Vacation rental occupancy drops, Honolulu trims permit backlog, prominent economist apologizes for obscene gesture during Maui rental hearing, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Vacation rentals post statewide occupancy drop. Vacation rental occupancy in June was lower compared with the same month in 2023; however, supply, average daily rate and demand were higher, according to the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiʻi has a medical malpractice problem. A recent study revealed that Hawaiʻi has the fourth-highest rate of medical malpractice in the United States. KHON2.

Hawaii receives $5M in federal funding to support future teachers.  Hawaii has received nearly $5 million in federal funding to support the state’s education workforce, including establishing the first statewide registered apprenticeship program for K-12 teachers. Star-Advertiser. Big Island Now.

Hawaii Politicians Turn To Social Media App TikTok To Reach Next Generation Of Leaders. Millennial lawmakers see it as a more constructive way to engage with voters and encourage new voices to emerge. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Honolulu’s Department of Planning and Permitting reduces permitting backlog. In a presentation to the City Council on Thursday, the department reported a reduction in its backlog from 12,000 permits in December to 9,800 this month. KHON2.

Changes Are Coming To Honolulu’s Bus Routes, And Not Everyone Is Happy. Honolulu is constantly trying to deploy buses more efficiently and to deal with changes, such as the new rail line. Civil Beat.

Actions on homeless are complaint-driven, city says. As states and municipalities across the country push forward with sweeps of encampments in the month after a U.S. Supreme Court ruling granted officials new authority to police homelessness, the city says enforcement actions conducted on Oahu should not be deemed to be the same thing. Star-Advertiser.

Community pushes back on military land lease renewals on Oʻahu. For 60 years, the U.S. Army has leased land on Oʻahu for military training for $1 a year. However, the leases at Mākua Valley, Kahuku and Poamoho are set to expire in 2029. Hawaii Public Radio.

Plan for new Aloha Stadium development heading for early approval. The state could accept a proposal for the New Aloha Stadium Entertainment District in Halawa as soon as mid-September, but demolition of the original Aloha Stadium won’t start until a contract is finalized nine months later. Star-Advertiser.

Bids open for Falls of Clyde’s removal. The state Department of Transportation on Thursday issued a request for propo­sals and is seeking bids from local, national and international outfits with the expertise and experience required to permanently remove the vessel. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

$62M expansion of Hilo Harbor entrance still in the works. The state Department of Transportation last year received $15 million to acquire several privately owned parcels on Kalanianaole Street for the project. Tribune-Herald.

Jaggar Museum nearly removed from Kīlauea Caldera edge. Jaggar Museum was the first park museum in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, sharing volcano science and Hawaiian culture with millions of visitors over many decades. Big Island Now.

Maui

Prominent Hawaii economist apologizes for obscene gesture during short-term rentals hearing. Paul Brewbaker is apologizing for an obscene gesture he made during an emotional hearing about vacation rentals. The former chairman of the state Council on Revenues is under fire for a two-second statement with his middle finger. Hawaii News Now.

Maui County’s vacation rentals at 49.3% occupancy in June, down double-digits from last year. With the largest supply of vacation rental nights available in the state, Maui County’s unit demand and occupancy rates are down in double-digits since last year and 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic struck, according to a report for June by the Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism. Maui Now.

Fire crews continue work at Waiehu brush fire; containment remains at 80%. Heavy equipment was deployed to help contain a brush fire that burned about 25 acres in Waiehu mauka of Kahekili Highway near Maka’ala Drive, fire officials said in an update Thursday afternoon. Maui Now. KITV4.

Report: Growing Number Of Maui County Residents Are ‘Barely Surviving’.  Nearly half of Maui residents say their financial situation has worsened since the Lahaina fire and 1 in 5 are “seriously considering” leaving the state, according to a new report that paints a troubling picture of the challenges facing fire survivors — and the county as a whole. Civil Beat.

Kauai

Kauai Wildfire Shows How Other Hawaii Power Safety Shutoffs Might Work. It's a learning experience for the utilities and the communities they serve as emergency plans are developed. Civil Beat.

Nightly closures for portion of Kūhiō Highway to begin in August. A full closure is necessary for crews to install a 24-inch drain line from the top of Hanalei Hill down the face of the slope, according to Hawai‘i Department of Transportation. Kauai Now.

HECO, wildfire plaintiffs ask judge to expedite settlement, crime boss Miske to forfeit more than $20M in assets, Big Island affordable housing credits a big fail, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

HECO Joins With Wildfire Plaintiffs In Asking Maui Judge To Help Break Settlement Logjam. Parties are so close to a global settlement of Lahaina wildfire lawsuits that lawyers on opposing sides are asking a Maui judge to help remove a last apparent obstacle to a resolution. Civil Beat.

Hawaiian Electric begins installation of weather station network in high-risk areas to strengthen wildfire response. The project includes the installation of 52 weather stations on four islands. The weather stations, mounted on Hawaiian Electric utility poles, will provide meteorological data that will help the company to decide whether to activate and deactivate a public safety power shutoff. Maui Now.

A closer look at U.S. military emissions during RIMPAC and beyond. The Rim of the Pacific Exercise, or RIMPAC, ends next week. But how much do we know about the military's greenhouse gas emissions during RIMPAC and as an industry? Hawaii Public Radio.

Young plaintiffs across the US draw inspiration from Hawaiʻi's Navahine case. Hawaiʻi reached a landmark settlement agreement last month on climate change. The state Department of Transportation agreed to roll out a new plan to reduce carbon emissions after facing a lawsuit from a group of young plaintiffs. Hawaii Public Radio.

Court Rules in Favor of Native Hawaiian Midwives. A Hawai‘i state court on Tuesday temporarily blocked part of the Midwifery Restriction Law, which prevents pregnant people in Hawai‘i from using traditional midwives for their pregnancies and births. Maui Now.

A provocative social media post comes as Republicans try to tamp down racist and sexist attacks on the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee. Rocklin Youngstrom, chair of Hawaii Young Republicans,   says Kamala Harris “would be more effective” in the White House kitchen than in the Oval Office. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Miske To Forfeit More Than $20 Million In Assets To Government, Jury Rules. The forfeiture trial was the last phase in the nearly seven-month federal trial of Michael Miske, who was convicted last week of 13 counts related to the operation of a racketeering organization. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser. KHON2. KITV4.

New bill would nix Honolulu building permit affidavits. Among the many requirements to obtain a city-issued building permit, applicants must submit a sworn statement declaring they have no outstanding fines or liens payable to the City and County of Honolulu. Star-Advertiser.

Transportation officials outline hundreds of millions of dollars in West Oahu road projects. State and city transportation officials have been moving ahead with big projects in West Oahu and the leeward coast in particular.  Hawaii News Now.

Navy crews conduct ‘spill drill’ to prepare to wash Red Hill fuel tanks. Pressure washing on two tanks is scheduled to begin in mid-August and take about four months. Hawaii News Now.

Group announces tiny homes plan for homeless kupuna on Waianae Coast. Waianae Moku Kupuna Council announced initial plans Tuesday for a kauhale — a tiny homes project — with the help of Blanche McMillan of Hui Mahi’ai Aina, a kauhale village on state property in Waimanalo.  Hawaii News Now.

House Candidates In McCully And Moiliili Offer Sharply Contrasting Ideas On Homelessness. One House candidate supports expanding the state's largest jail so it can house homeless people. The other wants to bring health care to the homeless. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Time to end affordable housing credits? Report finds they don’t work as intended. The California-based real estate advisory firm Keyser Marston Associates prepared the report for the county. Hawaii Public Radio. Tribune-Herald.

Kīlauea volcano rattled by nearly 1,000 earthquakes in three days. The rapid onset and concentrated intensity of the July 22–24 earthquake swarm, coupled with abrupt changes in upper East Rift Zone ground deformation patterns, show that an intrusion of magma is occurring in the area of Pauahi Crater, the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory said. Big Island Now.

Maui

This South Maui Race Is Likely To Determine The Balance Of Power On The County Council. The Aug. 8 fires emboldened politicians to crack down on the proliferation of short-term rentals to deal with a growing housing crisis. Now it's an election issue. Civil Beat.

Maui County commission endorses draft bill to ban short-term rentals. The Maui County Planning Commission has thrown its support behind a proposal from Maui Mayor Richard Bissen to phase out legal use of roughly 7,000 short-term vacation rentals mostly on the Valley Isle. Star-Advertiser. Maui News.  Maui Now

Realtor claims he was harassed out of plan to house Maui fire survivors, residents respond. A reported confrontation between several men at a beach in Kahana likely ended a plan to house Lahaina fire survivors, according to realtor Gary Mooers.  KITV4.

Kauai

‘Huge’ gust of wind, ‘bang’ preceded fatal helicopter crash off Kaua‘i; underwater search discovers partial wreckage. Witnesses to the fatal July 11 helicopter crash off northern Kaua‘i experienced a “huge” gust of wind followed by a very loud “bang” noise, according to a preliminary report issued by the National Transportation Safety Board. Kauai Now. KITV4.

Arson suspected in two fires on Kaua‘i. The Kaua‘i Fire Department said investigators found incendiary devices in the area of the Poki‘i Ridge Fire on Tuesday. The Poki‘i Ridge Fire was first reported on July 18. Garden Island. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii's homeless elders double, Maui Planning Commission approves short-term rental phaseout, government contractor influence persists in local politics, arson suspected in Kauai wildfire, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Along with Hawaii's general population getting older, there are more aging homeless residents. The number of Kupuna in shelters has more than doubled over the past decade. KITV4.

Hawaii Contractors Are Still Big Contributors To Political Campaigns, Thanks To Loopholes In State Law. Executive officers and employees of government contractors along with their family members donated more than $170,000 to local campaigns between January and the end of June, a Civil Beat review of campaign finance data found. Civil Beat.

Candidates pledge not to accept donations from corporate interests, developers.  Forty-eight political candidates have signed onto the Our Hawaiʻi Pledge, a commitment to turn down campaign donations of over $100 from sources such as corporate lobbyists to developers, and hotels to military contractors. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Has More Money For Preschool Subsidies Than It Has Been Able To Give Out. The state will start accepting applications year-round in an effort to increase the number of families seeking help paying for preschool.  Civil Beat. Maui Now.

Hawaiʻi-based climate projects receive $5.5M from USDA. The University of Hawaiʻi received the largest grant, totaling over $2 million. The USDA awarded the money for the testing and research of the use of AI-enhanced irrigation systems at 14 farms. More than $1 million will go to E kūpaku ka ʻāina to improve the diversity of two culturally significant staple crops — kalo and ʻuala. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

The Bids Are Finally In For Honolulu Rail Through The City Center. No information is being released yet about whether the bids fit HART's budget, but the rail authority plans to award the major contract in August. Civil Beat.

Local 5 workers picket Waikiki hotels, plan strike vote as bargaining grows tense. Nearly 1,000 Unite Here Local 5 union workers picketed in front of major Waikiki hotels Tuesday demanding new contracts that provide “living wages, fair workloads, and proper staffing that ensures quality service.” Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

City Reopens Moanalua Park After Residents Questioned The Need To Close It. The city had closed the park more than a month ago to prevent hikers from accessing a trail leading to the site where the Haiku Stairs are being dismantled. Civil Beat.

New lifeguard towers coming to Oahu beaches. The replacement towers in question, which cost $45,000 each, include two at the Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve. Others will be placed at Kalama Beach Park, Sunset Beach, Maili Beach and at beach spots in Waimanalo, Waikiki and Ala Moana. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Volcano Alert Level raised then lowered after brief rise in earthquake activity at Kīlauea’s upper East Rift Zone. Earthquake and ground deformation rates in Kīlauea’s upper East Rift Zone decreased significantly following a “burst of intense activity” at approximately 3:30 a.m. HST on July 23, 2024. Big Island Now. KHON2.

Shaelynn Lehano-Stone: a timeline of tragedy. A 9-year-old developmentally disabled Hilo girl starved to death by her parents and grandmother eight years ago was on the radar of Child Welfare Services almost from birth. Tribune-Herald.

Hilo Youth Challenge Academy Changes Mission, Becomes Job Challenge Academy. The Hawaiʻi National Guard announced Monday that the Youth Challenge Academy in Hilo will be changing its name, who can participate, and its mission. Big Island Video News.

Construction to begin on new playground at park in North Kohala. Construction of a new playground at Kamehameha Park in Kapa‘au is slated to begin Wednesday. Big Island Now. Big Island Video News.

Longtime UH-Hilo theater sound tech dies in accident. Rob Abe, 61, of Volcano,  retired in 2022, after 30 years and 2,364 performances, as technical director of the University of Hawaii at Hilo Performing Arts Center. Tribune-Herald.



Maui

Maui Moves Closer To Phasing Out Thousands Of Short-Term Rentals To Deal With Housing Crisis. The Planning Commission unanimously recommended the County Council approve the mayor's proposal, with some tweaks, despite concerns that it will wreak economic havoc. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

Kamehameha Schools plans revitalization of fallow land in Lahaina. The trust, which owns about 1,160 acres of largely fallow former sugar cane plantation land in Lahaina, plans to expand agriculture and forestry on roughly 960 acres mostly above developed parts of the West Maui town, while also pursuing residential, commercial and recreational development on about 190 acres partly bordering neighborhoods destroyed by flames nearly a year ago. Star-Advertiser.

Maui wildfire survivors begin moving in to Laʻikū temporary housing project in Lahaina. La‘ikū will provide 16 two-bedroom, one-bath units at 560 sq. ft. each. The homes are being built on approximately two acres of land that was previously acquired by the HDOT as part of the Lahaina Bypass project. Maui Now.

Disaster Recovery Community Update Meeting in Lahaina Civic Center gym, July 24. Residents are encouraged to attend the County of Maui’s Weekly Disaster Recovery Community Update Meeting at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 24, in the Lahaina Civic Center gymnasium. Maui Now.

Kauai

Officials suspect arson in Koke‘e brush fire. Authorities suspect the Koke‘e brush fire, which scorched 1,600 acres, was intentionally set, officials confirmed Tuesday. Kauai Now.

TSA aims to bolster its staff on Kaua‘i. The Transportation Security Administration is looking for a few good people to help bolster its ranks at Lihu‘e Airport, where thousands of tourists arrive every week for the start of their Kaua‘i experience. Garden Island.

Hawaii Dems pivot support to Harris, Maui Planning Commission continues vacation rental ban hearing today, Hawaii joins high risk COVID states, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

With some unease, Hawaii Democrats pivot support to Vice President Kamala Harris. Party leaders say there is new enthusiasm and consensus growing for Harris even though some delegates who weren’t committed to President Biden were hoping that there would be some kind of process in the party to test Harris against other potential candidates. “The DNC appears determined to go ahead with the early virtual roll call vote, which prevents any real deliberation and discussion,” National Committeeman Bart Dame said. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Electrification of Transportation “Roadmap” Updated. The Hawaiian Electric company says significant community and industry input went into developing the plan aimed at growing the local EV market. Big Island Video News.

Hawaii joins 20 other states with ‘very high’ COVID levels in sewage. Nationally, overall viral levels in wastewater are considered “high” for the second straight week, the CDC said. Los Angeles Times.

Hawaii Looks To Improve Mosquito Testing As Dengue Cases Rise Globally. The Department of Health says it has enough staff to handle the growing threat of mosquito-borne diseases, but it is struggling to fill numerous vacancies. Civil Beat.

RIMPAC exercises continue on USS Carl Vinson. As the biennial exercise Rim of the Pacific continues off the coast of Hawaii, the U.S. Navy’s Carrier Strike Group 1 has been practicing flight operations from its flagship the USS Carl Vinson. Star-Advertiser.

State delays rollout of sound detector program aimed at reducing loud noises on the road. The state is delaying the rollout of a controversial sound detector program aimed at reducing excessive noise on the roads. Hawaii News Now.

UH gets $6.5M grant for cyberinfrastructure project. The U.S. National Science Foundation awarded a $6.5 million grant to the University of Hawaii for a project that will enhance its cyberinfrastructure — the hardware, software, networks and data, along with the people operating and managing the advanced computing technology. Star-Advertiser. Big Island Now.

Oahu

Blangiardi raises over $2M for mayoral reelection. In the Aug. 10 primary election, Blangiardi, a former media executive elected in 2020 to lead the city, will run against David L. Duke Bourgoin, a business owner and consultant; Karl O. Dicks, who’s variously worked as a farmer, journeyman carpenter and heavy equipment operator; and Choon James, a residential real estate broker. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Prosecutor’s Tenacious Push For A Different Kind Of Probation Has Failed To Win Over Critics — So Far. Steve Alm, running uncontested for reelection, swears by the HOPE probation model, which ensures predictable and immediate sanctions for violators, but studies have produced varying results. Civil Beat.

Country Living: Senate Candidates Offer Different Visions For Rural Oahu. Newcomer Ben Shafer is focused on the cost of living while former Sen. Clayton Hee wants to promote agriculture and tackle cesspools. Civil Beat.

In wake of violent arrest, HPD’s Crime Reduction Units sidelined as agency reviews operations. Days after a social media post showed a violent arrest of a car theft suspect, the Honolulu Police Department has paused Crime Reduction Units islandwide. Hawaii News Now.

DOT: Arrive earlier due to screening delays at Honolulu airport. The Hawaii Department of Transportation is advising travelers with flights departing from Terminal 1 at the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport to arrive earlier to allow for more time to get through security. Star-Advertiser. KHON2. KITV4.

Haiku Stairs: City urges public restraint, portions set for removal despite injunction. Portions of iconic Stairway to Heaven will soon be removed despite the court’s temporary injunction. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park Announces Closures Due To Kīlauea Unrest. Due to a sudden increase in activity, the National Park Service has had to close areas that could put visitors and staff at risk if Kīlauea erupts. Big Island Video News. Hawaii News Now.

Environmental attorney shares concerns about Keauhou Bay development plan. Kamehameha Schools' proposed Keauhou Bay Management Plan includes many upgrades and aims to reorganize some of the area's activities. But as with any proposed development or change in our islands, some disagree with the proposal. Hawaii Public Radio.

East Hawaii home sales remain flat. According to multiple listing service data, the total number of house sales this year to date is higher than last year to date — 1,003 homes were sold by the end of June, a little over 1% higher than June 2023 — while the median sales price also rose 7% to $535,000. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui Planning Commission to hold continuation of June meeting today. The Maui Planning Commission will hold a meeting in Wailuku on July 23 at 9 a.m. as a continuation of their June 25 meeting. The commission listened to over seven hours of public testimony at the June 25 meeting in regards to a bill that would amend the Maui County Code, removing transient vacation rentals (TVR’s) as a permitted use within the A-1 and A-2 apartment zoning districts.  Maui News.

County Council approves resolution of ‘a global settlement’ for fire litigation against county. The resolution states approximately 451 wildfire lawsuits involving a variety of claims resulting from the Lahaina and Upcountry fires have been filed in the United States District Court and the Hawai’i State Circuit courts as of July 8, 2024 (“Wildfire Litigation”) by affected parties. Maui News.

Mandatory evacuations lifted in Wailuku after brush fire. One firefighter was treated for heat distress at the scene of the brush fire Monday in Wailuku, where approximately 45 homes along Piihana Road were evacuated. The cause of the fire, which is under control, remains under investigation. Star-Advertiser.

Condition of Pioneer Mill smokestack causes concern. Maui officials have closed part of Lahainaluna Road over concerns about the structural integrity of the Pioneer Mill smokestack. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now.

Kauai

Brush fire burned about 1,600 acres in Koke‘e. A mop-up was underway on Monday at the site of a brush fire, which scorched approximately 1,600 acres before it was extinguished by air and ground attacks from personnel with local, state and federal agencies. Garden Island. Kauai Now.

Ballot drop boxes ready to accept ballots. Ballot packets for the 2024 Primary Election were mailed on Wednesday, July 17, and the county’s Office of the County Clerk said voters should have either gotten their packets, or should be getting them, shortly. Garden Island.

State House leadership hangs in balance as Saiki faces primary battle, Dems rally around Harris, OHA says state has no say in ethics violations, Maui fire victims sue as settlement misses Friday deadline, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

What Happens If Scott Saiki Loses The Primary? More than any other local contest this season, that primary race for the urban District 25 House seat that includes Ala Moana, Kakaako and downtown has the potential to redistribute political power in Hawaii and redirect the Legislature. Civil Beat.

Historic moment might energize Hawaii voters in local elections. Most Hawaii political leaders welcomed President Joe Biden’s decision to drop out of the 2024 presidential race and swiftly expressed support for his replacement pick of Vice President Kamala Harris, but it’s still unclear whether these historic events will energize Hawaii voters enough to affect local elections. Star-Advertiser.

Top Hawaii Democrats Praise Biden’s Decision To Drop Out Of Race. Major leaders in the Democratic Party of Hawaii on Sunday hailed President Joe Biden’s decision to exit the 2024 election, and three members of the state’s congressional delegation are already throwing their support behind Vice President Kamala Harris. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser.  Big Island Video News. Maui Now.  KITV4.

Most delegates pledged to Biden’s pick as replacement choice looms. Dozens of delegates representing Hawaii are heading to Chicago next month for the DNC.  According to party rules, right now the pick is Kamala Harris, with committed votes signed sealed and as good as delivered from state-by-state caucuses and primaries earlier this year that pledged to a Biden-Harris ticket. KHON2.

Court Ruling Could Have Major Impact On State Oversight Of The Office Of Hawaiian Affairs. Lawyers for OHA say the state does not have the authority to fine trustees for ethics violations. The Attorney General’s Office disagrees.  Civil Beat.

Hawaii Gave Up Funding For Marine Mammal Protection Because Of Cumbersome Paperwork. Dropping out of the federal program has not hampered efforts to protect the islands' marine species, including monk seals, state and federal agents say. Civil Beat.

National Nonprofit Is Spending Millions To Support Hawaii’s Effort To Jail Fewer Teens. Teens need mental health services and mentorship instead of imprisonment, advocates say — strategies that a $20 million grant is bolstering in the state.  Civil Beat.

Oahu

Red Hill community group is told it won’t be disbanded. The Red Hill Community Representation Initiative received an email Friday from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency confirming that the organization will not be disbanded, despite being notified in June about its potential dissolution in response to Navy complaints. Star-Advertiser.

Trio vies for Council District 5 seat. In the Aug. 10 primary election, William “Bill” Muneno, Brendan Schultz and Scott Y. Nishimoto will respectively face off to fill the Council District 5 seat, which spans St. Louis Heights, Manoa, Moiliili, McCully, Ala Moana, Makiki and portions of Kakaako, after current Council member Calvin Say recently declared he will not run for reelection due to ongoing health concerns. Star-Advertiser.

Kia‘aina faces contenders for Windward Council seat. Since 2021, Esther Kia‘aina has represented Council District 3, which includes Ahuimanu, Heeia, Haiku, Kaneohe, Maunawili, Kailua, Olomana, Enchanted Lake and Waimanalo. Star-Advertiser.

Residents Say Indefinite Closure Of Park Leading To Haiku Stairs Is Unfair. The controversy over the Haiku Stairs hiking trail has spilled over to the other side of the Koolau Range, where Moanalua residents are asking why their entire neighborhood park has to be closed just to block access to a trail that leads to the same summit. Civil Beat.

New development projects for Kalaeloa in West Oʻahu. On Oʻahu, more than 500 acres of Kalaeloa Town are currently under redevelopment. There are nearly 4,000 acres of land that the Navy once used as Naval Air Station Berbers Point.  Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Island

Is Growing Your Own Food Considered Agriculture? Hawaii County Says No. Subsistence farmers on the Big Island say recent changes to county agricultural laws threaten their ability to keep farming. Civil Beat. Tribune-Herald.

Final draft of Hawai’i County General Plan 2045 to be released by end of July. The general plan will serve as a 25-year blueprint for the long-term growth and sustainable development of Hawaiʻi Island. The document establishes the vision, policies, and actions necessary to enhance the overall quality of life for residents. Big Island Now.

Ed Olson dies at 93. Edmund “Ed” Olson, Big Island businessman and philanthropist, died Monday afternoon at Hilo Benioff Medical Center. The Edmund C. Olson Trust II owns more than 15,000 acres of land, most of which is dedicated to sustainable agriculture, with some also set aside for conservation. Tribune-Herald.

 New Online Map Tracks Hawaiʻi Island Affordable Housing Projects. Studies show Hawaiʻi County needs to add 10,796 affordable housing units by 2025 to meet the community’s needs. Big Island Video News.
Maui

Maui Fire Victims Sue Insurers To Make Sure They Get Fully Paid In Any Settlement. The lawsuit comes after parties failed to meet a Friday deadline for a mediated settlement. A group of Maui wildfire victims has sued several of Hawaii’s largest insurance carriers, alleging the insurers are wrongly seeking compensation from a limited litigation settlement fund before the fire victims are fully compensated for their damages. Civil Beat.

Maui County says second West Maui TDS report shows compliance with environmental regulations. The West Maui Temporary Debris Storage site environmental monitoring quarterly report for the second 90-day operational period shows the findings from sampling and monitoring comply with county, state and federal environmental regulations, the county said in a press release Friday. Maui News.

Costly road damage from fire cleanup leaves Kula residents searching for answers. Huge potholes. Torn-up concrete. Hardly any road left. That’s how some Kula residents described their roads after the fire debris cleanup process wrapped up. Hawaii Public Radio.

EPA: Maui County Must Pay $193K Fine And Shut Down 7 Illegal Cesspools. The cesspools, which hold untreated human waste, are on a parcel of land that includes the Hana police station, the Hana Motor Vehicle and Licensing office and the Public Works vehicle maintenance shop, according to the 30-page settlement. They are also located at the Makawao Baseyard, Maui Veterans Cemetery and the Molokai Veterans Cemetery. Civil Beat.

Kauai

Koke‘e brush fire scorches 1,600 acres; remains 85% contained. The Koke‘e fire remains at 85% contained as of Sunday evening, following efforts to address numerous hot spots throughout the day. Fire officials estimate approximately 1,600 acres have been burned since Thursday. Kauai Now. KITV4.

County mayor announces goal to eliminate traffic fatalities on Kaua‘i by 2040. A Vision Zero advisory group will be formed to advise the Mayor’s Office and County Council on safe transportation laws and policies. Kaua‘i County will also continue investing in programs that make roadways safer for pedestrians, bicyclists and more. Kauai Now.

$4B settlement reached in Maui wildfire lawsuits, Honolulu crime boss Miske found guilty of murder, racketeering, some Hawaii flights grounded in communications outage, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

$4 billion proposed settlement reached over Maui wildfire lawsuits. Report: Key Defendants Have Agreed To Settle Maui Wildfire Claims For $4 Billion. Hawaiian Electric Industries, the state of Hawaii, Maui County and Charter Communications have agreed to pay $4 billion to settle several hundred lawsuits filed on behalf of thousands of victims of Aug. 8’s Lahaina wildfires, Bloomberg News has reported, citing anonymous sources. Civil Beat.  KITV4. Bloomberg.  Reuters.

Honolulu crime boss Miske guilty of murder, racketeering. Jury Convicts Miske Of 13 Counts, Including Murder In Aid Of Racketeering. Jurors in the federal racketeering trial of Michael Miske found him guilty Thursday of 13 of 16 counts, including racketeering conspiracy and murder in aid of racketeering in connection to the 2016 killing of Johnathan Fraser. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser.  Hawaii News Now.  KHON2.

Dozens of Hawaii flights impacted amid widespread technology outage. United, Delta and American issued system-wide ground stops due to communication issues. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

The State Of Hawaii Keeps Snatching Up Land From Former Agriculture Companies. Senate Ways And Means Chairman Donovan Dela Cruz is the driving force behind one proposed deal that just won't go away. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Supreme Court Will Review Judge’s Decision To Withhold Abused Girl’s Case File. Public First Law Center is trying to open files that would show why the state and Family Court placed Isabella Kalua with the couple accused of killing her. Civil Beat.

Alternate emergency road in Waiʻanae set to reopen spring 2025. The state Department of Transportation has committed to making upgrades to the road to form a roughly 5-mile route stretching from the Nānākuli to Waiʻanae areas. Hawaii Public Radio.

HNN News Director Scott Duff, dedicated journalist who ‘led with heart,’ dies at 59. Hawaii News Now is mourning the loss of News Director Scott Duff, who died early Wednesday following a year-long battle with cancer. He was 59. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Planning director: Bill could slow down permitting process. Bill 134 would require that every time a property owner seeks a change of zoning district, the Planning Department would have to compile a report of all buildings that are legally permitted to be built on surrounding properties within a quarter-mile radius. Tribune-Herald.

Proclamation Issued On District 1 House Seat After Death Of Rep Nakashima. The Office of Elections says that ballots already printed, the late Representative Nakashima will remain on the ballot and votes cast will be counted accordingly. Big Island Video News.

Alleged assailant of county-contracted surveyors charged. Police have charged 32-year-old Kukaua Keliihooluhi Kaupe Bright, whom they say is one of two men who allegedly assaulted a pair of county-contracted surveyors July 9 in downtown Hilo. Tribune-Herald.

Goodwill Hawaii settles in to new Hilo home. Goodwill Hawaii announced in October 2023 that it would be closing its three leased properties in Hilo and would move operations to a large parcel at 17 Makaala St. to serve as the East Hawaii hub for employees, customers and clients. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Lahaina Schools To Close For Fire Anniversary. Lahaina’s four public schools will close on Aug. 8 to honor the first anniversary of the Maui wildfires, the Board of Education decided on Thursday. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now.  Hawaii News Now.  KHON2.

Another Maui Jail Project Stalls After Underground Duct Work Is Discovered. For years, state officials have been unable to move forward with plans to build an entirely new jail at Puunene. Now, even a modest addition to the existing jail is being delayed. Civil Beat.

Kauai

Mayor Kawakami shares vision for Kaua‘i during Chamber of Commerce luncheon. At the Kaua‘i Chamber of Commerce held the 10th Annual Mayor’s Luncheon on Thursday, Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami shared his vision for the residents of the Garden Isle. Kauai Now.

Aloun Farms to acquire Kaua‘i Shrimp. Kaua‘i Shrimp currently produces over 500,000 pounds of premium Pacific White Leg shrimp every year on its 238-acre farm in Kekaha. Garden Island.

New teacher apprentice program strives to address shortage, HPD officers who handcuffed 10-year-old could face excessive force lawsuits, Lahaina after-action report vendor disqualified, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii’s Latest Effort To Recruit Teachers: Put Prospective Educators In Classrooms Sooner. A new apprenticeship program would provide financial support for future educators and remove some of the barriers to obtaining a teacher's license. Civil Beat.

NATO protection for Hawaii is not clear-cut. A senior State Department official said the agency believes that U.S. allies likely would respond if Hawaii was attacked, but that any chance of explicitly amending the treaty to include it or other U.S. Pacific territories is not likely. Star-Advertiser.

COVID activity in Hawaii has peaked, but is still at high levels. The state Department of Health on Wednesday reported a statewide average positivity rate of 16.3%, up from 14.7% the previous week. The positivity rate — the percentage of all reported tests that are positive — was at 16.1% two weeks ago. Star-Advertiser. KITV4.

Bill protection is ending for HECO's Shift and Save program. Utilities charge higher rates for electricity during the evening and overnight, and lower rates during the day. For the first six months of the program, HECO placed a $10 cap on any increases in enrolled customers' electricity bills, which insulated participants as they adjusted to the new rate structure. Hawaii Public Radio.

DOE employees can donate sick leave to Maui wildfire impacted teachers. Hawaii Department of Education teachers across the islands can now share up to 10 sick days with other salaried D.O.E. employees impacted by the Maui wildfires. KITV4.

Oahu

More tiny home ‘kauhale’ to open across Oahu. A flatbed truck on Wednesday carried two more newly built 100-square-foot tiny homes to a new “kauhale” going up at Kalihi’s Cedar Church as the state, counties and a hui of builders and developers work together to create more communities for low-income and homeless people on Oahu by the end of the year. Star-Advertiser.

HPD Officers Who Handcuffed 10-Year-Old Can Be Sued For Using Excessive Force, Judges Rule. Judges in the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals rule three Honolulu police officers who arrested an elementary school student in 2020 are not entitled to qualified immunity on an excessive force claim. Civil Beat.

After years of waiting, Waianae coast residents may get their highway bypass next year. Paakea Road in the Maili area is part of the emergency access route for the Waianae Coast. However, parts of it are sealed off by rarely opened gates. Hawaii News Now.

HPD launches internal review of escapee incident at Kapolei Police Station. Law Enforcement sources say David Montoya scaled a 15-foot security fence and a retaining wall Sunday morning. This was after an employee unlocked a secured door for the 31-year-old because they thought he was an officer. Hawaii News Now.

Financial help for struggling rail businesses still months away. The City’s Rail Transit Mitigation Fund went into effect at the beginning of the month, but it will still take some time for businesses to see the money. KHON2.

Opossum captured in Downtown Honolulu. The animal was found near S. King Street and Alakea Street just after 7 a.m. So far it is unknown where the animal originated. KITV4.

Hawaii Island

Police commissioner sues HPD and assistant chief.  The complaint alleges Assistant Chief Kenneth Quiocho violated Police Commissioner Anthony Sur's right to privacy by disclosing to the county Board of Ethics in a 2023 complaint against Sur that he carries a concealed firearm.  Tribune-Herald.

Kamehameha Schools Faces Pushback On Plan To Build ‘Low-Impact’ Resort On Big Island. Hawaii’s largest private landowner is asking the public to weigh in on its proposal to build 150 units of bungalow-style lodging at Keauhou Bay, about six miles south of Kailua-Kona on the Big Island’s leeward coast. Civil Beat.

High Bacteria Advisory Posted For Richardson Ocean Center In Keaukaha. Health officials say enterococci levels of 364 per 100 mL have been detected at Richardson Ocean Center during routine beach monitoring. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Vendor disqualification delays Maui fire report. The lone vendor selected to perform an after-action report of the Maui Emergency Management Agency’s response to the fatal Aug. 8 fires that killed 102 people and destroyed the heart of historic Lahaina town is non-compliant with state policies and unable to perform the work. Star-Advertiser.

Maui County considering 2 proposals that could impact Lahaina rebuilding. Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen is proposing to allow destroyed buildings in Lahaina to be rebuilt, even if they don’t meet current zoning rules. Hawaii News Now.

Lahaina wildfire final debris site hits snag. U.S. District Court Judge Kenneth Mansfield denied a motion by Maui County to immediately use 20 acres of privately owned property in Central Maui to expand the county’s adjacent landfill to accommodate fire waste and municipal refuse in advance of a trial to condemn the site and pay the owner a fair value. Star-Advertiser.

EPA completes drinking water and wastewater mission in Lahaina. The US Environmental Protection Agency recently completed its Drinking Water and Wastewater mission in Lahaina as part of a multi-agency emergency response to the 2023 Maui wildfires. Maui Now.

This Lahaina Family Finally Finds A House To Call Home — At Least For A While. In the span of a week, the Dadez family moved from a resort condo to a pair of studio hotel rooms and then, finally, into a five-bedroom home in Napili. Civil Beat.

Scouting America, Aloha Council receives funding to replace cabins at Camp Maluhia. Whittier Trust has donated $100,000 to the Scouting America, Aloha Council to replace five Pop Hutton cabins at Camp Maluhia. Maui Now.

Kauai

Median home price on Kaua‘i highest of four major islands in first half of year. The median price of a single-family home jumped nearly 29 percent on the back of stronger sales in the first half of the year, in turn making Kaua‘i the most expensive housing market of the four major islands in Hawai‘i. Garden Island.

Water conservation request continues for customers in ‘Ōmao and Kōloa. Kaua‘i County’s Department of Water reminds customers located in ‘Ōmao and Kōloa to continue water conservation efforts until further notice. Kauai Now.