Hawaii sued over gun ban, state agency seeks to fix 'failing' foster care system, Honolulu advances empty home tax, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Lawsuit Challenges Hawaii’s Gun Ownership Ban For Young Adults. The latest lawsuit to take aim at Hawaii’s gun laws challenges the state’s ban on gun ownership for young adults 18 to 20 years old, which Second Amendment advocates say is an unconstitutional restriction on the right of Americans to bear arms. Lawyers assert that Hawaii is the only state with a complete ban on acquiring and owning firearms and ammunition by those who are 18 to 20. Associated Press.

Hawaii agency details plan to improve ‘failing’ foster care. Daisy Lynn Hartsfield, administrator of the Social Services Division overseeing the Child Welfare Serv­ices Branch within the state Department of Human Services, presented corrective action plan goals to a panel of state lawmakers Thursday in the wake of alarming findings in the audit requested by the Legislature in 2022. Star-Advertiser.

Report: Hawai'i suicide hotline calls increased while answer rates dropped. The results showed that call rates rose from about 97 to 137 per 100,000 residents following the Maui wildfire — that’s a 41% increase. But in-state answer rates dropped from about 90.3% to 77.2%. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Sheriff Division Faces New Scrutiny In 2019 Capitol Shooting Trial. A civil trial over a former deputy sheriff’s fatal shooting of a man outside the State Capitol five years ago began this week in a case that cast a spotlight on turmoil in the understaffed sheriff division. Civil Beat.

Gov. Josh Green's concerns about Trump's Cabinet picks. Green expressed concern over some of Trump's Cabinet appointments, including Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s selection to head the Department of Health and Human Services, as well as Dr. Mehmet Oz to run the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Hawaii Public Radio.

The ‘Ridiculous,’ Growing Trend Of Hawaii Private School Coaching. Tutoring centers helping students with private school admissions have become more popular in recent years, but not all families can afford them. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Honolulu City Council’s empty-homes tax measure advances.  Thursday the Honolulu City Council’s Budget Committee voted 3-2, with Esther Kia‘aina and Augie Tulba dissenting, to advance the second of three readings of Bill 46, which could tax a vacant real property by as much as 3%. Star-Advertiser.

West Oahu May Get More Than 800 New Short-Term Rentals In Apartment Zone. Parcels next to the Hoakalei Resort in Ewa were a hot topic at the Honolulu City Council’s final hearing on the overhauling of its Land Use Ordinance. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Department of Planning and Permitting improves review times. It's also aggressively trying to double its current staff and has upgraded its software so now you can track the status of your permits. KITV4.

Par Hawaii to invest $90 million in renewable-fuel transformation. A petroleum refinery in the James Campbell Industrial Park officially began its transition into the clean- energy sector with a blessing ceremony Thursday, marking the start of its efforts to adopt more sustainable energy practices and work toward Gov. Josh Green’s goal of achieving 100% renewable energy by 2045.  Star-Advertiser.

HPD pushes for tougher ‘ghost gun’ laws amid spike. The 88 ghost guns recovered by the Honolulu Police Department this year come from crimes they were used in or were found during investigations. The seizures represent a nearly 70% increase from the 52 found by officers in 2023. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Coast Guard establishes first Hawaii-based JROTC program. Coast Guard establishes first Hawaii-based JROTC program. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s recycled plastic, asphalt road shows ‘no increased leaching’ in 2 years. Some Ewa Beach residents have been driving on a road that is partially made of recycled plastic for over two years. KHON2.

Navy to start 'large-scale' effort to remove invasive coral at Pearl Harbor. Unomia stolonifera is a species of “octocoral,” also known as “pulsing coral” or "stoloniferous fire coral," and was first detected in the harbor in 2020. Hawaii Public Radio.

DOH: No humans tested positive for H5N1 from infected flock. The Hawaii Department of Health says so far, no one has tested positive for avian influenza after the first detection of H5N1 in a flock of ducks and geese last week. DOH followed up with 54 individuals for potential exposure to the infected flock in Wahiawa. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Proposal regarding hospitals advances. In order to improve health care access across the Big Island, the Hawaii County Planning Department hopes to expand where hospitals and other medical facilities are allowed to be built. Tribune-Herald.

Hope Services Hawaii Granted $2.5 Million From Bezos Day 1 Families Fund. The grant from Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez will help connect Hawaiʻi island families experiencing homelessness with stable housing and critical services. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Modular home hauling for Lahaina happening Friday and Saturday. The Hawai’i Department of Transportation said Thursday that local drivers may expect slight traffic delays as modular homes for wildfire survivors are being transported from Central Maui to the Ka Laʻi Ola housing site. Maui News.

State Historic Preservation Division working to streamline Lahaina approvals. In an effort to reduce delays and frustration for residents and commercial property owners preparing to rebuild in fire-ravaged Lahaina, the DLNR State Historic Preservation Division (SHPD) is working to balance speed and efficiency with protection of historic and archeological resources, particularly iwi, department officials said. Maui Now.

Panel discusses how ancestral knowledge can guide Lahaina rebuilding following 2023 wildfire. Hundreds gathered at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa for the 2024 Piʻo Summit: Hulihia: Fire and Rain, a free series of forums focused on leveraging ancestral ʻike (knowledge) to support long-term recovery efforts for communities affected by the Lahaina wildfires and the 2018 Kauaʻi floods. Maui Now.

New Kahului homes blessed and move-in ready for two healthcare professionals impacted by the Lahaina fires. The first two completed homes under the Housing for Healthcare initiative were blessed in a private ceremony held with the two new tenants and their families, both Maui healthcare professionals who lost their homes and belongings in the devastating Lahaina fires last year. The families moved into their homes this month. Maui Now.

Maui bus gets stuck in sinkhole the size of a small swimming pool. A Maui bus made an unexpected stop Wednesday when pooling water on a Kahului Street turned out to be a growing sinkhole and the rear wheels of the bus got stuck in the hole. Maui News. Maui Now.

Hawaii News Now responds to Maui Police Department accusations. The Maui Police Department says it has lodged a complaint with the Federal Communications Commission over reports by HNN Investigates about the mishandling of human remains after the Lahaina wildfire. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai

Community partners feted for wildfire efforts. Various community members and agencies were honored at an awards ceremony Tuesday for their heroic efforts during mid-July wildfires. Garden Island. Kauai Now.

Green remains a popular governor, Honolulu mayor vetoes fireworks measure, pro-development super PAC aims to influence Maui council races, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Green ranks sixth nationally in governor approval ratings. Gov. Josh Green ranks in the top 10 in approval ratings compared with the rest of America’s governors, according to separate surveys reported this month. Morning Consult, an independent pollster that conducts political polling and continues to track this year’s presidential race, placed Green sixth most popular in the nation, with a 62% approval rating that “likely reflects a solid base of support among Hawaii’s electorate.” The Cato Institute — which leans conservative and advocates for small government — ranked Green tied for seventh among all governors. Star-Advertiser.

These 3 House races could flip seats in the state Legislature. In the House, there are six Republicans — three face competitive Democratic challengers this year. Reps. David Alcos, Diamond Garcia and Elijah Pierick of Oʻahu are part of a more socially conservative pack of Republicans elected in the 2022 election. Hawaii Public Radio.

OHA race: Ahuna and Lindsey run modest campaigns for Kauaʻi and Niʻihau seat. OHA is a semi-autonomous agency created to better the conditions of Native Hawaiians. The agency is tasked with managing a trust of about $600 million. The general election is on Nov. 5 and as a statewide race, all Hawaiʻi residents can  vote for OHA. Hawaii Public Radio.

ACLU of Hawaii demands investigation into Arizona prison’s drinking water. The American Civil Liberties Union of Hawaii is demanding an investigation into the drinking water quality at Saguaro Correctional Center in Arizona. Nearly a thousand Hawaii inmates are incarcerated there. Hawaii News Now. Civil Beat. KHON2.

Campaign aims to prevent aquarium dumping. The weeklong “Don’t Let It Loose” campaign aims to prevent aquarium owners from releasing these invasive species into the ocean, as well as the importation and possession of illegal marine aquarium species. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now.  KHON2.

Oahu

Honolulu mayor blows up fireworks measure. Bill 22, adopted by a majority of the Council in early October to allow ground-level fountains and sparklers to be lit in public on Oahu, was vetoed Oct. 25 by Mayor Rick Blangiardi. Star-Advertiser.

City Council considers reviving its agricultural development task force. The nine-member group of agriculture stakeholders and practitioners would recommend policies in zoning, land use, infrastructure, and other issues that would affect farming and food production on the island. Hawaii Public Radio.

‘It scared the hell out of me’: Emotions pour over Red Hill crisis at BWS meeting. The Board of Water Supply is standing by its warning that a fuel-related chemical plume could be spreading from the Navy’s Red Hill tanks. This after the Navy accused the agency of “misinformation” and being “grossly inaccurate.” Hawaii News Now.

Cleanup underway after heavy rain, runoff turn Ala Wai harbor into dump site. State crews and volunteers are clearing debris from the Ala Wai Small Boat Harbor after the weekend’s heavy rains triggered runoff from Makiki, Palolo and Manoa streams. Those waterways have been littered with illegally dumped items, such as appliances and landscaping waste. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Halloween Eve flash flood at UH Manoa left ruin in its wake. Wednesday marks the 20th anniversary of a Halloween Eve flash flood that sent a tsunami of mud, water and debris up to 8 feet high roaring through the University of Hawaii Manoa campus, damaging 30 buildings and tossing dumpsters and vehicles in its path. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Crisis Intervention Team Expands On Hawaiʻi Island. The Hawaiʻi Police Department has expanded its Crisis Intervention Team with the addition of 10 new officers. Big Island Video News.

More than $9.1 million coming to Hawai‘i for forest restoration projects. A Big Island company is one of two entities that will receive funds from the federal government for forest restoration projects that will help protect rare species, support agricultural production and increase climate resilience in Hawai‘i. Big Island Now.

Lease extension for Hilo mainstay spurs debate. The Board of Land and Natural Resources approved on Friday a 20-year lease extension for three parcels at the intersection of Kanoelehua Avenue and Leilani Street to Yamada Consolidated Inc., which was first issued a state lease in 1959 for a term of 45 years. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

New Carpenters Union Super PAC Is Spending Big On Maui Council Races. For A Better Tomorrow is supporting three pro-development candidates for the Maui County Council. Civil Beat.

Two Escape Routes Could Have Saved Dozens Of Maui Fire Victims. Without the dead end on Kuhua Street and the private lot dividing Aki Street, everyone there likely would have gotten out safely, Maui county planners say. Civil Beat.

State Historic Preservation Division Backlog Is Stalling Building On Maui. Experts say the bureaucratic limbo facing a Maui couple trying to rebuild their home outside of Lahaina reflects a broader problem. Civil Beat.

FEMA seeks landowners for modular home sites to help displaced Lahaina residents. To expand housing options in West Maui for wildfire survivors, FEMA is collaborating with the County of Maui and Lahaina property owners to place modular housing units on private properties. Hawaii Public Radio.

5 ʻalalā, the only surviving endemic crow, will be reintroduced on Maui. Five ʻalalā will soon be released into the wild from a temporary field aviary on the slopes of Haleakalā — the latest in the reintroduction efforts for the Hawaiian crow.  Hawaii Public Radio.

Kauai

Kouchi named Healthcare Association of Hawaiʻi’s State Legislator of the Year. Hawaiʻi Senate President and longtime Kauaʻi state legislator Ronald Kouchi was recently honored by a Hawaiʻi nonprofit aimed at creating a healthy Hawaiʻi, where every resident has access to affordable, high quality health care. Kauai Now.

Energy report could determine future of liquified natural gas favored by Green, Honolulu proposes 124% sewer rate hike, Hilo harbor plan requires private land, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Upcoming fuel report could determine new direction for the state's energy strategy. Gov. Josh Green turned heads this summer when he suggested the state should reconsider importing liquefied natural gas, or LNG. Now, the Hawaiʻi State Energy Office is close to releasing a comprehensive analysis on whether or not the controversial energy resource is a good bet for the islands. Hawaii Public Radio.

Ballot question would change judicial selection process. A proposed constitutional amendment about the appointment of judges will have many voters scratching their heads.Supporters of the change worry that people will ignore the proposal because of confusion -- and cause it to die. Hawaii News Now.

Projected air seat declines underscore Hawaii tourism softening. Total trans-Pacific airline seats for Hawaii’s top U.S. market are projected to drop in November and December, with losses widening at the start of next year and remaining evident into April, according to Hawai‘i Visitors &Convention Bureau market data. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Tourism officials update lawmakers on sustainable practices. Tourism officials briefed lawmakers Wednesday on the management and marketing of Hawaii’s largest industry, focusing on sustainability and cultural preservation. KHON2.

Hawaii man charged in Trump assassination attempt seeks judge’s recusal.  Defense lawyers for Ryan W. Routh of Kaaawa, charged with trying to assassinate former President Donald Trump at his golf course in Florida renewed their efforts Wednesday to get the Trump-appointed judge who is handling the case to step down, citing a recent news article saying she is under consideration for a top legal position if Trump wins the election. New York Times.

Hawaii stores fined nearly $1M this year for unregistered chemicals. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency levied a fine against the local operator of Daiso stores this month to the tune of nearly $315,000 for unregistered pesticides and misbranded pesticide devices. Earlier in the year, the EPA also fined the parent company of Don Quijote, Times Supermarket and Marukai Market over $660,000 for selling unregistered chemicals — think disinfectants, plant growth regulators, as well as insecticides and pesticides for things like roach control. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

City proposing 124% residential sewer fee hikes over the next 10 years on Oahu. Starting July 1, the city plans to increase city sewer fees over a 10-year period that will impact single-family residential customers — who consume 9,000 gallons of water a month toward sewer usage, like flushing the toilet — as well as all other customer classes served by the city and county’s sewer system. Star-Advertiser.

As property insurance rates continue to rise, many condo owners are finding it difficult or impossible to keep up with the costs. As a result, the Honolulu City Council is considering a resolution asking the state Legislature to pass policies next session that would address the issue. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hilton Hawaiian Village workers mark 30 days on strike. Over 1,800 Hilton Hawaiian Village workers marked 30 days on strike Wednesday, and people who don't work there are increasingly siding with the strikers. Hawaii Public Radio.

Leader of heavily armed drug-dealing gang gets 30 years. The leader of a heavily armed Honolulu drug trafficking organization that marketed deadly fentanyl-­laced mixes of opioids, heroin and methamphetamine will serve 30 years in federal prison. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

EA details harbor plan: Document gives DOT green light to purchase five lots to expand the entrance. The state by the end of next year could purchase a little over nine acres of land on Kalanianaole Street to expand the entrance to Hilo Harbor. Tribune-Herald.

In surprise move, state Supreme Court takes on appeal of Hilo doctor’s HMSA lawsuit. Hilo obstetrician-gynecologist Frederick Nitta filed a lawsuit in 2022 against the Hawaii Medical Services Association over several incidents in which the insurer failed to cover certain medications and treatments he considered to be medically necessary for patients. Tribune-Herald.

Ironman’s Parade of Nations in Kona showcases athletes participating from 85 countries. Patrons at the Da Shark Shack threw shakas and cheered as triathletes from around the world walked along Ali’i Drive in downtown Kailua-Kona on Tuesday during the 2024 VinFast Ironman World Championship’’s traditional Parade of Nations. Big Island Now.

Teen killed after utility vehicle driven by 8-year-old veers off road. An investigation is underway following a utility vehicle crash that killed a 13-year-old boy on Hawaii Island. The boy has been identified as Maxim Beregovoy.   KITV4. Hawaii News Now. Big Island Now.

Maui

Maui lawmakers discuss rebuilding 'nonconforming' structures in Lahaina, vacation rentals. The long-standing, bitter debate over vacation rentals on Maui took center stage during a Maui County Council Housing and Land Use Committee meeting on Wednesday discussing Bill 105.  KITV4.

Homes for FEMA’s Kilohana temporary housing site to be delivered next week to Lahaina. Motorists are advised of potential traffic delays as 10 modular homes for wildfire survivors are transported from Kahului Harbor to the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Kilohana temporary housing site in Lahaina. Maui Now.

Kahului Public Library to temporarily close beginning Nov. 1 to complete interior renovations. The Kahului Public Library will temporarily close to complete extensive interior renovations beginning Friday, Nov. 1.  At this time, the renovation project is scheduled to be completed in Spring 2025. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kauaʻi Island Utility Co-op honored for excellence, innovation in energy. The Association of Energy Engineers — Western U.S. Region presented Kauaʻi Island Utility Co-op with the Award for Institutional Energy Management during the Association of Energy Engineers World Energy Conference & Expo last month in Nashville. Kauai Now.

Jobless rate jumps in September on Kauai. A pullback in a number of employment sectors sent the jobless rate up more than one-half-percentage point in the final month of summer on the island of Kauai. Garden Island.

State seeks way to implement 100 recommendations in Maui fire aftermath, Routh's Kaaawa neighbors shocked by alleged would-be assassin in their midst, medical respite facility for Oahu homeless unveiled, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

State grapples with next steps following release of latest Lahaina fire report. The second phase of the attorney general’s report on the Aug. 8, 2023, Maui wildfires includes over 100 recommendations for the state, county, utility companies and general public to better prepare and respond to the threat of wildfires. Hawaii Public Radio.

OHA awards $2.8M in grants to address Native Hawaiian health, culture, economy and homestead needs. Support for traditional healing practices, training for navigators involved in traditional Polynesian voyaging, business education for entrepreneurs, assistance for vulnerable populations and funding for neighborhood watch initiatives on homestead lands are just some of the projects that will be advanced thanks to the Office of Hawaiian Affairs Grants Program. Kauai Now.

Hawaii Man Accused Of Trying To Kill Trump Wrote A Book Urging Iran To Assassinate The Ex-President. Ryan Wesley Routh moved to Kaaawa outside of Honolulu in 2018 to go in business with his adult son building small wooden sheds. Associated Press. Star-Advertiser.

Alleged gunman Ryan Routh shocks neighbors in Kaaawa. For the past six years, Ryan Routh has called the quiet and tranquil neighborhood of Kaaawa home.  KITV4.

Oahu

City, state unveil medical respite to provide care for the homeless. In a joint effort to deal with homelessness on Oahu, Mayor Rick Blangiardi and Gov. Josh Green on Monday formally unveiled the Aala Respite at the edge of downtown Honolulu. Star-Advertiser. KHON2.

Gov. Green says he cannot legally intervene in Kapi‘olani labor dispute. Kapi‘olani Medical Center for Women and Children management has said the lockout prohibiting HNA-represented nurses from returning to work will remain in place until the latest contract offer is unconditionally accepted. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii Public Radio.

HPD Is Adding Dozens Of Extra Police Officers To Westside Patrols. Honolulu police are calling on reserve officers to provide more police presence to the area after a series of shootings and other violent crimes have rattled the community. Civil Beat. KHON2.

This tucked away south shore beach is becoming a “chill spot” for college kids, and some residents are not happy. The beach is right off Diamond Head Road, where vehicles coming down the hill often pick up speed before coming around a curve near the park. Hawaii News Now.

Firefighters suspend operations battling Kalihi Valley brush fire due to darkness; Fire is 75% contained. Honolulu firefighters have suspended fire operations just before 6 p.m. on Monday night due to darkness in their battle with a brush fire in Kalihi Valley. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Hawaii Island

Council members establish wishlist of legislative priorities. Changes to state regulations regarding e-cigarettes and midwives are among a wishlist of state bills the Hawaii County Council hopes to see pass next year. Tribune-Herald.

Kilauea Lava Eruption Resumes On Middle East Rift Zone. The eruption, which resumed at 6 p.m. Monday evening, is occurring within a closed and remote area of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Big Island Video News. Hawaii News Now.  KHON2.

North Kona Water Restriction Ended After Well Repair. The Kalaoa Deepwell has been repaired and returned to service, which means the required 25% water restriction for North Kona has been downgraded to a voluntary 10% water conservation.  Big Island Video News. Big Island Now.

Maui

Mayor Bissen hosting community budget meetings for Fiscal Year 2026. Mayor Richard Bissen and his administration will host community budget meetings throughout Maui County starting next week for residents to share their priorities and provide input on the budget for Fiscal Year 2026, which begins July 1, 2025.  Maui Now.

Maui Housing Advocates Push For Rent Control Bill To Cap Soaring Prices. A proposal aimed at stabilizing rents got its first hearing before the Housing and Land Use Committee. Civil Beat.

1-day mass permitting events to continue in West, South Maui. The County of Maui Department of Parks and Recreation will continue one-day mass permitting events for summer 2025 private-­party community center permits in West and South Maui districts. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai

Multiple Hanamā‘ulu brush fires ʻintentionally setʻ Sunday. Several small brush fires were extinguished by firefighters in the area of Kalepa Ridge in Hanamā‘ulu on Sunday, Sept. 16, which the Kauaʻi Fire Department believes were intentionally set.  Kauai Now. Spectrum News.

Wilcox nurses holding candlelight vigil for ‘unsafe staffing conditions’ . The nurses of Wilcox Medical Center are holding a candlelight vigil to stand in solidarity with the nurses of Kapi‘olani Medical Center on Monday, Sept. 16, who were recently “locked out” following a one-day strike amid contract contention.  Kauai Now.

Maui fire recovery, pandemic hazard pay strain state budget, Green leads delegation to Japan, Blangiardi signs bill increasing grants to developers of affordable housing, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Governor: Hawaii Can Pay The Bills For Maui Fire Recovery, Hazard Pay And More. The administration has not yet released a budget plan for covering those costs, but the governor says it can be done without tapping into the rainy day fund. Civil Beat.

Maui judge agrees to ask state Supreme Court about barriers to $4B wildfire settlement. Judge Peter Cahill on Maui agreed Friday to ask the state high court questions about how insurance companies can go about recouping money paid to policyholders. Associated Press.

Disaster insurance drove billions in revenue for companies. Hawaii homeowners and businesses have purchased nearly $38 billion in disaster insurance over the last 20 years, generating more than $23 billion in net income for insurance companies and further driving Gov. Josh Green to insist that insurers be barred from suing the entities responsible for last year’s Maui wildfires, including the state. Star-Advertiser.

U.S. Transportation Department holds fate of Alaska-Hawaiian merger. Two weeks have passed since the proposed $1.9 billion merger between competitors Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines cleared what is traditionally considered its most significant regulatory hurdle. Star-Advertiser. KITV4.

Gov. Green travels to Japan to strengthen ties with sister cities. Green will also lead a delegation of local businesses for the Tokyo International Gift Show, meet with the US Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel, and will meet with leaders from Fukuoka, Ehime and Hiroshima prefectures. Maui Now.

In first interview since losing election, Hawaii's house speaker Scott Saiki discusses long career in politics. Video Only. Hawaii News Now.

UH developed, living coastal-protection system prepares for deployment. The University of Hawaiʻi has reached a milestone in the US Department of Defense funded project that aims to create a living breakwater system to protect coastlines from erosion and create ecosystems where resilient corals and other ocean life can grow and thrive. Maui Now.

Oahu

New Honolulu law aims to spur affordable rental construction. Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi signed Bill 3 to increase post-construction grant amounts for privately financed rental housing projects, deemed a key incentive for developers trying to make projects financially feasible, city officials said. Star-Advertiser.

Board to review CEO’s contract on Friday, HART says. The next employment agreement for Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation’s executive director and CEO, Lori Kahikina, is set for possible approval later this week. Star-Advertiser.

City unveils plans to alter Oahu’s livable landscape to match population growth. Pearl City residents got to see the city’s ambitious plan to reshape their neighborhood. It includes replacing rundown buildings with new high-rises over the next 16 years. Hawaii News Now.

A Wave Of Westside Shootings Has People Saying ‘Enough Is Enough.’ But What More Can Be Done? Honolulu police promised to step up officer patrols in the area, where residents have long felt neglected by city services.  Neighbors’ complaint about speeding cars set off Waianae man’s deadly rampage. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser. KHON2.  Hawaii News Now.  KITV4.

Kapi‘olani Medical Center nurses vote to go on strike again. The Hawaii Nurses’ Association, which represents 600 Kapi‘olani nurses, said Sunday night that its members voted by an overwhelming majority to give the union the green light to call for a walkout if a contract cannot be reached with Hawaii Pacific Health, which operates Kapi‘olani. Star-Advertiser.

Assets School is granted $1.25 million for tuition aid. Assets School, the only K-12 school in Hawaii specializing in educating children who are gifted, dyslexic or have other language-­based learning differences, has received an anonymous $1.25 million donation to support tuition assistance. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Gov. Green Fills Hawaii House of Representatives Vacancy. Matthias Kusch will represent Hamakua, Kaumana and parts of Hilo on the Big Island. Civil Beat.

Overnight Safe Space opens in Hilo. The Hilo Overnight Safe Space is a 25-bed outdoor tent at the Salvation Army’s facility downtown on Ponahawai Street.  Tribune-Herald. Big Island Now.

Conservation groups say Hawaiʻi Supreme Court aquarium fishing ruling will hurt ecosystem.  The Hawaiʻi Supreme Court on Wednesday approved the legality of an environmental review to allow limited aquarium fishing around Hawaiʻi Island, leading to concerns about opening up the industry throughout the West Hawai‘i Regional Fishery Management Area. Hawaii Public Radio.

State’s high court to hear arguments over release of new evidence in Dana Ireland murder case. The Hawaii Supreme Court has set Sept. 12 as the date to hear oral arguments in the legal battle over evidence in the high profile 1991 murder of Dana Ireland. Hawaii News Now.

Maui

Council refers accessory dwelling bill to Housing and Land Use Committee. Maui County Council members referred to the Housing and Land Use Committee on Tuesday a bill stemming from a new state law that requires counties to change the way accessory dwellings are permitted on residential property. Maui Now.

Maui Is Fully Reopening 2 Lahaina Neighborhoods For First Time Since The Fires. The county says Wahikuli and Mala no longer present a safety or health risk to justify restricted access. Civil Beat.

Initiative works to keep Lahaina lands in local hands. The Lahaina Community Land Trust helps local residential property owners avoid selling their Lahaina land and buys  property from owners who are committed to sell and then buys the property to perpetually house local families. Star-Advertiser.

Storm rainfall brings little relief to Maui’s southside; drought conditions persist. Leslie Peterson, nursery manager of the South Maui Garden in Kihei, said the recent rainfall that hit Maui last week from storm system Gilma was nothing short of a blessing. Maui News.
 
Kauai

Kauai fishpond’s restoration is recognized. Scores of volunteers have been sweating and toiling in the mud the past five years to restore the Alakoko fishpond on Kauai, one of the last remaining ponds built by Native Hawaiians some 600 years ago. Star-Advertiser.

Kauaʻi County considers bill to add $200 surcharge for illegal highway parking. The Kauaʻi County Council has introduced a bill to tap into the State Highway Enforcement Program Surcharge Fund, which was established in 2019. Hawaii Public Radio.

Tourist fee for climate impact likely to be revisited, Honolulu city auditor resigns, short-term rental phase-out remains in Maui Community Plan update, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Is this the year a climate impact fee will pass in the state Legislature?  There could be a stronger push to pass Gov. Josh Green’s climate impact fee during the 2025 legislative session. Green has advocated for a fee to be imposed on every Hawaiʻi tourist since he was campaigning for governor. He said that money would fund projects related to climate change and the environment. Hawaii Public Radio.

Summer tourism bump going flat as fall nears. Softness has been present in Hawaii’s visitor industry since the Aug. 8, 2023, Maui wildfires, and even in July, Maui’s more than 20% drop in visitor arrivals and nearly 18% decrease in spending were dragging down the statewide tourism performance, according to preliminary statistics released Thursday by the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. Star-Advertiser.

UH gets $2M to join push for domestic semiconductor design and manufacturing. The semiconductor shortage during the pandemic opened the public’s eyes to the fact that those tiny chips are critical to worldwide infrastructure from cars to computers to cell phones. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

Honolulu City Auditor Resigns Nearly Halfway Through Her 6-Year Term. Arushi Kumar, who was appointed to a six-year term in October 2021, said she is moving back to Seattle, citing “changing personal circumstances and family commitments.” Civil Beat.

Audit Calls Honolulu Police Commission’s Oversight ‘Inconsistent And Ineffective’.  The Honolulu Police Commission doesn’t fully address public concerns about accountability and transparency in HPD and did not follow up consistently with the department about recurring issues surrounding officers’ activation of body cameras, according to the city auditor. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

HART’s $1.66 billion contract might delay related rail work, CEO says. Although it’s not been disclosed which projects might be postponed, HART plans that the City Center Guideway and Stations, or CCGS, contract will include design and construction of six rail stations and miles of elevated rail guideway beginning east of the Middle Street Transit Center station. Star-Advertiser.

Gun Violence On Oahu’s West Side Has Parents And Teachers Worried About School Safety. Some community members want to see retired police officers stationed on high school campuses, while others say after-school activities and mental health support would be more effective. Civil Beat.

Iwilei is getting more kauhale for the homeless. But residents say it’s unsafe and unfair. The state and City of Honolulu are working to get about 300 people off the streets by having three kauhale in Iwilei. But residents say it’s unsafe and unfair. Hawaii News Now.

Developer outlines plan for new residential units at Oahu's Turtle Bay. Arete Collective purchased 65 acres of land from the Turtle Bay Resort in April. It said it has already begun work on the first phase of its project, four low-rise buildings with 20 residential units. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Hawaii Island

Registration pending for plane that crashed, records show. The Federal Aviation Administration’s records show that ownership registration was pending for the Cessna that crash-landed Wednesday close to the Upolu Airport near Hawi on Hawaii island’s North Kohala coast. Star-Advertiser.

Gilma Dissipates Less Than 200 Miles East Northeast Of Hilo. The remnants of Gilma – once a major hurricane – are moving toward the west-northwest near 12 mph, and forecasters say this motion is expected to continue over the next couple of days.  Big Island Video News. Big Island Now.

Maui

Short-term rental phase-out remains in South Maui Community Plan update. Maui Planning Commission members breezed by a proposed policy statement in the draft South Maui Community Plan update Tuesday evening, agreeing by consensus that the plan would aim to increase long-term residential housing by phasing-out short-term rentals from Māʻalaea to Kanaio. Maui Now.

Former Maui homeless shelter resident says it’s safer and cleaner to live out on the streets. Drugs, overdoses, and deaths are just a few of the complaints emerging from a homeless shelter on Maui. Hawaii News Now.

Visitation to Maui at highest level last month since August of 2023. Maui has seen an increase in visitors for the month of July, compared to July 2023, and an increase in visitor spending.  Maui News.

9 month road closure of Kekaulike Ave. near Mile 8.2 begins Sept. 3. Goodfellow Bros. will begin performing road work on Kekaulike Ave. at Mile 8.2 on Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2024. A Full road closure will be in effect for this construction area for the next nine months.  Maui Now.

Kauai

Kauaʻi County considers bill to add $200 surcharge for illegal highway parking. Kauaʻi could soon start giving police money to enforce illegal parking or stopping on state highways. The Kauaʻi County Council has introduced a bill to tap into the State Highway Enforcement Program Surcharge Fund, which was established in 2019. Hawaii Public Radio.

Most surf sites test clean in August. A monthly analysis of streams, rivers and surf spots around the island found high concentrations of enterococcus bacterium — a federally recognized indicator of fecal presence in water — at a number of locations. Garden Island.

‘The canoe will never leave you:’ Hōkūleʻa sets sail after two-week stay on Kaua‘i. Hōkūleʻa is now headed to Haleʻiwa on the North Shore of O‘ahu. Kauai Now.

State Supreme Court clears the way for aquarium trade to ply West Hawaii coast, Green blasts insurance company for failing to settle Maui claims, FEMA awards another $7.9M in disaster relief, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii Supreme Court clears path for aquarium fish collection permits.  The Hawaii Supreme Court on Wednesday ruled 4-1 that the pet industry’s environmental review of commercial aquarium fish collection in West Hawaii is legally adequate, permitting the state Board of Land and Natural Resources to consider reopening nearly the entire West Hawaii coastline to this practice — which has historically removed hundreds of thousands of native fish from the state’s reefs each year. Star-Advertiser. Tribune-Herald.  Maui Now.  Hawaii News Now.

Green blasts State Farm for refusing to settle Maui claims. Green called out the insurance industry’s “terrible, terrible greed” for holding up a proposed $4.037 billion “global settlement” that would resolve over 650 claims and lawsuits in the aftermath of the wildfire that killed 102 people and destroyed nearly 4,000 structures, most of them homes. Instead of addressing sea-level rise and climate change, Green now wants income from a proposed visitor impact fee to help the state provide its own insurance to victims of future disasters following the Aug. 8, 2023, Maui wildfires. Star-Advertiser.

Advocates push for Hawaii constitutional amendment to secure marriage equality. Hawaii voters are going to be faced with some decision making come Nov. 5. It will be Ballot Question No. 1, which asks voters to approve a constitutional amendment to protect the freedom for anyone to marry in Hawaii – including same-sex marriage, which is already legal here in the state. KITV4.

United flight attendants OK strike, but feds get the final say. Union members picketed Wednesday at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport as part of systemwide Day of Action picket called “Unleashing our Power” that took place at 19 airports. Star-Advertiser. KHON2.

Tropical Storms Gilma, Hector weakening. Gilma crossed into the Central Pacific and, as of 5 p.m. Tuesday, was about 775 miles east of Hilo, packing maximum sustained winds of 50 mph with locally higher gusts, and moving west at 13 mph. Tribune-Herald. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Drinking water expert, residents concerned about lead detections in Navy tap.  Nearly a decade ago, Elin Betanzo helped uncover the lead contamination in Flint, Michigan. She was hired by a community group called the Red Hill Community Representation Initiative, to look at the Navy’s drinking water data following its 2021 fuel spills. Hawaii News Now.

The Honolulu Police Chief Just Got A Good Job Review But Many Employees Think Otherwise. The "disconnect" between the police commission and police employees has raised concerns from the police union to the mayor. Civil Beat.

Suspended sheriff’s deputy allegedly pressured before death. A 32-year-old sheriff’s deputy found dead in his apartment Monday was allegedly being pressured about his role in an incident that led to him and four other deputies having their police powers restricted in June, according to an email sent Tuesday to the entire Department of Law Enforcement written by another of the suspended deputies. Star-Advertiser.

Blessing held for long-awaited lifeguard tower in Kailua. The new tower will be staffed with five full-time lifeguards seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., offering more coverage for the north side of the popular 2.5-mile shoreline along Kailua Bay. Star-Advertiser.

Sharks Cove parking lot reopens after emergency wall repairs. The Sharks Cove parking lot at Pupukea Beach Park reopened after an emergency project to mitigate the distressed retaining wall in the area. KITV4.

Hawaii Island

Helicopter Companies Push To Reopen New Plan Restricting Air Tours Over Volcanoes Park. The air tour management plan for Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is meant to address noise and environmental concerns. The industry says the new rules compromise safety. Civil Beat.

‘Hobbit House’ and others hit hard by Hone. A well-known house in Ka‘u that was once a bed-and-breakfast sustained major flood damage as Tropical Storm Hone passed to the south of the Big Island over the weekend. Tribune-Herald. KHON2.

Plane Makes Emergency Landing Near Upolu Airport. A small Cessna airplane made an emergency landing south of Upolu Airport in North Kohala on Wednesday. The pilot was treated at the scene for a minor injury and released, officials say. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now.

Maui

Maui Economic Director’s Business Associate Got Contracts From Her County Office. Luana Mahi may have recused herself from decisions involving the contracts but she still signed off or recommended approval of contracts. Civil Beat.

FEMA awards additional $7.9M in Disaster Case Management funding to expand recovery support for Maui wildfire survivors. The Federal Emergency Management Agency has awarded an additional $7.9 million in funding to the Hawaiʻi Department of Human Services to expand the state’s Disaster Case Management Program.  Maui Now.

Owner fights back after maintenance fees demanded for destroyed condo in Lahaina. A former Maui lawmaker says she is getting demand letters to pay maintenance fees for her condominium that was destroyed in the Lahaina disaster. Hawaii News Now.

Royal Lahaina Resort & Bungalows reopens, debuts new oceanfront restaurant and pool bar. The Royal Lahaina Resort & Bungalows in Kāʻanapali is open once again, following 10 months of providing refuge to Lahaina residents in need. Maui Now.

The Maui News announces leadership change. Chris Minford will step down as publisher of The Maui News Sept. 3. Minford has worked at the newspaper for 36 years, including the last four as publisher. Jenni DeFouw, a newspaper industry veteran who most recently served as the advertising sales manager for the Steamboat Pilot & Today in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, has been named as general manger and advertising director of The News. Maui News.

Kauai

Hundreds of people attend 26th annual Governor’s Luncheon on Kauai. Gov. Josh Green spoke before an audience of more than 300 people at the 26th annual Governor’s Luncheon at the Outrigger Kauai Beach Resort on Tuesday, Aug. 27, 2024. The event was hosted by the Kauai Chamber of Commerce. Garden Island. Kauai Now.

Online survey for East Kaua‘i Community and Circulation plan extended. The East Kaua‘i Community and Circulation Plan will guide the growth and development of the region over the long term and is designed to build on the County’s General Plan, focusing on the unique challenges and opportunities of the East Kaua‘i district. Kauai Now.

Hurricane Gilma expected to bring Hawaii weekend storms, Kauai councilman on unpaid leave from teaching job after 'inappropriately' messaging student, Green asks wildfire lawyers to reduce fees, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Gilma strengthens to Category 1 hurricane, expected to bring stormy weather over the weekend.  Forecasters are keeping an eye on a pair of weather disturbances over the western portion of the East Pacific basin, about 1,350 miles east-southeast of Hilo. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News. Star-Advertiser. Associated Press. National Hurricane Center. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Green leads Hawaii delegation in nominating Kamala Harris. Hawaii delegates to the Democratic National Convention in Chicago donned light-blue, long-sleeved aloha shirts and dresses and wore green “Hawaii for Harris” buttons Tuesday as Gov. Josh Green pledged Hawaii’s support for Vice President Kamala Harris to become the next president of the United States. Star-Advertiser. KHON2.

Facing Potential $1 Billion Payday, Wildfire Lawyers Advertise For More Clients. Gov. Josh Green calls on lawyers to reduce fees to help the victims, but the settlement still is not final. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Failed To Change The Way It Builds After Earlier Disasters. Will Lahaina Spur Reform? Lahaina will likely be more resilient when it’s rebuilt. But will the rest of Hawaii’s vulnerable communities agree to tougher building codes to defend themselves? Civil Beat.

HIDOE announces finals for 2025 Hawaii State Teacher of the Year. The finalists consist of 15 complex area teachers of the year and one charter school teacher which were announced on Tuesday, Aug. 20.  KITV4.

Oahu

Why officials are grappling with the decision of where to put Oʻahu's next landfill. It’s been almost five years since the state Land Use Commission ordered the city to close Waimānalo Gulch Landfill, located in West Oʻahu, by 2028. Hawaii Public Radio.

‘Frat House’ Culture | HPD faces lawsuit alleging sexual harassment, discrimination. Allegations have been leveled against the Honolulu Police Department and high-ranking officers, claiming sexual harassment, discrimination, and whistle-blower discrimination. KITV4.

HPD arrest State Deputy Sheriff on suspicion of terroristic threatening. Dibiano Bontog, 35, Bontog is accused of pointing what looked like a firearm at some people he believed were illegally fishing, after videotaping them and getting into a confrontation. KITV4. Star-Advertiser. KHON2.

Wilcox Medical Center awarded $10.6M grant. The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust has awarded Hawaii a $10.6 million grant to provide Wilcox Medical Center with state-of-the-art diagnostic and radiology equipment. Spectrum News.

How A Human Bone Collection in Honolulu Aids Forensic Anthropology in Asia. Taking advantage of Hawaii's diverse population, scientists have built the state's first known-identity human osteological lab. Civil Beat.

Second opossum in over one month captured in Honolulu. A live opossum was captured in Honolulu on Monday afternoon, according to Department of Agriculture officials. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

Nighttime runway work at Hilo International Airport rescheduled. Nighttime runway work at the Hilo International Airport originally scheduled to start Monday has been rescheduled to Aug. 27 to 30. Big Island Now.

3 Big Island educators named among finalists for Hawai‘i State Teacher of the Year. A total of 15 complex area teachers were named finalists by the Hawaiʻi State Department of Education. Big Island Now.

Maui

County sewage service to be available for first time to Fleming Road lots in Lahaina. For the first time, 29 lots on Fleming Road in Lahaina will have the opportunity to access Maui County sewer service, but there are some requirements for property owners, according to an announcement. Maui Now.

HIDOE names two Maui educators finalists for the 2025 Hawai‘i State Teacher of the Year. The Hawai’i State Department of Education on Tuesday named two Maui educators as finalists among the 15 total state complex area teachers of the year candidates.  Maui News. Maui Now.

Removal of trees at popular Maui park spurs disagreement between county, community members. For decades, South Maui resident Keoki Mokiao and several others have took it upon themselves to tend to the popular Cove Beach Park in Kihei. KITV4.

Kauai

Kauaʻi Councilman ‘inappropriately’ messaged student on social media, school investigation reveals. Kaua’i County Councilman Billy DeCosta was put on unpaid leave from his teaching job at Kapaʻa High School earlier this year due to inappropriately messaging a student on social media, according to a June 20 letter sent to DeCosta from the state Department of Education. Kauai Now.

DHHL apartment purchase plan draws demonstrators on Kauai. A contentious plan by the state Department of Hawaiian Home Lands to buy a Kauai apartment complex for homesteading attracted demonstrators Monday and Tuesday outside a Hawaiian Homes Commission meeting in Wailua. Star-Advertiser.

Kaua‘i Community College gets $1.19 million grant. Kaua‘i Community College announced on Tuesday that it was awarded $1,194,119 by the U.S. Department of Education/Native Hawaiian Education Program. Garden Island.

$4B Maui wildfire settlement could come next week, Oahu faces rolling blackouts, traffic fatalities climb, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

$4 billion settlement for 2023 Maui wildfire could come next week. Hawaii Gov. Josh Green says the parties in Lahaina wildfire lawsuits against Hawaii, Maui County and utilities are close to a global settlement of claims that will be worth a little over $4 billion. The parties involved in Lahaina wildfire lawsuits against the state of Hawaii, Maui County and utilities are close to a global settlement of claims that will be worth a little over $4 billion, Gov. Josh Green told The Associated Press on Wednesday.  KITV4. Associated Press.

German official stresses Indo-Pacific stability. Germany’s defense minister was in Honolulu this week to meet with American military leaders, as well as with German sailors and airmen who participated in the biennial Exercise Rim of the Pacific in Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

Office of Hawaiian Affairs 2024 election: Here's what to expect. Four seats on the Office of Hawaiian Affairs Board of Trustees are up for election this year. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii summer traffic fatalities surpassed last year’s. State officials have tallied 59 traffic-related deaths in roughly the first seven months of 2024, 10 more than the same time in 2023, according to preliminary statistics from the Hawaii Department of Transportation. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Oahu power generation drop prompts rolling blackout warnings.  The possibility of forced outages rotating around parts of the island was announced by the company at about 2 p.m. based on supply and demand estimates after an unexpected shutdown of the largest independently owned power plant on the island, a 208-megawatt facility operated by Kalaeloa Partners. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii Public Radio.  Hawaii News Now.  KHON2.  KITV4.

HPD Releases Body Camera Footage In Only A Fraction Of Deadly Encounters. Body cameras are supposed to help hold police accountable, but many officers involved in critical incidents are part of specialized units that are exempt from wearing the devices. Civil Beat.

The possibility of offshore windfarms in Kaiwi channel waters gets major pushback. The state set a goal of generating 100% of its energy from renewable sources by 2045. But just the concept of using offshore wind turbines to generate some of that energy got major blowback in a Waimanalo town hall meeting with federal officials. Hawaii News Now.

Pacific Palisades residents fear single road, broken siren hinder fire evacuation. The neighborhood is nestled in Waimano Valley in Central Oʻahu. According to the federal Wildfire Risk to Communities map, it is classified as a “more likely” area to experience wildfires. Hawaii Public Radio.

A Fallen Tree Has Been Blocking Tantalus Drive For A Month. Why Hasn’t The City Cleared It? Residents say that the closure of Tantalus Drive leaves them in a dangerous situation, blocking their emergency access. Civil Beat.

Amazon vans are ready to roll from new distribution station. The world’s largest online retailer is about to open its own ground transportation operation for package delivery on Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

10 employees affected as City Mill closes warehouse. The 10 affected warehouse employees will retire or transition to “other employers.” KHON2.

Hawaii Island

County homeless camp relocated: Former site in Hilo has been restored. The county dismantled the Ponahawai shelter and relocated its 15 remaining occupants to a new shelter on Kuawa Street — a short road connecting Manono Street and Mamalahoa Highway just mauka of Kamehameha Avenue. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News.  Big Island Now.

Final Draft Of Hawaiʻi County General Plan 2045 Released. The comprehensive policy document will guide the physical, economic, environmental, and sociocultural development of Hawaiʻi County over the next 25 years. Big Island Video News.

Health Department issues high bacteria count notification at Kolekole Gulch; retesting site. Levels of 1652 per 100 mL were detected during routine beach monitoring – but the Department of Health is uncertain about the representativeness of the first sample. Big Island Now.

Maui

There Are So Few Doctors In Maui County That Even Medical Workers Struggle To Get Care. More than two-thirds of Maui County residents experienced delays accessing health care last year, according to a new report. Civil Beat.

Lahainaluna graduates awarded financial support to further studies. In the outpouring of support after the 2023 wildfire, Lahaina­luna’s 215 seniors were all offered full scholarships to attend the University of Hawaii. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now. KITV4.

Lāna‘i residents face a question: Should a private company or Maui County run their ferry? About 35 Pineapple Isle residents attended the first public meeting on the Maui County Ferry Feasibility Study, a Maui County Council-initiated report that is being conducted by the county Department of Transportation as it considers whether to develop a government-run intracounty ferry service from Maui to Lāna‘i and Moloka‘i.  Maui Now.

Kauai

First installment of Kaua‘i real property taxes coming due. Payments can be made online at https://kauairpt.ehawaii.gov, by mail, in person, or at the drop box located outside the Kapulē Building at the Līhu‘e Civic Center.  Kauai Now.