Luke corruption trial delayed, another disputed legislative tiebreaker before the state Supreme Court, tourists asked to avoid Kauai, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Luke corruption trial pushed to 2027. In July, the corruption trial of Luke and four others — lobbyist Tobi Solidum, former state Rep. Ryan Yamane, state Airports Administrator Ford Fuchigami and former Public Utilities Commission chair Leodoloff Asuncion Jr. — was scheduled to begin on Sept. 28, after four of the five defendants, excluding Solidum, pleaded not guilty. But on Friday, that trial was pushed back a year, after attorneys for multiple defendants requested additional time to prepare. Aloha State Daily.

Disputed Tiebreaker Spurs New Rematch Request Of Supreme Court. The election do-over bid comes after incumbent Kurt Fevella lost a tiebreaker to Bob McDermott in the Republican primary. Less than a week after ordering the state Office of Elections to redo a state House race that was settled in a controversial tiebreaker, the Hawaiʻi Supreme Court is being asked to order a redo of another contest decided by a tiebreaker last month. Civil Beat. KHON2. 

Gov. Josh Green requests expedited Major Disaster Declaration following Hurricane Lowell. After signing the document on Kauaʻi, Green submitted an expedited request to President Donald J. Trump for a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration following Hurricane Lowell, seeking immediate federal assistance for Kauaʻi and Maui counties. Maui Now. KHON2. Hawaii News Now. 

Hawai‘i joins lawsuits over endangered species protections. Federal agencies rescission of endangered species protections led 21 states to sue the federal government Wednesday. Aloha State Daily.

Oahu

More Housing Without Kicking Anyone Out? It’s Possible, Apparently. New owner of Honolulu building is making unusual plan to upgrade building but stabilize rents for occupied units. Civil Beat.

Hawaiian Electric restores a majority of Oahu outages after Hurricane Lowell affects thousands. Hawaiian Electric restored power to a majority of those on Oahu after severe conditions from Hurricane Lowell left thousands without power. KITV4.

Hawaii Island

Garbage Fee Increases Proposed, Public Hearings Set. The County of Hawaiʻi Department of Environmental Management will host public hearings on the fee increases in Hilo on September 16th, and in Kona on September 18th. Big Island Video News.

Hawaiʻi County planning director initiates interim General Plan 2045 amendments. Hawaiʻi County Council and members of the public can comment on the proposed amendments during a 45-day comment period ending Oct. 19.  Big Island Now.

Lifeguard towers going unstaffed as county finds filling positions difficult. The  county has 72 water safety officers to cover 17 lifeguard towers at 13 beach parks and there are currently nine vacant positions. The beach parks with towers are: Onekahakaha, Carlsmith, Leleiwi, Richardson and Honolii in Hilo; Isaac Hale at Pohoiki in Puna; Punaluu Black Sand in Ka‘u; Kua Bay, Laaloa and Kahaluu in Kailua-Kona; and Hapuna and Spencer in South Kohala. Tribune-Herald.

Parker Ranch begins deliveries of locally raised beef to isle schools. Parker Ranch — in partnership with Hamakua Meat Processors and the state Department of Education — will deliver approximately 4,000 pounds of locally raised ground beef each month, helping provide students with food produced here at home while supporting the broader effort to strengthen local agriculture and Hawaii’s food system. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

License plate-reading cameras used on Maui — but not for surveillance, police say. The Maui Police Department said it uses about three dozen controversial automatic license plate reading cameras to help with law enforcement, but doesn't use them for surveillance purposes. Hawaii Public Radio.

Lahaina residents, elected officials press USPS to rebuild post office, restore home delivery. The Postal Service said it has not made permanent decisions about delivery to rebuilt properties or the future of the downtown post office. Maui News.

Ranching improves with fewer axis deer. Culling appears to be working, but struggles persist for some farms. Haleakala Ranch president Scott Meidell has noticed that new fencing and the culling of wild axis deer have contributed to a steady gain in the ranch's breeding herds the last two years. Maui News.

Kauai

Visitors asked to stay away from Kauai during Hurricane Lowell recovery. Kauai, like the rest of the state, usually welcomes visitors. But in the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Lowell, the message to tourists is clear: now is not the time to visit. Hawaii News Now.

Most of Kauai still without power; officials say storm surge likely killed man. About 75% of Kauai electricity customers had no power Wednesday as residents continued to confront Hurricane Lowell’s widespread devastation, which now includes what county officials believe is the island’s first fatality from the storm. Star-Advertiser. KHON2.

Grocery store serves as vital link with power out. Safeway was one of the only grocery stores open following the storm. It was running on a large backup generator, an employee said, which had been on 10% since Tuesday night. Star-Advertiser.

Lānaʻi harbor is closed with hurricane damage, barge delivery canceled. Lānaʻi's Kaumālapaʻu Harbor is closed due to significant damage from Hurricane Lowell. The port is where the island is served by a single, once-a-week barge.  Hawaii Public Radio. Hawaii News Now. 

Making New Kaua‘i Homes Wildfire Resistant May Cost Much More Than Expected. A Kaua‘i County Council committee wants more time to discuss how proposed new building standards could increase construction costs and whether the county should subsidize them. Civil Beat.

Homes demolished, trees toppled in Hurricane Lowell assault; 90% of Kauai without power; schools, government reopen on Oahu, deadly weekend for motorcycle club, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Waves topping 25 feet demolish homes and carry cars away in Poiʻpū. Lowell passed Kauai as a Category 2 hurricane with 110 mph sustained winds overnight Monday. It knocked out power for about 90% of customers on Kauai, with its biggest impacts seen on the island’s south shore and west coast. The worst destruction appeared to be along the south shore’s coastline, with oceanfront properties and businesses from Baby Beach to at least Lawai Beach destroyed. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.  Hawaii Public Radio.  Hawaii News Now. KHON2. 

About 90% of Kauai without power following Lowell’s overnight passing. Kauai’s power lines took ‘biggest hit’ from Hurricane Lowell. There is no timeline for restoring power to the 90% of Kauai Island Utility Cooperative’s customers who remained without electricity Tuesday after power distribution lines took the “biggest hit” from Hurricane Lowell. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii Public Radio.  Kauai Now. KHON2.

How recent storms exposed Hawaii’s fragile infrastructure. Hawaiʻi is facing significant challenges to its critical infrastructure following consecutive impacts from the March Kona lows, Hurricane Lala, and Hurricane Lowell. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Oahu public schools, state and city offices to reopen Wednesday after Hurricane Lowell passes. All non-essential offices, public schools and University of Hawaii campuses and Judiciary facilities on Oahu will reopen Wednesday as Hurricane Lowell moves away from the state. Hawaii News Now.

Oʻahu weathers Hurricane Lowell with flooding and power outages. Ala Moana park to close for cleanup; City government operations resume Wednesday. The City and County of Honolulu will resume normal government operations on Wednesday following today’s closure of non-essential city offices and services because of Hurricane Lowell. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii Public Radio. Hawaii News Now. 

Plan for Central YMCA property under review. The YMCA of Honolulu’s effort to return its Central Y property near Ala Moana Center to lower-density zoning it previously had over a decade ago will undergo City Council scrutiny today. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Hawaiʻi Island Auditor Says She Needs A Deputy. Voters Will Decide. This is the only proposed charter amendment Big Island voters will consider this year. Civil Beat.

Big Island spared from flooding, significant impacts from Lowell. Portions of the Big Island received intermittently heavy rain over the weekend, but it appears the flooding officials feared as a result of rain bands from Hurricane Lowell didn’t materialize. Tribune-Herald.

A deadly weekend for Big Island motorcyclists. Two motorcyclists were killed and two injured in three crashes ovdr the weekend, including adult corrections officers riding with Ku Kane O Ka Makani Motorcycle Club in the yearly rally that brings motorcyclists statewide to the Big Island on Labor Day weekend. Tribune-Herald.  Big Island Now. 

Maui

Council members give initial approval for $10 million to fund emergency expenses related to Hurricane Lala. The Maui County Council approved spending $10 million from emergency funds for recovery efforts following Hurricane Lala, although overall damage costs are rising to nearly $15 million.  Maui Now.

Kihei association plans candidate debate Sept. 15. The Kihei Community Association will host a candidate debate from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Sept. 15 at ProArts Playhouse, 1280 South Kihei Road.The event will feature candidates in four general election races. Maui News.

Maui County temporary service sites to close as threats from Lowell diminish. The County of Maui will close two temporary service sites at 5 p.m., Sept. 8, 2026, in West Maui and in Central Maui after the National Weather Service (NWS) Flood Watch tied to Hurricane Lowell expired this afternoon, according to Maui Emergency Management Agency. Maui Now.

MPD officer pleads not guilty to raping car crash victim. Maui Police Department officer Devin Anthony Schoeppner, a 12-year MPD veteran, pleaded not guilty to raping a woman in May 2025 after she crashed her car. Star-Advertiser.

Kula Hospital remains closed but patients relocated to Oʻahu are returning to Maui. The historic Kula Hospital in Upcountry Maui remains closed since sustaining significant storm damage during the Kona Lows in March. The closure forced the hospital’s more than 100 patients to be relocated. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kauai

What Kauaʻi County residents, visitors need to know Wednesday about Hurricane Lowell. As weather conditions improve, Kauaʻi County emergency officials continue to urge all residents and visitors to stay off roadways and avoid unnecessary travel to allow first responders and emergency crews to continue relief, recovery and restoration operations. Kauai Now.

Kauai County schools, government offices to remain closed through Friday.  Hawaii public schools and non-essential state and county offices in Kauai County will remain closed through Friday as the island digs out from Hurricane Lowell, officials announced. Star-Advertiser. Garden Island. 


Kauai food distributions to support residents affected by Hurricane Lowell. To support Kauai residents affected by Hurricane Lowell, there will be several food distributions held this week after the storm caused ongoing power outages. KITV4.

Hurricane Lowell strikes overnight, Oahu and Kauai schools, government buildings closed today, Hawaii County short-term rental registration goes into effect, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii’s western islands hit by fierce winds and heavy rain from Hurricane Lowell. Damaging winds and heavy rains from Hurricane Lowell were pelting Hawaii’s western islands in the overnight hours Tuesday, bringing the threat of floods, mudslides and tornadoes. Associated Press. Hawaii News Now. 

Hurricane Lowell barrels past Kauai and Niihau as Cat 2 late Monday night.  Hawaiʻi Weather, Shelters, Map + More. Schools on Kaua‘i, Niʻihau and O‘ahu are closing Tuesday as Hawai‘i waits for Lowell to pass. Thousands on Kauaʻi are without power. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii Public Radio. 

Public schools and University of Hawaii campuses on Oahu and Kauai, state and city offices closed Tuesday due to Hurricane Lowell. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. 

Near-record rains hit state last month. Last month ranks as the second wettest August in more than a century, according to the Hawaiʻi Climate Data Portal’s monthly report. The state received 210% more rainfall than is typical for August. Most of that came from Hurricane Lala, which dumped an average of 11 inches of rain across the state. Hawaii Public Radio.

Native Hawaiian Benefits Face Sweeping Legal Attacks. Conservative groups and the Trump administration have taken aim at programs supporters say are foundational to making amends for Hawaiʻi’s history. Civil Beat.

‘Kick In The Face’: Hawaiʻi’s $2M Business Registration System Slammed. The Hawai‘i Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs’ new, $2.1 million “Business Express” registration system is causing what users describe as interminable delays in processing documents needed to start and operate businesses. Processes that previously might take a few days are taking weeks or months.  Civil Beat.

Oahu

Oahu residents urged to stay home until Lowell passes. City officials urged Oahu residents Monday night to stay home and take precautions as Hurricane Lowell was bearing down about 200 miles west of the island, with the worst impacts expected into early today. Star-Advertiser.

High surf from Hurricane Lowell inundates Makaha condominium complex. High surf from Hurricane Lowell has inundated coastal areas on Oʻahu’s leeward coast, forcing the closure of Farrington Highway and flooding ground-floor residential units in Mākaha. Hawaii News Now.

Hurricane Lowell generates massive 20-foot swells on Oahu’s south shore. Massive, messy swells generated by Hurricane Lowell battered Oʻahu’s south shore Monday, drawing out experienced surfers and prompting warnings from emergency officials. Hawaii News Now.

Accused Of Violating Patients, A Hawaiʻi Doctor Still Practices. Nine women accused Dr. Gregory Yim of performing unnecessary breast exams that violated their sense of trust. The Hawaiʻi Medical Board has taken no action. Civil Beat.

Southwest Airlines plans premium airport lounge in Honolulu. Southwest Airlines plans premium airport lounge in Honolulu. Southwest Airlines will open premium airport lounges across the country starting late next year, a major shift for a carrier famous for catering to budget travelers. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Transient vacation rental registration takes effect. Beginning Sept. 1, 2026, owners of both hosted and un-hosted transient vacation rentals (TVRs) — defined as rentals of 180 days or less — are required to register their properties with the county through an online portal. Tribune-Herald.

Hilo Tennis Courts Project Complete, Online Reservation System Introduced. A project to improve the Lincoln Park Tennis Courts in Hilo has been completed, and now the Hawaiʻi County Department of Parks and Recreation is implementing an online reservation system to use the courts. Big Island Video News.

Salvation Army seeks donations as Hawaii Island pantries face high demand. The Salvation Army’s Hilo, Honokaa and Kona corps have reported shortages of food staples as they continue weekly distributions. Star-Advertiser. Big Island Now. 

No Water, And No End In Sight: A Big Island Condo Copes With Lala. Roaring runoff from the hurricane wiped out a privately run water system serving about 100 homes.It has been more than three weeks since flooding from Hurricane Lala rampaged through the condominiums called Colony I at Sea Mountain in Kaʻū, wiping out the complex’s water, sewer and electrical service.  Power has been restored, but the privately operated water and sewer systems that serve the complex were heavily damaged in the storm. Civil Beat.

Maui

Maui County home, condominium prices decrease in August. The price of single-family house resales in Maui County decreased by 7.9% in August compared to the same month in 2025, according to the association. The median sales price in August was $1,200,000, compared to $1,302,500 in August 2025. The median price of condominium sales dropped by 13.1%, decreasing from $650,000 in August, 2025 to $564,950. Maui News.

Kauai

Kauai urges residents to shelter in place as Hurricane Lowell hits. The county has opened five “hurricane refuge” areas: Kilauea Neighborhood Center, Kapaa Middle School, Kauai High School, Kalaheo Neighborhood Center and Waimea Canyon Middle School. Star-Advertiser.

Hawai‘i Department of Transportation statewide stream cleanups roundup: Kaua‘i. Hawai‘i Department of Transportation notifies the public about statewide stream cleanup work to clear accumulation of debris, sediment and brush in an effort to improve drainage and waterflow through stream systems to prevent future flooding. Kauai Now.

Hurricane Lowell expected to cross Kauai tonight, state eyes school closures as student rolls decline, doctor shortage sends patients to urgent care facilities, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Kauai County residents told to expect hurricane conditions as Lowell nears. Kauai and Niihau were put under hurricane warning late Sunday as Category 3 Lowell barrelled toward the islands packing maximum sustained winds of 120 mph — threatening Kauai County with destructive winds, heavy rain, flooding, storm surge and dangerous surf as early as this afternoon. Star-Advertiser. Kauai Now. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. KITV4. 

‘Hurricane Hunters’ fly into Lowell. Lt. Sarah Cozart, a pilot, and meteorologists Sofia De Solo and Ryan Knapp are just a few who make up the “Hurricane Hunters,” a team tasked with gathering storm data under the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The trio’s current mission is tracking Lowell, which as of 5 p.m. Sunday was a Category 3 hurricane with 120 mph winds. Star-Advertiser.

Extreme weather tests Hawaii’s firefighters, reveals response gaps. Hurricane Lala and multiple Kona-low storms stretched firefighters across the islands this year, forcing crews to balance routine emergency calls with flood rescues, washed-out roads, downed trees and stranded communities. Star-Advertiser.

This Campaign Finance Whiz Helps Hawaiʻi Politicians Keep Their Books In Order. After 33 years with the state Campaign Spending Commission, Tony Baldomero is now working for candidates so they file “true and accurate” expense reports. Civil Beat.

Hawaii patients express frustration with doctor shortage. Hawaii has had a doctor shortage for more than 15 years, with the latest University of Hawaii report noting a gap of 833 full-time- equivalent doctors in 2025, worse than in the previous year. Statewide, more patients may be relying on urgent care due to the inability to find a PCP or seeking help from Advanced Practice Registered Nurses, who have full practice authority in Hawaii, meaning they can evaluate patients, diagnose illnesses and prescribe medication. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiʻi Schools Continue To Lose Students. Hawaiʻi schools have fewer students for the eighth year in a row as lawmakers push for campus closures and consolidations by the end of the decade, according to recent data from the state education department.  Civil Beat.

Native Hawaiian Benefits Face Sweeping Legal Attacks. Conservative groups and the Trump administration have taken aim at programs supporters say are foundational to making amends for Hawaiʻi’s history. Civil Beat.

UH debuts free ‘AI for Hawaii’ program to teach ethical, practical AI skills. “AI for Hawaiʻi” is an open-access, self-paced course that teaches foundational AI knowledge and practical skills, while also emphasizing responsible and ethical use. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Hawaii Supreme Court orders special election for state House District 43.  The state must hold another Republican primary for the House seat representing Kapolei and Makakilo after the Hawaii Supreme Court ruled Friday that pulling a name out of a plastic egg to decide an election didn’t do the voters justice. On Aug. 8, the primary between incumbent Kanani Souza and Sheila Medeiros for the District 43 seat ended in a tie, with each receiving 842 votes. No Democrat filed to run in the race so whoever takes the primary wins the seat.  Star-Advertiser. Aloha State Daily. 

HPD releases footage of first drone-assisted arrest. In a video posted to social media Sunday, the department showcased how its new Drone as a First Responder (DFR) program was used to arrest three suspects in a recent crime spree. Hawaii News Now.

Ala Moana project developer seeks more time. The developer of 1588 Ala Moana, a mixed-use development calling for a 400-foot luxury hotel tower and a separate residential tower with market-rate and affordable units at Ala Moana Center, is seeking a 90-day extension to allow for further Honolulu City Council consideration. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu condominium prices fell in August; home costs surged. Nearly half of condo resales closed below $500,000 as inventory rose 4.1% year over year, according to data released Sunday by the Honolulu Board of Realtors. The median price of $510,000 was down 1% from $515,000 a year earlier while sales declined 6.6%. The median price for single-family homes jumped 12.2% to $1,240,000 to reach its second-highest level ever behind only the $1,242,500 achieved in June.  Star-Advertiser. 

Hawaii Island

Uncertainty lingers following expiration of county’s lease for Punalu‘u park. A week after Hawaii County’s lease for Punalu‘u Black Sand Beach Park ended following a failure to reach an agreement with the private land owner of the park, changes are becoming visible at the site, which has been managed by the county for decades. Large signs that once greeted visitors have been removed, the public bathroom doors are locked, debris is scattered throughout the parking lot, and the lifeguard stand is shuttered. Tribune-Herald.

Push to ban data centers continues. The Windward Planning Commission on Thursday deferred action until October on a bill intended to ban artificial intelligence data centers. Tribune-Herald.

Green light for Keaau Health Center: Commissioners OK $90M project. The Windward Planning Commission on Thursday cleared the way for Hilo Benioff Medical Center to build an outpatient medical clinic in Keaau. Tribune-Herald.

Funding released toward Tropical AgTech Center project in Hilo. The main goals of the Tropical AgTech Center are to improve the profitability of small farms on Hawaiʻi Island and to increase exports from the state. Big Island Now.

Maui

Maui Council panel advances license plate reader bill, delays facial recognition technology measure. Maui County Council members voted 7-1 in committee Thursday to put safeguards on how local law enforcement uses automated license plate reader technology, but they deferred action on a second bill addressing facial recognition technology that is not yet deployed by the Maui Police Department. Maui Now.

Questions persist about flood rescue training after Maui firefighter’s death. As fire departments across Hawaii expand their preparation for flooding and severe storms, the 2023 death of Maui firefighter Tre’ Evans-Dumaran continues to shape discussions about how firefighters are trained and equipped to respond to fast-moving floodwaters. Star-Advertiser.

Why Maui police don’t always name people who are arrested, including their own officers. When a 12-year veteran of the Maui Police Department was arrested on sexual assault charges this week, he was not identified by name and his mug shot was not included in a department news release. In September 2024, the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, which covers Hawai‘i and the West Coast, ruled that the publication of mug shots on government websites was unconstitutional and essentially amounted to “pretrial punishment.” Maui Now.

Kauai

Kauaʻi residents, visitors, officials and nēnē prepare for Hurricane Lowell. On Sunday it was the calm before the storm, with Kauaʻi County officials urging residents to brace for severe weather starting to arrive Monday by stocking supplies, securing homes, and considering refuge areas as a last resort. Kauai Now.

Navy, NASA get more time for environmental review. The Department of Land and Natural Resources said Saturday it has granted a request from the Department of the Navy and National Aeronautics and Space Administration for a 15-day extension to their Final Environmental Impact Statement on the Pacific Missile Range Facility and Kokeʻe Park Geophysical Observatory. Star-Advertiser.

This Hawaiian Man Became The Face Of An Anti-Homelands Campaign. David Kalahiki and a neighbor turned to the Pacific Legal Foundation to stay in their homes. Now they are the face of a broader push by conservatives to upend programs serving Native Hawaiians. Civil Beat.

Green declares state of emergency, positions resources ahead of Hurricane Lowell, Covid cases rise again, NOAA offers $20k reward in bludgeoning death of endangered monk seal, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Gov. Green declares State of Emergency, pre-positions resources ahead of Tropical Cyclones. Gov. Josh Green signed a statewide emergency proclamation ahead of three hurricanes encroaching on the island chain this weekend. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now.  Hawaii News Now. 

Hurricane Lowell weakens to Category 3, shifts west of Kauai. Hurricane Lowell track shifts slightly west, but major surge, rain and wind impacts still possible. It is still forecast to be at or near major hurricane strength when making its closest approach to the islands Monday. At 11 p.m. Thursday, Lowell had maximum sustained winds had weakened slightly to near 130 miles per hour. It was about 595 miles south of Lihue, or 555 miles south-southwest of Honolulu, and was moving to the west at 9 miles per hour. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Hurricane Lowell’s expected turn resembles paths of Iniki, Dot. The only two hurricanes to make direct landfall in Hawaii in modern history both made sharp turns before crossing over Kauai — a similar turn forecasters and emergency officials are watching closely as Hurricane Lowell moves south of the islands. Star-Advertiser. KHON2. 

Hawaii’s COVID positivity rates are rising again. The average positivity rates for COVID-19 are ticking up in Hawaii once again after a nearly year-long lull. On Wednesday, the Hawaii Department of Health reported an average positivity rate of 9.0% statewide, with a weekly average of 18 cases per day. Star-Advertiser.

Federal Native Hawaiian education funding awarded. The U.S. Department of Education has awarded $29.7 million to Hawaii providers serving Native Hawaiian children and families, with the funds expected to be distributed by today, following an agreement to extend federal funding for the Native Hawaiian Education Program for another year. Star-Advertiser.

Trump Administration Aims To Strip Tax Status Of Private Schools With DEI Policies. Kamehameha and other Hawaiʻi schools are tracking the proposal, which would remove the tax-exempt status of private schools and colleges that provide scholarships or admission benefits to students based on their race. Civil Beat.

ʻUlu On The Up: Hawaiʻi Breadfruit Production Keeps Booming. This year’s stormy weather might drive a dip in production. But if longer-term forecasts are accurate, breadfruit could get closer to resuming its status as a Hawaiian staple. Civil Beat.

Oahu

H-POWER was closed for more than 80 days last year. The H-POWER facility on Oʻahu helps divert waste from the near-capacity Waimānalo Gulch Sanitary Landfill, but during the last fiscal year it was out of service for more than 80 days. Honolulu officials estimate that 200,000 tons of waste went to the landfill instead of being burned at H-POWER. Hawaii Public Radio.

OHA, city begin talks on future use of Kakaako Makai site. The former J.K.K. Look Laboratory building is a familiar sight on the Point Panic side of the entrance to Kewalo Basin in Kakaako. The Office of Hawaiian Affairs says it is in exploratory discussions with the City and County of Honolulu on possible future purposes for the site. Hawaii News Now.

City reopens Central Oahu park used as temporary Kona low debris site. Patsy T. Mink Central Oʻahu Regional Park fully reopened to the public Thursday after restoration work was completed following its use as a temporary debris site in the wake of the Kona low storms. Hawaii News Now.

Storms Shut Down Elevators Indefinitely For Hundreds In Honolulu. This year’s storms have been disastrous for some Oʻahu residents immobilized by their building’s broken elevators. Restoration could take weeks or months.  Civil Beat.

Man arrested after HPD shuts University Ave. gambling room. According to HPD, on Wednesday, at around 6 p.m., the department’s Narcotics/Vice Division Gambling Detail executed a search warrant on the property, recovering 10 gaming machines, more than $3,000 in cash and drug paraphernalia. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Sewer Rate Hike? Big Island Wastewater System Is Millions In Debt. The County Council is weighing a bill that would more than double the rates over the next five years. Civil Beat. Hawaii Public Radio. 

Kona earthquake gets federal disaster declaration. Gov. Josh Green announced Thursday that President Donald Trump has approved his request for a major disaster declaration following the magnitude 6.0 earthquake that struck the Kona area on May 22. Tribune-Herald.

About 60 customers still lack water in Ka‘u in wake of Lala. The Hawaii County Department of Water Supply is continuing to assess and repair damage to the water system infrastructure in the Na‘alehu-Wai‘ohinu area caused by the catastrophic rainfall and flooding last month from Hurricane Lala. Tribune-Herald.

‘Double Death’: Grief Revived Amid Search For Bones From Nāʻālehu Graves. A community devastated by Hurricane Lala now faces the gruesome and heart-wrenching task of identifying their deceased loved ones and burying them all over again.  Civil Beat.

Maui

Maui Council panel votes 5-4 to adopt sea-level-rise criteria for apartment rezoning in new hotel districts. The Maui County Council’s Housing and Land Use Committee voted 5-4 last week to adopt criteria for which apartment-zoned vacation rental properties can be recommended to the Maui Planning Commission for hotel-district rezoning, tying eligibility to how deeply a property sits within the county’s Sea Level Rise Exposure Area. Maui Now.

Mayor Bissen urges USPS to preserve home mail delivery for Lahaina residents rebuilding after wildfire. In a letter sent Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2026, to US Postmaster General David Steiner, Mayor Richard Bissen said his most urgent concern is that residents returning to rebuilt homes may no longer receive the direct mail delivery they had before the fire and instead could be required to use centralized or cluster mailboxes. Maui Now.

NOAA offers up to $20,000 reward for info in death of Hawaiian monk seal. Federal wildlife authorities are asking for the public's help in finding the individual or individuals responsible for the death of an endangered Hawaiian monk seal whose body was discovered last month on a Molokai beach. According to NOAA, the investigation into the death of Hawaiian monk seal RU68 determined the 1-year-old female died from blunt force trauma to the head, likely sometime on Aug. 17 or 18.  Maui News. KHON2. 

Kauai

Kauai braces for possible impacts from Hurricane Lowell. Lowell, a Category 4 cyclone passing far south of the islands, is expected to weaken as it encounters southwesterly shear, but will still be at or near major hurricane strength when it approaches the westernmost main Hawaiian islands late Monday and Tuesday, according to the Central Pacific Hurricane Center. Star-Advertiser. Garden Island. 

Hurricane Lowell predicted to turn north, state Supreme Court mulls special election for tiebreaker Oahu House seat, Skyline hits record with student riders, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hurricane Lowell expected to take a turn north toward Hawaii. Powerful Hurricane Lowell is passing far south of Hawaii through Friday but it’s where it goes afterward that has emergency officials and residents anxious. While the details of Lowell’s turn remain uncertain, the possibility is especially unnerving on Kauai, which on Sept. 11 will mark the 34th anniversary of Hurricane Iniki, which took a similar path and devastated the island. Star-Advertiser.  Big Island Video News. Hawaii News Now.  KHON2. KITV4. 

Navy Region Hawaii conducts change-of-command ceremony. Navy Region Hawaii Commander Rear Adm. Brad Collins on Wednesday relinquished his command as he prepares to go to Washington, D.C., to oversee Navy Installations Command, putting him in charge of overseeing shoreside operations for the U.S. Navy across the world. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Rematch May Be Coming For House Seat Decided By Tiebreaker. The Hawaiʻi Supreme Court will decide Friday whether a special election is needed for the tight race between two Oʻahu Republicans. Civil Beat. KHON2.

Amazon fulfillment center zoning deferred. The Honolulu Planning Commission on Wednesday voted 7-0 to defer action on a zoning change sought by Amazon for its more than $600 million Project Savoy Fulfillment Center, delaying a decision on whether the company can build a massive five-story warehouse in West Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

Skyline sees record number of rides as students return to school. The City and County of Honolulu said on Aug. 26 that Skyline recorded 14,143 rides, the highest weekday ridership total to date, with average weekday ridership from Aug. 24 through Aug. 28 at 13,478. KHON2.

Construction continues as Skyline stretches into the city. The next leg of the Skyline rail project is headed into the urban core, and evidence of its headway can be seen with the first column and cap being constructed along Nimitz Highway. Hawaii Public Radio.

Honolulu city agencies used more energy and water in 2025. Honolulu's municipal energy and water usage rose significantly last year, according to the city’s latest Annual Sustainability Report. In 2025, city agencies used about 30 million more kilowatt-hours of electricity — enough to power about 500 homes for an entire year. Agency water use was also up by about half a million gallons per day. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Island

Hawaii Island’s Hurricane Lala damage estimate nears $100M with housing top priority. There are still struggles, but also definite progress on Hawaii Island after Hurricane Lala. Hawaii News Now.

PONC measure advances after County Council vote. Legislation to create a framework for regularly reviewing the list of properties targeted for acquisition through Hawaii County’s Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources Commission (PONC) is moving forward after passing an initial vote Wednesday by the County Council. Tribune-Herald.

Ka‘u students return to in-person learning in aftermath of Lala. More than 850 students at two Ka‘u schools returned to in-person learning this week, marking a major step toward normalcy nearly two weeks after Hurricane Lala battered the district. Star-Advertiser.

Dengue virus detected in wastewater sample from Hawaiʻi Island. A wastewater sample from the Hilo wastewater treatment plant tested positive for dengue virus, according to the Hawaiʻi Department of Health. Tribune-Herald. Hawaii News Now.   Big Island Now.

Maui

MPD officer allegedly raped woman after single-car accident. The Maui Prosecuting Attorney is asking potential victims and witnesses to come forward in the case of a police officer who allegedly raped a woman after she crashed her car in May 2025. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. 

Public asked to comment on subsidized ferry proposal.  Maui County officials are hoping to create a subsidized ferry system in Valley Isle waters, where private ferries have sometimes shut down in the past. Maui News.

County announces plans to open temporary safe parking site after Sugimura proposes resolution. County officials said teams and community partners have conducted more than 60 outreach and engagement efforts along Pulehu and Hansen roads during the past three months. They also have completed more than 25 cleanups, removed more than 10 tons of waste and debris and 56 abandoned vehicles, and helped three people move from the encampment into permanent housing. Maui News. Maui Now.  Hawaii News Now. 

Konig jurors to be queried on misconduct claim. The 12 jurors who served during Gerhardt Konig’s attempted murder trial must return to the courtroom for questioning on possible jury misconduct. The Maui anesthesiologist was found guilty April 8 of attempted manslaughter of his wife, Arielle Konig, based on extreme mental or emotional distress, rather than second-degree attempted murder as charged. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai

Motorists face weeklong Halekō Road closure starting Sept. 8. The Department of Transportation will implement a 24/7 closure of Haleko Road westbound for a week due to concrete work for the ʻUahi Ridge Housing development.  Kauai Now.

Category 4 Hurricanes Lowell and Karina churn toward the state, US District Court upholds Hawaii's firearm age limit, Honolulu government checkbook includes $3k at Dave and Buster's, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii keeps a close eye on 2 major hurricanes. Two Category 4 hurricanes in the Pacific are keeping Hawaii on edge this week with the closer of the two cyclones on track to start passing south of the islands today. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.  KHON2.  KITV4.  Big Island Video News. 

Indigenous Groups Are Exempt From Medicaid Work Rules, But Native Hawaiians Aren’t. Native Hawaiians will have to comply with the new work requirements in President Donald Trump’s signature One Big Beautiful Bill Act, despite facing significant obstacles to employment and healthcare. KFF Health News.

US District Court upholds Hawaii law requiring minimum age of 21 for firearms. The court granted the state’s motion for summary judgement, concluding that Hawaii’s age restriction is consistent with the nation’s historical tradition of firearms regulation. KITV4.

Hawaiʻi to receive $76M from Meta settlement. State Attorney General Anne Lopez said she hopes the money will go towards youth mental health services and education opportunities for families about social media. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Capitol pools: $10.5M spent, $55-65M next. Bid proposals for the final phase of the project will be evaluated on Thursday, Sept. 3. KHON2.

Oahu

Honolulu’s Checkbook: Who’s Getting Paid And How Much. The expenses include more than $3,000 from the Climate Change and Resiliency Fund spent at the arcade and sports bar Dave and Buster’s. Civil Beat.

Honolulu expands MH3 program for people in severe mental health, substance abuse crises. Honolulu officials are expanding a program that allows emergency responders and law enforcement to involuntarily take people experiencing severe mental illness or substance abuse to receive care, saying the approach is helping people who have repeatedly fallen through gaps in the social service system.  Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiʻi Knew Neglected Streams Could Wreak Havoc For 60 Years. Little was done to tame some of the waterways and flood areas that caused the most damage earlier this year. Civil Beat.

Oʻahu's exceptional trees stand tall after storm — except for 3. Hurricane Lala brought down hundreds of trees across the islands, but most of Oʻahu’s legacy trees survived the stormy weather. Hawaii Public Radio.

Waialua residents sue city, Dole over March flooding. Twenty North Shore residents have sued the City and County of Honolulu and the owners and operators of Wahiawa Dam in the wake of catastrophic flooding that damaged homes during the devastating Kona-low storms in March. Star-Advertiser.

FAA denies Oahu firm’s request for copter jumps. The Federal Aviation Administration has denied a petition from a local helicopter tour company for an exemption to safety restraint rules that would allow it to continue offering its “helocast” adventures. Star-Advertiser.

Military lawyer on Oahu sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for trying to engage in sexual activity with teens. A military lawyer on Oahu was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for attempting to sexually entice teenagers and attempting to get child porn. KITV4.

Hawaii Island

Island hotels push pack on bill to increase sewer rates. Representatives from the hospitality industry are pushing back on a Hawaii County Council bill that would increase sewage treatment costs for hotels, on top of planned across-the-board rate hikes for all customers in coming years aimed at providing more funding for wastewater operations and maintenance. Tribune-Herald.

Public input sought for update to University of Hawaiʻi Mauna Kea master management plan. University of Hawaiʻi asks the public to weigh in on proposed updates to “2022 Master Plan for the University of Hawaiʻi Maunakea Lands: E Ō I Nā Leo [Listen to the Voices],” which outlines the process for university management of Mauna Kea lands. Big Island Now.

Hurricane Lala Recovery Updates: Kaʻū Water, USDA Help, Vehicle Disposal. Officials are letting residents know about federal and county programs that can assist in the cleanup. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now. 

Maui

Council gives initial approval for creating new ordinance for a Food and Nutrition Security Plan. Maui County Council members unanimously passed a bill on first reading last week that would codify a Food and Nutrition Security Plan as a permanent framework guiding agricultural development and food access in Maui County. Maui Now.

No Relief For Maui Wildfire Survivors Losing Thousands To Contractors. Homeowners rebuilding in Lahaina have lost hundreds of thousands of dollars to unlicensed or unreliable contractors. Government officials have so far failed to hold anyone accountable. Civil Beat.

Kauai

Kapa‘a Swimming Pool adjusts hours due to staffing issues. Starting Sept. 3, the Kapaʻa Swimming Pool will operate on a reduced schedule due to staffing shortages, affecting its hours of operation during the week. Kauai Now.