Hawaii insurers defy new federal COVID vaccine guidelines, state launches website on military leases, Maui Prep Academy hit with transgender lawsuits, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii insurers hold firm on COVID vaccine policies. Hawaii’s health insurers say they will cover COVID vaccinations for anyone older than six months, despite new FDA guidance that says children and healthy adults don’t need the shots. While public health advocates applaud the decision by Hawaii’s insurers, doctors and pharmacies are predicting a big drop in vaccinations. Hawaii News Now.

National organization pushes for more voter registrations in Hawaiʻi. The 2026 election may seem far away, but the national Voter Participation Center is already sending out postcards to get people registered to vote in Hawaiʻi. Hawaii Public Radio.

 Hawaiʻi enforces new law to combat discriminatory calls to law enforcement. The new law allows for penalties of no less than $1,000 plus legal fees against someone who is deemed through civil litigation to have called law enforcement on a person based on that person’s actual or perceived race, color, birthplace, age, religion, sex, gender expression or other protected class. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now. 

New state website to keep Hawai‘i residents informed on future of U.S. Army leases. According to a new release from Gov. Josh Green’s office, the site will provide updates on key developments involving leases on Hawai‘i Island and O‘ahu and give people the chance to provide their perspectives and opinions on the matter. Big Island Now.

Native Hawaiian groups want to be included in discussions between state and military on training lands. Native Hawaiian groups are speaking out, calling for change as the military works to extend its use of training land in Hawaii. KHON2. KITV4.

Kiko remains a Category 2 hurricane, but more strengthening expected. The National Hurricane Center said in data valid at 11 p.m. Monday, Kiko had maximum sustained winds near 105 miles per hour with higher gusts. Hurricane force winds extend 15 miles from the center, while tropical storm force winds extend 90 miles. Kiko was located about 1,700 miles east of Hilo and was moving to the west at 7 miles per hour.  Hawaii News Now. KHON2.  KITV4. 

80th anniversary of end of World War II commemorated at Pearl Harbor.  In a ceremony at Pearl Harbor, where Imperial Japan’s surprise Dec. 7, 1941, attack drew the United States into World War II, a crowd gathered Tuesday on the pier beside the battleship USS Missouri — the ship where Japanese diplomats signed the unconditional surrender that finally ended the war. Star-Advertiser.

Sustainable aviation fuel sales agreement signed for Hawaiian Airlines Osaka-Honolulu flights. Hawaiian Airlines announced it will be incorporating sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) on flights between Osaka, Japan, and Honolulu, Hawai‘i under a sales agreement between parent company Alaska Air Group Inc., and Cosmo Oil Marketing Co. Ltd., a subsidiary of Cosmo Energy Holdings Co., Ltd.  Maui Now.

Oahu

Bills aim to ease homeowner tax burden. Two measures meant to offer financial relief to island property owners burdened with high property taxes are scheduled for third and final readings by the Honolulu City Council today. Star-Advertiser.

Oʻahu is updating its climate plan ahead of 2030 state goals. The Honolulu Resilience Office is in the process of updating its climate plan. It will lay out actions that the City and County of Honolulu will take over the next five years to help the state meet its goal. Hawaii Public Radio.

JABSOM clinic marks 20 years of free health care for Oʻahu's houseless population. Clean clothes, a fresh shower, and routine medical check-ups await patients as they walk through the doors of an Iwilei health care clinic. But this particular clinic is dedicated solely to Oʻahu's unhoused population.  Hawaii Public Radio.

4 facing federal prison time for more than $1M tax fraud. Four people were convicted last week for their role in a conspiracy to file false tax returns and then use Hawaii real estate holdings, banks and trusts to launder more than $1 million from the federal government. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Qualifications for Public Works director could change. Under the current language, the individual must be a “registered professional.” The proposed amendment would remove this term and instead specify that candidates must have at least five years of experience in an administrative or managerial role, with at least two years in public works, construction or a related field. Tribune-Herald.

Feral Cat Battle Reaches Fever Pitch. A new county measure outlawing cat feeding on the Big Island is expected to become law this week, pitting feral cat advocates against politicians. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Police Department’s interim chief takes over command. The Hawaii County Police Department’s new interim chief has officially taken over command.Reed Mahuna replaced acting chief Ben Moszkowicz on Monday.  Hawaii News Now.

Resolution to acquire Honolulu Landing advances. The County Council on Tuesday advanced a resolution to proceed with the acquisition of Honolulu Landing in the Puna District, moving it to the full council for a vote. Tribune-Herald.

$1M grant buoys Hawaiʻi Island health clinic facing federal cuts. Kumukahi Health + Wellness started 40 years ago to serve people living with or affected by HIV. It now offers a range of services, including Med-Quest patient enrollment navigation, a sexual health clinic, and a syringe exchange program. Hawaii Public Radio.

Undeveloped beachfront parcel in Waikōloa Beach Resort returned to native Hawaiian descendants. 27.38-acres of the culturally significant coastline of ‘Anaeho‘omalu Kapalaoa in North Kona will now be permanently preserved, the Trust for Public Land announced on Tuesday. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now. 

Maui

Maui Prep Academy hit with 2 suits on transgender policy. Two lawsuits were filed Tuesday in Maui Circuit Court against Maui Preparatory Academy related to its new school policy, which began in the 2025-26 school year, that transgender students would no longer be allowed to use restroom facilities, play on sports teams or room with students of the same gender. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

Nonprofits Want To Help Maui Fire Victims — If They Can Reach Them. Limited communications and continued grief have made it more challenging for nonprofits to connect with survivors who could most benefit from their services. Civil Beat.

Kauai

Nāpali Coast: A ‘Biodiversity Hotspot,’ but with many endangered species to protect. The remote Nāpali Coast, a beautiful region of sheer sea cliffs and lush valleys on the northwestern shores of Kaua‘i, is one of the most breathtaking landscapes in the Hawaiian Islands – and on Earth. Kauai Now.

Pipe replacement, road repairs scheduled near highway in Kalāheo. Lane shifts are scheduled along a portion of Papalina Road in the vicinity of Kaumuali‘i Highway to complete pipe replacement and road repairs within the Kaua‘i County right of way. Kauai Now.