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Members of the House and Senate also agreed to create a new position for a state fire marshal to promote fire safety.

The utility wanted to add a fee of up to 5% to customers’ bills to finance the program, but a key Senator balked. The governor has stepped in to try to save it.

The 450-unit Ka La’i Ola complex will be constructed in West Maui for families that do not qualify for FEMA assistance.

The report comes as alternative efforts to raise cash have stalled in the Legislature.

Voters burned out of Lahaina can still cast ballots as if they were still living there.

New projects are on hold as the electric company’s credit rating sags.

The county plans to open a recovery permitting center on Monday.

The council is mulling proposed tax increases to raise 10% more revenue from property taxes next year.

Although Hawaii has been picking up the tab since FEMA stopped reimbursing for food on Feb. 10, the state says saving money was not the reason for the cuts.

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