Hurricane Henriette intensifies north of Hawaii, federal court halts commercial fishing in Pacific protected zone, campaign contributions plummet during legislative session, Rapozo runs for Kauai mayor, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Henriette becomes a hurricane in the Pacific Ocean but is not forecast to threaten land. Tropical Storm Henriette rapidly strengthened into a hurricane Sunday in the central Pacific Ocean with further strengthening expected, but it poses no threat to land, the National Hurricane Center said. The storm was located about 445 miles (720 kilometers) north-northeast of Hilo, Hawaii, with maximum sustained winds of 80 mph (130 kph).  Associated Press.

Court halts commercial fishing in Pacific sanctuary. Commercial fishing that recently resumed in a vast protected area of the Pacific Ocean must halt once again, after a judge in Hawaii sided this week with environmentalists challenging a Trump administration rollback of federal ocean protections.  Associated Press. Star-Advertiser. Big Island Now. Hawaii News Now.

Campaign Donations Plummeted During Legislative Session. This year, members of the House and Senate reported raising just over $45,000 during the session that ran from mid-January to early May. That’s 10 times less than in previous years and the lowest in at least a decade. Much of that dropoff could be attributed to a ban on in-session donations from lobbyists, which went into effect last year. Civil Beat.

Hawaii hospitals brace for cuts to Medicaid.  Because of changes written into H.R. 1 H.R.1 — signed by President Donald Trump on the Fourth of July, hospitals across the U.S., including Hawaii, are expecting a significant reduction in reimbursements after patients lose their health insurance. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Honolulu City Council OKs new Ocean Safety Commission. The Honolulu City Council voted unanimously Wednesday to confirm five people to serve as inaugural members of the city’s Ocean Safety Commission. Star-Advertiser.

Ala Wai encampments face new city crackdown. The city Department of Enterprise Services is cracking down on homeless encampments at the Ala Wai Golf Course with new signage marking the grassy perimeter — where homeless encampments have existed for years — as private property. Star-Advertiser.

Latest bargaining cycle covers thousands of Hawaii workers.  UNITE HERE Local 5 members, whose contract at the Ilikai Hotel &Luxury Suites expired in June 2024, rallied outside the hotel waving red flags and wearing placards that read “Respect Our Guests, Respect Our Work.” Star-Advertiser.

Friends help Hawaii Theatre after insurance premiums rose 4,500%. Rising insurance premiums have left the Hawaii Theatre in a tough spot on top of rising maintenance costs, smaller audiences since the pandemic, and diminishing grants for the arts. Star-Advertiser.

Jail Security Chief Says He Wanted Top Gang Members Moved Before Killing. Some current and former OCCC inmates are proving to be reluctant witnesses at the manslaughter trial. Civil Beat.

Boat aground in Kewalo Basin awaits salvage. A boat that ran aground Saturday now awaits commercial salvage.  On Sunday, the U.S. Coast Guard said the 75-foot vessel is secured to the seawall at Kewalo Basin. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.  Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Inaba: Council won’t override mayor’s veto of Bill 59. The bill, approved 7-2 by the council on July 9, would have prohibited pedestrians from soliciting rides, jobs, business, or other services within 15 feet of a roadway unless vehicles were legally parked. Tribune-Herald.

Community invited to share input at Mauna Kea stewardship Talk Story in Nāʻālehu. The Mauna Kea Stewardship and Oversight Authority is holding a Talk Story on Wednesday in Nāʻālehu to foster continued engagement with community members and residents across the Big island. Big Island Now.

$30.9M wastewater project kicks off in Pahala to shut down aging cesspools by 2027. Construction of a new wastewater collection system is underway in Pahala, marking a key milestone in Hawaii County’s effort to shut down large capacity cesspools, or LCCs, in the Ka‘u District as required under federal law. Tribune-Herald.

Drought grips Big Island. Conditions on the island range from abnormally dry to extreme drought, and the absence of rain has left many areas quite dry and prone to wildfires. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui County Reaches Grim Milestone In Fire Victim Identification. The police forensic team has determined that nothing more can be done to separate and identify the last partial remains. Civil Beat.

Mixed messaging, other challenges stymie Maui’s tourism industry. Lahaina continues to rebuild, but employers and employees have had to adjust to a diminished economy, and the Lahaina Small Boat Harbor — once the hub of Maui’s ocean tourism industry — remains months, if not years, away from reopening. Star-Advertiser.

Piece by piece, the people of Lahaina rebuild their homes and truck away the ashes. In Lahaina, home construction is picking up and fire debris is being transferred to its final resting place. But for survivors, recovery is a very uneven journey. Hawaii Public Radio.

Returning to Lahaina: Neighbors reunite as destroyed communities build back. On a recent day in Lahaina’s Wahikuli subdivision, about a mile from Komo Mai Street, staccato blasts from nail guns and hammering rang out over a landscape that includes over a half-dozen homes rising on one street, surrounded by many more under construction on neighboring blocks. Star-Advertiser.

Hundreds honor victims during paddle-out on anniversary of 2023 Maui wildfires. Scores of people paddled through the waves on their surfboards to create the paddle-out ceremony with some paddlers and boaters honoring individuals who perished. Maui News.

Tribute on two year wildfire anniversary brings Maui community together in healing. During the third and final 2025 Kuhinia Maui gathering marking the second anniversary of the Maui wildfires, hundreds of community members came together at Lahaina Civic Center to pay tribute to lives lost through songs, speeches and multicultural and multigenerational presentations. Maui Now.

Kauai

Mel Rapozo jumps into Mayor’s race. In an Aug. 7 formal press release from Mel for Mayor 2026, the current Council Chair, Mel Rapozo, announced his candidacy for Mayor of the County of Kauai in the 2026 election. Garden Island.

Kaua‘i County Mayor Kawakami completes successful Sister City, cultural exchange visit to Japan. Kaua‘i County Mayor Derek Kawakami and a delegation from the Garden Isle recently returned from a successful diplomatic and cultural exchange visit to Japan, reaffirming Sister City relationships that span generations and opening new doors for educational, cultural and economic collaboration between Kaua‘i and its Japanese counterparts. Kauai Now.

New Kauai charter school welcomes its first students. On the first day of the Department of Education school year calendar, Namahana Public Charter School opened its doors Monday to its first cohort of students in the seventh and eighth grades. Star-Advertiser.

Hale Kipa’s container farm program turns youth shelter residents into farmers. Vulnerable youth and Hale Kipa’s emergency youth shelter residents grow fresh produce, learn about farming, earn a stipend and invest in the community at a recently installed agricultural facility built entirely inside of a shipping container. Garden Island.

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

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

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

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

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

Oahu

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

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

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

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

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

Hawaii Island

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

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

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

Maui

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kauai

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

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

Governor moves up renewable energy deadline, OHA approves big pay hikes, bills would ban cellphone use in schools, Honolulu advances resident preference housing plan, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Energy stakeholders celebrate renewable goals, but balk at natural gas proposal. In a busy week for local energy policy, Gov. Josh Green moved up the deadline for neighbor islands to eliminate fossil fuel use, and the Hawaiʻi State Energy Office put out a long-awaited report recommending Oʻahu open the door to liquefied natural gas imports. Kauaʻi, Hawaiʻi Island, and Maui County are now expected to run on 100% renewable power by 2035 — a decade ahead of schedule. Hawaii Public Radio.

Tulsi Gabbard Met With Bipartisan Skepticism In Confirmation Hearing. Senators quizzed Trump’s pick for Director of National Intelligence on her past support for leaker Edward Snowden and for meeting with Syrian dictator Basha al-Assad. Civil Beat. Reuters.  Associated Press. New York Times.

Bills would ban use of cellphones in schools. Five similar bills — House bills 298, 458, 1195 and 1224, and Senate Bill 684 — each propose that the state Department of Education limit or prohibit the use of cellphones by students during the school day. Tribune-Herald.

Bill would allow chiropractic students hands-on experience with patients. Hawai‘i is one of only five states in the U.S. that does not allow student chiropractors to intern under existing professionals, according to Dean Shivvers, president of the Hawai‘i State Chiropractic Association. Hawaii Public Radio.

OHA Salary Commission Approves Trustee Pay Raises. The OHA Salary Commission, which acts independently of the trustees, voted unanimously on Wednesday to boost trustees’ annual to $91,560. The chair of the board would make $100,308. Civil Beat.

Flights disrupted at Hawaii airports due to severe weather, visibility issues. Travelers at Hawaii airports experienced delays and cancellations due to severe weather Thursday. A ground stop was issued for interisland flights statewide that essentially kept planes from taking off or landing for about an hour. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

‘Resident preference’ housing bill unanimously OK’d. Legislation that seeks a “resident preference” for those who participate in city-run housing programs received Honolulu City Council approval this week. Star-Advertiser.

Council begins Cabinet confirmation process. At the start of the mayor’s second four-year term, many of those being tapped for the city and county’s key leadership roles have maintained them since Blangiardi first assumed the city’s top elective office on Jan. 2, 2021. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Officers Not Charged In Arrest Mistake Victim Calls Racial Profiling. Officers beat and arrested Tevitatonga Cadiente on Jan. 1, 2024, after mistaking him for a different Tongan man — an armed suspect they were pursuing. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser.

Four More Arrested In New Year’s Fireworks Explosion. A total of six people have been arrested in connection with the explosion that has killed five people. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser.

UH campus stadium proposal is revived. A state House bill similar to one in 2024 that died in the Senate intending to move $350 million earmarked for the New Aloha Stadium Entertainment District to building a stadium on the University of Hawaii campus instead is making the rounds through House committee hearings. Star-Advertiser.

Case over public beach access at Kahala Hotel sent back to circuit court. A ruling from the Intermediate Court of Appeals over public beach access takes the state land board to task over upholding public trust law.  Hawaii Public Radio.

Waikīkī Restaurant Owner Investigated For Not Paying Workers. State, federal agencies are looking into claims of bounced paychecks from the owner of Makana Lani and Burgers on Bishop. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Hawaiʻi County Council resolution would urge state to consider humane ways to deal with potential avian flu outbreak. In a resolution introduced by Councilmember Heather Kimball, the state departments of Agriculture and Health are urged to consult with local poultry farmers to develop an avian flu response plan and consider alternatives to depopulation as the main response strategy. Big Island Now.

Pahoa man accused of neo-Nazi child sexploitation. Two men, including one from Puna, were arrested today for alleging participating in a neo-Nazi child exploitation enterprise that groomed and then coerced minors to produce sexual abuse material and images of self-harm. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Hawaii wildfire victims spared from testifying after last-minute deal over $4B settlement. Lawyers representing victims of a deadly Hawaii wildfire reached a last-minute deal averting a trial that was scheduled to begin Wednesday over how to split a $4 billion settlement.  Associated Press.

Investigators spent months searching for a man unaccounted for in Lahaina fire. Now his 6 children are asking the court to declare him deceased. Elmer Lee Stevens is one of the last two names still left on the official unaccounted-for list, along with Robert H. Owens. Since June, the confirmed death toll from the wildfire has held steady at 102.  Maui Now.

Kauai

Completion dates for Wailua and Puhi play courts updated. The recreational play courts at the Wailua Homesteads and the Wailua Houselots are estimated to be completed earlier than anticipated, except for the Puhi Park courts in Lihue. Garden Island.

Hawaii Supreme Court considering election challenges, Maui releases long-term recovery plan for Lahaina, Kilauea pauses after brief eruption, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

 

State Supreme Court considers two challenges to tight election races (video only) Hawaii News Now.

Native Hawaiian Contractor Chris Dawson Has Died While Under Investigation. Christopher Dawson, 62, a prominent Native Hawaiian defense contractor, was found dead Thursday on Oʻahu, according to the Honolulu Medical Examiner’s Office.  Dawson’s death, which the medical examiner determined to be a suicide, comes as he was under federal investigation for alleged financial crimes, including wire fraud and money laundering.  Civil Beat.

Oahu

Another Honolulu Rail Contractor Demands More Money, Citing Years Of Delays. In a $324 million lawsuit, a key contractor alleges the city hasn’t resolved its claim because it wants to avoid further public criticism. Civil Beat.

Topa Financial Center property sale another sign of evolving downtown. Developer Christine Camp said her company’s acquisition Friday of Topa Financial Center is just a small part of a larger trend in reimagining “DOHO” — downtown Honolulu — with its many largely vacant office buildings. Star-Advertiser. KITV4.

A new kauhale opens as the state tackles growing homelessness. The newest tiny-home village to reduce homelessness — with 43 units designed to house single adults, couples and their pets — was unveiled and blessed Monday in Iwilei. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Kīlauea pauses after a brief eruption . Kilauea puts on ‘outstanding’ show.  It’s a “Pele Kalikimaka” in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, according to Jessica Ferracane, the park’s spokeswoman, referring to the eruption that started early Monday morning within Kilauea volcano’s Halema‘uma‘u crater. Tribune-Herald. Associated Press.  Hawaii Punlic Radio.  Big Island Video News. Big Island Now. Hawaii News Now.

Maui

Maui releases final Long-Term Recovery Plan for Lahaina. Maui Country officials have released the county’s final Long-Term Recovery Plan for Lahaina. The release follows a monthlong community engagement series on the draft plan that included feedback from hundreds of residents and local stakeholders. The Long-Term Recovery Plan.  Maui News. Maui Now.  Hawaii News Now.

Lahaina immigrants who survived fire now wary of Trump’s deportation threats. Nearly one-third of Lahaina’s population before the August 2023 wildfire came from another country, and their recovery from the blaze has been hampered in some cases by language barriers, housing costs, the decline in work and the lack of access to services reserved for U.S. citizens. Maui Now.

Report emphasizes recovery access needs for Filipino survivors of Maui wildfires. A group focusing on Filipinos in Lahaina recently released a report on the community’s experiences and needs following the Aug. 8, 2023, Maui wildfires. Hawaii Public Radio.

Iwi kupuna unearthed after surf slams Maui’s North Shore. The waves uncovered iwi kupuna – or ancestral remains – from Hawaiian burials. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai

Efforts underway for permanent Hanapēpē Massacre memorial on Kauaʻi 100 years later. The state is looking to build a permanent memorial to honor the 1924 Hanapēpē Massacre, a tragic turning point in Hawai‘i’s labor movement that led to the deaths of 16 Filipino strikers and four police officers. Hawaii Public Radio.

Contractors Association of Kauai wraps up 2024 with membership meeting. The Contractors Association of Kauai closed 2024 with its 67th Annual Meeting and Installation dinner on Dec. 5 at the Puakea Golf Course. Garden Island.

Tokuda out-raises Case for campaign funds, Cessna crash kills two near Honolulu airport, Kilauea activity increases, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

In Hawai‘i Congressional Fundraising, Tokuda Far Outraised Case. The first-term U.S. representative received most of her donations from individual donors while her veteran colleague was supported by PACs. Rep. Jill Tokuda, a first-term Democrat, outraised veteran Hawai‘i congressman Ed Case in the current election cycle, even though she refused to accept contributions from most political action committees tied to corporations. Civil Beat.

Gov. Green’s budget keeps ‘rainy day fund’ at $1.5 billion. Gov. Josh Green’s proposed state budget calls for no increase to the state’s $1.5 billion rainy day fund, but Green does want to dedicate all of the estimated $66 million in annual interest to help Hawaii address the effects of climate change and prevent future wildfires, according to the state Department of Budget and Finance. The Star-Advertiser incorrectly reported Tuesday that Green wants to increase the amount of the  fund. Star-Advertiser.

Community still has limited understanding of HECO's Public Safety Power Shutoff program. Hawaiian Electric monitored weather conditions during a red flag warning last week in case it needed to activate its Public Safety Power Shutoff program. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaiʻi peace activist banned from South Korea again. Just last month Hawaiʻi resident and peace activist Christine Ahn was banned from entering South Korea. It was the second time her activism put her on a do-not-travel list.  Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

Wind Turbines Set To Come Down, Threatening Hawaiʻi Renewable Energy Goals. Kahuku's wind turbines, which irked neighbors, will have to come down at the end of their 20-year contracts after a Honolulu City Council decision last week. Civil Beat.

City council votes to reconvene Oʻahu's agricultural task force. The Honolulu City Council has voted to restore an agricultural task force — and stakeholders say it’ll help keep city policymakers informed about the needs of Oʻahu farmers. Hawaii Public Radio.

2 killed in plane crash near Honolulu airport. Two Kamaka Air pilots on an afternoon training mission died Tuesday when they lost control of their single-turboprop Cessna Caravan and crashed into an abandoned building near Daniel K. Inouye International Airport. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.  KITV4.

Prison officials were warned murdered inmate was in danger. Raita Fukusaku, who was convicted in the death of a celebrity Japanese psychic, had been complaining he was in danger for more than five years.After 25 years in custody, Fukusaku was returned to Halawa Correctional Facility from a mainland prison in 2019 because of his advancing cancer. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii  Island

New County Council meets today, plans to work closely with Alameda. The reshuffled Hawaii County Council hopes to improve its relationships with the new county administration to get things done faster. Tribune-Herald.

Scientists To Switch To Daily Volcano Updates As Kilauea Activity Increases. Kīlauea volcano is not erupting. Although the USGS Volcano Alert Level remains at ADVISORY, the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory says an uptick in unrest at the summit has prompted scientists to switch from providing weekly Kilauea updates to daily updates. Big Island Video News.

Tsunami museum in trouble: Downtown Hilo site closes due to financial woes; staff laid off. The Pacific Tsunami Museum is in dire financial straits, and its organizers hope the community will step up and help it navigate out of troubled waters. Tribune-Herald. Hawaii News Now.

Kuawa Street homeless camp closes. A Hawaii County homeless shelter established near Mamalahoa Highway in July has been disbanded. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui is poised for $1.6B in federal funding to rebuild Lahaina. The U.S. Senate has tentatively agreed to $12 billion to respond to disasters across the country, including $1.6 billion to help Maui rebuild following the 2023 wildfires, U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz said Tuesday. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.

Maui ranked No. 3 as best place to visit in USA by US News & World Report. Maui comes after No. 1 Glacier National Park in Montana, and Yellowstone National Park, located in the northwest corner of Wyoming and extending into Montana and Idaho. Maui Now.

Lahaina could become first National Heritage Area in Hawaii. Both the U.S. Senate and House passed the Lahaina National Heritage Area Study Act this month. Hawaii News Now.The bill directs the National Park Service — in coordination with Maui County and other local partners — to study the feasibility and suitability of a National Heritage Area designation for Lahaina. Hawaii News Now.

Lahaina Disaster Recovery Community Meetings to be paused during the holiday season. The County of Maui’s weekly Lahaina Disaster Recovery Community Meetings will be paused during the holidays. The next in-person meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025, at Lahaina Intermediate School cafeteria. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kapaʻa High School students get head start on college through Chaminade University program. High school juniors and seniors at Kapaʻa High School, along with students from Sacred Hearts Academy and Saint Louis School on Oʻahu, can apply for the Chaminade University Early College program to earn college credit while still in high school. Kauai Now.

Honolulu considers shipping garbage off-island, comments sought on federal plan to protect coral reefs, charges dropped against state legislator, others in Kapiolani hospital strike, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Honolulu Revives The Idea Of Shipping Trash Off Island. Honolulu’s trash could be shipped off island for 10 years until a new landfill is opened, a potential interim solution to the challenge of what to do with the waste generated by almost 1 million residents and about half a million monthly visitors. Civil Beat.

Public invited to comment on federal plan to preserve coral. The National Coral Reef Resilience Strategy will be used to protect reefs around Hawaiʻi, Florida, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, American Samoa, the U.S. Pacific Remote Island Area and other areas. Hawaii Public Radio.

Gov. Green's Climate Advisory Team talks priorities to mitigate disaster losses. Gov. Josh Green established a Climate Advisory Team this past May to promote resilience and recovery from future climate-related disasters. The volunteer team is looking at areas ripe for policy-making: environmental and infrastructure resilience, and physical and financial recovery. Hawaii Public Radio.

Voting explainer: 2024 constitutional amendment ballot questions. Hawaiʻi voters will have the chance to weigh in on two constitutional amendment questions in the November election. The questions are related to marriage equality and judicial appointments. Hawaii Public Radio.

Ballot question revives debate over same-sex marriage in Hawaii. Many voters are expressing confusion over a constitutional question on ballots that arrived at homes over the weekend. It brings up the 30-year-old debate over same-sex marriage in Hawaii that most people feel was settled a decade ago. Hawaii News Now.

OHA race: Luapa faces political newcomer for Molokaʻi and Lānaʻi seat. Luana Alapa, who has served on the Office of Hawaiian Affairs Board of Trustees since 2020, faces challenger Kunani Nihipali, a farmer and former Honolulu police officer. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawai‘i unemployment rate remains at 2.9% in September. The Hawai‘i Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism reports 651,100 people were employed last month, with 19,300 were unemployed, for a total seasonally adjusted labor force of 670,400 statewide. Kauai Now.

Oahu

Council urges state action on rising property insurance premiums. A Honolulu City Council resolution wants state lawmakers to address what it deems are “drastic” increases in property insurance premiums paid by homeowners across Oahu, particularly for those who own condominiums. Star-Advertiser.

Charges dismissed against 10 arrested during Kapi‘olani hospital protest. All charges have been dismissed against the 10 protesters arrested outside Kapi‘olani Medical Center for Women & Children during a management lockout of unionized nurses last month, Honolulu prosecutors said. Star-Advertiser. KHON2.  Spectrum.

Rare court filing puts trial on hold for 4 HPD officers accused in near-fatal crash. The high-profile criminal case against four Honolulu police officers has been shelved until a higher court can rule on the defense team’s interlocutory appeal. Hawaii News Now.

Westside After-School Clubs Are Helping Kids Stay Out Of Trouble. Sports and extracurricular activities can help kids build a sense of community pride — and show them a better life is possible. Civil Beat.

Voter service centers on Oahu open ahead of general election. With general election just two weeks away, in-person voter service centers open Tuesday across the state. On Oahu, it opens at Kapolei Hale and Honolulu Hale and they will remain open until 7:00 p.m. on Election Day. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

IRONMAN Emphasizes Respect, Safety Ahead Of Kona World Championship. In the first all-male Ironman race in Kona, about 2,500 athletes will compete in the swim, bike and run competition that covers 140.6 miles on Saturday, starting at the Kailua Pier and ending on Aliʻi Drive. Big Island Now. Big Island Video News.

Kona hotel prepares again to serve as hub for Ironman World Championship. When a semi-truck loaded with pasta and other foods arrived at the Courtyard King Kamehameha Kona Beach Resort last week, the employees knew that soon to follow would be hoards of hungry triathletes competing in the 2024 VinFast Ironman World Championship. Big Island Now.

Volcano Skatepark reopens after 4+ year closure. Volcano Skatepark is one of the only wooden and indoor parks out of eight skateparks on the island. KHON2. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Feedback conflicting on how to rebuild Lahaina. Survivors of the Aug. 8, 2023, Lahaina wildfire expressed both clear and often conflicting opinions on how to rebuild the historic fishing village, with many participants in community engagement sessions on long-term recovery calling for better communications and other technological upgrades to respond to future emergencies, climate change and sea-level rise. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.  Maui News. Maui Now.  KHON2.  KITV4

HECO narrowly avoided cutting power in West Maui last week. What happened? West Maui customers were told last Wednesday that Hawaiian Electric might have had to cut power as a fire prevention measure under the new protocols of the utility's Public Safety Power Shutoff program, which launched in July. Hawaii Public Radio.

Trash, invasive trees and abandoned vehicles to be removed from 5-acre County-owned parcel at Ukumehame.  In coordination with Mālama Maui Nui and Kane’s Legacy Tree Services, the County of Maui will be conducting trash removal, invasive tree cleanup and abandoned vehicles disposal during a three-day period from Oct. 23-25 at a 5-acre parcel owned by the County directly mauka of mile marker 13.5 in Ukumehame, West Maui.  Maui Now.

Mayor Bissen to host community budget meeting on Lānaʻi, Oct. 23.  Mayor Richard Bissen and his administration will host a community budget meeting from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 23, at ILWU Union Hall in Lānaʻi City. Maui Now.

Kauai

Should Kauai’s Police Commission Get More Time For Investigations? The seven-member commission that oversees the operations of the island’s police department currently has 90 days to go through the entire process of investigating all complaints that come to it.  Civil Beat.

Voter Service Center to open in Lihue. The Voter Service Center (VSC) is scheduled to open on Tuesday, Oct, 22, in the basement of the historic County Annex Building at 4386 Rice St. in Lihue. Garden Island.

Honolulu airport near bottom of national survey, rail contractor gets notice to proceed on final leg, first humpback of whale season spotted, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

The Honolulu airport moves up in passenger satisfaction, but is still fourth worst. Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, the largest in the state, moved up in a ranking of large airports, but it’s still fourth from the bottom, according to the latest J.D. Power North America Airport Satisfaction Study. Star-Advertiser.

UH President Candidate Targeted Black Law Professor For Speaking Out, Review Found. As the search for a new University of Hawaii president nears the end, documents show one finalist, Wendy Hensel, was involved in retaliating against a law professor who questioned her. Civil Beat.

Hawaii’s Prison System Confronts ‘A Huge Mental Health Crisis’. Licensed psychologists have been leaving correctional facilities in the state at an alarming rate, which is creating gaps in care. Civil Beat.

Todd Apo Appointed To Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority Board. The CEO of a Kohala-based nonprofit has been appointed to the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority board. Big Island Video News.

First humpback sighting reported for 2024 whale season. The sighting was at approximately 10 a.m. Sunday by Capt. Matt Talbot and the crew of Teralani during a snorkel sail off the coast of Ka’anapali. Maui Now.

Oahu

HART officially proceeds on final Skyline segment. The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation has issued a “notice to proceed” to its chosen contractor that is tasked with finishing the nearly $10 billion Skyline project by the start of the next decade. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Fence returning to Diamond Head seawall amid increased erosion. Fencing is going back up at the Leahi Beach Park seawall on the edge of Diamond Head, according to the city Department of Parks and Recreation. Hawaii News Now.

Homeless hotspot transforming into $155M high-rise for Native Hawaiians. After numerous delays, a 23-floor, $155 million “high-rise hale” to house Native Hawaiians is set to break ground by the end of 2024. The Old Bowl-O-Drome in Moiliili has been closed for more than two decades. Hawaii News Now.

City attorneys reach $1.5M settlement with family of Black man killed by police. City attorneys are proposing to pay $1.5 million to settle a wrongful death lawsuit brought by the widow of a 29-year-old citizen of South Africa who was shot and killed by Honolulu police officers after a bloody fight at a Nuuanu home on April 14, 2021. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Roth signs bill to expand housing availability. The bill — co-drafted by council Chair Heather Kimball, Councilwoman Ashley Kierkiewicz, Planning Director Zendo Kern and Deputy Director Jeff Darrow — allows homeowners to build up to three accessory dwelling units, or ADUs, with a size limit of 1,250 square feet on their properties. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Now.

Voting explainer: 2024 Hawaiʻi Island charter amendment ballot questions. The questions are related to councilmember vacancies, department head appointments, and the Cost of Government Commission. Hawaii Public Radio.

Pahoa bus hub/library could break ground in 2025.  A 9.5-acre parcel between the Pahoa Marketplace and the Puna Kai Shopping Center will be developed as a nexus for a “hub and spoke” public transportation network in Puna. Tribune-Herald.

Demolition of Uncle Billy’s Hilo Bay Hotel underway. The Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources said the wooden lobby and restaurant were demolished weeks ago, while work began Monday morning to knock down the first of two, concrete hotel wings. Star-Advertiser. Big Island Now.  KHON2.

Maui

New survey tracks recovery of households affected by Maui fires. The University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization reported Tuesday that 29% of fire-affected households now live below the poverty line, up from 14% before the fires that destroyed most of Lahaina and claimed 19 homes in Upcountry Maui on Aug. 8, 2023. Star-Advertiser. Associated Press. Maui News.  Maui Now.  KITV4.

Mishandling of human remains: Local forensic company breaks silence on Lahaina disaster response. The owner of a forensic morgue team hired by the Maui Police Department claims that many protocols for the respectful and accurate recovery of victims were not followed. Hawaii News Now.

Proposed resolution aims to increase use of Maui’s recycled water, stretches into Lahaina rebuild. A new resolution making its way through the Maui County Council discusses the use of recycled water on Maui but mixes in language regarding Lahaina rebuild, sparking concerns amongst residents and council members. Maui News.

State postpones Upcountry overnight road closure for lane striping work. The Hawai‘i Department of Transportation has postponed roadway striping work on Makawao Avenue heading mauka onto Haleakalā Highway. Maui Now.

Blessing marks Maui County’s acquisition of Kula Community Center property. A blessing Monday at the Kula community center marked Maui Countyʻs acquisition of the 7-acre property that includes the center, ensuring the area is held for public use in perpetuity.  Maui Now.

‘It’s the rebirth of Kaho‘olawe’: Native species documented on former bombing range. Native life has returned to the island of Kaho’olawe after decades of work to restore the former military bombing range. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai

Should Kauai County Spend Money To Save Money?  Cost Control Commission proposed a county charter amendment would require the county to pay for initiatives that could lead to savings in the future. Civil Beat.

UH takes presidential candidate interviews behind closed doors, Honolulu council poised to award $1.5M in police shooting case, SNAP benefits decrease, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Search for next UH president nears conclusion with private final interviews. The University of Hawaiʻi Board of Regents plans to interview the two finalists for president — Julian Vasquez Heilig and Wendy Hensel — behind closed doors. However, public interest attorneys say those meetings should take place in public, citing a 2019 state Supreme Court ruling that barred boards and commissions from holding closed meetings unless they prove they are protecting a privacy interest. Hawaii Public Radio.

David Lassner's new role at the University of Hawaiʻi after retirement. Lassner was the 15th University of Hawaiʻi president and will retire in December.  Hawaii Public Radio.

Skyrocketing insurance rates could be a factor in softening real estate market. Realtors said the rising insurance rates could be a factor in the softening of the market, but there are still opportunities out there if you’re smart. KHON2.

SNAP benefits to decrease in Hawaii for second year in a row. Benefits will be $8-$9 less per recipient starting Tuesday. Last year’s reduction already knocked off $7-$8 per person. Hawaii News Now.

Gov. Josh Green proclaims Fire Prevention Week throughout Hawai‘i. Gov. Josh Green has proclaimed the week of Oct. 6 through 12 as “Fire Prevention Week” in the state of Hawai‘i. This year’s theme is “Smoke Alarms: Make them work for you!” Big Island Now.

Oahu

Over Chief’s opposition, city offers $1.5M settlement in police shooting case. Taxpayers may pay $1.5 million to settle a lawsuit over the police shooting of a South African rugby star. The settlement seems certain to be approved at a council meeting Wednesday, despite the prosecutor saying the shooting of 29-year-old Lindani Myeni was justified and the objections of the police chief. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Honolulu Morgue Aims To Start Giving Families Answers Faster With New Deputy. The city has a deputy medical examiner for the first time in five years. The Honolulu Medical Examiner’s Office hopes the arrival of its first new deputy in five years will help it winnow down the time it takes to finalize reports, which has mounted due to increasing caseloads and staff shortages. Civil Beat.

Honolulu’s Dying Palms To Be Replaced With This New Tree — For Now. The city begins felling the first of 80 trees marked for removal on the North Shore. Many of the trees will be replaced with shade trees for the foreseeable future — at least until authorities are able to better control the Southeast Asian beetles. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser. KITV4.

Views clash over planned homes in Manoa. The city Department of Planning and Permitting held the hearing on an application by local development firm Avalon Group to build 93 homes on what had been the campus of Saint Francis School, which closed in 2019. Star-Advertiser. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

Hawaiʻi County Building Code Meetings Set For Late October. Two informational meetings on changes to the International Building Code (IBC) will be held at the Mauna Kea Park is late October. Big Island Video News.

Puna townhall to gather input for upcoming legislative session, possible alternate route. State Sen. Joy A. San Buenaventura, Rep. Jeanne Kapela and Hawaiʻi County councilmember Matt Kanealiʻi-Kleinfelder will host a townhall on Oct. 9 at Mountain View Elementary. Big Island Now.

Park for HPP is at least 4 years from completion. The Department of Parks and Recreation held a community meeting in HPP on Thursday to discuss the subdivision’s long-awaited district park, a project that has been in development since 2018. The project would be built on a county-owned parcel on Kaloli Drive between 25th and 26th avenues. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui Charter Change Would Benefit County Leaders From Molokai And Lanai. The proposal would make it easier to reimburse travel expenses of top officials who live on the other islands. Civil Beat.

Critical Locked Gate Overlooked In Investigation Of Maui Fire Evacuation. The state attorney general’s latest report on the deadly 2023 Lahaina wildfire flagged various locked gates that blocked people trying to flee as flaws in Maui’s evacuation planning. Yet a padlocked gate where the largest cluster of Lahaina wildfire fatalities occurred was not included in the analysis. Civil Beat.

Disaster Recovery Community Update set for Wednesday at Lahaina Civic Center. A status update on wildfire debris cleanup will be provided by the US Army Corps of Engineers on Wednesday, Oct. 9, during a Maui County Disaster Recovery Community Update meeting at the Lahaina Civic Center. Maui Now.

Kauai

Road closure scheduled in Lāwa‘i for resurfacing work. A full closure for a portion of Kua Road in Lāwa‘i is scheduled for road resurfacing work starting Oct. 10.  Kauai Now.

Lahaina wildfire ruled 'accidental,' Miske crime boss top associate sentenced to 10 years, Kapiolani nurse contract finalized, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Lahaina wildfire ruled ‘accidental': Maui Blames Fallen Power Line. A fallen Hawaiian Electric Co. power line set dry grass on fire on the morning of Aug. 8, 2023, producing a smoldering ember that made its way to a nearby gully, flared up in hurricane-driven winds later that day and grew to engulf the town of Lahaina, Maui officials said Wednesday while releasing the long-awaited report produced in collaboration with federal investigators. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser.  Associated Press.  Hawaii Public Radio. Hawaii News Now.  KHON2.  KITV4. Maui Now.

Maui Fire Chief Gives Detailed Defense Of Firefighters Battling Lahaina Blaze. Firefighters stayed at the blaze for more than five hours – and couldn't have predicted the deadly rekindling that afternoon, Fire Chief Brad Ventura said. Civil Beat.

Governor extends emergency proclamation to address school bus driver shortage. Gov. Josh Green has extended emergency provisions, enabling the Hawai‘i State Department of Education to continue addressing the school bus driver shortage that has disrupted student transportation services. Maui Now.

Green defends water panel vacancy-filling protocol. Gov. Josh Green insists that he is following Hawaii law for filling a vacant special seat on the state water commission amid criticism of his procedure to do so. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Kapi‘olani nurses ratify new 3-year contract. The union nurses at Kapi‘olani Medical Center for Women &Children on Wednesday ratified a new, three-year contract that was ironed out after more than a year of negotiations with management. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. KHON2.  KITV4.

Former top associate to Hawaii crime boss sentenced to 10 years, 1 month in prison. A judge has sentenced a man to 10 years and one month in prison for his role as an enforcer for Hawaii crime boss Mike Miske. During Miske’s trial, Jake Smith testified for six days, saying he dealt drugs and carried out numerous assaults on Miske’s personal rivals. Hawaii News Now.

‘There are few places left’: Kapolei homeless feel impact of development. As development expands in Kapolei, there are concerns the second city’s homeless population is running out of places to stay. Hawaii News Now.

Climate scientist says North Shore house collapse gives glimpse of future sea level rise. Homeowner Joshua VanEmmerik, who maintained the house primarily as a short-term rental, had drawn the ire of some local community members and conservationists for his attempts to harden the shoreline in front of his property near Sunset Beach. Hawaii Public Radio.

Newly retired Star-Advertiser writer Tim Hurley dies of aggressive cancer. Hurley, 66, was diagnosed with an aggressive form of Stage 4 “diffuse, large B-cell non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma,” spent a week in the intensive care unit and then died, said one of Hurley’s four adult children, Baylee MacGregor. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Veterans housing complex nearly pau. Earlier this year, construction was estimated to be completed by August, and residents could begin moving in by September. But some final construction delays have pushed the move-in date to late October, or possibly even December. Tribune-Herald.

Community invited to give feedback on new district park proposed in Hawaiian Paradise Park. Hawai‘i County Parks and Recreation proposes a new district park in Hawaiian Paradise Park and wants to know what the community thinks about its plans. Big Island Now.

Maui

Maui County Department of Agriculture seeking input on Food and Nutrition Security Plan. The County of Maui Department of Agriculture is collaborating with community partners across Maui, Molokai and Lāna’i to develop a Food and Nutrition Security Plan and is seeking help prioritizing strategies to support Maui County’s food system, according to the county. Maui News.

Maui hospital workers union mulls strike over concerns about safe staffing levels. Last month, 495 of the union’s 930 members participated in a call-to-action vote, with 98% voting to authorize taking actions that included a strike if necessary. On Monday night, their contract expired. Maui Now.

Maui visitor arrivals up a year after wildfires, but still not at pre-disaster levels. Maui visitor arrivals were up almost 80% in August, compared with a year earlier, the month when the Maui wildfires struck Aug. 8-9. But visitor travel to the Valley Isle still lags behind what it was before the disaster, according to a monthly report by the Hawaiʻi Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism. Maui Now.

Kauai

Areas of Ke Ala Hele Makālae trail in Kapa‘a to temporarily close for maintenance. Portions of Ke Ala Hele Makālae trail in Kapa‘a will be closed this week to allow Kaua‘i County crews to perform extensive maintenance. The closure starts on Thursday and continues into Friday. Kauai Now.

Kauai Museum Exhibit Center dedicated. Following a delay created by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Kauai Museum dedicated the Waimakua and Maryanne Kusaka Exhibit Center on Monday afternoon. Garden Island.
 

Erosion risks increase on Oahu's famed North Shore, Navy plans to double bombing of bird sanctuary island, ICE detention worries Lahaina immigrants, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

State, city officials warning Sunset Beach residents of increasing erosion risks. State and city officials are warning homeowners and community members of increasing risks along a stretch of Sunset Beach where erosion caused part of a house to collapse last week. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Navy Plans To Double Bombing Of This Tiny Hawaiian Island. U.S. Navy plans bombing exercises at state bird sanctuary amid community backlash. Ka'ula is vital to maintain military readiness for the Pacific, the Navy says. But its plan to boost training there alarms the community, environmentalists. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

Saving corals requires cutting carbon emissions, University of Hawai‘i study finds. Hawai‘i researchers have discovered that eight of the most common species of coral around the islands can adapt to ocean warming and acidification, but only if efforts to cut carbon emissions are made. Big Island Now.

A tribute to longtime Maui resident Kris Kristofferson. One of the greatest songwriters of the 20th century, Kristofferson often donated his time for worthy causes, particularly in his hometown of Hana. He died at his Maui home on Saturday at age 88. Maui News. Reuters.

Oahu

Voters To Decide Pay Raises For The Honolulu City Council. Honolulu voters will get a say on how City Council members’ salaries are determined, a response to widespread criticism over the 64% raises given to them last year by the city salary commission. Civil Beat.

Election will decide whether Kailua turning left or right.  Voters in Kailua and a portion of Kaneohe will pick someone new to represent them in the state House of Representatives on Nov. 5, choosing between a Democrat and a Republican who disagree whether Kailua has become more progressive or more conservative after decades of reelecting moderate Republican Rep. Cynthia Thielen. Star-Advertiser.

Age, philosophy divide rivals for Kaneohe-to-Mokuleia seat. Republican state Sen. Brenton Awa, 38, faces his first reelection contest on Nov. 5 against a fellow Native Hawaiian who’s a generation older, 65-year-old Democrat Ben Shafer, to represent a vast and diverse district that runs from the northern end of Kaneohe, up the Windward side and across the North Shore to Mokuleia. Star-Advertiser.

Locked out Kapiolani nurses to keep benefits; contract talks to resume Monday.  The hospital’s administration said that it would continue medical, dental and vision benefits after Monday after the union agreed to continue using a federal mediators for negotiations and not to disrupt access to the hospital. Hawaii News Now.

Waikiki center closer to redevelopment. The Hawaii Housing Finance Development Corp. is entering into a memorandum of agreement with the Waikiki Community Center that clears the way for redevelopment of the existing center and remaining property, which could include a 135- to 200-unit affordable housing tower. Star-Advertiser.

Waipahu park reopens after nearly $4.2 million in renovations. After about 21 months of renovations and nearly $4.2 million later, Waipahu’s Hans L’Orange Neighborhood Park has reopened to the public. KHON2.

Waiʻanae farm gets $100k grant to bolster workforce housing and retain employees. A $100,000 grant will help provide housing for farmers working in Waiʻanae for MAʻO Organic Farms. The grant is part of a Nareit initiative to support affordable housing projects provided by nonprofit organizations. Hawaii Public Radio.

State receives 6 bids to remove Falls of Clyde. The latest development could well signal an end to the long saga of the 145-year-old ship currently berthed at Pier 7, where it once served as a floating museum for the Hawaii Maritime Center. Star-Advertiser.

Ex-Army man faked marriage for ill-gotten benefits. An ex-Army soldier was sentenced to three months in federal prison Thursday and must pay $202,309 in restitution after conspiring with a woman to evade U.S. immigration laws, enter into a fake marriage and steal federal benefits. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Puna Traffic Alert: Changes To Highway 130 Contraflow Start Monday. The Hawaiʻi DOT says changes will include right turns only into and out of Kaloli Drive and a 0.3-mile extension in both directions. Big Island Video News.

3 Hawaiian monk seal pups admitted to marine mammal hospital in Kona. Three underweight Hawaiian monk seal pups observed in the Northern Hawaiian Islands were brought to the marine mammal center in Kona as researchers were concerned for their survival heading into winter. Big Island Now.

County receives large donation of animal control equipment. The Hawaii County Council approved a resolution earlier this month accepting a donation of equipment worth $144,595 for the county’s Animal Control and Protection Agency. Tribune-Herald.

More funding in the works to battle ROD.  Additional federal funding to combat Rapid ‘Ohi‘a Death has strong support in Congress after a bill by Hawaii lawmakers unanimously passed the House of Representatives this week. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

An ICE Detention In Lahaina Rocks The Immigrant Community. An undocumented immigrant was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement last week in Lahaina, sending fear through the community and raising concerns that undocumented people will stop asking for government assistance while they’re still trying to recover from last year’s wildfires.  Civil Beat.

Rebuild of homes destroyed in Kula fire runs into costly wastewater upgrades. Kula, as is the rest of the state, is running up against a law passed by the state Legislature in 2017 that mandates all cesspools be eliminated in Hawai’i by 2050. Maui Now.

Maui mayor voices need for county water distribution after wildfires. Maui water rights advocates are celebrating a move by Mayor Richard Bissen to take control over water distribution in his county. The mayor says the county can do more to restore natural streams while still providing water for housing and agriculture. Hawaii News Now.

Maui lawmaker says millions of gallons of recycled waste water are going unused daily. A Maui Lawmaker says a water shortage is delaying the construction of hundreds of needed residential units in West and South Maui. Hawaii News Now.

Officials sort priorities to devise Lahaina recovery plan. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and its federal, state and local partners have cleared only 64% of commercial lots, with completion not expected until early 2025. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii DOE Continues Its Search For An Elementary School Campus In Lahaina. School leaders said it's not possible to return the school to its original location in Lahaina town because of limited space. Civil Beat. Maui News.

Baldwin Beach Park reopens after pavilion is removed. Baldwin Beach Park was reopened on Friday, after work to remove the park pavilion was completed, according to a Friday announcement by the County of Maui Department of Parks and Recreation.  Maui News.

Kauai

County asks East Kauaʻi residents to attend upcoming ‘community design workshops’. The Planning Department of the County of Kauaʻi will hold several workshops in Kapaʻa and surrounding areas from Oct. 1-3 as part of its East Kaua‘i Community and Circulation Plan. Kauai Now.

DHHL shifts strategy to acquire Kauai rental complex. Courtyards at Waipouli, the 82-unit complex that DHHL wants to buy despite pushback from existing tenants and some agency beneficiaries, would no longer be reserved for beneficiaries with low and very low incomes as previously planned. Star-Advertiser.

Blessing held for Lima Ola housing project. A small group of dignitaries participated in the blessing of the Lima Ola Supportive Housing Project in Eleele on Friday. Garden Island. Kauai Now.