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. 

McKenna named acting Supreme Court chief judge, economists predict Hawaii recession, arson alleged in latest Maui wildfire, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Sabrina McKenna to lead Hawaii Judiciary as acting chief justice. Hawaii Supreme Court Associate Justice Sabrina McKenna will begin serving as acting chief justice Oct. 1, following the retirement of Chief Justice Mark Recktenwald at the end of September, the state Judiciary announced  Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

Another state lawmaker launches challenge to Ed Case in Congress. Hawaii’s moderate Democrat in Congress, U.S. Rep. Ed Case, is attracting a growing challenge from within his own political party for next year’s midterm election. State Rep. Della Au Belatti announced on Thursday a campaign to run for the U.S. House District 1 seat held by Case. Star-Advertiser.  KITV4. 

OHA’s Chief Executive Has Abruptly Been Put On Paid Leave. Stacy Ferreira, the chief executive officer of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, was quietly placed on paid leave Tuesday by the OHA Board of Trustees. The circumstances surrounding Ferreira’s exit are unclear. Civil Beat. Big Island Video News.

Economists Forecast Hawaiʻi Recession Tied To Job Losses, Trump Tariffs. The University of Hawaii’s Economic Research Organization's third-quarter economic forecast outlines a long list of forces — many driven by Trump administration policies — that are expected to lead to more job losses, rising costs and a “mild recession” for Hawaii that will affect everyone. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.  Tribune-Herald. 

State will see SNAP benefit reductions next week. Families across Hawaii are bracing for yet another reduction in food assistance benefits, as the state Department of Human Services prepares to implement federally mandated changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP. Star-Advertiser.

Confessions could be thrown out because of new Hawaii Supreme Court ruling. Police departments in Hawaii are now required to use video and audio recordings of all interrogations done at police stations if the suspect is under arrest. Hawaii News Now.

Driving change: State gives away 1,000 dashcams to make roads safer. The state Department of Transportation is launching a pilot program called “Eyes on the Road.” The goal is to fix road hazards faster and crack down on unsafe drivers. KHON2.

Hawaiʻi recognized for community resilience, equity at Clinton Global Initiative annual meeting. Gov. Josh Green represented Hawaiʻi at an event featuring leaders from around the world discussing solutions for pressing global challenges, focusing on resilience, health and equity. Big Island Now.

Hawaii Seaglider Initiative expands with new partners. The Hawaii Seaglider Initiative — a coalition advocating electric-powered vehicles known as seagliders as a cleaner, affordable interisland transportation option — announced Thursday it added three major organizations to its membership: Hawaii Medical Service Association, The Queen’s Health System and Kamehameha Schools. Tribune-Herald.

Oahu

Honolulu Mayor Defends Bumpy Rollout Of New Building Permit System. The $7 million system, funded by city and federal funds, has had problems since it launched on Aug. 4. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now. 

New Aloha Stadium contracts signed. Two contracts signed Tuesday give  the New Aloha Stadium Entertainment District's private partnership group, Aloha Halawa District Partners, the go-ahead to dismantle the old stadium and build the new one at the same site. Star-Advertiser. KITV4. 

A New Plan Is Brewing In The Fight To Save O‘ahu’s North Shore Beaches. University of Hawaiʻi Sea Grant teams up with North Shore Community Land Trust to find solutions for the island’s disappearing beaches. Civil Beat.

How Many Crosswalks Have Been Removed In Honolulu? The City Isn’t Sure. The city took out dozens of crosswalks more than six years ago, but city officials they haven’t tallied how many have been removed since then. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Tourism to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park contributes $571 million to economy last year. A new National Park Service report reveals that 1,433,593 visitors to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park in 2024 had a cumulative economic benefit of $571 million for the local economy. Big Island Now.

Residents invited to shape tourism plan at 2 Hawaii Island meetings. The Hawaii Tourism Authority invites residents to take part in community input sessions that will provide space for members of the public to share their insights, experiences and ideas about the future of tourism on their island. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

MFD: Paia wildfire that led to evacuations was intentionally set. The Holomua wildfire that burned about 400 acres, led to the evacuation of over 1,600 Paia residents and has closed a school for three days was intentionally set, Maui Fire Department officials said Thursday. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now.  Hawaii News Now.  KITV4.

State-run Ka Laʻi Ola temporary housing for Lahaina fire survivors is finished; 450 units soon-to-be full. There are 432 units completed on site in Lahaina and another 18 units set to go for residential dwellings to be put on property owned by fire survivors. Maui Now.

Maui public schools included in flawed, $100 million-plus solar air-conditioning initiative. On Maui, the schools that received air conditioning were located in Central and West Maui. Kaunakakai Elementary on Moloka’i is listed, but no classrooms received air-conditioning, even though nearly $320,000 was spent for design of units. Maui Now.

Kauai

Access gate to Queen’s Bath closed for winter. Access to the gate is closed due to hazardous ocean conditions and anticipation of the winter season,” said Kauai Fire Department Chief Michael Gibson.  Garden Island. Kauai Now. 

Hurricane Kiko impact expected early next week, Hawaii County Council resolution seeks end to Pohakuloa bombing, Honolulu council approves homeowner tax exmptions, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hurricane Kiko expected to impact the state early next week.  Kiko maintained its major hurricane strength late Wednesday night with maximum sustained winds of 145 mph in the East Pacific as it heads west toward Hawaii.The National Hurricane Center in Miami said at 11 p.m. Category 4 Hurricane Kiko was centered about 1,520 miles east-southeast of Hilo and 1,720 east-southeast of Honolulu and moving west at 8 mph. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.  KHON2. 

UH study: Researchers call for new standards for building in coastal flood zones. The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa research, published in Water, provides a critical resource for policymakers and designers in coastal communities such as Hawaiʻi who are planning for the impacts of climate change. Maui Now.

School bus offerings have improved since last year, but challenges remain. The bus driver shortage is no longer a state of emergency, according to the Hawaiʻi Department of Education. This is a drastic change from last year when more than 138 bus routes were suspended, impacting 3,500 students. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority names David Uchiyama as chief administrative officer. The Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority has announced that David Uchiyama will serve as its new chief administrative officer, bringing decades of leadership experience in Hawai‘i’s tourism, airline, transportation and energy industries. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii’s new inter-island air ambulance is cleared for takeoff. Hawaii has a new air ambulance serving the entire island chain. Optimum Air’s Pilatus PC-12 became operational Monday, Sept. 1.  Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

City Council passes homeowner tax exemption bills. The Honolulu City Council on Wednesday adopted two measures meant to offer financial relief to Oahu property owners burdened with high property taxes. Star-Advertiser.

Former secretary accused of illegal campaign contributions. Terri Ann Otani of Mitsunaga & Associates was acquitted in last year’s federal bribery trial. Some of the money allegedly went to last year’s co-defendant former city prosecutor, Keith Kaneshiro. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

State unveils 20 new EV charging stations at Honolulu airport.  The OpConnect Level 2 chargers are available to the public 24 hours a day on a first-come, first-served, pay-per-use basis. Star-Advertiser.

New eyes on safety: Honolulu to install cameras at Blowhole, Plantation Village. Honolulu officials are adding more eyes in two high-profile areas. It’s part of a push to improve public safety at some of the island’s most visited – and sometimes most vulnerable – spots. KHON2.

Affordable rental apartments rising on city land in Ewa Beach. The first structure of a low-income rental housing complex in Ewa Beach initiated more than five years ago has begun to rise on a long-ignored piece of city land. Star-Advertiser.

Despite social media fears, Oahu fire numbers are steady. HFD Fire Captain Jaimie Song said the apparent uptick in fires is in part a reflection of heightened attention rather than a sharp increase in frequency. Star-Advertiser.

City urged to install cameras to monitor streams, roadways for flooding. The Honolulu City Council has unanimously passed a resolution urging the city administration to install monitoring devices to help during weather and other climate-related disasters. Hawaii News Now.

ʻAiea community shares concerns about planned Aloha Stadium development. New contracts have been signed to move forward with the demolition and construction of a new Aloha Stadium — set to open in 2029. Hawaii Public Radio.

The Great Aloha Run ending after 41 years. The Great Aloha Run, one of Hawaii’s largest community sporting events and fundraisers, has ended after 41 years. The 8.15-mile race, which began in 1985, held its final run in February and will not return for a 42nd year. Star-Advertiser. KITV4. 

Hawaii Island

Council unanimously urges state to stop military bombing at PTA. The Hawaii County Council unanimously voted Wednesday, 8-0, to urge the state to halt military “bombing and desecration” at the Pohakuloa Training Area on Hawaii Island. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Now. 

Attorney General indicts Big Island woman on labor trafficking charges. Ludin Yorleny Pena Miranda, 26, was indicted in the 3rd Circuit Court in Kona on Aug. 27 by the Attorney General’s Special Investigation and Prosecution Division on nine counts of first-degree labor trafficking, a class A felony. In one instance, the court document indicates the 26-year-old withheld government-issued identification documents to keep the reported victim from moving. Big Island Now. KITV4. 

Hawaiʻi Island residents push county to protect historic 364-acre parcel. Honolulu Landing, a 364-acre stretch of coastline in Hawaiʻi Island’s Puna District, is on the market. Some Hawaiʻi County Council members and Puna residents are urgently pushing to protect it from private buyers. Hawaii Public Radio.

Puʻu Nui Park Playground In Waikōloa Reopens Saturday, September 6. The redeveloped playground includes the installation of “two new play structures with slides and climbing areas, a new play surface to enhance safety, new walkways and fencing.” Big Island Video News.

Maui

Maui council member seeks solutions to compassionately address homelessness. A bill to establish a process to decommission encampments in Maui County will be discussed in the Water Authority, Social Services, and Parks Committee on Thursday, Sept. 4, Council Member Gabe Johnson announced.  Maui Now.

Century-old Maui land dispute ends before Hawai‘i Supreme Court. Pioneer Mill claimed ownership over Maui land in 1919. In 2025, that claim has been rejected. In 1919, the Pioneer Mill Company filed an application claiming three parcels totaling 1,905 acres in Lahaina, which has left descendants of an ali‘i landowner fighting for decades to get that land back. Aloha State Daily.

New upscale Wailea restaurant staffing kitchen with culinary graduates from UH Maui College. When husband-and-wife team Taylor Ponte, the chef, and Natasha Ponte, the general manager, were staffing their new upscale restaurant Aurum Maui, they knew exactly where to find kitchen talent in the tight job market. Maui Now.

Kauai

Reporter digs into the history of the Robinson family's 100,000 acres of Hawaiʻi land. This includes the entire island of Niʻihau, where a handful of residents live and work under secretive conditions. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kauaʻi Beer Company shuts down popular restaurant abruptly amid market challenges. The closure came as a shock to many of its patrons, who also were saddened that the intimate microbrewery would not longer be a place for them to hang out in downtown Līhu’e. Kauai Now.

Cruise ship industry sues over visitor green fee, state legislators call for special session on immigration enforcement, state working to improve tsunami protocols, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Cruise Ship Industry Sues To Scuttle Hawaiʻi’s New Visitor Green Fee. Ship passengers will soon to start paying the same visitor tax as hotel guests to help cover the conservation fee — unless the cruise lines can stop it in court. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaiʻi legislators call for a special session to address immigration enforcement. Senate and House leadership have not released any information about a special session. But it did block off several dates throughout the year if needed. One was this week. The next is at the end of September, and the third is in mid-November. Hawaii Public Radio.

New HTA advisory board under pressure to regain public trust. The Hawai‘i Tourism Authority advisory board — composed of eight new members and four returning ones — met Thursday with the hope of achieving a paradigm shift that proves its trustworthiness to manage state tourism and the tens of millions of dollars of public money that funds it. Star-Advertiser. KITV4. 

State working to improve tsunami reaction protocol. Deficiencies in managing the tsunami threat to Hawaii last month are leading to planned improvements that include manual traffic intersection management, fewer broken warning sirens and safety information websites that don’t crash under high demand. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. 

Electrifying vehicles is key to the Hawaiʻi DOT's climate roadmap. The Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation is finalizing a climate roadmap to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. About half of the state's total emissions come from the transportation sector. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaiʻi-grown foods like ʻulu and kalo are on the menu at public schools. The state Department of Education has updated its school breakfast and lunch menus to offer more locally sourced foods such as ʻulu, kalo, ʻuala, and seasonal fruits and vegetables. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

Aloha Stadium teardown expected to take 12 months. The Aloha Stadium Authority has secured the necessary permits from the City and County of Honolulu to start work on dismantling the old stadium in Halawa, but the stadium board chair said it will likely be “early in the new year” before the public starts to notice large pieces of the old facility being torn down. Star-Advertiser.

Next phase of Hawaiian homestead houses in Kapolei awarded. More than 100 state Department of Hawaiian Home Lands beneficiaries are set to become homeowners in Kapolei early next year after a lottery Saturday. Star-Advertiser.

Law to streamline affordable housing leads to power struggle over Kapolei project. The Laulima Affordables rental project just west of the Kapolei Commons shopping center is caught in the middle of the dispute. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu road deaths in 2025 now surpass all of 2024. The City is pleading with the public to be safer on Honolulu roads — they say 55 people have died so far on Oahu, surpassing 2024’s total of 54. KHON2.

Why HPD Has A Major Morale Problem, According To Staff. Officers and civilians want to make sure their voices are heard throughout the selection process for a new chief. Civil Beat.

Man who received $12.5M city settlement sentenced on gun, drug offenses. Just a year and a half after receiving a multimillion-dollar payment from the city, Jonaven Perkins-Sinapati will spend 10 years in federal prison. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Residents push back on Puna Geothermal Venture during upgrade project. The company’s Repower Project has equipment upgrades and increased power generation. It has 12 generating units that are more than 30 years old, and the plan is to install three larger generating units and decommission the old ones. Hawaii News Now.

County to proceed with plans for old Hilo hospital site. The project, located at 34 Rainbow Drive in Hilo, is a key part of the county Office of Housing and Community Development’s effort to create a resource hub focused on housing stabilization, workforce readiness and behavioral health services. Tribune-Herald.

Convent repurposed into housing for homeless kupuna. Ten elders without housing are expected to move into the bright and airy single-story North Hawaii home in October, according to representatives of HOPE Services Hawaii and their partner for the housing project, Honoka‘a’s historic Our Lady of Lourdes Parish. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Now. 

Hawaiʻi County, HALE O Hawaiʻi partner to deliver affordable homeownership. The handover ceremony and celebration Aug. 22 marked a milestone in a partnership between HALE O Hawaiʻi Community Land Trust and Hawaiʻi County Office of Housing and Community Development, advancing an innovative land trust model to keep homes affordable for generations to come. Big Island Now.

Puna Beach Park To Close For Pohoiki Boat Ramp Dredging. Isaac Hale Beach Park will be closed until further notice starting September 2 to support public safety efforts during crane dredging operations. Big Island Video News. Hawaii News Now.

Police: Multiple people injured in Kalapana affray. Police are investigating an affray Sunday evening in Kalapana that resulted in multiple stabbings. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News. 

Maui

Procession and memorial service to honor Officer Suzanne O. The Maui Police Department, in partnership with the family of Officer Suzanne O, will hold a procession and memorial service honoring her life and service on Friday, Aug. 29. Maui News. Maui Now.

South Maui beach parking zones get Maui Council nod; first priority for residents. Maui County Council members unanimously gave initial approval Tuesday to a measure that would establish paid parking zones at South Maui beach parks, a move to give residents first priority access to some of the island’s most popular beaches. Maui Now.

Maui DWS to use backup water for Upcountry system starting in early September. County to supplement Upcountry water supply due to drought conditions. In September, the Maui County Department of Water Supply is planning to supplement water delivery to the Upcountry area, which has been plagued by ongoing drought conditions. Maui News. Maui Now. 

Lahaina fire survivor is arrested by ICE. A Lahaina man who lost his home and business in the fatal Lahaina wildfires was arrested by federal agents on the two-year anniversary of the disaster for an alleged violation of U.S. immigration law. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai

Kauaʻi lawmakers consider regulations on e-bikes. The Kauaʻi County Council’s Bill 2972 would require minors to wear helmets while using e-bikes, or electric bicycles. It would also effectively ban bike tricks like wheelies, along with riding in a “hazardous manner” — such as driving with more than one person. Hawaii Public Radio.

Total visitor arrivals, spending in July increases in Kauaʻi, decreases statewide. There were 143,289 visitors to Kauaʻi in July 2025, an increase of 5.6% from the 135,740 visitors in July 2024 and a 3% increase from the 139,157 visitors in July 2019. Kauai Now.

Sunday road closures for Kauai Marathons. The 2025 Kauai Marathon and Half Marathon will take place on Sunday, Aug. 31, 2025, starting at 6:00 a.m. The racecourse will impact Koloa, Poipu, Lawai, and Kalaheo, with a combination of lane closures, full road closures, and partial restrictions between 5 a.m. and 2 p.m.  Garden Island. Kauai Now. 

Green walks tightrope with Trump administration, Hawaii ranks high in reliable utility services, equitable distribution of income, fresh milk returns to Oahu, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaiʻi Gov. Josh Green Is Walking A Tightrope With The Trump Administration. As Trump’s domestic military moves and threats play out in DC and LA, the need to balance legal challenges and relationship-building isn’t lost on Hawaiʻi. Civil Beat.

Army chief vows to respect Hawaii culture and environment, but 60-day timeline is questioned. Secretary of the Army Dan Driscoll has a vision for soldiers in the Pacific, and part of it centers on renegotiating leases for Hawaii lands the service has trained on for decades that expire in 2029. Star-Advertiser.

Military, state leaders seek to train high-tech workforce. As tensions have heated up in the Pacific amid tensions with China, the military is looking to find ways to manufacture more critical components for its weapons and equipment in the region, where commanders have long complained that supply chains are cumbersome. Star-Advertiser.

Court ruling imperils federal workers’ rights. Federal workers in Hawaii are facing an unprecedented period of uncertainty following a federal appeals court ruling that allows agencies to terminate collective bargaining agreements under executive orders issued by President Donald Trump. Star-Advertiser.

Students Are Missing Out On The Right To Hawaiian Immersion, Lawsuits Say. Two lawsuits filed against the Department of Education this summer allege the state has fallen short of its constitutional duty to provide families with access to Hawaiian language immersion schools. Civil Beat.

Equitable distribution of income makes Hawaii one of the most equal states, researchers say. A combination of lower salaries for high-end earners and higher wages for lower-income jobs compresses Hawaii’s income wage gap, meaning the islands have a more equitable distribution of income, according to researchers at the University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii ranks number one in most reliable utility services in the nation. In a study done by UtilityRates.com, an electricity and natural gas rate comparison website, Hawaii was identified as the U.S. state with the most reliable utility services. KHON2.

Immigrant Sent Cash To Family In Mexico; ICE Used That To Nab Him. Experts say it’s the first time they know of that money transfer records have been used to trace someone purely for reentering the U.S. illegally, in this case 17 years ago. Civil Beat.

New specialty license plate honors Duke Kahanamoku. The specialty license plate is expected to be available for purchase late this year through local DMV vehicle registration offices across the islands, with proceeds supporting critical drowning prevention initiatives and swimming programs throughout Hawaii. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now. 

Oahu

Fresh local milk returns to Oahu. Oahu residents can once again buy milk produced entirely in Hawaii, the result of a new partnership between Farm Link Hawaii and Meadow Gold Dairies. The collaboration brings 100% local milk to the island for the first time since 2019. Star-Advertiser.

City Council pushes pair of bills to ease homeowner tax burdens. If adopted, the bills package supposedly would lower future annual property tax bills for many, particularly senior citizens on fixed incomes. Star-Advertiser.

This Former Police Chief Could Be The Next Honolulu Police Commissioner. The Honolulu City Council is considering whether to approve Christopher Magnus, a veteran former police chief as the latest addition to the city’s police oversight board. Civil Beat.

Oahu drivers brace for 5-year Nimitz Highway lane closures for City Rail Project. Starting on Monday, Aug. 18, the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation will close one lane in each direction on Nimitz Hwy between ‘Awa and Bishop St. KITV4.

City struggles to keep up with stream maintenance. The city Department of Facility Maintenance is under pressure to clear vegetation and other debris from nearly 100 city-owned and privately-owned waterways that flow across Oahu to protect the environment and prevent flooding. Star-Advertiser.

Turtle Bay development moving ahead with construction. A project to add new resort homes on Oʻahu's North Shore is moving forward after some lengthy delays. The developer Areté Collective said it's working with the community on its next steps. Hawaii Public Radio.

Aloha Stadium district developer leading project got start carpeting homes. Local real estate developer Stanford Carr expects to sign initial state contracts this week to deliver an estimated $5 billion to $6 billion project far dwarfing anything he has ever produced. The plan to create a mixed-use community anchored by a new stadium on 98 acres of state land in Halawa is a huge endeavor for the 63-year-old Carr, who was born and raised on Maui and got into part of the industry in 1982, when he became a self-employed flooring contractor at age 20 after deciding not to become a doctor. Star-Advertiser.

Suspect arrested in Chinatown acid attack. On Sunday, the Honolulu Police Department said that Marquis Johnson turned himself in at around 5:35 p.m. Johnson allegedly threw acid at a 30-year-old man in Chinatown on Friday, Aug. 8. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. 

Hawaii Island

STVRs law goes into effect soon. New regulations for short-term vacation rentals in Hawaii County are set to take effect in December, following passage of a bill that drew passionate debate from residents, property owners and housing advocates. Tribune-Herald.

Round 2 for Pohakuloa Training Area resolution. The Hawaii County Council is set to resume discussions Tuesday about a resolution urging the state to call for an immediate end to “bombing and desecration activities” at the Pohakuloa Training Area, citing environmental damage, wildfire risk and impacts to Native Hawaiian cultural rights. Tribune-Herald.

HPD clarifies concealed carry permit process at meeting. About two dozen individuals were present but just one testified Thursday during a public hearing in Hilo about proposed changes in the Hawaii Police Department’s rules for issuing licenses for concealed carry of handguns in Hawaii County. Tribune-Herald.

Maunakea Authority seeks community guidance. The first meeting of the year took place Wednesday, Aug. 13, at the Na‘alehu Community Center. Tribune-Herald. 

Nurses at Queen’s North Hawai‘i Community College ratify new contract. A possible 3-day nurses’ strike at Queen’s North Hawai‘i Community Hospital in Waimea — originally scheduled to begin today — was averted during the weekend with a vote on a new contract by hospital neurses. Big Island Now. KITV4.

Hawaiʻi County wants to know what's important to the island's community. The Laulima Community Survey is open to all residents of Hawaiʻi Island. Hawaii Public Radio.

Nonprofit purchases 3 acres in Volcano to grow cat sanctuary now helping only kittens. Erin Young last year started the nonprofit Volcano Cat Sanctuary, where she currently houses 15 cats on her property in Puna and has placed 15 other felines in foster homes. Big Island Now.

Maui

Suspect in Maui police officer’s killing had extensive criminal record. Clembert Kaneholani, the 38-year-old man who Maui police said fatally shot an officer on Friday night in Paia has a long criminal record and is being held without bail. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now. 

Maui police officer served with ‘courage, honor and dedication’.  Maui is mourning the loss of police officer Suzanne O, who was fatally shot Friday night while responding to a terroristic threatening incident in Paia. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Maui News. Maui Now.  Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

First-time homebuyer program most popular among Maui fire survivors seeking aid from $1.6 billion federal grant. Maui County launched a program last week to give fire survivors up to $600,000 to buy a new home. Maui Now.

Over 100 acres in Kula will be a native forest someday. It all starts with a nursery. Two large hoop houses stand in a grassy pasture in Kula that will one day be a native forest. The 60-foot-long structures will grow tens of thousands of native plants. Hawaii Public Radio.

Mahi Pono’s summer interns propagate plants to support Lahaina wildfire recovery. As part of its ongoing commitment to support the recovery of Lahaina, Mahi Pono is working alongside the community to help restore cultural connections.  Maui News.

Kauai

Hawai‘i Public Utilities Commission plans public hearing for proposed Puhi Sewer & Water rate hikes. Hawai‘i Public Utilities Commission scheduled a public hearing next week on Kaua’i to gather community input about an Aqua Puhi — doing business as Puhi Sewer & Water Company — application for proposed rate increases, revised rate schedules and changes to its tariff, which are the company’s regulated rules and policies. Kauai Now.

Hawaiʻi Senate Ways and Means Committee details visit to Kauaʻi. Members of the Hawai‘i Senate Ways and Means Committee — including Kaua‘i and Ni‘ihau lawmaker Senate President Ronald Kouchi — spent 2 days this week on the Garden Isle for a whirlwind tour for discussions and meetings with officials with various government agencies and community leaders. Kauai Now. Garden Island. 

New tourism authority formed, Aloha Stadium reconstruction delayed, Maunaloa carbon research station in peril, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

HTA establishes advisory board, wants public input for planning. The governance and future focus of the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority is expected to be redefined under a newly appointed HTA advisory board, and by the community members who take part in HTA’s latest planning cycle, which seeks to ensure greater balance between tourism’s economic and community benefits. Star-Advertiser. KITV4.

Hawaiʻi Sex Abuse Case Shows How Predatory Teachers Can Go Undetected. Laws passed last year aim to protect students by creating a shared database of teachers who have abused kids in public and private schools. But other states have had a hard time getting schools to comply with similar laws.  Civil Beat.

Hawaiʻi’s False Killer Whales Trending Toward Extinction. A new report finds that efforts to protect the dolphins are not working. Experts blame both fishing vessels and NOAA. Civil Beat.

Hawaiʻi medical school's Willed Body Program pauses new enrollments indefinitely. The University of Hawaiʻi John A. Burns School of Medicine announced that it will not accept new enrollments for the Willed Body Program due to an overwhelming amount of interest and limited space. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

Aloha Stadium opening pushed to 2029. Replacing Aloha Stadium has advanced a step closer to initiation, but the new facility is now slated to be smaller and completed later than previously planned. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.  KHON2.

Maunalua Bay now under conservation management. Nighttime spear fishing has been outlawed in Maunalua Bay and new catch limits have been imposed as part of a 20-year conservation effort in East Honolulu that led the Board of Land and Natural Resource to approve the state’s latest fisheries management area. Star-Advertiser.

As Mainland Egg Prices Drop, Waialua Fresh Eggs Invests In Hawaiʻi. Waialua Fresh Eggs is building four new barns at its Central Oʻahu farm, which will add 120,000 hens to the farm’s flock of 400,000. Those hens will lay an egg a day, to help supply about one-third of Hawaiʻi’s daily egg demands. Civil Beat.

Ex girls basketball coach to be sentenced in sex case. Dwayne Yuen, a Honolulu man who coached at Punahou and was involved with girls basketball in Hawaii for 20 years, will be sentenced today before Senior U.S. District Judge J. Michael Seabright. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Maunaloa research station, vital to global CO2 data, could close due to NOAA cuts. Since 1958, instruments at NOAA's Mauna Loa Observatory have taken nearly continuous measurements of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. The Trump administration has proposed funding cuts to NOAA that would shutter the observatory, as well as other hubs in the country's greenhouse gas monitoring network. Hawaii Public Radio.

Schatz town hall draws hundreds. Nearly 250 people gathered at the Kahilu Town Hall in Kamuela on Tuesday to engage with U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz, D-Hawaii, who fielded over a dozen questions about topics ranging from ICE raids and protecting democracy, to the environment and America’s relationship with Israel. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News.

Mauna Kea Authority Holds Community Talk Story Session. The Mauna Kea Stewardship and Oversight Authority held a community talk story in Kaʻū on Wednesday, as part of an ongoing effort to engage Hawaiʻi residents and gather public feedback.  Big Island Video News.

Water restrictions lifted in North Kohala following repair of well. Water restrictions for North Kohala customers, in place for just over a week, were lifted. Big Island Now.

School bus service changes to Hilo route raise student safety concerns. The bus transports students attending Hilo High School, Hilo Intermediate School and Haʻaheo Elementary School to and from the Wainaku Gym. But Kaiwiki Road extends four more miles and ends at a significant elevation. Big Island Now.

Maui

Last-ditch efforts to kill Honuaʻula project amendments fail amid bickering; controversial development passes final vote. On a day full of intense tension and high drama, the Maui County Council voted 5-4 to approve amendments on second-and-final reading for the hotly debated Honuaʻula project. Maui Now.

Work to reduce fire hazards in West Maui leads to dispute over homeless rights and arrests. An effort to clear wildfire hazards in West Maui on Wednesday led to a dispute over homeless rights and ended with seven people in handcuffs. Hawaii News Now.

Maui real estate market a mixed bag in July. Single-home sales on Maui were up in July while condominium sales continued to decrease, according to the Realtors Association of Maui. Maui News.

County of Maui Department of Agriculture invites grant applicants for Fiscal Year 2026. Eligible Maui County nonprofits, for-profits and sole proprietors are invited to apply for reimbursable grants through the County of Maui Department of Agriculture for Fiscal Year 2026. Maui Now.

Kauai

Immediate water conservation request issued for some Kalāheo residents. Kauaʻi County Department of Water has announced an immediate water conservation request — in effect until further notice — for residents on the entire makai side of Kaumualiʻi Highway in Kalāheo. Kauai Now.

Proposals for FY 2025-26 Kaua‘i County Innovation Grants now being accepted. Kaua‘i County Office of Economic Development is accepting proposals for fiscal year 2025–26 Innovation Grants. Application deadline is 4 p.m. Sept. 2. Kauai Now.

Auditor calls classroom cooling project a $120M disaster, deadline nears for proposed uses of green fee, Honolulu inflation rate slows, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Auditor: Plan To Cool Hawaiʻi Classrooms A ‘$120 Million Disaster’. A multimillion-dollar effort to cool the state’s school classrooms has fallen well short of its goals due to rushed planning and poor decision-making, the state Office of the Auditor found in a damning report released Tuesday.  Civil Beat.

Full audit report on cooling school classrooms. One DOE funding report dated November 7, 2018, more than a year after Governor Ige and DOE declared success at cooling 1,000 classrooms, placed the total amount spent at $122.8 million, which included $22 million for consultants, $95 million for construction, and another $6 million on LED lighting and water coolers. Office of the Auditor.

Deadline approaching to give opinion on Hawaii’s Green Fee. A deadline is fast approaching for the public to give input on how funding from Hawaii’s green fee legislation can address critical shortfalls of Hawaii’s natural resources. “Care for Aina Now” is urging the public to share their input before the Aug. 15 deadline for the statewide survey. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaiian Airlines to suspend 3 underperforming routes this fall. Hawaiian Airlines announced Tuesday that it is suspending service in November on three underperforming routes, including service between Honolulu and Boston, Incheon, South Korea, and Fukuoka, Japan. Star-Advertiser. KITV4.

HECO builds out network of AI-powered wildfire detection cameras. Hawaiian Electric has deployed 180 AI-powered cameras across Hawaiʻi Island, Oʻahu, and Maui County to help detect early signs of wildfires in remote areas. Hawaii Public Radio.

The fight to save Hawaii’s coconut palms. Across Hawaii, what looks like a bad haircut on the landscape is marking the slow death of the coconut palm, that icon of paradise. The culprit: the coconut rhinoceros beetle, a glossy, thumb-size scarab that bores into the crowns of palms to feed on sap. New York Times.

Opportunities to export local goods increased through passage of Act 237. The Senate Committee on Ways and Means received a comprehensive update on Tuesday from the Agribusiness Development Corporation on the development of Hawai‘i’s food and product innovation efforts to help scale up local farmers and entrepreneurs and increase economic resilience.  Maui Now.

Hawaiʻi Providers Fear RFK Jr. Could Roll Back Access To Abortion Pill. Women in remote and rural parts of Hawaiʻi have long struggled to access abortion care. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Oahu inflation slows amid tariff backdrop. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics on Tuesday reported that prices for a broad sampling of goods and services on the island generally rose 2.3% over 12 months through July. This inflation rate for Oahu compared with 4.5% in the 12-month period through July 2024. Star-Advertiser.

Aloha Stadium Contracts Are Set For Final Vote. The Aloha Stadium Authority plans to vote Wednesday on whether to approve hundreds of millions of dollars of redevelopment contracts, a big step forward in the long-stalled $400 million project to rejuvenate the surrounding area and open a new home for the University of Hawaiʻi’s football team.  Civil Beat.

Sen. Schatz pledges to support community health centers amid federal cuts. Hawaiʻi U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz visited the Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center on Oʻahu as health care facilities and low-income families brace for looming federal cuts. Hawaii Public Radio.

Honolulu City Council accepts donated CPB property for city use. The Honolulu City Council has formally accepted Central Pacific Bank’s donation of more than $1.63 million in real and personal property for use by the city Department of Community Services near Aala Street and the H-1 freeway. Star-Advertiser.

Colliers talks latest findings on Honolulu's empty office space. The real estate company Colliers tracks industry trends and just released its Q2 report on downtown occupancy rates. Honolulu has the second-highest rate in cities across the country for planned office space conversions to residences. Hawaii Public Radio.

Feds Investigating At Least One Prison Guard’s Actions In OCCC Killing. The U.S. Department of Justice has issued a “target letter” to a state corrections officer signaling his actions are under investigation in connection with the beating death of an inmate — allegedly by other prisoners — at the Oʻahu Community Correctional Center two years ago. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now. 

Hawaii Island

New Building Department eyed. The Hawaii County Council is proposing a County Charter amendment that would create a Department of Building aimed at speeding up the permitting and inspection process and easing the workload of the Department of Public Works — but Mayor Kimo Alameda is not convinced it’s the right approach. Tribune-Herald.

Puna, Waiākea communities invited to share ideas to improve conservation. Puna and Waiākea community members are invited to join their neighboring farmers and ranchers for upcoming meetings of local working groups with U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service. Big Island Now.

Hawaiʻi Drought Update: Extreme Drought On Maunakea. The latest U.S. Drought Monitor map shows severe dryness in northern interior parts of the Big Island. Big Island Video News.

Mother of former UFC star B.J. Penn seeks to extend restraining order. Former UFC star B.J. Penn appeared in court on Tuesday defending himself as his mother sought to have the temporary restraining order she has against him extended for a year. KITV4.

Pancho & Lefty’s authorized to reopen after passing follow-up inspection. Hawai‘i Department of Health Food Safety Branch authorized the reopening of a downtown Kailua-Kona eatery after being forced to immediately shutter last week following a failed food safety inspection that revealed multiple food safety violations, including dead and live cockroaches on food-contact surfaces and in ready-to-eat food.  Big Island Now.

Maui

Fire at Kula Lodge guts beloved Maui restaurant and puts Upcountry community ‘on edge’.  The iconic restaurant on the slopes of Haleakalā had caught fire, gutting the rustic dining room with a cozy fireplace where countless Maui families and visitors gathered for brunches and celebratory dinners. With its good food and sweeping views of the central valley, Kula Lodge also was a must stop for many people going to and from the national park. Maui Now.

Maui Film Festival’s 25-year run is over; Wailuku Film Festival to start in 2026 with different focus. For 25 years, the Maui Film Festival was a beloved event, bringing new movies to the island and for more than a decade featuring “Celestial Cinema” nights on the joint driving range of the Emerald and Gold golf courses in Wailea. Maui Now.

Kauai

New free airport wayfinding app enhances passenger experience at Līhuʻe Airport. Hawai‘i Department of Transportation launched a pair of free airport wayfinding smartphone apps — including one for a Kaua‘i airport — designed to make the airport experience less stressful and more enjoyable for travelers. Kauai Now.

Construction of temporary bridge on Anahola Road expected through December. Kaua‘i County Department of Public Works and Cushnie Construction notify the public that construction of a temporary bridge over Olokauha Stream on Anahola Road in Anahola is anticipated through December. The bridge will remain closed to traffic for the full duration of construction. Kauai Now.

Thousands of pounds of marine debris removed from Kauai coastline. More than 9,000 pounds of marine debris was removed from the remote coastline of Moloaa on Kauai. Hawaii News Now.

Green raises possibility of presidential run, Hawaii Supreme Court allows out-of-state attorneys; nurses, hotel workers, teamsters mull strikes, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Gov. Josh Green raises possibility of 2028 run for president.  Gov. Josh Green told NBC News he is considering a 2028 campaign for president of the United States with a possible platform of healing the nation after the bitterly divisive era of American politics that has consumed the country. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. 

Hawaiʻi lawmakers consider clarifying the National Guard's role in the islands. This comes after President Donald Trump activated the National Guard in California in June without the governor's consent, due to protests against immigration enforcement. Hawaii Public Radio.

A climate science network may lose its Pacific hub. Here's what that means for local researchers. The Pacific Islands Climate Adaptation Science Center is one of nine regional hubs in a climate research network funded by the federal government. Hawaii Public Radio.

NOAA budget cuts threaten climate research in Hawai‘i. Right now, climate science is at a critical crossroads, as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) faces major budget cuts that could upend research programs and fellowship opportunities across the U.S., with Hawai‘i among the hardest-hit locations. KITV4.

Hawaiʻi Needs Lawyers. Now, Mainland Attorneys Can Practice Here. To help address serious staffing shortages at the state public defenders’ and county prosecutors’ offices, the Hawaiʻi Supreme Court is allowing licensed attorneys from other states to work at these agencies without taking the state bar exam.  Civil Beat.

Tropical storms Iona, Gil move west with no threat to Hawaii. Tropical Storm Iona continued racing west across the Central Pacific while Tropical Storm Gil strengthened far to the east, with both systems posing no threat to Hawaii, forecasters said. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii tourism cools off this summer as arrivals dip.  Arrivals to Hawaii in June decreased to 857,102, a 1.8% drop from the same month last year, according to preliminary numbers released Thursday by the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. The state department reported that June visitor spending rose to nearly $1.97 billion, a 2.8% gain in nominal visitor spending. Star-Advertiser.

Red flag warning signals extreme wildfire risk for Hawaii. The National Weather Serv­ice issued the warning Thursday morning, just two days after the state was under a tsunami warning that led to mass evacuations and gridlock but no major damage. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii Public Radio.  Hawaii News Now. 

Thieves target business, homes during tsunami evacuation. As thousands across Hawaiʻi evacuated coastal areas during July 29’s tsunami warning, criminals took advantage targeting homes and businesses on Maui and Oʻahu. KHON2.

Teamsters on Oahu, Hawaii Island strike Airgas. Unionized workers of Airgas on Oahu and Hawaii Island have been on strike since Monday, and negotiation set for today have been canceled. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

New Protections Sought For Kailua Neighborhoods. Concerned about gravesites and a new law to quicken development, the Preservation Commission wants area added to historic register. Civil Beat.


Aloha Stadium Authority board fills 2 top positions. The Aloha Stadium Authority voted board members Eric Fujimoto as chair and Andrew Pereira as vice chair in its monthly meeting Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

Union rallies for Ilikai Hotel workers ahead of possible strike. The union representing some 60 workers at the Ilikai Hotel staged a rally Thursday afternoon as they seek a new contract. Hawaii News Now.

Defense Claims Oʻahu Jail Killing Had ‘Nothing To Do With Being In A Gang’. Lawyers for three defendants acknowledged their clients’ gang affiliations, but said other inmates beat Chris Vaefaga to death. Civil Beat.

Hawaii News Now wins 14 Society of Professional Journalists awards for journalism excellence. The Society of Professional Journalists Hawaii Chapter recognized the islands’ outstanding journalists Wednesday. An awards ceremony took place at the Japanese Cultural Center. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Big Island Mayor Says State Won’t Meet 2050 Deadline To Wipe Out Cesspools. The state mandate to get rid of the reef-killing sewage systems is unrealistic, according to Mayor Kimo Alameda.  Civil Beat.

Groundbreaking held for $337M in upgrades to Hilo sewage plant. Under the gun due to an administrative consent order between Hawaii County and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, ground was broken Thursday for critical upgrades and long-needed improvements to the Hilo Wastewater Treatment Plant in Keaukaha. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News.

Nurses threaten short strike at Waimea hospital. The majority of 100 nurses from Queen’s North Hawaii Community Hospital in Waimea have voted “overwhelmingly in favor” of going on strike for three days if contract negotiations with the hospital’s leadership continue to fall short of the nurses’ demands. Tribune-Herald.

Loan program seeks to help lower-income Big Island homeowners maintain properties. Hawaiʻi County's Office of Housing and Community Development announced its home improvement loan program as a way for low and moderate-income homeowners to repair and improve their homes without as heavy a financial burden. Hawaii Public Radio.

Waikoloa Village evacuation drill Saturday. A red flag warning has been issued for most of West Hawaii through tonight, just as Waikoloa residents are about to prepare for the wildfire season with the final Hulu Street evacuation drill of the year set for 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Police, other agencies investigate ordnance found near landfill. Maui police requested the assistance of the Hawaii Inter-Island Bomb Squad Maui unit on Wednesday following reports of a possible military ordnance discovered off Pulehu Road, about a quarter mile mauka of the Central Maui Landfill. Maui News. Maui Now.  KHON2. 

Memory of 2023 wildfires taught Maui community, government to respond more urgently to tsunami warning. Already in the back of most minds was the fast approaching two-year anniversary of the deadly fires on Aug. 8. Maui Now.

Kauai

KIUC discusses goals during 23rd Annual Membership Meeting. Despite “challenges” to meeting the Kauai Island Utility Cooperative goal of being 100 percent renewable by 2033, there was little for the more than 100 people, or members, to be concerned about on Wednesday at the 23rd Annual Membership Meeting held at the Kauai Philippines Cultural Center. Garden Island.