Consultant finds deficiencies in HECO wildfire plan, attorney general gets extra $4M for Trump lawsuits, state expects low-paying job growth, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Expert report finds 'critical deficiencies' in HECO's wildfire safety strategy. The Public Utilities Commission mandated that HECO create an official wildfire mitigation plan and submit it for review. Consulting firm Jensen Hughes found that while HECO's plan technically met the minimum requirements set by the PUC, key elements were underdeveloped and below industry standards. Hawaii Public Radio.

Report: Future Jobs Growth In Hawaiʻi Likely Concentrated In Low-Paid Work. New report says increases are expected primarily in areas such as food preparation, transportation and health care support — all lower-paying work. Farming/fishing/forestry, sales and related jobs, and office and administrative support were the only three groups projected to lose jobs by 2032. Civil Beat.

Employment Projections for Industries and Occupations full report.  Department of Labor and Industrial Relations.

Hawaii attorney general’s litigation budget increased by $4 million to cover 27 Trump-related lawsuits. The Legislature has agreed to add $4 million to the state Attorney General’s litigation budget — essentially doubling it over the next two years — to help support the state’s court battle against President Donald Trump’s policies. Star-Advertiser.

Gov. Green unveils 2025 policy report titled “Results For Our People”. Gov. Josh Green launched a new policy report titled “Results for our People,” which outlines the Green administration’s plans to tackle significant issues facing the state of Hawai‘i. The report builds upon priorities discussed during his 2025 State of the State Address to the Legislature. Maui Now.

State continues planning how to spend federal grants despite uncertainty. The state gets about $4 million in federal Community Services Block Grants a year to spend on programs to help low-income individuals. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaiʻi Expands Effort To Keep Women Out Of Jail. Addressing the underlying trauma and substance abuse issues that many non-violent women offenders struggle with can put them on a better path — and save taxpayer money too. Civil Beat.

A closer examination of kidney transplants in Hawaiʻi and the Pacific territories. Almost half of the kidneys donated in Hawaiʻi go to recipients on the continent.  Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

HPD officer’s fatal shooting of Waianae suspect was justified, prosecutor says. A 24-year-old Honolulu police officer was justified to use deadly force when he shot and killed a 60-year-old felon who beat his girlfriend and shot three people trapped in a Waianae home on Aug. 14, 2024. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. KHON2.

Teen death occurred amid sharp rise in traffic fatalities on Oahu. The death of a 14-year-old boy struck by a car Wednesday morning in Ewa Beach has prompted a call for more awareness and safety on Oahu’s roadways.This was Oahu’s 54th traffic fatality so far this year, more than double the 26 at the same time last year. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.  KITV4. 

City Lawyer Gets Off With A Scolding For Citing Fake Law In Civil Rights Case. A state judge told a Honolulu deputy corporation counsel accused of basing his argument on a fictional case created by artificial intelligence, ‘Don’t do it again.’ Civil Beat.

Reef damage being assessed at Kewalo Basin after removal of grounded boat. With the Atlantis Adventures’ Discovery shuttle boat now removed from Kewalo Basin, it’s time to see what was done to the reef. Hawaii News Now.

Murder trial begins in Samoa over death of former Hawaii professor. Caroline Sinavaiana-Gabbard, who was 76 years old, was the older sister of state Sen. Mike Gabbard and the aunt of former congresswoman, current director of National Intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Hawaiʻi State Board of Education hosting public meetings on Big Island about potential statewide changes. Board members traveled to Hilo on Tuesday to host the first of the community engagement meetings, which emphasize the Department of Education’s youngest and oldest students. Big Island Now.

Hawaiʻi County Council Wants ‘Desecration’ To End At Military Training Area. Its resolution also asks the state to reject any land lease renewal unless there is a “comprehensive cleanup” of the site. Civil Beat. Hawaii Public Radio.  Big Island Video News. Big Island Now.

Maui

Work paused on pump station repairs in Lahaina amid demands by ʻĀina Momona to protect sacred Mokuʻula site. Āina Momona has submitted a formal complaint to the State Historic Preservation Division (SHPD) and the County of Maui regarding recent construction activities that have allegedly disturbed or threaten to disturb Mokuʻula, a sacred and historically significant site. Maui Now.

Emotional testimony offered in preliminary hearing for man accused of killing Maui police officer. Emotional testimony was received Wednesday from a Maui police officer and a caretaker of the Pāʻia Sugar Mill who shared details during a preliminary hearing, of the deadly shooting that took the life of beloved Officer Suzanne O on Friday night.  Maui Now. Hawaii News Now.  KHON2. KITV4.

Maui chef rises to the top on Food Network’s ‘Chopped’.  Chef Daniel Lipson survived elimination to advance to the final round before winning it all and becoming a “Chopped Champion” in front of a national audience. Maui News.

Kauai

Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative website SHiNEs online with redesign. Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative last week launched a redesigned website that already is out-SHiNE-ing the utility cooperative’s previous site — complete with updated security, new design features and more created with member convenience in mind. Kauai Now.

Local artist brightens walls at Līhuʻe Public Library with community mural and a tribute. Local artist Holly Ka’iakapu is creating a striking mural at the Līhu’e Public Library that will honor Kauai’s deep-rooted traditions and memorialize Eric Larson, a part of the Hawaiʻi Public Library System on the Garden Isle for 14 years. Kauai Now.

Maui commemorates 2023 wildfire, shoppers warned about price hikes, shortages amid tariffs, 4 Big Island police officers under AG investigation, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaiian Electric to widen coverage of wildfire safety measures. Hawaiian Electric plans to extend wildfire safety improvements in areas with medium wildfire risk over the next six to 12 months, according to Scott Seu, president and CEO of the utility’s parent Hawaiian Electric Industries. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii business owners warn new tariffs will mean higher prices for consumers. President Donald Trump’s new global tariffs took effect Thursday, and Hawaii business owners, who’ve been absorbing costs for months, say they have no choice but to raise prices.  Hawaii News Now.

Hawaiʻi relies on all kinds of federal data. Is that information still trustworthy?  Hawaiʻi's data analysts say it's important to understand the state's dependence on national statistics amid growing concerns about the integrity of federal data. Hawaii Public Radio.

Industry study says Hawaii’s timeshares generate hundreds of millions in taxes, thousands of jobs. A new economic impact report released by a national vacation ownership trade association could reveal some insight into the industry’s contributions to Hawaii’s economy.  Maui News.

Oahu

Solo EV drivers loses HOV lane access this fall. The rule, in place since 2005, gave states the option to let electric cars in the HOV lane, even with only one occupant. But that exemption runs out at the end of September. KITV4.

Safer roads ahead: Local organizations leading the way for bike riders. This Saturday, Aug. 9, volunteers from the Hawaii Bicycling League and the American Public Works Association, Hawaii Chapter, will be repairing bike lanes along Ward Avenue. KHON2.

State Librarian shares plans for Wahiawā Public Library. Work is underway for the $42.5 million Wahiawā Center for Workforce Excellence, a 43,000-square-foot facility that includes a new public library, community college classrooms and offices for the state Department of Education. Aloha State Daily.

Token time’s up: Chuck E. Cheese Pearl City bids aloha.  After three decades, Chuck E. Cheese in Pearl City is calling it a day. The longtime family entertainment center is closing its doors for good on Sunday, Aug. 10, but not before saying goodbye in a very Chuck E. way. KHON2.

What to know for the Blue Angels Kaneohe Bay Air Show.  The air show will include flight demonstrations from the Blue Angels, their six F-18 Super Hornets, and their C-130 J Super Hercules affectionately nicknamed “Fat Albert,” along with multiple food vendors. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

AG seeks records involving 4 cops. The Hawaii Police Department is fighting a subpoena by state Attorney General Anne Lopez seeking records of an internal affairs probe of alleged misconduct by four current HPD officers. Tribune-Herald. KHON2. 

Hawaii County bars, restaurants to carry life-saving Narcan under new bill. A bill that would require bars and restaurants in Hawaii County to keep naloxone, a medication that reverses opioid overdoses, on-site passed out of a County Council committee Tuesday with unanimous support. Tribune-Herald.

Developers Invited To Bid On Hilo Memorial Hospital Renovation. The County plans to establish a coordinated resource hub on the site of the former hospital on Rainbow Drive. Big Island Video News.

Maui

2 years after the Maui wildfires, here’s how the $4B settlement will be divided. Gov. Josh Green made his priorities clear when it came to compensation for those who were impacted by the devastating Maui wildfires in August 2023. Hawaii Public Radio.

2 Years After Deadly Fire, Lahaina Struggles To Rebuild. Homeowners are running into big gaps between their insurance payouts and the cost to rebuild. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. 

Front Street wildfire recovery moving slower than other parts of Lahaina. Maui wildfire survivors Michele and Qiana Di Bari were able to move back to their Lahaina home last year, but they say it has been at least six months since they have visited Front Street, where their decade-old restaurant Sale Pepe Pizzeria e Cucina was lost to the flames. Star-Advertiser.

County housing department seeks proposals. The Maui County of Maui Department of Housing is seeking proposals for fiscal year 2027-28 grant money from qualified private, nonprofit and for-profit organizations that provide services and programs related to rental assistance and housing counseling within the county. Maui News.

‘The Crisis Isn’t Over’: Maui Kids’ Mental Health Needs Are Mounting. Two years after the Maui fires, many students are still struggling — and not all of them are receiving the help they need.  Civil Beat.

Language challenges remain an issue for many Filipino Lahaina wildfire victims. Human rights, affordable housing, access to social services and more was addressed during a Lahaina Filipino Fire Survivors Association meeting this week. KITV4.

Memorials To Fire Victims Tell Sweeping Story Of Lahaina. Whatever their origins, many of the 102 victims of the 2023 Maui wildfire shared a deep sense of community that each had nurtured in their own way. Civil Beat.

His Life In Lahaina Descended Into Homelessness, Then Death In Fire. Drawn to Maui to surf decades ago, Rex Cole was among four homeless men who dissappeared during the devastating 2023 fire. Civil Beat.

Kauai

DMV offices reopen, online test booking system is live. The Līhuʻe Division of Motor Vehicles serves both appointment holders and walk-ins, as time permits. Appointments are encouraged to avoid long wait times. All road test applicants must book their tests online. Kauai Now.

High surf advisory goes into effect Friday morning for south-facing shores of Kauaʻi, Niʻihau. A large south swell will gradually fill in Aug. 8 and peak Aug. 9 near warning thresholds, causing strong breaking waves and strong currents along the state’s south-facing shorelines. Kauai Now.

HECO edges toward creditworthiness with Legislature's help, state's two Job Corps centers to close, ACLU sues Honolulu police department over sober drivers' arrests, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

State Efforts To Shore Up HECO Gain Traction On Wall Street. Wall Street rewarded Hawaiian Electric Industries’ efforts to strengthen its financial profile by restoring the company to the edge of investment-grade creditworthiness for the first time since shortly after the August 2023 wildfire that killed 102 people and destroyed much of Lahaina. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Job Corps to close. The U.S. Department of Labor announced Thursday that Job Corps operations nationwide, which provide low-income youth and young adults with vocational training and schooling, will cease by June 30. There are two Job Corps centers in Hawaii among about 125 nationwide: one in Waimanalo on Oahu and one in Makawao on Maui. Star-Advertiser.

How physically present must state lawmakers be during session, if at all? Hawaiʻi's legislative session lasts 60 days, but there are no requirements for state lawmakers to be present. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

ACLU lawsuit alleges HPD made impaired driving arrests without having proof. A class-action lawsuit filed Thursday accuses the Honolulu Police Department of an “egregious and longstanding pattern and practice” of arresting people without probable cause or due process for allegedly driving under the influence. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. KHON2. KITV4. 

Developer Accused Of Campaign Fraud Allowed to Travel While Out On Bail. A wealthy Honolulu real estate executive accused of making fraudulent campaign contributions will be allowed to travel outside Hawaiʻi for business while out on bail and as his case plays out in court.  Timothy Lee, chief executive officer of JL Capital, was indicted in February with nine counts of making false name contributions to candidates in Honolulu’s 2020 mayoral election. Civil Beat. 

Agency warns against illegal construction activity. The Honolulu Department of Planning and Permitting urges the public to take care when hiring contractors, designers, architects and engineers for building projects. Star-Advertiser.

Violent video brings calls for labor talks over prison staff. Public safety advocates say a violent video from inside the walls of Oahu Community Correctional Center is evidence of a rising crisis in Hawaii’s correctional facilities. Hawaii News Now.

Outreach team provides medical, social services to homeless in Waikīkī. The joint effort includes members of the Waikīkī Business Improvement District and its Safe and Sound Waikīkī program, the Institute for Human Services, Waikīkī Health and other business partners. They walk Waikīkī every Wednesday, meeting people where they're at. Aloha State Daily.

Kamehameha Schools still figuring out future of Hawai‘i Kai properties. Despite residents' concerns about hypothetical high-rises, decisions about three Haha‘ione parcels are still pending. Aloha State Daily.
 
Hawaii Island

Police Warn Residents Of Parking Violation Scam In Kona. The Hawaiʻi Police Department is investigating the apparent scam – involving a device known as “The Barnacle” being placed on the windshields of parked cars. Big Island Video News.

BJ Penn misses court date following 2 arrests. UFC Hall of Fame mixed martial artist BJ Penn failed to show up in court Tuesday in a domestic abuse case after being arrested twice over the Memorial Day weekend at his family’s Puueo Street home in Hilo. Tribune-Herald. Hawaii News Now. 

County aims to rehome puppy taken from Hilo homeless woman. Hawaii County has filed a petition asking a judge to order the forfeiture of a pet puppy owned by a 58-year-old Hilo woman who is accused of abusing the animal. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Workforce housing for educators gets underway in West Maui. State and county officials broke ground this week on a $20 million workforce housing project aimed at providing rental units for public school employees in West Maui, many of whom continue to face housing challenges in the aftermath of the Aug. 8, 2023, wildfires. Star-Advertiser. Maui News. Maui Now.  Hawaii News Now.

Lahaina shoreline near harbor now open for recreational use. The harbor itself is still closed, but after requests from the community, Maui County officials have opened up areas on the north and south ends of the harbor for noncommercial use. Hawaii Public Radio.

11-year Maui Police Department veteran arrested on sexual assault charge. The Maui Police Department announced the arrest in a Thursday news release. The department identified the individual arrested as a 48-year-old man from Kahului but did not name him. Maui News. Maui Now. KHON2.  Star-Advertiser.

Groundbreaking: $46M Kahului Airport South TSA Checkpoint expected to reduce wait times. The new two-story security screening checkpoint building at the south end of the ticket lobby will house up to six screening lanes. Maui Now.

Kauai

Public feedback wanted in search for Kauai's next chief of police. Kaua‘i County Police Commission thinks every member of the community is a stakeholder in the selection of the next chief and seeks input from Kaua‘i residents about the traits and qualities they want the next leader of Kaua‘i Police Department to possess. Kauai Now.

Kauaʻi Tackles Child Care Crisis With New Spaces And Baby-Friendly Workplaces. Solving the problem is seen as an important step in helping recruit and retain much-needed workers on the Garden Island. Initiatives could be models for the rest of the state. Civil Beat.

Water conservation stretches into 8th week for Hanalei, ‘Anini areas. A water conservation request issued by Kaua‘i County Department of Water at the beginning of April for customers in Hanalei and ʻAnini Beach on the North Shore has stretched into its eighth week — and will continue for the foreseeable future. Kauai Now.

State audit blasts HTA tourism destination management plan, Ala Wai harbor deteriorates after private takeover plans, bioenergy plant sues HECO over monopoly claims, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

State audit criticizes Hawai‘i Tourism Authority’s destination management. The Hawai‘i Tourism Authority’s destination management focus is “not new — or effective — and the agency remains unable to gauge its own performance,” according to the latest state audit, which was especially critical of its community-driven Destination Management Action Plan effort. Star-Advertiser.

Conservation Groups Sue To Block Commercial Fishing In Pacific Monument. The fishing has resumed in the deep ocean waters that were designated off-limits over a decade ago. Honolulu longliners wasted little time cashing in on President Donald Trump’s decision last month to lift the commercial fishing ban in the deep ocean waters of the Pacific Islands Heritage Marine National Monument. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaiʻi Lacks Resources For Homeless College Students. The effort to help struggling students at the University of Hawaiʻi is led by volunteer faculty and staff. Other states allocate money to help college students alleviate hardships. Civil Beat.

Hawaiʻi seeks to control prescription drug costs for underserved populations. The measure aims to adjust the 340B federal program that requires pharmaceutical companies to sell drugs to hospitals that care for disadvantaged populations at a discounted rate. Hawaii Public Radio.

Digital agriculture form will expand after pilot. Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke announced Thursday that the state plans to expand the Akamai Arrival program to additional flights throughout the year, allowing more travelers entering Hawaii to complete a digitized version of the Department of Agriculture’s Plants and Animals Declaration Form.  Star-Advertiser. KHON2.

Oahu

Traffic noise, homelessness top concerns at mayor’s sixth town hall meeting. Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s sixth town hall meeting of the year covered a wide geographic area, from Pearl City to downtown. And because of that, the administration was ready for a wide range of questions. Hawaii News Now.

How The Ala Wai Small Boat Harbor Has Gone From Cash Cow To Eyesore. The harbor’s status as a public asset is at odds with the state’s long-term goals for private management boating facilities. Civil Beat.

Ala Moana Boulevard pedestrian bridge now open. The Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation (HDOT) announced that the Ala Moana Boulevard pedestrian bridge located between Ward Avenue and Kamakeʻe Street is available for use. KHON2.

Isle Japanese Americans seek to save incarceration history. A March lawsuit against the Department of Government Efficiency has Hawaii’s Japanese Americans concerned about future visits to former incarceration camps, many of which are national historic sites managed by the National Park Service. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Renewable energy plant on Big Island files lawsuit against Hawaiian Electric.  Honua Ola Bioenergy on Hawai‘i Island has filed a lawsuit against Hawaiian Electric, claiming the state’s largest power supplier has created a monopoly that has resulted in the renewable energy plant being unable to operate. Big Island Now.

Hawaiʻi County Council revisits more oversight on the short-term rental industry. Under the measure, properties would have to register with the county’s director of finance and provide information such as the location and number of units for rent. A registration fee of $250 for hosted and $500 for unhosted rentals would apply, and failing to register could result in a $10,000 fine. Hawaii Public Radio.

FDA’s COVID-19 changes worry local health professionals. Big Island health professionals are concerned changes to U.S. Food and Drug Administration rules for COVID-19 vaccines could limit their availability for healthy people under 65 who get vaccinated to protect vulnerable family members. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Support grows to rebuild Lahaina homeless shelter. With $8 million committed to providing emergency shelter and affordable housing in Lahaina, a Maui group is moving forward to rebuild at the Ka Hale A Ke Ola Homeless Resource Center in Lahaina following the 2023 fire. Maui News.

County announces access for noncommerical shoreline recreation near Lahaina Harbor starting Saturday. Beginning Saturday, May 24, 2025, access to the shoreline on the north and south ends of Lahaina Harbor will be made available for recreational, noncommercial purposes, the County of Maui Office of Recovery announced. Maui Now.

Low levels of PFAS detected in water system serving Central Maui. Samples collected from Consolidated Baseyards water system wells were found to contain low levels of Perfluorohexane Sulfonic Acid (PFHxS). Star-Advertiser. Maui Now.

Kauai

Keiki summer program explores animal husbandry, gardening and life skills. The Kauaʻi Animal Education Farm, a farm animal rescue in Kapaʻa, will host weeklong enrichment programs for students ages 8 to 14 throughout the summer. Kauai Now.

250 bills on the way to the governor, assault weapons bill fails in last-minute drama, HECO liability cap passes despite committee chairs' objections, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

The state Legislature gave final approval to about 250 bills Wednesday during several hours of voting that included a surprise defeat of a gun- control measure. Approved bills now poised to become law pending decisions by Gov. Josh Green include measures to turn up illegal fireworks pursuit and punishment, regulate future catastrophic wildfire damage liability and fund the state government for the next two fiscal years as risks of an economic downturn loom due to federal government policies. Star-Advertiser. KHON2.  KITV4.

In Last-Minute Drama, Legislature Shelves Bill To Ban Assault Weapons. The legislation was opposed by gun-rights advocates who warned that hunters and Native Hawaiians would be harmed by the restrictions. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

Lawmakers Pass HECO Bill Over Objections Of Committee Chairs. The controversy involves a cap on HECO’s liability for future wildfires. Hawaiʻi lawmakers on Wednesday passed a bill intended to help shore up Hawaiian Electric Co.’s credit rating despite strong opposition from House and Senate committee chairs who helped vet the measure. Civil Beat.

Bill to support climate research with state dollars dies amid federal cuts. Senate Bill 657 proposed the creation of a climate data hub within the University of Hawaiʻi’s School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology, using $2 million in state funds to support the work of 15 researchers affiliated with the Coastal Research Collaborative. Hawaii Public Radio.

Can’t Afford A Lawyer? Good Luck Getting Help On Neighbor Islands. Lawmakers are taking steps to address a severe shortage of court-appointed attorneys across the state, but lawyers and judges say it may not be enough to solve the problem. Civil Beat.

Tariff fears extend to Hawaii shipping. Looming tariff hikes that have already begun to affect shipping routes and consumer behavior could have outsized effects in Hawaii, where nearly all goods must be imported — many of them from China. Star-Advertiser.

Native Hawaiian groups raise alarm after Trump fast-tracks deep-sea mining. Native Hawaiian and environmental leaders are raising the alarm after President Trump signed an executive order to fast-track the deep-sea mining industry. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Approved state budget includes $30M to develop new Oʻahu jail. Hawaiʻi lawmakers passed the state budget Wednesday that includes $30 million to hire a developer to build a new jail to replace the deteriorating and overpopulated Oʻahu Community Correctional Center. The build cost has been estimated at $1 billion. Hawaii Public Radio.

City’s planned 115% sewer fee hike under Council scrutiny. To publicly avert what one city official termed “rate shock,” Mayor Rick Blan­giardi’s administration and Hono­lulu City Council are now offering competing ideas to deal with proposed city sewer fee rate hikes expected this summer. Star-Advertiser.

City announces new department dedicated to affordable housing. For the first time in nearly three decades the city will now have a fully staffed department dedicated to building affordable housing. The City and County of Honolulu announced Wednesday the launch of Department of Housing and Land Management (DHLM) after the Honolulu City Council approved the reorganization of four departments to manage with the city’s housing initiatives.  Hawaii News Now.

Empty homes tax on Oʻahu owners could generate nearly $300M over a decade, study finds. An empty homes tax could net the City and County of Honolulu nearly $300 million in revenue over the first decade. Hawaii Public Radio.

State’s largest seed bank loses federal funding for online database project. The Lyon Arboretum's seed conservation lab was awarded a $250,000 federal grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services three years ago to digitize its collection of rare Hawaiian seeds. In early April, researchers learned the grant had been terminated. Hawaii Public Radio.

Civil Beat Series On Papahānaumokuākea Wins National Science Reporting Award. Judges for the National Headliner Award said the work turns readers into explorers and allows them to share the thrill, discoveries and importance of environmental/scientific research. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

IRONMAN Championship Returns To Single-Day Race In Kona, October 2026. The IRONMAN World Championship will return to a single day event in Kona in October 2026, with men and women racing together on the same day.  Big Island Video News. Big Island Now.

New warning sirens installed in Waikoloa Village. The sirens at Pu‘u Nui Park and Kamakoa Nui Park were recently installed as part of the Statewide Outdoor Warning Siren System and will be tested, along with the rest of the network, at 11:45 a.m. today. Tribune-Herald.

Violation issued to Matsuyama Food and Fuel for underground storage tanks. A Department of Health inspector conducted an inspection on Sept. 11, 2024, and confirmed the installation and operation of two 20,000-gallon and one 15,000-gallon underground storage tanks. MATS4 LLC did not apply for or obtain a permit prior to installation or operation. Big Island Now.

Maui

Kamaʻāina housing bill dies in Senate amid statewide affordable housing crisis. However, the Maui County Council will consider its own legislation to use voluntary deed restrictions to pave the way for affordable housing. Maui Now.

West Maui watershed restoration engages Native Hawaiian students. The forests stretching from Honokōwai all the way up to Honokōhau, and the watersheds they protect, have been managed for nearly two decades from the top of the mountains to the ocean. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kauai businesses frustrated with Wailua sewage spill. Residents and businesses say they’re frustrated after the Wailua Coco Palms sewer pump station failed last week, sending wastewater through their neighborhood. They said the station has been a problem for years with no permanent fix in sight. Hawaii News Now.

Uahi Ridge breaks ground. Uahi Ridge is being developed in partnership with the County of Kauai, Mark Development, Waa Partners, LLC., 3 Leaf Holdings, Inc., and the Hawaiian Community Development Board. Garden Island.

Last-minute bill tweaks could protect HECO from wildfire liability, Legislature removing hurdle to rebuilding Lahaina, carpool pilot program part of DOE school-bus plan, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaiian Electric could get liability protection under 11th-hour proposal. A last-minute, and controversial, proposal aims to protect the Hawaiian Electric Company from bankruptcy if it’s blamed for another catastrophic wildfire. Attorneys for victims say the 11th-hour proposal could leave future fire victims empty-handed while supporters say they wanted to protect all electric customers and hold HECO accountable. Hawaii News Now.

Lawmakers near final decisions on agricultural crimes, food security, invasive species. Many of the top priority food and agriculture measures initially introduced in January have passed their hearings and now await final floor votes in the House and Senate — the last hurdle before they can be sent to the governor. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaiʻi is poised to set a new 2045 energy usage reduction goal. The state is required to reduce its energy consumption by more than 4,000 gigawatt hours by 2030, compared to its baseline energy usage in 2008. House Bill 1051 will set a new target of reducing the state’s total energy usage by 6,000 gigawatt hours by 2045. Hawaii Public Radio.

Trump takes aim at states' climate laws, but impact on Hawaiʻi uncertain. President Trump has called on the U.S. Department of Justice to block states from enforcing climate change laws. Trump issued the directive in an executive order titled "Protecting American Energy From State Overreach." Hawaii Public Radio.

Pet Projects And Low Budgets: How Lawmakers Undermine School Repairs. The Department of Education wants more power over school construction and repairs, but some state leaders are skeptical of the change. Civil Beat.

Carpool pilot program among student transportation options for 2025-26 school year. In response to ongoing transportation challenges, the state Department of Education is implementing proactive measures to minimize disruptions and expand options for the upcoming 2025-26 school year that includes a carpool pilot program.  Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.  KITV4.

Hawaii Legislature set to pay out $9.5 million for claims. Unwanted hugs from a judge, an infamous false missile alert and a mishap with a log splitter are among incidents for which the state is prepared to pay loss claims totaling $9.5 million this year. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

City Council scrutinizes empty-homes tax. The City and County of Hono­lulu’s $500,000 Ernst &Young LLP study over a proposed empty-­homes tax measure asserts the city could garner tens of millions of dollars annually in new revenues. Star-Advertiser.

Westside Faces More Delays As New Law Threatens Landfill Relocation. As the likelihood grows that the city dump will stay put for now, community members in Nānākuli are looking to get something in return. Civil Beat.

Prison Officials Agree To Make Sure Honolulu Medics Stay Safe In Facilities. The city and state quickly came to an agreement after EMS warned it would no longer enter Hālawa prison or the Oʻahu jail because of security concerns. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Portions of Ali‘i Drive to become one-way Thursday. The county will add free parking on Ali‘i Drive in Kailua-Kona on Thursday by turning a portion of the road into a one-way street. Tribune-Herald.

Water Conservation Notice Issued For South Kohala. Affected customers are being asked to reduce water use by at least 10 percent due to operational issues with the Waimea well, and a lack of rainfall. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now.

Waikoloa park’s sports fields improved. Kamakoa Nui Park in Waikoloa will be reopening its newly improved sports fields on Sunday. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

State Lawmakers Are Removing A Hurdle To Rebuild Lahaina. Will It Matter? More than 20 months after wildfires razed most of Lahaina, nearly 1,400 residential lots have been cleared of debris but only nine homes have been rebuilt, according to data from 4Leaf, the California-based contractor the county hired last year to expedite its permitting process. Civil Beat.

Lahaina’s rebuilding: Historic design rules up for review after wildfire devastation. Draft residential design standards for the Lahaina National Historic Landmark District address a broad spectrum of design issues, ranging from architectural style, a building’s shape, height and construction materials. Maui Now.

Free Wi-Fi is now available at Molokai Airport. State officials say free Wi-Fi is now available at Molokai Airport, which should be accessible throughout the terminal via Hawaiian Telcom. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai

State Legislature passes bill to limit size of vessels allowed into Hanalei Bay on Kauaʻi. To help preserve the natural beauty of the bay, and to protect its calm waters and ensure it remains a safe space for residents and visitors, the proposed measure prohibits vessels longer than seventy-five feet from entering. The bill exempts boats operated by a federal, state or county agency. Kauai Now.

Attorney General updates concealed weapon status, state police force gains traction, lawmakers wrangle HECO rescue bills, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Over 2,200 are licensed to carry concealed guns in Hawaii. In the first-ever look at the number of people licensed to carry a concealed handgun in Hawaii, the state Department of the Attorney General announced Wednesday that 2,207 people can pack in public, about 0.2% of the state’s resident population age 20 or older. Star-Advertiser. Tribune-Herald.

State police force plan gains traction, but funding, staffing still concerns. Mike Lambert, the new director of the Hawaii Department of Law Enforcement, wants to launch the force with a priority to protect rural areas and state facilities. Hawaii News Now.

Lawmakers Wrangle HECO Rescue Bills As Session Deadline Looms. After a big win before the Hawaiʻi Supreme Court in February, Hawaiian Electric is making a final push before the Legislature. Civil Beat.

Hawaiʻi lawmakers, judges, governor to receive substantial raises through 2030. The state Legislature did not take up a resolution that would have rejected the recommended pay increases from the state Commission on Salaries. Hawaii Public Radio.

Big changes could be coming for Hawaii’s film industry — and they aren’t good. A bill meant to boost the film industry in Hawaii, now threatens to do the opposite according to an industry expert. The lawmaker who introduced the bill said the changes are sending the wrong message. KHON2.

Lawmakers put Hawaii’s foster care system on blast at State Capitol. Hawaii’s foster care system was on the hot seat at the State Capitol in the wake of deadly child abuse cases and an audit from a year ago pointing out problems. KHON2.

Abuse protections sought for Hawaii’s homeschooled children. Homeschooled Hawaii children might be required to appear periodically in public school if an idea discussed Wednesday by a legislative panel trying to prevent child abuse is realized. Star-Advertiser.

State seeks input on wildlife action plan. The Department of Land and Natural Resources divisions of Aquatic Resources (DAR) and Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) said it’s an opportunity for residents, conservation partners and others to share their views on conservation priorities for the state. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Kuilei Place ‘affordable’ condo project breaks ground. Kuilei Place, a 43-story, $619 million tower complex, which includes 603 “affordable” units at 2599 Kapiolani Blvd., is touted as one of the largest projects of its kind currently under construction on Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

Safety concerns mount at Oahu’s largest jail with fence lines in need of repair. Photos taken inside Oahu Community Correctional Center (OCCC) show wooden props holding up a portion of the perimeter fence after it nearly collapsed during a recent storm. Hawaii News Now.

Woman charged with repeatedly posting threats to Biden, Trump. Rebecca Ann Folley, 48, aka “Becca Waters” of Pearl City  is facing federal criminal charges after allegedly posting more than 200 social media threats to kill the president of the United States as a way to draw attention to being a victim of human trafficking. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Hawaii Island name change vote coming this June. The Hawaii Board of Geographical Names (HBGN) is debating whether to change the big island's official name from 'Island of Hawaii' to ‘Hawai'i’. They say this will match the nearby islands like Oahu or Maui. KITV4.

West Hawaiʻi Needs More Water. But At What Cost? The battle over a single Kona well site shows the tension between development and protected Indigenous water rights. Civil Beat.

Volunteers complete cleanup of tire graveyard in Kailua Bay. Four boats full of 40 volunteers came together on Sunday to finish the project of removing nearly 100 dumped tires that have been sitting for a couple decades on the ocean floor in pristine Kailua Bay. Big Island Now.

Maui

Maui Emergency Management Agency lays out progress and plans for fiscal 2026. Maui County Council members heard about progress and plans for future needs Tuesday from the Maui Emergency Management Agency, now less than two years after the August 2023 wildfires disaster. Maui Now.

ACLU demands Maui Prep rescind anti-transgender policy. The American Civil Liberties Union of Hawaii has issued a formal legal demand to Maui Preparatory Academy in Lahaina, alleging the school has adopted a discriminatory policy targeting transgender students in violation of state anti-­discrimination laws. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. KITV4.

Speaker Series to feature Maui voyager for Earth Day talk. In honor of Earth Day, the Mayor’s Sustainability Speaker Series will feature Maui educator and voyager Mary Anna (Enriquez) Grimes for a special presentation at noon April 17 in the Mayor’s Conference Room on the ninth floor of the County Building at 200 S. High St. Maui News.

Kauai

Renovated Princeville library begins limited door service in May. Princeville Public Library closed its doors Oct. 30, 2023, for a $7 million face-lift that included health and safety improvements. Kauai Now.

Commercial airliner crash simulation at Līhu‘e Airport to bring multiple agencies together. The “crash” is the premise for an emergency response exercise from 9 a.m. to noon April 15 in the general aviation ramp area at the north end of Līhu‘e Airport. Kauai Now.

Foreign ownership of Hawaii farmland spikes, Calvin Say ends long political career, Queen's nurses vote to strike, 3 dead, dozens injured in Oahu fireworks explosion, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

 

From Busboy To House Speaker: Longtime Hawaiʻi Lawmaker Calvin Say Retires. Say’s critics see him as emblematic of Hawaiʻi’s “old boys’” style of politics. He defends his cautious style as necessary to keep the state running smoothly. Civil Beat.

Foreign ownership of Hawaiʻiʻs farmland has spiked over the past five years from 166,000 acres to 278,000 acres — a 65% increase, most of it purchased by companies and investors from Canada — according to a USDA Farm Service Agency report released this month. Civil Beat.

New year begins with lower state taxes for all. The state Legislature in 2024 passed the first of what’s intended to be seven years of historic tax cuts designed to make Hawaii increasingly more affordable over the course of the cuts. Star-Advertiser.

Hawai‘i Has Been Arguing Over How To Tax Tourists For Generations. Gov. Josh Green’s push for tourists to help fund climate mitigation is just the latest round of a debate that goes back nearly a century. Civil Beat.

Did The Legislature Have Authority To Defer Pay Raises During the Pandemic? Two prominent members of the state Salary Commission question whether lawmakers violated the state constitution in 2021 and 2022. Civil Beat.

Here’s How A Second Trump Term May Impact Hawaiʻi Police. Police officials are taking a wait-and-see attitude as President-elect Donald Trump prepares to take office after pledging to be tough on crime. Civil rights advocates are worried about criminal justice reform efforts. Civil Beat.

State moves forward with more cameras to crack down on red-light runners. Ten additional cameras planned for 2025.  A proposed list will be presented to state lawmakers for approval and a public information period will follow. Hawaii News Now.

New Hawaiʻi law seeks to protect domestic abuse survivors from excessive litigation. Abusive litigation is when an abusive partner files excessive, and often meritless, legal actions against their partner or former partner. Hawaii Public Radio.

HEI sells 90% of American Savings Bank to help pay for Maui fire settlement. Hawaiian Electric Industries Inc. has sold over 90% of its subsidiary American Savings Bank to independent investors in a transaction that will provide HEI with much-needed funds to help pay its share of the $4 billion Maui wildfire lawsuit settlement while also keeping Hawaii’s third-largest bank under local leadership. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.  Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Oahu

3 people dead, over 2 dozen wounded in Aliamanu fireworks explosion. Three women were killed and about two dozen people injured at an Aliamanu home when a “cake bomb” filled with illegal aerial fireworks set off massive explosions at 12:01 a.m. at a large New Year’s Eve party. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Associated Press. Hawaii Public Radio. Hawaii News Now.  KHON2. KITV4.

Inauguration ceremonies for mayor, Council to take place Thursday. Inauguration ceremonies for Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s second term and the incoming Honolulu City Council will take place separately Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

Council salary cap, other laws take effect. New laws that go into effect with the new year include capping future Honolulu City Council raises at 5% annually, after the Council in 2023 was approved for a whopping 64% pay hike. Star-Advertiser.

Town hall meetings slated on proposed sewer fee hikes. A city-initiated measure that calls for a more than 124% increase to sewer fees for Honolulu’s average single-family residential customer over a 10-year period will be part of upcoming city-hosted town hall meetings in January. Star-Advertiser.

90% Queen’s Medical Center nurses vote in favor of strike. More than 1,900 nurses at The Queen’s Medical Center have voted in favor of a strike over unfair labor practices. KHON2.

Council OKs settlement in Portlock flooding lawsuit. Filed in 1st Circuit Court in November 2023, the lawsuit by plaintiffs Michael Sklarz and Jo Frasier claimed their residence at 158 Hanapepe Loop in the Portlock neighborhood of Hawaii Kai was severely damaged after “contaminated floodwater, wastewater, and debris” overflowed from a nearby storm drain onto their property and into their home. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Big Island traffic fatalities nearly doubled in 2024, contributing to a statewide increase. Hawaiʻi County saw the second highest number of traffic-related fatalities with a total of 29 — a nearly 100% increase from 15 in 2023. Traffic-related crashes resulted in 102 fatalities statewide in 2024, which is a 10% increase from 93 fatalities last year, according to the Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation. Big Island Now.

Kīlauea Volcano Eruption Continues Into 2025. Eruptive activity has been confined to Halemaʻumaʻu with sustained lava fountaining. Big Island Video News. Garden Island.

Maui

Maui tourism rebounds in November 2024, visitor spending surpasses pre-wildfire levels: Maui visiors up more than 21% over November 2023. On Maui, there were 197,622 visitors in November, which was 21.6% higher than November 2023 (162,470), but still down 14.9% from November 2019 (232,330). Visitor spending increased to $435.7 million in November, compared to $378.2 million in November 2023 and $377.9 million in November 2019. Maui News. Maui Now.

Kauai

Endangered native birds hatch at Kauai Community College taro field. Six endangered alae ula, or the Hawaiian Moorhen, showed up at the loi a few months before December, and the chicks hatched in the loi in December. Garden Island. Hawaii News Now.

HECO bailout bill a top legislative priority, Green signs executive order to protect cannabis caregivers, all the top stories of 2024, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Plan To Bail Out HECO’s Credit Rating Would Cost Customers $48 A Year. A proposed wildfire settlement fund tops the utility’s legislative agenda for 2025. Hawaiian Electric Co. customers would have to pay $4 more per month under a proposal to create a settlement fund meant to bolster the power company’s battered credit rating in an era of catastrophic wildfires. Civil Beat.

Green Moves To Protect Medical Cannabis Caregivers from ‘Undue’ Enforcement. The governor’s executive order addresses a state law that is set to expire Wednesday. Hawaiʻi Gov. Josh Green on Monday said caregivers should still be allowed to provide medical cannabis to qualified patients. Civil Beat. Big Island Video News. Hawaii News Now.

The rise in mail voting comes with a price, as mismatched signatures lead to ballot rejections. As with many voters on Maui, Joshua Kamalo thought the race for president wasn’t the only big contest on the November ballot. He also was focused on a hotly contested seat for the local governing board. Associated Press.

Water commission leader supports higher code violation fines, quicker emergency response. First Deputy Ciara Kahahane, who Gov. Josh Green appointed to the commission in August, recently informed commissioners of potential measures she wants to include in the governor’s legislative package for the upcoming session. Hawaii Public Radio.

'I make nothing': Local fishers weigh leaving the industry as inflation drives up costs. There are some 140 Hawaiʻi-based longline fishing vessels that bring in more than 20 million pounds of tuna annually. Collectively, the state’s longline commercial fishing industry is one of the largest local food producers. Hawaii Public Radio.

Proposal to expand mine warfare training around Hawaii sparks concerns. The Navy wants to renew its operating permit for training at sea around Hawaii and California with more mine warfare training around the islands. Hawaii News Now.

Year in review: 2024 was a tumultuous one for Hawaii. 2024 will be remembered for the $1.9 billion merger of Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines, announcement of a $4 billion settlement for victims of the Maui wildfires, the selection of Wendy Hensel to replace retiring University of Hawaii President David Lassner, and labor unrest that led to hospital nurses and hotel workers walking picket lines, as well as increased gun violence on Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiʻi’s Top Stories Of 2024: How Civil Beat Covered A Year Of Upheaval. Let’s take a month-by-month look at stories that made the year memorable. Civil Beat.

9 community stories we were excited to share with you in 2024. From Ice Cream Aunties to a student-led climate change lawsuit, here are nine news stories HPR was eager to share with you this past year. Hawaii Public Radio.

Eventful year includes many newsmakers: Here are the University of Hawai‘i News top people stories for 2024. The University of Hawaiʻi News posted nearly 1,500 stories throughout an eventful 2024. Many of them involved people with connections to the university system making headlines. Big Island Now.

Surfer, judge, Pearl Harbor survivors among notable deaths in 2024. Hawaii mourned the loss in 2024 of people who influenced island life in ways that changed the course of Hawaii history, shaped island culture and entertained through song, art and acting. They included a North Shore surfing legend and lifeguard who was killed by a shark, a federal judge who upheld Kamehameha Schools’ admissions policy in preference of Native Hawaiians, the last known Pearl Harbor survivor still living in Hawaii and a former insurance commissioner who fought to protect residents from unfair insurance practices. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii residents donated over $10M on GoFundMe this year. Hawaii residents in 2024 gave more than $10 million to strangers, as well as friends and relatives in need, through the world’s leading online fundraising (and crowdfunding) platform. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Unauthorized message appears on Moanalua Freeway sign. An unauthorized message was made on a sign on Moanalua Freeway to say “Gay Furry Pride uwu” on Sunday evening. OT crews disabled the sign as quickly as possible and reset the board for safety measures. An investigation is underway to find out the origins of the message and how someone got access. KITV4.

Popular all-you-can-eat McCully restaurant to close after 25 years. McCully Buffet, which sits in Hana Market on McCully Street, announced on Monday, Dec. 30 that they will cease operations Sunday, Feb. 2. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

Mayor Alameda Appoints Hawaiʻi County Corporation Counsel. Mayor Kimo Alameda has appointed Renee Schoen as Corporation Counsel and J Yoshimoto as Assistant Corporation Counsel. The selections complete Alameda’s cabinet for the start of his first term in office. Big Island Video News.

Aloha, 2024! A recap of the top 10 Big Island news stories of the year. Hospital expansion, homelessness, workforce housing and regulating short-term vacation rentals are top stories in 2024. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaiian Knowledge And Western Science: A Recipe For Reef Recovery? Kahaluʻu Bay on the Big Island has become a focal point for blending science, tourist education and cultural know-how. So far, hopeful signs abound.  Civil Beat.

Chief: Fireworks crackdown could provide some relief. The Big Island’s police chief hopes that the seizure of at least 75 tons of fireworks in Honolulu by the Illegal Fireworks Task Force over the past year will make for a somewhat quieter New Year’s Eve. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Now.

Maui

Restrictions ease in Lahaina burn zone. Maui County is lifting access restrictions to much of a largely commercial area of Lahaina destroyed by wildfire more than a year ago. Star-Advertiser.

Schatz secured $6 billion for Hawaiʻi in 2024, including funds to support Maui’s recovery. In 2024, US Sen. Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) helped secure more than $6 billion in federal funding for Hawai‘i as he led efforts to deliver resources to support Maui’s recovery from last year’s fires and advance a range of other priorities for the state.  Maui Now.

A Model for Maui: Regenerative “Green Streets” blessed at Honoiki and Keoneʻōʻio. A blessing was held last week for the new “Green Streets” project in Mākena, a transformative milestone in sustainable, low-impact development on Maui, according to managers.  Maui Now.

Kauai

Wilcox nurses hold vote on strike. The 159-member nursing staff at Wilcox Medical Center on Kauai began voting Sunday, and has until 8 p.m. Wednesday to cast a vote that could lead to a strike. Star-Advertiser. Kauai Now.

Results are in for top 2024 story on Kaua‘i. With only days left until the start of 2025, Kaua‘i Now readers have determined the year’s top story, which is the latest in the decades-long soap opera surrounding the once-grand Coco Palms Resort. Kauai Now.

Hawaii homeless nearly double, Navy seeks to expand mine warfare training, Hawaii leaders remember Jimmy Carter, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

 

 Homelessness Nearly Doubled In Hawaii After Maui Fires, New Federal Report Says. The state experienced an 87% increase from 2023 to 2024, compared to an 18% increase nationally. The number of people who were homeless in Hawaiʻi in 2024 grew from 6,223 to 11,637 – an 87% jump – according to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Annual Homeless Assessment Report. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser.

Read the full U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Annual Homeless Assessment Report to Congress here.

Navy seeks to expand mine warfare training in Hawaii. The Navy’s draft environmental impact statement Opens in a new tab, which is open for community input and will be the subject of public meetings in California and Hawaii next month, lays out a request to install and maintain new ranges to train troops to avoid, disable, destroy or — in some cases — use ocean mines during operations at sea. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Electric delivers answers to PUC probe. Hawaiian Electric has delivered a 96-page report to the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission in response to 30 information requests and nearly 200 questions about the Aug. 8, 2023, Lahaina fire, which killed 102 people, caused $5.5 billion in damage, left thousands homeless and decimated Maui’s visitor industry. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiʻi Leaders Mourn Loss Of Jimmy Carter. The 39th U.S. president died Sunday in Georgia at the age of 100. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser.  Hawaii News Now. KHON2.  KITV4.

Ahi prices surge for New Year’s. Bluefin tuna prices are holding steady at $40.95 per pound this year, but the prices for other types of fish have yet to be determined. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Green Proposes Spending Another $30 Million On A New Oʻahu Jail. Ultimately it could be a $1 billion project. Meanwhile, some are advocating for greater emphasis on keeping people out of prison. Civil Beat.

Honolulu rail agency requests eminent domain on 7 properties. The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation’s board of directors has approved resolutions to acquire by eminent domain portions of seven adjacent properties along the rail corridor as construction continues toward Kakaako. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu neighborhood board election registration now open. People interested in running for a seat on their local neighborhood board can now register as a candidate for the 2025 election, the city Neighborhood Commission Office announced. Star-Advertiser.

Waikiki transit-priority lane finishes first phase, city says. In what is deemed as a pilot project, the city Department of Transportation Services and Honolulu Complete Streets’ new transit-priority lane is a westbound lane that stretches along Kuhio Avenue, from Kapahulu Avenue to Launiu Street. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Kīlauea eruption continues with steady, moderate activity as new ‘hazard’ erupts. Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reported Sunday in its daily update that fountaining vigor increased during the past day as the third episode of the eruption persists, but the intensity was still below that seen during the eruption’s first few days last week. Big Island Now.

Alameda’s work on fentanyl task force led to the job where he can make an even bigger difference. Two years ago, Kimo Alameda was holding a horn in one hand and Narcan in the other, teaching people at the Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium in Hilo how to use the nasal spray that can reverse an opiate overdose and potentially save a life. Big Island Now.

‘It brings the family together’: Takeya family celebrates 100th anniversary mochitsuki. One Hilo family, the Takeyas, on Sunday celebrated its 100th New Year’s mochitsuki — the ceremonial pounding of the sticky, glutinous rice into a pliable dough that’s then rolled into sweet rice cakes. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Fire Ravaged Upcountry Maui, Too. Residents There Try To Heal. The same day flames tore through Lahaina in 2023, another fire in Kula caused millions of dollars in damage. The recovery effort there has been quiet but intense. Civil Beat.

Heartwarming holiday homecoming: 14 wildfire survivors get help coming home to Maui for the holidays. This holiday season, Maui United Way, in partnership with Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines  and the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement, is spreading the spirit of aloha by reuniting four wildfire survivor families with their island home. These families, displaced to the continent following the devastating 2023 wildfires, now have the chance to return to Maui to celebrate the holidays and visit with their loved ones, experience the warmth of home once again. Maui Now. KHON2.

Kauai

Facebook CEO addresses Hawaii ‘Doomsday bunker’ rumors in rare interview. Tech billionaire Mark Zuckerberg is speaking out for the first time about reports of having a Doomsday bunker under his property on the Garden Island. Hawaii News Now.

Education department’s pilot program serves locally grown squash in Kaua‘i cafeterias. Fourteen years ago, the nonprofit Mālama Kaua‘i established initiatives to get local food on cafeteria plates.This month, it finally happened, with 200 pounds of prepared kabocha squash distributed to four public schools across the Garden Isle through a farm-to-school pilot program. Kauai Now.