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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

Oahu

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

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

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

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

Hawaii Island

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

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

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

Maui

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

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

Kauai

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

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

State lawmakers may tackle political patronage in new session, rail contractor files $324M lawsuit, toddler saved from fall into volcano, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

 Legislature May Take A Stand Against Decades Of Pay-To-Play Politics. New rules and proposed laws could fundamentally change how political campaigns are financed. Hawaiʻi could soon take significant steps against the kind of political patronage that has come to define local politics for generations. Civil Beat.

Hawaii lawmakers divided on Trump’s promise to scrap US Education Department. The state Department of Education gets roughly $200 million from the federal Education Department from Title I funds that support low-income schools to grants for students with disabilities. Hawaii News Now.

Legislators Look To Support Student Recovery From The Pandemic. Some lawmakers and advocates say schools need more help with funding gaps, especially after federal assistance expired this fall. Civil Beat.

Governor Injects $2.2 Million Into Revival Of Hawaiʻi Fire Marshal’s Office. The resurrection of a Hawaiʻi fire prevention agency appears to be on course after Gov. Josh Green announced a plan to inject $2.2 million into the effort. Civil Beat.

Amid Deportation Threats, Hawaiʻi’s Immigrants Brace For President Trump. Advocates said some immigrants — including those in mixed-status families, with members legally authorized to remain here and those who are undocumented – already are avoiding contact with the government. They have started to stay away from health services. They are thinking twice about reporting crimes, whether they are victims or witnesses. Some have stopped working for fear of workplace raids. Civil Beat.

Education leaders impressed with new AI program in Hawaiʻi schools. Eighty students across six teams from elementary, middle, and high schools from around the islands were given a task to identify challenges their fellow students faced, and then create an AI program or “chatbot” to help find solutions. Hawaii Public Radio.

Key First Hawaiian executive Christopher Dods to step down. Christopher L. Dods, vice chair and chief operating officer of First Hawaiian Inc. and First Hawaiian Bank, will resign from his roles effective March 31, the company announced Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

At Honolulu’s Troubled Permitting Department, There Are Signs Of Hope. People have been waiting way too long for permits, with many applications literally taking years, but city data suggests the system is gaining speed. Civil Beat.

Hitachi Rail files $324M lawsuit against Honolulu, HART.  Costly delays and mismanagement over Honolulu’s over-budget, long-overdue rail line are the basis for a new lawsuit being brought by the project’s principal contractor. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu parks department to update rules for community gardens. As demand for community garden space grows on Oahu, the city’s Department of Parks and Recreation is set to implement long-needed updates to the Honolulu Recreational Community Gardening Program rules. Star-Advertiser.

Avalon buys Topa towers in a continued effort to revitalize downtown Honolulu. Christine Camp,  president and CEO of the Honolulu-based Avalon Group — a real estate development firm -- just closed on the Topa Financial Center towers at the corner of Bishop and Queen streets, an area she wants to see rebranded as DoHo to mark the revitalization of downtown Honolulu. Hawaii Public Radio.

Queen’s unionized nurses holding strike authorization vote. After nearly a year of stalled negotiations, nurses from The Queen’s Medical Center campuses at Punchbowl and West Oahu are voting on whether to authorize a strike. Star-Advertiser.

Richard Parsons, corporate troubleshooter and UH alum, dies at 76. Richard D. Parsons, a University of Hawaii alumnus who would become well known on Wall Street for leading major U.S. corporations, including Time Warner and Citigroup, through troubled times, died Thursday at his New York City home. He was 76. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Boy saved from falling into Kilauea volcano summit caldera. A boy, roughly 2 to 3 years old, ran into a closed area Wednesday at the Kilauea Overlook, coming within a foot from the edge of Kaluapele, the summit caldera, before his mother managed to pull him to safety. Star-Advertiser. Big Island Now.  Hawaii News Now.
 
Maui

Hawaiʻi Supreme Court finds in favor of Cook in challenge of his election to South Maui Council seat. The Hawaiʻi Supreme Court has unanimously ruled in favor of incumbent South Maui Council Member Tom Cook and against an election challenge by opponent and former Council Member Kelly King. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now.

Maui County releases Lahaina’s long-term recovery plan. Maui County has unveiled its finalized Long-Term Recovery Plan for Lahaina, marking a significant milestone since the devastating wildfires of Aug. 8, 2023. Forty projects within the plan cover key areas like community planning, economic recovery, housing, infrastructure and natural and cultural resources. It also identifies funding sources to make those projects a reality. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii Public Radio.

Biden signs bill to study designating Lahaina as National Heritage Area. U.S. President Joe Biden on Monday signed 50 bills into law, one of them directing the National Park Service to assess the suitability of designating Lahaina, Maui, as the “Lahaina National Heritage Area.” Kauai Now.

Lahaina Harbor needs to be rebuilt quickly, vessel owners say. Under a plan presented by Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen, Lahaina Harbor is to be restored within three to five years at an estimated cost of $30 million. Maui News.

More modular homes to be delivered to the Kilohana project on Dec. 29.  Motorists are advised of potential traffic delays as modular homes for wildfire survivors are delivered to the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Kilohana site in Lahaina.  Maui Now.

Their House Survived The Maui Fires Untouched. Here’s What Happened Next. The only way the owners of Lahaina’s red-roofed “miracle house” have been able to process what happened — and cope with their feelings of guilt for having survived one of the most devastating wildfires in American history so unscathed — is to look for ways to help.  Civil Beat.

Kauai

Free eye exams draw people of all ages. Following the successful response to the free Kauai Dental Clinic presented by the Seventh Day Adventist Church, both Kapaa and Lawai campuses, Dr. Janie Yoo of the Kauai Eye Institute announced a free eye exam day with discounted pricing on frames. Garden Island.

Kilauea erupts, Eddie surf competition draws 50k, most state residents not vaccinated against COVID, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Kilauea volcano erupting again at Halemaumau Crater, putting on ‘dynamic’ show. Kilauea began erupting again at approximately 2:30 a.m. Monday at the base of Halemaumau Crater within the summit caldera. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Hawaii residents getting COVID vaccines are now the minority. After five years of battling the virus, considerably fewer people across the U.S. and Hawaii are rushing to get the 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccines, which have been available since September at local pharmacies and doctor’s offices. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Ethics Commission plans penalty system akin to traffic fines. The Hawaii Ethics Commission plans to create a uniform fine schedule — similar to standardized traffic fines — and voted unanimously Wednesday to have a bill introduced in the next legislative session that would speed up the issuance of fines, which now takes up to six months. Star-Advertiser.

How Hawaiʻi could prepare for financial impacts of second Trump term. Working families in Hawaiʻi could end up paying more in taxes if President-elect Donald Trump implements some of his proposed policies, but analysts say there’s a way the state can help. Hawaii Public Radio.

Department of Taxation adjusts for Hawaiʻi tax cuts with new employer withholding tables. The Hawai‘i Department of Taxation has updated its income tax withholding tables to reflect upcoming changes in a new state law that makes incremental adjustments to the standard deduction amount and income tax brackets beginning tax year 2024, through tax year 2031. Kauai Now.

A new way to travel between islands? State agencies show interest in proposed aircraft The Hawaii Seaglider Initiative is a coalition of local stakeholders advocating for the adoption of seagliders — a proposed electric-powered vehicle that flies low above the water — as an interisland transportation option. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Now.

Oahu

‘The Eddie’ surf competition stokes North Shore’s economy. The North Shore economy is projected to ride high during its winter wave season, which kicked off Sunday with the 2024 Eddie Aikau Invitational Big Wave Contest at Waimea — a massive event that Honolulu police estimated drew about 50,000 attendees. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii surfer Landon McNamara wins the 2024 Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational. Landon McNamara has won the 2024 Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

EPA says military violated Red Hill consent decree, issues fine. The Environmental Protection Agency says the military violated a federal consent decree when officials chose not to attend a Dec. 12 public meeting with the Red Hill Community Representation Initiative. Star-Advertiser.

City reports criteria for Honolulu Ocean Safety commissioners. Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi will appoint all five members to the inaugural commission, which will oversee the Department of Ocean Safety. The Honolulu City Council will confirm the appointees. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu YMCA Tenants Won’t Be Uprooted Thanks To The State. The tenants had been at risk of losing their homes after the Central Y said it could no longer afford to subsidize their rents. Civil Beat.

Latest renderings of new Aloha Stadium envision entertainment wonderland. The latest renderings for the New Aloha Stadium Entertainment District project were shown Thursday to the Aloha Stadium Authority by representatives of development group Aloha Halawa District Partners. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

County’s plan to vacate HBMC morgue moves ahead. Hawaii County is making progress toward relieving the severely overcrowded Hilo Benioff Medical Center’s morgue of what are referred to as “HPD bodies,” according to Hawaii Police Department Chief Ben Moszkowicz. Tribune-Herald.

Māhukona Beach Park To Close For Pavilion Demolition. Māhukona Beach Park will be closed in January, as the County of Hawaiʻi begins a project to demolish the dilapidated pavilion and restrooms. Big Island Video News.

Hawaiʻi County invests in innovative collaborations with Puna Strong grants. Thirteen organizations working toward community resilience and disaster readiness in Puna were awarded a total of $586,917 in grants by the County of Hawaiʻi. Big Island Now.

Maui

Maui Fire Victims Jobs Program At Risk After Nonprofit Budget Troubles. The federally funded initiative run by Maui Economic Opportunity employed hundreds and was to last two years. The nonprofit's CEO announced this month that it would end early. Civil Beat.

A Maui program kept Lahaina families together by paying households to take in fire survivors. Estimates say up to one-third of those displaced by the Maui fires wound up in the homes of friends and family in the weeks after the disaster. Associated Press.

Hawaiʻi’s Physician Shortage Hits Maui Hardest. Doctors were scarce before the Lahaina fire, which burned medical facilities, displaced health care workers and patients and heightened financial stress. Civil Beat.

Maui County’s Office of Recovery Administrator focuses on safety, health of community. John Smith said he hopes that in his new position as Maui County’s Office of Recovery Administrator, he can provide clarity and clear direction, both internally and externally.  Maui News.

Kauai

Today is last day for free dental clinic. Today is the last day of a free dental clinic, but organizer Dr. Janie Yoo of the Kauai Eye Institute announced a free vision screening event on Thursday. Garden Island.

State economists unclear on Trump policy impact, NOAA monitoring monk seals for avian flu, former Punahou coach pleads guilty to child sex crimes, Kobayashi’s family offers to return GoFundMe donations, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Trump policies create uncertainty for Hawaii economy. Incoming President Donald Trump and his potential policies — especially campaign threats of tariffs on imported foreign goods — create an unknown for Hawaii’s economic forecast, which the University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization otherwise expects to show modest growth through 2027. Heading into 2025, UHERO Executive Director Carl Bonham said there remains “complete uncertainty about federal policies.” Star-Advertiser. Kauai Now.

Hawaiʻi receives $6M in federal funds for digital equity plan. The U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration has awarded more than $6 million to help Hawaiʻi bring broadband internet service and the know-how to use it to residents across the state. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawai‘i Tourism Authority to reinvest nearly $3M in partnerships with 100+ community projects and events in first half of 2025. The Hawai‘i Tourism Authority has announced its upcoming community partnerships focused on natural resources, cultural initiatives, festivals and signature events. HTA is reinvesting nearly $3 million in partnerships with 105 community-based organizations, projects, programs and events taking place across Hawai‘i from January 1 to June 30, 2025. Maui Now.

NOAA keeps an eye on possible avian flu among Hawaiian monk seals. Across the globe, there have been die-offs due to avian influenza. In South America, more than 3,000 sea lions and seals have been casualties. Hawaii Public Radio.

Turbulence slammed Hawaiian Airlines flight because of decision to fly over storm cell, report says. A Hawaiian Airlines flight crew’s decision to fly over a hazardous storm cell instead of deviating around it was the probable cause for hitting severe turbulence that injured passengers and crewmembers in 2022, the National Transportation Safety Board said in a final report Thursday. Associated Press.

Hannah Kobayashi’s family offers to return GoFundMe donations. The family of Hannah Kobayashi offered to refund online donations after announcing Wednesday that she had been located. Numerous donors contributed more than $47,000 to the family on GoFundMe. New York Daily News. Hawaii News Now.

The Atlantic magazine showcases the 'complexity' of Hawaiian sovereignty history. Adrienne LaFrance, who once worked as a journalist in Hawaii, has penned an article about Hawaiian sovereignty with the headline “The Hawaiians Who Want Their Nation Back.” Hawaii Public Radio.
 
Oahu

Honolulu City Council testifier stirs controversy with comment that ''Ōlelo Hawaiʻi is dead'. "Assuming it was Hawaiian and that is a dead language," said Honolulu City Council testifier Kai Lorinc. Lorinc, who's lived in Hawaii for a decade, said she did not mean any disrespect, but simply wanted to participate in the civic process. KITV4.

Council OKs seizure of Queen Theater. The Queen Theater, once an iconic, 1930s-era landmark in the heart of Kaimuki that over the decades would attract illicit and illegal activities, public complaints and vagrants, is now on track to be a city-owned property. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Restaurant Tip Theft Case Hardly The Only One In Town. Restaurant workers, advocates and government officials say practice of restaurant owners scooping up tips meant for employees is far more common than it seems. Civil Beat.

Women Inmates Can Work Out At New Prison Gym. Prison reform advocates hope the privately funded exercise room at the Women’s Community Correctional Center in Kailua will contribute to an overall effort to focus on rehabilitation and help prevent inmates from committing more crimes after their release. Civil Beat.

New facility combines interim housing with multiple services. Family Promise of Hawaii officially unveiled Thursday its new facility on Young Street, designed to provide both emergency shelter and comprehensive support services for families experiencing homelessness. Star-Advertiser.

Former basketball coach pleads guilty to child sex crimes against 10 victims. A former Punahou School youth basketball coach has pleaded guilty to 12 offenses related to child sex crimes that could put him behind bars for the rest of his life. The U.S. Attorney’s Office said Dwayne Yuen, 51, pleaded guilty Thursday to committing sex crimes against three minor victims. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.  KITV4.

Police officer arrested for felony crime at downtown apartment complex. A Honolulu police officer assigned to the Traffic Division was arrested Thursday afternoon for allegedly breaking into her tenant’s apartment. Hawaii News Now.

Senior housing complex manager left injured resident to die on apartment floor, lawsuit alleges. The daughter of a woman left injured and dying in a state-run apartment complex is now suing. The woman’s decomposing body was found after neighbors complained about the smell. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Contract finally awarded to dredge volcanic debris that left Pohoiki Boat Ramp landlocked in 2018. East Hawai‘i commercial and recreational boaters have finally received the news they have wanted to hear since 2018, when the lava flow from the 2018 Kīlauea eruption left the much-used Pohoiki Boat Ramp landlocked.  Big Island Now.

Scientists Fixing Blurry Kīlauea Summit Webcams. Water and spiderwebs were removed from the webcams overlooking Kaluapele in order to ensure clear views of Kīlauea caldera.  Big Island Video News.

November rainfall a one-day deluge. Much of the Big Island received normal to near-normal rainfall totals in November. In some areas, however, especially in East Hawaii, much, if not most fell on Nov. 4. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Honuaʻula project yanked from Friday’s Council agenda over ‘procedural requirement’. Bills 171 and 172 would amend land-use and development standards for the 670-acre South Maui development, formerly known as “Wailea 670.” A public hearing on the bills was also canceled. Maui Now.

The Long Crusade To Build A West Maui Hospital Hits Another Snag. Proponents and possible developers are still pursuing the proposed hospital in Kā’anapali, but they say the county has backpedaled on a key component — a commitment to be the guarantor of state-issued bonds to kick-start construction. Civil Beat.

Survey to help identify locations most in need of reliable, high-speed internet on Maui, Molokaʻi and Lānaʻi. As part of the Connect Kākou Initiative, the County of Maui is inviting residents of Maui, Molokaʻi and Lānaʻi to take a brief survey on their internet access and use, devices used, community resources needed and household demographics. Maui Now.

Army of helpers clear out ‘ineligible’ fire debris for Maui property owners. Out of more than two-thousand properties burned in the Maui wildfires, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has removed debris from all but eight commercial lots. There are some debris, however, that homeowners must remove themselves. Hawaii News Now.

Court ruling could halt boat operations at Kāʻanapali Beach in 2025. Boat operators in Kāʻanapali, Maui, might not be allowed to launch or operate from the world-famous beach starting next year. KHON2.

Kauai

Kapa‘a woman indicted by federal grand jury for scheme to defraud coronavirus assistance program. A 46-year-old Kaua‘i woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury on 8 counts including wire fraud, aggravated identity theft and others in connection with an alleged scheme to defraud a Garden Isle coronavirus pandemic rental and utility assistance program. Kauai Now.

Alaska Airlines purchase of Hawaiian Airlines executed, new leader named; Honolulu nixes federal land for landfill, Native Hawaiian convention kicks off, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

The Biden administration is letting Alaska Airlines buy Hawaiian Air but with conditions. The administration is letting Alaska Airlines complete its $1 billion purchase of Hawaiian Airlines after the carriers agreed to certain conditions, including maintaining current customer reward miles and service on routes between Hawaii and the continental U.S. where they don’t have much competition. Associated Press. Star-Advertiser. New York Times. Hawaii News Now.

Alaska Air Group announces interim Honolulu leadership team to guide merger with Hawaiian Airlines. When the combination was announced, it was shared that Hawaiian Airlines President and CEO Peter Ingram would step down from his role following the transaction close. Current Alaska Airlines regional president of Hawai‘i/Pacific, Joe Sprague, will be named chief executive officer of Hawaiian Airlines. Maui Now.

Alaska Airlines completes acquisition of Hawaiian; here’s what you need to know. As of Wednesday morning, the corporate merger has already been completed. The acquisition was executed in just a matter of hours after getting final federal permission to do so. Hawaii News Now.

Future Of Hawaii’s Lands Is On The Agenda For Native Hawaiian Convention. Lively discussions on land use and finding ways to insert Hawaiians and cultural practices into public policy decisions punctuated the first day of the 2024 Native Hawaiian Convention.  Civil Beat. KHON2.

Media Council Hawaiʻi weighs in on artificial intelligence in journalism. The Garden Island newspaper on Kauaʻi is using artificial intelligence-generated hosts in its new, online broadcast "TGI Today." To further dive into the use of AI in journalism, HPR talked to Gerald Kato, a former real-life newscaster and retired University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa journalism professor. Hawaii Public Radio. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

City nixes federal lands for next site to replace Waimanalo landfill. The Honolulu Planning Commission is expected today to receive the city’s latest update regarding its ongoing search to find an alternate site for Oahu’s next municipal landfill before the end of this year. Star-Advertiser.

UH Manoa setting enrollment records. The University of Hawaii’s flagship Manoa campus eliminated application fees and increased scholarships for local high school students, helping to drive a new record for freshmen enrollment this fall — and sending overall enrollment to its highest level in 12 years. Star-Advertiser.

Maui Fire Report Heightens Fears That Manoa Development Will Increase Risk There. The home builder says 93 new homes — and 360 parking stalls — will actually mean less traffic in a densely populated corner of the valley. Civil Beat.

Waiʻanae community reflects on recent shootings and offers culture-based solutions. The recent shootings on the Waiʻanae Coast have residents on high alert. Some said their community has never experienced this severity of violence. Hawaii Public Radio.

Governor, Kapiolani Medical Center respond as nurses march over lockout. Dozens of nurses from Kapiolani Medical Center for Women and Children marched through downtown Honolulu Tuesday, having been locked out by the hospital for a fourth day. Hawaii News Now. Star-Advertiser.

HPD Corporal charged with false reporting after crash that seriously injured motorcyclist. A Honolulu police corporal has been charged with False Reporting to Law Enforcement Authorities after crashing his subsidized vehicle into the back of a motorcyclist near Aloha Stadium last September, seriously injuring the rider. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Hawaiʻi County Council considers asking state lawmakers to expand midwifery practices. The Hawaiʻi County Council is moving a measure to its top legislative priorities for the state’s 2025 session, which will be included in the Hawaiʻi State Association of Counties’ legislative package and delivered to the state Legislature. Hawaii Public Radio.

Lava erupts from Napau Crater: Fountains are reportedly as high as 30 feet. Hawaii’s Kilauea volcano is erupting again in a remote part of a national park. One of the world’s most active volcanoes is erupting again in a remote part of a Hawaii national park. Eruptive activity increased early Tuesday but there is no immediate threat to homes or infrastructure, U.S. Geological Survey’s Hawaiian Volcano Observatory said. Associated Press. Tribune-Herald.  Big Island Now.

Hawaii’s Last Dairy Is Under Fire For Allegedly Violating Environmental Law. The Center for Food Safety says that Cloverleaf Dairy on the Big Island has been knowingly polluting the ocean with animal and milk waste for years. Civil Beat.

Work to replace Pauahi Street Bridge on schedule. Construction on the Pauahi Street Bridge is on schedule, according to the Hawaii County Department of Public Works. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

3,152 Burned Vehicles Have Been Removed From Lahaina, But More Than 350 Remain. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers provided an update on debris removal, which also included 141 boats. Civil Beat.

Rent stabilization considered to slow runaway post-disaster housing costs. Maui County Council members heard Monday evening from more than two dozen testifiers, most of whom favored putting brakes on runaway rental costs. Maui Now.

Maui single-family home sales rise, median prices increase in August. Maui’s housing market saw an increase in home sales in August of 2024, with single-family homes experiencing both a rise in sales and an increase in median prices, according to the latest data from the Realtors Association of Maui. Maui News.

Kauai

Structure fire causes $1.2 million in damages. An evening structure fire on Kauai’s Eastside prompted the partial closure of Ulu Street on Tuesday. Garden Island. Kauai Now. KHON2.

40 years ago, Kauai’s Mokihana Festival was a kane-only hula contest. Now, it’s much more. Kauai’s Mokihana Festival is set for Sept. 22 to Sept. 28 with various events scattered around the islands. Ka Makahiki O Na Mea Ho’okani, or year of instruments & implements, is the theme for this year’s celebration. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu business owner arrested in attempted Trump assassination, union files grievance over 500 unpaid teachers, state encourages students as construction projects top $10B, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Suspect in Trump assassination attempt lived in Hawaii. Oahu business owner Ryan Wesley Routh, 58, who was arrested Sunday in connection with an alleged attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump in Florida was seen as a “rogue” player by some people he worked with in Hawaii to build tiny homes for homeless military veterans. Star-Advertiser. New York Times. Hawaii News Now.  KHON2.  KITV4. 

House Speaker Scott Saiki leaves a legacy of addressing hard issues. It will be left to history to reflect the role of outgoing House Speaker Scott Saiki in legalizing same-sex marriage, helping to steer the islands through the unprecedented COVID-19 epidemic and his response to political corruption in the Legislature. Star-Advertiser.

HSTA files step 2 grievance with DOE more than 500 teachers remain unpaid. The Hawaii State Teachers Association said 533 public and charter school teachers have yet to receive their payments, which is up from the 377 teachers that were initially reported. KHON2.

More Hawaii Schools Are Offering Computer Science — But Are All Students Benefiting? The Hawaii Department of Education is now facing a state mandate from 2021 requiring all Hawaii schools to offer at least one computer science course by the end of the 2024-25 academic year.  Civil Beat.

Students encouraged to join construction industry debt-free. Construction in Hawaii is forecast to generate more than $10 billion over the next three to four years. There are currently 1,523 apprentices working in Hawaii, and 576 are between the ages of 18 to 24. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Prisons Are Getting New Scanners That Can Detect Drugs Without Opening Mail. The state agreed to purchase nine of the MailSecur machines for nearly $970,000. It plans to deploy them at eight in-state correctional facilities this fall, according to a statement from the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.  Civil Beat.

Oahu

Pearl Harbor shipyard works on 3 top-class submarines. Four dry docks for ship and submarine maintenance exist at the facility. But one, dating to 1942, is too small and shallow to service Virginia-class subs that the Navy continues to procure as replacements for older Los Angeles-class subs in an effort to modernize more of the U.S. fleet, which includes about a dozen submarines home-ported at Pearl Harbor. Star-Advertiser.

Kapiolani nurses vow to keep fighting after being ‘locked out’ post one-day strike amid contract disputes.   Kapiolani Medical Center has locked out its nurses after their one-day strike concluded Saturday morning. About 600 nurses, represented by the Hawaii Nurses Association, attempted to return after the strike ended at 6:59 a.m. Hawaii News Now.

Rental housing tower for DHHL beneficiaries ready to rise. The $154 million project, dubbed Hale Moiliili, will provide 278 units for state Department of Hawaiian Home Lands beneficiaries. Star-Advertiser.

HFD contain 50% of Waialua brush fire. Honolulu firefighters are responding to a brush fire in Kalaeloa Sunday afternoon. The initial alarm came in just before 12:30 p.m. near Coral Sea and Ranger roads.  Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

‘Day of Aloha’ observed in memory of Twinkle Borge.  State and city officials joined the Waianae community Sunday, which would have been Twinkle Borge’s birthday, at Pu‘uhonua o Wai‘anae Farm Village for a memorial service honoring her and dedicating the day as a “Day of Aloha.” Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Kilauea Volcano Alert Level Raised To WATCH. Despite an infrasound signal typical of gas or steam venting, and seismometers recording low frequency tremor, visual evidence of eruptive activity has yet to be seen. Big Island Video News.

Hawai‘i’s only commercial dairy farm faces potential lawsuit for alleged milk, manure discharge into Big Island’s waterways. The law offices of Charles Tebbutt, representing the Center for Food Safety, sent a letter saying it intends to initiate a citizen’s suit in Hawaiʻi Federal District Court against Cloverleaf Dairy in Hawi, which is owned by Boteilho Hawai‘i Enterprises.  Big Island Now.

Native Hawaiian convention slated this week. The Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement, or CNHA, is bringing its 2024 Native Hawaiian Convention to the Hilton Waikoloa Village from Tuesday through Thursday. Tribune-Herald.

Hurricane Hone ended most of the island’s drought. One effect of Hurricane Hone’s passage to the south of the Big Island late last month was to take almost all of the island out of drought conditions. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Hawaii wildfire victims made it just blocks before becoming trapped by flames, report says. Of the 102 people who lost their lives during the August 2023 wildfires in Lahaina, 80% died in the central part of the town, according to a report released Friday by the Hawaii Attorney General’s office. Associated Press.

Deadly Devastation From The Lahaina Fire Was ‘Years In The Making’. State, county and community inaction including years of ignoring the dangers posed by wildfire made the Aug. 8 fire that destroyed Lahaina worse than it should have been. That is the overwhelming message of the Hawaii Attorney General’s “Lahaina Fire Incident Analysis Report,” the second of a three-part investigation into the Lahaina fires that killed 102 people and destroyed more than 2,200 buildings last year.  Civil Beat. Associated Press.  Hawaii Public Radio.

Fire intensifies Lahaina community’s push for bypass extension. Fire survivor Shayne Kahahane said many in the community want a finished Lahaina Bypass, and believe that its completion would have saved some of the 102 people who died during the Aug. 8, 2023, fire. Star-Advertiser.

Lahaina fire leads to disappearing tourism jobs, desperately needed construction workers. Carl Bonham, executive director of the University of Hawai‘i Economic Research Organization and professor of economics, said as of July, there are about 5,100 construction jobs on Maui, an increase of 400 or 8.9% from a year ago. Maui Now.

Maui’s housing crisis persists with building barriers worsened by the wildfires. Maui residents have been experiencing a massive housing shortage. Some might say, “Just build more houses.” However, it’s not that simple. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kauai

Navy hosts environmental assessment open house. The U.S. Navy will be hosting a meeting/open house on Tuesday from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Kauai Veterans Center located on Veterans Memorial Highway adjacent to the Vidinha Stadium. Garden Island.

Some hikers blame ‘rancid’ toilet facilities for norovirus outbreak on Kalalau Trail on Kauaʻi.  As the Hawaiʻi State Department of Land and Natural Resources continues with its survey to determine the cause of the norovirus outbreak that has affected at least 50 visitors on the Kalalau Trail along the Nāpali Coast on Kauaʻi, some are blaming the virus on the state’s facilities that they say are unsanitary.  Kauai Now.

Hawaii Dems pivot support to Harris, Maui Planning Commission continues vacation rental ban hearing today, Hawaii joins high risk COVID states, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

With some unease, Hawaii Democrats pivot support to Vice President Kamala Harris. Party leaders say there is new enthusiasm and consensus growing for Harris even though some delegates who weren’t committed to President Biden were hoping that there would be some kind of process in the party to test Harris against other potential candidates. “The DNC appears determined to go ahead with the early virtual roll call vote, which prevents any real deliberation and discussion,” National Committeeman Bart Dame said. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Electrification of Transportation “Roadmap” Updated. The Hawaiian Electric company says significant community and industry input went into developing the plan aimed at growing the local EV market. Big Island Video News.

Hawaii joins 20 other states with ‘very high’ COVID levels in sewage. Nationally, overall viral levels in wastewater are considered “high” for the second straight week, the CDC said. Los Angeles Times.

Hawaii Looks To Improve Mosquito Testing As Dengue Cases Rise Globally. The Department of Health says it has enough staff to handle the growing threat of mosquito-borne diseases, but it is struggling to fill numerous vacancies. Civil Beat.

RIMPAC exercises continue on USS Carl Vinson. As the biennial exercise Rim of the Pacific continues off the coast of Hawaii, the U.S. Navy’s Carrier Strike Group 1 has been practicing flight operations from its flagship the USS Carl Vinson. Star-Advertiser.

State delays rollout of sound detector program aimed at reducing loud noises on the road. The state is delaying the rollout of a controversial sound detector program aimed at reducing excessive noise on the roads. Hawaii News Now.

UH gets $6.5M grant for cyberinfrastructure project. The U.S. National Science Foundation awarded a $6.5 million grant to the University of Hawaii for a project that will enhance its cyberinfrastructure — the hardware, software, networks and data, along with the people operating and managing the advanced computing technology. Star-Advertiser. Big Island Now.

Oahu

Blangiardi raises over $2M for mayoral reelection. In the Aug. 10 primary election, Blangiardi, a former media executive elected in 2020 to lead the city, will run against David L. Duke Bourgoin, a business owner and consultant; Karl O. Dicks, who’s variously worked as a farmer, journeyman carpenter and heavy equipment operator; and Choon James, a residential real estate broker. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Prosecutor’s Tenacious Push For A Different Kind Of Probation Has Failed To Win Over Critics — So Far. Steve Alm, running uncontested for reelection, swears by the HOPE probation model, which ensures predictable and immediate sanctions for violators, but studies have produced varying results. Civil Beat.

Country Living: Senate Candidates Offer Different Visions For Rural Oahu. Newcomer Ben Shafer is focused on the cost of living while former Sen. Clayton Hee wants to promote agriculture and tackle cesspools. Civil Beat.

In wake of violent arrest, HPD’s Crime Reduction Units sidelined as agency reviews operations. Days after a social media post showed a violent arrest of a car theft suspect, the Honolulu Police Department has paused Crime Reduction Units islandwide. Hawaii News Now.

DOT: Arrive earlier due to screening delays at Honolulu airport. The Hawaii Department of Transportation is advising travelers with flights departing from Terminal 1 at the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport to arrive earlier to allow for more time to get through security. Star-Advertiser. KHON2. KITV4.

Haiku Stairs: City urges public restraint, portions set for removal despite injunction. Portions of iconic Stairway to Heaven will soon be removed despite the court’s temporary injunction. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park Announces Closures Due To Kīlauea Unrest. Due to a sudden increase in activity, the National Park Service has had to close areas that could put visitors and staff at risk if Kīlauea erupts. Big Island Video News. Hawaii News Now.

Environmental attorney shares concerns about Keauhou Bay development plan. Kamehameha Schools' proposed Keauhou Bay Management Plan includes many upgrades and aims to reorganize some of the area's activities. But as with any proposed development or change in our islands, some disagree with the proposal. Hawaii Public Radio.

East Hawaii home sales remain flat. According to multiple listing service data, the total number of house sales this year to date is higher than last year to date — 1,003 homes were sold by the end of June, a little over 1% higher than June 2023 — while the median sales price also rose 7% to $535,000. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui Planning Commission to hold continuation of June meeting today. The Maui Planning Commission will hold a meeting in Wailuku on July 23 at 9 a.m. as a continuation of their June 25 meeting. The commission listened to over seven hours of public testimony at the June 25 meeting in regards to a bill that would amend the Maui County Code, removing transient vacation rentals (TVR’s) as a permitted use within the A-1 and A-2 apartment zoning districts.  Maui News.

County Council approves resolution of ‘a global settlement’ for fire litigation against county. The resolution states approximately 451 wildfire lawsuits involving a variety of claims resulting from the Lahaina and Upcountry fires have been filed in the United States District Court and the Hawai’i State Circuit courts as of July 8, 2024 (“Wildfire Litigation”) by affected parties. Maui News.

Mandatory evacuations lifted in Wailuku after brush fire. One firefighter was treated for heat distress at the scene of the brush fire Monday in Wailuku, where approximately 45 homes along Piihana Road were evacuated. The cause of the fire, which is under control, remains under investigation. Star-Advertiser.

Condition of Pioneer Mill smokestack causes concern. Maui officials have closed part of Lahainaluna Road over concerns about the structural integrity of the Pioneer Mill smokestack. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now.

Kauai

Brush fire burned about 1,600 acres in Koke‘e. A mop-up was underway on Monday at the site of a brush fire, which scorched approximately 1,600 acres before it was extinguished by air and ground attacks from personnel with local, state and federal agencies. Garden Island. Kauai Now.

Ballot drop boxes ready to accept ballots. Ballot packets for the 2024 Primary Election were mailed on Wednesday, July 17, and the county’s Office of the County Clerk said voters should have either gotten their packets, or should be getting them, shortly. Garden Island.

Navies from 29 countries train around Hawaii during RIMPAC, HART board violated Sunshine Law, HECO asks PUC for fee increases to cover Maui wildfire costs, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Navies train in Hawaii during RIMPAC as ocean turns into mock battlefields. The biennial Rim of the Pacific, the world’s largest recurring naval exercise, is underway in Hawaii and San Diego, bringing together 40 warships from 29 countries. Exercises are scheduled June 26 to Aug. 2, in and around the Hawaiian Islands.  Star-Advertiser.

Congress looks to continue Coast Guard’s Pacific expansion. The Coast Guard is slated to continue solidifying its Pacific footprint with new funds from Congress as the service plays an increasingly prominent role in Washington’s regional strategy. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Electric system upgrades to buffet electric bills. Hawaii’s largest electric utility, Hawaiian Electric Co., is seeking regulatory approval for a second “exceptional” investment project where it intends to recover costs from ratepayers who stand to have their bills affected by incremental, long-lasting small increases.  Star-Advertiser.

Governor Signs 13 Bills For Native Hawaiian Beneficiaries, Culture. Governor Josh Green on Friday signed 13 bills into law, renewing the state’s commitment to the Hawaiʻi Department of Hawaiian Homelands, as well as Native Hawaiian education, cultural practices and traditions, and stewardship.   Big Island Video News. Hawaii News Now.

Bill on traffic violations may face governor’s veto. If it becomes law, House Bill 2526 would increase the penalty for a third or subsequent offense involving unauthorized driving or operation of motor vehicles to a class C felony and authorize the court to order the forfeiture of the vehicle used in the offense. Star-Advertiser.

First Amendment Groups Oppose Veto Of Bill To Limit Governor’s Power To Cut Off Electronic Media In Emergencies. Hawaii’s governor warns of the need to respond to possible violence generated by social media in times of crisis. But journalists and attorneys fear violation of constitutionally protected free speech. Civil Beat.

Gov. Green Makes Appointments To Boards And Agencies. They include Christine Sakuda as Hawaii's chief information officer. Green also appointed Barbara Polk and Danton Wong to serve on the Campaign Spending Commission, Andrew Pereira to the Stadium Authority and Debbie Cabebe to the Hawaii Community Development Authority Pulehunui. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Former HART Board Members Violated Sunshine Law By Discussing Consulting Contract In Private. Ultimately, Colleen Hanabusa turned down the lucrative consulting contract in favor of rejoining the unpaid board as public scrutiny grew. Three key board members overseeing Honolulu’s Skyline transit construction violated state open meeting laws when they traded emails about hiring Colleen Hanabusa to a lucrative consultant contract before discussing the proposal in an open meeting, the Office of Information Practices ruled last week. Civil Beat

Skyline marks first anniversary, anticipates more stations opening in next 18 months. A year after it opened to the public, Honolulu’s Skyline rail system continues to see a mix of more than 1 million commuters, first- timers, lookie-loos and tourists who are already anticipating four more stations that are scheduled to open in the next 18 months — including into and out of Daniel K. Inouye International Airport. Star-Advertiser.

City Council’s affordable rental housing bill advances. A bill meant to give private developers of affordable rental housing greater financial incentives to build is moving forward — but with a change to post-construction grant amounts meant to spur completion of more units above or below 300 square feet in size. Star-Advertiser.

City taking over Biki bikeshare system. Starting Monday, the City and County of Honolulu is officially taking over management of the Biki bikeshare system — marking a major change since its launch in 2017. Star-Advertiser.

Star-Advertiser will now use the mail to deliver newspapers in Waikiki. In a letter, Aaron Kotarek, senior vice president of audience and operations for the Star-Advertiser, wrote that beginning July 1, the company will partner with the U.S. Postal Service to deliver the paper to readers in Waikiki. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

For Chief Judge Kim, retirement is ‘rehirement’. Today will be the last day on the bench for Third Circuit Chief Judge Robert Kim, four years to the day after being named the Big Island’s chief administrative jurist by Hawaii Chief Justice Mark Recktenwald. Tribune-Herald.

Hilo roundabout gets funding. A project to build a traffic roundabout in downtown Hilo has received more than $17 million in federal funding. Tribune-Herald.

Unrest escalates at Kīlauea; more than 500 earthquakes rock upper East Rift Zone. Hundreds of earthquakes are occurring in Kīlauea's upper East Rift Zone, prompting an overnight status report from the USGS.. Scientists say “any substantial increases in seismicity and/or deformation could result in a new eruptive episode, but there are no signs of an imminent eruption at this time.” Big Island Video News. Big Island Now.  Hawaii News Now.

Maui

Another Suicide At The Maui Jail Leaves A Grieving Family To Conclude ‘Something Is Wrong’. Artrina De Lima's death is the sixth suicide at the Maui jail in the past four years. That is more than the total number of known suicides at all other Hawaii correctional facilities during that time. Civil Beat.

Bill To Designate Lahaina As A National Heritage Area Gets Congressional Hearing. The governor, Maui mayor, cultural leaders from West Maui and others say such a designation would help Lahaina recover and celebrate its past. Civil Beat.

Kahikolu Project on Maui targets axis deer and widespread environmental impacts. Prolific herds of hungry axis deer continue to wreak havoc in Maui County, damaging farm crops, overgrazing livestock pasture lands, threatening fragile watersheds and even encroaching in heavily urbanized areas like Kahului Airport’s runways and baggage claim areas. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kīlauea roundabout being constructed on Kūhiō Highway. The Hawai‘i Department of Transportation is notifying drivers of a $12 million roundabout being constructed on Kūhiō Highway in Kilauea, which is planned to be completed late next year.  Kauai Now.

Kilauea erupts, Hawaii seaweed touted to reduce cattle methane emissions, Honolulu mulls gift ban bill, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Cattle Are A Major Source Of Greenhouse Gas Emissions. Hawaii Seaweed Could Change That. Local businesses are getting big funding boosts to help make farmed algae part of the solution in addressing the amount of methane cattle produce. Civil Beat.

 Kilauea erupting as alert level raised to red. Kīlauea erupts; fissures active likely about a mile south of caldera, within Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Big Island Now.  Star-Advertiser.
 Big Island Video News. . Hawaii News Now.  KHON2.

Established Hawaii business groups question fledgling chamber. The head of the Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii says a new organization called the Chamber of Sustainable Commerce has generated confusion among some island businesses and does not represent traditional business interests. Star-Advertiser.

PUC orders halt to phone, internet service disconnections for 1,500 Hawaiian Home Lands households.  The state Public Utilities Commission has ordered Sandwich Isles Communications not to cut phone and internet service to about 1,500 Hawaiian Home Lands households statewide. Hawaii News Now.

State chief information officer retiring. State Chief Information Officer Doug Murdock retired from public service Friday, Gov. Josh Green announced.. Murdock served as CIO since January 2019. Star-Advertiser.

Big Island senator assigned new interim chair Senate Committee. Sen. Herbert M. “Tim” Richards III (Senate District 4, North Hilo, Hāmākua, Kohala, Waimea, Waikoloa, North Kona) will be the interim Chair of the Senate Committee on Hawaiian Affairs. Big Island Now.

New members appointed to Hawaiian Homes Commission. Renown waterman and Maui activist Archie Kalepa was appointed to represent the Valley Isle, effective immediately.  Gov. Josh Green also appointed Lawrence Lasua, former president and CEO of Moloka‘i Community Federal Credit Union, effective July 1. Star-Advertiser.

Falck protests EMS contracts for Maui, Kauai going to AMR. The company that initially won the state contracts for emergency medical services for Maui and Kauai counties and then lost it in a rebidding process is formally contesting awarding of the work to International Life Support, dba American Medical Response, or AMR. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Council advances gift ban bill for Honolulu city and county employees. A Honolulu City Council measure to prohibit city and county employees from accepting gifts from lobbyists or other third-party sources in relation to their official duties is nearing final approval. Star-Advertiser.

Tweaks To Honolulu’s Land Use Law Could Jeopardize Kahuku’s Controversial Wind Farms. Repairs may soon be needed, but those could run into legal trouble as the City Council considers new restrictions. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Has Been Fighting Over Illegal Vacation Rentals Since The 1970s. Whether tourists destroy neighborhoods or provide a critical financial lifeline to residents is an argument that goes back a generation. Civil Beat.

Tensions at HART leave future of rail leadership in doubt. Lori Kahikina’s future as the CEO and executive director of the city’s rail project — and the future of the project itself — has been thrown into doubt with six months left on her contract and relations continuing to break down between her and the chair of the board that oversees the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation. Star-Advertiser.

Navy’s Red Hill tank ventilation rattles some residents. Navy Closure Task Force-Red Hill announced on its mobile app last week that the state Department of Health had approved its plans to begin cleaning operations and venting of the facility’s Tank No. 8. Star-Advertiser.

City land donation proposed for Kailua Hawaiian homesteads project. For the third time in two decades, city officials are seeking to make residential use out of a large parcel of vacant city land in Kailua. Star-Advertiser.

Working group formed as lead testing continues near Marine rifle range. The Marine Corps Puuloa Range Training Facility in Ewa Beach has been in continuous operation for more than a century. But in recent years complaints about noise and concerns about environmental effects of the shooting range have put it under increasing scrutiny from the surrounding community. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

UH observatory removed from Mauna Kea; CSO will be next. The Hoku Kea Observatory, the University of Hawaii’s educational telescope, was the first of five Mauna Kea observatories slated for removal as part of the university’s Maunakea Comprehensive Management Plan and, as of the end of May, was the first to be completely removed from the summit. Star-Advertiser. Tribune-Herald.  Big Island Now.  KHON2.

Court rejects access road claim: Justices rule DOT erred when it designated thoroughfare to Maunakea a state highway. The Hawaii Supreme Court on Thursday ruled the state Department of Transportation’s 2018 designation of Maunakea Access Road as a public highway “took almost all property rights” from the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands. Tribune-Herald. Hawaii News Now.


ROD fight continues: Experts hope to limit spread by preventing injuries to trees. While the fight against Rapid ‘Ohi‘a Death continues throughout Hawaii, scientists have shifted their focus to managing ungulates and other invasive species. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Help for Maui’s fire-impacted businesses trickles down slowly. It’s been more than nine months since the Maui wildfires, but thousands of Maui business owners who applied for the Maui Bridge Grant or a Small Business Administration disaster loan are still waiting. Star-Advertiser.

Lahaina Fire Sparks Bitter Business Disagreement Over Who Is Responsible For Rebuilding. One issue in the case of West Maui Center is whether insurance should cover both the landlord's and the tenant's loss. Civil Beat.

FEMA Is Canceling Some Of Its Direct Leases To House Maui Fire Survivors. The property owners are now scrambling to figure out what to do with their units which sat empty for months at the expense of taxpayers. Civil Beat.

Will We Recognize Lahaina Once It’s Rebuilt? A Maui Lawmaker Ponders The Question. Angus McKelvey says the state government needs to do more to prevent a massive sell-off of land. Civil Beat.

Kauai

Property tax rate hikes approved by Kauaʻi County Council. Resolution No. 2024-31 proposes to create a tiered system for real property tax rates for the 2024 to 2025 fiscal year, where more expensive properties are placed into a higher tax rate.  Kauai Now.