pstrongHawaii

Hawaii Judge Restores Ocean Protections, Halting Commercial Fishing in Pacific National Monument After Environmentalists’ Challenge

by

HONOLULU — A federal judge in Hawaii has supported environmental advocates by ordering a halt to commercial fishing in a vast area of the Pacific Ocean, a move that challenges an earlier decision made under the Trump administration to roll back ocean protections. The ruling affects the Pacific Islands Heritage Marine National Monument, a designated area that shelters various marine species such as turtles, seabirds, and marine mammals. Environmental organizations argue that longline fishing, which uses baited hooks on lines stretching up to 60 miles, poses a significant threat to these vulnerable species. In 2017, … Read more

Hawaii Legislature Unveils New Wave of Laws Set to Take Effect in July 2025

by

HONOLULU — A new set of laws will take effect in Hawaii on July 1, 2025, following the conclusion of the 2025 Legislative Session. This legislation, which consists of measures passed during the previous two sessions, aims to address various issues affecting residents throughout the state. The recently signed measures highlight the ongoing legislative efforts to improve local governance and public services. While specific details on the new laws have not yet been fully disclosed, they stem from a collaborative process that began in earlier sessions and involved substantial discussion and deliberation among lawmakers. In … Read more

Hawaii Restaurant Chef Faces $3.15 Million Verdict After Allegations of Brutal Workplace Abuse

by

HONOLULU — A former sous chef at Margotto, a prominent restaurant in Ala Moana, has won a $3.15 million verdict against the restaurant’s owner following allegations of physical abuse by the head chef. The lawsuit revealed claims that Andrew Debellis, 23, endured repeated assaults at the hands of chef Yohei Yagishita, undermining his aspirations to master traditional sushi cuisine. Debellis moved to Honolulu with ambitions of becoming a skilled sushi chef but instead found himself in a distressing work environment. In the lawsuit, he described instances where Yagishita allegedly punched and slapped him for minor … Read more