From the Hawaii Tribune Herald:

Across-the-board property tax hikes of about 10 percent, along with increases in bus fares and vehicle registration and weight taxes, will fund a revised county budget proposed Thursday by Mayor Billy Kenoi.

The updated budget follows a parade of county department heads last month pleading poor before the County Council, saying tight budget restrictions over the past four years have left agencies short-staffed and with aging equipment. The new budget adds 28 employees, puts money into the GASB 45 retirement fund and buys new equipment for county agencies.

The budget now goes to the County Council, which will begin its line-item scrutiny at a May 13 meeting. Once passed by the council, it goes into effect July 1.

“This budget tries to accurately reflect the priorities of the County Council and the concerns of the community that came forward,” Kenoi said. “We’re at the point that after years of budget cuts, we need to begin readdressing our needs.” Read the full story.

And here’s the latest in other neighbor isle gov’t and politics:

Syngenta moving research jobs to Kauai

Questions raised over Keaukaha gate access

Wailua Beach bicycle path delayed

Maui nonprofits ‘likely’ to see funding increase

Former Hawaii County workers charged with stealing fuel

Maui property tax rates hot-button issue

New Molokai homes coming for Habitat for Humanity

The Volcano House: restoring Hawaii’s oldest, newest hotel

Photo courtesy Hawaii County.

—Chad Blair