Elder care added to accepted campaign expenditures, feds mum on cause of Lahaina fire, 13 school bus routes restored, Kapiolani nurse strike set for today, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Candidates running for office in Hawaiʻi will now be able to use their campaign funds for adult dependent care expenses. The Hawaiʻi Campaign Spending Commission approved an advisory opinion that says campaign funds can be used to care for elderly relatives or dependents if it is directly related to campaign activities. Hawaii Public Radio.

State Budget 101: New handbook simplifies process for curious citizens. A handful of state lawmakers have teamed up with the Hawaiʻi Appleseed Center for Law and Economic Justice to present a primer in a first step to simplifying the state budget as best they can. Hawaii Public Radio.

Federal Investigators Still Won’t Say What Caused The Lahaina Fire. The state plans to release phase two of its fire report Friday, but the ATF is withholding its findings. Two months after the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives shared its findings on the cause of the Lahaina wildfire with Maui County officials, the agency continues to withhold that information from the public. Civil Beat.

Additional 13 school bus routes return to Oahu and the Big Island on Monday. The Hawaii State Department of Education announced that 13 suspended school bus routes on Central Oahu and the East Hawaii Island will be reinstated on Monday, Sept. 16, 2024.  KITV4. Hawaii News Now.

Nisei military units to be honored at Punchbowl.  Nisei military units that fought heroically in World War II will be honored Sept. 29 at the 19th annual Joint Memorial Service, at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific at Punchbowl. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

BWS’ $1.2B Red Hill claim still under review. It’s been nearly a year since the Honolulu Board of Water Supply filed a $1.2 billion claim against the Navy to recover costs for its response to massive jet fuel leaks at the Navy’s Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility in 2021. Star-Advertiser.

Kapi‘olani union nurses strike set for today as lockout looms. Hundreds of union nurses at Kapi‘olani Medical Center for Women &Children are holding a one-day strike starting this morning after talks failed to yield a new contract. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.  KHON2.  KITV4.

State grapples with uncertainty over Kakaako affordable condo project debt. The board of the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corp. on Thursday approved using up to $500,000 to recover the bad debt through options that include taking over the midrise project, called The Block 803 Waimanu, through foreclosure or in lieu of foreclosure. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu City Council eyes new e-bike classifications, safety rules. With the popularity of electric bikes, or e-bikes, increasing in Hawaiʻi, the Honolulu City Council is taking up legislation in an effort to better regulate the motorized bicycles. Hawaii Public Radio.

Mayor says its wrong to blame city property enforcement for Waianae mass shooting. With some in the Waianae community blaming lack of property law enforcement for the tragic mass shooting. Mayor Blangiardi called together administration leaders Thursday afternoon, a meeting that reinforced that the city’s powers are limited. Hawaii News Now.

Flags at half staff in remembrance of Twinkle Borge. The Native Hawaiian activist, affectionately known as "Mama" or "Aunty Twinkle," passed away on Aug. 5, 2024. She led the Pu'uhonua O Wai'anae homeless encampment and is credited with turning it into a community. KITV4.

Hawaii Island

Big Island Commission On Efficiency Wants Voters To Help It Be More Efficient. A charter change on the November ballot would give the Hawaii County Cost of Government Commission  more time to study county operations. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Supreme Court Is Considering Whether To Release Investigative Files In Dana Ireland Case. A Hawaii County deputy prosecutor told the Hawaii Supreme Court Thursday that two brothers who have been exonerated of the murder of Dana Ireland are still suspects in the 33-year-old case. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser. Tribune-Herald.  Hawaii News Now.  KHON2.  KITV4.

Six previously suspended school bus routes restored in East Hawai‘i. The Hawai‘i State Department of Education announced Thursday that 13 previously suspended school bus routes in Central Oʻahu and East Hawaiʻi Island will be reinstated starting Monday, restoring service for nearly 300 student bus riders at eight schools. Big Island Now.

Search And Rescue Exercise Completed Off Kawaihae. Participants in the exercise – which simulated an overdue boat and missing persons – included Coast Guard Sector Honolulu, the Hawaiʻi Fire Department, Hawaii Ocean Safety and the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources.  Big Island Video News.

Maui

Maui Ethics Board Says Water Authority Appointee Has No Conflict of Interest. Gina Young sought the ethics opinion after three County Council members declined to vote on moving her appointment forward, voicing concern that she may have had unfair advantages in the job application process — and a conflict of interest because she helped draft the charter amendment that led to the water authority’s creation. Civil Beat.

Plumbing the depths of Maui’s housing shortage: Can small changes have a big impact? Maui County’s water-fixture-unit regulations and related fees have not been updated since 1995 and are at least partially responsible for driving up costs for building much-needed housing, according to a policy brief by the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii. Maui Now.

Maui rent stabilization topic of special committee meeting on Monday. The Housing and Land Use Committee will have a special meeting on Monday at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Chamber to discuss the possible effects of rent stabilization in Maui. Maui Now.

Debris cleared from 100% of residential properties in the Lahaina Impact Zone. Months ahead of the original January 2025 deadline, debris has been cleared from 100% of the 1,390 residential properties in the Lahaina Impact Zone. Maui News. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai

Kauaʻi Council bill aims to grow housing supply by allowing more guest units. Bill 2919 would allow one guest house to be built per dwelling unit on properties in certain zoning areas, including agricultural, commercial and most residential districts. Hawaii Public Radio.

Pacific Missile Range Facility releases draft assessment on land-based training, testing impacts in West Kaua‘i. The U.S. Navy will hold a public meeting for Kaua‘i residents to review the potential environmental impacts of conducting land-based training and testing at launch areas and other locations in areas managed by the Pacific Missile Range Facility. Kauai Now.

Domestic passenger count tops 71,000 in August at Lihue Airport. The domestic passenger count weighed in at its third highest total of the year, as more than 71,000 people flew into Lihue Airport in the penultimate month of summer. Garden Island.

Money flows to incumbents in state races, DOE fails to spend farm-to-school grant, Kauai fire contained as 200 evacuated, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii Lawmakers Have Big Money Advantages In This Year’s Election Campaigns. Members of the House have spread campaign cash around to newcomers in efforts aimed at coalition building. Civil Beat.

Hawaii’s bold tax cuts and its impact on residents. Hawaii recently enacted the most significant tax cuts in its history, which promise to impact residents positively. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii DOE Still Doesn’t Have A Plan For How To Spend Farm-To-School Funds. The Hawaii Department of Education is responsible for spending the bulk of a federal grant that would support local farmers, but it has yet to touch the funding. Civil Beat.

DOA reopens applications for popular micro-grant program. This year, the department received about $3.5 million from the federal government for the program under the 2018 Farm Bill.  Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Ag Agency Won’t Get All The Money Slated For Pest Management After All. Money to manage feral chickens and educate the public are among the items zeroed out of the budget. Millions of dollars have been cut from other programs for pest management. Civil Beat. Big Island Video News.

Disaster response training at RIMPAC in Hawaii grows.  A task force of nine countries, led by the Japan Self-Defense Forces, has been conducting operations across the Hawaiian Islands practicing search-and-rescue operations, evacuations and medical treatment in partnership with local Hawaii hospitals, emergency agencies and volunteer organizations. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

More video monitoring on Skyline sought. According to Council staff, Bill 37 ensures that the public would be made aware of the presence of cameras and any video monitoring in or around the city rail system, and the use of data collection. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Merchants have mixed views about county homeless camp. Some downtown Hilo business owners are conflicted about a temporary shelter erected on Ponahawai Street to house the area’s homeless population. Tribune-Herald.

Funds Provided For Fentanyl Task Force, Big Island Substance Abuse Council. $478,400 in National Opioid Settlement Funds are being invested to directly address the growing opioid crisis on Hawaiʻi Island. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Lessons From Lahaina: Upcountry Maui Residents Prepare To Flee As Crater Road Fire Burns. While stronger interagency coordination and better public communication are cited, some residents say they're relying on themselves, neighbors and past experience to stay safe. Civil Beat. Maui Now.

Maui Crater Road fire remains 80% contained. The Maui Crater Road fire remained 80% contained as of 7 p.m. Monday with 574 acres burned and no fire growth, according to the Maui Fire Department. Star-Advertiser.

UH to conduct $3.8 million study of Lahaina wildfires. A five-year, $3.8 million study by a team of UH Manoa’s researchers will look at the government’s response and its impact to the residents affected by the Lahaina wildfires that occurred in August 2023.  KHON2. KITV4.

Kauai

200 Residents Evacuate As Fast-Moving Wildfire Rips Through West Kauai. One structure has been destroyed, 1,000 acres have burned and KIUC has de-energized its transmission lines as a safety precaution.  Civil Beat. Kauai Now.

Kauai tour helicopter crash victims’ family wants search to resume. Family members of the victims of Friday’s Kauai tour helicopter crash are urging the public to contact Kauai officials if they find any wreckage following the suspension of search and rescue operations for two of the three victims. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

More than 2,100 backpacks given out to school children at Kukui Grove Center on Saturday. For the 10th year, the Kukui Grove Center partnered with the Department of Education to distribute backpacks filled with school supplies to students preparing to return to the classrooms at the 10th annual Back to School Bash on Saturday. Garden Island.

Campaign spending bills face uphill battle, OHA sues new Mauna Kea management board, 400 Kapiolani nurses go on strike, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

New Campaign Spending Laws May Get Sidetracked With The Focus On Maui Fires.  Campaign Spending Commission Executive Director Kristin Izumi-Nitao wants to make sure the state can properly administer proposals designed to clean up politics and encourage newcomers to run for office. Civil Beat.

Wide range of bills aimed at issues broad, specific. New bills introduced this legislative session would allow for a nuclear power plant in Hawaii, guarantee everyone the right to a clean environment and place a cap on ticket prices sold on the open market under the “Bruno Mars Act,” named after the Hawaii-raised superstar. Star-Advertiser.

Green expected to focus on Lahaina, affordable housing in 2nd State of the State. Gov. Josh Green will deliver his second State of the State address Monday and is expected to focus the speech on his administration’s efforts to respond to the Lahaina disaster. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii DOE leaders are urged to cut funds on obsolete programs. Hawaii public school officials are arguing for more money to restore state budget cuts, cover inflation, continue students’ academic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and insulate against coming “funding cliffs,” but some state legislators are pressing them to first trim spending on any obsolete and ineffective programs. Star-Advertiser.

Here are the key Native Hawaiian issues facing lawmakers this legislative session. When it comes to Native Hawaiian issues, much of this year’s focus will be on unfinished business. Hawaii Public Radio.

A Big Bill From The Pandemic Is Coming Due: Hazard Pay For State And County Workers. Expected settlements could put a significant dent into county budgets. The state, meanwhile, has yet to enter into negotiations with unions over the issue. Civil Beat.

Hawaii financial management system in need of upgrade after halting botched work. The state Department of Accounting and General Services is seeking more than $60 million rom the Legislature, and received heavy criticism from some lawmakers recently after it was disclosed that $8 million of prior work by a contractor was partially or perhaps largely wasted. Star-Advertiser.

Head of state’s new corrections agency looks to reinvent Hawaii’s jails and prison system. The state Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (DCR) has a new name and new approach. Since the old Department of Public Safety spun off its law enforcement functions, DCR is hoping to reinvent itself, and address the bad rap often associated with managing the state’s jails and prisons. Hawaii News Now.

Push underway to make Hawaii relevant in space again. State Sen. Glenn Wakai  introduced Senate Bill 2081 Thursday requiring a partnership with the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism to establish an Aerospace and Aeronautics Development Program. Star-Advertiser.

Public hearing on invasive species rules set. A long-awaited public hearing is scheduled for 6 p.m. Jan. 30 on proposed amendments to state rules that would strengthen the clout of enforcement over the movement of infested nursery plants within an island.  Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Council mulls use of $39M in COVID federal funds. The City Council is considering legislation outlining use of nearly $40 million in federal funds Honolulu received during the COVID-19 pandemic. Star-Advertiser.

Medical response to improve as EMS opens fourth district. Honolulu Emergency Medical Services announced the new addition of a fourth district aimed to increase the number of operational staff to both support EMS crews and improve medical response to Oahu’s visitors and tourists.  KHON2.

Kapi‘olani using temp staff to fill in as 400 nurses strike.  Kapi‘olani Medical Center for Women &Children brought in several hundred temporary nurses Sunday to fill nursing jobs after unionized nurses walked off the job and hit the picket line to start a weeklong strike — the first Hawaii Nurses Association strike in about a half-century at the hospital. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.  KHON2.

Urgent Efforts To Keep Dillingham Airfield Open Are Ongoing. The state previously set a Dec. 31 deadline to reach a deal but it now says enough progress has been made to keep negotiations going. Civil Beat.

Miske Is Set To Stand Trial Alone When His Brother Takes A Last-Minute Deal. Opening statements in the high-profile case are expected to begin Monday in federal court in Honolulu. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.  KHON2.  KITV4.

Hawaii Island

OHA Challenges Constitutionality Of New Mauna Kea Oversight Authority. The Office of Hawaiian Affairs is suing the new authority that is slated to take over management of Mauna Kea in 2028, alleging the state-mandated board is unconstitutional and some of its members have conflicts of interest. Civil Beat.

‘Enforcement action’ conducted: Camps of homeless and others cleared by county, state. Hawaii County and the state combined forces Thursday and Friday for a sweep of a homeless encampment at Russell Carroll Mo‘oheau County Park in downtown Hilo. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News.

Bill casts spotlight on short-term rentals. The Hawaii County Council’s Policy Committee on Planning, Land Use and Development on Tuesday will unveil Bill 121, a measure that will establish new regulations on transient accommodation rentals, or TARs, throughout the county. Tribune-Herald.

HOVE residents ‘very upset’ over cell tower approval. The fight over a planned cell tower in Hawaiian Ocean View Estates has ended before it ever began. Tribune-Herald.

Bill seeks to ban bike tour groups on certain roads. Bill 125 — which Kohala Councilwoman Cindy Evans will introduce Tuesday during a meeting of the council’s Policy Committee on Planning, Land Use and Development — would prohibit commercial bike tours on Kohala Mountain Road and the roughly eight miles of Akoni Pule Highway stretching east from Kohala Mountain Road to Pololu Valley Lookout. Tribune-Herald.

Historic Big Island Hotel Is Set To Become Workforce Housing. Mental Health Kokua will purchase the Manago Hotel, in Captain Cook south of Kona, with $5.5 million in affordable housing funds awarded by Hawaii County, according to a county news release. Civil Beat.

Maui

Unity walk draws 4,000 to support Lahaina as it steps closer to rebuilding after fire. A community that proved its mettle throughout the devastating Aug. 8 fire that wiped out historic Lahaina town and left at least 100 confirmed dead took a significant step forward together Saturday during the Ho‘ulu Lahaina Unity Gathering. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.  Maui Now.

Portion of Lahaina removed from unsafe water advisory. The Department of Water Supply amended the Unsafe Water Advisory for Lahaina to remove area L-4D.  Maui News.

Maui businesses impacted by wildfires urged to take online survey. The County of Maui Office of Economic Development is using the questionnaire to assess the current health of businesses. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kauai

Suspect In Threat To Kauai Councilman Arrested. The county hired private security guards this week after Billy DeCosta received a threat at his council office. Civil Beat. Garden Island.  Hawaii News Now.

KPD rolls out new online verification form for firearm instructors.  The application was created as an interim measure to implement the recent changes in the Hawaiʻi Revised Statutes regarding firearm instructor verification. Kauai Now.

Kaua‘i supports disaster-proof domes at debut public meeting; organizers want concept to go statewide and beyond. The interconnected concrete structures – dubbed the Kaua‘i Resilience Center – would be fireproof, capable of withstanding 290 mph-plus winds, and earthquake, hurricane and tsunami resistant. Kauai Now.

Greater tolerance for tourists, Legislature may tighten contractor campaign contribution ban, ex-Maui official gets 10 years for taking bribes, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii residents’ view of tourism improves slightly.  In the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism’s Fall 2022 Resident Sentiment Survey, released Wednesday, 57% of participating residents rated the question “Tourism has brought more benefits than problems” as at least 6 on a scale of 1 to 10 — up from 54% in Spring 2022. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now.  Hawaii News Now.

‘Pay To Play’: Hawaii Moves To Expand The Ban On Contractor Campaign Donations. The Legislature is setting its sights on campaign donations from state and county contractors that have been the subject of public corruption cases in recent decades. Right now, a law banning donations from government contractors only applies to the contracted business, not the owners, officers or employees of those companies as the result of a loophole written more than a decade ago. Civil Beat. Maui News.

Lawmakers eye review of Hawaii’s ‘redundant’ process of setting minimum sentences. Hawaii is the only state with a two-step process for determining a prisoner’s sentence. But that could soon change.  Hawaii News Now.

Could 2023 be the year recreational marijuana is legalized in Hawaiʻi?  Several bills relating to the cultivation and sale of cannabis have passed their first readings and are awaiting committee hearings. Hawaii Public Radio.

Ahead of Super Bowl, effort to legalize online sports betting fails in state Legislature. The sports gaming industry and supporters came in with the argument that thousands of people are already illegally betting on sports in Hawaii. Hawaii News Now.

2 state departments say they are working together on land transfers. The leadership for the state Department of Land and Natural Resources and Department of Agriculture announced that they are working together to move thousands of acres of pasture land between the departments — and suggested that they were against legislation that would mandate the transfer of those lands. Star-Advertiser. Big Island Video News.

Free school bus legislation rolls on. New legislation could make school bus transportation free for working families in Hawai‘i. Garden Island.

Rate increase will bring in $8 million per year to feed Hawaiʻi’s keiki. The US Department of Agriculture this week announced that Hawaiʻi’s reimbursement rates for school lunch and other federal child nutrition programs will be increased by 13%. Maui Now.

Hawaii Lawmakers Consider High Taxes For E-Cigs. Rep. Scot Matayoshi has been trying to fight e-cigarettes for four years. This year, Matayoshi and other lawmakers have a new approach: tax electronic smoking devices and e-liquid products at a rate of 70%. Civil Beat.

Hawai‘i reports 8 Covid deaths, over 700 new cases in past week. The latest number brings the statewide total since the start of the pandemic to 378,481.  Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Oahu

Views clash in Legislature over housing on Kakaako peninsula. Two committees in Hawaii’s Legislature were inundated Wednesday by divergent views on a bid by the Office of Hawaiian Affairs to largely reverse a 2006 state law prohibiting residential development in Kakaako Makai. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Hirono Will Lead Subcommittee With Oversight Of Red Hill. The Hawaii senator has made defueling the WWII era tanks a priority ever since a 2021 leak sickened thousands on Oahu. Civil Beat.

Mayor Blangiardi on finding a new landfill site, improving permitting department. Mayor Rick Blangiardi said Wednesday that he's looking at a few possible locations on military or agricultural grounds that would not impact Oʻahu's water table. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu Hotels Have Deep Pockets And Now More Local Food Is On Their Shopping Lists. Fresh research reinforces that the majority of tourists to Hawaii will pay a premium to experience local fare. That could make food produced here more affordable for residents. Civil Beat. Hawaii Public Radio.

Ex Punahou coach allegedly ‘a prolific and aggressive child predator’.  Federal prosecutors said Wednesday Dwayne Yuen, 49,  a former Punahou School girls basketball coach Opens in a new tab should remain jailed until trial to protect the public because he is allegedly “a prolific and aggressive child predator.” Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Man, 49, sentenced to 10 years for Waikiki surfboard rack arson. A circuit judge sentenced a 49-year-old man Tuesday to 10 years in prison after he was convicted of setting fire to surfboard racks in Waikiki in 2021. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Business district pushback: Property owners, tenants voice concerns about proposal for downtown Hilo.  A Downtown Hilo Business Improvement District encountered significant resistance from tenants and property owners alike, all of whom agreed that the downtown is in dire need of improvement, but that the improvement district will hurt more than it will help. Tribune-Herald.

New rigs needed: County looks to lease semi-trucks for cross-island rubbish hauling.  Resolution 47-23 authorizes the Department of Environmental Management to spend $25,800 per month, or nearly $1.5 million over the next five years, to lease six semi-trucks to transport rubbish from the East Hawaii Regional Sort Station to the West Hawaii Sanitary Landfill in Puuanahulu. West Hawaii Today.

Academic adviser calls menstrual products law a success. The law was implemented July 1, 2022, and according to Robin Valencia, complex academic adviser for the Hilo-Waiakea area, it has been a success. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Former Maui official is sentenced to 10 years in bribery scheme. The former director of the Maui County Department of Environmental Management who took more than $2 million in bribes in exchange for steering at least 56 sole source contracts to a Honolulu wastewater company was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison Wednesday. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.  Maui Now.  Hawaii News Now.  KITV4.

Lawsuits against MPD claim gender discrimination, retaliation. Alleging gender discrimination and retaliation from the Maui Police Department chief and his former deputy, three female employees — two officers and one police department administrator — recently filed separate lawsuits in 2nd Circuit Court against the department. Maui News.

Voting Opens For Kauai Food Access Plan Targets. Over the course of eight community meetings, more than 200 Kauai food producers, community leaders and concerned citizens identified 27 key ways to fill a larger portion of the plates of the island’s roughly 74,000 residents with locally grown and produced fare. Civil Beat.

$195,000 awarded to Maui County for medical outreach for unsheltered homeless.  The County of Maui was awarded $195,000 in federal funding from the Department of Housing and Urban Development that will be used to provide basic medical care to the unsheltered homeless, officials announced. Maui News.

Kauai

New questions about mysterious Kauai balloon. A Pentagon announcement Wednesday raises new questions about a mysterious balloon that appeared off Kauai last year that prompted U.S. fighter jets to scramble in response and comes as media reports emerge of several other apparent spy balloons making their way through U.S. airspace — including Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

Legislature to consider legalizing recreational cannabis, state campaign commission investigates Kahele, Cayetano, Maui auditing Choy contracts, Honolulu mulls increasing density, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Plan to legalize cannabis for adult recreational use in Hawaii takes shape. The most comprehensive strategy yet to legalize adult recreational cannabis use in Hawaii is being prepared for state lawmakers ahead of next year’s legislative session starting four months from now. Star-Advertiser.

This New Dairy Owner Says Local Cows Can Bring Down Hawaii’s Milk Prices. Bahman Sadeghi, chief executive of Meadow Gold Dairies, which Sadeghi acquired in 2020, has a long-range goal of bringing back Hawaii’s dairy industry. He reckons that by producing milk locally, Meadow Gold can lower the price of a gallon of milk by 20%. Civil Beat.

Council to consider fishing rules in marine monument. Possible changes to fishing regulations within the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument could allow cultural fishing practices, although such changes are also viewed as “harmful” to Native Hawaiian traditions. Star-Advertiser.

State blames shrinking enrollment at public schools on declining birth rate, outmigration. Hawaii public schools lost nearly 3,000 students this school year compared to the year before, according to new enrollment figures released Friday. It’s the fourth school year with declining enrollment. Hawaii News Now.

Kai Kahele, Vicky Cayetano are subjects of campaign spending complaints. U.S. Rep. Kai Kahele and business entrepreneur Vicky Cayetano are the subjects of separate investigations by the state Campaign Spending Commission related to their unsuccessful campaigns to become Hawaii’s next governor. Star-Advertiser.

It’s Tough To Win An Election As An Independent Candidate In Hawaii. This year, two nonpartisan candidates in partisan races have advanced to the general election. They’re approaching it with different expectations. Civil Beat.

A dozen protesters show up at elections meeting to find it being conducted via Zoom. About a dozen people showed up at the state Elections Office hoping to speak to commissioners in person but were disappointed to find the meeting was on Zoom. They say it’s another reason they don’t trust the current voting process. Hawaii News Now.

‘A game of chicken’: Inter-island fare war takes off between Hawaiian, Southwest airlines. Hawaiian Airlines and its latest competitor, Southwest, are engaged in an air fare battle, and flyers may be taking advantage. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Increasing Waikiki building height and density might be on table for first time in half century. A movement is underway to increase building height and density in the Waikiki Special District for the first time in about 50 years to allow smaller parcels to be turned into affordable housing and make the district more resilient to climate change and sea-level rise. Star-Advertiser.

City to open free wound clinic to address needs of homeless. The city plans to open a free wound-care clinic in Chinatown in November to primarily serve the homeless. The clinic would be the first official collaboration between the city and the University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine’s Homeless Outreach &Medical Education, or H.O.M.E., program. Star-Advertiser.

HART Leaders Are Concerned That Feds Still Haven’t Approved Rail’s Recovery Plan. More than three months have passed since the city submitted its latest plan to rescue rail, and the Federal Transit Administration has yet to approve it. Civil Beat.

Toilet paper shortage causes major clogging at public parks. It’s the end of a roll for Oʻahu parks’ toilet paper shortage. The hygiene product company Veritiv secured a more steady supply of toilet paper for the Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation. Hawaii Public Radio.

Niu Valley Middle School on Oahu cools new building without AC. The new building uses no AC to keep students and teachers cool, instead relying on a unique design and purposeful positioning to create “passive ventilation.” It is the state’s first public school building specially created to harness and maximize Hawaii’s signature tradewinds. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Search for police chief continues. Hawaii County Police Commission members have yet to learn the names of applicants or the number of people who applied to be the next leader of the Hawaii Police Department. West Hawaii Today.

Road Block Planned Sept. 19 To Protest Updated Rules for Waipiʻo Valley Road. Waipiʻo Valley kūpuna, farmers, ʻohana and their supporters plan to block the 1.5-mile road that leads to the black sand beach and agricultural community on Monday in protest of Hawaiʻi County’s updated rules that allow some four-wheel drive vehicles to use the road that is dangerous and in need of repair. Big Island Now.

Deadline to submit comment on proposed investment in TMT near. Both critics and supporters of the controversial Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT) are calling on the public to share their thoughts on the project. At stake is $800 million, as the National Science Foundation (NSF) decides whether to invest in the controversial telescope. KITV4. Star-Advertiser.

Study finds high levels of staph in soil around Hilo Bay. High concentrations of harmful bacteria lurk in the Hilo watershed, according to a study by University of Hawaii researchers. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News.

HMC faced with overcrowding despite low COVID numbers. There are currently seven COVID-19 patients hospitalized at Hawaii Medical Center. Of those seven, two are in the ICU, a number slightly above average. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

County to audit contracts awarded to Choy’s companies. Mayor Michael Victorino is ordering an audit of all no-bid contracts awarded to companies owned by Milton Choy, a Honolulu businessman who was recently charged with providing more than $2 million in bribes to a former Maui County official to influence wastewater contracts. Maui News. Hawaii News Now.

First South Maui Community Plan Advisory Committee meeting announced. The South Maui Community Plan Advisory Committee will hold its first meeting at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 19, at the Lokelani Intermediate School cafeteria at 1401 Līloa Drive, Kīhei. The event kicks off the next phase of the South Maui Community Plan update. Maui Now.

West Maui Taxpayers hold candidates night, Oct. 13. The West Maui Taxpayers Association is holding a “General Candidates Night” at the Lahaina Civic Center’s Social Hall on Thursday, Oct. 13, 2022. Maui Now.

Kauai

Federal funding at stake for elderly plans. The county Agency on Elderly Affairs is reminding the public to participate in two surveys that will help assess the needs of the county’s aging population. Garden Island.

Ni‘ihau High and Elementary is the state’s smallest school. Enrollment at Hawai‘i’s public and charter schools for the 2022-23 school year decreased to 168,634 students, compared with an enrollment of 171,600 students at the start of last school year — a difference of 1.7%. Garden Island.

Food trucks could come to state parks, hospitals still at capacity, sea level rise threatens Waikiki beach clubs, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hapuna Beach state park ©2022 All Hawaii News

Agency seeks food truck concessions at state parks. The Department of Land and Natural Resources’ Division of State Parks is seeking approval to allow mobile food trucks to operate at 18 state parks across the islands. Star-Advertiser. Tribune-Herald.

FBI wants to partner with Hawaii businesses, organizations to deter cyberattacks. The Federal Bureau of Investigation wants to partner with Hawaii businesses as part of a nationwide effort to combat the cyberthreat posed by China and other actors working to undermine the U.S. economy and compromise critical infrastructure. Star-Advertiser.

Outside Spending Reaches Historic Levels In Race For Hawaii’s 2nd Congressional District. With the election just days away, special interest groups keep trying to sway the election in their favor. So far they’ve spent nearly $1.4 million. Civil Beat.

Campaign Spending Commission investigates ‘ghost PAC’ supporting Cayetano. The state Campaign Spending Commission on Wednesday voted to conduct further investigation into a so-called “ghost PAC” helping Democratic gubernatorial candidate Vicky Cayetano. The political action committee ― Victory Calls 2022 ― ran television ads in May featuring the comedy duo Da Braddahs, saying Cayetano’s opponent Lt. Gov. Josh Green was not a board-certified physician. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Better Access To Public Records Among Proposals From GOP Candidates For Governor. Transparency and government ethics has taken center stage in many races following high profile corruption cases in Hawaii, including the Republican gubernatorial primary. Civil Beat.

Masks optional for children under age 5 in preschool or child care center. Since the beginning of August, K-12 students have had the option of wearing a mask in school. But preschools and child care centers still had to follow the old guidelines. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii hospitals still at full capacity despite declining COVID-19 case counts. Hawaii hospitals are still struggling with staffing shortages even as the daily average of COVID-19 case counts appears to be on its way down. Star-Advertiser.

Novavax COVID-19 vaccine now available in Hawaii. The Hawaii Department of Health today announced that scheduling opportunities are now available for the more traditional COVID-19 vaccine manufactured by Novavax. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Garden Island. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Hawaii averaging 50 COVID deaths per month this summer. COVID deaths are still coming in at an alarming rate on the islands. The Hawaii Department of Health reported 14 deaths this week, as the state has averaged 50 deaths per month since May. KHON2.

Hawaii Department of Health reports 3,189 new infections, 14 coronavirus-related deaths. The state’s average positivity rate, meanwhile, continued its downward trend to 12.4%, compared to 13.8% reported the previous week, representing tests performed between Aug. 2 to 8. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Two Of Waikiki’s Oldest Beach Clubs Are Struggling To Come To Grips With Climate Change. In a precursor of business decisions that will become more common, members of the Outrigger Canoe Club have rejected a proposal to extend the club’s lease with its landlord beyond 2055 due to concerns about sea level rise. Civil Beat.

Kailua House Candidates Want To Tame Tourism. A microcosm of the state’s own dilemma, Kailua’s fresh batch of House candidates are strategizing ways to manage guests visiting their slice of paradise. Civil Beat.

Consumer prices still rising in Honolulu, but not as much. Honolulu’s inflation rate ebbed a bit in June and July from the previous two months, but prices for goods and services are still broadly rising, a new government report shows. Star-Advertiser.

In space-cramped Honolulu, community gardens have found new popularity ― and meaning. The city’s community gardens are bursting at the seams and more than 1,000 people are on the waiting list to get a plot of their own, said Honolulu Parks and Recreation spokesperson Nate Serota. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu City Council adopts resolution to enforce rules, address concerns at Keaau Beach Park. Keaau Beach Park, which is past Makaha on the Waianae coast, has its share of problems, including illegal dumping, illegal camping, illegal fireworks, burnouts and street racing. But a city council resolution hopes to address those problems. KITV4.

Fourth graders name monk seal pup born at Kaimana Beach. Two weeks after a seal and her pup teamed up on a woman swimming off Waikiki, fourth grade students from Waikiki Elementary School on Wednesday gave the pup, PO8, a more apt name: Koalani, or “heavenly warrior.”  Star-Advertiser. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

Testifiers blast TMT project: Opponents dominate National Science Foundation meeting to determine whether federal funding will be used. The first public meeting to determine whether to award federal funding to the Thirty Meter Telescope ended Tuesday after four hours of outrage. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News.

Hawai‘i County Sees Decrease in Processed Firearm Applications. Hawai‘i County had the highest denial rate of firearm applications at 5.6% statewide for 2021, according to data released by the Department of the Attorney General. Big Island Now.

New old buses on the way: County set to accept Honolulu hand-me-downs while awaiting new new buses. Eight more old buses will soon be on their way to the Big Island, with the County Council set to accept the donation of used buses from the City and County of Honolulu. West Hawaii Today.

Kimball, challenger Martinez discuss issues ahead of primary. With only two candidates on the ballot, the race will be decided during the primary election on Saturday, with the council seat going to whichever candidate receives more than 50% of the vote. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui County Warns Lanai Resorts To Not Block Public Beach Access. The company said it closed the park because of flooding. A resident says the gate stayed shut after the water receded. Maui County has issued a warning and told Lanai Resorts, the company owned by billionaire Larry Ellison, to stop blocking access to Hulopoe Beach Park or risk facing a fine of $100,000, plus an additional $10,000 for each day it goes unaddressed. Civil Beat.

Maui County had record 8,149 firearms registered in 2021. In 2021, Maui County had record high numbers for firearm permits processed (2,938), firearms registered (8,149) and firearms imported (3,763), according to an annual report released today by the Hawaiʻi Department of the Attorney General. Maui Now.

Maui police seek to crack down on law-flouting dirt bikers. The Maui Police Department is warning the public about a growing and dangerous trend around the Valley Isle. Officers are concerned about thrill-seeking dirt bikers who are blatantly breaking traffic laws. Hawaii News Now.

Final EA published for Kēōkea Farm Lots Association community center. The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands has published its final Environmental Assessment with a Finding of No Significant Impact for the proposed Kēōkea Farm Lots Association Community Center in Kēōkea on Maui. Maui Now.

Kauai

DLNR agrees to audit of all large-capacity cesspools, $105,000 fine. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has fined the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources $105,543 for failing to close an illegal large-capacity cesspool on Kauai. Star-Advertiser.

Caldwell investigation centers on COVID contract and campaign cash, candidates return $142k in suspect contributions, GOP steps up to monitor elections, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Campaign Spending Commission investigates COVID testing company that got big city contract. The state Campaign Spending Commission is investigating one of the companies that was awarded a multi-million dollar COVID testing contract by former Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s administration. Hawaii News Now has learned that the commission has subpoenaed the bank records of two employees of Capture Diagnostics, which is part of a consortium awarded a $19.5 million emergency contract in 2020 for the city’s testing program at the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii political candidates return $142,000 from besieged executive. The former vice chair of the House Committee on Finance who pleaded guilty in February to accepting bribes in the form of cash and casino chips from a Honolulu wastewater systems executive is among 31 state and county lawmakers to return more than $142,000 in campaign contributions from the owner of H20 Process Systems, according to the state Campaign Spending Commission. Star-Advertiser.

Fueled by doubts, hundreds of Hawaii Republicans sign up as election observers. Chief Elections Officer Scott Nago said the Republican Party of Hawaii sent about 200 people to be volunteer observers this year. In a typical year, the state Office of Elections would be lucky to get only 50. Hawaii News Now.

University of Hawaii study suggests onslaught of disease amid global warming. As if drought, heat waves, coastal flooding and other extreme weather aren’t enough in a warming world influenced by greenhouse gas emissions, a new study from researchers at the University of Hawaii suggests that humanity also will be threatened by growing incidence of life-threatening disease. Star-Advertiser.

‘It lasts as long as the money lasts’: Enrollment in discounted broadband program low. The Affordable Connectivity Program began at the beginning of 2022, offering eligible low-income families $30 off of their monthly internet bills, or $75 off for households on Hawaiian Home Lands. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Now. Maui Now.

RIMPAC: Tankers central as military looks beyond Red Hill. The largest-ever iteration of the biennial Exercise Rim of the Pacific came to an end last week as ships from the 26 participating countries began either making their way home or moving on to overseas deployments around the Indo-Pacific region. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Electric Industries’ earnings decline 17.7%. Hawaiian Electric Industries Inc. posted a 17.7% drop in second-quarter earnings as utility maintenance expenses increased and subsidiary American Savings Bank set aside money for potential loan losses after releasing a significant amount from its loan-loss reserve in the year- earlier period. Revenue, however, jumped 31.7% to $895.6 million from $680.3 million. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

$30 million COVID-19 relief fund established for Honolulu County nonprofit organizations. The City and County of Honolulu is setting aside $30-million for local non-profit organizations that were impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. KITV4.

Honolulu’s Embattled Leahi Avenue Will Be Returning To City Control. City officials say they will put the street back to essentially the way it was before a private owner angered resident, took away street parking and allowed food trucks to operate. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

SEC sues Semisub tour boat, alleging investor fraud. The Securities and Exchange Commission has filed a suit against the Hawaii Semisub tour boat and its founders, who they allege misappropriated at least $1.5 million from investors to pay for personal expenses, including $8,500 per month to rent a Kahala home and over $200,000 on psychics and recreational drugs. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu City Council Candidates Spend Big Bucks On Campaigns As Primary Nears. Ron Menor, Makua Rothman and Tyler Dos Santos-Tam led in fundraising and spending in each of their races last month, according to campaign finance reports. Civil Beat.

Over 141,000 ballots already received in primary. Here's how they're being processed. Ballots collected via mail or dropped off at a deposit box on O’ahu eventually make it to the Hawaiʻi State Capitol building for pre-processing following signature verification from the Honolulu City Clerk’s Office, Scott Nago, the state’s Chief Election Officer, said. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Island

Three vie for Senate District 1. The Democratic primary for state Senate District 1 has two sitting senators facing off against each other and a third candidate who’s a former high-level appointed government executive and union chief. Tribune-Herald.

Program rolled out to ease burden on families for school supplies. Monday marked the official roll-out of the school supply subsidy pilot program, designed to cover the cost of supplies for all schools within the state that meet the financial qualifications. Tribune-Herald.

New Judge Sworn in at Kona Courthouse. Joanna E. Sokolow was sworn in as Judge of the District Family Court of the Third Circuit before colleagues, special guests, family, and friends – many of whom watched remotely. Big Island Now.

Maui

Mayor announces $25M federal grant for Waiʻale Road extension. Mayor Michael Victorino announced today the County of Maui will be awarded $25 million for the Waiʻale Road extension through the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity discretionary grant program. Maui Now. KHON2.

In Haleakala National Park, Crews Look To The Past To Understand The Present. More funding and focus has recently been put toward restoring some of Maui’s most historic places. Civil Beat.

Kauai

Kaua‘i gets $25 million in RAISE grant infrastructure funds. The federal government awarded the County of Kaua‘i a $25 million grant Monday, which will be used for South Shore transportation improvements. Garden Island.

EPA Fines State Agency For Illegal Kauai Cesspool. The Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources agreed to scour its 1.3 million acres of property for any additional illegal cesspools. The state Department of Land and Natural Resources paid federal regulators a six-figure fine for operating an illegal cesspool at the site of the former Kamokila Hawaiian Village in Kapaa. Civil Beat. Garden Island.

Honolulu police reforms proposed, Kealoha doctor brother convicted on 38 counts of opioid distribution, school reverses lei ban, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Honolulu Ballot Proposals Would Reshape Police Oversight. The charter amendments need support from six of nine City Council members to be added to the November ballot. Civil Beat.

State Rep. Sharon Har skirts question about why she went out during COVID-19. State Rep. Sharon Har has yet to explain to a special House committee why she was out at night during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021 while taking prescription medication for a respiratory ailment, drank alcohol and was subsequently arrested — and later acquitted — of drunken driving. Star-Advertiser.

Positive COVID-19 tests on the rise as Hawaii’s free testing program comes to an end. On Wednesday, the state’s weekly average positivity rate rose to 7.1% — up from 4.9% the previous week and 4.0% the week prior to that, according to the state Department of Health.  Star-Advertiser.

Hawai‘i reports 17 new deaths, 1,736 Covid-19 infections in past week. There are 1,212 coronavirus cases on O‘ahu, 150 on the Big Island, 88 on Kaua‘i, three on Lana‘i, 206 on Maui, seven on Moloka‘i, and 70 diagnosed out of state. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Commission Recommends Prosecution In Falsified Campaign Donations Case. Developer Timothy Lee allegedly reimbursed his employees for thousands of dollars they gave to candidates in 2020. The executive of a company leading development in the Ala Moana area could be facing criminal penalties over allegations that he made illegal donations to Honolulu mayoral candidates in 2020. Civil Beat.

World champ big wave surfer Makua Rothman files papers to run for City Council. Rothman is making a bid for the seat held by Heidi Tsuneyoshi, who is now running for governor as a Republican. Hawaii News Now.

HFD says new $12M helicopter will make rescues safer. The Honolulu Fire Department is asking the City Council for funds to purchase a new helicopter. KHON2.

Wahiawa Nursing Home Will Close Its Doors In July. The staff of the Wahiawa Nursing and Rehabilitation Center will help about 60 residents find new homes, officials said. Civil Beat.

Leilehua High School reverses ban on lei giving at graduation ceremony. The school was under fire for banning lei, saying the decision was based on COVID restrictions. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Despite uptick in COVID cases, some parents say it’s time to move beyond masks in classrooms. Dozens of parents and children signs in front of the state office building in Wailuku on Wednesday morning. They want the state Department of Education to remove its mask mandate for public school classrooms. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Hawaii Island

Gas tax cut stalls at council. The final measure of a tax-trimming trifecta — a move to cut the gas tax by 10 cents a gallon — stalled Wednesday in the County Council. West Hawaii Today.

Army study won’t recommend altering Hilo breakwater. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers initiated a second study in 2021 to determine whether opening a breach in the breakwater would demonstrably improve the bay’s water quality. That study, however, determined that it would not. Tribune-Herald.

Katherine Kealoha’s Brother Convicted Of Running Prescription Drug Ring. Dr. Rudolph B. Puana, 50, of Waimea was found guilty in federal court Wednesday of 38 counts of distributing and dispensing oxycodone, one count of distributing or dispensing fentanyl “outside the course of professional practice and without a legitimate medical purpose,” and conspiracy to distribute or dispense the drugs. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Big Island Now. Hawaii News Now.

Maui

As wastewater soils ocean, Māʻalaea injection wells fuel debate over who’s liable. Wastewater is leaking from archaic Māʻalaea condominiums injection wells, damaging ocean reef and other natural habitats.  Maui Now.

Maui Judge Tells Irrigation Company To Temporarily Restore Water. A Maui County judge on Tuesday told Launiupoko Irrigation Co. that it needs to restore running water to families in Kauaula Valley after the private water company cut it off before the Easter weekend without notice. Civil Beat.

Cleanup underway to remove 175 abandoned vehicles from remote Kanaio area of Maui. Approximately 175 abandoned derelict cars and trucks are being removed from a remote area of Kanaio on Maui over the next three weeks, according to the state Department of Land and Natural Resources. Maui Now. KITV4.

Maui parents, students rally against DOE mask rules. Saying that masks should be a choice, about 50 to 75 people rallied in Wailuku this morning against the state Department of Education’s indoor mask mandate. Maui Now.

Kauai

Most-polluted test site in April is Moloa‘a Stream. The Blue Water Task Force has released its April test results. Garden Island.

Protesters want to ‘let children breathe’. An anticipated group of more than three dozen people was expected at a sign-waving rally decrying the required wearing of face masks by school students in an indoor setting Wednesday. Garden Island.

Hawaii Supreme Court allows prostitutes' johns to wipe record, Maui spent taxpayer money opposing ConAm, Kona coffee yield down, electric rates to go up, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Matson ship off Honolulu © 2018 All Hawaii News

Ships vying for fuel oil expected to boost Hawaii electric bills. Hawaii, which already struggles with the nation’s highest electric bills, could see them jump by as much as 20 percent in just two years thanks to new regulations on fuel use in oceangoing ships. Bloomberg News Service.

State Supreme Court rules those who solicit prostitutes can wipe record. Under current state law, prostitutes and those who solicit prostitutes are punished differently. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Ballot Issues Draw $2.7 Million In Campaign Spending. Most of that money won’t end up influencing voters since the measure to raise taxes to fund public schools was thrown out by the state Supreme Court. Civil Beat.

Hawaii high school students reported fewer physical fights but more suicide attempts than their U.S. peers, while bullying rates approached the national average, according to data to be presented to the school board today. Star-Advertiser.

UH Wants $40 Million To Help Students Lower Their Tuition Costs. The university is asking legislators for money to expand the Hawaii Promise program to the Manoa, Hilo and West Oahu four-year campuses. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Medical Service Association is notifying some members currently enrolled in older health plans that they will be moved to coverage compliant with the federal Affordable Care Act as of Jan. 1. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Planning panel endorses Caldwell’s new plan on vacation rentals. The Honolulu Planning Commission on Wednesday gave its thumbs-up to the latest version of Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s omnibus short-term vacation rental bill, adding its own suggestions for the City Council, which will make a final decision on the proposal. Star-Advertiser.

BWS balks at study that says sizable leak of Red Hill fuel tank wouldn’t harm water supply. The Navy says critics are misreading the research. The Honolulu Board of Water Supply and environmentalists are protesting a study that suggests a fuel leak in a huge Navy tank farm buried in Red Hill might not harm the island water supply. Hawaii News Now.

Why The State Wants To Build This Ala Moana High-Rise Above A Shelter. Unlike the luxury condo towers rising nearby, all 200 units in the complex would be affordable housing. It’s considered a model for future use of state-owned land. Civil Beat.

State considers Leeward Oahu property as site for homeless ‘ohana zone,' but not everyone is on board. After a decade of helping hundreds of families, a Leeward Oahu homeless shelter closed its doors permanently Wednesday. Hawaii News Now.

Houseless Encampment Leaders Want Seat at the Decision-Making Table. Leaders from 3 homeless encampments came together at the Honolulu Museum of Art to discuss their futures. Hawaii Public Radio.

New bikeshare program in Honolulu looks like competition for Biki. Riders can rent a bike for $3.50 for 30 minutes. Hawaii News Now.

In response to community outrage, Kamehameha Schools has suspended plans to remove geese and ducks from a property it owns in Enchanted Lake. Hawaii News Now.

Sewage spills into Manoa Stream from overflow on St. Louis Heights Dr. More than 12,500 gallons of raw sewage spilled into Manoa Stream from a overflow on St. Louis Heights Drive. KHON2.

Kailua sinkhole may take months to repair. A portion of Kanapuu Drive near the Kahako Street intersection remained closed, as well as adjacent sidewalks, as crews Wednesday inspected the sinkhole on the shoulder of the road. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Opponents of the Thirty Meter Telescope say they plan to meet Monday to discuss their legal options in the wake of Tuesday’s Hawaii Supreme Court ruling that gives the green light for construction of the $1.4 billion project. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii Supreme Court decision to allow the controversial TMT project is still reverberating across the community. We hear reactions from the University of Hawaii President David Lassner, Big Island businessman and supporter Richard Ha, and Thirty Meter Telescope opponent Kealoha Pisciotta. Hawaii Public Radio.

Expectations delivered Wednesday by both Hawaii County and the "Thirty Meter Telescope" project. KITV.

The geologists who monitor Hawaii’s volcanoes can still count themselves among those displaced by the recent Kilauea eruption. Tribune-Herald.

The issue of what comes next for the beleaguered residents of Leilani Estates continues to divide a community worried about the possibility of busloads of tourists pouring in to gawk at Kilauea volcano’s most productive and famous outlet — fissure 8. Star-Advertiser.

Kulani Correctional Facility superintendent pleads not guilty to theft. A state prison superintendent charged with theft pled not guilty to third degree theft on Wednesday. Jerry Crivello is accused of stealing gates. KHON2.

Yield and profits down, prices up after coffee season cut short. Coffee season ended abruptly, some two months earlier than usual, for West Hawaii farmers. West Hawaii Today.

Lau Ola cleared to grow marijuana. A second marijuana dispensary on the Big Island was authorized by the state Department of Health to grow and sell cannabis products. Tribune-Herald.

Project explores viability of using canines to hunt for harmful tree fungus. Cobra was trained to detect a fungus that causes rapid ohia death. Tribune-Herald.

Bubba Gump to close. Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. on Alii Drive will cease operations in December “due to lease expiration,” company senior vice president and chief operating officer Jim Dufault said Wednesday. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Panel: Council’s ConAm flyer is campaign spending. County funds used to send what some see as an ad opposing a ‘vague’ ballot measure. The Campaign Spending Commission is asking the Maui County Council to register as a ballot issue committee for allocating $50,000 on a “public education” flyer addressing a state constitutional amendment. Maui News.

Looking to students as the future, mayoral candidates Elle Cochran and Mike Victorino offered their thoughts on increasing job, housing and recreational opportunities for Maui’s youth during a debate held at King Kekaulike High School on Tuesday night. Maui News.

Molokai candidates for council offer contrast. Maui County Council Member Stacy Helm Crivello faces a familiar opponent, Keani Rawlins-Fernandez, in the general election race for the council’s Molokai residency seat. Maui News.

Kauai

Armed with sample ballots, notebooks and questions, about 60 people crowded into Ha Coffee Tuesday night to learn more about what they’ll be voting on Nov. 6. Garden Island.

County Council candidate: Arryl Kaneshiro. Growing up on Kauai with strong family support and the support of teachers and coaches has given County Councilman Arryl Kaneshiro, 37, the ability to make tough decisions. Garden Island.

A blessing was held on Tuesday at the Kapaa bus stop near the Bryan J. Baptiste Sports Complex to mark construction of the fourth phase of the islandwide bus stop passenger shelter project. Garden Island.

The blue color surrounding the construction at Hanalei Pier and Black Pot Beach Park area is hydro-mulch, put on the ground to grow grass, according to county officials. Garden Island.