-2016. The settlement requires immediate payment of $120 million to states, with an additional $29,673,750 suspended pending completion of a consumer relief program. Mercedes-Benz must install approved emission modification software at no cost, provide extended warranties, and pay affected consumers $2,000 per vehicle. Hawaii will receive $263,356.00, with approximately 913 impacted vehicles registered in the state. The settlement also imposes marketing reform requirements, including prohibitions on deceptive emissions representations.

Hawaii Insurance Commissioner Requires Hurricane Data From Residential Insurers

Hawaii Insurance Commissioner Scott K. Saiki has issued Commissioner’s Memorandum 2026-4PC requiring all authorized insurers writing residential hurricane coverage in Hawaiʻi to complete a data call worksheet and submit it to the Insurance Division’s P&C Filing Branch. The data call is intended to assess whether the reactivated Hawaii Hurricane Relief Fund (HHRF), reinstated under Act 296 (Session Laws of Hawaii 2025), may affect the residential single-family hurricane coverage market similar to its impact on the condominium hurricane insurance market. Responses are due by May 4, 2026 and must be submitted to RPAdatacall@dcca.hawaii.gov with the subject line ‘2026 Hurricane Data Call.’ The information disclosed in the data call worksheet is confidential and not subject to disclosure pursuant to HRS § 431:2D-114.

Clinical Trial, NHPI Adults, Hawaii, Hypertension, Food Insecurity

NIH registered clinical trial NCT07544836, a multi-site randomized controlled trial at three Federally Qualified Health Centers in Hawaii evaluating a Food as Medicine produce prescription program for Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander adults with hypertension and food insecurity. Participants receive $100 per month in produce boxes or vouchers for 12 months ($1200 total). The two-arm study compares produce prescription only against CHW-navigated produce prescription to determine which approach yields better blood pressure outcomes and cost-effectiveness. The study has a start date of April 22, 2026.

April 25 Prescription Drug Take-Back Event for Hawaii Residents

The Hawaii Department of the Attorney General, in partnership with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and state law enforcement agencies, is encouraging Hawaii residents to safely dispose of unused or expired medications during National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, April 25, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The free, anonymous drive-through collection sites will operate on O'ahu, Maui, and Kaua'i, accepting tablets, capsules, liquids, and vaping devices (batteries removed). Syringes will not be accepted.

Real Estate Commission Hosts Free Virtual Condorama XVI Webinar

The Hawaii Real Estate Commission, in partnership with Community Associations Institute Hawai'i Chapter, announced a free virtual Condorama XVI education webinar on Saturday, April 25, 2026 from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. The event targets condominium owners and covers document compliance to avoid RICO penalties, selecting managing companies, and directors and officers insurance coverage. Registration is available online at caihawaii.org.

Hawaii February Unemployment Rate 2.3 Percent

The Hawai'i State Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism released February 2026 seasonally adjusted unemployment data showing a rate of 2.3 percent, up from 2.2 percent in January but down from 2.6 percent in February 2025. The state labor force stood at 687,850 persons with 672,150 employed and 15,650 unemployed. Nationally, the unemployment rate was 4.4 percent.

SB3154 Authorizes DOT NEPA Assumption for Highway Projects

Hawaii Senate Bill 3154 was enacted on March 10, 2026, authorizing the state Department of Transportation to assume federal responsibilities under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 for highway projects, as well as railroad, public transportation, and multimodal projects within the state. The legislation provides a limited waiver of sovereign immunity to comply with federal requirements, enabling more streamlined environmental reviews for qualifying transportation infrastructure projects. The bill passed the Senate with unanimous votes across multiple committee reviews and the House before enactment.

Adaptive Management Rule Changes Proposed for Hawaii Island Hunting

The Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) is extending previously approved adaptive management rule changes for game bird and game mammal hunting on Hawaii Island. A proposed adaptive management rule change will be submitted for Board of Land and Natural Resources consideration at the board's May 08, 2026 meeting. Tagged hunts conducted under the previous adaptive management rules expired March 18, 2026, and all hunts temporarily revert to standard rules in HAR Chapter 13-122 (Game Birds) and HAR Chapter 13-123 (Game Mammals) until further board action. Hunters are strongly encouraged to purchase hunting tags in person after the March 18, 2026 expiration date.

HUD Announces 90-Day Foreclosure Moratorium and Housing Assistance for Hawaii Disaster Residents

HUD announced federal disaster assistance for Hawaii residents impacted by Kona Low weather systems (March 10-24, 2026), effective April 7, 2026 when President Trump issued a Major Disaster Declaration (DR-4909). The action includes a 90-day automatic moratorium on foreclosures for FHA-insured mortgages and Section 184 Indian Home Loan Guarantee program loans, plus a 90-day extension for Home Equity Conversion Mortgages. HUD is also making available Section 203(h) reconstruction financing (100% financing including closing costs) and Section 203(k) rehabilitation loans through approved FHA lenders.

NAGPRA Repatriation Notice: Dayton Society of Natural History Sacred Objects

The National Park Service published a NAGPRA notice indicating the Dayton Society of Natural History intends to repatriate three sacred objects to Native Hawaiian organizations. The objects consist of two lei niho palaoa and one niho palaoa (whale tooth pendant necklaces and pendant) identified as catalog numbers A-0983, A-0984, and A-0994. Repatriation may occur on or after May 18, 2026.

Oahu PUC Office Closed Tuesday Due to Power Outage

The Oahu Public Utilities Commission announced that its office will be closed for in-person services on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, due to a power outage affecting the building. Filings and payments originally due on April 21 will be considered timely filed if submitted on the next business day the PUC re-opens. Affected parties may continue to conduct regulatory business online through the Hawaii PUC eServices portal during the closure period.

SBA Opens Business Recovery Center in Hilo for Storm-Impacted Businesses

The U.S. Small Business Administration announced the opening of a Business Recovery Center in Hilo, Hawaii County, on April 21, 2026, to assist businesses, private nonprofit organizations, and residents affected by severe storms, flooding, landslides, and mudslides that occurred March 10–24. SBA representatives will be available to help with disaster loan applications. Eligible businesses and nonprofits may apply for physical disaster loans of up to $2 million and Economic Injury Disaster Loans. Physical damage application deadline is June 15, 2026; economic injury application deadline is January 7, 2027.

SBA Offers Low Interest Disaster Loans for Hawaii Drought-Affected Small Businesses and Nonprofits

The SBA announced Economic Injury Disaster Loans for Hawaii small businesses and private nonprofit organizations affected by drought beginning January 1, 2026, covering the counties of Hawaii, Honolulu, Kalawao, Kauai, and Maui. Eligible applicants may receive up to $2 million at interest rates as low as 4% for small businesses and 3.625% for nonprofits, with terms up to 30 years and no payments due for 12 months after first disbursement. Applications must be submitted by December 10, 2026.

Graham v. Collins - Order Denying Petition for Writ of Mandamus

The Hawaii Supreme Court denied a petition for writ of mandamus challenging the disqualification of counsel in case 2DRC-24-0001244. The court held that counsel's former representation of respondent Ridesmart Maui LLC was substantially related to the underlying litigation, and that the interests of counsel's former and present clients were materially adverse to each other, satisfying HRPC Rule 1.9(a). The court further concluded that the district court's order disqualifying counsel did not amount to a flagrant and manifest abuse of discretion under the standard in Straub Clinic & Hosp. v. Kochi. The petition was denied in a unanimous order dated April 16, 2026.

Kai v Hawaiian Riverbend - Foreclosure Sale Confirmation Affirmed

The Hawaii Intermediate Court of Appeals affirmed the Circuit Court's confirmation of a foreclosure sale in favor of the Kai Family 1998 Trust, rejecting Appellant Michael Miroyan's challenges to the sale price and procedural compliance. The winning bid of $1,914,015.00 was confirmed as fair, equitable, and the highest obtainable under the circumstances. The appellate court found no abuse of discretion in the lower court's ruling, which noted approximately $1.4 million in debt due.

Proposed State AI Law Update: April 20, 2026

This JD Supra update from Troutman Pepper Locke covers state AI legislative developments through April 20, 2026, reporting that Nebraska became the fourth state to enact a chatbot law when Governor Jim Pillen signed the Conversational AI Safety Act (LB 525) into law on April 14, 2026. Maine also enacted LD 2082 on April 13, prohibiting any person from providing, advertising, or offering therapy or psychotherapy services, including through AI, to the public unless provided by a licensed professional. Multiple states advanced additional AI legislation including chatbot bills in Iowa, Tennessee, Hawaii, and Oklahoma, health AI bills in California, Colorado, Louisiana, and Rhode Island, and provenance disclosure bills in Arizona.

PUC Approves Hawaiian Electric's Waiau Repowering Project

The Hawaii Public Utilities Commission (PUC) has approved Hawaiian Electric's Waiau Repowering Project to replace aging oil-fired units with new combustion turbines. The approval includes strict cost controls, capping recovery at $847 million plus inflation, and mandates increasing renewable fuel usage to 100% by 2045.

NIH Chemical Synthesis and Optimization Facility for Product Development

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has announced a funding opportunity (PAR-23-193) for a Chemical Synthesis and Optimization Facility to support product development in contraception and reproductive health. The opportunity is open to various entities, including small businesses, educational institutions, and tribal governments, with a closing date of April 3, 2026.

Jin Quan Yang v. Pacific Hawaii Food Service LLC - Appeal of Circuit Court Orders

The Intermediate Court of Appeals of Hawaii has issued a summary disposition order in the case of Pacific Hawaii Food Service LLC v. Jin Quan Yang. The court found it lacked jurisdiction to review two of the three appealed orders but upheld the appealability of an order granting attorney fees and sanctions against the appellant, Jin Quan Yang, and his counsel.

Pacific Hawaii Food Service LLC v. Yang - Court Opinion

The Hawaii Intermediate Court of Appeals issued a summary disposition order in Pacific Hawaii Food Service LLC v. Yang. The court found it lacked jurisdiction to review two of the three orders appealed by the defendant, but found jurisdiction to review the order granting attorney fees and sanctions.