Hawaii freshman failing, Lala unearths bodies from Ka'u cemetery, Maui immigrant pleads not guilty to illegal voting, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaiʻi Freshmen Failing: Ninth Grade Repeater Rate Among Nation’s Highest. Hawaiʻi has held back high school freshmen at a higher rate than nearly any other state. Civil Beat.

Lala spares Hawaii tourism major damage. Despite widespread disruptions, tourism officials said Hawaii’s visitor industry weathered the storm with limited damage to tourism infrastructure and fewer concerns about long-term visitor losses than during the Kona-low storms in the spring.  Star-Advertiser.

State announces SNAP replacement benefits for recipients affected by Lala. The state Department of Human Services has announced a plan for the replacement of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits for current SNAP recipients who experienced food loss due to household misfortune, such as extended power outages (over four hours or longer) or flooding. Tribune-Herald. KITV4. 

Oahu

Voters claim disenfranchisement in Honolulu City Council election. Forty Oahu voters in a district served by Honolulu City Council Chair Tommy Waters are challenging the validity of results in Hawaii’s Aug. 8 primary election for the seat held by Waters. The voters filed the challenge with the Hawaii Supreme Court on Friday. Star-Advertiser.

Kidney Nonprofit’s Taxpayer-Funded Bus Is Collecting Dust. The Kidney Foundation of Hawaiʻi’s mobile care clinic was never put into service for kidney patients, according to the nonprofit’s CEO. Civil Beat.

Lala triggers 4 sewage spills; power outage stalls safety tests. At least four sewage spills occurred on Oahu during the storm, with two at the Ala Moana Wastewater Pump Station being attributed to backup power failure caused by a power outage in the area. Sand Island Wastewater Treatment Plant also spilled sewage into state waters. That spill began around 8:20 a.m. Sunday and was not contained until the evening, according to City and County of Honolulu Department of Environmental Services spokesperson Jenn Boneza. Star-Advertiser.

Wahiawa Dam levels dropping after Hurricane Lala; state continues discharging water. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the lake on Oahu, also known as the Wahiawa Reservoir, peaked at 79.87 feet on Tuesday morning, Aug. 18, following Hurricane Lala. To put that into context, the lake has a 93-foot capacity and the dam spillway threshold is marked at 80 feet. KITV4.

Kalihi, Kalihi Valley residents say they've been without power for days. Some residents in the Kalihi Valley area have been without power for days, which they say could come at a significant cost. Hawaii Public Radio.

Happy Days, Kaimuki building ceiling collapse injures 4: EMS. Four women in their 80’s were treated by Honolulu Emergency Medical Services following a partial ceiling collapse in Kaimuki, at Happy Days Chinese Seafood Restaurant on Tuesday, Aug. 18. KHON2.

Kalihi family in shock after home’s roof blows off with mother inside. Alice Ome’s voice was calm as she called her daughter to let her know the roof of her home had blown off. Star-Advertiser. KHON2. 

Hawaii Island

Lala unearths graves and caskets at Big Island cemetery. Hurricane Lala tore the dead from the earth on the Big Island. On Monday, a body stripped of clothes lay crushed beneath a boulder. About a half dozen caskets were visible, most empty and torn apart. The smell of the unearthed dead suffused parts of the debris field. New York Times. Hawaii News Now.

No power for “at least” two weeks in pockets of Hawaii Island. Hawaii Island residents reeling from Hurricane Lala could be without power for at least two weeks while Hawaiian Electric Co. pledged to have 95% of its customers back online by Friday. Star-Advertiser. Big Island Video News. 

 Lala Recovery Begins: Ka‘ū Residents Rally To Share Food, Fuel, Hope. A second body was discovered Tuesday. Local businesses remain battered and shuttered as people from around the Big Island step up to help. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser.  Big Island Video News. 

Beloved Hawaiʻi Island bakery left devastated by Hurricane Lala. In Nāʻālehu on Hawaiʻi Island sits Punaluʻu Bake Shop, a sweetbread bakery that sells thousands of its famous malasadas every day and attracts nearly half a million visitors each year. Hawaii Public Radio. Tribune-Herald. 

A look at 72 hours of rain from Lala. Hilo International Airport received a record 6.82 inches on Saturday. Despite Saturday’s record rainfall, there are numerous Hawaii Island locations that received significantly more rain than the 14.38 inches the Hilo airport saw during the 72-hour period between 8 a.m. Friday and 8 a.m. Monday. Tribune-Herald.

Charter school secures permanent Kona roots with purchase of West Hawai‘i Today building. Hawaiʻi Technology Academy solidifies its presence in the Kona community with the $7.4 million purchase of the West Hawaiʻi Today building, promising to expand its innovative educational programs by 2028. Big Island Now.

Maui

Second Maui Immigrant Pleads Not Guilty To Illegal Voting. Just two people have been charged with voting as noncitizens in Hawaiʻi in at least the last 40 years. Civil Beat.

UH Maui College secures $660,000 in federal grants to launch AI-integrated cybersecurity programs. To tackle a critical nationwide shortage of cybersecurity and artificial intelligence professionals, the University of Hawaiʻi Maui College has secured a three-year, $441,645 National Science Foundation award to launch a groundbreaking project: “CyberAI Innovation: AI-Enhanced Cyber Data Analytics Education.”  Maui Now.

Some East Maui residents are trapped after Lala washes away bridge. Nahiku residents are desperate for help as flooding cuts off access to food, water and supplies. Hawaii News Now.

At least 74 damage reports filed on Maui after Lala. Lala produced hurricane-force wind gusts of 85 mph in Olowalu and 82 mph in Ukumehame, along with heavy rain and flooding. The storm left many roads blocked in the Olinda, Makawao, Piiholo and Wailuanui areas. Maui News. Maui Now. 

Kauai

Wildlife officials warn of injured, grounded birds after Tropical Storm Lala. As Kauaʻi embarks on recovery efforts after Tropical Storm Lala, officials urge residents to exercise caution when encountering displaced native birds. Kauai Now.
 

One dead after Hurricane Lala flooding, thousands remain without power, government offices, public schools reopen on all but Hawaii Island, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

 

Thousands still without power as crews work around the clock. Hawaiian Electric Co. said Monday that “crews are gaining ground” restoring power after Hurricane Lala sideswiped Hawaii, leaving about 88,670 customers without electricity as of 6 p.m. Monday. Star-Advertiser. Associated Press. Hawaii Public Radio. KHON2.

HECO to receive help from mainland workers to restore power after Lala. Hawaiian Electric announced that it would be receiving reinforcements from utility companies on the continent — something that has never been done before, according to HECO spokesperson Darren Pai. Hawaii Public Radio.

Full list: Most public schools, except on Hawaii Island, to reopen Tuesday. All public schools on Kauai, Maui, Molokai and Lanai will reopen to students and staff on Tuesday. All state and complex area offices will also reopen on Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Ice shortage at stores across Oahu after widespread power outage. Hawaiian ice was flying off shelves after Hurricane Lala wiped out power for thousands of households -- many for more than 24 hours. KITV4.

Food insecurity impacts the West Side. Tropical Storm Lala not only wreaked havoc on the Leeward Coast but exposed the compounding impacts that prolonged power outages can have on the vulnerable — access to safe food. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Considers Fining, Jailing Homeless Over Shopping Carts. Violators could be fined up to $2,000 or jailed for up to a month if found with shopping carts under this proposal. Civil Beat.

FBI Records Raise New Questions About Murder-For-Hire Plot. Search warrant affidavits, confidential until now, reveal new details about the investigation into a plot to assassinate a federal judge and prosecutor. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

One dead after Hurricane Lala flooding as Hawaii Island begins long recovery. Floodwaters that swept through the Kau community of Naalehu killed a 90-year-old woman — a discovery made Monday as officials began confronting the scale of damage left by Lala, which strengthened into a Category 1 hurricane before wreaking havoc on Hawaii Island over the weekend. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Tribune-Herald. 

Hawaii Island schools, government offices to remain closed Tuesday as other counties reopen. All state and county offices, public schools, and court facilities on Hawaiʻi Island will remain closed on Tuesday as cleanup and recovery efforts continue in the wake of Hurricane Lala. Hawaii News Now.

Lala Recovery: 6 bridges not destroyed as feared, but plenty of damage to repair, debris to cleanup. After work crews cleared more mud, boulders and other debris from roads in the hard hit Kaʻū District of the Big Island, the six bridges that appeared to be destroyed Sunday by Hurricane Lala are not as badly damaged as originally thought, Hawaiʻi County Mayor Kimo Alameda said Monday. Big Island Now.

Hawaiʻi Island's water system strained by Hurricane Lala. The Hawaiʻi County Department of Water Supply relies on electricity to pump water up from underground aquifers into its tanks and through its system. Right now, the department is using backup power to maintain water access to large communities and key facilities, like hospitals. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii County 911 service restored after island-wide outage. Hawaii County said in a 12:23 p.m. update Monday that its 911 emergency service number is now operational, but that carriers have experienced periodic disruptions. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiʻi Power Restoration, Water Service Update at 10 p.m. on August 17. Hawaiian Electric provided another power restoration update on Monday evening, saying that – as of 7 p.m. – approximately 38,250 customers are without power on Hawaiʻi Island. Big Island Video News.

‘The aftermath of it all shocked me’: Big Isle residents assess damage, prep for a long recovery after Lala. With thousands of homes and businesses still without power, officials warn it could be weeks until it is restored in some of the hardest hit rural areas, leaving many without ways to store or cook food. Tribune-Herald.

OHA Board Approves First Round Of Emergency Funding For Kaʻū . Native Hawaiians in hardest-hit areas of Big Island eligible for $184,000 in relief funds after Hurricane Lala passes by South Point. Civil Beat. Big Island Video News.

Maui

County of Maui offices to resume normal operations on Aug. 18; Eddie Tam to transition to charging station. The County charging station and American Red Cross shelter at Eddie Tam in Makawao will close at 8 p.m., Monday, Aug. 17. It will reopen on Tuesday, Aug. 18, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. solely as a charging station, or temporary service site, for powering devices and connecting to WiFi via Starlink. Maui Now.

6,000 remain without power on Maui in Lala’s wake. As Hawaiian Electric completes ongoing damage inspections, significant damage is being found, particularly in remote areas. Maui Now.

DWS advising water conservation in West Maui following Tropical Storm Lala. The County of Maui Department of Water Supply (DWS) is advising residents and visitors in West Maui to conserve water until power is fully restored following Tropical Storm Lala. Maui Now.

‘One big community’: Kauai, Maui mayors tour Makawao sites destroyed by Lala. Kauai County Mayor Derek Kawakami joined Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen on Monday to tour areas of Maui hit hardest by Hurricane Lala. The two spent the day visiting damaged sites, including Maui Veterans Cemetery, local businesses and a church in Makawao. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai

Update: 301 customers of Kauaʻi Island Utility Cooperative still without power due to Tropical Storm Lala. Most of the customers without power are on the South side of Kaua'i, the closest to Tropical Storm Lala's high winds. Kauai Now. Garden Island. 

Massive destruction as Tropical Storm Lala blows through Hawaii; some may be without power for months; bridges out, neighborhoods isolated;120 flights canceled; government offices, universities, schools closed today, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Lala’s Wrath: Homes Swept Away, Some Power Outages May Last Months. Widespread damage followed the tropical storm, including power outages, road closures and flash floods. Homes were damaged, and trees fell on cars and people. Civil Beat. Associated Press. 

Hawaii public schools, universities, most state and county offices to be closed Monday. Gov. Josh Green’s office announced that state employees affected by the office closures should not report to work and will be granted administrative leave. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii Public Radio. Maui Now.  Hawaii News Now.

Power out for 178k HECO customers; company says ‘prepare for extended outages’. About 178,400 Hawaiian Electric customers remained in the dark Sunday night and the company said “all customers without power should prepare for extended outages.” The mass outages, caused by the high winds and heavy rain of Hurricane Lala, stretched from Hawaii island to Oahu. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii Public Radio. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. KITV4. 

Alaska, Hawaiian Airlines cancel 120 flights due to Lala . Hawaiian and Alaska Airlines have canceled dozens of flights as the storm’s remnants move across the islands, with more changes possible as crews assess conditions. KHON2. KITV4. 

PAC Spending In Primary Shows That Money Talks. An analysis of primary election results shows that most of the candidates supported by political action committees won their races outright or will move on to the November general election. Civil Beat.

Nearly 3,500 rooftop solar systems installed during first half of 2026, Hawaiian Electric said. The company called this a “solid pace” for the first half of the year despite the Jan. 1 loss of the federal clean energy tax credit for residents. Star-Advertiser.

DLNR’s proposed rules stir debate over cat management. To feed or not feed the cats. That has been the perpetual debate between conservationists who say feeding feral cats, considered an invasive predator of native birds in Hawaii, is a problem, while animal advocates say it is not, and is in fact a management strategy for cat colonies. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii Public Radio. 

Oahu

Two incumbent lawmakers lose to challengers in primary tie-breaker drawing. Sen. Kurt Fevella (R, Ewa Beach-Ocean Pointe-Iroquois Point) and Rep. Kanani Souza (R, Kapolei-Makakilo) were defeated by Bob McDermott and Sheila Medeiros, respectively, after their Republican challengers had their names pulled out of a lauhala box by the state’s chief elections officer to break the pair of unusual ties in Hawaii’s Aug. 8 primary election. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii Public Radio. 

Downed trees, flooding cause multiple road closures on Oahu. Honolulu police reported multiple road closures on Oahu due to high winds, rain and flooding caused by Tropical Storm Lala. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. 


Hawaii Island

‘All of this devastation’: Lala causes damage and disruption across the island — but especially in Ka‘u. Hurricane Lala skirted narrowly south of Hawaii Island this weekend as a Category 1 storm packing 80 mph winds before moving westward, south of the island chain. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now.

Maui

County of Maui TS Lala update as of 7 p.m. on Aug. 16, 2026. As Tropical Storm Lala continues moving west of the main Hawaiian Islands, National Weather Service canceled the Tropical Storm Warning for Maui County and O’ahu. Maui Now.

As Federal Government Stirs Illegal Voting Fears, Two Cases Arise In Hawaiʻi. Two noncitizens told the Maui County Clerk that they had voted in 2022 and 2024. She relayed that information to the FBI. Civil Beat.

Maui wildfire settlement payments delayed again. Yet another dispute delaying initial payments to thousands of Maui wildfire victims from a $4 billion litigation settlement is headed to the Hawaii Supreme Court. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai

Tropical Storm Lala is 170 miles past Līhuʻe, but outer bands still bringing rain, gusty winds. Tropical storm conditions, especially in gusts, are ongoing across portions of Kauai County, with the strongest winds occurring in areas of higher terrain.  Kauai Now.

Green signs emergency proclamation, Jim Cantore in Hilo as Tropical Storm Lala expected to become hurricane before reaching Hawaii; state Supreme Court expedites Waters' election appeal; military may turn Oahu and Molokai land over to state, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Gov. Green signs emergency proclamation ahead of Tropical Storm Lala. The proclamation activates the Major Disaster Fund, and authorizes the activation of the Hawaii National Guard if needed. Star-Advertiser. Kauai Now. 

Hawaii Island under hurricane warning, Oahu under tropical storm watch as Lala nears. Tropical Storm Lala is holding steady in intensity but is forecast to strengthen as it nears the islands. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. 

====================================

A Hurricane Warning is in effect for...
* Hawaii County
 A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for...
* Maui County, including the islands of Maui, Lanai, Molokai and
Kahoolawe
 A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for...
* Oahu
* Kauai County, including the islands of Kauai and Niihau. National Hurricane Center.

====================================

Tropical Storm Lala prompts interisland flight changes. As Tropical Storm Lala approaches the Hawaiian Islands, airlines are making some changes to interisland schedules while urging passengers to closely monitor their flights and remain flexible. KITV4.

Navy and Marine Corps may turn over land to state. Two parcels are intended for transfer. One is a 32-acre site at the former Barbers Point Naval Air Station in Kalaeloa that includes warehouses currently used by the state to accommodate film and TV productions. The other parcel is a 12-acre Marine Corps training area next to the Molokai airport.  Star-Advertiser. Maui Now.  KHON2. 

Some Hawaiʻi Youth Love To Vape. Will New Limits Make Them Quit? Hawaiʻi lawmakers approved some of the country’s most restrictive vaping regulations. Some doubt it will prompt youth to kick the habit. Starting Jan. 1, the sale of disposable vapes, the kind often favored by young people, will be banned in the islands. Civil Beat.

Oahu

State Supreme Court to expedite Waters’ appeal. The Hawaii Supreme Court has agreed to take up and expedite Hono­-lulu City Council Chair Tommy Waters’ appeal of a ruling that found him ineligible to seek a third consecutive term, as six state judges and two justices — including newly ­installed Hawaii Supreme Court Chief Justice Vladimir Devens — recused themselves. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. 

‘Does He Ever Sleep?’: New Honolulu Police Chief Hits The Ground Running. Honolulu police Chief David Lazar has promised to be transparent and accessible. So far, observers say he’s living up to his word.  Civil Beat.

Here’s how Honolulu is spending its climate funds. Honolulu has set aside $9 million to expand community gardening, convert cesspools, and complete other climate projects this fiscal year. In its first year, the climate fund supported a loan program for cesspool conversions and an initiative to help residents retrofit their homes to lower electricity bills. Hawaii Public Radio.

In A Hidden Hawaiʻi Gulch, A Wartime Secret Opens To The Public. Last month, the National Park Service started guided tours to Honouliuli, a former World War II internment camp.  Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

The Weather Channel’s Jim Cantore is in Hilo; a sure sign to take Tropical Storm Lala seriously. Meteorologists and county officials are putting Lala on par with storms like Tropical Storm Iselle that knocked out power, uprooted massive albizia trees and flooded areas of the Puna District in 2014. Big Island Now.

Civil Defense seeks a new administrator amidst storm. With Tropical Storm Lala bearing down on the Big Island, Hawaii County is accepting applications for a new Civil Defense administrator to succeed Talmadge Magno, who retired Aug. 1. County Managing Director Bill Brilhante — the second-in-command in Mayor Kimo Alameda’s administration — has assumed the role of acting Civil Defense administrator. Tribune-Herald.

List of Cancellations, Shelters as Hawaiʻi County Prepares For Hurricane. The County will be opening shelters as of 6 p.m. Friday, Aug. 14 at the locations below. Bring your own food, water, and any necessary medicine. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now. 

Live Opossum Captured Near Hilo Harbor. The Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity announced the small mammal was captured on Wednesday by workers at a freight transporting warehouse.  Big Island Video News.

Maui

Tropical Storm Lala could bring heavy rain, flooding to Maui County. Don’t wait to prepare, county officials say. Maui News.

Mahi Pono has water license hearing Friday. The meeting of the Board of Land and Natural Resources will start at 9 a.m. Friday in Honolulu. The public can watch the hearing through a live stream at the J. Walter Cameron Center in Wailuku or via YouTube at youtube.com/live/F6yXsclyd9M. Maui News.

Kauai

Tenant applications now being accepted for Uahi Ridge Phase I. The Housing Agency announces that tenant applications are now being accepted by Mark Development Inc. for Uahi Ridge Phase I, a new affordable rental housing community in Lihu‘e developed in partnership by the Housing Agency and Mark Development Inc.  Garden Island.

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.