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Today's Big Stories

1. Women's History Month resolution recognizes six Native Hawaiian pioneers

Six Native Hawaiian women were recognized by name in a U.S. Senate resolution celebrating the heritage, culture and contributions of native women that was passed in conjunction with Women’s History Month. 

“Native Hawaiian women have made incredible contributions to our communities and country, and it’s critical that we recognize their impacts on American history,” said U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz, vice chair of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs. “The Hawaiian women we commemorate in this resolution are among many more who deserve our recognition and gratitude year-round.”

Schatz, D-Hawaii, joined Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, in spearheading the resolution, which honored American Indian, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian women as “the life givers, the culture bearers and the caretakers of Native peoples who have made precious contributions, enriching the lives of all people of the United States."

The resolution included a diverse set of influential Native Hawaiian women, including:

• Queen Kaahumanu - The first woman to serve as regent of the Kingdom of Hawai‘i.

• Isabella Kauakea Yau Yung Aiona Abbott — The first Hawaiian woman to receive a doctorate in science and credited. She discovered 200 algae species and was recognized as “the First Lady of Limu.”

• Mary Kawena Pukui — Hawaiian linguist widely considered the most noted translator of the 20th century.

• Edith Kenao Kanakaole — Hawaiian language and cultural practitioner who founded her own hula halau and helped develop some of the first Hawaiian language and culture courses for public schools and colleges.

• Rell Kapolioka‘ehukai Sunn — Legendary surfer ranked as a world champion longboard surfer and co-founder of the Women’s Professional Surfing Association.

• Emma Ka‘ilikapuolono Metcalf Beckley Nakuina — The first female judge in Hawaii.

2. Honolulu Civil Beat: HECO accuses Carpenters Union of ‘shakedown’

Hawaiian Electric Co. and an influential labor union got into a high-profile political fight Thursday, exchanging accusations that the union was engaged in a “shakedown” and that the utility was trying to soak ratepayers with a new fee.

The unusually bold accusations came after the Hawaiʻi Regional Council of Carpenters launched a media campaign opposing legislation that HECO has proposed to help shore up the beleaguered company’s credit rating. 

The carpenters throughout the current legislative session have opposed measures to help HECO raise money to address future wildfires by imposing a new fee on customers, which the utility could then issue bonds against. The measure also would limit liability the company could face from a future wildfire.

Jim Kelly, HECO’s vice president for government and community relations and corporate communications, said the union had previously threatened to undermine HECO’s effort to rehabilitate itself financially unless the company agreed to enter a 20-year project labor agreement with the union. 

“It’s a shakedown. I don’t know what else you call it,” Kelly said.

Ron Taketa, executive secretary-treasurer of the union, denied engaging in a shakedown. 

“That’s simply not true,” he said.

3. Electrical upgrade work along South King Street begins Monday

As the city moves to electrify its bus fleet, the Department of Design and Construction begins electrical upgrades to the Alapai Bus Facility from Monday, March 31. This will last about seven months.

The project area will include parts of South Street, South King Street and the Alapai Bus Facility beneath the Joint Traffic Management Center at 710 South King Street.

Most of the work will occur within the bike lane along South King Street during the day, with some work occurring in the evenings and on weekends at the South King Street intersection.

Daytime work hours are 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday except for holidays.

Night and weekend work will occur 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. during the day and 6:30 p.m. to 3 a.m. at night.

4. Scammers target dentists, again

The Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs is once again warning about phone scammers contacting licensed dental professionals, while impersonating staff at the Department of Health and Human Services. The scammers, who often use Caller ID spoofing to make it appear as if the call is coming from a legitimate government agency, falsely threaten that they are investigating their professional license in order to extract personal information. 

DCCA received reports last week that were similar to those received in November regarding this scam that primarily targets dental professionals, but also has targeted other medical professionals, including nurses and pharmacists.  

DCCA encourages the public to remain vigilant when receiving calls from state officials or government agencies and said they will never solicit money or threaten arrest. The state agency recommends hanging up immediately if a call seems suspicious. To verify the caller's legitimacy, contact the agency directly. (Here is a list of legitimate phone numbers.)

5. Transgender Day of Visibility: Honolulu Hale to be lit in pink and blue

In a gesture of solidarity, the colors pink and blue will illuminate Honolulu Hale from sundown on Monday, March 31, 2025, to sunrise on April 1, 2025. The lighting display, requested by Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi, will honor Transgender Day of Visibility, an annual observance dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the transgender community.

Transgender Day of Visibility, observed globally on March 31, serves as a moment to reflect on the resilience, achievements, and contributions of transgender individuals. It also provides an opportunity to raise awareness about the unique challenges and discrimination the transgender community continues to face.

By lighting Honolulu Hale in pink and blue, the City and County of Honolulu reaffirms its commitment to creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for all residents.

Your Notes for Tomorrow

Tuesday, April 1 

• U.S. Supreme Court considers constitutionality of law allowing terror victims to sue Palestinian entities
• Florida 1st Congressional District special election: Republican Jimmy Patronis vs. Democrat Gay Valimont. Election called to complete the term of former Republican Rep. Matt Gaetz, who resigned last November following the announcement of his nomination for attorney general by President-elect Donald Trump. He later withdrew himself from consideration. Gaetz was also the subject of a House Ethics Committee investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct
• Florida 6th Congressional District special election: Republican Randy Fine vs. Democrat Josh Weil. Election called to complete the term of Republican Rep. Michael Waltz upon his appointment as national security advisor by President-elect Donald Trump
• Wisconsin Supreme Court justice election: Susan Crawford vs. Brad Schimel. Incumbent Justice Ann Walsh Bradley is not seeking reelection. Wisconsin Supreme Court consists of seven justices who are elected in nonpartisan elections for 10-year terms and is currently considered to have a four-to-three liberal majority. The election to replace liberal-leaning Justice Bradley could shift the ideological balance of the court
• Forbes' World Billionaires List announced
• Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey/Construction Spending - Construction Put in Place
• Maria Shriver publishes personal poetry book