Automatic voter registration law kicks in next year, whistleblower alleges bribery in health insurance practice, state finalizes agreement to acquire Wahiawa Dam, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Automatic Voter Registration bill signed into law, voter registration going from opt-in to opt-out. The new law, Act 67 enacted by Gov. Josh Green on May 29, takes effect Jan. 1 and will automatically register residents to vote when they apply for or renew a Hawaii driver’s license or state identification card, unless they choose to opt out for reasons that include not being eligible to vote. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now.

Whistleblower Alleges Medical Giant Bribed Hawaiʻi Provider. Lawsuit claims Abbott Laboratories defrauded federal health insurance programs. Kris Ghosh says medical device and pharmaceutical giant Abbott Laboratories wrongly fired him after he began internally reporting what he says were illegal kickbacks meant to entice clinics in Hawai‘i to use the company’s equipment for outpatient procedures. Ghosh has laid out his allegations in a federal whistleblower complaint against Abbott. Civil Beat.

Oahu

State finalizes agreement to acquire Wahiawa Dam and irrigation system. The state Agribusiness Development Corporation has approved the transfer of the Wahiawa Dam and irrigation system from Dole Foods Hawaii to the state. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu invests $85M in wastewater treatment plant upgrades. Major improvements are coming to the Kailua Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant. Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi and the Department of Environmental Services broke ground on two new projects on Thursday. KHON2.

Parking rates increase at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport for cars parked over 6 hours. Parking between six to seven hours will be raised from $23 to $24, parking between seven to eight hours will be raised from $25 to $27 and the rate for parking eight hours or more (including overnight parking) will be raised from $27 to $29.  KITV4. Hawaii News Now.

Pentagon ‘restores’ Hawaii-based Pacific command’s old name. The Pentagon has moved to have its Oahu-based command that overseas all operations across the Pacific and parts of the Indian Ocean revert to its old name. On Wednesday the Pentagon announced that it has made the decision to “restore” the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command at Camp Smith to its original name of U.S. Pacific Command. Star-Advertiser.

Mililani teacher housing complex on track for 2027. The Hawaii School Facilities Authority announced that the final environmental assessment for Kumelewai Hale, a 95-unit affordable rental housing project planned on the campus of Mililani High School, has been completed. Star-Advertiser.

Ozawa lawsuit seeks to remove Waters from race. Trevor Ozawa, a former Honolulu City Council member and District 4 candidate in 2026, has sued Council Chair Tommy Waters and state and city election officials, arguing Waters is ineligible under the City Charter to seek a third consecutive term. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Decade Of Big Island’s ‘Try Wait’ Moratorium Spurs Plenty Fish — And Poaching. Ten years of no fishing has led to a huge recovery on a stretch of the Kona Coast. Now comes the hard part: Protecting those gains. Civil Beat.

Bouncing back: Coral preservation efforts at Kahalu‘u are paying off. For the first time in decades, the water of Kahalu‘u Bay was transformed to a milky white last month, a sign of coral reproduction. Tribune-Herald.

Commission approves permit for renovation of Kona Seaside Shops. The Hawaii County Leeward Planning Commission on Thursday unanimously approved issuing a permit for the renovation of the Kona Seaside Shops found along Ali‘i Drive — a project that multiple commissioners described as a much-needed “uplift” for the economically struggling seaside boulevard. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

‘Zero aloha’: Maui County Council considers raising fines on loud car stereos. On Friday, the Maui County Council is expected to consider turning up the fines on drivers who won’t turn down their loud after-market stereos. Maui News.

Kālepa project closes remote East Maui roadway during daytime hours on weekdays. Hāna Highway at Kālepa Point is closed to traffic on weekdays (M-F) between mile markers 38 and 39 while Kālepa Rockfall Netting Replacement project work is conducted. Work takes place Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and is anticipated to last five months.  Maui Now.

Kauai

Feral Cats, ICE And Overtourism: Kauaʻi County Mayoral Candidates’ Q&As. The terming out of Kauaʻi County Mayor Derek Kawakami has set up an electoral contest between half-a-dozen nonpartisan candidates all looking for votes in the Hawaiʻi General Election on Nov. 3. Civil Beat.

Hawaii in bottom third of states for academic and economic outcomes, sugary drinks banned from SNAP purchases, state Supreme Court asked to free elephants at Honolulu Zoo, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Report: Teen Pregnancy Is Down But So Are Test Scores. Hawaiʻi ranks in the bottom third of states for academic and economic outcomes for kids, even as it posted improvements in other areas. Hawaiʻi is seeing fewer teen pregnancies and improvements in child mortality rates, but student achievement has yet to fully recover after dipping during the Covid-19 pandemic, according to a recent report from the Annie E. Casey Foundation.  Civil Beat.

State to restrict sugary drinks for SNAP recipients. Along with alcohol and tobacco, those using their EBT cards will not be able to buy sugary beverages. KITV4.

Ed Case Says No To Debating Jarrett Keohokalole In Congressional Race. Experts say there’s little advantage for incumbents to debate their opponents even though the event benefits voters. U.S. Rep. Ed Case said he will not debate state Sen. Jarrett Keohokalole in advance of the Aug. 8 Democratic primary, arguing that his opponent has had nothing substantive to offer in terms of policy or explaining how he would better represent Hawaiʻi in Washington.   Civil Beat.

Military leaders from 25 countries gather in Waikiki to talk coastal warfare. About 300 service members from 25 countries are meeting at the Asia Pacific Center for Security Studies for the 12th Pacific Amphibious Leaders Symposium, a gathering organized by U.S. Marine Corps Forces Pacific that each year takes place in different locations around the region. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Should Other Animals Have Human Rights? Hawai‘i Court To Decide. The Hawaiʻi Supreme Court is being asked to free two elephants at the Honolulu Zoo based on the idea that the animals are entitled to legal personhood. Civil Beat.

New HPD Chief Lazar meets with police commission ahead of swearing in. Honolulu’s next police chief met with the Police Commission as he prepares to take office. David Lazar emphasized recruitment, retention, and modernization efforts. He will be officially sworn in on July 2nd. KITV4.

Honolulu Ocean Safety Department goes digital. The City and County of Honolulu’s Ocean Safety Department is moving to a fully digital reporting system, which will replace the previous manual system that required lifeguards to handwrite incidents on paper logs. Hawaii Public Radio.

Makiki Community Garden members happy that city finds funding. After false starts and a funding mistake, Honolulu officials announced it is finally installing fencing around the Makiki Community Garden. KHON2.

Police presence to rise amid Oahu accidents. Oʻahu has recorded 19 traffic fatalities in 2026, and multiple crashes causing serious injuries. This includes Saturday’s, June 13, multi-vehicle crash, which involved six vehicles, one with multiple children in it, including a 5-day-old infant.  KHON2.

Lawmakers host Manoa emergency prep forum after Kona low flooding. On Wednesday, a forum was held at Noelani Elementary School. Organizers said the meeting aimed to provide information to prepare for weather emergencies or other public safety threats, as well as to highlight “lessons learned” from the recent flooding. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Council postpones eminent domain resolution targeting Puna land. The Hawaii County Council on Wednesday agreed to postpone a resolution calling for the acquisition of 3.74 acres of coastal Puna land using eminent domain to widen Government Beach Road — a measure described by opposition testifiers as “criminal” and an attempt to “trample” on the landowner’s rights. Tribune-Herald.

FEMA joins county, state emergency management teams to assess South Kona earthquake damages. The Federal Emergency Management Agency is in South Kona this week to assess properties damaged by the 6.0 magnitude earthquake that struck on May 22, rocking homes off their foundations and destroying dozens of catchment systems that left residents without potable water. Big Island Now. Big Island Video News. 

Meeting set to discuss Kona airport master plan. The state Department of Transportation is holding its third community information meeting for the Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keahole master plan update. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui Council panel rejects charter amendment to set aside transient accommodations tax for climate fund. A Maui County Council committee decided against a proposed Maui County Charter amendment to dedicate a fifth of the County’s transient accommodations tax revenue to climate change and impacts.  Maui Now.

Affordable-housing project awaits County Council action Friday. The project is on more than 160 acres of vacant land connected to Hansen and Pūlehu roads, with a variety of commercial, recreational and light-industrial uses and 1,608 multifamily housing units, including about 800 affordable units. Maui News.

Maui Police Chief: Recent Scare Underscores Lax Security At County Offices. After a suspect flashed what he implied was a gun at a planning office, Police Chief John Pelletier and others are calling for urgent action. Civil Beat.

‘Īao Valley emergency flood repairs approved; but questions arise about long-term impacts to river. On Tuesday, the Hawai‘i Commission on Water Resource Management decided the work done by residents in the days after the flood to move rocks with excavators and redirect the Wailuku River was in line with emergency rules and won’t require additional permitting. Maui Now.

Plan to expand facilities at Makena State Park sparks criticism. Some Maui residents are critical of a plan to expand the facilities at Makena State Park in South Maui, saying the project would threaten endangered hawksbill turtles and increase the likelihood of serious spinal injuries. Maui News.

Kauai

Kauaʻi grand jury indicts Billy Sinclair on all 28 counts following homicide in Hanalei. Fifth Circuit Court Chief Judge Michael Soong issued a no bail warrant for the 51-year-old murder suspect who has been in custody since he was captured by law enforcement on June 8 after a two-day manhunt.  Kauai Now. Garden Island. 

Hawaii Supreme Court may rule on 2024 election allegations, Honolulu Council candiate Waters' eligibilty again goes to court, Jeep recall affects car rental companies, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawai‘i Supreme Court may rule on 2024 election question. Petition urges Supreme Court to require investigation into 2024 election to be completed before 2026 election is certified. Three people — Ralph Cushnie, a member of the Hawai‘i Elections Commission, Tara Malia Gregory, a candidate for the Honolulu City Council and resident Douglas Pasnik — filed last week a petition requesting the Hawai‘i Supreme Court to compel election officials to properly account for 2024 ballot data before the 2026 election is certified. Aloha State Daily.

U.S. claims ‘misunderstanding,’ requests Hawaii judge to alter her fossil fuels dismissal ruling. The Trump administration has asked a federal judge to reconsider the dismissal of its case against Hawaii for suing private fossil fuel companies, claiming in a new motion that the United States was deprived of a fair opportunity to amend its complaint because it misunderstood a question from the judge. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Ozawa Challenges Waters’ Honolulu Council Candidacy In Court. This is the third time the two candidates have faced off in court over this city council seat. Trevor Ozawa formally challenged Honolulu Council Chair Tommy Waters’ candidacy in circuit court on Tuesday, escalating a dispute as the candidates vie to represent Waikīkī, Kaimukī and East Honolulu on the council. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu Building Permits Moving Faster For Homes, Slower For Businesses. The city is planning to expand its use of AI software after it showed promise in prescreening applications. Civil Beat.

7 of 14 Oahu beaches tested this weekend failed water quality levels. Some feel the state should do more testing and notification, so everyone knows about the conditions of our waters. KITV4.

Wildfire risks, limited evacuation options worry Leeward Oahu residents. As the third anniversary of the Maui wildfires approaches, residents and officials along Oahu’s Leeward Coast worry that their community of 55,000 residents faces the same risks that led to the Lahaina catastrophe — strong, hot winds, dry brush and only one reliable escape route. Star-Advertiser.

City’s ‘Hazard Explorer’ gives residents closer look at disaster threats. The Honolulu Department of Emergency Management on Tuesday launched a new online mapping tool that allows Oahu residents to identify potential hazards affecting their homes and neighborhoods and better prepare for natural disasters. Star-Advertiser.

Major Jeep recall impacts Hawaii rental business as fire risk prompts safety concerns. For local rental company Cabin Fever Campers, the recall is already taking a financial toll. Hawaii News Now.

They give us the answer': Oʻahu farm plants path for immigrant farmers. A new farm on Oʻahu's North Shore is working to employ refugees, immigrants and survivors of human trafficking while strengthening Hawaiʻi's food resilience and security. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Island

‘Aina Kupuna’ tax relief legislation advances. A Hawaii County Council committee unanimously approved legislation Tuesday that would establish a new property tax dedication known as “Aina Kupuna,” allowing local families who’ve owned generational lands for at least a century to pay minimum taxes and avoid being priced out of their ancestral homes. Tribune-Herald.

'Cease and desist’: TMT opponents urge project developer to drop plans to build on Maunakea. Leaders of the local movement against TMT on Monday sent a seven-page letter to project organizers warning them that continuing efforts to build the telescope on the Hawaii island mountaintop would be met with more opposition. Star-Advertiser.

Police make 450 more vehicle stops on Saddle Road. Between June 8 and June 14, police officers made 450 vehicle stops and identified numerous traffic violations on the highway, including 327 speeding violations, five reckless driving violations, two unsafe passing violations, and 287 other traffic violations. Tribune-Herald.

Police identify 17-year-old killed in fiery Saddle Road crash. The victim was identified as 17-year-old Mackenzie Valentin of Hilo. Hawaii News Now. Tribune-Herald.

State seeks to fine 3 Big Island men for illegal take of 4,000 ‘opihi from marine reserve. The incident occurred on Sept. 18, 2025, when the men were seen taking ‘opihi from the Ka‘ūpūlehu Marine Reserve. Big Island Now.

Maui

Maui Council weighs use of Affordable Housing Fund for homeless population. A Maui County Council committee is considering legislation that would require the County to set aside a portion of its Affordable Housing Fund each fiscal year to provide housing for residents with no income—a population currently excluded from the fund’s eligibility criteria. Maui Now.

Kalaupapa no longer offering tours following death of longtime resident. Kalaupapa National Historical Park announced Monday that Kalaupapa Saints Tours is no longer operating, leaving the park without any scheduled tours. Maui News.

Kauai

Updated multi-hazard plan enhances Kaua’i’s disaster preparedness. The Kauaʻi Emergency Management Agency has updated the document that provides a framework for future efforts to reduce damage from natural hazards across Kauaʻi County. Kauai Now.

Bon dance season is here! Kauai residents had the distinction of Bishop Takumi Inouye officiating when the Waimea Higashi Hongwanji Mission welcomed the first obon festival of the 2026 season last weekend. Garden Island.

Economy ticks along despite inflation, film industry rebounding, lawyer shortage concerns state Supreme Court, Honolulu sewer fees rise, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii economy remains resilient despite inflation. The Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism published its latest quarterly report assessing Hawaii’s economy on Monday and slightly downgraded its 2026 growth forecast to 1.6%, down from 1.7% in a March report. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii film industry rebounding with more movies in the islands. Momentum is building in Hawaii’s film and television industry, with the state poised to provide long-awaited tax breaks and major new productions in the works. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaiʻi is facing a new shortage — of lawyers. With fewer and fewer attorneys practicing in Hawaiʻi, a new task force established by the Hawaiʻi Supreme Court aims to address worrying trends in legal representation in the state. Hawaii Public Radio.

BOE to review failed bills on DOE leadership and school facilities. Two bills that would have reshaped leadership within the state Department of Education and two others that sought to expand the role of the Hawaii School Facilities Authority in managing and planning school infrastructure projects all failed this year at the Legislature, but will be given a postmortem review Thursday by the state Board of Education. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiʻi’s Imperiled False Killer Whales Are Going Hungry. The endangered whales’ numbers are still trending in the wrong direction. Researchers just found a new piece of the puzzle as to why. Civil Beat.

Oahu

New Honolulu sewer fee structure to reward lower water use. Sewer fees went up by 6% in January and will continue to increase each year through 2031. On July 1, another fee adjustment will be made. KHON2. Hawaii News Now. 

Native Hawaiian group Hui Ku Maoli Ola to manage Ritz-Carlton Turtle Bay ag land. Nearly 400 acres of agricultural land mauka of Ritz- Carlton Turtle Bay Resort on the North Shore will be stewarded by a Native Hawaiian-led land restoration group, the resort’s parent company said in a news release. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu launches centralized hub for homelessness efforts. A new online command center that will coordinate homelessness efforts across the City and County of Honolulu is up and running.  Hawaii Public Radio.

Kona low damages could cause some Otake Camp residents to leave. Otake Camp was one of the hardest hit during the back-to-back Kona lows. Floodwaters left homes and vehicles caked in soupy red mud, and moved houses more than 15 feet away from their foundations. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Island

Completion of Hawaiian Volcano Observatory facility projected for 2027. Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists and support staff should be able to occupy their new headquarters under construction at University Park in Hilo within a year. Tribune-Herald.

Community Meeting On Kona Airport Master Plan Set For June 22. The Hawai‘i Department of Transportation announced it is holding its third community information meeting on the KOA Master Plan Update on Monday, June 22, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the West Hawai‘i Civic Center. Big Island Video News.

Demolition, renovation planned for Kona Seaside Shops. The Hawaii County Leeward Planning Commission on Thursday will consider issuing a permit for the renovation of the Kona Seaside Shops found along Ali‘i Drive with a new restaurant, courtyard, two new kiosks and a large outdoor seating area complete with bar and entertainment spaces. Tribune-Herald.

‘They want to keep that sort of rustic experience’: Last public meeting on Kahuku Unit plan today in Naalehu. Just over 40 miles to the south of the main entrance to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park lies the Kahuku Unit, a separate, lesser-known section of the park. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui noise control bill takes aim at loud music in cars by proposing increased fines. An updated version of Bill 119 (2025) would for the first time in more than 35 years amend the Maui County Code on noise control by increasing fines. Maui Now.

Public informational meeting for Kahului Airport Runway 2-20 reconstruction, June 25. The Hawai‘i Department of Transportation is conducting a public informational meeting to present the ongoing planning studies for the reconstruction of Runway 2-20 at Kahului Airport. Maui Now.

Six people injured in balcony collapse at condo in Kīhei. The incident was reported at 4:15 p.m. on June 14, at the 2000 block of South Kīhei Road. Maui Now. Maui News. 

Kauai

Kaua‘i Needs Food Independence. Mayoral Candidates Differ On Achieving That. Addressing the island’s aging infrastructure is also a top issue for those hoping to lead the Garden Isle. Civil Beat.

Kauaʻi’s Richest Towns Scored Tax Breaks Meant For Poor Areas — Until Now. Opportunity Zone projects are intended to benefit economically distressed communities but are often found in the wealthiest parts of the island. Civil Beat.

Grove Farm sells more than 620 acres since end of 2025. It seems Grove Farm on Kaua‘i is having somewhat of a selling bonanza since the end of 2025, selling more than 620 acres of land on the Garden Isle to contractors and a state agency. Kauai Now.

Keohokalole challenges Case for Congressional seat, Green extends solar tax credit another year, new GoFundMe rules for Hawaii nonprofits, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Experience Or New Energy: Case Squares Off Against Keohokalole for Congress. U.S. Rep. Ed Case, who is seeking a fifth consecutive term, faces his most challenging primary race since returning to Congress in 2018. Case, a Democrat, is seeking his fifth term representing Hawaiʻi’s 1st Congressional District, which covers urban Oʻahu from Hawaiʻi Kai to ʻEwa. But if he’s to return to Washington in 2027 he’ll need to stave off a challenge from 42-year-old state Sen. Jarrett Keohokalole, who’s now his main opponent in the contest. Civil Beat.

Gov. Josh Green preserves 2026 Hawaii solar tax credit. Gov. Josh Green signed an executive order that would preserve solar credits for projects this year, delaying any changes to the program prompted by Act 24 until 2027. Green had signed Act 24 May 21 that reduced tax credits for several industries to help the state balance its budget and partly offset nearly $3 billion in anticipated lost revenue from the federal government.  Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. KHON2.

There’s One Big Flaw With The AG’s Track Record On Medicaid Fraud. A single settlement with a dialysis company accounted for the lion’s share of funds recovered by Hawaiʻi’s fraud unit, now facing federal scrutiny. Civil Beat.

New law changes fundraising for Hawaii nonprofits.  Beginning July 1, Hawaii’s Act 205 will require online charitable fundraising platforms, including GoFundMe, to obtain written permission from nonprofits before allowing users to donate to them or create fundraisers on their behalf. Star-Advertiser.

DHHL legal settlement distribution nears end. A genealogical hunt to find beneficiaries of a $328 million Hawaii legal settlement is nearing a likely incomplete end after more than two years of difficult and often emotionally searing work. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Convention center forced to postpone dozens of projects. The Hawai‘i Convention Center is moving ahead with critical leak repairs during its two-year shutdown, but state lawmakers’ rejection of a $55 million funding request means many of the upgrades needed to keep the venue competitive will be pushed off for years. Star-Advertiser.

Navy plans Red Hill water treatment facility. Five years since the Red Hill fuel leaks contaminated drinking water that serves 93,000 Oahu residents, sickening many, the Navy has completed its environmental assessment for a Red Hill Water Treatment Facility. Star-Advertiser.

Circus producer sues city over alleged ticketing failures, lost sales. The  lawsuit alleges the city required Showmakers Inc., a Honolulu- based producer of a circus featuring acrobats and motorcycle stunts rather than animal acts, to sell tickets exclusively through Ticketmaster LLC as a condition of using the city-owned venue at 777 Ward Ave. Star-Advertiser.

OHA reconsiders exploring KITV/KIKU deal. The Office of Hawaiian Affairs will reconsider its vote against funding due diligence for a possible acquisition of KITV and KIKU, reviving a proposal the Board of Trustees narrowly rejected last month. Star-Advertiser.

New Haleiwa farm expands opportunities for immigrant and refugee farmers. Community leaders, elected officials and immigrant farmers gathered at the North Shore Friday to bless Pacific Gateway Center’s new 80-acre Haleiwa farm, celebrating a project they say will strengthen Hawaii’s food security while creating economic opportunities for refugees, immigrants and survivors of human trafficking. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu condo owners pay some of the highest fees in the country. More than 60% of Oʻahu condominiums sold this year have maintenance fees of $800 a month or more. That’s up from just 20% in 2019. Hawaii Public Radio.

Military and civic leaders celebrate Flag Day and the U.S. Army’s founding. Military and civic leaders gathered Sunday on the grounds of the Pearl Harbor National Memorial to recognize Flag Day — the celebration of the official adoption of the American flag in 1777 — as well as the anniversary of the U.S. Army’s founding in 1775. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Hilo Harbor project hits snag. A $62 million planned expansion of Hilo Harbor will include traffic-flow improvements along Kalanianaole Street, promising relief to beach-goers, school commuters and residents of Keaukaha fed up with frequent gridlocks caused by cargo trucks entering and exiting the port. But the project’s timetable continues to be pushed back by breakdowns in negotiations over five privately owned properties adjacent to the port which the state needs to acquire before work can begin. Tribune-Herald.

Lawsuit trying to stop Kamehameha School’s Keauhou Bay plan to have hearing about consultant’s role. The main goal of the lawsuit's petitioner is to stop a proposed 150 bungalow development that is part of the nonprofit's management plan, which also includes a new cultural education center. Big Island Now.

Waikoloa Village residents ramp up demand for a new road. Wildfires in recent years on Hawaii Island and Maui have driven Waikoloa Village residents to seek proactive solutions to the looming danger of traffic bottlenecks in the event of a full-scale evacuation. The village is home to roughly 7,000 full-time residents with only one way in and out: Waikoloa Road. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

3 Democrats Compete For West Maui House Seat In Primary. House District 14 has gone Democrat for decades. But its two-term incumbent, Rep. Elle Cochran, traded teams in March and is running as a Republican.  Civil Beat.

Cost of Government Commission releases sweeping review of Maui County Boards and Commissions. The report identifies seven cross-cutting issues affecting the County’s governance infrastructure and recommends a mix of eliminations, restructurings and reforms. Maui Now.

Maui Health celebrates new CT scanner made possible with Oprah Winfrey donation. The June 8 ceremony brought together the hospital’s Imaging team, Kahu Kimokeo Kapahulehua, and Winfrey, whose gift to Maui Health Foundation funded the advanced diagnostic equipment. Maui Now.

Dead coconut rhinoceros beetles found in Waikapu traps. State agriculture officials have confirmed the discovery of dead coconut rhinoceros beetles in Waikapu, prompting additional surveys and monitoring efforts as Maui continues to guard against the destructive invasive pest. Maui News.

Kauai

Kauai County seeking to expand part of Kekaha Landfill by 2030. Kauai County is aiming to vertically expand a portion of the Kekaha Landfill — the only permitted landfill on the island — as it’s expected to reach its maximum capacity in 2030. Star-Advertiser.

Want to live like a rockstar? Former Carlos Santana estate up for sale on Kaua‘i’s North Shore. The $13 million former Santana home is next door to another larger 6.87-acre estate also up for grabs for a mere $32.5 million by the same seller. Kauai Now.

Trump proclamation reopens Pacific marine monuments to commercial fishing, 4th-ranking state official now acting governor, scientists warn of El Niño dangers, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Trump signs proclamation to open marine monuments to commercial fishing. President Donald Trump on Thursday signed an executive proclamation that will roll back protections for some 500,000 square miles of waters at Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument, the largest contiguous marine conservation area in the world and home to thousands of marine species, many of which exist nowhere else on Earth. It also reverses protections for portions of the Mariana Trench, and certain waters surrounding Rose Atoll in American Samoa. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.  Bloomberg. Hawaii News Now. 

Finance Director Seth Colby temporarily acting as governor. The fourth-highest ranking state official in Hawaii’s line of succession will be in charge of the islands until Monday, while Gov. Josh Green, Acting Lt. Gov. Keith Regan and Attorney General Anne Lopez will simultaneously be off island for separate trips, leaving Seth Colby, the newly confirmed director of the Department of Budget and Finance, in charge. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

El Nino officially arrives — with warning. As El Nino officially takes hold in the Pacific, the National Weather Service on Thursday warned there’s a likely chance it could rank “among the largest El Nino events in the historical record going back to 1950.” Star-Advertiser. Associated Press. 

Oahu

NOAA: Monk seal pup in Waikiki to be relocated upon weaning. As with previous Hawaiian monk seals born at Kaimana Beach, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has decided that after weaning, the pup will be relocated to a remote and less crowded location. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. 

State Rep. Christopher Muraoka's Dogs Are ‘Terrorizing’ People, Neighbor Says After Attack. A neighbor who says he was attacked by the dogs in March says the animals have been menacing neighbors for two years. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

HPD: Eight extra officers deployed to patrol Saddle Road.  Police have increased their presence on the Daniel K. Inouye Highway since June 4, in response to five recent fatalities on the Big Island’s main east-west traffic artery and the declaration of a traffic emergency by the state. Tribune-Herald.

Tropic Care To Return to Hawaiʻi Island in June 2026. From June 19 to June 28, uniformed military members “will deliver no-cost medical, dental and optometry care at multiple primary sites and outreach locations,” officials say. Big Island Video News.

Researchers deploy sensors in aftermath of 6.0 quake. Following the magnitude-6.0 earthquake that rocked Hawaii Island on May 22, researchers from the University of Hawaii have been at work trying to better understand the cause and implications of the event, which damaged about 150 structures. Tribune-Herald.

3 Big Island men in race to unseat Hawaiʻi Gov. Green. Who else from the island is running for state, U.S. seats? In Hawaiʻi for the 2026 elections, the primary will be held on Aug. 8 and the general election on Nov. 3.  Big Island Now.

Maui

Kepaniwai Heritage Gardens in ‘Īao reopens; Caution urged near storm damaged pavilions. Kepaniwai Heritage Gardens in ‘Īao Valley, reopened Saturday after severe damage from back-to-back Kona low storms in March, according to the County of Maui Department of Parks and Recreation. Maui Now.

Police: Haiku couple car-jacked by armed man on Hana Highway. A Haiku couple was treated for minor injuries after an armed robbery Wednesday morning near Hoʻokipa Beach Park, according to Maui police. Maui News.

Relief arrives after cargo delays leave Molokai stores running low. The first cargo barge in more than three weeks arrived on Molokai and Lanai yesterday, bringing long-awaited supplies to residents and businesses. KHON2.

Kauai

Two separate Kauai homes burn in one day, causing $1.8M in damages. The first fire was reported at a residence near ‘Anini Beach and the second at a home in the Kapahi area of Kapa’a. No injuries were reported in either incident. KITV4.

Kaua‘i Shrimp: Harvesting Pounds From Ponds To Help Feed Hawai‘i. The shrimp farm has been part of West Kaua‘i’s agricultural landscape for decades. Civil Beat.

Man arrested over Gov. Green death threats, Maui wildfire settlement money faces delays, floating homeless encampments cleared on Oahu, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Montana man arrested over Gov. Green death threats. Eric Lee Boltz, a 51-year-old Montana man, was arrested Tuesday and is facing federal criminal charges after he allegedly left nine voicemails threatening to kill Gov. Josh Green and his family. Star-Advertiser. Kauai Now. 

Governor’s VIP Airport Lounge: See Inside The Guest Book. For 60 years, the Governor’s Airport Lounge next to the cultural gardens in Terminal 2 of Daniel K. Inouye International Airport has been the primary venue for greeting and saying farewell to VIPs, including presidents, queens like Elizabeth II, and kings like Elvis. Civil Beat.

Survey links understaffing to long patient wait times at Kaiser Permanente. A new survey revealed that many Hawaiʻi behavioral health professionals at Kaiser Permanente believe understaffing in their departments has led to inefficient care. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu 

Honolulu Council Member Is Shoo-In, But Can He Get More Done? Honolulu City Council member Matt Weyer has the distinction of being both sidelined by the council majority and running unopposed for reelection.  Civil Beat.

Floating homeless encampments, tons of debris cleared from Kalihi waters. An estimated 25 to 30 people and dozens of their dogs lived in 25 or so hardened floating structures — the biggest was two stories tall and had two kitchens. City, state and nonprofit agencies teamed up to clear out floating homeless structures near Kahauiki Village. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. 

Debris site at Central Oahu park deemed safe after testing, city says. The Honolulu Department of Environmental Services says soil testing at a former storm debris pile at Patsy T. Mink Central Oahu Regional Park found no harmful levels of contamination. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu police seize $11K in cash, 18 gambling machines in Mililani. Honolulu police on Tuesday afternoon shut down an illegal gambling room on Waimakua Place, seizing 18 gambling machines, more than $11,000 in cash and illegal drugs to collect as evidence. Star-Advertiser.

David Briscoe, AP journalist who chronicled Philippines’ democratic revolution, dies at 82. David Briscoe, a journalist for The Associated Press who chronicled the collapse of dictatorship and the rebirth of democracy during a dramatic period of upheaval in the Philippines, has died, his family said. He was 82. Associated Press.

Hawaii Island

Kahuku Unit management plan, EA open for comment; talk story sessions planned. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park invites the community to share feedback on the Comprehensive Site Management Plan and Environmental Assessment for the park’s Kahuku Unit in Ka‘u. Tribune-Herald.

Lead removal project paves way for $78M rehabilitation of Hakalau bridge. Work to remove lead contamination from the ground beneath the Hakalau Stream Bridge started on June 4, according to the state Department of Transportation. Tribune-Herald.

New building opens at East Hawaii Health Clinics in Hilo. Hilo Benioff Medical Center held a grand opening celebration Wednesday for a new building at East Hawaii Health Clinics. Medical Office Building 3 is the new home of urgent care, neurology, general surgery, gynecologic surgery, plastic surgery and vascular surgery. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui attorney warns fire survivors settlement money could be delayed as some lawyers ‘likely’ to fight ruling. A Maui lawyer is warning clients that first payments from the $4 billion settlement may not arrive this week as expected. Hawaii News Now.

West Maui water quality testing finds few impacts after Lahaina wildfire.  Hui O Ka Wai Ola, a network of marine citizen scientists, found that salinity has increased in Maui at nearly all sites due to extreme drought, turbidity levels are always above state Department of Health standards, and nitrate levels often exceed those standards, according to a report released over the weekend by the hui. Maui Now.

County seeks input on plans to restore Lahaina Royal Complex. Maui County officials are developing a Lahaina Royal Complex Master Plan aimed at restoring portions of the historic center of the Hawaiian Kingdom, including Mokuhinia Pond and Moku’ula Island. Maui News.

Ranching Could Soon Come To An End On Moloka‘i. Paniolo Blame TB Testing. Quarantine rules to prevent bovine tuberculosis are crippling the industry — and a way of life — on rural Hawai‘i island. Civil Beat.

Kauai

Kaua‘i residents invited to attend invasive pest meeting. Organized by the University of Hawaiʻi at Manoa’s College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience, the two-day gathering, slated for Aug. 11-12, centers around the theme, “Protecting Island Ecosystems: Biosecurity, Invasive Species, and Resilience.”  Kauai Now.