School authority tries to fast-track classroom construction, Blangiardi won't sign budget transparency bill, US Supreme Court to hear The Cannabis Ministery raid case, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Facilities authority moves to speed classroom builds. The School Facilities Authority, the state agency charged by lawmakers with modernizing school construction, has begun rolling out a digital planning tool called Akamai, a cloud-based configurator designed to automate much of the pre-design and planning work that traditionally takes months — or even years — to complete. Star-Advertiser.

UH Engaged With Hackers Who Highjacked Cancer Study Data. The university has declined to provide additional information about a ransomware attack that exposed the personal information of cancer study participants. Social Security numbers and other personal information from participants in a University of Hawaiʻi Cancer Center study were exposed to computer hackers in August but four months later UH had yet to notify those affected that their data was stolen. Civil Beat. 

Hawaii’s jobless rate remains second lowest in U.S. The state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate plunged three-tenths of a point to 2.2% in November from September and now has fallen by a half-percentage point over the last three reporting periods, according to data released Tuesday from the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. Star-Advertiser.

Gov. Green appoints James Carpio to the BLNR. Gov. Josh Green has appointed James (Jay) John Kamealoha Carpio of Wailuku to the Board of Land and Natural Resources. The appointment runs through June 30, 2029. Carpio, a Native Hawaiian born and raised in Wailuku, Maui, has worked as a hunter and guide, rancher, land manager, master fisherman and farmer. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Electric, shareholders agree to nearly $48M settlement over Maui fires. Hawaiian Electric Industries has agreed to pay its shareholders $47.75 million in a settlement filed Monday. Several investors sued the utility parent company after the Maui fires in 2023, alleging that HEI's top executives made misleading claims about the company's wildfire mitigation work. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

City budgeting openness bill to become law without Blangiardi’s signature. Mayor Rick Blangiardi has refused to sign a Honolulu City Council bill that aims to hold the administration more accountable over the funding appropriations it provides for the city’s use each year. Star-Advertiser.

City seeks rail oversight agreement in historic Chinatown. As Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation’s construction of the more than $10 billion Skyline rolls toward Chinatown, city officials seek an updated agreement with the state to gain more oversight over historical sites and future development projects along the rail line’s route. Star-Advertiser.

5 things to know about HMSA and Hawaiʻi Pacific Health's proposed partnership. Two major players in medical care and insurance in Hawaiʻi are joining forces. The state's largest insurance provider, Hawaiʻi Medical Service Association, and major health care system Hawaiʻi Pacific Health have announced plans to formalize their partnership. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Island

U.S. high court could hear case regrading 2010 raid of THC Ministry. The U.S. Supreme Court has scheduled a conference today in Washington, D.C., to consider surveillance and privacy issues surrounding the federal raid in 2010 of The Hawaii Cannabis Ministry — also known as the THC Ministry — which operated openly for years with a storefront banner in downtown Hilo. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaiʻi County Council honors legacy of Fire Chief Kazuo Todd with passing of two fire safety bills. On Wednesday morning, the Hawaiʻi County Council passed Bill 108, which allocates $1.75 million in state funding to establish ambulance operations at Makalei Fire Station in Kailua-Kona, which includes six new positions. Big Island Now.

Passing zones to be removed from section of Highway 19 in W. Hawaii. The Hawaii Department of Transportation is removing passing zones on a 14-mile stretch of the Queen Kaʻahumanu Highway (Highway 19) in West Hawaii. Passing zones will be removed between mile posts 78 and 92.6, from Waikoloa Beach Drive down to Keahole Airport Road.  Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News. 

Department of Water Supply issues water restriction notice for upper Waiākea Uka. A water restriction is necessary to maintain water in its upper storage tank while the Department of Water Supply locates a possible main break and repairs it. Big Island Now.

Maui

Hawaiʻi’s Critically Endangered Crow Is Soaring In Maui Forests. Extinct in the wild since 2002, several ʻalalā have survived their first year since being released on the Valley Isle. Civil Beat.

Man injured in officer-involved shooting on Maui. The shooting took place just before 7:30 p.m. Thursday near the Kehalani Ace Hardware in Wailuku for a reported terroristic threatening incident. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. 

Kauai

Valenciano’s Early Retirement Creates Opening For Kaua‘i’s Next Chief Judge. Randal Valenciano’s 18-year run as the chief judge of the 5th Circuit Court ended quietly this fall, leaving a vacant seat at the top of the Kaua‘i judiciary. The Hawai‘i Judicial Selection Commission is evaluating nominees to fill the 5th Circuit Court seat. Civil Beat.

‘Keep Vaccines Optional’ draws a crowd. A Keep Vaccinations Optional meeting on Tuesday drew an overflow audience of about 300 people to the Lihue Neighborhood Center, according to resident Steve Yoder. Garden Island.

Kauaʻi Coffee Co. warns of 141 job losses with land lease set to end in March. Kauaʻi Coffee Co., one of the island’s largest agricultural employers and a major visitor attraction, addressed the Kauaʻi County Council as its land lease approaches expiration in March. Kauai Now.

Revenue Council releases upbeat economic forecast, Blangiardi signs bill giving limited media access, former Hawaii councilman Yagong dies at 66, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii tax revenue forecast stable amid upbeat economic outlook. The state Council on Revenues decided during a meeting Wednesday to leave unchanged its prior forecast for state general fund revenue in the current and next fiscal years. That means the Legislature will need to base its budget for the next fiscal year, which begins July 1, largely on the council’s projection for roughly $9.7 billion in general fund revenue representing a 2.0% increase over an estimated $9.5 billion for the current fiscal year. Star-Advertiser. Big Island Now.

$35K Mystery Payment: Bill Would Extend Time To Prosecute. The state Department of the Attorney General will wait until an ongoing federal public corruption investigation ends before considering allegations that an unnamed state lawmaker accepted $35,000 in a paper bag in 2022. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. Civil Beat.

Need A Doctor? Hawaiʻi’s Physician Shortage Keeps Getting Worse. Neighbor islands bear the brunt of the growing shortage, which contributes to uneven costs and poorer care. Civil Beat.

Nearly 30% of state sheriff, investigator positions are vacant, officials say. The state Department of Law Enforcement says low pay is a primary concern amid its 28% vacancy rate, and is hoping for new legislation to combat it. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaiʻi wildfire plan in the works in conjunction with expansion of new state fire marshal’s office. A plan that aims to overhaul how state agencies prepare for wildfires is expected to be completed in early 2027, according to the Hawai‘i Wildfire Management Organization. Maui Now.

DFS pulls out of Hawaii after more than 60 years. After more than 60 years in Hawaii, Duty Free Shoppers (DFS) is preparing to pull out of the market.They are set to close their two locations at the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, Maui Airport location and Waikiki location by the end of March. KHON2.

Oahu

Mayor Blangiardi signs Honolulu Police Department media access bill. Mayor Rick Blangiardi has signed a bill into law requiring the Honolulu Police Department to release timely and accurate information to selected news outlets during major public safety incidents. Blangiardi’s Dec. 22 approval of Bill 46 means HPD is expected to use its newly- created media crime alert system to provide limited media access to its radio communications. Star-Advertiser.

Rebates increased on appliances to encourage water conservation. The Honolulu Board of Water Supply and Department of Environmental Serv­ices announced Wednesday it would be increasing rebates on certain household appliances to encourage more water conservation on the island. Star-Advertiser. KITV4. 

HMSA, Hawai‘i Pacific Health propose new health care affiliation amid affordability concerns. Hawaii Medical Service Association and Hawai‘i Pacific Health said the proposal would bring the two local, nonprofit organizations under a new parent entity, tentatively called One Health Hawaii, while allowing each to continue operating independently as legal affiliates. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.  KHON2. KITV4. 

Proposed healthcare partnership questioned by Queens, nurses’ union. Not everyone is cheering the proposed affiliation between HMSA and Hawaii Pacific Health. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

Dominic Yagong, former council chairman, dies at 66. Dominic Yagong, a former County Council chairman who represented Hamakua and was the beloved emcee of Honokaa High School Dragons sports, died Wednesday. He was 66. Yagong was in hospice care the past couple of weeks after suffering a second stroke late last year. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Now.

$30 Million Invested. Hawaiʻi Island Homeless Population Still Grew. The county has tried to combat homelessness in recent years, but more people are living on the streets of Hilo and Kona. Civil Beat.

Community groups out in front in the fight against hunger on Hawaiʻi Island. An estimated 90,000 people on Hawaiʻi Island are battling some degree of food insecurity. The island has one of the highest rates of hunger in the state, according to a report compiled by major food banks in 2025. Hawaii Public Radio.

Maui

Bill To Save Thousands Of Maui Vacation Rentals Heads To Planning Commissions. Nearly a month after passing a version of Maui Mayor Richard Bissen’s bold plan to free up housing for residents by phasing out thousands of the island’s short-term vacation rentals, the Maui County Council on Wednesday advanced legislation that would reduce the number of affected units by more than half. Civil Beat.

Mahi Pono announces first commercial harvest of Hawaiʻi-grown mandarins. Mahi Pono today announced the first commercial harvest of its Hawaiʻi-grown mandarins, marking a significant milestone in the company’s ongoing efforts to increase local food production and strengthen Hawaiʻi’s food security. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kauaʻi Police Department adds four officers from the 102nd recruit class. Family members, friends, fellow officers and the Kaua’i County Council gathered on Dec. 6 for the 102nd Police Recruit Class graduation ceremony at the Kaua’i War Memorial Convention Hall for recruits Kent Morano, Brandon Chun, Kaleo Josiah and Daylin Huni. Kauai Now.

Hawaii airports good to go so far despite shutdown, growing OB-GYN shortage backlogs appointments, Skyline rail could reach airport this month, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii airports unaffected so far, but safety and morale concerns grow amid shutdown. As the federal government shutdown stretches on, travelers in Hawaii are wondering when the impacts will reach our airports. So far, the state Department of Transportation says operations remain stable. But there’s growing concern about how long that can last.  KHON2.

Chief justice vacancy short on qualified applicants. Filling the position of chief justice of the Hawaii Supreme Court may take some time despite the Hawaii State Judiciary initially announcing the anticipated vacancy nearly a year ago. Star-Advertiser.

State executive branch departments urged to expand use of Operation Hire Hawai‘i. Hawai’i Gov. Josh Green and Hawai‘i Department of Human Resources Development urge executive branch departments to expand use of Operation Hire Hawai‘i to help fill critical state government vacancies. Especially now as the federal government shutdown continues. Big Island Now.

Hawaii faces growing OB-GYN shortage, leaving many women waiting months for care. Across Hawaii, women say finding an OB-GYN is becoming increasingly difficult, with some waiting months for appointments or being told care is only available if they’re pregnant. KITV4.

New HIEMA machines bring water straight from the air. The Hawaii Emergency Management Agency recently acquired two new trailers, which are each equipped with machines that can generate over 200 gallons of water straight from the humidity in the air. KHON2.

Mokulele Airlines gets reprieve as funding continues through November. Hawaii’s rural communities received welcome news Thursday as federal subsidies for essential air service were extended through Nov. 2, providing a temporary reprieve for residents who depend on flights to access medical care and travel between islands. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

All aboard! Skyline rail set to begin service for Kalihi, Honolulu airport and more. October is a big month for Skyline — the city’s rail system opens its second leg from the Aloha Stadium to Middle Street. The 5.2-mile segment will include key employment centers, the airport and Pearl Harbor.  Hawaii Public Radio.

Mayor dropped from key claims in former police chief’s wrongful termination lawsuit. A circuit court judge delivered a significant victory to Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi on Tuesday, ordering him dropped from two of the three counts in the wrongful termination lawsuit filed by former Honolulu Police Chief Arthur “Joe” Logan. Hawaii News Now.

City seeks development partner for affordable housing in Royal Kunia. The city-owned property slated for development is located at the corner of Kupuohi Street and Kupuna Loop. Aloha State Daily.

Park building expansion project begins in Kalihi. A nearly $1.1 million improvement project to expand the interior space of the multipurpose building at Fern Community Park in Kalihi has begun, city Department of Parks and Recreation announced. Star-Advertiser.

HPD wants more surveillance cameras at popular attractions. Rampant crimes came to a sudden halt after HPD began using a surveillance camera at each location at the end of August, the department claims. Hawaii News Now.

One-on-one computer help now available at 5 Oʻahu libraries. The Digital Navigator program launched this week at the ʻEwa Beach Public and School Library, Kailua Public Library, Liliha Public Library, Waiʻanae Public Library and Waipahu Public Library. The program will be available at library branches statewide in the coming weeks. Hawaii Public Radio.

Quieting invasive coquí frogs to hear the heartbeat of Waimānalo. The calls of coquí frogs resound through the forest of Waimānalo, echoing off the nearby valley walls. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Island 

Council members make numerous amendments to plastic foodware bill. A heavily amended bill aiming to reduce plastic and polystyrene waste in Hawaii County was discussed by a County Council committee Wednesday before members voted to forward the next draft to the Environmental Management Commission for review and postpone further action until later this month. Tribune-Herald.

Henneries measure advances with tweaks.  A County Council committee on Tuesday advanced amendments to a bill that would allow backyard henneries in residential zones across Hawaii Island, tightening the proposed rules to limit noise, odor and conflicts between neighbors. Tribune-Herald.

144 Units Planned For ʻĀinakō Subdivision In Hilo. A planned affordable housing project on 61-acres of land in Hilo is detailed in a draft environmental assessment published in the October 8th issue of The Environmental Notice.  Big Island Video News.

Maui

Maui Planning Commission to review proposed building height limit changes for Lahaina. The Maui Planning Commission will consider on Tuesday its recommendations on a bill to amend the West Maui Community Plan, increasing allowable building heights from 30 to 35 feet for new construction in the Lahaina National Historic Landmark District. Maui Now.

‘We just have to start’: Nonprofit faces $40 million task of restoring 8 historic sites in Lahaina. The Lahaina Restoration Foundation shared its master plan to restore the historic sites: the Old Lahaina Courthouse, the Seamen’s Hospital, the Baldwin House, the Masters’ Reading Room, Hale Aloha, Old Lahaina Prison/Hale Pa‘ahao, the Plantation House and the Kindergarten Building. Maui Now.

MPD promotes first woman into role of assistant chief. The Maui Police Department is promoting Joy Medeiros to the rank of assistant chief, marking the first time in department history that a woman has held the role. Maui News.

Kauai

DOW Kuhio Highway project ready to go. Work on Phase I of the Kuhio Highway (Hardy-Oxford) Waterline Project is ready to start during the project blessing that was held on Oct. 3, hosted by the Department of Water, Contractor Alpha, Inc., and Construction Manager Bowers + Kubota. Garden Island. Kauai Now.

Blangiardi attends Hiroshima bombing 80th anniversary ceremonies, Honolulu cancels empty homes tax study, school starts today, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Honolulu mayor named ‘honorary citizen’ ahead of Hiroshima bombing anniversary. Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi is set to be the only U.S. official to attend a peace ceremony marking the bombing of Hiroshima eight decades later. Hawaii News Now.

Hawai‘i’s lurking nuclear dilemma. Hawai‘i pushes to decarbonize, but also pushes away nuclear energy. But maybe that's starting to change as state officials move to open a nuclear energy conversation. Aloha State Daily.

School is back in session: Hopes for A+ in attendance. The Hawaii State Department of Education has expanded students access to transportation that will provide safe and reliable rides to school. KHON2.

Some Hawaii families scramble for after school childcare. Thousands of keiki across the state are back to school, but many of them still need after school child care. KITV4.

State Boards Must Release Records Showing Hiring Decisions, Judge Says. Two state boards have acknowledged that they violated Hawaiʻi’s Sunshine Law when they hired top-level state employees in a series of closed-door meetings and interviews. Last month, Circuit Court Judge Jordon Kimura issued an order that included the release of previously confidential executive session meeting minutes. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Honolulu Is Canceling Its Empty Homes Tax Study. Will That Kill The Bill? The yearlong study was supposed to help inform a now-stalled bill that would have increased property tax rates on unoccupied homes. Civil Beat.

Honolulu DPP launches new building permitting software. Speeding up the city Department of Planning and Permitting’s ability to process building permit applications began Monday, city officials said. Star-Advertiser.

City council to decide on Haleiwa zone change Wednesday. The Haleiwa Backyards Project developer is looking to build roughly 160 low-rise apartment units with 30,000 square feet of office and retail space, parking and a wastewater management system. KHON2.

Renovated classrooms double preschool capacity, cut waitlist. Wai‘alae Elementary Public Charter School is slashing its preschool waitlist by over 50% with the addition of a new classroom for the 2025–26 school year.  Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. 

Nonprofit still searching for COFA citizens on Oʻahu to apply for COVID funeral aid. A federal program providing funeral assistance to those who lost loved ones — excluding citizens of Micronesian nations — to COVID-19 is set to end in late September. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Island

Hawaiʻi’s High-Priced Geothermal Consultants Are Getting Heat. Hawaiʻi wanted to educate Big Island residents about geothermal energy. So far, the plan seems to be backfiring. Civil Beat.

Trial set for Big Island brothers suing state over wrongful conviction compensation. Albert Ian and Shawn Schweitzer are the first to get a trial date of the Hawaii men freed so far because new evidence showed they did not commit the crime that sent them to prison. Hawaii News Now.

North Kohala customers asked to reduce water use by 25% due to down wells. Only one of the three wells serving the region is currently operational, water supply officials say. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now. KHON2. 

Maui

Maui fire settlement still ironing out details. As the two-year anniversary of the deadly Maui wildfires nears, a four billion dollar global settlement in principle is still pending in court. KHON2.

Post-wildfire housing stability improvements on Maui reflected in surveys. A running monthly survey of people affected by Maui’s wildfire disaster nearly two years ago suggests that some market rental housing rates have begun to come down after spikes tied to emergency needs. Star-Advertiser.

Better tools for Maui Police Department since 2023 wildfires include new helicopter, rapid DNA machine. The wildfires led to the creation of the Morgue Identification and Notification Task Force, or MINT, and later to the establishment of the permanent Cold Case Unit that MPD launched in October 2023 to investigate unsolved homicides and missing persons cases.  Maui Now.

Lahaina to mark two years since wildfires with memorial gatherings, tributes. Two years after the deadliest U.S. wildfire in over a century tore through Lahaina, the people of Maui will gather to remember the 102 lives lost and reflect on a long and ongoing recovery. Star-Advertiser.

Maui County Charity Walk raised record $1.75 million. It was a record-breaking day for island charities and their benefactors Aug. 1 as The Maui Hotel & Lodging Association held a special reception breakfast at the Westin Maui Resort & Spa celebrating the 46th annual Maui County Charity Walk, which raised an unprecedented $1.75 million for 76 nonprofit organizations. Maui News.

Community hope and healing take root at a native planting project above Lahaina. It’s a sunny morning on the hillside above Lahaina. Volunteers have gathered to spend their Sunday watering more than 4,000 native plants and trees in a lush, 2-acre area. Around it, hundreds of acres are brown and barren. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kauai

Kaua‘i County now accepting proposals for this fiscal year’s Innovation Grants. Focus areas include small business, technology, transportation, agriculture, local manufacturing, creative industries, workforce development, circular economies, and tourism destination management and product development. Kauai Now.

Electric and hybrid vehicles temporarily not accepted at Puhi Metals until further notice. Due to the potential for hazardous conditions, shipping and handling procedures of these vehicles are being updated at the recycling center, according to a Kaua‘i County press release. 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.

$11B Ala Wai flood control project stalls, interim Kauai police chief named, Maui council tepid on vacation rental conversion plan, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Concerns raised over Ala Wai flood control project’s $11.1B price tag. A decades-old plan to protect Waikiki and neighboring communities against a potential flooding disaster appears to have stalled yet again. This time the issue, in part, is related to the project’s persistently escalating price tag. Star-Advertiser.

State Salary Commissioners Defend The Big Pay Raises They're Recommending. Unless the Legislature rejects them, salary increases are on the way for top elected and appointed officials in Hawaiʻi. Civil Beat.

Key Hawaii Republicans, voters mixed on Trump. Key Hawaii Republicans offered differing views of President Donald Trump three months into his second term, with some continuing their full support while others are hearing from constituents who regret voting for him. Star-Advertiser.

Native Hawaiians developing sovereign AI data. House Bill 546 would establish an “aloha intelligence institute” at the University of Hawaii that would “develop, support and advance artificial intelligence initiatives statewide.” Star-Advertiser.

Deep-Sea Mining Threatens Sea Life In A Way No One Is Thinking About. The extraction process involves dumping debris into the thriving midwater zone. Civil Beat.

Researchers say state funding is crucial to climate data collection. The House Finance Committee has advanced a bill to fund a new climate center within the University of Hawaiʻi's School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology, which researchers say is critical to the continued collection of climate data. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii jobless rate steady as federal layoffs loom. The state’s seasonally adjusted jobless rate in February held at 3.0% for the eighth straight month after six consecutive months at 2.9%, according to data released Friday by the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Interview: Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi. The city and county’s chief executive talks about the landfill, homelessness, the police commission and more. Civil Beat.

Center tackles homelessness at root levels. The Behavioral Health Crisis Center opened in 2024 across the street from the Institute for Human Services’ men’s shelter in Iwilei and has seen 1,182 people ever since to address issues including substance abuse and mental health, which are considered critical underlying reasons why people end up and remain homeless. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu looks to add more affordable housing in ‘Ewa Beach. Although the project is still in the development phase, city officials say they're nearing a "major milestone" with the financing. Aloha State Daily.

Protestor arrested at Tesla rally in Waikiki. Maximo Ramos Arango was arrested Sunday at a Tesla showroom in Waikiki during a rally against Tesla that drew a crowd of around 200 people. Star-Advertiser.

Two men cited for picking opihi at protected site. State conservation officers cited two men Wednesday for illegally collecting opihi from the Pupukea Marine Life Conservation District on Oahu’s North Shore. Spectrum News.

Hawaii Island

Hawaiʻi County Public Works Director Hugh Ono To Retire. After a few months in the position, Hawaiʻi County Public Works Director Hugh Ono will again retire on March 31. Deputy Director Neil Azevedo will serve as acting director until a permanent replacement is found. Big Island Video News.

Community health center eyes expansion. A bill that would provide funding for Hawaii Island Community Health Center to expand the reach of its services to about 55,000 patients yearly is making its way through the state Legislature. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui Won’t Be Converting Vacation Rentals To Long-Term Housing Anytime Soon. A phased-in approach was to begin July 1 but the council has yet to take up the mayor’s proposal. Civil Beat.

Maui County Council to address proposed budget, property assessments. Real property tax assessments and Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen’s proposed $1.5 billion budget are expected to be discussed during a series of upcoming public meetings. Maui News.

As property values climb, Maui County eyes lower tax rates for resident homeowners. Each of the three tax tiers for owner-occupied properties would see a decrease under the mayor’s budget, which proposes going from $1.80 to $1.70 per $1,000 of assessed value in the lowest tier, $2 to $1.90 in the second-highest tier and $3.25 to $3.10 in the highest tier.  Maui Now.

Maui Fire Settlements Could Shrink If Health Insurers Take A Bite. As settlement money begins to flow to Maui wildfire victims, a state law that allows health insurers to recoup their costs becomes a concern. Civil Beat.

Firefighters have high levels of PFAS in aftermath of Maui fires. Maui firefighters who responded to the August 2023 Maui wildfires had the highest levels of “forever chemicals” known as PFAS in their bloodstream when compared with other first responders a month later. Star-Advertiser.

Lawmakers still weighing temporary exemption for tour boat environmental reviews. Senate Bill 1074 could allow dozens of tour boat operators to return to the waters off West Maui’s Kā‘anapali, a tourism hotspot.  Hawaii Public Radio.

Kauai

Interim chief selected following announcement of embattled Kaua‘i police chief’s retirement. The Kaua‘i Police Commission appointed Assistant Chief Elliott Kalani Ke as interim chief following the announcement of Chief Todd Raybuck’s announcement to retire last year. Kauai Now. Hawaii News Now.  KITV4.

Native Hawaiians eye funding cuts, Blangiardi seeks safer Oahu in State of City speech, Maui teacher fired for opposing transgender rules, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii Senate committees slashes DHHL’s $600M request to $50M. A drastic cut to the money could come to Department of Hawaiian Homelands as it aims to clear its decades-long waitlist. Two Senate committees moved a proposed bill forward Tuesday, but took a big cut to the DHHL’s $600 million request. Hawaii News Now.

Native Hawaiian services at risk due to federal funding cuts. From Hawaiian immersion programs to affordable housing and food banks across the islands, critical programs are in jeopardy of being eliminated. KITV4.

High Court Rules Against Insurers. Now It’s Time To Divvy Up $4B. Among the questions: how much will Maui wildfire victims and their lawyers get from the huge settlement, and how will Hawaiʻi’s insurance market react? Civil Beat.

Family caregivers could get up to $5,000 in tax credits for out-of-pocket costs. The Senate Health and Human Services Committee passed a bill that would allow caregivers to claim a tax credit for out-of-pocket costs for supplies. Hawaii Public Radio.

Proposed AI facility at UH approved by panels. A joint hearing of the Senate Higher Education and Labor and Technology committees passed the latest version of House Bill 546 to establish an “aloha intelligence institute” at UH that would “develop, support, and advance artificial intelligence initiatives statewide,” according to the bill. Star-Advertiser.

Federal support secured for UH, restoration of 442nd web page. Gov. Josh Green announced Monday that discussions with White House officials have helped secure continued federal funding for the University of Hawaii amid an ongoing civil rights investigation, while also advocating for the restoration of an Army web page honoring the 442nd Regimental Combat Team. Star-Advertiser. Big Island Now.

State considers costly solution to fight coconut rhinoceros beetles. The state has tried to stop the spread of the coconut rhinoceros beetle since its first detection in 2013. So far it’s been a losing battle, but agriculture officials now say a virus in New Zealand may be the answer. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii sees continued growth in solar installations and capacity. Rooftop solar installations across Hawaiian Electric’s service areas continued to expand in 2024, with 7,976 new systems added, bringing the total to 113,999. This marks a 7.5% increase from the previous year. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Blangiardi Outlines Plans For Safer Oʻahu In State Of The City Speech. A North Shore first responders hub, a Windward ocean safety facility and a Waipahu base for the city’s homelessness response team are part of a raft of public safety investments that Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi is planning for the coming year. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.  KHON2. KITV4.

Measure to ban landfills over aquifers is now fielding concerns about recycled ash. In December, Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s administration announced plans to site Oʻahu’s new landfill in Wahiawā, prompting several measures to be introduced at the Legislature this year to clarify where landfills and waste facilities can, and can't, be placed. Hawaii Public Radio.

To Sell More Housing in West Oʻahu, This Developer Plans To Raise Prices. In Kalaeloa, affordable housing units aren’t a lot cheaper than market-rate units. So the developer plans to raise the price of market-rate units. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Big Island Committee Punts Approval Of Police MOUs With Feds To Full Council. By a razor-thin margin, a Hawaiʻi County Council committee on Tuesday voted to leave it up to the full council whether to allow the mayor to sign agreements between the Big Island’s police department and federal law enforcement agencies after its top cop insisted he had no interest in enforcing immigration law. Civil Beat.

New preschool for 80 children to be built near ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center. The preschool will offer a variety of benefits such as affordable child care for UH Hilo students, workforce development for new teachers, and meeting the demand for more early childhood education taught in the Hawaiian language. Tribune-Herald.

Hawai‘i Community College butchery course graduates inaugural class. A new butchery course at Hawai‘i Community College graduated its inaugural class of six at the Kō Center in Honoka‘a. Big Island Now.

Maui

Maui police chief’s lawyer asks commission not to investigate allegations; county says fair probe needed for public trust. Pelletier has been accused in a civil lawsuit of being involved in the conspiracy of a gang rape orchestrated by rapper Sean “Diddy” Combs in California in 2018. At the time Pelletier was working for the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department.  Maui Now.

Maui teacher says she was fired for speaking out against anti-trans policy. A teacher on Maui said she was fired for not accepting a new school policy that she said discriminates against transgender students. Vashti Daise has been a teacher for 35 years. Hawaii News Now.

Maui Waena Intermediate School’s Principal McCandless named Principal of the Year. Maui Waena Intermediate School Principal Jacquelyn McCandless has been named a winner of the state’s 2025 National Distinguished Principals of the Year by the Hawai’i Association of Secondary School Administrators. Maui News. Maui Now.

Kauai

KIUC looking at two new renewable energy projects. On Tuesday, the Kauai Island Utility Cooperative announced that it is proposing two new renewable energy projects that will bring Kauai close to 80 percent renewable energy by 2028. Garden Island.

Hands-on ocean awareness. The first paid lifeguard internship program hit the waters on Tuesday at the South end of Lydgate Beach Park. Garden Island.

House seeks to sock away $200M for hard times, state growth projections reduced, Honolulu mayor proposes $5B budget, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaiʻi House Wants To Set Aside $200 Million As A Hedge Against Hard Times.  House lawmakers want to bank $200 million in state funds as a cash cushion to help cope with any federal budget cuts or other fiscal problems that may be crop up in the years ahead. The House Finance Committee, in passing a budget Wednesday, made public some highlights from its proposed spending plan for the next two years, which would authorize slightly more than $20.48 billion next fiscal year and $20.22 billion the following year. Civil Beat.

DBEDT reduces Hawaii’s economic growth rate to 1.7% for 2025. The Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism on Wednesday lowered its economic growth projections for this year on the expectation that tourism growth will slow, consumer inflation will rise, and policy uncertainty will increase at the national and international levels. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiʻi food banks report canceled shipments and frozen funds amid federal cuts. Six shipping containers worth of food for the Hawaiʻi Foodbank, which serves Oʻahu and Kauaʻi, were scheduled to be shipped to the state during the first half of the year. But those shipments have been canceled. Hawaii Public Radio.

Trump’s recent executive order declared English as the official language of the country for the first time, but the Hawaiʻi State Judiciary says the order does not impact the state.  Hawaiʻi is the only state that has two official languages: ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi and English.  Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

Honolulu Mayor’s $5B Budget Boosts Homeless Funding And Addresses Federal Cuts. The city is bracing for federal cuts, but the mayor said there are no plans to increase property taxes. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser.  Hawaii Public Radio. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Honolulu Will Allow Some Developers To OK Their Own Projects. The council acted in November 2023 to reduce a backlog of permit applications, but the program hasn’t launched yet. Civil Beat.

‘Calculation error’ discovered in Skyline audit. In a report issued Feb. 27 involving the audit of the city Department of Transportation Services’ Skyline operations, the city auditor found the audit mistakenly cited a 77% decrease in rail ridership from July 2023 to December 2023. The correct percentage decrease in ridership on the city’s rail line was later determined to be almost 44%. Star-Advertiser.

Hidden Links Exposed: Hawaiʻi Fireworks Bust Tied To Mainland Suppliers. One mysterious address on shipping documents in a seizure at Honolulu Harbor is the first in a chain of clues that lead across the country and through the decades — a mysterious web of connections between the legal and illegal fireworks trade. Civil Beat.

Controversial youth transitional living facility moves forward in Makaha. A nonprofit is moving forward with a plan to help homeless youth get off the streets in Leeward Oahu, but some neighbors are asking the governor to cancel the project. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

County, HGEA reach COVID compensation agreement. The arbitrated agreement will pay certain Hawaii Government Employees Association members who were county employees 15% of their hourly pay over a two-year period based on when the pandemic began and when cases began to flatten. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii Island police kill murder suspect, 28, in shootout. Hawaii Island police said officers killed a 28-year-old murder suspect in a Tuesday evening shootout in Volcano, ending a day-long manhunt after the early-morning shooting death of a 25-year-old woman in Puna. Star-Advertiser. Tribune-Herald.  KITV4.

Immigration enforcement operation raising concerns among Latino population. A federal immigration enforcement operation was conducted at a Kona coffee farm Wednesday afternoon, increasing concerns among the island’s Latino community. Hawaii News Now.

Waimea nonprofit eyes lunar landings. The arrivals of two lunar landers on the moon this week bodes well for a Big Island company’s plan to set up a permanent observatory on the moon. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui County’s economic recovery trails rest of the state; construction builds momentum. Maui County’s economic recovery remains slower than other islands, particularly in tourism and employment, suggesting lingering effects from the August 2023 wildfires disaster that disrupted tourism and local businesses, according to the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism the 2025 Statistical and Economic Report, published in this first quarter. Maui Now.

Maui losing 10 stores, 80 jobs after company overseeing iconic surfing brands files for bankruptcy. The Honolua Surf Company store in The Shops at Wailea is one of 10 surf stores on Maui — four Honolua Surf Company, two Quiksilver, two Volcom and two Billabong — that are liquidating their stock and closing their doors for good after their operator, Liberated Brands LLC, filed for bankruptcy a month ago in the U.S. District of Delaware. Maui Now. KITV4.

Maui residents divided on proposal for street extension connecting two communities. Maui County officials are asking for public feedback about a proposal for a new road connecting the Wailuku and Waiehu communities. Hawaii News Now.

Maui County DWS to host community meetings on water pipe inventory project. The Maui County Department of Water Supply is inviting the public to an informational meeting about an ongoing water service line inventory to comply with the latest U.S. Environmental Protection Agency lead and copper ruling, which is established to monitor the lead and copper levels at customers’ water pipes at homes, schools and businesses. Maui News.

Kauai

Hawaiʻi pays 64% above national average for electricity. While Hawaiʻi’s average monthly usage is lower than the U.S. average, its average rate per kWh is significantly higher, at 39.62 cents per kWh, which is well over double the national average of $137 per month. Kauaʻi Island Utility Cooperative said 60% of its electricity comes from renewables and rates on Kauaʻi range between 33 and 39 cents, but the need for energy storage capacity becomes apparent when the sun doesn’t shine and the wind stops blowing. 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.

House Speaker Saiki loses re-election bid, Honolulu Mayor Blangiardi cruises to easy victory, Big Island mayor's race heads to runoff, more primary election news and ballot report links from all the Hawaiian Islands

House Speaker Saiki loses close House race. Former state Board of Education member Kim Coco Iwamoto edged out House Speaker Scott Saiki with 2,649 votes, compared to Saiki's 2,395 on the final certified report released by the state Office of Elections on Sunday morning. Both are Democrats, and there is no other contender in the contest for the District 25 seat. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Many Hawaii Legislators Will Return To The Capitol This Year, But There Are Surprises. House Speaker Scott Saiki was trailing his challenger while veteran former lawmaker Clayton Hee looked to be losing his North Shore race. Civil Beat.

 Inouye, Lee Loy cruise to easy wins. State Sen. Lorraine Inouye once again defeated challenger Laura Acasio in the Democratic Primary Election Saturday night. Tribune-Herald.

Incumbents Hirono, Case, Tokuda cruise to Democratic primary victories. Three-fourths of Hawaii’s congressional delegation easily moved past their primary opponents today and onto the General Election ballot in November. U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono, Reps. Jill Tokuda and Ed Case all topped their respective Democratic tickets. The second tally of results by the state Office of Elections representing a large majority of votes cast showed Hirono with nearly 91% of the party vote, while Case was cruising with 92% and Tokuda capturing a solid 100% running unopposed.  Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Sen. Mazie Hirono wins Democratic primary for third term, will face McDermott in general. Hirono won a three-way race against Ron Curtis and Clyde McClain Lewman. Associated Press.

Familiar names dominate OHA trustee races in early results. Incumbent Kelii Akina, who has served as trustee since 2016, held a nearly 7,500-vote lead with 36,270 (26.3%), over Ahu Isa, who had 28,753 (20.8%) Saturday night. The two top candidates will go on to the general election. Star-Advertiser.

Former Congressman Poised To Win Seat On OHA Board Of Trustees. Kai Kahele appears poised to make a return to politics as an Office of Hawaiian Affairs trustee for the Big Island.  Voters chose candidates for three seats on the Office of Hawaiian Affairs to face off in November. A fourth seat representing Kauai only had two candidates and will be on the general election ballot automatically. Civil Beat.

Certified ballot report for the state of Hawaii can be found here.

Oahu

Mayor Blangiardi handily beats challengers in re-election bid. As predicted by many political pundits and interested observers, Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi handily beat his challengers Saturday evening. In the second set of results posted after 10:30 p.m., the 77-year-old retired media executive took nearly 79% of the vote — or 116,039 votes — to secure the city’s top elective office for another four years. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. KITV4.

Certified ballot report for Oahu can be found here.

Hawaii Island

Runoff in mayor’s race: Roth, Alameda to face off in November. Many veteran observers of local politics thought the Primary Election mayoral race would spawn a runoff in the General Election on Nov. 5 between incumbent Mitch Roth and challenger Kimo Alameda — and that’s what happened. Tribune-Herald. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Big Island Now. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

5 Hawai‘i County Council races headed for a runoff in general election, preliminary reports show. Five of the nine Hawai‘i County Council seats are headed for runoffs in the Nov. 5 general election, according to preliminary primary election results posted late Saturday by the state Office of Elections. Big Island Now.

Kagiwada, Kimball retain council seats; Onishi appears to avoid runoff. Three of the council’s five windward members had contested races on Saturday: Heather Kimball of District 1, covering North Hilo, Hamakua and portions of Waimea; Jenn Kagiwada of District 2, including Hilo and parts of South Hilo; and Matt Kaneali‘i-Kleinfelder of District 5, encompassing Upper Puna and portions of Keaau. Tribune-Herald.

Three council incumbents retain seats in W. Hawaii. Of the four Hawaii County Council Primary Election races in West Hawaii, three incumbents won their seats outright Saturday night, while a fourth race will go to a General Election runoff on Nov. 5. The race to be decided in November will be for representation of Council District 9, which encompasses North Kohala and parts of Waimea and Waikoloa. Tribune-Herald.

Certified ballot report for Hawaii Island can be found here.

Maui

Maui County Council Incumbents Are Cruising On To The General Election. Former three-term Maui County Council member Kelly King was trailing incumbent Tom Cook in her effort to reclaim the South Maui seat, according to preliminary results in Saturday’s primary election. Civil Beat.

Certified ballot report for Maui can be found here.

Kauai

Kauai Council Incumbents Advancing To General Election. Kauai County voters were favoring incumbent council members, who mostly led the pack of 17 candidates vying for the seven seats on the council in the first round of primary election returns Saturday. Civil Beat.

Certified ballot report for Kauai can be found here.