FEMA reviews Hawaii Covid funding in wake of corruption investigation, PUC rejects HECO power plant proposal, Hawaiian Telcom nets $150M broadband contract, Peter Boy siblings get $3.25M from state, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

FEMA reviews Hawaii’s COVID funding after Sylvia Luke indictment. The Federal Emergency Management Agency is reviewing FEMA-­funded COVID-19 work that has been tied to the public corruption indictment of Hawaii Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke and four others, and the agency said it may seek repayment or other enforcement actions if it finds improper spending. Star-Advertiser.

Hawai‘i Could Hit New Low For Voter Turnout This Year. Oʻahu voters seem apathetic. But competitive mayoral races on Kauaʻi and Maui, where candidates have spent big, are energizing voters. Civil Beat.

New images of the sun show its surface in the finest detail yet.  Researchers were able to peek at its scorching surface with the help of the National Science Foundation’s Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope, located on the island of Maui in Hawaii.  Associated Press. Reuters. 

Anti-war advocates protest RIMPAC in Hawai'i. The 30th Rim of the Pacific, or RIMPAC exercise, ended last week, but dozens of anti-war advocates gathered at the state Capitol Tuesday to protest military action across the islands. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaiʻi Moves Forward With $150M Fiber Optic Broadband Expansion. Hawaiian Telcom has been contracted to deliver fiber-optic service to approximately 5,800 homes that currently lack modern broadband access. Big Island Video News. Garden Island.

Oahu

PUC rejects HECO’s power plant proposal ‘without demonstration of need’. The Hawaii Public Utilities Commission declined Hawaiian Electric Co.’s request to add a 500-megawatt power plant, finding that it would not be in the public’s best interest to move forward without identifying whether Oahu needs it. Star-Advertiser.

With Waters’ departure, 3 vie for East Honolulu Council seat. East Honolulu’s City Council race has been reshaped after Council Chair Tommy Waters was disqualified from seeking a third consecutive term, leaving three candidates vying for the seat he has held since 2019. In District 4, former Council member Trevor Ozawa, small-business owner Tara Malia Gregory and city employee Jason Liang are competing to represent the area stretching from Waikiki to Hawaii Kai. Star-Advertiser.

JERA takes public comment on importing LNG to power Hawaiʻi. JERA Americas held the first of two community meeting events in Honolulu on Aug. 3, which drew about 75 people. Hawaii Public Radio.

OCCC inmate captured after nearly 11-hour manhunt. An inmate who escaped from the Oahu Community Correctional Center Wednesday morning was captured after a manhunt that lasted nearly 11 hours. Joseph Tauilemua, 20, was arrested on military property at around 8 p.m. by Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam police, according to the Honolulu Police Department.  Hawaii News Now. KHON2. KITV4.

Honolulu police use drones as first responders in 2 districts. The Honolulu Police Department is using drones as first responders to 911 calls for police service and requests for help in two patrol districts as part of a push to use technology to expand public safety. Star-Advertiser.

Proposed master plan for Hoomaluhia Botanical Garden includes new tourist fee. Dozens of community members joined botanical garden staff Wednesday night for an interactive presentation of the near-final master plan for Hoʻomaluhia Botanical Garden, which includes proposals for renovated facilities and a tourist entry fee. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

State agrees to $3.25M settlement with Peter Boy Kema’s siblings. The state has agreed to apologize and pay $3.25 million to the siblings of Peter “Pepe” Kema to settle a years-long civil lawsuit over the 6-year-old’s tragic death. An attorney for the Kema family said the proposed agreement would compensate Chauntelle, Allan, and Lina Acol, who filed the lawsuit against the state in 2018. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaiʻi Island lawmakers set to redefine role of main economic agency. The Department of Research and Development collects economic data and supports local industries like agriculture, energy, and tourism. Some county council members say the department’s mandate in county code is vague. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaiʻi County reaches agreement with landowner to prevent eminent domain for widening of a Puna road. The Hawaiʻi County Council was going to vote Wednesday on whether to authorize condemnation of 3.74 acres of land to make Government Beach Road safer, but was asked to postpone the decision to allow for the agreement to be finalized with Lum Family Enterprises. Big Island Now.

Council OK’s coconut rhinoceros beetle resolution urging state to do more. Advocates for a new rule aimed at stopping the spread of the invasive coconut rhinoceros beetle on Hawaii Island say that its implementation and enforcement has been lacking since going into effect earlier this year. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaiʻi County’s District 4 is an open council seat with Ashley Kierkiewicz unable to run due to term limits. The candidates are Shannon Smiley Burrows, Lloyd Enriquez, Cyd Makanui Hoffeld, and Eileen O’Hara. Big Island Now.

Kona Community Hospital verified as level III trauma Center. The designation, given by the American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma, means the hospital meets criteria to care for critically injured trauma patients, officials said. Star-Advertiser.

Maui

Maui police lieutenant arrested by the FBI. Lieutenant Michael Vaitu‘ulala, a Maui Police Department lieutenant suspended earlier this year after allegations he covered for a New Year’s Eve party featuring illegal aerial fireworks was arrested by FBI agents Tuesday. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now. 

Infrastructure improvements underway at new Līpoa, master-planned community in South Maui. Pacific Rim Land is underway with infrastructure improvements at Līpoa, a 400-acre mixed-use, master-planned innovation community in South Maui featuring commercial, residential and recreation spaces. Maui Now.

Additional Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle (CRB) detections on Maui prompt community action alert. Following two recent detections in Central Maui, the Maui Invasive Species Committee (MISC) is urging the community to remain alert for invasive coconut rhinoceros beetles. Maui Now.

A Viral Hawaiian Monk Seal Changes The Conversation On Molokaʻi. A critically endangered seal’s chance encounter with the owner of a popular local social media account has brought community members together after recent killings of the protected species. Civil Beat.

Kauai

Six candidates battle in Aug. 8 primary to become Kauaʻi’s next mayor. The candidates, which include three current Kauaʻi County Council members, are all running to replace term-limited Derek S.K. Kawakami.  Three of the candidates are currently county council members: Chair Mel Rapozo, Felicia Cowden, and Bernard Carvalho Jr., who also formerly served as mayor. The other candidates are Laura Andaya-Lindsey, Michaela Widener and Megeso William Denis. Kauai Now.

Kauaʻi County launches solid waste infrastructure survey. Kauaʻi County Solid Waste Division recently launched a countywide survey — limited to a randomly selected sample of Kauaʻi residents — to help county officials better understand resident views about landfills and long-term solid waste needs. Kauai Now.

State poised to disburse $129M in green fee proceeds, new DLNR rules seek to protect wildlife, corruption defendants could lose half their government pensions if convicted, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Applications open for initial Hawaiʻi Green Fee funding opportunities. Community organizations, nonprofits, Native Hawaiian organizations, conservation groups and other eligible entities are encouraged to apply for $129 million in funding through the State of Hawaiʻi’s initial Green Fee Requests for Proposals. Big Island Now.

State wants new protections for native wildlife. To protect threatened and endangered indigenous wildlife across the islands, the Department of Land and Natural Resources announced proposed changes to state law on Tuesday. The changes aim to address harassment toward animals, feeding them, changing their habitat, and harmful species that travel through plants.  Hawaii News Now.

Corruption Defendants, If Convicted, Could Lose Half Their Pensions. The latest bribery case could be the first opportunity for a judge to apply Hawaiʻi’s new pension forfeiture law.  Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke, ex-state Rep. Ryan Yamane, Ford Fuchigami, airport administrator of the Department of Transportation and former member of the state Senate’s budget staff, and Leo Asuncion, a state planning official, former chair of the Public Utilities Commission and Luke’s former campaign treasurer, all face bribery charges.
Civil Beat.

Guard Deployment To Washington Into 2029 Will Cost Roughly $1.4B. Hawai‘i will bring home its 27 members later this month after the Freedom 250 Grand Prix. Associated Press.

OHA at-large races draw crowded primary field. Five incumbents are seeking another term on the Office of Hawaiian Affairs Board of Trustees in the Aug. 8 primary election, with the crowded at-large race featuring 15 candidates competing for three seats. Star-Advertiser.

Kupu Awarded $1.75 Million AmeriCorps Grant. Kupu, a nonprofit conservation and youth education organization in Hawaiʻi, has received a federal grant of $1.75 million from AmeriCorps.  Big Island Video News.

Oahu

‘Out Of Options’: Siting Oʻahu’s New Landfill Is A Political Nightmare. Mayor Rick Blangiardi is in an impossible position. With the island’s only municipal landfill ordered to close by 2031, he needs to find a new place to put the island’s trash. But his first three suggestions have been shouted down by communities who refuse to play host to a dump.  Civil Beat.

Cost Of Honolulu Rail Line At Risk Of Climbing Again. A recent analysis suggests the total cost of rail may rise to $10.19 billion, about $111 million more than the current budget. Civil Beat.

HPD launches drone first responder pilot program. The Honolulu Police Department is launching a new pilot program Wednesday that will allow drones to respond to certain 911 calls before officers arrive. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

AI tool will be required for residential permit applications. Applicants for residential permits in Honolulu will be required to use an AI tool to double-check their work starting in September. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hanauma Bay closure extended for additional repairs. The temporary closure of Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve has been extended by one week due to additional sewer-related repairs. The City and County of Honolulu said the preserve is now scheduled to reopen to the public on Wednesday, Aug. 19. Hawaii News Now.

Access to land is one of the biggest issues for Oʻahu farmers. Access to land is one of the most significant barriers for farmers’ success on Oʻahu, according to an interim report from the Honolulu City Council's Agricultural Development Task Force. It published its interim report in July with three key findings, one of the most significant being the “availability, affordability, and long-term protection of agricultural land.” Hawaii Public Radio.

Residents react to post-storm clearing of Manoa Stream.  While Manoa residents are pleased to see mitigation work begin on the stream, many still had questions about the scope and nature of the project, and how it will prevent future floods. The project was funded through $9.5 million from the state’s Major Disaster Fund. Star-Advertiser.

Tommy Waters faces uphill battle with appeal, attorney says. Honolulu City Council Chair Tommy Waters’ appeal of a ruling that disqualified his reelection bid faces major hurdles in court and is unlikely to be heard before Saturday’s primary, an attorney with expertise in election law says. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

District 1: Incumbent Councilwoman Heather Kimball seeks re-election for 4th and final term against two challengers. Kimball is being challenged by retired entrepreneur Ren del Rosario and UFC Hall of Famer BJ Penn. Big Island Now.

Zoo optimistic after implementing admission fees: More than $500,000 collected. A little less than a year after the Pana‘ewa Rainforest Zoo and Gardens began charging admission fees, the county-owned and operated park has netted over half a million dollars in revenue. Tribune-Herald.

DKI Highway safety crackdown continues with 283 citations in three days. Hawaii Island police said they issued 283 citations on Saddle Road between July 31 and Aug. 2. This includes 174 speeding citations, 13 moving citations, 12 seatbelt citations, one child restraint citation, eight unsafe overtaking citations, 35 motor vehicle registration and one OVUII arrest. KHON2.

Ha‘aheo Elementary School reopens after 3-year, $25 million project to expand campus in North Hilo. The 138-year-old Ha‘aheo Elementary School is welcoming students back to its renovated campus in North Hilo on Wednesday following a $25 million construction project that doubled the size of the campus facilities, with the addition of three new buildings. Big Island Now.

Maui

Resort riot attracts unwanted attention for Maui tourism. A California family’s widely shared account of an alleged hate-motivated attack while vacationing in West Maui has raised concerns that the negative national publicity could hamper the island’s fragile tourism recovery. Star-Advertiser.

Maui County mayoral primary narrows 10-candidate field to 2 on Saturday. The three candidates who have raised the most campaign funds are incumbent Mayor Richard Bissen, Maui County Councilwoman Yuki Lei Sugimura and real estate broker P. Denise La Costa. Hawaii News Now.

East Maui Water Authority accepting grant applications. From Aug. 12 to Oct. 1, the East Maui Water Authority will accept applications for grants supporting watershed restoration, education, research and cultural knowledge-sharing benefiting Huelo, Honomanū, Keʻanae and Nāhiku. Maui News.

Hawaiian Community Assets announces first Maui Strong homes ready for wildfire survivor families beginning Aug. 28. Hawaiian Community Assets, a statewide nonprofit housing counseling agency, announced that the first four Wailuku homes offered through its Ua Hale Aʻela program for Maui wildfire survivors will be available for occupancy beginning Aug. 28, 2026.  Maui Now.

Lahaina voices: 'Coming home for me is multilayered'. Aug. 8 will mark three years since the 2023 wildfires destroyed Lahaina town and parts of upcountry Maui. Hawaii Public Radio.

Rep. Jill Tokuda visits Lahaina three years after the fire. U.S. Rep. Jill Tokuda recently visited the Valley Isle to attend Lahaina Homecoming.  Hawaii Public Radio.

Kauai

Chan Zuckerberg Fund invests more than $330,000 for Kauaʻiʻs education. Kauaʻi's schools have received over $330,000 in unrestricted funds from the Chan Zuckerberg Kauaʻi Community Fund.  To kick off the school year, the Chan Zuckerberg Kauaʻi Community Fund announced $330,000 in grants to support all 16 of Kauaʻi’s public schools, the island’s seven public charter schools and Kumu’s Cupboard, a Līhuʻe nonprofit that provides free classroom supplies to teachers and other educational support staff throughout the year. Kauai Now. Garden Island. 

Legislature heads into conference committees, Devens narrowly cleared by Senate panel as chief justice, Honolulu mulls new jail, Sulla sentenced to 60 months for role in housing credit scam, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii Legislature enters final stretch as key bills hang in the balance. With the 2026 legislative session nearing its end, lawmakers at the Hawaiʻi State Capitol are racing to reach agreements on dozens of major bills now in conference committee. KHON2.

Legislature considers bills to address home insurance issues following disasters. United Policy Holders is a nonprofit that educates consumers on insurance policies. Their equal justice fellow, Sherry Peterson, is advocating for a measure that would have required insurers to annually give homeowners a replacement cost estimate and clearly state if the current policy is adequate. Hawaii Public Radio.

Bill proposes stricter requirements for companies collecting donations for charities. To ensure transparency, House Bill 1810 would require solicitors who collect donations for charities to display prominant signage explaining that the donations will be resold in for-profit stores. The measure also calls for more robust financial reporting to the public. Hawaii News Now.

Senate Panel Narrowly Approves Chief Justice Nominee. The Senate Judiciary Committee voted 3-2 Friday to confirm the nomination of Associate Justice Vladimir Devens as Hawaii’s next chief justice, sending its recommendation to the full Senate after hearings that weighed his legal experience and labor background over disclosure and past political activity. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. 

This Rich Hawaiʻi Super PAC Is Already Shaping A Key Statewide Election. Pacific Resource Partnership has become a major player in the state’s most important political races. A political action committee backed by Pacific Resource Partnership is again stepping up with loads of cash at a pivotal moment in Hawaiʻi politics. This time the independent expenditure committee — more commonly known as a super PAC — is called For A Better Tomorrow. Civil Beat.

Luke Fallout Continues With Third Target In Bribery Investigation. Former Hawaiʻi Public Utilities Commission Chair Leo Asuncion Jr. is another target of the state investigation into possible bribery and campaign finance violations. Civil Beat.

Gov. Green addresses questions about Luke’s future. Sylvia Luke was so affected emotionally and physically over a state Attorney General’s investigation, Gov. Josh Green said, he worried about her health and intentionally left her out of important meetings, such as the state’s responses to the back-to- back-to-back storms that began in March. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii leaders push Pentagon for bigger role in military land leases. Office of Hawaiian Affairs leaders spent three days in Washington, D.C., last week, holding talks with congressional lawmakers and Pentagon officials on the future of military-leased lands in Hawaii.  Star-Advertiser.

State unemployment rate rises but still lowest in the country. Hawaii’s unemployment rate inched up by one-tenth of a point in February to 2.3%, but remained tied with South Dakota for the fourth straight month as the lowest in the country. Star-Advertiser. Big Island Now. 

Oahu

New design urged for replacing Oahu jail. A state plan to replace Oahu’s dilapidated jail may be diverted by a legislative initiative to make the long-envisioned new facility more of a restorative place. The Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation  has received about $55 million mainly from the Legislature over the last decade to advance the OCCC replacement project. Star-Advertiser.

HTA targets North Shore gridlock in updated management plans. With Oahu’s North Shore unusually quiet after recent flooding drove visitors away, the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority is moving toward approval of a new round of destination management plans aimed at mitigating long-standing problems with traffic gridlock, dangerous roadside parking and overcrowded trails. Star-Advertiser.

‘Degassing’ of Red Hill tanks nearing completion, Navy says. Decommissioning the Red Hill Bulk Storage Facility will continue next week, with the Navy announcing Friday that it will be “degassing” Tank 11, which it called “another significant milestone.” Star-Advertiser.

Oʻahu's new flood maps could cost you. In a little more than a month, the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s updated Oʻahu flood maps go into effect. And thousands of properties are being added to the flood zone. Hawaii Public Radio.

Sea-level rise might increase tainted water. Waikīkī is at risk of sewage-contaminated flooding as sea levels continue to rise, according to a new study from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii Public Radio. 

Hawaii Island

Sulla sentenced for role in Hawaii County housing credits scam. A third Hawaii Island man has been sentenced for his role in a conspiracy to pay bribes to a Hawaii County official in connection with affordable housing development agreements worth more than $11 million. Former Big Island attorney Paul Joseph Sulla, 79, of Hilo was sentenced Thursday to 60 months in prison. Tribune-Herald.

Kawaihae Harbor Improvements Detailed In Draft Environmental Assessment. The Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation is planning to widen Kawaihae Road and improve the cargo yard. Big Island Video News.

County launches coastal management education tool. In addition to providing an overview of different coastal ecosystems in the county, the site allows users to search an address and select various filters to view potential coastal hazards and regulations specific to that site, among other features. Tribune-Herald.

Victoria Hanes takes reins as new CEO of HICHC. Hanes will succeed current CEO Richard Taaffe, who has held the position since 2005 when he started at West Hawaii Community Health Center, which merged with Bay Clinic in 2022 to form HICHC. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Lawsuit: Maui Mayor’s Former Chief Of Staff Claims Whistleblower Retaliation. Leo Caires, who served as Maui Mayor Richard Bissen’s chief of staff from January 2023 to October 2024, was met with hostility, demoted and ultimately fired after he uncovered and reported financial misconduct being carried out by other county employees, according to a lawsuit filed in circuit court. Civil Beat.

HIDOE opens 47-unit housing project on Maui to support Lahaina educators. The Hawaiʻi State Department of Education marked the opening of its Lahaina educator workforce housing development, a $20 million project designed to support teacher retention and strengthen public education on Maui. Maui Now.

Loss of land in storm complicates recovery for ‘Īao Valley residents. Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen said the county was looking at bringing soil runoff back to restore people’s properties. Maui Now.

Kauai

West Kaua‘i Residents Want This Remote Beach Park Reopened. The remote Polihale State Park is a popular West Kaua‘i beach for locals to swim, camp, fish and surf, but the park’s access gate has been closed for six weeks with boulders blocking the road.  Civil Beat.

‘Shared vision’: Blessing ceremony hosted for new Lima Ola Community Garden in ‘Ele‘ele. A shared vision of partners Kaua‘i County and Leadership Kaua‘i is now reality in ‘Ele‘ele with a new space that will bring community members together for food, connection and stewardship. Kauai Now.

State declined to investigate third bribery suspect in Legislature, federal shutdown cancels Veterans Day ceremonies at National Memorial Cemetery, questions surround PUC chairman's abrupt resignation, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

State agencies declined to investigate third legislator in bribery case, internal letters show. Since May, two state representatives have tried unsuccessfully to get the attorney general and two commissions to take action in a public corruption probe. Hawaii News Now.

Office of Hawaiian Affairs says governor rushing deal over military training lands. The Office of Hawaiian Affairs is demanding a seat at the table as Gov. Josh Green works to negotiate new military training land leases with the federal government. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaiʻi’s Top Utility Regulator Abruptly Steps Down. Outgoing PUC Chair Leo Asuncion gave no reason for leaving before his term is up. Hawaiʻi’s top utility regulator has announced his resignation amid a staff exodus and criticism for failing to implement programs designed to push the state toward its goal of generating all electricity with renewable resources by 2045. Civil Beat.

Community input sought for Statewide Historic Preservation Plan. DLNR’s State Historic Preservation Division is beginning the process to update the Statewide Historic Preservation Plan, which will guide preservation priorities, partnerships and strategies across Hawaiʻi through 2034. Maui Now.

State encourages hemp product retailers to register with DOH. The Hawaii Department of Health has announced a new initiative aimed at encouraging hemp product retailers and distributors to comply with state regulations that are set to take effect in 2026. Tribune-Herald.

Above-average rainfall could help ease drought. Wetter-than-normal conditions are likely across Hawaii in the coming months as a weak La Nina pattern influences the Pacific, according to the National Weather Service. Maui News.

Office of Hawaiian Affairs committee and board meetings to be broadcast by ʻŌlelo. ʻŌlelo Community Media, more commonly referred to as ‘Ōlelo, announces a new 5-year partnership with Office of Hawaiian Affairs to broadcast and stream its committee and board meetings. Big Island Now.

Young seabirds vulnerable with new moon. This month’s new moon coincides with the “seabird fallout” season when young ‘Ua‘u (Hawaiian petrels) and ‘Ua‘u kani (wedge-tailed shearwaters) leave their burrows for their first flights. The young seabirds trying to start their lives at sea can instead become disoriented by lights on land and fall to the ground, where they can be susceptible to predators and traffic. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Shutdown forces Oahu Veterans Day ceremony to move. Veterans gather at Foster Village, the USS Missouri, after traditional ceremonies canceled. The event was held in place of two ceremonies typically held on Oahu. Officials cancelled them after the federal government shutdown caused a lack of funding, staff, or resources. The cancellation meant no missing-man formation flying above the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific at Punchbowl, no 21-gun salutes, and no military bands. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. KITV4.

Skyline daily riders skyrocket following Segment 2 opening. Skyline’s October ridership numbers have been released by the city, and the stats show that ridership has more than doubled, according to official Skyline documents. KHON2.

‘It’s a disaster’: High surf chips away at coastlines, worrying oceanfront residents. Hawaii currently prohibits homeowners from altering the shoreline in any way to protect their properties. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu Fire Department Relied On Risky Tactic In Deadly Blaze. Firefighters have a mantra: Risk a lot to save a lot. But a newly uncovered federal investigation into a firefighter’s death cautions fire departments against risking everything when they don’t know whether there’s anyone to save. Civil Beat.

Former Tripler gynecologist sued for allegedly secretly videotaping patients. A U.S. Army gynecologist who used to work at Tripler Medical Center is being sued for allegedly taking secret videos of his patients. Dr. Blaine McGraw is accused of secretly videotaping patients during intimate examinations. Hawaii News Now.

Job fair seeks to expand state workforce amid federal turmoil. The state Department of Human Resources Development is hosting the recruitment event under the Operation Hire Hawai‘i initiative begun in February, largely aimed at filling vacant state positions with skilled federal workers being displaced by Trump administration efforts to slash the size of federal government. Friday’s job fair is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Wahiawa Value-Added Product Development Center with 22 state agencies seeking to fill positions on Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

City Council authorizes raises for HPD officers. Honolulu Police Department officers moved closer to banking their largest pay raise Opens in a new tab in 17 years after the City Council unanimously approved a new four-year collective bargaining agreement Nov. 4. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

‘Stand with pride’: Hawaii Island veterans honored for their service. While government workers and schoolchildren had a day off Tuesday, veterans and their families gathered to commemorate those who served the nation in uniform — both the living and those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Tribune-Herald.

Vietnam Medal of Honor recipient interned at West Hawai‘i Veterans Cemetery. Community and family members gathered at West Hawai‘i Veterans Cemetery on Tuesday to honor veterans from Hawai‘i Island, including Army Sgt. 1st Class Rodney Yano, who was killed in Vietnam in 1969. Big Island Now.

High surf forces closure of Hawaii Island beach parks, highway. Dangerous high surf conditions forced two beach parks and a major highway on Hawaii Island to close Tuesday. Bayfront Highway in Hilo remains closed after the high waves spread debris across the road. Hawaii News Now.

Maui

Staff say Maui Job Corps’ urgent enrollment goal is to keep program alive. Maui’s only free live-in career training program for young adults is asking the community to help spread the word: Maui Job Corps Center in Makawao is open, enrolling and needs new students to stay active. Maui Now.

Maui Church Makes Space Amid Pews To House Fire Recovery Volunteers. The cost of renting a place to stay has been prohibitively expensive for some who want to come help the island rebuild. Now, there’s a new option. Civil Beat.

Evictions on Maui rapidly rising after moratorium ends. There was an eviction moratorium on Maui after the 2023 fires to help residents who were displaced by the disaster. That was lifted in February. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai

Shutdown doesn’t stop gratitude. Despite the obstacles created by the government shutdown, the Kauai Veterans Council, under the leadership of retired USAF Gen. Mary Kay Hertog, slogged ahead with the Veterans Day service on Tuesday at the Kauai Veterans Cemetery in Hanapepe. Garden Island.

Another 8-foot shark spotted in waters off Kaua‘i North Shore beach. Kaua‘i County Ocean Safety Bureau officials were telling people to stay out of the water in another area of the Garden Isle on Tuesday afternoon (Nov. 11) just 2 hours after making their first announcement to do the same elsewhere. The reason: Shark sightings. Kauai Now.