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.

Mail-in voting, elections chief in commission crosshairs; Honolulu cop runs red light, hits moped; first detection of measles in state wastewater, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Elections Commission Panel Calls For A Shakeup In How Hawaiʻi Votes. The subcommittee wants to end all-mail elections and fire Elections Chief Scott Nago, but it’s unclear whether it has the votes to do either. Civil Beat.

Tariffs tap the brakes on Hawaii auto sales, report shows.  Rising tariffs and trade policy uncertainty have shaken Hawaii’s auto market, contributing to a 3.3% drop in new car and light truck registrations in the state during the first half of 2025 compared to a year earlier, according to a recent report from the Hawaii Automobile Dealers Association. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaiian Council program seeks to lower energy costs for DHHL households. A new initiative from the Hawaiian Council — formerly the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement — wants to help local households reduce their energy costs, which are already some of the highest in the nation. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

Oahu residents push for better tourism management. The overwhelming majority of Oahu community members attending a virtual community input session held Wednesday by the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority as part of its tourism management planning efforts said the island’s top economic driver is negatively affecting their daily lives. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Offers $7,500 For Firefighters Covid Hazard Pay. They Want More. More than three years after the last pandemic emergency order, firefighters are still negotiating their hazard payments with the city. Civil Beat.

HPD: Officer runs red light, hits moped rider in Ala Moana area. A 25-year-old man was seriously injured after a Honolulu police officer collided with his moped at an intersection in the Ala Moana area, police said. Star-Advertiser.

 Ex-HPD officer gets 23 years in underage sex case. A former Honolulu police officer who used his ex­-girlfriend’s daughters to make child pornography and recruit underage prostitutes will spend 23 years in federal prison. Star-Advertiser. KITV4.

Man, 70, charged with arson in connection with Kunia wildfire. Antonio Vierra, 70, was charged on suspicion of second-degree arson in connection with a fire that sparked Aug. 23 near the area of Kunia Road and Leia Street. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. KITV4. 

Recent safety enhancements and current needs remain large focus after fireworks tragedy. Approaching September, local officials continue working on enhancing community safety. Preventing future fireworks disasters is among the largest priorities. KITV4.

City, state closer to condemning Wahiawa property known for illegal activity. A homeless man was killed Sunday after being attacked by a pack of dogs at an encampment in Wahiawa. Hawaii News Now.

UH Stan Sheriff Center gets updated name under Bank of Hawaiʻi deal. The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa’s sports dome will now be known as Bankoh Arena at Stan Sheriff Center. Hawaii Public Radio.

Shortage Of Swim Lessons Leaves Honolulu Parents Scrambling. Nonprofits are expanding efforts to reach more low-income kids, but a shortage of funding and pool space means not enough swim classes to meet the demand — even for families with money and time to spare. Civil Beat.

Struggling And Lost On Oʻahu’s Streets, Woman Says Yes To Help. A psychiatrist set out to find a 33-year-old Hilo woman who battles homelessness and addiction after a failed medical intervention. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Draft ordinance proposes special district for Pahoa town. Councilwoman Ashley Kierkiewicz will introduce a draft ordinance that would establish a new Downtown Pahoa Commercial District, with goals to support economic development, preserve cultural heritage, and update land use regulations in the area. Tribune-Herald.

‘A hero to many’: Longtime Big Isle judge Greg Nakamura dies at 72. After serving as a clerk to retired Hilo Circuit Judge Ernest Kubota, Nakamura was a civil litigator before devoting nearly three decades to the bench. Tribune-Herald.

Measles detected in West Hawaii wastewater, health officials say. Health officials said in a news release today that the sample was collected Aug. 11 from a site in West Hawaii County and is the first wastewater detection of measles in the state. Star-Advertiser. Tribune-Herald.  Big Island Video News.  Big Island Now. KITV4. 

Keāhole Ag Park Green Waste Fumigated For CRB. A multi-agency response to detections of coconut rhinoceros beetles (CRB) included the mass fumigation and removal of suspected breeding sites. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now. Hawaii News Now. 

Hawaii Island mother stirs up discussion over long-standing classroom practice. A Hawaii Island mother is revisiting the debate over a long-standing practice in public school classrooms: the daily recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance and national anthem.  Hawaii News Now.

Maui

Council postpones vote on Waiehu housing project after debate over public input. After a lengthy debate over process and public input, the Maui County Council delayed action Tuesday on a resolution that would grant exemptions and modifications to the Hale Mahaolu Ke Kahua affordable housing project in Waiehu. Maui Now.

Kapalua golf courses to temporarily close to restore grass in attempt to save The Sentry tournament on Maui. Right now, the Maui golf course that hosts the PGA Tour’s prestigious season opener every January for the past 27 years is unplayable at the elite level. Severe water restrictions in West Maui have resulted in brown fairways and dying grass on the greens. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai

Hawaiʻi Supreme Court rules against state land board in case involving seed research operations on Kauaʻi. The Hawaiʻi Supreme Court has ruled that the state Board of Land and Natural Resources must complete a full environmental assessment before allowing seed research operations to proceed on conservation land in Kekaha. Kauai Now. Hawaii News Now.

Wailua Marina back to normal after spill. Smith’s Kauai employees on Wednesday utilized a crane and scoop nets to remove vegetative debris contaminated with oil from an oil spill. Garden Island.

Hotel workers prevail in tips lawsuit, judge dismisses $324M Honolulu rail lawsuit, Roseanne Barr selling mac nut farm, gun purchasing law to be re-litigated, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hotel workers prevail in service charge lawsuit. A group of over 100 Hawai‘i hotel workers have won a class-action lawsuit against their employers over improperly paid tips. Aloha State Daily.

Less Than Half Of Hawaiʻi Teachers Went To High School In-State. Only a third of educators in a recent survey said they felt well-prepared to integrate Hawaiian language, culture and history into their lessons. Civil Beat.

Hawai‘i gun purchasing laws to be re-re-litigated. Second Amendment advocates criticize court decision to overturn March decision. Aloha State Daily.

Corey Rosenlee will run for Hawaiʻi House seat held by Rep. Elijah Pierick. Educator and former teachers union leader Corey Rosenlee is running for the state House of Representatives in the 2026 election.  Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

Judge dismisses $324M Hitachi lawsuit against HART, city. On Aug. 14, 1st Circuit Court Judge Shirley Kawamura dismissed Hitachi Rail Honolulu JV’s “breach of contract and unjust enrichment” claim that it filed in December against HART and the City and County of Honolulu over stated delays that allegedly occurred during construction of the city’s more than $10 billion rail system. Star-Advertiser.

City Council chair announces run for reelection. City Council chair Tommy Waters plans to run for another term next year. Waters represents District 4, which includes Hawaii Kai, Kuliouou, Niu Valley, Aina Haina, Kahala, Kaimuki, and Waikiki. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu firefighters push for COVID hazard pay. The city is determining how to compensate firefighters with the rest of its $150 million it budgeted for other essential workers.  Hawaii News Now. KITV4. 

Honolulu Police Department arrests 14 at Ala Wai homeless camp. Honolulu police on Tuesday arrested 14 people found in a homeless encampment along the grassy perimeter of the Ala Wai Golf Course, 12 days after “no trespassing” signs went up in the area and tent dwellers were warned of an impending crackdown. Star-Advertiser.

Mayor casts doubt on Waikiki natatorium pool restoration. Hopes for restoration of the pool at the Waikiki natatorium are fading again after Mayor Rick Blangiardi expressed serious doubts about whether the project is feasible. Hawaii News Now.

Can A New Tax Save Downtown Honolulu’s Small Businesses? The proposed fee could improve safety and cleanliness in the area, but critics say it won’t fix the underlying challenge facing downtown. Civil Beat.

Ex-HPD officer seeks reduced prison time for child sex crimes. A former Honolulu police officer who admitted using his ex-girlfriend’s daughter to help set up a child prostitution ring while working as an officer is asking a federal judge for a 15-year prison sentence. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Roseanne Barr’s mac nut farm for sale. Comedian and television star Roseanne Barr has put her Big Island farm on the market, ending nearly two decades of ownership at a property that once drew headlines for legal and land-use disputes. Tribune-Herald.

What to do about tourism? Dozens of Big Island residents offer feedback at HTA meeting. The Hawaii Tourism Authority engaged with over 40 Hawaii Island residents Monday evening during a 90-minute digital meeting to gather input about tourism to help shape the future of welcoming visitors to the island. Tribune-Herald.

Future of Banyan Drive properties mulled. A meeting Monday of the Banyan Drive Hawaii Redevelopment Agency produced no consensus about what should be done with the vacant lot where Uncle Billy’s Hilo Bay Hotel once stood or the property where the dilapidated Country Club Condo Hotel still stands, shuttered. Tribune-Herald.

Attack on cashless bail criticized. The signing of executive orders by President Donald Trump seeking the elimination nationally of cashless bail for pretrial criminal defendants is receiving a negative reaction locally from individuals intimately familiar with courts here. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Trouble in paradise: Kapalua to close ‘dying’ PGA Tour course for 2 months amid Maui water dispute.  Kapalua Resort, the Hawaii course where the PGA Tour has started every year since 1999, is shutting down for two months as it tries to save its water-starved courses during a dispute over the handling of a century-old water system on Maui. Associated Press. KHON2.

Overcrowding in Maui classrooms forces redistricting plan. Overcrowding in Maui schools has forced the Hawaii State Department of Education to come up with a redistricting plan. Hawaii News Now.

Lahaina fire debris transfer to permanent site is over 60% complete. The transfer of approximately 400,000 tons of debris began in June and is expected to continue through November. Hawaii Public Radio. Maui News. 

No significant environmental impact determined for Waiʻale Road extension. Maui County’s Department of Public Works has issued a determination of no significant environmental impacts for a $73 million project to extend Waiʻale Road 1.6 miles in Waikapū.  Maui Now.

West Maui YMCA Resource Center applies for Certificate of Occupancy. Renovations to the 6,500-square-foot facility located at  226 Kupuohi Street in Lahaina have been completed and have successfully passed all required inspections.  The Center is anticipated to open in mid-September.  Maui Now.

Ag board advances petition to protect Molokai from beetles. The Hawaii Board of Agriculture and Biosecurity on Tuesday decided to move forward on a proposed rule halting the shipment of plants to Molokai to protect the island from coconut rhinoceros beetles. Star-Advertiser.  Hawaii Public Radio. 

Kauai

Kauhale o Namahana aims to provide permanent affordable homes on Kauaʻi. Kauhale O Namahana has officially started the vertical construction of its 11 affordable single-family homes in Kīlauea. Kauai Now.

Kauaʻi Man Died On His Birthday After Airport Staff Encounter. In a lawsuit, the homeless man’s mother says her son was beaten to death. Civil Beat.

Kauai man allegedly preyed on underage girls. A 28-year-old Lihue man is facing a federal criminal charge after he allegedly trafficked in child pornography, posed as a teenage boy on Snapchat and tried to collect sexually explicit photos from “hundreds” of underage girls. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii braces for vote-by-mail restrictions, alleged jail gang members found not guilty, Honolulu police chief selection process may go to the voters, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaiʻi primarily votes by mail. Here's how a proposed Trump order could change that. President Donald Trump has renewed his campaign against mail-in ballots, saying he is considering an executive order to do away not just with voting by mail but with voting machines as well — ahead of next year's midterm elections. Hawaii Public Radio.

Future Of Commercial Fishing In Protected Pacific Waters In Courts’ Hands. Conservationists scored an early court victory, but a larger decision looms on whether the fishing opened up under Trump can continue. Civil Beat.

UH signs agreement with military’s POW/MIA agency.  The five-year agreement signed Tuesday creates a formal framework that will give UH students and faculty access to the DPAA’s facilities and data collections for research, while DPAA will be able to call on UH’s own faculty, students and research to help it in its mission to find and identify the remains of missing service members from past conflicts. Star-Advertiser.

DLNR offers $6.7M in land conservation grants. The state Department of Land and Natural Resources is now accepting applications for its Legacy Land Conservation Program, with about $6.7 million available for land acquisition grants in fiscal year 2026. Tribune-Herald. Kauai Now.

Charting an easier path: State Land Survey Division continues work digitizing maps. The Hawaiʻi Department of Accounting and General Services Land Survey Division plans to make the maps with the information publicly available whenever they want to or need to find them. Kauai Now.

Alaska, Hawaiian join their loyalty programs to form Atmos Rewards. Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines Tuesday introduced Atmos Rewards — a combined loyalty program that is one of the major consumer-­facing milestones since Alaska Air Group’s $1.9 billion acquisition on Sept. 18 of Hawaiian Holdings, parent company of Hawaiian Airlines. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Oʻahu voters may get to decide who can hire and fire the police chief. A new proposal would give Honolulu’s mayor the ability to hire and fire the city’s chief of police — a move that proponents say could improve oversight of the Honolulu Police Department. Hawaii Public Radio.

Honolulu City Attorney Used Fictional Case Law To Combat Civil Rights Suit. Courts are increasingly grappling with mistakes made by an unethical reliance on artificial intelligence programs, but Honolulu’s top lawyer says the erroneous argument in the high-profile case was the result of sloppy work. Civil Beat.

Three Alleged Gang Leaders Found Not Guilty in Jail Beating Death. Current and former inmates testified that the gang ruled an OCCC module, but their accounts of the 2023 killing failed to convince a jury. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now. 

Evacuations lifted for Kunia as brushfire danger eases. The Kunia area continues to be a hot spot for brush fires. Honolulu firefighters responded to that vicinity Tuesday afternoon for at least the third time over the past week to fight a blaze that initially prompted evacuations. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.  KHON2.  KITV4.

New UH Mānoa housing complex adds 316 units with priority for grad students. The newest addition to the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa's on-campus housing offerings is officially welcoming tenants just before the start of the new academic year. Hawaii Public Radio.

Removal process begins for grounded shuttle boat at Kewalo Basin. The Atlantis boat “Discovery” has been removed from Kewalo Basin after being stuck there for more than a week. KHON2.

Hilo Family Fights To Bring A Missing Woman Home From Oʻahu’s Streets. A 33-year-old woman with mental struggles disappeared after she was medevaced from Hilo to The Queen’s Medical Center. Then she ended up on the unfamiliar streets of Honolulu. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Council moves forward with resolution urging end to military activities at PTA. A County Council committee voted 8-0 on Tuesday to support a resolution regarding the Pohakuloa Training Area, sending the measure to the full council for further discussion. Tribune-Herald.

Council moves to strengthen fight against financial crimes. The Hawaii County Council is poised to approve a resolution that would authorize Mayor Kimo Alameda to enter into an agreement with the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Honolulu Division to collaborate on the Hawaii Financial Crimes Task Force. Tribune-Herald.

Big Island judge to rule next month on state subpoena requesting files of disciplined police officers. A 3rd Circuit Court judge will decide next month whether or not to grant the Hawaiʻi Attorney General’s subpoena to force Hawai‘i County to release investigative files compiled by the Hawai‘i Island Police Department into the alleged misconduct of four officers. Big Island Now.

County to expand Kailua-Kona parking lot. The expansion of the lot between Kuakini Highway and Likana Lane is expected to add 23 new free parking stalls, according to spokesman Tom Callis of the mayor’s office. Tribune-Herald.

Waimea Middle School Welcomes Two Buses Donated By Benioffs. Two brand-new school buses, donated by two longtime Waimea philanthropists, will help provide Waimea Middle Public Conversion Charter School students with free and reliable transportation.  Big Island Video News.

Judge: BJ Penn cannot contact his mother for a year. A judge on Tuesday granted Hilo businesswoman Lorraine Shin a one-year order for protection from her son, former two-division UFC champion BJ Penn. Tribune-Herald. Hawaii News Now. 

Maui

Community groups ask Hawaii Supreme Court to rollback ruling on foreclosures. A coalition of community groups led by Maui attorney Lance D. Collins and joined by state Rep. Tina Nakada Grandinetti is asking the Hawaii Supreme Court to reconsider its recent decision in the Bank of New York Melon v. White. Maui News.

Funds drying up for study tracking Maui fire health effects. Half of young survivors of the 2023 Maui wildfires show symptoms of depression two years after the disaster, 20% reported severe symptoms and 4.2% considered killing themselves, according to a ongoing study that’s running out of funding and staff. Star-Advertiser.

Maui County, US Geological Survey collaborate on West Maui water project. The Maui County Council’s Water and Infrastructure Committee received a briefing Monday afternoon on a bill that would authorize the mayor to enter into an intergovernmental agreement with the US Geological Survey for water resource exploration in West Maui. Maui Now.

Maui Land & Pineapple sued over West Maui water control. The billionaire owner of Kapalua Golf, and several homeowners’ associations, are accusing Maui Land &Pineapple Co. of mismanaging West Maui’s water supply, causing increased rates, water shortages and wildfire conditions that hurt residents and businesses. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. 

Kauai

Chief of War screening on Kauai paired with a work day at taro patch. The screening of the series at the Waimea Theatre was coordinated by Kumano I Ke Ala on Friday, which was followed by an exclusive panel with cast members. Then on Saturday, several cast members helped at a community work day in a taro patch. Hawaii News Now.

Five Kaua‘i students awarded newly created scholarships through Andy Irons Foundation. The foundation, founded in honor of the late three-time world champion surfer Andy Irons, honored the inaugural recipients during a ceremony on Aug. 9 at Pine Trees in Hanalei.  Kauai Now.

Personal incomes predicted to rise slightly, Big Island ballot discrepancies investigated, Honolulu mayor sued by former police chief, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Council on Revenues says personal incomes set to slightly increase for 2025. Despite uncertainty regarding tariffs and federal job layoffs, personal income in Hawaiʻi is expected to slightly increase this year, but remain flat in 2026. Hawaii Public Radio.

Tabular data from July 31, 2025, personal income report. Hawaii Department of Taxation.

Schools Ask Families To Spend Big On Supplies As Kids Go Back To Class. Schools often request more than $150 worth of supplies at the start of each year. Unlike some other states, Hawaiʻi has no rule against it. Civil Beat.

State Sen. Jarrett Keohokalole challenges U.S. Rep. Ed Case for Congress seat. Kāneʻohe state Sen. Jarrett Keohokalole is challenging U.S. Rep. Ed Case for the Hawaiʻi District 1 seat, which covers most of urban Oʻahu. Hawaii Public Radio.

Cesspools contribute to water pollution crisis. According to the state Department of Health, Hawaii is home to approximately 88,000 cesspools — unlined pits that dispose of untreated sewage directly into the ground — with nearly 50,000 on Hawaii island, 14,000 on Kauai, over 12,000 on Maui, more than 11,000 on Oahu and around 1,400 on Molokai. Star-Advertiser.

Senators seek answers on Hawaii veteran ordered to self-deport. U.S. Sens. Mazie Hirono and Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut have sent a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem condemning her agency’s treatment of Sae Joon Park, a Hawaii veteran and Purple Heart recipient who was ordered to “self-deport” to South Korea in June after more than five decades living in the United States. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii Public Radio. 

Army’s ‘Pacific Division’ gets a new commander. On Monday, Maj. Gen. Marcus Evans handed command of the division over to Maj. Gen. James Bartholomees — who previously served as U.S. Army Pacific’s chief of staff at Fort Shafter. Star-Advertiser.

6 Charged In Killing Of Hawaiʻi Inmate At Arizona Prison. Six Hawaiʻi inmates have been charged — five of them with first-degree murder — in the death of  fellow Hawaii inmate Anton Myklebus at an Arizona prison last year. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Former Honolulu police chief sues mayor over alleged threats. Former Honolulu police Chief Arthur “Joe” Logan filed a civil lawsuit Thursday accusing Mayor Rick Blangiardi of micromanaging the department, issuing illegal orders and threatening to “make it very difficult” for him and his family if he refused to step down. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. 

Honolulu police, city, SHOPO try to tackle record vacancies. According to HPD’s Human Resources Division, as of July 1 there were 465 vacancies for uniformed officers and 189 civilian openings — and 228 officers eligible for retirement. Star-Advertiser.

City selects nonprofit to redevelop Waikiki housing site. The City and County of Honolulu has selected EAH Housing as its preferred negotiating partner for the redevelopment of 436 Ena Road, one of four sites included in the city’s first-ever affordable housing portfolio solicitation, city officials announced Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

YMCA of Honolulu requests city rezone of Atkinson property. The YMCA of Honolulu says it wants to sell its Central Y property near Waikiki, but only after the site is formally rezoned by the City & County of Honolulu. Star-Advertiser.

HPD busts two illegal game rooms in a week. Narcotics and vice officers seized 20 gambling machines, more than $3,615 in cash and drugs from a home on Kahaha Street in Kalihi on Monday.  Then on Wednesday, police seized 18 gambling devices, $4,300 and more drugs from a home on Wanaka Street in Salt Lake. Hawaii News Now.

Buying Lei Is A Cost Of Doing Politics In Hawaiʻi. Here’s a look at how much City Council members spend on the colorful and often fragrant garlands. Civil Beat.

Hawai‘i Foodbank raises donations for over 573k meals during 2025 Food Drive Day. The event took place at six collection sites across O‘ahu on Saturday, Aug. 2 to fight hunger.  KITV4.

HPR wins best overall news site, sweeps 2 major categories at SPJ Hawaiʻi journalism awards. Hawaiʻi Public Radio was named best overall news site and swept two top categories — eight awards total — in the Excellence in Journalism Contest, presented by the Society of Professional Journalists Hawai‘i Chapter.  Hawaii Public Radio.

Civil Beat Reporter Honored For Public Service Reporting. Civil Beat garnered 28 awards total, 12 of them winning first place. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Business Wins 19 Awards, Including 7 Top Prizes. The accolades were handed out during the Society of Professional Journalists’ annual statewide competition.  Hawaii Business.

Hawaii Island

Hawaiʻi Elections Officials Tackle Big Island Ballot Discrepancies. After finding major discrepancies in how many Kauaʻi ballots were cast, a state commission is looking at the Big Island numbers. Civil Beat.

Hawaiʻi County reviving program to give victims of minor crimes a louder voice, reduce backlog of cases. Located within the Hawaiʻi County Office of the Prosecuting Attorney, the Restorative Justice program can be an option for eligible offenders if the victims want to pursue it. Big Island Now.

Groundbreaking research reveals potential underwater reservoir off Hawaiʻi Island coast. A groundbreaking scientific expedition was just completed off the west coast of Hawai‘i Island in search of something unexpected – fresh water beneath the ocean floor.  Big Island Now.

Maui

Final Maui report on wildfires offers 3 new recommendations.  While a 98-page preliminary After-Action Report was issued in February 2024, this final report includes three new recommendations from the Maui Fire Department, a joint report by the Fire Safety Research Institute and the Hawaii Attorney General, and one additional recommendation from the Maui Police Department. Star-Advertiser.

Saving history from the ashes: Volunteers work to restore thousands of cultural artifacts that survived Lahaina wildfire. On a crystalline morning, with humpback whales leaping in the indigo waters offshore, a group of archivists, curators, conservators and volunteers took on a “CSI”-like challenge: identifying, cleaning and cataloging the surprising array of artifacts that survived the fires, some nearly unrecognizable beneath flaking metal, scorch marks, ashes and soot. New York Times.

Two years after wildfires, Maui Fire Department’s changes to staffing, fleet, fire code aim to prevent another tragedy. The wildfires exposed multiple vulnerabilities in the emergency preparedness and response of the small county spread over three islands. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai

Kauai beaches are getting trashed. Kauai’s beaches are on the front lines of a growing marine debris crisis. In 2024, Kauai alone collected more than the next leading state, Washington state. Star-Advertiser.

Collecting for tomorrow: Hundreds donate to well-being of Hawaii Foodbank Kauai. On Saturday, a steady stream of people stopped at multiple locations from Hanalei to Waimea to contribute to the Hawaii Foodbank Kauai Food Drive Day.  Garden Island.