Unlike other places, Republicans struggle here

The Republican Party is in its zenith in Washington (OK, things have been a bit tumultuous lately), with the White House and both houses of Congress in tow. Here, however, prospects for the GOP have been sinking fast. State Rep. Beth Fukumoto submitted her resignation from the party on Wednesday, and is seeking admission to the Democratic Party.

Fukumoto had been in a strained relationship with party leaders since making critical remarks about President Donald Trump at the Women’s March just after his inauguration.

One less “R” in the House. And then there were five.

Hanalei development gets a closer look

A proposal for a lodge with 25 two-story buildings on a ridge overlooking scenic Hanalei Bay is raising eyebrows in the Garden Island’s keep-the-country-country community.

Local resort developer Jeff Stone has secured an exemption to county rules that ban construction within 100 feet of the shoreline, allowing it at 60 feet. He also wants to amend a permit approved for a resort condo project on the site in the 1980s. The exceptions make for nervous neighbors. “It’s a major issue,” said one.