State homeless contractor CEO spent tax money on Vegas trip, sex aids; Matson spent dark money to try to oust U.S. Rep. Case; Honolulu PD reassigns 100 officers to patrol, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Nonprofit CEO responds after audit flags Vegas trip expenses. One part of the expansive audit: a $5,200 state reimbursement for a 2024 Vegas trip for a conference to HomeAid CEO Kimo Carvalho, contracted to build kauhale. Expenses included a first-class airline upgrade, minibar charges, and two sexual intimacy kits that included condoms, lubricants, restraints, vibrators and a feather tickler. Hawaii News Now.

Gov. Green defends the speed and spending of the Kauhale Initiative. A report from the state Office of the Auditor criticized the lack of oversight on a no-bid contract and pointed out millions of dollars in questionable or unauthorized spending by HomeAid Hawaiʻi, the lead developer for the  Kauhale Initiative, which was designed to provide long-term housing for people experiencing homelessness. Hawaii Public Radio.

Matson Bankrolled Dark Money Super PAC, New Filings Show. Newly filed reports from the Federal Election Commission show that Matson’s political action committee and Boyd Gaming Corp. donated a combined $100,000 to Future Progress to fund a last minute advertising campaign supporting Hawaiʻi State Sen. Jarrett Keohokalole’s unsuccessful bid to unseat U.S. Rep. Ed Case in the Democratic primary. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Supreme Court considers case of idled Elections Commission. A polarized and paralyzed state commission with elections oversight duties may have the Hawaii Supreme Court break an impasse that has prevented the panel from meeting since June. Two members of the nine-member State of Hawaii Elections Commission successfully petitioned the court to get involved in a dispute over whether the State Office of Elections can schedule and host a public meeting for the commission absent a request from the commission’s chair or at least five members. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. 

Inflation rates in Hawaii higher than mainland. Struggles to pay for housing and basic goods have weighed heavily on Hawaii residents as the islands have seen an ongoing decline in population as people leave for better-paying jobs and cheaper costs on the U.S. continent. Star-Advertiser.

Here’s How Much Hawaiʻi Seniors Need To Cover Basic Monthly Costs. Hawaiʻi couples who rent and are over the age of 65 need an average of $4,585 per month to cover basic needs without public or private help — and that’s if they’re healthy. That is roughly $670 more than the national average, according to a preliminary analysis from the University of Hawaiʻi Economic Research Organization, or UHERO. Civil Beat.

Hawaii lawmakers push for bonds to fund infrastructure. Gov. Josh Green, Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi, Kauai Mayor Derek Kawakami and state lawmakers urged Hawaii voters Wednesday to approve a constitutional amendment that would authorize a new way to finance infrastructure projects, arguing it could help address the state’s housing shortage without raising property taxes. Star-Advertiser.

Ongoing Pacific hurricane season already setting records. This year’s hurricane season across the Pacific Ocean is now the most energetic yet — and there’s still about six weeks left to go. Star-Advertiser.

DOJ Grilled On Hurdles Immigrants Face In Court Following Civil Beat Story. The Hawaiʻi congressional delegation cited a September article showing Trump-appointed judges were four times as likely to require immigrants to show up in person. They are asking why. Civil Beat.

Oahu

100 HPD officers to be reassigned to patrol. The Honolulu Police Department is projecting a $34 million shortfall at the end of the year and exceeded its overtime budget by $6 million in the first quarter, contributing to difficult financial decisions and staff reassignments. Star-Advertiser. KITV4. KHON2. Hawaii News Now.  Aloha State Daily.

After half a decade, Aloha Tower officially reopens. For the first time in five years, the public is once again able to enjoy the views from Honolulu’s historic Aloha Tower. The iconic island landmark held its formal grand reopening on the morning of Oct. 15 after shutting down for repairs during the COVID pandemic. Hawaii Public Radio. Aloha State Daily. 

Honolulu Council: Former Member Faces Opponent Who Embraces Conspiracies. East Honolulu voters have starkly different candidates to choose from as they decide who to entrust as one of the island’s nine council members. Civil Beat.

Voting explainer: 2026 Honolulu charter amendment ballot questions. Oʻahu voters can vote on a whopping 20 charter amendment questions in the November election. Questions range from creating a food security fund to who can serve on boards and commissions. Hawaii Public Radio.

Family of North Shore surfer sues city, state over crash near Chun’s Reef. More than a year after a crash along Kamehameha Highway left surfer Dakota Briley with serious injuries, his family is seeking accountability from the City and County of Honolulu and the State of Hawaii. KITV4.

Hawaii Island

Leeward Planning Commission OK’s bill aimed at banning data centers. The Hawaii County Leeward Planning Commission voted Thursday in support of a bill aimed at prohibiting data centers on the island. Introduced by Hamakua Councilwoman Heather Kimball, Bill 170 would create a definition for a “data center” and not include it as a permitted use anywhere in the county code, essentially creating a ban. Tribune-Herald.

Kawakami to headline Hilo Grand Rally on Saturday. A large crowd is expected as Kauai Mayor Derek Kawakami addresses attendees at the Hilo Grand Rally on Saturday.Kawakami will appear on general election ballots as the Democratic candidate for lieutenant governor. Tribune-Herald.

Sea Dragon Energy comes to Kona’s technology park to turn seawater into jet fuel. John Kohut, chairman and CEO of Sea Dragon Energy, spoke to a group of community and business leaders at a traditional Hawaiian blessing the company held at its warehouse located at the Hawai‘i Ocean Science Technology Park in Kailua-Kona that is operated by the Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaiʻi Authority. Big Island Now.

UH officials host meeting on tuition hikes in Hilo. University of Hawaii officials presented details at a public meeting Wednesday about how a proposal to increase tuition across the UH system would impact UH Hilo, Hawaii Community College and the Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Future Maui Development? Kahului Council Candidates Hold Opposing Views. Carol Lee Kamekona is trying to unseat Kauanoe Batangan on the Maui County Council in the Nov. 3 general election. Civil Beat.

Uniqlo Founder Accuses Maui Water Provider Of ‘Textbook Financial Fraud’. A federal lawsuit says Maui Land & Pineapple fraudulently quadrupled water rates to cover repairs to water systems it is responsible for maintaining. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser. 

County moves forward with temporary safe parking site. Maui County is doing groundwork to provide a temporary safe parking site in Central Maui for unhoused residents who live in their vehicles. The county said the temporary site along Pulehu Road is being designed to accommodate about 50 vehicles and provide a safer, more organized location for individuals currently living in their vehicles while a permanent site is being planned in Kahului. Maui News.  Maui Now.

Maui-grown limes take flight to international markets. More than 80,000 pounds of Maui-grown limes are now flying from Kahului to Seattle each week aboard Hawaiian Airlines aircraft, before continuing on to markets in Canada. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kaua‘i Needs More Affordable Housing. Council Candidates Have Ideas. With median sales prices on Kaua‘i at nearly $1.5 million for a single-family home and over $700,000 for a condo, candidates for the county’s seven-member council say that more needs to be done to prevent local families from being priced out.  Civil Beat.

Voting explainer: 2026 Kauaʻi charter amendment ballot questions. Kauaʻi voters can vote on one charter amendment question in the November election. It tackles the process of appealing decisions by the Kauaʻi County Planning Department. Hawaii Public Radio.

Preserving affordable housing. A dedication ceremony marked the successful completion of a $7 million rehabilitation of Kalepa 23 by the Kauai Housing Development Corporation (KHDC) and its community partners. Garden Island.

New lifeguard tower installed at Wanini Beach on North Shore. Kauaʻi Fire Department Ocean Safety Bureau completed installation Thursday of a new lifeguard tower at the North Shore’s Wanini Beach. Kauai Now.

Case wants Dems to take on Trump, Maui prosecutor says Bissen not under investigation, Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach to be in public hands, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaiʻi’s Ed Case Wants Dems To Take On Trump — Cautiously. All but assured another term, the congressman is campaigning and plotting a future where Democrats “come up with actual solutions.” Civil Beat.

Voting explainer: 2026 state constitutional amendment ballot questions. Hawaiʻi voters will have the chance to weigh in on two constitutional amendment questions in the November election. One question asks if the state Senate should have more time to confirm a judicial appointment, and another tackles infrastructure bonds. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaiʻi’s Youth Are Leaving. Meet The People Keeping Talent Here. A local nonprofit is empowering high school students to tackle some of the state’s biggest problems while taking on its own challenge of addressing Hawaiʻi’s brain drain.  Civil Beat.

Federal aid for individuals after Lala, Lowell still pending. Federal emergency assistance for individual residents impacted by Hurricane Lala and Hurricane Lowell remains in limbo despite presidential approval last week for the funding for state and local governments as well as qualified nonprofits. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Honolulu charter amendment would create Oʻahu food security fund. Question 1 on Oʻahu's ballot this year will ask voters if they're for or against establishing a new Special Fund that would dedicate 0.5% of real property tax revenue to a Food Security Fund. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oʻahu voters to weigh proposed Native Hawaiian cultural office. Honolulu voters will decide this year if an Office of ʻŌiwi Resources and Cultural Stewardship should be created within the Mayor’s office, along with a cultural advisory council to help guide its work. Hawaii Public Radio.

Ranked-choice voting: How proposed charter amendment could change elections in Honolulu. With ballots set to arrive in mailboxes this week, election officials urge voters to take their time and do their homework, especially on the amendment questions. KITV4.

Lottery open for new low-income kupuna housing tower in Kalihi. The 15-story Ho‘ohiki Senior Living complex features 249 apartments reserved for seniors who are at least 55 years old and earn no more than 60% of Honolulu’s annual median income, though many units are reserved for senior households earning no more than 50% or 30% of the median. Star-Advertiser.

Veteran’s family challenges VA hospital over her death during ‘routine’ procedure. Fredenalda Kuulei Price was born in Kahaluu on Feb. 1, 1969, during an intense storm. Her mother went into labor while the family was stranded at home and firefighters had to carry her through rushing floodwaters to an ambulance.  Star-Advertiser.

Golden Coin in Kalihi reopens after violations fixed. The state Health Department has authorized the reopening of Golden Coin Bake Shop in Kalihi after multiple food safety violations were corrected. Star-Advertiser.

Police investigating kittens thrown from cars onto Oahu freeways. Honolulu police are investigating several heinous animal cruelty cases involving reports of cats and kittens being thrown from moving vehicles onto Oahu freeways. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach Park To Belong To The Public. Hawaiʻi County has reached a tentative agreement to buy Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach Park for $1.46 million after prior negotiations with the private landowner failed in August, Mayor Kimo Alameda announced Tuesday. Civil Beat. Tribune-Herald.  Big Island Video News.  Big Island Now.

Hawai‘i County Fire Commission reschedules interviews with 6 finalists for chief. The Hawai‘i County Fire Commission has rescheduled candidate interviews for a new Hawai‘i County fire chief after Hurricane Nolo forced the postponement of the original dates. The six finalists now will be interviewed on Oct. 21 at 9 a.m. Big Island Now.

Improvements to Hilo veterans cemetery to begin in January. The project — which will raise and realign almost 4,500 grave markers, install burial section markers and flower watering stations, and do grading, soil and turf rehabilitation work on 5.5 acres of the Laimana Street cemetery — is being funded by a grant of up to $6,132,225 awarded Sept. 30 to the state by the Department of Veterans Affairs’ National Cemetery Administration. Tribune-Herald.

Hearings Set On Changes To Hawaiʻi Conservation District Land Use Rules. Changes are being proposed to the rules governing land use and permitting within Hawaiʻi’s State Land Use Conservation District. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Maui Prosecutor Says Mayor Bissen Was Not Targeted In AG Investigation. The prosecutor says he has been involved in that case and knows it did not target the mayor. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now.  Hawaii News Now. KHON2. 

Man who killed Maui officer to serve life in prison. Prosecutors will ask a judge to impose the “maximum sentence allowed by law” when sentencing a Makawao man convicted of shooting and killing Maui Police Department Officer Suzanne O on Aug. 15, 2025. Star-Advertiser. Maui News. 

Unexpected tariffs increase the cost of West Maui’s Olowalu Fire Station project. An unexpected increase in costs resulting from US tariffs on Canadian steel and steel components has created a financial challenge for the West Maui Improvement Foundation’s Olowalu Fire Station project. Maui Now.

DLNR schedules Maui hearings on conservation district rule changes. The state Department of Land and Natural Resources will hold public hearings on Maui on Oct. 28 and 29 on proposed changes to rules governing land use and permitting within Hawaii's Conservation District.  Maui News.

Kauai

Hā‘ena State Park reopens later this week to public. Hawai‘i Department of Land and Natural Resources notifies the public that Hā‘ena State Park reopens Oct. 15 to the public following a closure that began Sept. 6 because of concern for public safety upon the arrival of Hurricane Lowell. Kauai Now. Garden Island. 

Quality of life survey shows more residents considered leaving the state, FEMA raises rent for Maui wildfire victims, McKinley High sex victim to get $14M, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

More Hawaii residents considered leaving state, UH survey finds. Nearly half of Hawaii residents considered moving out of state in the past year, with the cost of living emerging as the leading reason, even as a new statewide survey found improvements in life satisfaction, health and community support. Star-Advertiser. Big Island Now.

Full resident survey report can be found here.

Hawaii’s holiday travel outlook not too merry amid high costs. Hawaii’s crucial holiday travel season is shaping up weaker than expected, with some hotel operators reporting bookings running about 15% behind last year’s pace amid higher airfares and mounting vacation costs. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii public schools post gains in math, attendance. Hawaii public school students showed continued progress in mathematics and attendance during the 2025-26 school year, with proficiency levels in math and language arts approaching pre-pandemic levels, according to the state Department of Education’s latest Strive HI results. Maui News.

The Office of Hawaiian Affairs is airing a series of forums with candidates running for OHA trustee. Everyone can vote in the OHA election, regardless of the island or district where they are registered. Tuesday’s OHA candidate forum features incumbent trustee Kalei Akaka and challenger Kumu Hinaleimoana Wong, who are running for the Oʻahu island seat. Hawaii News Now.

Longer delivery time for mail from Hawaiʻi. The U.S. Postal Service has released new expectations for deliveries to and from Hawaiʻi, just in time for the holiday shopping season. Packages are going to take longer to ship — in some cases, twice as long. Some local business leaders say that could create challenges. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

Dole Food to cease coffee farm operations on Oahu. Dole Food Co. has decided to cease coffee farming on Oahu and lay off nine employees on Nov. 30 amid an effort to sell the 154-acre Waialua Estate farm. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiʻi Supreme Court Rebukes DOE: Pay $14M To McKinley High Sex Abuse Victim. Civil case had found boys for years preyed on a girl with cognitive abilities of a 5-year-old while school officials looked the other way. Civil Beat.

Judge Rules State Must Pay $1.1M In Oʻahu Jail Suicide. Diamond Simeona-Agoo, 21, had a well-documented history of mental illness and suicide attempts before she hanged herself at Hawaiʻi’s largest jail. Civil Beat.

Number of fatal traffic accidents dramatically drops on Oahu. After a recent rash of road crashes on Oahu, including critical and deadly ones, it may seem like there has been a high number of accidents this year. But the numbers actual show the opposite has happened. KITV4.

Hawaii Island

The Maunakea Stewardship and Oversight Board and members of the public weighed in Thursday on a proposal by the University of Hawaii to make changes to its management plan for the summit region of the mauna. The changes include an amendment that would allow for decommissioned observatory sites to be reused for future astronomy facilities, which is prohibited under UH’s current plan. Tribune-Herald.

Proposed Waikoloa housing project gets unfavorable vote. The Hawaii County Council’s Committee on Legislative Approvals and Acquisitions voted 5-3 last week against forwarding a favorable recommendation to the full council regarding zoning changes requested for the proposed Waikoloa Green housing project. Tribune-Herald.

Two 3% tuition hikes proposed for UH Hilo. The University of Hawaii is proposing tuition increases at UH Hilo and other campuses across the UH system as part of its four-year tuition schedule. Under the proposal, which will be considered by the Board of Regents in November, tuition at UH Hilo would be frozen for the next two school years, but beginning in the 2029-30 academic year it would increase 3% annually for both in-state and out-of-state students. For residents, this means tuition would jump from $7,632 to $7,872 in 2029-30 and to $8,112 in 2030-31. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaiʻi County Water Supply Chief Announces Retirement. DWS Manager-Chief Engineer, Keith K. Okamoto, P.E., announced last week that he will retire before the end of the year. Big Island Video News.

Nāʻālehu Elementary students return to campus Monday after repairs from Hurricane Lala. About 400 students returned to their elementary school that had been closed for two-months due to the devastation of the hurricane that also badly damaged their town. Big Island Now.

Maui

FEMA raises rent for Maui wildfire survivors for 3rd time this year. Maui wildfire survivors living in housing provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency will see their rents increase for the third time this year, with rent prices nearly tripling since March. The increase, which was announced on Oct. 2, will require survivors of the deadly 2023 wildfires to pay 75% of the fair-market rental rate by the number of bedrooms in the unit. For example, those in two-bedroom units — where the HUD fair-market rent is $2,656 — must pay $1,992 beginning Dec. 1. That’s a $680 increase from the previous rental rate, which went into effect on Sept. 1.  Star-Advertiser.

State public corruption unit leading criminal probe into Maui County. The state Attorney General’s Special Investigation and Prosecution Division (SIPD) is investigating allegations of fraud against Maui County staffers stemming from a civil whistleblower lawsuit filed earlier this year. The lawsuit, filed by Leo Caires, former chief of staff for Mayor Richard Bissen, claims the mayor knew about possible fraud inside his administration and ignored it. Hawaii News Now.

Maui police veteran’s sexual assault trial set for November. A veteran Maui police officer’s trial on six sexual assault charges is scheduled to begin in late November. Devin Schoeppner, 49, appeared in court Tuesday for a brief hearing, where a judge rescheduled the trial. Hawaii News Now.

Maui jury finds extended terms warranted for protection of the public in Officer O murder case. After last week’s finding of defendant Clembert Alii Kaneholani guilty of murder in the first degree and other charges in the death of Maui Police Department Officer Suzanne O, a Maui jury Monday returned verdicts finding that the defendant should be subject to extended terms of imprisonment for the protection of the public. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. 

Kalo Farmer Faces Pro-Development Candidate In Upcountry Maui Council Race. Bobby Pahia and Jon Yokouchi are racing to fill the seat that Yuki Lei Sugimura has held since 2016. Civil Beat.

Coral core traces 253 years of change at Olowalu Reef. Researchers analyzed chemical indicators preserved in a core taken from a massive coral colony to reconstruct changes in sediment, nutrients and other material entering coastal waters from the land between about 1760 and 2013. Maui News.

Kauai

How Kaua‘i’s Mayoral Candidates Plan To Address Cesspools. Bernard Carvalho Jr. and Mel Rapozo say the island needs to manage its solid waste better but have different ideas on how to get there. Civil Beat.

Kauai wedding vendors urge couples to keep plans after hurricane. Kauai wedding vendors are urging couples not to give up on island weddings as businesses continue recovering from Hurricane Lowell. The storm passed close to Kauai’s west side in early September, damaging homes, businesses and some wedding venues. Hawaii News Now.

Surfrider Kauaʻi announces conservation efforts, NOAA seeks public input on seabed mining. Surfrider Kauaʻi announces conservation efforts, NOAA seeks public input on seabed mining. Kauai Now.

Hawaii Senate sets hearing on homeless initiative after critical audit, Maui police chief says Mayor Bissen under investigation, Honolulu council OKs increased fines for peddling, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii Senate plans hearing on kauhale homeless housing project after critical audit. Key state senators plan to summon Hawaii’s homelessness coordinator, HomeAid Hawai‘i’s chief executive officer, and the state auditor to a November briefing as lawmakers consider potential changes to Gov. Josh Green’s signature kauhale initiative after an audit identified more than $13.7 million in payments that were deemed “unauthorized, unsupported or questionable.” Star-Advertiser.

HIDOE's nearly $2B budget request draws questions on capacity. The state Department of Education is requesting a nearly $2 billion Capital Improvement Budget for the next two years to cover maintenance, advance new and existing projects, meet health and safety requirements, and support the launch of a regional kitchen. Hawaii Public Radio.

Ex-Kanye West Campaigner Funnels Thousands To Hawaiʻi Candidates. A West Virginia-based group registered to the former treasurer of Kanye West’s presidential campaign is sending thousands of dollars to a PAC funding Hawaiʻi candidates. Civil Beat.

Rules proposed for breaking future election ties. The state Office of Elections is proposing to formalize a procedure for breaking Hawaii election ties, and it’s pretty much the same way it determined the winners of two primary election contests in August. Star-Advertiser.

State Law Enforcement Chief Voluntarily Demoted. After an unsuccessful run for Honolulu’s top police job, Mike Lambert is staying at the state law enforcement agency, but not as its leader. Civil Beat.

Ballot question could help Hawaiʻi's housing shortage, supporters say. The question, if approved by a majority of voters, would give counties a new way to pay for sewer, water, drainage and other vital infrastructure for new homes in a defined district. The counties would have the authority to issue bonds that would be paid off by higher property tax revenue generated by the redeveloped area. Hawaii Public Radio.

Military Leases, Kakaʻako, Control Of Board At Issue In OHA Oʻahu Race. Kalei Akaka and Kumu Hina Wong are facing off for a seat on the nine-member Board of Trustees. Civil Beat.

Third Non-Citizen This Year Charged With Voting Illegally In Hawaiʻi. A Polish man living in Hawaiʻi was charged last week with illegally voting in a U.S. election, authorities said, the third such case in the state this year. Civil Beat.

These Hawaiʻi Agencies Have Withheld The Most From The Public. Public records requests can reveal information that would never appear in official news releases. But there is no guarantee agencies will hand the information over. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Ranked Choice Voting Could Shake Up Honolulu Elections. But there’s a catch. The Nov. 3 ballot measure includes a requirement that the Legislature approve this departure from traditional voting. Civil Beat.

Council OKs sharp rise in fines for unlawful peddling. The Honolulu Police Department says illegal peddling can leave tourists vulnerable to aggressive sales tactics, overcharging and scams, with some victims discovering the charges only after returning home. Star-Advertiser.

Historic Wo Fat Building set for new chapter as housing, cultural hub. A pair of local investors are moving forward with a multimillion-­dollar effort to revive Honolulu Chinatown’s long-vacant Wo Fat Building, transforming one of the neighborhood’s most recognizable landmarks into affordable housing, retail and cultural space. Star-Advertiser.

Hybrid artificial reef being installed to protect coastline. The reef, which will be made up of 60 engineered concrete reef structures, were specifically designed to absorb wave energy and attract coral and fish. It will be a “living breakwater” system that, if successful, could be replicated in other parts of the state vulnerable to coastal erosion. Star-Advertiser.

Queen’s shuns HMSA’s new Medicare HMO plan. The Hawaii Medical Service Association’s new Select Plus HMO plan, for Oahu members only, is part of a revamp of its Akamai Advantage plans to take effect next year. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Airlines plans to cut 13 jobs as part of Alaska merger. According to a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (WARN) notice filed with the state on Oct. 2, the cuts will affect non-union employees at three locations on Oahu. The layoffs are expected to happen in December and January. These cuts will be to the approximately 537 non-contract employees who work at the affected facilities. KITV4.

Coqui Frogs: Coming To Your Oʻahu Neighborhood Soon? As coqui frogs threaten to blanket Oʻahu, residents are once again calling on the state to better regulate plant nurseries, which bear much of the blame for the frogs’ spread. Civil Beat.

Hawaii journalist, filmmaker championed press freedoms. Chris Conybeare, a journalist, documentary filmmaker, attorney and advocate for press freedom whose work spanned public television, labor history and human rights, died Sept. 20 in Honolulu. He was 82. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

VIDEO: HPD releases body-camera video of officer-involved shooting in Ocean View (viewer discretion is advised). The Hawaii Police Department today released body worn camera (BWC) footage of the officer-involved shooting that took place on Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2026, in Ocean View. Tribune-Herald.

‘Imiloa preschool slated to open in 2028. A new immersion preschool in Hilo, adjacent to the ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center, is scheduled to open in 2028 to help meet growing demand for Hawaiian language education. Tribune-Herald.

Sick Of Being Sidelined: Kaʻū Council Candidates Want Action After Lala. Recent climate change-fueled disasters have hit the southern part of Hawaiʻi island hard, rising to the top of local candidates’ priorities. Civil Beat.

Rain didn’t damper festivities during the Ironman World Championship in Kona. Families made up many of the spectators who came to watch the athletes participate in the grueling 140.6-mile race. Big Island Now.

Maui

Maui Mayor Bissen Is Under Criminal Investigation, Police Chief Says. Maui Police Chief John Pelletier says he believes he was put on leave because of what he says are investigations into corruption in the mayor’s office. Civil Beat.

Federal, local investigations spur fresh scrutiny and calls for more oversight of Maui Police Department. The arrest of Lt. Michael Vaituulala, the former head of the Maui Police Department’s Criminal Intelligence Unit, and the decision by the Maui Police Commission to place Police Chief John Pelletier on paid leave last week have put fresh scrutiny on the Maui Police Department and raised questions over accountability. Maui Now.

Air Force secretary’s space weapons confirmation raises concerns about planned Haleakalā telescopes. Air Force Secretary Troy Meink’s confirmation that the United States has deployed weapons in orbit has raised new concerns on Maui about the Air Force’s plan to build up to seven more telescopes atop Haleakalā, a summit many Native Hawaiians consider sacred. Maui Now.

Kauai

Yaya bridges the gap between Matsuri and hurricane damage. A large and steady stream of people flowed over the expansive campus of the Kauai War Memorial Convention Hall on Saturday to enjoy the multi-faceted showcase of Japanese culture. Garden Island.
 

Trump approves disaster aid for Lala, Lowell; state DOE seeks $80.6M funding boost; Honolulu to pay $1.8M for beating up the wrong man; Maui cop killer convicted, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii Department of Education seeks $80.6M more in funding. The state Department of Education is seeking $80.6 million in additional general funds for fiscal 2028-29, largely to maintain existing school services, cover rising operating costs and address needs the department says are underfunded or unfunded. The request would represent a net increase in funding, rather than an entirely new set of programs, and comes after the Legislature reduced the DOE’s general-fund base budget by $1.71 million for fiscal 2026-27. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii public schools see some gains in attendance, math and graduation rates. Hawaii public schools are continuing to recover from pandemic-era learning disruptions, with student attendance and mathematics proficiency improving in the latest school year. But statewide academic performance remains below the goals set for 2029. Star-Advertiser. KHON2. 

Trump approves major disaster aid for Hawaii after Lala, Lowell. The federal government has agreed to cover most of the cost to repair damage to public facilities in Hawaii caused by Hurricane Lala in August and Hurricane Lowell in September. Star-Advertiser. Big Island Now. KHON2.

Strengthening El Nino could add fuel to Hawaii’s hurricane season. Hawaii’s hurricane season typically runs from June through November. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii ALPR expansion sparks privacy push by counties. Some county councils are moving to put guardrails in place for automated license plate readers as the Hawaii Department of Law Enforcement expands its use of the technology across the state. KHON2.

Oahu

Honolulu Voters Could Make Impeached Politicians Sit Out. Voters will have the opportunity to make the penalty for impeachment on par with the penalty for being recalled by voters. Civil Beat.

Taxpayers To Pay $1.8M After HPD Stopped, Beat Up The Wrong Man. HPD used physical force against the wrong people during an islandwide manhunt in 2024, costing taxpayers almost $2 million. Civil Beat.

OHA approves $5M plan to create nonprofit to develop Kakaʻako Makai. Trustees with the Office of Hawaiian Affairs approved a $5.2 million plan Thursday to create a nonprofit to run the Native Hawaiian Cultural Center slated for Kakaʻako Makai. It's a step forward in OHA’s plan to develop 29 acres in Kakaʻako Makai following a partial settlement of unpaid Public Land Trust revenue in 2012. Hawaii Public Radio.

West Oahu residents express frustration, even as Hawaiian Electric touts restoration efforts. The state Public Utility Commission has begun a series of meetings around the state to look at Hawaiian Electric’s reliability during the recent Kona storms and hurricanes. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Hawaiʻi County Council advances bill to extend housing and homelessness fund for 2 more years. The fund, established as a pilot program in 2022, allocates a minimum of $9 million annually from property tax revenue to local nonprofits to address homelessness. Bill 192 would extend the program, set to expire in June 2027, by an additional two years. Big Island Now.

‘A lost life, a grieving family and an injured officer’: Chief provides details about fatal Ocean View incident. Hawaii Police Department Chief Reed Mahuna said the man shot and killed by a police officer Wednesday afternoon in Ocean View threatened the officer’s life and injured him with a large lava rock. The shooting victim has been identified by police as 31-year-old Nafetalai Teisina of Ocean View. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video Now. 

IRONMAN Donation Funds Two Mobile Health Vans For Nāʻālehu. Two mobile health trailers have been unveiled in hurricane-battered Kaʻū, made possible by a $350,000 donation from The IRONMAN Foundation to Hawaiʻi Island Community Health Center.  Big Island Video News.

Business park eyed for Pana‘ewa; DHHL seeks to develop 146 acres along Railroad Avenue. The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands unveiled a conceptual plan for a new business park in the Pana‘ewa area of Hilo at a community meeting Tuesday in Keaukaha. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Man convicted of first-degree murder in officer’s death. A jury has convicted Clembert Alii Kaneholani, 39, of first-degree murder in the August 2025 shooting death of Maui Police Officer Suzanne O. Maui News. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now.

Lahaina Strong to host community-led candidate forum ahead of 2026 General Election, Oct. 14. Lahaina Strong will host a community-led candidate forum bringing together candidates for the Maui County Mayor and County Council races to meet directly with the community and share their priorities, plans, and vision for Maui County’s future. Maui Now.

Lahaina Community Land Trust to steward Kainehe, ʻāina momona that once fed Lahaina people. The Lahaina Community Land Trust is setting forth on a new path to steward Kainehe, known in recent decades as 1050 Front Street, turning this ground into a living history and gathering space to celebrate this ʻāina momona that once fed Lahaina’s aliʻi. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kauaʻi Punts On Rules To Make Homes Safer From Fires — Again. Proposed changes to construction and landscaping requirements for new homes have now been deferred three times by a council committee. Civil Beat.

Rebuilding of Kauaʻi County’s Kāpule Building from extensive fire damage remains in early stages. A preliminary structural and engineering assessment is complete on the government building, but a final engineering assessment cannot begin until the cleanup work is finished. Kauai Now.

Audit reveals $13.7M in questionable spending in homeless tiny house program, Maui police chief on paid leave amid corruption probe, Ocean View suspect killed by police, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

State audit: $13.7M in ‘unauthorized,’ ‘questionable’ spending for kauhale. More than $13.7 million in state payments for Gov. Josh Green’s signature kauhale homeless initiative were “unauthorized, unsupported or questionable,” according to a just-released, highly critical, long-awaited state audit of Hawaii’s oversight of kauhale construction. Neither the Statewide Office on Homelessness and Housing Solutions nor nonprofit kauhale builder HomeAid Hawai’i were prepared for the rapid pace of construction of tiny home communities across the state, according to the report released today by state Auditor Les Kondo. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. KITV4.  Aloha State Daily. 

Oahu

While Honolulu Waits For Permits, These Cities Are Already Building. Permit delays are linked to increased housing costs and higher rents, as new national research confirms. Civil Beat.

Honolulu City Council considers exterior ads on Skyline, TheBus. Oʻahu’s transportation vehicles, including TheBus and new Skyline rail system, could get a new look under a new proposal discussed at a Honolulu City Council meeting Wednesday. Bill 59 considers allowing advertisements on the exteriors of city transit system vehicles, which also include TheBus. Hawaii News Now.

Sexual assault reported at UH Manoa student residence hall. A sexual assault reported at a student residence hall at the University of Hawaii at Manoa is under investigation. In a report filed with the university, a student said they invited someone they had met on a dating app and who was not affiliated with the school to their dorm room Sunday. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Suspect killed in officer-involved shooting in Ocean View.  The Hawaiʻi Police Department is investigating a deadly officer-involved shooting Wednesday afternoon in Ocean View. At 4:10 p.m., an officer was in his vehicle when a woman told him about an alleged vehicle theft in the shopping center parking lot in the 92-9700 block of Māmalahoa Highway. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. 

Waikōloa affordable housing projected halted due to infrastructure and evacuation concerns. Waikōloa Green, a planned affordable housing development with 400 apartments and 300 single-family homes, was recommended by the Leeward Planning Commission but ran into a road block at the County Council committee level. Big Island Now.

Big Island Wants To Ban Big Data Centers, Once They Agree On What They Are. Hawaiʻi County is discussing a bill that would restrict large-scale data centers on the island. But the public, officials and state representatives can’t agree on how to define one — or whether they are even a threat.  Civil Beat.

More than $6M approved for Hilo veterans cemetery.  Sen. Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) on Tuesday announced that the Department of Veterans Affairs’ National Cemetery Administration has awarded a grant of up to $6,132,225 to the state to help improve and maintain East Hawaii Veterans Cemetery No. 2 in Hilo. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui Police Chief Put On Paid Leave Amid Corruption Probe. The Maui Police Commission unanimously voted on Wednesday to place Police Chief John Pelletier on paid administrative leave while it investigates his oversight of a department unit whose leader was recently arrested by federal prosecutors, according to a county spokeswoman. Civil Beat.  Maui Now.  Hawaii News Now.  KHON2. 

Maui homeowner assistance program closes after distributing $19 million. The Maui Homeowner Assistance Fund Program has closed after providing more than $19 million in assistance to 500 homeowner households in Maui County, the Maui County Department of Housing announced Tuesday. Maui News.

Kauai

From Hive to Table: Kauaʻi Honey Challenge invites beekeepers to put their diverse harvest to the test. Discover the diverse flavors of Kauaʻi honey at the upcoming Kauaʻi Honey Challenge, where local beekeepers showcase their unique harvests and discuss bees' importance in agriculture. Kauai Now.

Hawaii Supreme Court to hear habeas corpus case for zoo elephants, financial help for families hosting hurricane victims, landfill concerns on Kauai, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaiʻi Supreme Court to hear case on habeas corpus and the Honolulu Zoo. It’s time to talk about the elephants in the room. On Nov. 9th, an argument will be heard by the Hawaiʻi Supreme Court on the legality of  confinement of the Honolulu's two elephants. It’s the first time a state supreme court has considered a case like this. Hawaii Public Radio.

DLE plans new license plate recognition cameras amid privacy concerns. The state of Hawaii is preparing to install potentially hundreds of surveillance cameras on several islands, raising privacy concerns over how the technology could be used. The cameras will use automated license plate recognition, or ALPR, technology, according to Hawaii Department of Law Enforcement Director Jared Redulla. Hawaii News Now. KITV4. 

2nd District candidates agree: military should provide more housing in Hawaii. Republican state Sen. Brenton Awa and Democrat incumbent U.S. Rep. Jill Tokuda are running for Hawaii’s 2nd Congressional District. They have different strategies for getting help from Washington for housing, but agree on one big target: the military. Hawaii News Now.

New program provides financial help to Hawaiʻi families hosting storm-displaced residents. Hawaiian Council has launched a statewide program to provide financial assistance to Hawaiʻi households hosting friends, relatives, and neighbors displaced by recent storms, including Hurricanes Lala and Lowell. Big Island Now. Hawaii Public Radio. 

Hawaii health officials urge flu shots amid rising cases. Hawaii’s flu cases are on the rise, prompting health officials to remind residents to get vaccinated during fall respiratory virus season. The Hawaii Department of Health said 20.3% of specimens tested positive for influenza in the last week of September compared with 11% in mid-September. Star-Advertiser.

What soaring travel costs means for Hawaiʻi's teetering tourist industry. The state just released its most recent visitor numbers, and the data shows a decline in both overall visitor numbers and total spending by visitors since 2025. Hawaii Public Radio.

UH holds first hearing on proposed new tuition schedule. Tuition needs to be raised to keep up with inflation. That was the message at the University of Hawaii’s first public hearing on the proposed new tuition schedule for the ten-campus system. KHON2.

Oahu

Honolulu City Council to review Ala Moana development plan. A conceptual plan for a proposed 400-foot luxury hotel tower, a 200-foot residential tower and 69 affordable rental units at Ala Moana Center is up for possible Honolulu City Council adoption today. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu single-family home price weakened in September. The median resale price for Oahu single-family homes dipped in September to its lowest point for any month this year amid more demand from buyers as average interest rates rose above 7%. Previously owned single-family homes on the island sold for a median $1,110,000 last month, down 3.9% from $1,155,000 a year earlier, according to a Honolulu Board of Realtors report released Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

City says work on controversial zip line in Laie began without a permit. A tour company that started building a zip line in Laie without the city’s permission is trying again to win over its critics. The Department of Planning and Permitting confirmed CLIMB Works did not have a grading permit and building violations needed to be corrected.  Hawaii News Now.

Aloha Tower centennial celebration planned, observation deck to reopen. The Aloha Tower observation deck will reopen after a major upgrade that includes both interior and exterior renovations. KHON2.

Concerns over extended hours for some Oahu bars. Numerous fights are documented on social media in the early-morning hours on Lewers Street, where some bars are open until 4 a.m. That's the fear some, including the Honolulu Police Department, has with the Honolulu Liquor Commission's pilot program now allowing bars to apply for a special license to close at 4 a.m. instead of 2 a.m. on special occasions. KITV4.

Hawaii Island 

Hilo judge overrules planning commission, grants permit for Keaukaha apartment complex. A court has overturned a 2024 Windward Planning Commission decision denying a Special Management Area Use Permit to a Houston developer for a proposed 17-unit affordable workforce apartment complex in Hilo. The project proposal is a for a four-story, 41,000-square-foot apartment building in Keaukaha containing 17 rental units on a 0.445-acre parcel sandwiched between Kalaniana‘ole Street and Apapane Road, with entry on Kalaniana‘ole about 350 feet southwest of Onekahakaha Road. Tribune-Herald.

Bill 147 returns, gets negative recommendation from council committee. After several months and multiple deferrals, Hawaii County Council Bill 147 has advanced, albeit with an unfavorable recommendation from the council’s Policy Committee on Planning, Land Use and Economic Development, which discussed the measure at its meeting Tuesday. Introduced by Hamakua Councilwoman Heather Kimball, the bill would refine and make changes to regulations for vacation rentals on the island. Tribune-Herald.

Back to school: Nāʻālehu Elementary campus to reopen next week. It's been nearly 2 months since the school was extensively flooded and damaged by Hurricane Lala; now, with repairs complete and having to temporarily relocate to Ka‘ū District Gym in Pāhala, teachers and administration 'cannot wait to be back at school.' Big Island Now. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. 

Maui

Reconstruction begins on 60 homes on Front Street in Lahaina. A groundbreaking ceremony Friday marked the start of construction of Lahaina Residential on Front Street, where 60 homes destroyed in the August 2023 wildfire will be rebuilt. Maui News.

Community meeting on Nāʻālehu Interim Disaster Housing to assist those displaced by Hurricane Lala. The project will provide 12 two-bedroom, one-bath homes on a site next to the library. After the disaster recovery period, the homes will be used as interim workforce housing for educators and clinicians. Maui Now.

King Kamehameha III School rebuild on Lahaina meeting agenda. Updates on efforts to rebuild King Kamehameha III Elementary School are on the agenda for the next Lahaina Community Meeting on Oct. 7. Maui News.

Kauai

Kauaʻi could ban the construction of a new landfill in Kekaha area. The Kauaʻi County Council could ensure that communities on the island share the burden of hosting their landfill. The island’s Kekaha Landfill is expected to reach capacity in 2030, and the search for a new landfill site is underway. A proposed county bill would not allow new landfills within a six-mile radius of one that has accepted waste in the last 30 years. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kauaʻi County accepts $100,000 IT services donation to repair damage caused by Kapule Building fire. Kauaʻi County Council has embraced a pivotal $100,000 donation from Constructive Construction Management LLC to rejuvenate county computer systems impaired by the Kapule Building fire. Kauai Now.

Housing shortage driving poverty, US pulls last aircraft carrier from Pacific, Honolulu bars can stay open until 4 a.m., woman faces federal charges in $5.2M Kona coffee scam, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Housing Shortage Driving Poverty In Hawaiʻi More Than Anywhere. A new study says lowering rents could substantially cut poverty in the Aloha State. The study found that as of three years ago, 34% of the state’s poverty was due to housing costs. Civil Beat.

Supreme Court climate change case could set precedent for Hawaii challenges. U.S. Supreme Court justices wrestled Monday with complex questions over whether to let local governments try to hold private oil companies liable for the harms caused by climate change — and their decision could have large impacts on Hawaii’s own cases against fossil fuel producers. Star-Advertiser.

U.S. pulls its last aircraft carrier from the Pacific — what’s next for the region? The Asia Pacific currently does not have a U.S. aircraft carrier in the region — how important is that, and what sort of signal does it send? Hawaii Public Radio.

Tokuda, Awa split on potential Trump impeachment in race for 2nd District. State Sen. Brenton Awa acknowledges he is a significant underdog in his campaign to unseat U.S. Rep. Jill Tokuda in Hawaii’s 2nd Congressional District. Tokuda declined a televised debate with Awa, so Hawaii News Now interviewed both candidates separately on where they stand. Hawaii News Now.

Low Test Scores: For Hawaiʻi High Schoolers, The Math Isn’t Mathing. Elementary schoolers do OK in math, but by junior year, many students start falling behind. Educators say they need to catch struggling students earlier.  Civil Beat.

University of Hawaii launches single application for all campuses. The UH system has launched ApplyHawaii, a new undergraduate application that allows students to apply to any of the university system’s 10 campuses through a single application. Star-Advertiser.

Three Finalists Announced For New Office of Hawaiian Affairs CEO. Trustees of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs have selected Todd Apo, Kaulana Park and Summer Sylva as finalists for the role of the office’s administrator in charge of advancing OHA’s mission of bettering the condition of Native Hawaiians. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser. KHON2. 

Letters reveal price, policy changes for 16,000 HMSA Medicare Advantage members. About 16,000 HMSA Medicare Advantage members will need to choose a new plan for 2027 after changes to two of the company’s plans. HMSA’s Complete Plus and Standard Plus plans will no longer be offered after December 31.KITV4.

Oahu

Honolulu Liquor Commission seeks new records-retention rules. The Honolulu Liquor Commission is seeking final City Council approval Wednesday of a new records-­retention schedule for public information requests and body-worn camera footage amid renewed litigation from a Chinatown nightclub alleging the commission violated a 2025 settlement by restricting public-records access, among other claims. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu bars can now apply to stay open until 4 a.m. during special occasions. The Honolulu Liquor Commission believes its pilot program pushing back closing time at bars is showing promise, but the Honolulu Police Department fears it may not have enough resources to handle rule-breaking patrons. The new license allows establishments to stay open until 4 a.m., instead of the usual 2 a.m., on special occasions only.  Hawaii News Now. KHON2. 

Human teeth found at proposed Chick-fil-A site in Kailua. Two human teeth were discovered at the site of a proposed Chick-fil-A in Kailua. The teeth were found during an archaeological survey at the property near Hamakua Drive and Hahani St. KITV4.

Hawaii Island

Hawaii Island woman to plead not guilty in Kona coffee case.  Patricia Johnson will plead not guilty Wednesday to charges outlined in a superseding indictment that accuses her of falsifying tax filings while earning more than $5.2 million selling “100% Kona coffee” that was sourced from foreign countries and bought in California and Washington. Star-Advertiser.

New leadership at NELHA means new visions about how to grow the agency. The Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaiʻi Authority is filling the gaps in leadership it’s had for months — sparking discussion about how to grow the agency’s ocean-based energy and aquaculture output. NELHA has been without its top official since the death of former Executive Director Riley Saito in May. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Island mayor offers timeline, cost estimates for Mokuola bridge rebuild. Mayor Kimo Alameda says work on a temporary pedestrian bridge could start as soon as January with access hopefully being restored by next summer. For the permanent rebuild, however, estimates are around $20 million, the mayor confirmed. Hawaii News Now.

Everything you need to know about the 2026 Ironman World Championship in Kona. The Ironman World Championship 2026 is back in Kona, with events underway throughout the week in West Hawai‘i. Big Island Now.

Plans in the works to rebuild Wild Ginger Hotel. The owners of the Wild Ginger Hotel in Hilo intend to rebuild the historic boutique hotel that was destroyed in a deadly fire almost a year ago, but there is resistance to their plans. Tribune-Herald.

Feral cats found shot to death on Banyan Drive. A woman who feeds cats on Banyan Drive, despite laws against doing so, said at least two cats — a mother and her kitten — were shot to death in late August, calling it “open season on innocent cats and their caretakers.” Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Court ruling clears way for payouts in $4B Maui wildfire settlement. Nearly 22,000 claimants are still waiting for their share of the $4 billion settlement, which has been delayed by a fight over attorneys fees. Hawaii News Now.

Maui County launches housing navigator program for wildfire survivors as state ends case management. Maui County began a housing navigator program Thursday for households affected by the August 2023 wildfires. It takes over case management services that the state had been providing, the county announced. Maui Now.

Maui to host LPGA 2027 LOTTE Championship at Kapalua. For the first time ever, the LPGA Tour’s 2027 LOTTE Championship will be held at the Plantation Course at Kapalua, officials announced on Monday. The LPGA Tour’s 2027 LOTTE Championship will occur from March 18 to March 21. KITV4.

Kauai

Kaua‘i Wildfire Resilience Bill Has Turned Into A ‘Fight Over Numbers’. Local contractors are putting forward vastly different estimates for how much the bill could increase construction costs.  Civil Beat.

Solomon Kanoho named Local Disaster Recovery and Mitigation Manager for Hurricane Lowell recovery. Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami has named Solomon Kanoho as the County of Kaua‘i’s Local Disaster Recovery and Mitigation Manager to lead the County’s recovery from Hurricane Lowell. In this role, Kanoho will coordinate recovery work across County departments, serve as the main point of contact for state, federal, and community partners, and report directly to the Mayor. Garden Island.

Hoomalu Ke Kai performs emergency coral restoration. When Hurricane Nolo brushed near Kauai on Sept. 7 and 8, damage from the storm surge and surf was caused along the South Shore and Westside of Kauai. The damage extended to beyond that which is still visible above the ocean surface. Garden Island.