Hurricane watch issued as Tropical Storm Lala strengthens, Health Department snuffs out hemp intoxicants, Honolulu joins push to ban aquarium fish-harvesting, Maoli threatens lawsuit after feds call him a meth dealer, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Tropical Storm Lala strengthens; hurricane watch issued for Hawaii County. The National Hurricane Center says Lala is forecast to strengthen, and it could be near hurricane strength when it approaches the Big Island by early Saturday. Hawaii News Now. Star-Advertiser. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now. 

SUMMARY OF 500 AM HST...1500 UTC...INFORMATION
----------------------------------------------
LOCATION...15.2N 145.5W
ABOUT 705 MI...1135 KM ESE OF HILO HAWAII
ABOUT 915 MI...1475 KM ESE OF HONOLULU HAWAII
MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS...40 MPH...65 KM/H
PRESENT MOVEMENT...W OR 280 DEGREES AT 10 MPH...17 KM/H
MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE...1001 MB...29.56 INCHES
Issued by NWS National Hurricane Center.

Hawaiʻi’s Intoxicating Hemp Market Has Gone Up In Smoke. The Hawaiʻi Department of Health has snuffed out sales of mood-altering smokes and gummies derived from hemp. Civil Beat.

Interisland test flights take off for all-electric aircraft. Mokulele’s parent company Surf Air has committed to buying 25 of the all-electric Alia planes. BETA plans to deliver the fleet in one to three years, when they will become permanent additions to Hawaiʻi’s skyline. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

McDermott, Souza Prevail In Republican Primary Recounts. But dozens of voters have two more days to address problems with their mail-in ballots, and results won’t be final until about 7 p.m. Friday, according to Chief Election Officer Scott Nago. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser.

Special election ahead for a Hawaii Senate seat. Five candidates from four political parties and one who is nonpartisan could be on Nov. 3 general election ballots due to the recent resignation of Sen. Michelle Kidani (D, Mililani Town-Waipio Gentry-Royal Kunia). Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu joins counties to urge BLNR to ban aquarium fishing. The Honolulu City Council is urging the state Department of Land and Natural Resources to ban aquarium fishing and the Legislature to ban the trade statewide, following in the footsteps of Maui, Kauai and Hawaii counties. Star-Advertiser.

City Council advances vehicle weight tax cut. Oahu motorists could pay lower annual vehicle weight taxes beginning next year after the Honolulu City Council voted Wednesday to advance a measure that would reduce the rates. Star-Advertiser.

Krishna Jayaram confirmed as Honolulu Managing Director. Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi announced Wednesday that the City Council confirmed Krishna Jayaram as the new Managing Director, effective immediately. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu Ocean Safety performs over 100 rescues as south swell builds on Oahu's shores. As south swell has built up to advisory-level surf, the Honolulu Ocean Safety Department performed over 100 rescues and thousands of preventative actions on Oahu on Wednesday. KITV4.

Oahu flood survivor turns garage into community storm-prep hub. Windward resident launches free resource network two weeks after Kona low storm. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Hope For Revitalizing Banyan Drive Pinned On New State Agency. Hilo community members have ideas for the future of the once-bustling district. Civil Beat.

USDA invites public to shape conservation at meeting in Hilo. The East Hawaii Soil and Water Conservation District, together with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service, invites the public to attend its annual Local Working Group meeting in Hilo. The meeting is from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 19, at the Komohana Research and Extension Center in Hilo. Tribune-Herald.

UH, Nani Mau Gardens form educational partnership. The University of Hawaii College for Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience recently announced a partnership with Nani Mau Gardens to create a new Water and Plants Education Center, bringing more educational opportunities about sustainability to the Hilo area. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Federal prosecutors apologize to entertainer for meth accusation. Prosecutors blamed a “typographical error.” Country reggae musician Maoli’s lawyer says the singer was defamed in a criminal complaint for a Maui police official accused of bribery and is exploring legal options. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser.

Sister of Maui man beaten to death while feeding cats describes terrifying attack. The sister of a Maui man beaten to death in Kahului took the stand in court Wednesday, describing the terrifying encounter that claimed her brother’s life. Johnathan Koko-Kong and Richard Kealoha Kaauwai are accused of murdering Alfred Kailihiwa, 71, last Thursday near Lalo Street.  Hawaii News Now.

Kauai

Kauaʻi beekeeping proposal hits a buzzkill at Planning Commission. In a move to balance beekeeping expansion with public safety, Kauaʻi's County Planning Commission has deferred a proposal to allow apiaries in residential areas, seeking additional safeguards for neighbors before reconsidering it next month. Kauai Now.

The Kaua‘i Bus announces new payment methods. Riders can now tap a Discover or Diners Club International contactless payment card, joining the other payment methods through the bus Open Payments system and giving the public even more convenient ways to simply tap and ride. Kauai Now.

Work continues at Lihue Airport. Projects receiving the strongest overall support at Lihue Airport Optimization Plan community meetings included those that directly benefit residents and Lihue Airport employees, particularly improved parking availability, safer ground transportation and clearer circulation. Garden Island.

Tenant applications now accepted for Uahi Ridge Phase I affordable housing. Kaua‘i County Housing Agency announces tenant applications are now being accepted for Uahi Ridge Phase I, a new affordable rental housing community in Līhu‘e. Kauai Now.

Formation of Tropical Storm Lala likely by weekend, Jones Act waiver extended, 5 judges recuse themselves in Tommy Waters election appeal, Land Board to dive into Maui water wars, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Tropical Storm Lala forecast to form Wednesday or early Thursday. NWS continues monitoring possible tropical cyclone as it approaches Hawaiʻi. A developing cyclone is approaching the state with possible severe weather over the weekend. Conditions will vary from island to island, so best to be prepared for strong winds and heavy rain as well as large life-threatening surf along east and southeast shores through Sunday. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Trump-Backed Program Offers Money For Students. Will Hawaiʻi Take It? An infusion of scholarship money could help families pay for private school tuition and other educational expenses. But Hawaiʻi will have to cross political lines to get it. Gov. Josh Green initially said Hawaiʻi would not participate in the scholarships, but he is now waiting for the federal government to release program regulations in September before consulting with other state agencies.  Civil Beat.

Trump extends Jones Act waiver for 90 days, narrows scope. President Donald Trump has extended for 90 days a waiver allowing foreign-flagged ships to transport oil and other commodities between U.S. ports, but imposed new limits after shipbuilders and their allies in Congress argued the policy was undermining the domestic maritime industry, the White House said. Reuters.

Office of Hawaiian Affairs plans televised candidate forums for 2026 trustee election. Forums will be presented in partnership with ʻŌlelo Community Media and Hawaiʻi’s local media networks, pre-recorded Oct. 3 and then broadcast statewide during the week of Oct. 12, providing broad public access. Kauai Now.

Oahu

Five judges recuse themselves from Tommy Waters’ ineligibility appeal. Five of the seven judges on the state Intermediate Court of Appeals have recused themselves from Honolulu City Council Chair Tommy Waters’ appeal of the ruling that found him ineligible to seek a third consecutive term.  Star-Advertiser.

“A slap in the face”: Honolulu Office of Economic Revitalization folds after county cuts funding. Honolulu’s Office of Economic Revitalization is ceasing operations this Friday — a decision made weeks after the City Council cut a majority of its funding and staff positions in early July. Hawaii Public Radio.

New Sand Island technology modernizes wastewater treatment for Oahu. A new Membrane Bioreactor Facility at the Sand Island Wastewater Treatment Plant separates solids out of the water more effectively than older methods. KHON2.

Hawaiian Council buys Sea Life Park, assumes stewardship. Hawaiian Council has acquired Sea Life Park in Waimanalo, placing the landmark marine attraction under Native Hawaiian stewardship for the first time and expanding the organization’s growing portfolio of tourism and cultural enterprises. Star-Advertiser.

NOAA confirms deaths of 2 endangered monk seal pups. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said it got a report last Wednesday of a deceased monk seal entangled in an unattended fishing net about 10 yards offshore of an area west of Mokuleia Beach Park. he pup’s death follows that of another monk seal, RUO2, known to most as ‘Umi‘umi, several months ago. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Measures to combat fentanyl advance. A Hawaii County Council committee last week supported two measures aimed at addressing fentanyl-related overdoses across the island. One would equip the Hawaii Police Department with portable devices capable of detecting trace amounts of fentanyl. The second would allow for the installation of distribution boxes for naloxone — a fast-acting overdose reversal medication — at county buildings in Hilo and Kona. Tribune-Herald.

Young Brothers plans modified cargo acceptance, availability at Port of Kawaihae. Hawai‘i shipping company Young Brothers will have modified cargo acceptance and availability at the Port of Kawaihae this month. Big Island Now.

Two Wildland Fires Close Daniel K. Inouye Highway. The highway was closed in both directions Tuesday afternoon between Old Saddle Road Junction and Highway 190 Junction. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now. Hawaii News Now. 

Maui

State opposing county plan for East Maui water system. A Maui County effort to take control of the island’s largest water system has stalled after the state land department moved to block it, drawing criticism from environmentalists and traditional farmers. Hawaii News Now.

Bissen swept all districts in Maui County mayoral primary, including Sugimura’s backyard. Incumbent Mayor Richard Bissen won every district of Maui County in Saturday’s primary election, including West Maui, where the recovery from the 2023 wildfires was the biggest test of his first term, as well as Upcountry, the home district of challenger Yuki Lei Sugimura. Maui Now.

Maui County Council votes to expand fare-free bus access. Bill 95 expands eligibility for the fare-free bus access program to include more residents and gives authorization to the county's the director of transportation to suspend enforcement of fares for special events, parades or emergency closures for up to 14 days in a fiscal year. Aloha State Daily.

Haʻikū Fire Station project stalls as Maui County Council panel wrestles with land title dispute. After more than 17 years of planning, the proposed Haʻikū Fire Station has hit a legal stumbling block significant enough for council members to seek legal advice in a closed executive session and delay further consideration for two weeks. Maui Now.

Maui Police Leader Accused Of Taking Bribes Will Stay In Jail For Now. Entertainer is linked to Maui officer accused of corruption. A Maui police lieutenant accused of taking bribes to protect organized crime allegedly watched over a Jan. 1 illegal aerial fireworks party hosted by the founder of country reggae group Maoli, according to state and federal court records. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. KHON2. Hawaii News Now. 

Brothers arraigned in Maui labor trafficking case. Maui police arrested two men Monday on labor trafficking, extortion and document-related charges following the execution of search warrants at a Kihei residence. Maui News.

Report shows Maui housing gains while jobs and incomes lag. Three years after devastating wildfires swept through Maui, the island’s recovery is showing meaningful progress in housing — but economic challenges, including weak employment and lower household incomes, continue to weigh on fire-affected residents, according to a new report from the University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. 

Kauai

Public invited to review proposals for County of Kauaʻi grant program. The Office of Economic Development’s Innovation Grants Program is designed to support projects that bring innovative solutions to Kauaʻi in the areas of small business, technology, transportation, agriculture, local manufacturing, creative industries, workforce development, circular economies, tourism destination management, and product development. Kauai Now.

Inspection of Wailua–Kapaʻa sewer collection system scheduled. A comprehensive inspection and condition assessment of the Wailua–Kapaʻa sewer collection system will begin Aug. 19. The County of Kauaʻi Department of Public Works describes this as a critical step toward strengthening wastewater infrastructure serving the eastside communities of Wailua, Kapaʻa and Waipouli. Kauai Now.

Fire weather signs installed at Westside fire stations. The Kaua‘i Emergency Management Agency, in partnership with the Kaua‘i Fire Department and the Department of Public Works, has installed new fire weather signs at the Hanapepe and Waimea fire stations to help residents and visitors stay aware of wildfire conditions and the year-round risk of wildfires on Kaua‘i. Garden Island.

Maui, Kauai sued over 2024 election data, recount starts today in two Oahu races, PUC approves bid solicitations for renewable energy projects on Hawaii Island and Oahu, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Maui, Kaua‘i counties sued over 2024 election data. Maui and Kaua‘i county officials have been sued in federal court amid ongoing questions about the state’s management of voter rolls during the 2024 election. The Public Interest Legal Foundation on Friday sued the Maui and Kaua‘i county clerks — Moana Lutey and Jade K. Fountain-Tanigawa, respectively, arguing the two had failed to comply with the National Voter Registration Act of 1993. Aloha State Daily.

GOP gubernatorial, Lt. Gov. candidates discuss effort to surpass dominant Democrats. The Republican candidates for Hawaii governor and lieutenant governor held their first joint campaign meeting Monday, discussing strategies for the upcoming general election as the underdogs of both races. Hawaii News Now.

A tropical cyclone may impact some of the islands this weekend, the National Weather Service of Honolulu reported on Aug. 10. If a cyclone forms, which is likely, it will be named Lala. KHON2. Hawaii News Now. 

Renewable energy project proposals sought. The state Public Utilities Commission has approved another round of utility-­scale renewable energy project additions to island power grids through competitive bids. Under the approval issued Friday, Hawaiian Electric is accepting proposals through late January from renewable energy development firms for projects on Oahu and Hawaii Island. Star-Advertiser.

Man accused of threatening to kill Tulsi Gabbard’s husband. A 23-year-old Georgia man was arrested by the FBI after he allegedly became infatuated with former Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, moved to Oahu and threatened to kill her husband. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now.

Hawaiʻi Schools’ New Cellphone Ban Is Here. What Are Teens Saying? This school year marks the start of Hawaiʻi’s statewide cellphone policy, which bans the devices during the school day for elementary and middle school students. In the high schools, students can’t use their phones during class but can check them during recess, lunch and passing periods. Civil Beat.

He Oversaw Airports And Billions Of Dollars. Now He’s Accused Of Taking Bribes. Ford Fuchigami, who is on leave pending a review of his work, had “an extraordinary career as a public servant” before being charged in Hawaiʻi’s latest political corruption case. Civil Beat.

More than 300K jury questionnaires will be mailed across the islands. More than 300,000 of these juror questionnaires will be sent to randomly selected individuals who have a Hawaiʻi state driver’s license or are registered to vote in Hawaiʻi.  KHON2.

Oahu

How A Young Challenger Defeated Hawaiʻi’s Longest-Serving Lawmaker. Jackson Sayama worked hard for Les Ihara’s Senate seat. He focused on getting things done, Ihara on lofty ideas of better government. Civil Beat.

Recount for two state legislative seats in primary election scheduled for Tuesday. Incumbent state Sen. Kurt Fevella (R, Ewa Beach-Ocean Pointe-Iroquois Point) was leading over longtime Republican politician Bob McDermott when the second and last election results of Saturday night had Fevella ahead by 47 votes, 1,068 to 1,021. But when Sunday morning’s results came out, the race flipped, with Fevella trailing by only seven votes, 1,211 to 1,204. The difference between victory and defeat is even tighter for the House Republican primary to represent Kapolei-Makakilo. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.   KHON2.

Aloha Stadium prepares for next round of milestones. New renderings for the 31,000-seat stadium are expected soon, while groundbreaking is targeted to begin toward the end of the year. Aloha State Daily.

Hawaii Island

General election matchups are set, but multiple candidates won their seats outright Saturday. Hawaii County Council elections are nonpartisan. Incumbents who won their council seats outright on Saturday by getting at least 50% plus one vote include: Holeka Inaba, who was unopposed in his District 8 race; Heather Kimball, who ousted Ren Del Rosario and BJ Penn in District 1; Dennis Onishi, who defeated Kelton Chang in District 3; and James Hustace, who was unopposed in District 9. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Now.

Waikoloa School Campus Gets A Makeover. Volunteers recently completed a beautification project at Waikoloa Elementary and Middle School before the start of the school year. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now. 

Maui

Maui police disband unit led by officer accused of corruption. The Maui Police Department’s Criminal Intelligence Unit was shut down after its commander was charged in a federal corruption investigation with taking cash to set up cockfighting operations and protect sales of cocaine, methamphetamine and illegal aerial fireworks. Star-Advertiser.

MPD to honor Officer Suzanne O while promoting bill named in her honor. The Maui Police Department is inviting the community to participate in a series of sign-waving events Aug. 10-15 to honor Officer Suzanne O on the one-year anniversary of her death and encourage passage of legislation named in her honor. Maui News.

Bissen, Sugimura advance to general election in race for Maui County Mayor. Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen is headed into the November general election after leading Saturday's primary by more than 12 percentage points, according to the most recent preliminary voting results. Maui News.

‘Dangerously Close To Capacity’: Maui Weighs $53M Kīhei Desalination Plant. Community members gave the idea a lukewarm reception when the Maui Department of Water Supply shared details. Civil Beat.

Appeals court orders Maui Planning Commission to revisit preparation of an environmental review for Honuaʻula project. The Hawaiʻi Intermediate Court of Appeals ordered the Maui Planning Commission Thursday to reconsider whether developers of the Honuaʻula master-planned community in South Maui—formerly known as Wailea 670—need to prepare a supplemental environmental impact statement, although the court upheld the commission on other points raised by groups challenging the project. Maui Now.

Sudden and unexplained illness in honeycreepers reported at Maui Bird Conservation Center. Representatives with the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance have released a statement expressing sadness following an increase in honeycreeper deaths at the Maui Bird Conservation Center. The sudden and unexplained illness has impacted birds at the facility, primarily ʻakikiki. Maui Now.

Kauai

Families of Kauai tour helicopter crash victims file lawsuit. The families of Patrick J. Haskell and Margaret Rimmler — the married couple killed in the Kauai helicopter tour crash on March 26 — have filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the helicopter tour operator and related companies. Garden Island.

Democrats seek unity after bruising primary, some races head to recounts, joblessness continues to rise, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaiʻi Democrats Flock To Traditional Post-Primary Get-Together. The morning after the primary Democrats say they are focused on taking down Trump and the GOP in November. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser.  KHON2. Hawaii News Now. 

Primary election: Tight races head to recounts, mayoral matchups set. The recounts will involve the Republican primary for State Senate District 20 and the Republican primary for House District 43. KHON2. Hawaii News Now.

Green appoints Danielle Bass to represent Senate District 18. Danielle Bass was appointed following the retirement of state Sen. Michelle Kidani and will represent the district until a successor elected in the Nov. 3 general election takes office.  Kauai Now. KHON2. Hawaii News Now. 

State jobless rate rises for third straight month. The state’s seasonally adjusted number was 2.6% — up from 2.4% and 2.5% the previous two months — according to recent data from the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Major Landlord Accused Of Discriminating Against Section 8 Renters In Hawaiʻi. Testers sent by a nonprofit were told by agents for Greystar, the largest owner of apartment complexes in the United States, that their vouchers would not work. Civil Beat.

Chinatown nightclub to return to court in fight with Honolulu Liquor Commission. A Chinatown nightclub plans to return to federal court to press its claims of discrimination and violation of its First Amendment rights against the Honolulu Liquor Commission, saying a 2025 settlement with the city on the matter has fallen apart. Star-Advertiser.

Kakaako warehouse draws contention over tenant use. A state agency has pulled back a divisive plan for interim use of a World War II-era warehouse it owns in Kakaako after pushing for a nonprofit craftsman workshop to use the space at the expense of a fitness club. Star-Advertiser.

Police seize 15 gambling machines, $2,700 in Ewa Beach raid. Honolulu police seized 15 gaming machines and more than $2,700 in cash after executing a search warrant Thursday at an illegal gambling room on Old Fort Weaver Road in Ewa Beach. Star-Advertiser.

Another Hawaiʻi Prison Death Has Family Seeking Answers.  A 55-year-old transgender inmate at  Hālawa Correctional Facility was beaten and strangled in her cell, according to her family, and a maximum security prisoner who is a twice-convicted murderer is being blamed for the killing. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Council members split on bed and breakfast bill. Amid ongoing efforts to regulate short-term vacation rentals on Hawaii Island, the Hawaii County Council Committee on Finance considered a proposal last week to create a new tax class for certain hosted short-term rentals. Tribune-Herald.

DLNR hires nonprofit for help on best practices for maintenance, improvements. Trails across Hawaii Island will soon get an upgrade as the state Department of Land and Natural Resources is partnering with nonprofit Kupu to start work this fall to make improvements at several sites. Tribune-Herald.

Community group hopes efforts to install signs designating ahupua‘a will catch on. Typically stretching from the mountains to the sea, Native Hawaiians designed ahupua‘a to organize the land in a way that ensured communities living within each one had access to all the land- and water-based resources needed to live sustainably. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Applications open for 2026 Investigative Elections Reporting Fellowship. A new $10,000 fellowship is available for a Maui County-based journalist to dig deeper into the 2026 Maui County Council and mayoral elections. The inaugural Maui Nui Media and Creativity Collaborative Investigative Elections Reporting Fellowship will fund seven weeks of original, investigative, print-first reporting focused on the candidates, issues, and decisions shaping Maui County's future. Maui News.

Court finds probable cause in terroristic threatening case against congressional candidate on Maui. Probable cause was found Thursday during a preliminary hearing for 40-year-old Congressional candidate Kirill Basin of Kīhei, who is accused of two counts of first degree terroristic threatening for an incident reported Saturday at Keawakapu Beach in South Maui.  Maui Now.

Maui man, 71, feeding feral cats, dies after Kahului attack; 2 men charged with murder. Two Maui men were charged with murder after a 71-year-old man died Friday from injuries he suffered when he was beaten and kicked during an attack in Kahului, according to the Maui Police Department. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai

Rapozo and Carvalho heading for mayoral face off. Mel Rapozo, getting the most votes at 40.6 percent, and Bernard Carvalho Jr., getting 30.6 percent of the Primary Election votes, will face each other for the mayor seat in the General Election on Nov. 3.  KHON2.

Kaua‘i’s Only Emergency Homeless Shelter To Get Major Overhaul. Part of the facility is expected to remain open during renovations, which are expected to cost $18 million.  Civil Beat.

Green, Kawakami win Democratic ballots for governor, lieutenant governor; Case, Tokuda, hold onto Congressional seats; two incumbent state lawmakers lose legislative seats; Bissen leading race for Maui mayor; Rapozo and Carvalho battle for Kauai mayor, election news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Statewide results as of 8:50 p.m. Aug. 8. Hawaii Office of Elections

Gov. Josh Green, Derek Kawakami head to the general election.  Gov. Josh Green secured a spot on Hawaii’s Nov. 3 general election ballot, and Kauai Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami will be his running mate after cruising to victory in the Democratic primary for lieutenant governor Saturday.  Green captured 89% of the vote for the Democratic nomination for governor. Kawakami captured 67% of the vote to state  Rep. Della Au Belatti's 25%,  in the five-candidate race. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii Public Radio.  Hawaii News Now. KHON2. 

Rep. Ed Case Holds Onto His Congressional Seat In A Landslide. U.S. Reps. Case, Tokuda moving on to November election. In the second election returns of the night, Case was leading state Sen. Jarrett Keohokalole 60% to 36%, with the vast majority of the votes counted. In the Nov. 3 general election, Case will face Republican Adriel C. Lam, who ran unopposed in the primary, to represent Hawaii’s 1st Congressional District. In the Democratic primary to represent rural Oahu and the neighbor islands in the 2nd Congressional District, U.S. Rep. Jill Tokuda cruised to victory with over 90% of the vote. In the Republican Party primary, unopposed state Sen. Brenton Awa (R, Kaneohe-Laie-Mokuleia) was also headed to the General Election. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.  Hawaii Public Radio.  Hawaii News Now.

2 incumbent state lawmakers lose seats. The longest-serving member in the Legislature, Sen. Les Ihara Jr. (D, Palolo- Kaimuki-Moiliili) lost badly to Rep. Jackson Sayama (D, Wilhelmina Rise- Maunalani Heights-St. Louis Heights). Sayama had 66% of the vote to Ihara’s 34%. Another race with a lagging incumbent is much closer. Rep. Ikaika Hussey (D, Kamehameha Heights- Kalihi Valley) had 49% of the vote to 52% for John Mizuno. Star-Advertiser.

Three incumbent trustees of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs gained enough votes to advance to the general election. If the results hold, incumbents Brickwood Galuteria, Keoni Souza and John Waiheʻe IV will face off against Ikaika Anderson, Adrian Kealii Akina and Kanekoa Crabbe to try and keep their seats on the OHA board. Three at-large seats are up for grabs in this year’s race. Civil Beat. Hawaii Public Radio. 

Democratic, Republican leaders offer analysis of primary results, voter turnout. With initial statewide voter turnout hovering at just 28.3%, political analysts and leaders are looking at a quiet election cycle that may mark one of the lowest participation rates in the state’s history. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Trevor Ozawa leads in Council race after Waters disqualified. Trevor Ozawa, a former Honolulu City Council member who successfully sued Council Chair Tommy Waters over his eligibility to be on the ballot, was the top vote-getter by far in East Oahu’s controversial District 4 race Saturday. An updated vote count showed Ozawa with 10,800 votes, or just over 44.3% of the votes cast. Waters, whose name remained on the ballot despite being disqualified, had received 7,978, or about 32.7%. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii Public Radio. Hawaii News Now. 

Hawaii Island

New Faces Moving Forward To Fill County Council Seats. Incumbents Dennis “Fresh” Onishi and Heather Kimball are on track to move on to the November general election. The leading candidates to fill four open  seats, according to early results, are Manu Powers for District 7, Shannon Matson for District 5, Guy Enriques for District 6 and Eileen O’Hara for District 4. Civil Beat. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now.

Maui

Maui Election Results: Bissen Out Ahead Of Sugimura In Mayor’s Race. Voters also narrowed down the top two County Council candidates to advance to the general election in certain district races. Maui News.  Maui Now.  Civil Beat.

Kauai

Rapozo and Carvalho likely to advance to the general election in the race to replace Kawakami as mayor. Current County Council chair Mel Rapozo was the top vote-getter in the six-candidate field for mayor, garnering 1,441 more votes than second-place finisher Bernard Carvalho Jr. Kauai Now. Garden Island. 

State preps for Saturday primary, judge dismisses lawsuit against OHA trustees, Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry on federal closure list, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

What to expect in Hawaii’s state primary. An ongoing corruption scandal involving Hawaii’s lieutenant governor looms over Saturday’s state primary as nine candidates jockey to replace her. Meanwhile, a longtime Democratic congressman who bucked his party and supported one of President Donald Trump’s top legislative priorities faces a tough primary challenge. An ongoing corruption scandal involving Hawaii’s lieutenant governor looms over Saturday’s state primary as nine candidates jockey to replace her. Meanwhile, a longtime Democratic congressman who bucked his party and supported one of President Donald Trump’s top legislative priorities faces a tough primary challenge.  Associated Press.

Departures at the state Legislature open the door for new Hawaiʻi lawmakers. Recent departures at the state Legislature will lead to new lawmakers this year. Most of the candidates running for open seats this year are political newcomers.  Hawaii Public Radio.

Judge Dismisses Retaliation Lawsuit Against OHA Trustees. Stacy Ferreira, the deposed CEO, filed a lawsuit against the agency, its nine trustees and interim CEO Summer Sylva in November, accusing them — and in particular, Chair Kai Kahele — of retaliating against her and violating the state’s open meetings law.  Circuit Court Judge Steven Nichols determined Thursday that the case will proceed, but only against OHA. Civil Beat.

Hawaiʻi's Safe Routes To School program attracts questions. A Hawaiʻi law passed last year mandated that each vehicle registration would add a $5 fee to fund the program. The Safe Routes to Schools Advisory Committee, under the state’s Department of Transportation, manages those funds and gives portions to each county. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

Mayor Blangiardi defers to courts in Waters’ election dispute. Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s administration is deferring to the courts in the ongoing legal dispute that removed City Council Chair Tommy Waters from Saturday’s East Honolulu District 4 primary election. The Blangiardi administration declined to comment on how the city Department of the Corporation Counsel or the Office of the City Clerk handled Waters’ eligibility issue and the election process overall in District 4. Star-Advertiser.

Incumbent Fevella faces 2 ex-lawmakers in the GOP primary for state Senate. The race between Rida Cabanilla-Arakawa, Kurt Fevella and Bob McDermott is one of the more unusual contests in Saturday’s primary election. Hawaii Public Radio.

State regulators question need for more firm power on Oʻahu's grid. The Public Utilities Commission has denied Hawaiian Electric’s request to seek competitive bids for 500 MW of fuel-flexible power on Oʻahu. The commission said the utility must first demonstrate that such generation would benefit Oʻahu ratepayers. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu home sales, prices posted double-digit gains in July.  The report by the Honolulu Board of Realtors said sales of previously owned single-family homes jumped 20.5% to 300 last month from 249 a year earlier, while the median sale price rose 13.9% to $1,224,500 from $1,075,000. July’s median price followed a record set in June at $1,242,500. Star-Advertiser.

Schofield Barracks welcomes new ‘Tropic Lightning’ leader. Maj. Gen. Jay Bartholomees relinquished command of “America’s Pacific Division” to Maj. Gen. Jeff VanAntwerp, who takes command after a year leading Special Operations Command Pacific at Camp Smith. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry in Hilo among proposed closures of forest research facilities nationwide. Operating since 1956, the institute meets the diverse information needs of natural resource managers across the Pacific, according to the facility’s website. Big Island Now.

Hawai‘i County Fire Commission postpones chief interviews to September. The postponement was to allow Hawai‘i County's Department of Resources enough time to notify the finalists of the next steps in the hiring process. Big Island Now.

Kilauea Volcano Update – New Crack Opens, Large Flames Seen. A new crack has opened upslope of the south vent, and has been producing intermittent large flames. Big Island Video News.

County hosts free Household Hazardous Waste events. Hawaii County will be holding free Household Hazardous Waste collection events between 7:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. On Saturday, Aug. 8 at the Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium parking lot in Hilo and Saturday, Aug. 15, at the West Hawaii Civic Center parking lot in Kailua-Kona. Tribune-Herald.

Southwest Airlines kicks off new nonstop flight between Hilo and the ‘Ninth Island. The inaugural flight of Southwest Airline’s new direct route between Las Vegas and Hilo touched down Thursday at the Hilo International Airport. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Now.

Maui

Maui Candidates Are Benefiting Big From PACs. About half of the money spent by political action committees on neighbor island races went to Maui, where the future of short-term vacation rentals has dominated the political landscape. Civil Beat.

Court orders Maui Planning Commission to revisit Honua‘ula project. The Hawaii Intermediate Court of Appeals ruled Thursday that the Maui Planning Commission must reconsider whether major changes to the Honua'ula development formerly known as Wailea 670 require a supplemental environmental impact statement. Maui News.

MPD commander allegedly protected drug dealers, cockfighters for cash. Michael Vaituulala, 53, a lieutenant with nearly 18 years with MPD, is facing 20 years in federal prison after he allegedly took cash from criminals since 2019 to protect illegal firework sales, cocaine and methamphetamine marketing and cockfighting. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now.  KHON2. KITV4.

One ‘Ohana Fund reaches $175M in offers. The compensation program to families of those who died and people who suffered serious physical injuries in the Aug. 8, 2023, Maui wildfires has made offers on 162 eligible claims as of Aug. 4, including 102 death claims and 60 serious physical injury claims. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now.

Maui Wildfires 3 Years Later: The Recovery In Photos. Residential building has picked up the pace but the commercial district still struggles. Civil Beat.

Kauai

26 people running for Kauaʻi County Council in Aug. 8 primary. Who are they? The top 14 vote-getters in the Saturday primary advance to the general election on Nov. 3. Kauai Now.

Celebrating the Charity Walk. Between the puffs of dust and cars picking their way through the construction of the Poipu Road Safety and Mobility Project outside Keoki’s Paradise on Thursday, the Hawaii Lodging and Tourism Association, Kauai Chapter, shared more than $674,000 with representatives of 55 Kauai nonprofits. Garden Island.

FEMA reviews Hawaii Covid funding in wake of corruption investigation, PUC rejects HECO power plant proposal, Hawaiian Telcom nets $150M broadband contract, Peter Boy siblings get $3.25M from state, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

FEMA reviews Hawaii’s COVID funding after Sylvia Luke indictment. The Federal Emergency Management Agency is reviewing FEMA-­funded COVID-19 work that has been tied to the public corruption indictment of Hawaii Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke and four others, and the agency said it may seek repayment or other enforcement actions if it finds improper spending. Star-Advertiser.

Hawai‘i Could Hit New Low For Voter Turnout This Year. Oʻahu voters seem apathetic. But competitive mayoral races on Kauaʻi and Maui, where candidates have spent big, are energizing voters. Civil Beat.

New images of the sun show its surface in the finest detail yet.  Researchers were able to peek at its scorching surface with the help of the National Science Foundation’s Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope, located on the island of Maui in Hawaii.  Associated Press. Reuters. 

Anti-war advocates protest RIMPAC in Hawai'i. The 30th Rim of the Pacific, or RIMPAC exercise, ended last week, but dozens of anti-war advocates gathered at the state Capitol Tuesday to protest military action across the islands. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaiʻi Moves Forward With $150M Fiber Optic Broadband Expansion. Hawaiian Telcom has been contracted to deliver fiber-optic service to approximately 5,800 homes that currently lack modern broadband access. Big Island Video News. Garden Island.

Oahu

PUC rejects HECO’s power plant proposal ‘without demonstration of need’. The Hawaii Public Utilities Commission declined Hawaiian Electric Co.’s request to add a 500-megawatt power plant, finding that it would not be in the public’s best interest to move forward without identifying whether Oahu needs it. Star-Advertiser.

With Waters’ departure, 3 vie for East Honolulu Council seat. East Honolulu’s City Council race has been reshaped after Council Chair Tommy Waters was disqualified from seeking a third consecutive term, leaving three candidates vying for the seat he has held since 2019. In District 4, former Council member Trevor Ozawa, small-business owner Tara Malia Gregory and city employee Jason Liang are competing to represent the area stretching from Waikiki to Hawaii Kai. Star-Advertiser.

JERA takes public comment on importing LNG to power Hawaiʻi. JERA Americas held the first of two community meeting events in Honolulu on Aug. 3, which drew about 75 people. Hawaii Public Radio.

OCCC inmate captured after nearly 11-hour manhunt. An inmate who escaped from the Oahu Community Correctional Center Wednesday morning was captured after a manhunt that lasted nearly 11 hours. Joseph Tauilemua, 20, was arrested on military property at around 8 p.m. by Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam police, according to the Honolulu Police Department.  Hawaii News Now. KHON2. KITV4.

Honolulu police use drones as first responders in 2 districts. The Honolulu Police Department is using drones as first responders to 911 calls for police service and requests for help in two patrol districts as part of a push to use technology to expand public safety. Star-Advertiser.

Proposed master plan for Hoomaluhia Botanical Garden includes new tourist fee. Dozens of community members joined botanical garden staff Wednesday night for an interactive presentation of the near-final master plan for Hoʻomaluhia Botanical Garden, which includes proposals for renovated facilities and a tourist entry fee. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

State agrees to $3.25M settlement with Peter Boy Kema’s siblings. The state has agreed to apologize and pay $3.25 million to the siblings of Peter “Pepe” Kema to settle a years-long civil lawsuit over the 6-year-old’s tragic death. An attorney for the Kema family said the proposed agreement would compensate Chauntelle, Allan, and Lina Acol, who filed the lawsuit against the state in 2018. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaiʻi Island lawmakers set to redefine role of main economic agency. The Department of Research and Development collects economic data and supports local industries like agriculture, energy, and tourism. Some county council members say the department’s mandate in county code is vague. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaiʻi County reaches agreement with landowner to prevent eminent domain for widening of a Puna road. The Hawaiʻi County Council was going to vote Wednesday on whether to authorize condemnation of 3.74 acres of land to make Government Beach Road safer, but was asked to postpone the decision to allow for the agreement to be finalized with Lum Family Enterprises. Big Island Now.

Council OK’s coconut rhinoceros beetle resolution urging state to do more. Advocates for a new rule aimed at stopping the spread of the invasive coconut rhinoceros beetle on Hawaii Island say that its implementation and enforcement has been lacking since going into effect earlier this year. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaiʻi County’s District 4 is an open council seat with Ashley Kierkiewicz unable to run due to term limits. The candidates are Shannon Smiley Burrows, Lloyd Enriquez, Cyd Makanui Hoffeld, and Eileen O’Hara. Big Island Now.

Kona Community Hospital verified as level III trauma Center. The designation, given by the American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma, means the hospital meets criteria to care for critically injured trauma patients, officials said. Star-Advertiser.

Maui

Maui police lieutenant arrested by the FBI. Lieutenant Michael Vaitu‘ulala, a Maui Police Department lieutenant suspended earlier this year after allegations he covered for a New Year’s Eve party featuring illegal aerial fireworks was arrested by FBI agents Tuesday. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now. 

Infrastructure improvements underway at new Līpoa, master-planned community in South Maui. Pacific Rim Land is underway with infrastructure improvements at Līpoa, a 400-acre mixed-use, master-planned innovation community in South Maui featuring commercial, residential and recreation spaces. Maui Now.

Additional Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle (CRB) detections on Maui prompt community action alert. Following two recent detections in Central Maui, the Maui Invasive Species Committee (MISC) is urging the community to remain alert for invasive coconut rhinoceros beetles. Maui Now.

A Viral Hawaiian Monk Seal Changes The Conversation On Molokaʻi. A critically endangered seal’s chance encounter with the owner of a popular local social media account has brought community members together after recent killings of the protected species. Civil Beat.

Kauai

Six candidates battle in Aug. 8 primary to become Kauaʻi’s next mayor. The candidates, which include three current Kauaʻi County Council members, are all running to replace term-limited Derek S.K. Kawakami.  Three of the candidates are currently county council members: Chair Mel Rapozo, Felicia Cowden, and Bernard Carvalho Jr., who also formerly served as mayor. The other candidates are Laura Andaya-Lindsey, Michaela Widener and Megeso William Denis. Kauai Now.

Kauaʻi County launches solid waste infrastructure survey. Kauaʻi County Solid Waste Division recently launched a countywide survey — limited to a randomly selected sample of Kauaʻi residents — to help county officials better understand resident views about landfills and long-term solid waste needs. Kauai Now.