Answer: The U.S. Treasury Department posted a preliminary list on its website, which shows nearly 70 occupations, including typical tipped workers such as bartenders, wait staff, hotel maids, bellhops and parking valets, but also lines of work that might not so quickly spring to mind, such as digital content creators, home electricians, plumbers and HVAC installers. Read the preliminary list of eligible workers at 808ne.ws/3VRbGaG.
The Internal Revenue Service and the Treasury Department "anticipate that the official proposed list will be substantially the same as this preliminary list," the website says. Public comment will be sought once the official list is posted on the Federal Register, which will occur by Oct. 2.
The provision excluding qualified tips from federal income tax is included in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which was signed into law July 4 as Public Law 119-21. The deduction is effective for 2025 through 2028, according to the IRS website, irs.gov, which explains it in detail.
Q: Regarding the traffic noise cameras, what about Ala Wai Boulevard? It needs them!
A: Ala Wai Boulevard is not among 10 locations where the state Department of Transportation says noise detection cameras will be installed by January, but it is on the list of 12 additional Oahu sites where the equipment might be installed later, after engineering studies are completed.
The DOT says it chose the Top 10 based on noise complaints reported to the Honolulu Police Department. Data collected by the noise detection equipment during a 2-year pilot program will be used to shape future laws, not to enforce existing ones.
We listed the Top 10 sites in Wednesday's column (808ne.ws/46HtxqL) and several readers asked to see the proposed additional 12 locations as well. They are:
>> Kamehameha Highway at Pearl Kai Shopping Center.
Q: How much longer can we redeem miles for upgrades on Hawaiian flights?
A: Hawaiian Airlines updated its response on this topic Wednesday. Here's the answer from its website, in response to the question, "Will I continue to be able to redeem HawaiianMiles for First Class/Business Class upgrades on Hawaiian Airlines flights?"
The website now says, "you may continue to redeem miles for First Class/Business Class upgrades on Hawaiian Airlines-operated flights through Sept. 25. Upgrades with points (miles) will be temporarily unavailable in Atmos Rewards. Later in 2026 we'll introduce a new way to redeem points for upgrades. However you may still redeem points for a First Class ticket or pay for an upgrade. And if you are a status holder, you'll be eligible for complimentary First Class upgrades based on availability on all Alaska flights beginning Oct. 1, and for complimentary upgrades on Hawaiian flights beginning in the spring."
Atmos Rewards is the joint loyalty program with Alaska Airlines, which owns Hawaiian Airlines.
Mahalo
I was driving Hawaii Kai-bound on Kalanianaole Highway by Niu Valley Tuesday afternoon when my car stalled. I tried to push the car across the highway where it would not block any traffic and was shortly joined by a woman, a young man and woman, and then another woman (in a TSA uniform) who swiftly got me safely parked. These four people didn't hesitate to help and dashed off back to their business before I had a chance to do more than shout out my thanks. They truly exemplified the Aloha Spirit and they should be proud of themselves. Mahalo! -- Jayson P.