Hurricane Lowell predicted to turn north, state Supreme Court mulls special election for tiebreaker Oahu House seat, Skyline hits record with student riders, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hurricane Lowell expected to take a turn north toward Hawaii. Powerful Hurricane Lowell is passing far south of Hawaii through Friday but it’s where it goes afterward that has emergency officials and residents anxious. While the details of Lowell’s turn remain uncertain, the possibility is especially unnerving on Kauai, which on Sept. 11 will mark the 34th anniversary of Hurricane Iniki, which took a similar path and devastated the island. Star-Advertiser.  Big Island Video News. Hawaii News Now.  KHON2. KITV4. 

Navy Region Hawaii conducts change-of-command ceremony. Navy Region Hawaii Commander Rear Adm. Brad Collins on Wednesday relinquished his command as he prepares to go to Washington, D.C., to oversee Navy Installations Command, putting him in charge of overseeing shoreside operations for the U.S. Navy across the world. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Rematch May Be Coming For House Seat Decided By Tiebreaker. The Hawaiʻi Supreme Court will decide Friday whether a special election is needed for the tight race between two Oʻahu Republicans. Civil Beat. KHON2.

Amazon fulfillment center zoning deferred. The Honolulu Planning Commission on Wednesday voted 7-0 to defer action on a zoning change sought by Amazon for its more than $600 million Project Savoy Fulfillment Center, delaying a decision on whether the company can build a massive five-story warehouse in West Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

Skyline sees record number of rides as students return to school. The City and County of Honolulu said on Aug. 26 that Skyline recorded 14,143 rides, the highest weekday ridership total to date, with average weekday ridership from Aug. 24 through Aug. 28 at 13,478. KHON2.

Construction continues as Skyline stretches into the city. The next leg of the Skyline rail project is headed into the urban core, and evidence of its headway can be seen with the first column and cap being constructed along Nimitz Highway. Hawaii Public Radio.

Honolulu city agencies used more energy and water in 2025. Honolulu's municipal energy and water usage rose significantly last year, according to the city’s latest Annual Sustainability Report. In 2025, city agencies used about 30 million more kilowatt-hours of electricity — enough to power about 500 homes for an entire year. Agency water use was also up by about half a million gallons per day. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Island

Hawaii Island’s Hurricane Lala damage estimate nears $100M with housing top priority. There are still struggles, but also definite progress on Hawaii Island after Hurricane Lala. Hawaii News Now.

PONC measure advances after County Council vote. Legislation to create a framework for regularly reviewing the list of properties targeted for acquisition through Hawaii County’s Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources Commission (PONC) is moving forward after passing an initial vote Wednesday by the County Council. Tribune-Herald.

Ka‘u students return to in-person learning in aftermath of Lala. More than 850 students at two Ka‘u schools returned to in-person learning this week, marking a major step toward normalcy nearly two weeks after Hurricane Lala battered the district. Star-Advertiser.

Dengue virus detected in wastewater sample from Hawaiʻi Island. A wastewater sample from the Hilo wastewater treatment plant tested positive for dengue virus, according to the Hawaiʻi Department of Health. Tribune-Herald. Hawaii News Now.   Big Island Now.

Maui

MPD officer allegedly raped woman after single-car accident. The Maui Prosecuting Attorney is asking potential victims and witnesses to come forward in the case of a police officer who allegedly raped a woman after she crashed her car in May 2025. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. 

Public asked to comment on subsidized ferry proposal.  Maui County officials are hoping to create a subsidized ferry system in Valley Isle waters, where private ferries have sometimes shut down in the past. Maui News.

County announces plans to open temporary safe parking site after Sugimura proposes resolution. County officials said teams and community partners have conducted more than 60 outreach and engagement efforts along Pulehu and Hansen roads during the past three months. They also have completed more than 25 cleanups, removed more than 10 tons of waste and debris and 56 abandoned vehicles, and helped three people move from the encampment into permanent housing. Maui News. Maui Now.  Hawaii News Now. 

Konig jurors to be queried on misconduct claim. The 12 jurors who served during Gerhardt Konig’s attempted murder trial must return to the courtroom for questioning on possible jury misconduct. The Maui anesthesiologist was found guilty April 8 of attempted manslaughter of his wife, Arielle Konig, based on extreme mental or emotional distress, rather than second-degree attempted murder as charged. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai

Motorists face weeklong Halekō Road closure starting Sept. 8. The Department of Transportation will implement a 24/7 closure of Haleko Road westbound for a week due to concrete work for the ʻUahi Ridge Housing development.  Kauai Now.

Kidani leaving Senate, endangered yellow-face bee could thwart Turtle Bay development, toll booth proposed for Maunakea access road, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

State Sen. Michelle Kidani to retire from Hawaii Legislature. State Senate Vice President Michelle Kidani, 77, whose health was the subject of speculation during the last legislative session, announced Saturday that she will retire, effective Tuesday, while acknowledging concerns over her health. Star-Advertiser. KITV4. Hawaii News Now. 

Key lawmaker’s exit creates power void in Legislature. Sen. Karl Rhoads, 63, will end his 20-year career. Colleagues say Rhoads doesn’t play power games or politics with bills like other Hawaii lawmakers despite his position chairing a powerful committee where he oversaw the confirmation of 70 state court judges and justices. Star-Advertiser.

Bill Requiring AI Platforms to Protect Minors Awaits Governor’s Signature. Senate Bill 3001 requires AI companion platforms operating in Hawaii to provide disclosures to users, establish protocols for responding to prompts involving suicidal ideation or self-harm, and implement safeguards. Hawaii News Now.

Proposed protest limits at UH trigger concerns. University of Hawaii President Wendy Hensel in the fall plans to release proposed changes that would impose new limits on speech and protests across all 10 UH campuses. Star-Advertiser.

Draft bill in Congress calls for negotiation on Army land leases in Hawaii. A draft of Congress’s annual military spending bill approved by the Senate Armed Services Committee contains language that would limit the Army’s ability to seize land in Hawaii through eminent domain. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now.

Utilities work to strengthen grid resiliency. Emergency officials are warning residents to brace for the possibility of extended power outages as Hawaii enters an El Nino season expected to generate five to 13 tropical storms in the Central Pacific Basin. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

The Future Of Honolulu Rail: Report Details Pricey Possibilities. The new report envisions innovative rail extensions to reach much more of Oʻahu’s population but the HART board is asking for more study in anticipation of seeking more public funding. Civil Beat.

Honolulu rail board still must finalize next year’s $1.07B budget. The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation’s $1.07 billion operating and capital budgets for fiscal year 2027, which begins July 1, have been approved, but with a catch. Star-Advertiser.

Turtle Bay’s Tiniest Residents Could Thwart Luxury Resort Plans. Litigation could see new environmental conditions for construction and cultural interests on land parcels at Turtle Bay. A multi-billion-dollar corporation’s plan to build a 375-room luxury resort on 50 acres of North Shore coastal real estate has run into an unexpected hurdle in the form of some of Oʻahu’s smallest and rarest residents — the Hawaiian Yellow-Faced Bee. Civil Beat.

Deadline extended for relocation of Waianae homeless encampment. The state Department of Land and Natural Resources has extended to October the deadline for Puʻuhonua O Waiʻanae (POW), one of Hawaii’s largest long‑standing homeless encampments, to vacate its makai shoreline site and relocate to a new kauhale community. Star-Advertiser.

New UH AI data center aims to improve healthcare throughout Pacific region. More than $12 million in federal funding has spurred researchers at the University of Hawaii’s Cancer Center and John A. Burns School of Medicine to focus on converting a garage-­sized, air-conditioned, ground-floor room at the Cancer Center into Hawaii’s first-of-its-kind artificial intelligence data center. Star-Advertiser.

$1M investment aims to speed up Honolulu’s bikeshare program. The city is prepared to invest $1 million from the Climate Resiliency Fund into bringing 600 bikes back into circulation and to put additional funds into fixing the stations. Star-Advertiser.

Master developer expands into rental housing ownership. James Campbell Co. announced Wednesday that it bought The Element, a 318-unit rental apartment complex developed in 2020 at Ho‘opili on the Ewa plain near Kapolei. Star-Advertiser.

Canoe club fights eviction from Ewa Beach shoreline after nearly 20 years. Kamahao Canoe Club says the shoreline at Hammer Point, located within Kapilina Beach Homes, has served as a gathering place for Hawaiian canoe traditions for nearly 20 years. Club leaders say they were recently told they must vacate the property, though the deadline has been extended to November. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Toll booth, cultural center proposed for Maunakea Access Road. Two years after the Hawaii Supreme Court ruled that the access road to the Maunakea summit had been illegally seized and designated as state property in 2018 by the Hawaii Department of Transportation, plans to manage it going forward are under discussion. Tribune-Herald.

Rural Hawaiʻi Island Candidates Want More Say — And Resources. Candidates from South Kona, Kaʻū and Puna share their responses to questions about water, agriculture, waste and other environmental challenges in their districts. Civil Beat.

Geothermal, Housing, Vacation Rentals: Hawaiʻi Council District 6 Candidate Q&As. Five candidates are in the running for the district made up of Big Islandʻs south-west corner. Civil Beat.

Puna Alternate Route Study underway but delayed.  Publication of a state and Hawaii County-funded traffic study exploring alternate routes into Puna District has been delayed by at least half a year, according to the county Department of Public Works. Tribune-Herald.

Waikoloa Green Project Stirs Wildfire Evacuation Route Concerns. The need for another road in Waikoloa, especially for use during emergencies, was a part of Thursday's Leeward Planning Commission discussion. Big Island Video News.

County eyes Kona Kmart for events center. Micah Kamohoali‘i, a kumu hula, fashion designer and Aloha Festivals Island of Hawaii executive director, is asking the county to use the 125,000-square-foot building, which has been vacant since Kmart shuttered in 2018. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

‘A lot at stake for West Maui’: Three longtime residents face off in Aug. 8 Democratic primary. A chef, a high school teacher and a business advocate are competing for the chance to represent West Maui in a state Democratic primary race left wide open by incumbent Ellie Conchran’s unexpected switch to the Republican Party in March. Maui Now.

West Maui condo agrees to finally put in public beach access that was required 50 years ago. The owners and association of a West Maui condominium complex that has not provided required public beach access for nearly five decades have agreed to finally install a pathway and stairs to the shoreline to avoid nearly $2 million in fines from Maui County. Maui Now.

Lānaʻi School Relies On Temporary Power Lines For Years. The education department did not provide a timeframe for when Lānaʻi High and Elementary would receive permanent repairs to its electrical system.  Civil Beat.

Kauai

Kauai Police Department warns public about increase in vehicle fuel thefts. The Kauai Police Department (KPD) is advising residents and visitors to remain vigilant following an increase in fuel thefts from vehicles reported across the island. Recent incidents involve suspects cutting gas tank lines from parked vehicles, and drilling holes in gas tanks. Garden Island.

‘This center is for them’: Kauaʻi County hosts blessing for new Piʻikoi Youth Center dedicated to keiki, ʻohana. “Every child who walks through these doors will have a safe, welcoming place to learn, play and grow, and every family will have a place to turn for the programs and support they need," said Kauaʻi County Mayor Derek Kawakami. Kauai Now.

Kaua‘i Police Ignored Warnings Ahead Of Murder, Residents Say. Neighbors repeatedly told law enforcement that William Sinclair had firearms and was using them to terrorize neighbors. Civil Beat.

Incumbents lead congressional money race, lawsuit accuses DLNR chief of harassment, Hart OKs eminent domain for rail, Aloha Stadium is coming down, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Incumbents Lead The Money Race For Congress. Will Outside Groups Wade In? Hawaiʻi’s U.S. Reps. Ed Case and Jill Tokuda have significantly more campaign cash than their challengers as races head toward mid-summer primaries. Civil Beat.

Harassment At Center Of Lawsuit Against Top Hawaiʻi Land Official. A former top executive in the state land management bureaucracy is suing his ex-boss Dawn Chang and the Department of Land and Natural Resources alleging he was forced out of his job. Former state Land Administrator Russell Tsuji claims he was accused of being a political mole and was assigned an impossible task in an effort to get rid of him. Civil Beat.

Lawsuit Demands More Information On Hiring Of UH President Wendy Hensel. The public has a right to review the Board of Regents’ discussions when it hired a new president and her special adviser, public interest attorneys say. Civil Beat.

Family Suing Kamehameha Schools Can Stay Anonymous For Now. Their identities will be revealed to the school’s attorneys and the judge presiding over the case. Civil Beat.

Oahu

HART OKs eminent domain for large properties. The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation will pursue legal action against two downtown area property owners to obtain land for two planned rail stations along the over-$10 billion Skyline extension into Kakaako, rail officials say. Star-Advertiser.

Commission to pick next HPD chief May 20. A search firm will detail who the top candidates are to serve as Honolulu’s 13th police chief out of a pool of 41 applicants during a confidential meeting of the Honolulu Police Commission on Monday. Star-Advertiser. KITV4. 

UH Mānoa receives over 100 water-related service requests in student housing. The first storm hit during the university’s spring break, meaning students could have left windows open or AC units on, which may have contributed to the excess bacteria growth. Hawaii Public Radio.

Large section of Aloha Stadium demolished as project proceeds. The dismantling of Aloha Stadium took a big step forward Thursday with the first section of seating pulled down from the steel structure. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. KITV4.

‘Really gross’: Windward Oahu school infested with millipedes. For weeks, students at Kalaheo High School in Kailua say thousands of critters have been crawling about campus. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

County budget of nearly $1B is under review. A Hawaii County Council committee reviewed Mayor Kimo Alameda’s proposed operating budget this week, which includes significant funding increases for public safety, waste processing and debt servicing for the next year. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaiʻi County Department of Environmental Management outlines its budget for council. Daniel Girvan, the new director of the Department of Environmental Management, gave a presentation to the Hawaiʻi County Council on Thursday about its priorities that include several wastewater projects for its proposed budget of $95.5 million for fiscal year 2026-27. Big Island Now.

New Parking Payment System Begins At Hilo Courthouse On Friday, April 17. Parking at Hale Kaulike will transition from individual meters to a centralized pay station located inside the courthouse lobby. Big Island Video News.

Hearing set for two East Hawaii men accused of smuggling fireworks. Darrel Goo, 52, of Keaau and Cy Tamura, 45, of Hilo, accused by federal authorities of illegally importing fireworks into Hawaii from the mainland U.S. and distributing them are due in court Monday in Honolulu. Tribune-Herald.

Puna man sentenced to 40 years for sexually assaulting minors. Joseph Donald Tibbs, a  45-year-old Mountain View man, was sentenced Wednesday to 40 years in prison for sexually assaulting two minors and other child abuse incidents that took place between February and May 2025. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Now. KHON2. KITV4. 

Maui

Maui Police Department aims for funding for staff shortages, law enforcement modernization. The Maui Police Department is requesting a $12.2 million budget increase next fiscal year, or 11.6% more than this year, to address staffing shortages and modernize public safety technology across Maui County. Maui Now.

Molokaʻi man dies following dog attack. Sylvester Apiki, 69, of Kaunakakai, died following a dog attack reported Tuesday afternoon. The incident was reported at 12 p.m. on April 14 at a home on Hoʻomalu Drive in Kaunakakai. Maui Now.

Lawmakers reject Molokai principal’s appointment to HTSB. The state Senate this week rejected Gov. Josh Green’s nomination of Molokai High School Principal Katina Soares to the Hawaii Teacher Standards Board following pointed floor debate over her leadership and communication record. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai

Worker removing invasive species on Kaua‘i trail rescued after suffering apparent leg injury. According to a preliminary report from Kaua‘i County, first responders aboard Air 1 responded to the scene shortly before 11:50 a.m. When they arrived on scene, approximately 2 miles into the trail, they discovered the 36-year-old resident. Kauai Now.

Farm Bureau estimates $40M hit to ag land from Kona lows, Honolulu council blasts slow city response to North Shore flooding, Skyline edges closer to downtown, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Damages on ag land from Kona low storms estimated at $40M. During a joint hearing Wednesday, the Hawaii Farm Bureau updated state lawmakers on the impacts to agricultural lands, which the group estimated at about $40 million. The organization said about 1,600 farmers reported damages through its survey, developed with other agricultural groups — about a quarter of the roughly 6,500 farms in Hawaii. Hawaii News Now.

Measure seeks to curb deceptive cost advertising for live events, hotels. The Legislature is considering a measure that would crack down on companies misrepresenting the costs of live events and hotel lodging: when, during checkout, the total cost has significantly increased from the advertised price due to added fees. Hawaii Public Radio.

Low-Income Hawaiʻi Patients And Their Doctors Face A Financial Cliff. A senior Hawaiʻi health care leader says issues with government reimbursements are leading to “a state of non-viability” for the state’s entire health care system. Civil Beat.

Hawaiian Electric bills to soar up to 30% due to higher oil prices. Hawaii’s biggest utility on Wednesday warned customers that typical residential bills may rise between 20% and 30% over the next several months due to global oil prices soaring since late February amid the war in Iran and other geopolitical tensions. Star-Advertiser. Big Island Video News.

Citizen scientists collect hundreds of ocean samples to test storm runoff effects. The project started as a text chain last week between University of Hawaiʻi researchers Sara Kahanamoku, Nyssa Silbiger and Andrea Kealoha. As the state reeled from heavy rains, the group wondered how the resulting runoff of floodwaters into the ocean might affect Hawaiʻi’s reefs. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

Honolulu Council Criticizes Slow City Response To North Shore Flooding. City officials didn’t immediately have a clear picture of conditions on the ground. By the time they did, they said evacuation might not have been the safest option.  Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.  KHON2. 

North Shore Flood Will Add A Month’s Worth Of Debris To Landfill. The city has limited options when it comes to disposing tons of refuse from the flash floods that roared through the North Shore last month. Civil Beat.

Multiple high bacteria advisories in place for North Shore beaches. A high bacteria advisory means there are high levels of enterococci, which the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency uses as an indicator of fecal matter in the water and, therefore, the possible presence of disease-causing bacteria, viruses, and protozoa. Star-Advertiser.

First guideway column completed for Skyline’s downtown extension. The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART) announced the first of 148 columns that will be installed to support the guideway along Segment 3 stretching from Middle Street to Civic Center Station in Kakaako. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

State’s first health learning lab opens at Waianae High School. Waianae High School, home of the Seariders, became the first public school in Hawaii to get a state-of-the-art health learning lab on Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Land under BOH Waikiki Center sold for $67M. The sale of the leased fee interest under most of the Bank of Hawaii Waikiki Center fronting Kalakaua Avenue and Beach Walk was made to an undisclosed buyer, according to Ian Clagstone of brokerage firm Standard Commercial, who represented the seller. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Progress on roundabout for Waimea near Parker School. Gov. Josh Green has released $1.4 million in capital improvement project funds for initial work on the Waimea Roadways Improvement Project, according to state Rep. David Tarnas, a Waimea Democrat. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Now. 

Public Invited To Comment On Plans For 95-acre Shoreline In South Kona. The National Park Service Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail is working on a long-term management plan for the Kauleolī parcel. Big Island Video News.

Police Roll Out New “Blue And White” Patrol Vehicles. Twenty-one new, marked “blue and white” patrol vehicles have been delivered to the Hawaiʻi Police Department, and will soon be appearing in all districts on the Big Island. Big Island Video News.

More help sought in fight against coconut rhinoceros beetle. As detections of the highly destructive coconut rhinoceros beetle in West Hawaii continue to climb, two bills making their way through the state Legislature aim to slow the bugs’ spread in markedly different ways. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Wailuku Water Co.’s damaged system has left farmers without water. Who will repair it? Central Maui’s water supply is short by 3 million gallons a day, with users cut off in Waikapū, after two consecutive Kona low storms last month damaged Wailuku Water Co.’s private system, Maui County officials said Sunday. Maui Now.

DWS requests South Maui conservation of nonessential water use April 3 due to mainline repair. The County of Maui Department of Water Supply is requesting all South Maui customers, including residents, visitors, hotels and condominium properties, to conserve water and limit nonessential use from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday, April 3, 2026, while crews work to repair a mainline break. Maui Now.

Legacy Land Conservation Grants awarded to five projects on Maui and Molokaʻi. Pristine coastal areas, culturally significant shorelines, native forest habitat and lands that support traditional practices and community access will now be protected with the help of state funding for land acquisition. Maui Now.

Kalaupapa 'waited it out' during the storms but experienced its share of damage. Many Molokaʻi communities were hit hard by the recent Kona low storms, including the remote peninsula of Kalaupapa. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kauai

Community invited to workshop for Kaua‘i Comprehensive Safety Action Plan. Kauaʻi County is developing the safety action plan to identify strategies to improve road safety and move toward the goal of eliminating traffic deaths and serious injuries for all road users. Kauai Now.

Legislative leaders unwilling to cancel promised income tax cuts, Blangiardi approves Skyline expansion plan, FEMA delays Maui fire aid, $4M-plus Big Island homes could see property tax hike, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaiʻi Lawmakers Push Back On Green’s Plan To Defer Tax Cuts. A proposal floated by House Finance Chair Chris Todd would continue much of the tax relief that was promised in 2024. A committee of state lawmakers focused on finances made major changes Wednesday to proposed legislation from Gov. Josh Green to repeal the next five years of scheduled annual state income tax cuts. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser.

Lawmakers consider prohibiting food packaging made with PFAS. House Bill 644 would prohibit the sale, distribution or use of single-use plastic ware that contains perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl — also known as PFAS. Hawaii Public Radio.

Panic Buttons In Schools: $7 Million Effort Is Delayed A Year. The state entered into a contract to provide panic buttons to Hawaiʻi schools two years ago, but DOE campuses still don’t have access to the technology. Civil Beat.

Bill could place additional support in math classrooms. A bill advancing at the state Capitol would establish a statewide numeracy coaching program in Hawaii public schools, as lawmakers and education officials grapple with persistent gaps in math achievement. Star-Advertiser.

New state initiative helps schools buy local produce directly from farms. The Hawaii State Department of Education (HIDOE) said the initiative is part of the department’s broader farm-to-school program, which supports food sustainability in the state and aligns with Act 175’s goal to improve student health while strengthening the agricultural economy. Hawaii News Now.

Out-of-state physicians could be allowed to practice some telehealth. Lawmakers are advancing a measure that would allow out-of-state physicians to practice telehealth in Hawaiʻi if the service is not available locally. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

Honolulu mayor approves Skyline rail system expansion plan. On March 4, Mayor Rick Blangiardi signed Bill 60 into law. It gives HART the green light to start planning future rail extensions, even though funding to build them is not in place yet. KHON2. KITV4. 

DTS mulls higher fees, more citations for public parking. The Honolulu Department of Transportation Services is contemplating increased parking fees and high-tech parking citations to free up often congested city-owned public parking stalls on Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

Digital signs sought for stadium zone. Outdoor digital advertising screens would still be prohibited in Waikiki, but could soon become a part of the New Aloha Stadium district, two key Senate committees decided this week. Star-Advertiser.

Dillingham Plaza is getting a major makeover — and a Costco Gas station. A massive makeover is in the works for an aging retail center in Kalihi, but some are concerned that at least one possible new tenant may add to traffic congestion in the area. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. KITV4.

HPD commander demoted for allegedly sharing details of teen sex assault victim. Juvenile victim’s name and personal information were spread on social media. Ryan Nishibun, who has more than 35 years of service with HPD, has served as the acting deputy chief of field operations since last August, following the retirement of Keith Horikawa. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Council bill targets some ‘luxury’ homes in Hawaii County. The Hawaii County Council voted 5-1 on Wednesday to pass a measure creating a new residential property tax classification for luxury homes worth more than $4 million. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Now. 

County bill to cap private parking rates in Historic Kailua Village postponed to consult lawyers. A bill proposing free parking and a cap on hourly and daily rates at privately owned lots in the Historic Kailua Village was postponed Tuesday to allow the Hawai‘i County Council to consult with its attorneys about the legality of the measure. Big Island Now. Big Island Video News.

North Kona’s Primary Aquifer Provides Plenty Of Water — For Now. The Keauhou aquifer’s current usage leaves room for more development, but a changing climate could significantly undercut that. Civil Beat.

Maui

FEMA Maui Fire Aid Delayed By Top Trump Official, Senators Say. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s policy of personally reviewing large grants held up a request to renew emergency housing aid on Maui, a new report says. Civil Beat.

Maui group empowers residents during blackouts with backup batteries. Organizers of the Power Back project are running a pilot program to loan the batteries and panels to community members with backup power needs. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kahului Airport’s main runway built during World War II prioritized for first reconstruction project. Runway 2-20, the only one on Maui long enough to handle those large jets and cargo planes that arrive from the mainland and keep the island’s economy purring, has needed 12 major resurfacing projects over the years to stay functional. Maui Now.

Kauai

Hawaii Department of Transportation-Airports Division seeks input. More than a dozen people opted to spend their lunch hour with the Lihue Airport Optimization Plan team on Wednesday at the Moikeha Building Conference Rooms. Garden Island.

Division of Motor Vehicles, Real Property offices to close for training. Kaua‘i County Division of Motor Vehicles and Real Property Assessment and Collections Section will be closed March 11 to accommodate staff training. Kauai Now.

Bill restricting public beach access stalls, state Senate passes 'no secret police' bill, measure would allow feral chicken killings, Skyline rail approved to extend to UH-Manoa, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Effort to restrict beach access to the public stalls. Public lands — including beaches in front of hotels and resorts — will remain open to the public after a Senate committee on Wednesday deferred a bill that drew near universal condemnation. SB 3148 — which is supported by the state Department of Land and Natural Resources — would allow private interests to restrict access to Hawaii’s beaches. Star-Advertiser.

Landfill siting ban could be repealed under new bill at Legislature. A measure going through the state Legislature this year seeks to strengthen last year’s ban on building landfills too close to water sources — but now the bill could undo that ban altogether. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaiʻi Senate sends 'no secret police' bill to the House. The state Senate passed a measure that would ban local and federal law enforcement from covering their faces, with some exceptions. Hawaii Public Radio.

Bills to require stronger buildings against hurricanes moving forward in Legislature. The measures are being acted on just days after strong winds with gusts near 70 miles per hour, less than hurricane strength, caused damage around the state. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii residents sick of early crowing and aggressive pecking could be allowed to kill wild chickens. Lawmakers are considering possible solutions — including measures that would let residents kill feral chickens, deem them a “controllable pest” on public land in Honolulu, and fine people for feeding them or releasing them in parks. Associated Press.

Mistaken ID Case At Hawaiʻi State Hospital May Cost State $200K. A man with a history of mental illness was held at the Oʻahu jail and Hawaiʻi State Hospital for nearly three years after police mistook him for a wanted felon. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Higher food prices elevate inflation in Honolulu. Honolulu consumers are finding it more expensive to both eat out and to prepare food at home. Higher food prices contributed to the county’s inflation rising 1.1% over the two-month period that ended in January, and increasing 2.4% over the previous 12 months, according to a report issued Friday by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Star-Advertiser.

EPA says Navy does not have to engage with community over Red Hill crisis. The Navy is no longer required to meet with a group of concerned community members regarding the fallout from the Red Hill water crisis, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency declared last week. Star-Advertiser.

Council OKs HART rail planning to UH Manoa. The Honolulu City Council voted 8-1, with Council member Augie Tulba dissenting, to finalize adoption of Bill 60, which authorizes the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation to conduct preliminary engineering plans to construct the city’s rail line to branch beyond its current terminus in Kakaako, on to UH Manoa’s campus as well as to locations near the Leeward Coast. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.  KHON2.  KITV4.

New way to get rid of food waste coming to Oahu. The Department of Environmental Services is aunching the Green Recycling Organic Waste (GROW) program where residents will be able to dispose of their leftover or spoiled food in their green collection bin to cut back. KHON2.

Deadly force justified to end 2024 standoff in Waikiki. Four Honolulu police officers who shot and killed a 56-year-old man who was a suspect in a trio of bank robberies in July 2024 were justified to use deadly force, Prosecuting Attorney Steve Alm said Wednesday. Star-Advertiser. KITV4. 

Water Main Break Adds Up And Down Ride To Travel On Kamehameha Highway. There’s no ETA for repairs to a buckled spot of road on Oʻahu’s Windward side. Civil Beat.

Ban on Hawaiian flag in Ewa community spurs proposal for protections. Senate Bill 2795 would require residential associations to allow homeowners to display the Hawaiian flag on their property. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Proposed new Hawaiʻi County tax rate for luxury second homes passes first reading. The Hawai‘i County Council passed on first reading Wednesday a proposed new tax code that would create a Tier 3 tax rate for luxury second homes worth more than $4 million. Big Island Now.

Is it getting hotter? Hawaiʻi Island adopts data-driven approach to tracking heat. Measurements taken near Hilo International Airport show that the number of days per year with temperatures exceeding 80 degrees Fahrenheit has increased significantly in the last decade. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hilo’s Beloved Banyan Drive Is In Ruins. Could A New Agency Save It? Lawmakers want a hotel built at Hilo’s airport to meet the housing needs of the Merrie Monarch festival while longer-term efforts to revitalize the once-thriving tourist district continue. Civil Beat.

Maui

Who should get first crack at water licenses in Hawaiʻi? This bill wants it to be the counties. Maui County’s recently created water authority for East Maui could have a more direct shot at securing water licenses under a bill proposed in the Hawai‘i State Legislature. Maui Now.

Hale Makua plans $160M health care complex, housing project on Maui. The major non-profit announces state-of-the-art “CarePlex” and workforce housing. Hale Makua Health Services announced plans for a major expansion that includes a new innovative health care complex and workforce housing project. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai

Failed development on Kauaʻi’s south shore leads to bankruptcy auction of 25-acre property. California-based Kupono Resort LLC had big plans to develop a luxury resort and wellness center on Kauaʻi’s south shore. But the $227 million project called The Ohia, with an 84-room boutique hotel, a spa and 115 residential units, never broke ground. Kauai Now.

Community input sought on additional protection of Alakaʻi Wilderness Preserve on Kauaʻi. Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Forestry and Wildlife seeks community feedback on a proposed fencing project to protect an additional 2,400 acres of the Alakaʻi Wilderness Preserve on Kauaʻi. Kauai Now. Hawaii News Now. 

Delinquent state taxpayers owe millions, Kamehameha Schools to go tuition-free, Kilauea marks anniversary with new eruptive episode, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Who Are Hawaiʻi’s Biggest Tax Delinquents? Search Here. A government database tracks who owes what in state taxes. Spoiler alert: Some owe millions. The list includes state legislators, government contractors, businesses and individuals. Civil Beat.

Domestic Abuse Allegations Prompt Democrats To Scuttle Legislative Nominee. The party has pulled back its nomination of Inam Rahman of Waipahu as one of three choices to fill a legislative vacancy. Civil Beat.

Gov. Green announces appointments to boards and commissions. Gov. Josh Green on Tuesday announced several appointments and reappointments to state boards and commissions, bringing experience in water resource management, ethics, agriculture and community development to state service. Maui Now.

Kamehameha Schools will no longer require tuition for preschool through Grade 12. Starting with the 2026-27 school year, Kamehameha preschools and K–12 campuses will no longer require tuition. The announcement was made in a message from the Board of Trustees and CEO of Kamehameha Schools. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. 

Volunteers Oversee Hawaiʻi Charter Schools. The State Has Little Say Over Them. Volunteer boards oversee the academics and finances of Hawaiʻi charter schools. But the state has limited influence over who serves on those boards or how they hold schools accountable.  Civil Beat.

Baby boomers struggle with housing, food and health risks. Today’s Hawaii boomers — the youngest is 61 and the oldest 79 — primarily rely on fixed incomes such as Social Security. Star-Advertiser.

WWII Navy veteran Ira ‘Ike’ Schab, one of last remaining Pearl Harbor survivors, dies at 105. World War II Navy veteran Ira “Ike” Schab, one of the dwindling number of survivors of the 1941 Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbor, has died. He was 105.  With his passing, there remain only about a dozen survivors of the surprise attack, which killed just over 2,400 troops and propelled the United States into the war.  Associated Press.

Proposed state budget reckons with lost federal funding. Gov. Josh Green's budget proposal for the upcoming fiscal year that begins on July 1, 2026, focuses on investments in healthcare and social services. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

HART board revises closed-door meeting policy.  One member of the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation’s board of directors has for years been disallowed from attending the rail agency’s most confidential, closed-door meetings. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

High Lava Fountains Mark Kīlauea Eruption Anniversary. Episode 39 fountaining began at about 8:10 pm HST on Tuesday evening, the anniversary of the current year-long summit eruption. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now.  Hawaii News Now.  KHON2. 

South Kohala communities urged to reduce water use after months of dry conditions. According to Hawai‘i County’s Department of Water Supply, affected communities include Āhualoa to Waiemi Subdivision, as well as Honokaia, Puʻukapu, Nīnauele, Waimea Town, Lālāmilo Farm Lots, portions of Māna Road, parts of Māmalahoa Highway, Anekona Estates, and Kānehoa Subdivision. Affected customers are asked to reduce water use by at least 25%. Big Island Now.

Maui

Condo owners file lawsuit over Maui rentals law. Less than a week after its passage, a group of more than 40 Maui condo owners challenged the county’s new short-term rentals law, contending their property rights were violated with the requirement that they must convert their units into long-term housing. Star-Advertiser.

New electric buses set to roll out on Maui. (video only). Hawaii News Now.

Kauai

Kaua‘i police make crack in homicide cold case of Amber Jackson. New developments in the 15-year-old murder cold case of Amber Jackson on Kaua‘i have led to the arrest warrant for a 57-year-old man who may now be on the Big Island. On Tuesday, the Kaua‘i Police Department issued a warrant for Gregory Glaser, who was initially identified as a person of interest in the death of Jackson, a resident of Kapa‘a. Kauai Now. Hawaii News Now. 

US traveler vetting plan threatens Hawaii tourism, Hawaii police chief finalists narrowed to 11, Kauai voters could decide on gated community ban, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

U.S. vetting proposal threatens Hawaii economy. Hawaii tourism officials are raising alarms that a new federal proposal requiring millions of foreign visitors to disclose their social media handles could further depress international arrivals — and potentially undermine the benefits of a major national marketing reboot aimed at restoring global travel to the United States. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) published a notice Dec. 10 proposing new vetting rules for travelers from 42 visa waiver countries, including Japan, South Korea, Australia and most of Europe. If it moves forward as proposed, applicants for the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) starting on Feb. 8 would have to list all social media accounts used in the past five years. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii senator condemns U.S. travel ban that includes Tonga. State Sen. Jarrett Keohokalole (D, Kaneohe-Kailua) last week condemned a newly announced expansion of federal travel bans that will add 20 countries — including Tonga — to a list of nations facing new U.S. restrictions on travel and immigration. Star-Advertiser.

Trump Administration Threatens Native Hawaiian Higher Ed Programs. Education Secretary Linda McMahon wants to halt “race-based conditions when allocating taxpayer funding.” The U.S. Department of Education said that federally funded programs based on race, including those that serve Native Hawaiians and Alaskan Natives, are unconstitutional, according to an opinion by department lawyers. Civil Beat.

Hawaiʻi Charter Schools Promised A New Model. Did They Succeed? Hawaiʻi’s charter schools pledged to improve public education through more innovation and family engagement. Three decades later, they’ve gained momentum but still lag in some traditional measures of success.  Civil Beat.

Kamehameha Schools Trustee Finalists Are Walking Into A Challenging Future. The three finalists vying for the vacant seat are startup entrepreneur Olin Lagon, hotelier Keith Vieira and finance executive Eric Yeaman. Civil Beat.

Hawaiʻi religious institutions make up nearly $200M in real estate deals this year. Religious institutions in Hawaiʻi have collectively made nearly $200 million in just four real estate deals so far this year. That's expanded a wide footprint of church-owned real estate throughout the islands. Hawaii Public Radio.

Battling A Voracious Beetle In The Invasive Species Capital Of The World. Tactics vary by island in the ongoing fight to save Hawaiʻi’s iconic palms from coconut rhinoceros beetles. Civil Beat.

2026 budget informational briefing schedule set by state Senate Ways and Means panel. Hawai’i Senate Committee on Ways and Means last week released its schedule for budget informational briefings during the upcoming 2026 legislative session. Big Island Now.

Oahu

Hawai‘i Convention Center repair climbs to $87M — a 70% surge. A major leak crisis at the Hawai‘i Convention Center — with five meeting rooms affected during a major event this week — is underscoring the urgency of a long delayed rooftop repair project that has now swelled to $87 million and forced the center to reshuffle capital improvement funds to keep construction on track. Star-Advertiser.

HART audit concludes results are positive, rail agency says. The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation announced Friday that a recently completed annual audit of its financial statements proved “positive” for the agency tasked with constructing the more than $10 billion Skyline project. Star-Advertiser.

HART CEO gets $350K following citywide pay raises. The board of directors for the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation has approved a new 4% pay raise for Executive Director and CEO Lori Kahikina to continue to oversee completion of the more than $10 billion Skyline project. Star-Advertiser.

Redeveloping obsolete homes at Kuhio Park Terrace underway. Work is underway to revitalize and expand the state’s largest public housing complex where demolition has begun on part of the Kuhio Park Terrace community in Kalihi to make way for a greater number of low-income rental apartments. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s Millennials juggle unaffordable housing, child care. Corey Strickland spends his days shuttling passengers, spinning music sets and working a third job on Oahu to keep up with Hawaii’s high cost of living. The top financial pressures that financial literacy and wealth management firms say are facing Millennials — housing costs, student debt, consumer debt, and a lack of retirement savings — are even more pronounced in Hawaii, where each strain is magnified by the state’s extreme cost of living. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

HPD chief applicants narrowed down to 11. Eleven candidates for the Hawaii Police Department’s vacant chief position will receive invitations to be interviewed next month by the Hawaii County Police Commission. Tribune-Herald.

HPD officer whose police dog died in overheated car won’t be prosecuted. There will be no criminal animal cruelty charges filed against Hawaii Police Department Officer Sidra Brown, the handler of K-9 Archer, the narcotics detection dog that died Sept. 4 after being left unattended in a police vehicle in Kona. Tribune-Herald.

Emergency repairs on Route 19 to begin Monday. Motorists on Hawaii Belt Road (Route 19) this week between Wainaku and Hakalau could experience traffic delays starting Monday. Tribune-Herald.

Southwest Airlines launches nonstop Hilo-to-Vegas route.  The new nonstop route starts Aug. 6, 2026, and will initially operate Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays, according to a Southwest news release. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

In a year of federal cuts and fading fire recovery funds, Maui nonprofits hold fast. The roller coaster of a year was reflective of what many Maui organizations have experienced during massive federal funding slashes and rapidly changing policies under President Donald Trump’s administration.  Maui Now.

Christmas magic in the pedals: This Maui bike shop gifts hundreds of bicycles to local keiki. Maui bike shop Krank Cycles has assembled and distributed about 500 bikes this year. They're purchased and donated by Jim Falk, president of car dealership Jim Falk Motors of Maui. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kauai

Kaua‘i Voters Could Decide Whether Gated Communities Should Be Banned. That’s one of several proposals the Charter Review Commission may put on the ballot next fall, along with increasing oversight of the County Council’s budget. Civil Beat.

Kauai coffee farm landowner considering takeover. Denver-based Brue Baukol Capital Partners, a real estate investment firm that bought the land under the farm three years ago, said it is committed to keeping Kauai Coffee open and is actively exploring ways to preserve, improve, or potentially manage the business itself. Star-Advertiser.

'Beyond me': 6th-generation wahine Kauaʻi kalo farmer continues family legacy. Nestled in the valleys of Hanalei and Lumahaʻi on Kauaʻi sits a loʻi kalo that’s been cultivating on the island's north shore for six generations. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii sues TikTok parent company, Hawaii County Council passes plastic foodware ban, Honolulu teen's family to get $1M in police shooting, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

‘The mental health and well-being of our keiki must come first’: State announces TikTok lawsuit. The state of Hawaiʻi is suing the parent company of TikTok, Bytedance Inc., for the alleged addictive platform design that causes harm to its users, especially children, whom they have exploited for economic gain. KHON2. KITV4. Hawaii News Now.  Star-Advertiser.

Rep. Lamosao named to replace Sen. Aquino. State Rep. Rachele Lamosao (D-Waipahu) has been selected by Gov. Josh Green to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Sen. Henry Aquino (D, Pearl City- Waipahu-West Loch). Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Honolulu Rail Pays $41 Million In Dispute Over Ala Moana Extension. The settlement gives the city the easements it needs to build through Kakaʻako, but HART does not yet have the money to construct that segment. Civil Beat.

City council passes bill to allow media police scanner access. The Honolulu City Council passed Bill 46 Wednesday, which would require the Honolulu Police Department to release certain public information to the public and the media. The measure was introduced by council chair Tommy Waters and council member Augie Tulba in an effort to force the department to allow news organizations to access police scanner communication. Hawaii News Now.

HPD says fraud losses total $7 million in 2025. Law enforcement officials, kupuna advocates and state lawmakers urged caution and vigilance Wednesday after Honolulu police reported Oahu residents lost more than $7 million in 222 fraud cases this year. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Police Shooting: Teen’s Family To Get $1 Million Despite Pushback. Honolulu City Council members approved the settlement to protect the officers involved in the 2021 fatal shooting of Iremamber Sykap from future liability. Civil Beat. Associated Press. Hawaii Public Radio. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Oʻahu officials reconsider controversial North Shore gondola proposal. A controversial gondola project on Oʻahu could be halted as it is at risk of losing its conditional use permit. Hawaii Public Radio.

HPD staffing task force recommends increased incentives. A Honolulu City Council task force empaneled to help the Honolulu Police Department recruit and retain officers is recommending housing stipends, retention bonuses and other incentives. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Council passes plastic foodware bill despite mayor’s concerns. Mayor Kimo Alameda issued a forceful plea Wednesday urging the Hawaii County Council to reject Bill 83, warning that new restrictions on disposable plastic and polystyrene foodware would drive up costs for families and strain county resources. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Now.

Hawaii Health Systems Corp., Queen’s partnership to expand care in Kona. Gov. Josh Green on Wednesday announced plans by a new public-­private partnership to build a new outpatient medical facility, with $50 million in state bonds, next door to the new hospital planned by Queen’s in Kailua-Kona. Star-Advertiser. Tribune-Herald.  Big Island Video News. Big Island Now.

Prosecutors seek to detain Sulla, allege wrongdoing on release. Federal prosecutors have filed a motion to revoke bond for a Hilo attorney convicted in U.S. District Court and awaiting sentencing for an affordable housing credits scam.The motion filed by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mohammad Khatib and Margaret Nammar seeks to detain Paul J. Sulla Jr. pending sentencing. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaiʻi Island residents can keep riding Hele-On buses for free. Hawaiʻi County's Hele-On bus system will stay free for another three years. Officials voted to extend the late pandemic era program that was set to expire this month. Hawaii Public Radio.

Maui

Maui visitor spending increases in October despite fewer visitors. Ten months into 2025, Maui is still outpacing last year’s visitor totals — even though October delivered the island’s first year-over-year dip since midsummer. Maui Now.

Measles virus detected in Maui County’s wastewater surveillance. The Hawaiʻi Department of Health is monitoring the first-ever detection of the measles virus in Maui County’s wastewater. Maui Now.

Kauai

A Month After Kauaʻi ICE Raid, Questions Linger. None of the 44 workers detained that day ended up seeking asylum. Their employer, a local janitorial contractor, has faced federal scrutiny before. Civil Beat.

Kauaʻi Emergency Management Agency seeks public input on disaster mitigation plan. The Kaua‘i Emergency Management Agency is inviting residents to help update the county’s Multi-Hazard Mitigation and Resilience Plan, a five-year strategy aimed at reducing risks from natural disasters and strengthening community preparedness. Kauai Now.

Green seeks $500M to clean military munitions; Hilo fires destroy historic buildings, kill 2, displace dozens; commercial boat operations to return to Lahaina, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

How Far Will $500M Go To Clean Up Army Bombs Left In Hawaiʻi? Gov. Josh Green has requested a $10 billion investment for the military to continue training on state lands, including funds for cleaning military waste.  Civil Beat.

Holiday discounts, vacancies signal Hawaii tourism downturn. Hawaii’s visitor industry is confronting one of its weakest holiday seasons in recent memory, with hoteliers reporting rare availability during the traditionally sold‑out festive period and industry leaders warning of mounting economic pressures. Star-Advertiser.

University of Hawaii seeks funding for student athletes. UH officials say that staying competitive in the NCAA’s Mountain West Conference of mid-major schools will take $5 million in annual public funding on top of private funding, and that the new landscape has already negatively affected recruiting. Star-Advertiser.

Trans Community Hits New Barriers To Gender-Affirming Care In Hawaiʻi. Hawaiʻi has one of the highest per-capita populations of transgender people in the nation and māhū, which means “dual spirit” or “third gender,” is deeply rooted in Native Hawaiian culture. According to the Williams Institute at UCLA, 3.6% of Hawaiʻi youth and 0.7% of adults identify as transgender.  Civil Beat.

Oahu

Council’s ‘constitutional rights’ resolution advances. An attempt to forge trust between local government and all Oahu residents is the aim of new Honolulu City Council legislation. Council’s Resolution 301 urges Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s administration to affirm the constitutional rights of all City and County of Honolulu residents regardless of citizenship or immigration status. Star-Advertiser.

State laying foundation to boost Central Oahu food production. Two state agencies recently held a groundbreaking ceremony for what they are calling the Central Oahu Agriculture and Food Hub on a site that was once an operations base of sugarcane and pineapple producer Dole Food Co. in Whitmore Village. Star-Advertiser.

Rail Work Is Causing Pedestrian Hazards And Headaches On Dillingham. Construction crews have torn up not just the streets but also the sidewalks, leading to potential ADA violations. Civil Beat.

Panel picks 3 finalists for city’s Ocean Safety chief. John Titchen, the City and County of Honolulu’s former top lifeguard, who was terminated from his job in 2024 over claims of insubordination following an alleged row inside the Mayor’s Office, is now a finalist for his prior post. Besides Titchen, the commission is considering Ron Bregman, a retired city lifeguard lieutenant who now works as aquatics director and chief lifeguard for Marine Corps Base Hawaii in Kaneohe; and Kurt Lager, currently the designated director of the Ocean Safety Department. Star-Advertiser.

Schofield soldiers developing drones for Pacific operations.  25th Infantry Division’s “Lightning Lab” at Schofield Barracks is the division’s “innovation and development” section, meant to look at how new technology can help support the division’s soldiers and leaders. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Overhaul of county’s affordable housing rules eyed. Hawaii County officials are inviting a limited number of residents to weigh in on proposed changes to the county’s affordable housing rules at a second public housing summit on Monday from 1 to 4 p.m. in Hilo. Tribune-Herald.

Fire razes four buildings in downtown Hilo. Sunday’s fire occurred just a day after an early morning fire killed two people and displaced 28 others at the old Puueo Poi factory apartments just off Kekuanaoa Street in midtown Hilo.  Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now.  Hawaii News Now.  KHON2.

Festival Inspired By ‘Burning Man’ Ignites Big Island Debate. The events on private property outside of Hilo were held without permits, and critics say they should not be allowed to continue, especially on agricultural land. Civil Beat.

Hawaiʻi Island chosen to host prestigious international Indigenous conference in 2028. The largest and most influential Indigenous Peoples’ conference will be coming to the Big Island. Maui Now.

Monk seal hospital begins vaccine trial for bird flu in pups. The Marine Mammal Center of California is taking a proactive step by running a trial on the effectiveness of H5N1 vaccines on two monk seal pups at its specialized hospital in Kona. Star-Advertiser.

Maui

Limited commercial boat operations to return to Lahaina Harbor for first time since destructive wildfire of 2023.  On Dec. 15, following the difficult removal of the sunken boats, restoration of the fueling station and repairs of the bathrooms, the state-run harbor will begin to slowly allow commercial marine operations to return with loading and unloading permitted at the dock during daytime hours. Maui Now.

State clarifies Central Maui pumping data; groundwater aquifer limits are under review. State water regulators have clarified data regarding groundwater pumping in Central Maui, acknowledging that while current withdrawals exceed official sustainable yield limits, those limits are conservative estimates that are now under re-evaluation. Maui Now.

Brown grass cost a famed golf course a big tournament and highlighted Hawaii water problems. High up on the slopes of the west Maui mountains, the Plantation Course at Kapalua Resort provides golfers with expansive ocean views. The course is so renowned that The Sentry, a $20 million signature event for the PGA Tour, had been held there nearly every year for more than a quarter-century. Associated Press.

Kauai

Permanent striping of the Kīlauea roundabout begins Monday. The Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation (HDOT) will close the Kolo Road access from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday to Friday until Dec. 12. During these hours, Kīlauea Town can be accessed through Pūʻeli Road and Hoʻokūʻi Road. Kauai Now.

Small Business strong. Tucked between the shopping frenzy of the Black Friday weekend, Small Business Saturday capitalized on the adaptability and flexibility of small businesses to get a share of the shopping pie. Garden Island.