Good evening, Hawaii. Here are the main stories we've been following today:
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Gusty trade winds will weaken today and last through this weekend. Wet weather will remain focused over windward areas, with some afternoon showers possible across the leeward Big Island slopes. Moisture levels increase this weekend through early next week leading to higher rain chances and lighter trades, allowing afternoon sea breezes to develop.
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Today's Big Stories
1. Schatz launches resource guide for federal workers
U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz, D-Hawaii, has launched an online resource guide to assist immigrants, veterans, LGBTQ+ individuals and others who may be impacted by recent changes to federal programs and policies implemented under the new Trump administration.
On the site, federal workers who believe they are being targeted for an illegal or improper reason are advised to: document everything, seek legal advice (either from an attorney who specializes in federal employee law or their union) and file a complaint.
The site includes links to resources for federal workers, including an explanation of rights, a union tracker and the state’s new Operation Hire Hawaii initiative to link fired federal workers with state employment opportunities.
It also includes resource links for immigrants, the LGBTQ+ community and veterans, as well as an area to which whistleblower complaints can be submitted.
2. “Every second counts”: AED installed at Kauai’s Anahola Marketplace
Retired doctor Arnie Serota led the charge to install an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) at the Anahola Marketplace on Kauai as he knows the device can save lives.
“The only other AED in Anahola is with the Ocean Safety Bureau lifeguards, which is only available while they’re on duty,” said Jordyn Danner, co-executive director of the Homestead Community Development Corporation, which governs the Anahola Marketplace, in a statement.
An AED is a medical device that can help restore a normal heart rhythm in people experiencing cardiac arrest.
Danner added that “every second counts in an emergency, and we want to ensure our community is equipped to respond effectively. By providing access to this AED, we are taking a proactive step towards safeguarding the health and well-being of our community.”
The installation of the AED was made possible via the Zonta Club of Hanalei, North Shore Gives Foundation, and the Hawaii Heart Foundation.
3. The firing of 1,300 Dept. of Education employees prompt AG lawsuit
President Donald Trump’s latest and largest move to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education was met Thursday with a federal lawsuit by 21 attorneys general, led by state AG Anne Lopez.
The suit comes two days after the Trump administration announced the firing of 1,300 ED employees, roughly half of the department’s total workforce.
“If these cuts go through, and the dismantling of the Department of Education proceeds, it will be catastrophic to Hawaii,” Lopez said in a virtual news briefing with the attorneys general for California, Massachusetts and New York. “While much smaller than my colleagues’ states, Hawaii gets, just for K through 12, about $250 million a year. Those monies go to school lunches in the amount of approximately $70 million a year. It goes to our special ed students to make sure that they are able to attend school with their peers.
Hawaii Department of Education superintendent Keith Hayashi echoed Lopez’s stand.
4. Senate passes 6-month funding bill hours before shutdown deadline
The Senate passed a six-month spending bill on Friday hours before a government shutdown, overcoming sharp Democratic opposition to the measure and sending it to President Donald Trump to be signed into law.
The vote was 54-46. Democrats voiced frustration that Republicans went ahead with a measure they said included little input from them, and one they viewed as shortchanging key priorities such as health care and housing assistance. But in the end, some of them viewed a shutdown as a worse outcome and supported Democratic leader Chuck Schumer's effort to allow the bill to come to a final vote.
Democrats were confronted with two painful options: allowing passage of a bill they believe gives President Donald Trump vast discretion on spending decisions or voting no and letting a funding lapse ensue.
The legislation would fund the federal government through the end of September. It would trim non-defense spending by about $13 billion from the previous year and increase defense spending by about $6 billion, which are marginal changes when talking about a topline spending level of nearly $1.7 trillion.
The Republican-led House passed the spending bill on Tuesday and then adjourned. The move left senators with a decision to either take it or leave it. And while Democrats have been pushing for a vote on a fourth short-term extension, GOP leadership made clear that option was a non-starter.
5. Hawaii women's basketball falls in Big West semifinals on UC San Diego guard's buzzer-beater
Sumayah Sugapong saw a potential game-winning layup roll off the rim in the final seconds of regulation against Hawaii in La Jolla, Calif., on Jan. 30, and the Tritons lost in overtime.
Facing the same situation against the same opponent on Friday, the UC San Diego guard’s tough left-handed attempt was true in the rematch with much higher stakes in Henderson, Nev.
Sugapong put in the go-ahead layup with 0.2 seconds left and UH could not convert on a lob to center Ritorya Tamilo at the other end, as the Rainbow Wahine fell in crushing fashion, 51-49, after rallying from 27 points down to tie the game in the final minute at Lee’s Family Forum.
UH (22-9) exited in the Big West semifinals for the second straight year, going one-and-done as the top seed in consecutive seasons. UCSD (19-15) advanced to Saturday’s noon Hawaii time championship to face either UC Irvine or UC Davis.
By virtue of winning the conference regular season, UH is guaranteed a berth in the Women’s Basketball Invitation Tournament. The WBIT selection show is set for 3 p.m. Hawaii time Sunday following that of the NCAA Tournament.
UH coach Laura Beeman credited her players for representing the program with class and exhibiting a no-quit mentality.
6. Traffic expected around UH as 10 athletic events take place this weekend
A busy weekend has already begun at the University of Hawaii Athletic Complex and officials are alerting the public to increased traffic in the area through Sunday.
The UH Athletic Complex will host six men's volleyball matches, three baseball games and one water polo match.
Anyone with parking passes can enter the lower campus by displaying their pass and park in their specified areas.
Game day parking will be available on a first-come, first-served basis in the Zone 20 structure. Parking is $10 to be paid at the booths near the point of entry at Dole Street or Waialae Avenue gates. Only cards or mobile wallet payments will be accepted, no cash. Parking staff will direct fans to park in Upper Campus lots if Zone 20 fills up. Check the full schedule for games and parking information.
Your Notes for the Weekend
Saturday, March 15
- UK prime minister hosts virtual summit on Ukraine
- Anniversary of the start of the Syrian civil war (2011)
- World Day of Action Against Seal Hunting * Canada's annual seal cull takes place around now.
- 5th anniversary of New York and Los Angeles closing restaurants to curb COVID-19
- World Consumer Rights Day * The right to choose was first identified as a consumer right by President John F. Kennedy in an address to Congress on this day in 1962
Sunday, March 16
- Sunshine Week, promoting a dialogue on 'the importance of open government and freedom of information'. Participants include news media, civic groups, libraries, nonprofits, and schools
- 2025 Formula 1 season opens with the Australian Grand Prix, beginning the 76th edition of the motor racing championship.
- 2025 BNP Paribas Open tennis tournament (aka Indian Wells) concludes with men's and women's finals
- PGA Tour golf continues with the 51st The PLAYERS Championship, known as the 'fifth Major', day four
- Boston St. Patrick's Day Parade, presented by the South Boston Allied War Veterans Council
- 90th anniversary of Adolf Hitler publicly announcing plans to reintroduce conscription and expand the German Army to 500,000 men
Monday, March 17
- St. Patrick's Day, celebrating the patron saint of Ireland, traditionally with parades throughout Ireland and in cities worldwide, with many bars and restaurants holding Irish-themed parties.
- Dublin St. Patrick's Day Parade / New York City St. Patrick's Day Parade and festivities
- State Employment and Unemployment
- 2nd anniversary of ICC issuing arrest warrant for Vladimir Putin
- Arraignment of former Alaska Airlines pilot accused of attempting to shut down plane engines mid-flight
In Case You Missed It
The permanent exhibition, “Wayfinders: He Waʻa He Moku, He Moku He Waʻa, We Are One and the Same,” opens to the public on Friday. (Photo by Michael Wilson)
Bishop Museum hosts final public event celebrating Hōkūleʻa's 50th
The final event celebrating Hōkūleʻa’s 50th birthday takes place Friday, March 14 at Bishop Museum as part of its Museum After Hours monthly series.
Hōkūleʻa’s 50th Birthday | E Ola Mau (To Live Forever) is set for 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. featuring the opening of the permanent exhibition, “Wayfinders: He Waʻa He Moku, He Moku He Waʻa, We Are One and the Same,” in the lobby of the J. Watumull Planetarium, as well as special programming that includes a live performance by Robert Cazimero at 5:30 p.m. and a keynote presentation by Polynesian Voyaging Society CEO and Pwo Navigator Nainoa Thompson.
Event presale tickets, $10, are available online or $15 at the door and are free for museum members.
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