RNC sues Hawaii over voter rolls, teens who filed climate lawsuit say state's interisland travel producing too much carbon, state airports won't play video blaming Dems for shutdown, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Republican National Committee Sues Hawaiʻi Over Voter Rolls. Chief Election Officer Scott Nago failed to address the RNC’s questions about what records the state maintains regarding voter rolls, the suit says, adding that this violates Hawai‘i’s open records law and federal disclosure requirements. Civil Beat.

Hawaii won’t play airport video blaming Dems for shutdown. The state Department of Transportation will not play in Hawaii’s airports a Trump administration video that blames Democrats for the ongoing federal shutdown. Star-Advertiser. KITV4.

Teens Who Sued Hawai‘i Say State’s Climate Plan For Aviation Doesn’t Fly. Interisland flights are Hawaiʻi’s biggest transportation carbon producer, making up more than half of all emissions related to civilian travel in the state. Civil Beat.

5-day strike begins at Kaiser Permanente hospitals across Hawaii. Hundreds of unionized workers showed up in force Tuesday morning for the first day of a scheduled five-day strike at Kaiser Permanente hospitals across Hawaii. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii Public Radio. Associated Press. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. 

UH eyes revamping budget allocations amid record enrollment. In the past, enrollment growth would result in additional funds allocated for infrastructure costs and hiring lecturers. With the new model, the appropriate money will automatically be allocated to the campus based on the enrollment for that semester. Hawaii Public Radio.

Meadow Gold issues recall for chocolate milk distributed at Hawaii schools. The chocolate milk, made and packaged out of state, is being voluntarily recalled due to potential quality control issues. Approximately 70,000 units were distributed in Hawaii since they were received on Sept. 29, 2025.  Hawaii News Now. KHON2. KITV4. 

Oahu

Honolulu City Council postpones fare increases for public transit. The Council’s Budget Committee voted unanimously to postpone Bill 54 — a measure formally requested by the city Department of Transportation Services — citing the need to further study a measure that calls for a new fare structure for the city’s public transit system. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu Transit Services, union at odds. Oahu Transit Services, which operates TheBus and TheHandi-Van routes for the City &County of Honolulu, is urging its 130,000 daily riders of TheBus to consider alternative transportation after officials say they received inquiries about a possible strike by bus drivers. Star-Advertiser.

Will 4 New Stations And A $1 Million Ad Campaign Attract More Rail Riders? Mayor Rick Blangiardi says the city must overcome “almost two decades of negativity and cynicism.” Civil Beat.

 Real estate company faces $2.4M fine from DOH for unauthorized discharge into Kahaluu wetlands. Fill materials were illegally discharged into the wetlands on Wailehua Road from 2015 to 2016 . The Hawaii Department of Health (DOH) issued a $2.4 million fine against real estate company Wailehua I, LLC for unauthorized discharge into the wetlands in Kahaluu. KITV4. Hawaii News Now. 

State warns of possible bird flu case in sick Manoa duck. State officials are urging caution after a presumptive case of avian influenza has been identified in an ailing duck at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. Star-Advertiser. KHON2. 

Hawaii Island

Drought conditions prompt water conservation notice in South Kohala. Prolonged lack of rainfall and dry conditions have prompted Hawai‘i County to issue a water conservation notice for both residential and commerical accounts in South Kohala till further notice. Big Island Now. Hawaii News Now. 

Low-Level PFOS Detected In Pepeʻekeo Water System Well; amount within acceptable federal standards. Low levels of perfluorooctanesulfonic acid, or PFOS, have been detected for the first time in a Pepeʻekeo water well. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now.

Officials, supporters gather for blessing of Hilo’s Hale Na Koa ‘O Hanakahi. The $58 million project produced four two-story buildings on the 5.6 acre property at the corner of West Kawili and Kapiolani Streets. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

New hotel zoning weighed to preserve some vacation rentals amid housing crisis debate. A Maui County Council investigative group has recommended creating two new hotel zoning districts to allow some existing short-term vacation rentals in apartment-zoned districts to continue operating, a proposal that drew sharp public debate over balancing economic concerns with residents’ urgent need for housing. Maui Now.

Controversial Bill To Phase Out Maui Vacation Rentals Could Get Watered Down. A temporary investigative group recommended rezoning thousands of apartment-zoned units so they can be used as both short- and long-term rentals. Civil Beat.

Paʻia Elementary School to reopen on Wednesday. Paʻia Elementary School on Maui will reopen to students and staff on Wednesday following its closure for fire cleanup and environmental testing, the state Department of Education said . Star-Advertiser. Maui Now. 

No hunting proposed for Kula forest reserve. A draft management plan proposes no hunting of game animals, except possibly birds, at the new Kamehamenui Forest Reserve in Kula. Maui News.

Kauai

Kaua‘i charter boat spies its first humpback whale of 2025-26 season. Humpback whales — or kohola in Hawaiian — travel about 3,200 miles each winter from Alaska to Hawai‘i to give birth, mate and care for their young.  Kauai Now.

Blessing held for the Poipu Road Safety and Mobility Project. The County of Kauai held a blessing ceremony in Koloa on Tuesday to mark the start of the Poipu Road Safety and Mobility Project, a major infrastructure effort aimed at improving safety and accessibility along one of South Kauai’s busiest corridors. Garden Island. Kauai Now. 

Green promises 64k new homes, Kaiser Permanente workers set to strike, Japanese firm to help meet state energy goals, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Green Says 64,000 New Affordable Homes Are In The Pipeline. Can He Deliver? The market has shown few signs of improving since Green took office. While the resale prices of single-family homes and condos have leveled off, rents have increased 17% since his December 2022 inauguration, according to the University of Hawaiʻi Economic Research Organization. Civil Beat.

New state task force targets Hawaii’s permit backlog. A new state task force is taking aim at Hawaii’s notoriously slow and complex permitting system, which has long delayed housing and commercial projects across the islands. Tribune-Herald.

Japanese firm to help Hawaii achieve clean energy goals. Gov. Josh Green and the energy firm, JERA Co. Inc., signed a strategic partnering agreement establishing a framework for the collaboration on Oct. 6 during a weeklong trip to Japan by Green and more than a dozen other officials from state government including lawmakers. Star-Advertiser. Kauai Now. 

OHA’s Chief Executive Could See A 35% Pay Bump While On Leave. Office of Hawaiian Affairs CEO Stacy Ferreira, who was placed on indefinite leave in September, could see her pay jump 35%—to $270,400 — next month under a proposal up for consideration by the office’s Board of Trustees on Wednesday. Civil Beat.

Kaiser workers to strike over wages, staffing, benefits. About 2,300 Kaiser Permanente employees in Hawaii are set to walk off the job this morning as part of a five-day national strike, joining over 45,000 unionized health care workers across the country in one of the largest labor actions in the health care sector in recent years. Star-Advertiser. Tribune-Herald. KHON2.

HCL offers forbearances for federal employees impacted by shutdown. Hawai‘i Community Lending is offering temporary relief to federal workers in Hawai‘i to ensure they do not lose their homes amid the ongoing government shutdown. Maui Now.

Oahu

Honolulu City Council considers fare hikes for public transit. As initially proposed, Bill 54 could increase the annual adult fare from $880 to $990; and fares for monthly adult fare would rise to $90, up from the current charge of $80 — a 12.5% price increase for both. Star-Advertiser.

Uncertainty for TheBus riders as strike talks continue, no advance notice guaranteed. Oahu Transit Services has been receiving inquiries about a pending strike by TheBus employees, prompting the union that represents them to clear the confusion. Hawaii News Now.

Skyline debuts 4 new stops, making its way into the heart of Honolulu. Honolulu’s rail system is expanding again with Skyline Segment 2 opening Thursday, Oct. 16, at 4 a.m.  KHON2.

 Honolulu's TheBus introduces new routes for Skyline expansion. The Department of Transportation Services in Honolulu announced upcoming changes to TheBus routes, effective October 16, 2025, to align with the opening of Skyline Segment 2. KITV4.

Windward Oʻahu Senior Housing Stalls Amid Zoning Appeals Backlog. A proposed senior living facility in Kāneʻohe would bring a range of negative impacts, residents say. The developer says it will help meet a crucial need. Civil Beat.

Father, daughter charged with assaulting HPD officers in Kalihi. Father, daughter charged with assaulting HPD officers in Kalihi. Kaeo Keoki Montalbo, 39, and his daughter, Naehu Montalbo Wong, were charged Monday for allegedly assaulting Honolulu police officers during a large brawl Friday night after a high school football game in Kalihi. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Public input sought on housing project in Hilo. The County of Hawai‘i Office of Housing and Community Development will host a community meeting on Oct. 23 to share information and gather feedback on the proposed ʻĀinakō Subdivision Housing Project in Hilo. Big Island Now.

Parolee who killed Big Island woman in 1978 is ‘under the highest level of supervision’.  The 75-year-old parolee, Steven Ray Simpson, was recently paroled for the 1978 murder of a young woman on the Big Island and suspected by prosecutors of having killed another young woman on the island that same year. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui Is Racing To Spend $20M On Lahaina Land Deal With Prominent Developer. The county plans to use 160 acres from Peter Martin for flood control, evacuation routes and other projects that could help the fire-torn town recover. Civil Beat.

Relief in the works for applicants on Upcountry water meter waitlist. John Stufflebean, director of the Maui County Department of Water Supply, said the department has developed a plan to start processing the list of people waiting for water meters in the Upcountry area. Maui News.

Downed communication cables spark concerns on Maui. Downed cables on Maui have many residents worried it could potentially spark a fire. Hawaiian Telcom, the company that owns the lines, promises there is no danger. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai

Rat lungworm disease detected in adult on Kaua‘i. A case of neuroangiostrongyliasis, or rat lungworm disease, was identified in an adult on Kaua‘i for the first time since 2019. Kauai Now. Hawaii News Now.

Student vaccinations fall below herd immunity, state boards required to conduct business in public, Maui to release report on vacation rentals, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii student vaccinations fall below average rate. Kindergarten vaccination rates in Hawaii continue to lag behind the national average, according to the latest data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. While there was a slight improvement over the year, the rates of routine childhood vaccinations for measles, mumps, whooping cough and chickenpox, among others, remain below the national average and failed to meet most rates required to reach so-called herd immunity. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii minimum wage to rise by $2 in 2026. Hawaii workers earning minimum wage will see the state’s biggest pay bump in years when the new rate takes effect on Jan. 1, 2026, jumping from $14 to $16 per hour — an increase of $2 that outpaces most other states. Tribune-Herald.

It's Official: Boards Can't Go Behind Closed Doors For Most Personnel Matters. The Office of Information Practices has finally formally acknowledged court rulings on hiring, firing and evaluating top public officials. Civil Beat.

Senator Voted For Bills Backed By Lobbyists He's Going To Work For. State Sen. Henry Aquino is stepping down to go to work for one of the biggest lobbying firms in the state after serving in the Hawaiʻi Legislature for 17 years. Civil Beat.

Campaign Commission Will Push Again For Reforms Lawmakers Keep Rejecting. Commissioners voted unanimously Wednesday to resurrect four government reform measures next year that were rejected by the 2025 Legislature. Civil Beat.

‘Shows how much they care’: Federal workers in Hawaiʻi keep airports operational despite working without pay. Despite nationwide airport disruptions, Hawaiʻi’s airports have not seen any significant disruption during the government shutdown, the Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation said. KHON2. KITV4. Kauai Now. 

Native Hawaiian empowerment gains momentum. Bringing the convention to Washington — the state with the fastest-growing Native Hawaiian population — helped the council expand its reach. As of 2020, more than half of Native Hawaiians in the U.S. (360,000 of 680,000) lived on the mainland. Star-Advertiser.

DTRIC Insurance To Withdraw From Hawaiʻi Market. The Hawaiʻi Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs is alerting DTRIC customers that the insurance company will be withdrawing from the Hawaiʻi market.  Big Island Video News. KITV4.

Federal cuts threaten a digitization project to preserve windows to Hawaiʻi's past. The state archives lost its federal funding this year to help with the preservation effort. It was a $213,000 grant by the Institute of Museum and Library Services’ Native American/Native Hawaiian Museum Services grant.  Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

Federal shutdown casts doubt on Honolulu rail funding payment. The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation is expecting $125 million in federal funds toward its ongoing rail construction.  Since the federal government’s Oct. 1 shutdown, however, President Donald Trump has acted to suspend federal funds to mass transit projects across the United States. Star-Advertiser.

Skyline’s newest segment opens with high expectations. Honolulu’s Skyline rail system has passed its testing phase — with some lingering challenges — before Thursday’s opening of the next 5.2-mile route for public ridership that will take passengers into four new stations at Makalapa/Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, Lagoon Drive and Middle Street in Kalihi, amid elevated expectations of a significant boost in ridership. Star-Advertiser.

National report calls for urgent action to protect coastlines. A new national report from the Surfrider Foundation is spotlighting Oahu’s North Shore as a leading example of how communities can take the lead in confronting climate change — and calls for more urgent action as Hawaii’s beaches and shorelines face growing danger from erosion and rising seas. Star-Advertiser.

Grant improves water quality assessments along Hawaiʻi coastlines. A new grant for the University of Hawaiʻi’s Water Resource and Research Center will help researchers analyze how fecal contaminants are transferred between shores and the ocean. The $549,960 grant from the National Science Foundation will cover research costs over the next three years and will cover the salaries of two graduate assistants.  Hawaii Public Radio.

Renovation Of Ala Wai Driving Range Is Months Overdue. After missing a spring deadline to reopen, a city spokesperson said the popular golf course driving range will be back in business in November. Civil Beat.

Aloha Stadium Swap Meet moves to new spot in parking lot this week. Starting Wednesday, Oct. 15, the Swap Meet moves to its new location at the Halawa lot. It’s the parking lot right in front of the volcano and the ticket office. KHON2.

Parents Are Hopping Fences To Sneak Into Playgrounds. Lawmakers have pushed schools to open their facilities for recreational use, but the education department has raised concerns about liability and safety. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Building Department considered. A proposed charter amendment to create a new Department of Building in Hawaii County was postponed Tuesday following growing concerns about the department’s cost, scope and necessity. Tribune-Herald.

Drought severe in Hilo. Hilo International Airport received just 2.76 inches of rain in September, 32% of its normal total for the month. For the year, the Hilo airport’s rain gauge has recorded 38.17 inches through September, just 46% of its norm. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii AG investigates case of fallen banyan tree. The circumstances surrounding the collapse of a large banyan tree that killed two women July 12 on Kilauea Avenue in Hilo are now being investigated by the state Department of the Attorney General. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Temporary Investigative Group to release report Oct. 14 on proposed phase out TVRs in apartment districts. Council Member Nohelani Uʻu-Hodgins announced that a report from the temporary investigative group she led on policy responses to the possible phasing out of transient vacation rental uses in Apartment Districts will be released Tuesday. Maui Now.

Affordable housing deed extension bill revived after near-death experience. Maui County Council members killed a bill aimed at maintaining affordable workforce housing when they failed to muster a fifth vote needed for passage, even after the measure passed unanimously out of committee 8-0 last month. Maui Now.

Legal feud over Maui water expands to land. Litigation between two companies on Maui with billionaire owners has spread from contention over water to land, and specifically control of an association representing landowners at Kapalua Resort. Star-Advertiser.

Maui contends with tourism and housing troubles amid ongoing fire recovery. The rebuild efforts are expected to give the island's economy a boost, but it's also facing a tourism slowdown, workforce shortage issues and housing supply scarcity. Hawaii Public Radio.

DAGS hires Maui District Office manager. The Department of Accounting and General Services hired Maui native Wade Shimabukuro as its new Engineering Program Manager. KITV4.

Hundreds more ‘paper leases’ for Hawaiian home lands are being awarded on Maui. Now the state must deliver. Driven by a historic $600 million allocation from the State Legislature and an urgent need for housing after the 2023 Maui wildfires, the department is making a big push to award more than 2,600 leases statewide this year, including more than 1,200 on Maui. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kauai Comic Con packs the Kauai War Memorial Convention Hall. Hundreds of people streamed through the secured entry point at the Comic Con that moved from the previous event at the Royal Sonesta Kauai Resort. Garden Island.

$400M state stockpile could soften blow of federal cuts, state libraries banned from saying 'banned' during Banned Books Week, state Senate committees to examine impacts on agriculture food security, IRONMAN kicks off with Kona underpants run, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Legislators to examine federal impacts on ag, food security. Two state Senate committees will hold a joint informational briefing next week to examine how recent federal policy changes are affecting the state’s agricultural and food sectors, amid growing concern over rising costs, trade disruptions and weakening federal support for farmers. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now.

Hawaii library system bans displays that refer to ‘Banned Books Week,’ rebrands to ‘Freedom to Read’.  New guidelines issued by the Hawaiʻi State Public Library System ahead of the 41st annual event prohibit the use of the words “censorship” and “banned,” as well as the phrase “banned books week,” in displays at 51 public libraries across the state.  Civil Beat.

Hawaiʻi Lawmakers Introduce A Lot Of Bills. See Whose Pass — And Fail. Committee chairs and legislative veterans have the best track record, a review of the data shows. But even they only get a fraction of what they introduce through. Civil Beat.

$400M stockpile for Hawaiʻi low-income families could soften effects of federal cuts. The state has more than $400 million in unspent federal funds for a program to help low-income families through Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, or TANF. Hawaii Public Radio.

Tourist Tax Hike Sought For Hawaiian Home Lands. The state Department of Hawaiian Home Lands plans to ask lawmakers to approve a 1% increase to the Transient Accommodations Tax, which could generate more than $100 million in annual revenue for the department to pursue development and assist its beneficiaries with home loans — a key sticking point for many who have languished for decades on a waiting list for housing lots. Civil Beat.

Native Hawaiian Convention wraps up with focus on tourism, culture. The Native Hawaiian Convention wrapped up this week in Tulalip, Washington, after days of cultural exchange and discussion about how tourism can better support local communities. KHON2. Big Island Now. 

1 In 4 Hawai‘i Students Are Chronically Absent From School. Five years after the pandemic upended attendance, many schools are still struggling to get kids to show up regularly. Civil Beat.

Hawai‘i House of Reps accepting applications for 2026 legislative session. Session staff positions are temporary and typically span from December/January through May each year, with salary ranges dependent on the specific position and relevant experience. Kauai Now.

State senators see results — and challenges — during illegal fireworks bunker inspection. Senators also were briefed about the ongoing work of the Hawai‘i Department of Law Enforcement Illegal Fireworks Task Force, highlighting enforcement efforts and challenges of addressing illegal fireworks throughout the islands. Kauai Now.

Oahu

Assaults on Honolulu police officers on the rise. Assaults on Honolulu police officers are up 21% this year compared with the same period last year, and are on pace to surpass 2024’s total of 43 cases, the Honolulu Police Department announced Thursday in a news release. Star-Advertiser. KHON2. 

Hopes high for increase in Skyline ridership. Journalists got to ride the city’s second segment of the Skyline rail system on Thursday that will take passengers down a new, 5.2-mile route to some of the most important stations and major employment centers at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam and Daniel K. Inouye International Airport. Star-Advertiser. KHON2.  KITV4. 

Oceanit donates thousands of COVID test kits to local schools. Honolulu-based Oceanit this week said it has donated thousands of its ASSURE-100 COVID rapid test kits to schools across Oahu. The test kits, authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, were developed by Oceanit scientists and engineers locally. Star-Advertiser.

This School Wanted Officers On Campus. 3 Others Will Get Them First. Representatives of Nānākuli High and Intermediate School say they have been left out of Oʻahu’s upcoming school resource officer pilot program. Civil Beat.

City says improper propane tank disposal sparked waste facility fire. The Department of Environmental Services (ENV) confirmed the fire that sparked Wednesday, leaving piles of charred debris and equipment, was caused by improper disposal of a propane tank. Hawaii News Now.

Ho‘omaluhia Botanical Garden to close Thursdays, city says. City officials say that in the post-pandemic era the number of guests to Ho‘o­maluhia — which in the Hawaiian language translates to “a peaceful refuge” — skyrocketed to a point where the garden itself needed peace and refuge. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Kona Underpants Run Held On Aliʻi Drive. The Kona Underpants Run was held on Aliʻi Drive Thursday morning, part of the IRONMAN World Championship pre-race series of events. Big Island Video News.

2025 IRONMAN World Championship Week In Kona. This year marks the final co-hosting rotation of the IRONMAN World Championship, with the 2025 men’s edition having been held in Nice, France in September, with the women’s edition taking place in Kona this weekend. Big Island Video News.

Restoration Of Honu‘apo Estuary Wetland Planned. A proposal to restore 8 acres of estuary and wetland habitat at Honu‘apo in Kaʻū is examined in a Draft Environmental Assessment (EA) published in the October 8th issue of The Environmental Notice.  Big Island Video News.

20 Sheep Killed On Puna Ranch. The sheep were killed sometime between Friday, October 3th, and Monday, October 6th, police say. Investigators discovered what appeared to be dog bite marks on the slaughtered sheep. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now. KHON2. 

Maui

Major GMO Seed Company Is Maui County’s Top Water Customer. While the genetically modified seed industry has declined across Hawaiʻi, records show Monsanto, now owned by Bayer, has increased its water usage on two Maui farms by 13% since 2021. Civil Beat.

Public hearing set for Kula Forest management plan.  The state Department of Land and Natural Resources has scheduled a public hearing next week to solicit feedback on a comprehensive plan to manage the 3,434-acre Kamehamenui Forest Reserve in Kula. Maui Now.

DOT completes repairs to erosion-damaged highway on Molokai. The state said it has completed emergency road repairs to the main highway on Molokai damaged by coastal erosion at a cost of $720,000. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai

Road work scheduled for various locations in Wailuā Houselots area. Kaua‘i County Department of Public Works and contractor Maui Kupono Builders notify the public about road closures and single-lane contraflows for portions of Nonou Road, Likeke Place, Laʻaukea Place, Eggerking Road and Nānā Place in the Wailuā Houselots area beginning next week. Kauai Now.

U.S. Postal Service hiring for holiday help on Kauaʻi. The holiday positions available are at the Kapa’a and Līhuʻe post offices, with assignments running from Nov. 15 to Dec. 26. Kauai Now.

Hawaii airports good to go so far despite shutdown, growing OB-GYN shortage backlogs appointments, Skyline rail could reach airport this month, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii airports unaffected so far, but safety and morale concerns grow amid shutdown. As the federal government shutdown stretches on, travelers in Hawaii are wondering when the impacts will reach our airports. So far, the state Department of Transportation says operations remain stable. But there’s growing concern about how long that can last.  KHON2.

Chief justice vacancy short on qualified applicants. Filling the position of chief justice of the Hawaii Supreme Court may take some time despite the Hawaii State Judiciary initially announcing the anticipated vacancy nearly a year ago. Star-Advertiser.

State executive branch departments urged to expand use of Operation Hire Hawai‘i. Hawai’i Gov. Josh Green and Hawai‘i Department of Human Resources Development urge executive branch departments to expand use of Operation Hire Hawai‘i to help fill critical state government vacancies. Especially now as the federal government shutdown continues. Big Island Now.

Hawaii faces growing OB-GYN shortage, leaving many women waiting months for care. Across Hawaii, women say finding an OB-GYN is becoming increasingly difficult, with some waiting months for appointments or being told care is only available if they’re pregnant. KITV4.

New HIEMA machines bring water straight from the air. The Hawaii Emergency Management Agency recently acquired two new trailers, which are each equipped with machines that can generate over 200 gallons of water straight from the humidity in the air. KHON2.

Mokulele Airlines gets reprieve as funding continues through November. Hawaii’s rural communities received welcome news Thursday as federal subsidies for essential air service were extended through Nov. 2, providing a temporary reprieve for residents who depend on flights to access medical care and travel between islands. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

All aboard! Skyline rail set to begin service for Kalihi, Honolulu airport and more. October is a big month for Skyline — the city’s rail system opens its second leg from the Aloha Stadium to Middle Street. The 5.2-mile segment will include key employment centers, the airport and Pearl Harbor.  Hawaii Public Radio.

Mayor dropped from key claims in former police chief’s wrongful termination lawsuit. A circuit court judge delivered a significant victory to Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi on Tuesday, ordering him dropped from two of the three counts in the wrongful termination lawsuit filed by former Honolulu Police Chief Arthur “Joe” Logan. Hawaii News Now.

City seeks development partner for affordable housing in Royal Kunia. The city-owned property slated for development is located at the corner of Kupuohi Street and Kupuna Loop. Aloha State Daily.

Park building expansion project begins in Kalihi. A nearly $1.1 million improvement project to expand the interior space of the multipurpose building at Fern Community Park in Kalihi has begun, city Department of Parks and Recreation announced. Star-Advertiser.

HPD wants more surveillance cameras at popular attractions. Rampant crimes came to a sudden halt after HPD began using a surveillance camera at each location at the end of August, the department claims. Hawaii News Now.

One-on-one computer help now available at 5 Oʻahu libraries. The Digital Navigator program launched this week at the ʻEwa Beach Public and School Library, Kailua Public Library, Liliha Public Library, Waiʻanae Public Library and Waipahu Public Library. The program will be available at library branches statewide in the coming weeks. Hawaii Public Radio.

Quieting invasive coquí frogs to hear the heartbeat of Waimānalo. The calls of coquí frogs resound through the forest of Waimānalo, echoing off the nearby valley walls. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Island 

Council members make numerous amendments to plastic foodware bill. A heavily amended bill aiming to reduce plastic and polystyrene waste in Hawaii County was discussed by a County Council committee Wednesday before members voted to forward the next draft to the Environmental Management Commission for review and postpone further action until later this month. Tribune-Herald.

Henneries measure advances with tweaks.  A County Council committee on Tuesday advanced amendments to a bill that would allow backyard henneries in residential zones across Hawaii Island, tightening the proposed rules to limit noise, odor and conflicts between neighbors. Tribune-Herald.

144 Units Planned For ʻĀinakō Subdivision In Hilo. A planned affordable housing project on 61-acres of land in Hilo is detailed in a draft environmental assessment published in the October 8th issue of The Environmental Notice.  Big Island Video News.

Maui

Maui Planning Commission to review proposed building height limit changes for Lahaina. The Maui Planning Commission will consider on Tuesday its recommendations on a bill to amend the West Maui Community Plan, increasing allowable building heights from 30 to 35 feet for new construction in the Lahaina National Historic Landmark District. Maui Now.

‘We just have to start’: Nonprofit faces $40 million task of restoring 8 historic sites in Lahaina. The Lahaina Restoration Foundation shared its master plan to restore the historic sites: the Old Lahaina Courthouse, the Seamen’s Hospital, the Baldwin House, the Masters’ Reading Room, Hale Aloha, Old Lahaina Prison/Hale Pa‘ahao, the Plantation House and the Kindergarten Building. Maui Now.

MPD promotes first woman into role of assistant chief. The Maui Police Department is promoting Joy Medeiros to the rank of assistant chief, marking the first time in department history that a woman has held the role. Maui News.

Kauai

DOW Kuhio Highway project ready to go. Work on Phase I of the Kuhio Highway (Hardy-Oxford) Waterline Project is ready to start during the project blessing that was held on Oct. 3, hosted by the Department of Water, Contractor Alpha, Inc., and Construction Manager Bowers + Kubota. Garden Island. Kauai Now.

Booking.com fights $20M Hawaii GET tax bill, Native Hawaiian convention sparks federal recognition debate, $1B budget for Honolulu Rail, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Online travel agency could owe state $20 million in GET. Lawsuit by Booking.com against the Hawai‘i Department of Taxation going to state Supreme Court. The Hawai‘i Supreme Court will hear a case that could leave online travel agency Booking.com owing the state nearly $20 million in taxes. Aloha State Daily.

Pacific climate hub shutters due to lapse in federal funding. After waiting months for federal funding to materialize, the Pacific Islands Climate Adaptation Science Center had to officially close its doors last week. For over a decade, the center supported local researchers working to understand Hawaiʻi's climate — and how it's changing.  Hawaii Public Radio.

Can Hawaiʻi Turn Around Another Deadly Year On The Roads? An executive order emphasizes enforcement and safety education, but data shows infrastructure is also a major factor in many fatal accidents. Civil Beat.

Native Hawaiian Convention held on tribal lands sparks federal recognition debate.  More than 1,300 attendees from 37 states and countries are participating in the Hawaiian Council’s 24th annual convention, which is the largest annual gathering of Native Hawaiians. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. 

Lawmakers to consider compassionate release measures for Hawaiʻi inmates. Hawaiʻi is the only state in the nation that does not have a compassionate release law, which allows inmates to be considered for release from prison for medical reasons. Hawaii Public Radio.

Interest-free payment options available to electric customers affected by government shutdown. Hawaiian Electric customers experiencing financial hardship because of the ongoing federal government shutdown might be eligible for interest-free monthly installment plans for their electric bills. Big Island Now. KHON2.

Half Of UH Students Struggle To Get Food. For students at the University of Hawaiʻi, skipping a meal or going hungry isn’t uncommon, according to new data. Civil Beat.

Hawaiʻi Libraries Mark Banned Books Week With “Freedom To Read” Initiative. The state librarian says the new guidelines help people avoid any confusion that the library is banning books. Civil Beat. Big Island Video News. 

Leadership program graduates most diverse class. The most diverse graduating class in the Hawaii Carpenters Union’s fourth group — inspired by one another’s commitments to their communities — included two sitting Honolulu City Council members, a Maui County Council member and others who may want to pursue their own political careers or just advocate for their causes. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

HART sees $1.07B total budget next year. The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation’s operating and capital budgets for fiscal year 2027 will total nearly $1.07 billion — 9.5% above the agency’s current total budget of $968.3 million adopted in June, rail officials say. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu police targeting game rooms, keeping them closed. Honolulu police are cracking down on illegal game rooms with a new strategy that is showing big results. KHON2.

City rolls out tool to help residents calculate sewer bills. Officials with Honolulu’s Department of Environmental Services are urging residents to use less water to save on sewer bills. Hawaii News Now.

Man Shot By Police Was Undergoing Court-Ordered Mental Health Treatment. Sonny Siofele, who was shot by Honolulu police outside The Queen’s Medical Center last week, had struggled with substance abuse and mental health issues for decades, according to a July report from his probation officer. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Council weighs in on ICE. A resolution affirming Hawaii County’s commitment to constitutional rights, multiculturalism and protections for immigrants advanced Tuesday after the County Council’s Committee on Governmental Operations and External Affairs voted unanimously to send the measure to the full council. Tribune-Herald.

Proposed Hilo housing project gets favorable recommendation. After years of delays, the Kaiaulu O Kapiolani affordable housing project in Hilo received a crucial boost Tuesday when the Hawaii County Council’s Legislative Approvals and Acquisitions Committee recommended adoption of a five-year extension — pushing the construction deadline to March 2031 — to keep the development on track. Tribune-Herald.

Mumps case prompts closure of Kailua-Kona park for sanitation. The County of Hawaii Department of Parks and Recreation will temporarily close the park in Kailua-Kona to sanitize contact surfaces on Wednesday. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. KITV4. 

Maui

Maui County Council to hear presentations from experts on climate change. The Maui County Agriculture, Diversification, Environment and Public Transportation Committee will hear three presentations on climate change at 9 a.m. Thursday in the Council Chamber and online, according to Maui County councilmember and committee chair Gabe Johnson. Maui News. Maui Now. 

Maui County Board of Ethics meeting canceled. Citing technical issues with the distribution of the meeting’s agenda, the Maui County Board of Ethics has canceled its meeting scheduled for 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 8. Maui News.

Kauai

Chan Zuckerberg donates $1 million to support education, housing, culture on Kauaʻi. The Chan Zuckerberg Kaua‘i Community Fund recently donated $1 million in unrestricted funding to 25 nonprofits across the Garden Isle. Kauai Now.

Kaua‘i Humane Society welcomes new chief executive officer into the pack. Kaua‘i Humane Society announces the appointment of Susan Rhee as its new chief executive officer. Kauai Now.

McKenna apologizes for 'misinterpreting' Kealoha payoff court case, seabed mining threatens sharks and rays, community-acquired mumps case confirmed in Kona, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaiʻi Supreme Court Justice Apologizes For ‘Misinterpreting’ Case. The opinion, issued a week ago Tuesday by Sabrina McKenna one day before she took over as acting chief justice, dealt with the case of three former Honolulu officials who faced felony charges related to a $250,000 retirement payout quietly granted to disgraced police Chief Louis Kealoha. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Library Association promotes ‘Freedom to Read’. The Hawaii Library Association, in partnership with the American Civil Liberties Union of Hawaii, is marking Banned Books Week 2025 with a campaign celebrating the “Freedom to Read” and highlighting why access to diverse stories remains essential for Hawaii’s communities. Star-Advertiser.

What the push for seabed mining could mean for marine life in the Pacific. A team of Hawaiʻi researchers is raising the alarm over the impacts of deep-sea mining on aquatic life. Their new scientific study points to a concerning overlap between the habitats of sharks and rays and proposed commercial mining activities. Hawaii Public Radio.

Cuts to U.S. Geological Survey division to affect Hawaii research. Though few may have heard of it, the U.S. Geological Survey Ecosystems Mission Area has for decades worked on conservation science behind the scenes. Star-Advertiser.

Oʻahu Democrats looking for candidates to fill Senate seat. The Democratic Party of Hawaiʻi Oʻahu County Committee is looking for candidates in the Pearl City-Waipahu area to fill the soon-to-be vacant state senate District 19 seat. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

Home sales on Oahu surged in September. Sales of previously owned residences on the island surged 27.2% for single-family homes — to 276 last month from 217 a year earlier — while condominium transactions jumped 11.5% to 408 from 366 in the same period, according to data released Monday by the Honolulu Board of Realtors. Star-Advertiser.

Pearl Harbor bicycle path segment completed, city says. The city Department of Transportation Services announced that a $2.5 million project involving the first renovated segment of the more than 10-mile Pearl Harbor Historic Trail bike path recently ended near Kamehameha Highway in Aiea. Star-Advertiser.

New Food Hub initiative at Skyline stations. The City and County of Honolulu is continuing to look for ways to improve Skyline, with their new initiative, Food Hubs at Skyline Stations. KHON2.

Amazon to offer next-day delivery on Oʻahu. It's been a little over a year since Amazon opened its delivery station near Honolulu Harbor, hiring some 500 people to staff it. Hawaii Public Radio.

Police crack down on illegal use of e-bike, e-dirt bikes. Honolulu Police Department officers worked in Ewa and Kapolei to address the illegal use of electric bikes and electric dirt bikes. Hawaii News Now.

Oʻahu Patients Hobble Up Stairs To Doctor’s Office. Patients have been without an elevator at Liliha Medical Building for months. Civil Beat.

Beloved Hawaii business survives costly embezzlement. Dave Leong, owner of Hawaii’s beloved Dave’s Ice Cream, is sharing his story of financial devastation after he said his trusted bookkeeper embezzled from his accounts and saddled him with massive tax problems. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

HTA hears feedback for tourism plan during Hilo meeting. About 20 community members joined Hawaii Tourism Authority officials on Thursday night in Hilo for a two-hour meeting to brainstorm about areas for improvement across multiple sectors of Hawaii Island tourism as part of the development of the island’s Destination Management Action Plan. Tribune-Herald.

Can This West Hawaiʻi Coral Reef Be Saved From Sewage Runoff? Cesspools in the Kohala Coast community of Puakō have been leaking into the ocean for years. So residents came up with a plan. Civil Beat.

DOH confirms community-acquired mumps case on Hawaii Island. Health officials said this case is community-acquired, and not travel-related, suggesting that mumps may currently be circulating on the island.  The ndividual attended an event at Harold H. Higashihara Park in Kailua-Kona from 4:30 and 6 p.m. on Sept. 25. Star-Advertiser. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now.  Hawaii News Now.  KHON2. 

TV star and comedian sells macadamia nut farm on Hawaii Island for $2.6M. The sale for television star and comedian Roseanne Barr’s macadamia nut farm in Honokaa just closed for a $2.6 million. Hawaii News Now. 

Funds eyed to make road near Pahoa school safer. The Hawaii County Council’s Committee on Finance is set to consider legislation Wednesday that would add more than $2.6 million in funding for a pair of pedestrian safety projects near Keonepoko Elementary School in Pahoa. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Dark Money Group Blankets Maui In Ads To Influence Vacation Rental Bill. For months, a Washington, D.C.-based group called Progress Action has been spending thousands of dollars to inundate Maui residents with radio and online advertisements warning that Mayor Richard Bissen’s plan to phase out about half the island’s short-term rentals would be “a failure and a mistake.” Civil Beat.

Maui council looks at ways to conserve water including temporary pool ban. Severe drought is forcing Maui County officials to make tough choices about water usage. KHON2.

Lahaina businesses took a ‘backseat’ in fire recovery. Now the focus is turning to rebuilding Front Street. Last week, Maui County released design options that include keeping the once-bustling Front Street as a two-lane road and purchasing makai properties to develop a more connected waterfront. The designs are open for public comment through Friday. Maui Now.

Enrollment up 7.3% at University of Hawaii Maui College. Enrollment at the University of Hawaii Maui College increased by 7.3% this fall compared to the previous year. Maui News.

 Mokulele Air could be hit due to government shutdown cutting off residents from essential services. Federal funding for the airline could be paused as soon as next Monday if the shutdown continues, threatening jobs, healthcare and other essential services. KHON2.

Kauai

Trees get a voice before the Council. The trees on Poipu Road will be on the agenda of the Oct. 15 Kauai County Council meeting, according to Council Chair Mel Rapozo. Garden Island.

Kaua‘i Bus launches Open Payments with Masabi. Riders now have a contactless option to pay for trips by tapping a credit or debit card or mobile wallet such as Apple Pay or Google Pay on any Kauaʻi Bus. Kauai Now.

US Department of Energy cuts funding for Kauaʻi's grid, electric vehicles. The Hawaiʻi State Energy Office oversees the awards, including two grants that total $18 million for technology to keep Kauaʻi’s electric grid stable as it brings online more intermittent energy resources like solar. Hawaii Public Radio.

UH enrollment reaches 8-year high, Honolulu council mulls Skyline extention to colleges, state ranks first in access to mental health care, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

University of Hawaii enrollment hits 8-year high with 51,400 students. Enrollment across the University of Hawaii’s 10 campuses climbed to 51,411 students this fall, the system’s highest total in eight years and a 2% increase over 2024, according to new figures released Sunday. Star-Advertiser. Kauai Now.

Native Hawaiian Convention: Federal cuts, shutdown elicit a call for unity. The economic pressures of living in Hawaii are mounting, so much so that more than 50% of Native Hawaiians are now living outside of the state. Star-Advertiser. KHON2. 

Tourism industry deepening ties to film industry. Hawaii tourism officials are looking to harness the power of film to put a spotlight on Hawaii as a visitor destination, while creating a more authentic understanding of the islands and providing employment for local residents. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiʻi ranked No. 1 in nation for affordability of mental health care in new report. Hawaii is among the best states in the nation for mental health, according to a new national report that praised the state’s affordability of care, youth well-being and access to providers, while also highlighting areas that still need improvement. Star-Advertiser. Big Island Now. 

Wespac moves toward reopening Pacific monument to commercial fishing. Members of the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council, or Wespac, voted Sept. 17 to move toward allowing commercial fishing within four marine national monuments, including Papahanau­mokuakea and the Pacific Islands Heritage Marine National Monument. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

 Honolulu Investigator Accused Of Witness Tampering Has Been Reinstated. The prosecutor’s office halted the investigation into one of its own employees, blaming a paperwork issue. Now he’s back at work.  Civil Beat.

Proposed Skyline extension to UH spurs debate. A legislative push by the Honolulu City Council to see the city’s more than $10-billion Skyline potentially extend to the campus of the University of Hawaii at Manoa or to West Oahu destinations near Ko Olina resort is ongoing. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Permit Director Blames Delays In New System On Growing Pains. New technology has not yet been able to “accelerate everything” as the mayor promised, but the permitting director is urging people to keep the faith. Civil Beat.

Aloha Stadium swap meet site being swapped. An outdoor retail marketplace that’s been a fixture around Aloha Stadium for 46 years is about to move to a new and largely improved location. Star-Advertiser.

Competency hearing set for Pearl City woman who threatened Biden, Trump. Rebecca Ann Folley, 48, who is also known as Becca Waters, was charged by federal criminal complaint April 2 with one count of making threats against the president and one count of making illegal interstate communications. Star-Advertiser.

Feds Were Told Of Miske’s Suicidal Thoughts. The convicted crime boss died in 2024 while awaiting sentencing. The nature of his death remains unresolved. Civil Beat.

Rainbow Tours helicopter makes precautionary landing in Kapiolani Park. Lacrosse players at Kapiolani Park encountered an unusual sight at around 8 a.m. Sunday morning, after a tour helicopter landed nearby. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Sentencing delayed for culprits in county housing credits fraud. Attorney Gary Charles Zamber was to have been sentenced Tuesday and businessman Rajesh P. Budhabhatti on Wednesday, while attorney Paul J. Sulla Jr. was to have been sentenced on Oct. 21.  Sentencing for Alan Scott Rudo — a former housing specialist in the county Office of Housing and Community Development from 2006 to 2018 who testified against the three in their trial — is now set for Nov. 19. Tribune-Herald.

Man who murdered UH-Hilo student in 1978 granted parole. Steven Ray Simpson was convicted for the death of University of Hawaii at Hilo student Mary Catherine Drapp, 24, whose body was found Dec. 11, 1978, in tall grass in Fern Forest in Puna. Star-Advertiser.

Council to mull proposed Hilo housing development near police station. The Hawaii County Council’s Legislative Approvals and Acquisitions Committee will hear a presentation Tuesday at 11 a.m. about a request to extend the construction deadline for a 64-unit affordable housing development in Hilo. Tribune-Herald.

Kona Sewer Project Begins October 15. The $6.4 million Hale Hālāwai Force Main Replacement Project – required under Hawaiʻi County’s Administrative Order on Consent with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency – will be conducted in five phases, the County of Hawaiʻi reports. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Maui Council committee advances bills for acquisition of Wailuku Executive Center, expansion of Kula Ag Park. The Maui County Council’s Budget, Finance and Economic Development Committee has recommended full Council approval of bills to acquire a new building for the Department of Prosecuting Attorney and to re-appropriate funds for phase one expansion of the Kula Agricultural Park.  Maui Now.

First neighbor island kauhale preparing to open on Maui. The state is preparing to welcome the first of at least 64 homeless people into Hawaii’s first neighbor island “kauhale” starting Oct. 20, as Gov. Josh Green’s vision of these tiny-home enclaves for those in need expands across the islands. Star-Advertiser.

Master Plan complete for restoration, reconstruction of eight Lahaina historic landmarks. The Lahaina Restoration Foundation announced the completion of the Historic Building Restoration Master Plan, a comprehensive roadmap for the restoration and reconstruction of eight of Lahaina’s most significant historic landmarks. Maui Now.

Volunteer-made firebreaks above Lahainaluna High bring safety and peace of mind. West Maui residents, neighbors and families recently got their hands dirty to protect something special to them: Lahainaluna High School. Hawaii Public Radio.

Historic return of Maui County Fair draws 30,000 fair entrants on opening night. An estimate 30,000 people attended the 98th Maui County Fair on Thursday’s opening day, according to fair organizers. The historic return of the Maui County Fair kicked off festivities with the traditional parade up Kaʻahumanu Avenue.  Maui Now.

Kauai

Kauai Island Utility Cooperative funding in jeopardy. KIUC has been notified that federal grants for two projects that would have boosted electric grid reliability and reduced Kauai’s vulnerability to supply-chain issues and foreign oil pricing may have been canceled. KIUC was positioned to receive $18.2 million in federal assistance toward the $35.8 million cost of the combined two projects. Garden Island.

Renowned Kauai kumu hula dies from cancer. Leināʻala Pavao-Jardin, a beloved Kauaiʻi kumu hula, has died at 51 after her battle with cancer. KITV4. Kauai Now. 

Supreme Court to consider overturning Hawaii gun ban, FEMA scales back housing for Maui fire victims, $126M for nonprofits at risk, arguments conclude over proposed shipping increase, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Supreme Court will consider overturning Hawaii’s strict ban on guns on private property. The Supreme Court said on Friday that it will take up its latest gun rights case and consider striking down strict regulations on where people can carry firearms in Hawaii.  The court will consider Hawaii’s restriction banning guns on private property unless the owner has specifically allowed them.  Associated Press.

Arguments wrap up over steep increase in regulated interisland shipping rates. A quasi-judicial hearing over a proposed 27% hike for regulated interisland ocean cargo rates ended Thursday after four days of witness testimony, tough questions and sometimes contentious arguments. The state Public Utilities Commission will render a decision, anticipated by the end of the year, on how much of an increase should be granted Young Brothers LLC. Star-Advertiser.

Investigation Clears State Utility Official In Toxic Workplace Case. The state agency announcing the findings provided few details about the case, saying only that 5 of 20 issues related to the allegations against the PUC’s chief of policy and research Randy Baldemor had been partially substantiated but were not “considered to be determinative of the overall claim or issue.” Civil Beat.

$126M for Hawaii’s nonprofits at risk. A new analysis released Thursday by the University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization and the Hawaii Community Foundation (HCF) lays out the risks in stark terms: 74 federal grants to 59 Hawaii nonprofits — totaling $126 million in unpaid balances — are politically vulnerable. Star-Advertiser. Tribune-Herald. Hawaii News Now. Aloha State Daily. 

Threat to federal workforce 'unlike anything we've seen before,' Rep. Tokuda says. About 24,000 civilian federal employees and 47,000 active duty military servicemembers in Hawaiʻi have been impacted by the federal government shutdown. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaiʻi air travel expected to continue with minimal disruption despite federal shutdown. Despite the federal government shutdown, travelers heading to the Hawaiian Islands are advised not to cancel or postpone their plans, as most tourism-related services will continue operating with little to no disruption. Big Island Now.

Unionized Kaiser workers prepare for possible strike after contract expires. UNITE HERE Local 5 members voted overwhelmingly last week to authorize a strike, meaning union leaders now have the ability to call a strike at any time. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Honolulu police shoot, kill felon, 50, who pointed revolver at officers. A 50-year-old felon was shot and killed by police Thursday morning after he pulled a revolver out of his waistband and pointed it at two Honolulu Police Department officers on Punchbowl Street, according to Interim Police Chief Rade K. Vanic. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.  KHON2. KITV4. 

Waiʻanae Goes All In With New $17M Facility To Boost Food Security. A 15-acre campus is expected to include a food bank, fruit trees, community kitchen, wastewater treatment center and more. Civil Beat.

Foster Home Abuses Were Secret For Years. A Lawsuit Exposed Them. The foster sons of John Teixeira had told almost no one about the abuse they suffered in his household. Then they started to talk. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island 

Kona woman pleads not guilty to coffee fraud. Patricia Johnson pleaded not guilty Thursday to federal criminal charges accusing her of making more than $5.2 million selling “100% Kona coffee” that was actually from foreign countries and bought in California and Washington. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii real estate investor denies improper use of Shohei Ohtani’s likeness in lawsuit. Ohtani and Nez Balelo of CAA Baseball were sued Aug. 8 in Hawaii Circuit Court for the First Circuit by developer Kevin J. Hayes Sr., real estate broker Tomoko Matsumoto, West Point Investment Corp. and Hapuna Estates Property Owners over a $240 million luxury housing development on the Big Island’s coveted Hapuna Coast.  Associated Press.

Funding released to expand E.B. DeSilva school. The release of over $2 million in construction funding for Hilo’s Ernest Bowen DeSilva Elementary School will allow it to build more classrooms to better accommodate students. Tribune-Herald.

UH Hilo Opens Veterans Student Services Resource Center. The new space, dedicated to veterans for networking and accessing support, was recently blessed at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo. Big Island Video News.

Maui

FEMA Scales Back Direct Lease Housing For Maui Fire Survivors. Citing no more unmet needs, the agency canceled $2 million worth of contracts with a company managing residential units leased from property owners.  Civil Beat.

Urban Design Review Board set to review Kahului Civic Center project Oct. 7. The Maui County Urban Design Review Board is scheduled Oct. 7 to review design plans for the proposed Kahului Civic Center mixed-use complex, a project that pairs more than 300 affordable rental apartments with a civic center featuring a wave-inspired roof design. Maui Now.

Kauai

Both Kaua‘i County Division of Motor Vehicles locations to close 1 day next week. The main Līhu‘e office and Kapa‘a satellite office will be shuttered Oct. 8 to accommodate staff training. Kauai Now.

‘Think pink’: Kaua‘i community urged to come together in solidarity during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Kaua‘i Committee on the Status of Women encourages survivors, supporters and the community to come together in solidarity during Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2025, which began Oct. 1. Kauai Now.