Hawaii Supreme Court requires fifth Miranda warning, audit finds questionable spending in Honolulu $386M Covid funding, FAA denies helicopter jumps, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

A Molokai murder case has led the Hawaii Supreme Court to require a fifth Miranda warning statewide after justices found the Maui Police Department’s advisement was insufficient. Detectives advised a suspect  that he had the right to remain silent, that anything he said could be used against him, that he had the right to the presence of an attorney, and that if he couldn’t afford one, one would be appointed for free. The Hawaii Supreme Court said those four main points should have include a fifth warning — that a suspect in custody can stop answering questions at any time and request an attorney. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii helicopter jumps denied by FAA. The Federal Aviation Administration has denied a Hawaii company’s request to keep dropping tourists from low-hovering helicopters into the ocean. KHON2. Hawaii News Now. 

Hawaii to get $58M to boost healthcare in rural areas. The federal Rural Health Transformation Program, CMS said, will help improve access, infrastructure and technology, and strengthen the healthcare workforce, in rural communities across Hawaii. Star-Advertiser. Big Island Now. 

Oahu

Covid Audit: Millions Meant To Support Oʻahu Residents Went Elsewhere. Honolulu’s “ambitious” plans had to shift so the money could be spent in time, Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s managing director said. Almost three-quarters of the entire $386 million federal award went toward four areas, the audit found: the purchase of the Waikīkī Vista property, a one-time payment toward retired city employees’ healthcare, short-term household assistance and water infrastructure improvement. Civil Beat.

Senate District 18 race set after Kidani retirement. On Aug. 31, Democratic Party nominee Danielle Bass finalized her candidate filing with the Office of Elections. She was picked by the party to run for the seat vacated by the retirement of Senator Michelle Kidani. KHON2.

Voters to decide on once-a-decade changes for Honolulu Charter. Among the ideas making it on the ballot, a new food security fund, protections for immigrants related to policing and ranked-choice voting in all special elections. KHON2.

Honolulu Police Chief Lazar names permanent HPD deputy chiefs. David Lazar selected Brandon Nakasato, a nearly 27-year HPD veteran, to oversee the department’s field operations and serve as the second-in-­command acting chief, when warranted. Maj. Parker Bode, who has 16 years with the department, was also chosen to lead HPD’s administrative operations. Star-Advertiser. Aloha State Daily.

Hawaii Island

Rumored Lala ‘Dam Burst’ Was Likely Invasive Trees, Officials Say. Kaʻū residents are bringing a new level of scrutiny to the hills above Nāʻālehu after Hurricane Lala prompted questions about the aging water systems above the town. Civil Beat.

After more than two weeks, the lights are back on at Waiakea Villas. Electricity was lost at the 200-plus unit apartment complex during Hurricane Lala, but the extended outage was due to issues with the property’s electrical equipment, according to Hawaiian Electric. Tribune-Herald.

Precautionary Boil Water Notice For Nāʻālehu Area Continued. The Hawaiʻi County Department of Water Supply (DWS) says the previously issued notice remains in effect for its customers in Nā‘ālehu, Wai‘ōhinu, Green Sands subdivision, Mark Twain subdivision, Discovery Harbor and South Point Road. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Hearing set on Hoʻonani Village housing project. The proposed development at Hansen and Pulehu roads would include 1,608 multifamily housing units, including 800 affordable units, along with commercial, recreational and light-industrial uses. Maui News. Maui Now. 

12 Year veteran Maui police officer arrested for 4 counts of sexual assault. Devin Schoeppner, 49, of Kahului, was arrested Monday on a $150,000 warrant and charged with four counts of sexual assault in the second degree and two counts of sexual assault in the third degree. Star-Advertiser. Maui News. Maui Now.  KHON2. 

Kalaupapa memorial sought for exiled residents. On Friday, the Board of Land and Natural Resources approved a right-of-entry permit and lease to Ka ‘Ohana O Kalaupapa, a nonprofit made up of residents and their family members and friends. It was established in 2003 and is dedicated to honoring those forcibly isolated in Kalaupapa, a remote peninsula on Molokai’s north shore, from 1866 to 1969. Star-Advertiser. KITV4. 

Kauai

KIUC looks to fill key leadership role with retirement of the Member Services and Communications Manager. The Kauaʻi Island Utility Cooperative seeks a new member services and communications manager as Beth Amaro prepares to retire in early 2027. Kauai Now.

‘E Mau Ke Ea: The Sovereign Hawaiian Nation’ traveling Smithsonian exhibit on display at Kauaʻi Community College. Community members are invited to view “E Mau Ke Ea: The Sovereign Hawaiian Nation,” a traveling Smithsonian Institution exhibit now on display through December in Kauaʻi Community College library. Kauai Now.