Six East Hawaii legislators, all Democrats, updated the Hawaii Island Chamber of Commerce on May 29 about measures passed and progress made during the recently wrapped session of the state Legislature.

It was Banyan Drive, a longstanding Hilo eyesore, that garnered perhaps the most time and attention.

House Bill 818, which would’ve established the Waiakea Peninsula Community Development District, died after passing over to the Senate, which didn’t schedule any hearings about the measure. The bill, introduced by Hilo Rep. Sue Keohokapu-Lee Loy, had co-sponsors, including Hilo Rep. Matthias Kusch and fellow Big Island Reps. David Tarnas and Kirstin Kahaloa.

The legislation, if enacted, would have transferred land and leases within the the Waiakea Peninsula Community Development District from the Department of Land and Natural Resources to the Hawaii Community Development Authority.

Banyan Drive — where the former Uncle Billy’s Hilo Bay Hotel was recently demolished and the former Country Club Apartment-Hotel is awaiting demolition — came up during audience questioning.

George Applegate, onetime executive director of the former Big Island Visitors Bureau, asked if Hilo International Airport improvements — which Hilo Sen. Lorraine Inouye said garnered a $26 million capital improvement appropriation — might lead to direct flights between Hilo and the mainland.

And county Research and Development Director Benson Medina said he had recently chatted with Daniel Chun, Hawaii regional vice president of Alaska Airlines — which now owns Hawaiian Airlines — and asked Chun about possible direct flights between Hilo and Seattle, Alaska’s mainland hub.

“He hinted around, but the last thing he said was, ‘We’re waiting to see what happens with Banyan Drive,’” Medina said. “So, what’s our update on Banyan Drive?”

Inouye, the majority whip who also chairs the Water and Land Committee and introduced a companion measure to HB 818, Senate Bill 1078 — which didn’t receive any committee hearings — fielded the question, saying the measures introduced this session had fatal flaws.

“Why the bill died is because … the bill included all of Banyan Drive and the leases that were there,” Inouye said. “By law, you cannot allow any DLNR land leases (to be) given to any other agencies. … According to (Hawaii Revised Statutes) 171-6, any of the properties that are already under lease must go through BLNR.”

Inouye said she asked that HCDA and DLNR speak to the state attorney general prior to those bills being heard.

“So, what are we going to do about creating a real Banyan Drive future organization?” she said. “… We have been meeting with HCDA and (the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism) in moving to the next step.”

Inouye said she secured $1.2 million for demolition of the Country Club, adding “we need that building to come down.”

However, a 2018 cost estimate for the demolition of the decrepit six-story structure was $6.2 million. An updated price tag for razing the derelict building will almost certainly be substantially higher.

Although she didn’t respond to Medina’s question, Keohokapu-Lee Loy said during a Zoom meeting in February regarding HB 818, that after years of witnessing Banyan Drive’s slow decay, people are “done having conversations, and now it’s time for action.”

Mayor Kimo Alameda suggested during February’s virtual meeting that both the Uncle Billy’s parcel and the Country Club land, post-demolition, should be kept as open space. Alameda said any new hotel development should be built on the 62-acre golf course — which is still under the control of the Grand Naniloa Hotel leaseholders.

Inouye noted at last month’s HICC event that there were unsuccessful negotiations with the Naniloa leaseholders in the hopes they would relinquish control of the its nine-hole golf course for a reduction in lease rent. She added the only current vacancy for lease on Banyan Drive is the property where Uncle Billy’s once stood.

As part of her response to Medina’s question, Inouye said Banyan Drive remains “a state project.”

“I just want to remind you, it will not be a county project. Because it is state land,” she said.

A number of other updates were provided by lawmakers at the May 29 HICC event.

— Sen. Tim Richards of Waimea, vice chairman of the Committee of Agriculture and the Environment, noted that SB 1248, the Cranston “Duke” Pia bill, which he introduced, has been transmitted to Gov. Josh Green. The bill, named for a Makaha, Oahu, farmer who was killed by a trespasser on his farm, establishes that, in certain circumstances, an individual rightfully present on agricultural lands may exercise deadly force with a right to stand their ground and not retreat.

“What came out of that was something that I think we can be proud of, and that was promoting the enforcement the laws to protect agriculture,” Richards said. “I’m awaiting the signing date for that from the governor but I expect that to be signed.”

— Rep. Greggor Ilagan of Puna noted that with the help of Reps. Chris Todd and Jeanne Kapela, as well as Sen. Joy San Buenaventura, $2.5 million was secured for studies about alternate routes in Puna, both mauka and makai of Highway 130, the Keaau-Pahoa Road. He also said there will be a blessing soon for the Pohoiki Boat Ramp, which was put out of commission during the 2018 lower East Rift Zone eruption of Kilauea volcano.

“After five years, we are actually going to a blessing,” Ilagan said. “This project is up to $10 million. We are having a blessing in early June and starting construction and hopefully, will finish dredging the boat ramp and opening the boat ramp for the fishermen and the community.”

— Keohokapu-Lee Loy, a freshman legislator who sat on the House Finance Committee chaired by Todd, said the budget includes $30 million for student loan repayments related to health care.

“So new doctors, health care professionals, nurses … would be able to access $50,000 a year to help pay down their student debt,” Keohokapu-Lee Loy said. “Of course, it comes with a hook. We ask that you stay in Hawaii for two years, serving underserved rural communities. I’m really hopeful that with this incentive … we can also see a lot of improvements in health care. And let’s face it, Hawaii Island is as rural as it gets.”

— Kusch, another freshman, noted that his HB 860 roads-in-limbo bill passed this session. The measure specifies that the state or county may repair or maintain any street of which the ownership or jurisdiction is in dispute between the state and county without conferring ownership of the road. It also limits liability over any said repairs or maintenance.

“It’s a big deal in District 1. That’s how that got through,” Kusch said. “We have people in Paauilo and Kalopa … pretty much all the roads outside of (Highway 19) are roads in limbo there. They were really passionate, and through the support of all the Hawaii legislators, we were able to get that through. I’m assuming the governor will sign it.”

— Todd, the majority caucus leader and Finance Committee chairman, said the Legislature appropriated $25 million toward a $60 million outpatient clinic to be built by Hilo Benioff Medical Center in Keaau. The $25 million appropriation, which was sought by Green, triggered a matching contribution by tech billionaires and Big Island residents Marc and Lynne Benioff.

“This will be something that will serve all of East Hawaii, but particularly Puna, which is in desperate need,” Todd said.

Email John Burnett at jburnett@hawaiitribune-herald.com.

Two weeks after its season ended, the University of Hawaii baseball team reloaded at key areas.

Catcher Charlie Saum, who played in 75 games the past two years for Stanford, and Kody Watanabe, who started at third base and both middle-infield positions for San Francisco this season, have accepted offers to join the Rainbow Warriors as graduate transfers.

“I grew up going to UH baseball games,” said Saum, who lived in Hawaii from ages 7 through 12. “They’ve always been my favorite college team to watch.”

This season, the ’Bows used a three-catcher rotation. But Hunter Faildo and Konnor Palmeira completed their UH eligibility, and freshman David Vergel de Dios is transferring to a junior college. Two high school seniors have committed to UH, but Saum fills the need for an experienced catcher.

In four years with the Cardinal — he received a medical redshirt for the 2022 season — Saum started 76 games, including 43 in 2025. He has allowed only six passed balls in 104 career games. His best offensive season was in 2024, when he hit .283 with eight home runs in 32 games.

Saum began playing tee ball when he was 4. It was then, he recalled, “I thought I looked cool in catcher’s gear. I put it on for the first time and wouldn’t take it off. Ever since I’ve been a catcher.”

Saum’s role models were Buster Posey of the San Francisco Giants and Kekai Rios, a former Kamehameha and UH catcher who played six minor league seasons. “I remember going to UH games as a kid and watching Kekai Rios,” Saum said. “I was a big fan of his. That’s the exciting part of coming (back) to Hawaii. I grew up watching him, and it kind of made me the player I am today. If I’m able to help out a kid on the island and he gets better from watching me, that’s all part of (joining UH) for me. That’s what I’m excited about.”

As Pac-12 champions in 2022 and 2023, the Cardinal advanced to the College World Series in Omaha. “It was unbelievable,” he said. “You’re playing in front of (20,000)-plus people every game. And walking through the street, it’s a party the entire two weeks. It’s an unbelievable experience and you get a chance to compete for a national championship.”

His goal is for the ’Bows “to make the NCAA Tournament” in 2026.

This will be a homecoming for Watanabe, an Iolani School graduate who appeared in 14 games as a freshman for the ’Bows in 2022. “Nothing’s really changed, I always wanted to represent my hometown state, as well as play in front of my family and friends. That’s never going to change. I’m more excited this time around.”

After a season with UH and feeling the need for more playing time, Watanabe transferred to Southwestern Oregon Community College. In 2024, he joined San Francisco.

Watanabe was recruited as a third baseman. But injuries to teammates necessitated his move to shortstop and, this year, to second base. “I felt really comfortable,” Watanabe said of playing second. “It felt easy. I guess that’s where I thrived.”

Second baseman Shunsuke Sakaino completed his UH eligibility two weeks ago. Watanabe can play second for the ’Bows or on the left side of the infield, depending on where Elijah Ickes plays. Ickes, who has started at third his first two UH seasons, is projected as a next-level shortstop.

Watanabe already has embraced one of UH coach Rich Hill’s mandates: Keep your cleats planted in the batter’s box. Watanabe has been hit by pitches 35 times in two USF seasons.

“It’s always been ingrained in me,” Watanabe said. “My high school coach, Coach Kurt (Miyahara) always told me to stand in the box, wear the bean. That’s what baseball is all about. Coach Hill feels the same way. After that, it’s been second nature to stand in there and let it hit you. It’s very painful. My mom wishes I’d get out of the way sometimes.”

Has something shifted on flights to Hawaii—and not in a good way? We just flew five and a half hours across the Pacific, and we got one poured beverage, no refills, and no meal purchase option.

We were in economy—if you think that was bad, wait to hear what happened in first class.

There are no trays, promised improved snacks, or new drink options—just the bare minimum on a route United once treated like something special—a route BOH editors have been flying for over 30 years.

One beverage, poured only, and a 3/4 ounce snack.

Service began early and ended fast. Economy passengers received a single poured beverage in a plastic cup. Flight attendants made clear there would be no second beverage service and no full cans offered. If you wanted more, water would be available—and it was offered once. It didn’t even feel like a Hawaii flight. It felt like an afterthought.

Pretzels, quinoa crisp, or stroopwafel followed. With little for the flight attendants to do, they became obsessed with the State of Hawaii Agriculture forms. They tried to collect ours early in the flight, and when it wasn’t ready, we were told we might be arrested if it wasn’t completed before landing. This was a first.

We’ve come to expect minimal service in economy, which is fine. However, this United Airlines flight from San Francisco to Kauai was different. After all, it was marketed and priced as a premium leisure route. Five plus hours in the air with one tiny drink and a small snack only questionably meets reasonable standards.

This might be why the pilot came out to extensively greet everyone before departure, trying to put everyone in a good mood before the flight, and the issues not of their making were revealed.

First class, minus the class.

Up front, things weren’t much better. Maybe they were worse. We were seated in the first row behind first class, where it was very clear: no meals were offered, and no alcohol was served. Instead, passengers received an apologetic explanation, one poured beverage, and a mileage credit as compensation.

It was a striking downgrade for a premium cabin on a long-haul Hawaii flight. There was no sense that this was a one-time issue; It felt routine. And if this is what first class looks like during peak summer travel, it raises the question: What exactly are travelers paying for?

The real issue: a meltdown at SFO.

The flight attendants didn’t sugarcoat it—and neither will we. United’s catering operation out of San Francisco is still a mess. Things haven’t stabilized after switching from Gate Gourmet to LSG Sky Chefs, which leaves flights in disarray. Many flights are going with minimal or missing onboard service, with service items sometimes stuffed into trash bags and boarded, and nobody at United seems surprised anymore.

Before departure, United sent a text admitting the problem: “Due to a catering transition, some of our outbound flights from San Francisco may not have our typical onboard selection.” Translation: Don’t expect much at all. According to the crew, the situation won’t improve until sometime after July.

What triggered this? United replaced longtime SFO caterer, Gate Gourmet, with LSG Sky Chefs. That shift came with a fallout: hundreds of Gate Gourmet employees were reportedly laid off, and LSG rehired many of the same people under different terms. It’s unclear what that means for quality, continuity, or morale, but passengers pay the price for how United handled the transition.

What triggered problems at United?

How could a company the size of United allow this to unfold, at its largest hub west of Denver and on key longer-haul domestic routes to Hawaii, among others? It’s a mystery even the crew couldn’t explain. We were told that some crew members have refused to work routes from San Francisco until this is resolved, and given the circumstances, we can see why.

It is abundantly clear that the transition was poorly timed and badly communicated, and paying passengers have been feeling it for a long time.

Travelers across routes have reported dry flights with no food, downgraded premium meals, and mystery substitutions. On this Hawaii flight, there was technically food. But that’s about as generous as we can be.

Navigating SFO was its own ordeal.

San Francisco International is also in the middle of a major construction project. Rob received a text from United warning: “San Francisco Airport (SFO) is currently undergoing renovations, which may require additional time to reach your gate.”

It meant the usual main entrance was closed, forcing a circuitous detour up and down and through the garage parking lot after getting off the AirTrain. Signage was limited, help was hard to find, and the layout felt more improvised than planned. Staff did their best, but the entire setup frustrated many travelers before the flight began.

This isn’t about any perks. It’s about the basics.

Most travelers flying to Hawaii from the mainland know they’re no longer getting free checked bags or a hot meal. But what’s happening now on United SFO routes is different. When five-plus-hour flights can’t offer passengers two beverages, that’s not even economy service. That’s a failure of planning.

Some others on social media said that United had warned them there would be no catering and that they should bring their food before boarding. Some reported a $15 credit from United, which at SFO wouldn’t go far for any meal.

It’s not the crew’s fault. They were efficient and apologetic. But they’re working within severe operational limits given to them. One good thing is that United flight attendants recently secured a tentative contract that includes raises of up to 45% over five years. It doesn’t fix the catering mess, but at least their patience in the cabin might finally pay off.

We’ll be watching this all summer.

Bring your food if you’re flying from San Francisco to Hawaii this season. That includes water. Don’t count on anything onboard. And don’t assume your United Hawaii flight will feel like anything special.

The only thing that stood out on this flight was high-quality Wi-Fi across the Pacific for $8, which we shared between the two of us with a Mobile Hotspot. The Viasat Wi-Fi on the route previously didn’t work most of the time. This article was written at 30k feet.

Have you flown on any routes from United San Francisco to Hawaii recently? Was your experience the same, or better? Let us know what you saw, and we’ll keep tracking what’s going on aboard Hawaii flights from the mainland.