State Senate races could bring in more Republicans, threats mar state election process, electricity disconnections spike post-pandemic, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Key Senate races this election that could flip seats in the state Legislature. It's no secret that Democrats make up the overwhelming majority in Hawaiʻi's Legislature. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t competitive races on the general election ballot where seats could go to the Republican Party. Hawaii Public Radio.

Why Blank Votes Count As No Votes For Hawaii Statewide Ballot Measures. Hawaii is among four states along with Minnesota, Tennessee and Wyoming that require amendments to be approved by “a majority of voters in the entire election."  That means voters who abstain from voting on an amendment “essentially count as no votes. Civil Beat.

Officials talk election threats, engaging the next generation of voters. Hawaiʻi was one of at least 16 states targeted with a suspicious package since September. Hawaii Public Radio.

Young Brothers seeks 2 kinds of rate increases for interisland ocean cargo. The company’s Oct. 15 application to the state Public Utilities Commission not only seeks a general rate increase averaging 20% for most cargo, but also asks for annual automatic rate changes tied to inflation. Star-Advertiser.

Public Utility Commission holds community meeting about energy disconnections. A recent report issued by the Public Utilities Commission estimates that roughly 6,000 households had their electricity turned off after falling behind on their bills last year, which is almost double the number of disconnections that occurred in 2019. Hawaii Public Radio.

Governor Green nears decision for Water Commission’s loea position, also known as water expert. Following a months-long vacancy, Governor Josh Green plans to fill the loea position on the Water Commission by next week. KITV4.

Residents encouraged to help state identify where internet upgrades needed most. Hawaiʻi residents are encouraged to become “digital detectives” through Nov. 4 by taking a simple 30-second internet speed test to help identify areas in the islands where internet infrastructure upgrades are crucial, ensuring federal funding is allocated to where it is needed most. Kauai Now.

Timeshare industry is growing in Hawaii. American Resort Development Association President and CEO Jason Gamel said Hawaii’s timeshare growth this year is significant given that in 2023 only five new timeshare resorts opened nationwide. Star-Advertiser.

As Rhinoceros Beetles Spread, State Board Bolsters Pest Control Powers. The Hawaii Board of Agriculture has approved rule changes to help control the spread of invasive species following about a 20-month delay. Civil Beat. Tribune-Herald.

Leaders to meet at Hawai‘i Agriculture Conference. Held every two years since 2002, the conference brings together local and national agriculture and food production leaders to share ideas and trends in the industry. Hosted by the Agricultural Leadership Foundation of Hawai‘i, key sponsors include the state Department of Agriculture, Ulupono Initiative and Kamehameha Schools. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii man accused of lying for money to help Afghans enter the U.S. Marty Anthony Muller allegedly wrote hundreds of letters of recommendation for Afghans applying for a special visa. Hawaii News Now.

Memorial service to honor late Big Island state lawmaker planned at state Capitol. A memorial service for late Big Island state Rep. Mark Nakashima is planned from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday in the rotunda at the state Capitol, located at 415 S. Beretania St., in Honolulu. Big Island Now.

Oahu

Honolulu Council discusses new agricultural task force. Many from Oahu’s farming and ranching communities support a Honolulu City Council plan to potentially restore the city’s now-­defunct Agricultural Development Task Force. Star-Advertiser.

Settlements Recommended For Honolulu Liquor Commission And Police Lawsuits. The City Council still needs to approve the $670,000 settlement over a lawsuit against the liquor commission and $150,000 for the family of a girl who was arrested. Civil Beat.

Officials brainstorm new rules for e-bikes to improve safety amid rising accidents. New laws aimed at clarifying the rules on e-bikes could be passed by the end of this year. It comes as the City and County of Honolulu reports already more than 180 accidents related to them this year alone. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Environmental Protection Agency reports mixed bag of Red Hill water results. The current well in use got the all-clear in terms of meeting the maximum contaminant level, or MCL. The EPA also tested for total petroleum hydrocarbons. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii youth engage in voting process. Hundreds of students gathered around the Kamehameha statue Tuesday, sign-waving before walking over to Honolulu Hale to drop off general election ballots or watch the process unfold. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

EA for Keaukaha project contains references to startup company. Despite appearing in a state environmental assessment, a private company’s concept for a water treatment facility in Keaukaha remains only hypothetical for now. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaiʻi Island's Natural Energy Laboratory celebrates 50 years of climate-focused projects. The park is also home to the only off-shore aquaculture operation in the country, operated by Blue Ocean Mariculture. New tenants— such as Sea Dragon Energy, a company that wants to scale up its operations to produce jet fuel from seawater — are hoping to get space at the 870-acre park. Hawaii Public Radio.

Solid Waste Facilities In West Hawaiʻi To Close For IRONMAN. The Kealakehe Recycling and Transfer Station, as well as the West Hawai‘i Sanitary Landfill at Pu‘uanahulu will be closed on Sunday, October 26th.  Big Island Video News.

Maui

Lahaina residents invited to workshop on rebuilding the energy grid. The new Lahaina Energy Partnership is composed of local organizations and funded by the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory, or NREL. They'll be holding a community workshop Thursday to gather input. Hawaii Public Radio.

Lahaina homeowners can now apply to receive lot surveys at no cost. The Lahaina Homeowner Recovery Program announced that it will offer no-cost lot surveys for Lahaina homeowners who lived in their home before the Aug. 8, 2023, Maui wildfires. Funding for the lot surveys was provided through a $3-million grant to Hawaiʻi Community Lending from the Maui Strong Fund of the Hawaiʻi Community Foundation.  Maui Now.

State seeks feedback on new proposed site to rebuild King Kamehameha III Elementary in Lahaina. The Hawai’i Department of Education is seeking community input for a new proposed site up to 16 acres from landowner Kamehameha Schools in Ku’ia, Lahaina, that could serve as the permanent home for rebuilding King Kamehameha III Elementary School, which was damaged in the Aug. 8 wildfires. Maui News. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kauai Voters Asked To Fund Groups Maintaining Natural Resources. One proposed charter amendment on Kauai could make it easier for the county to partner with volunteer organizations to care for properties it has acquired under a fund designed to preserve natural resources. Civil Beat.

Kauai voters to decide on five key Charter Amendments in General Election. Voters on Kauai will have to decide on five important charter amendments on the ballot this general election. KHON2.

Hanamaulu Stream grungiest in October. A monthly analysis of streams, rivers and surf spots around the island found high concentrations of enterococcus bacterium at a number of locations with Hanamaulu Stream emerging as the grungiest in October. Garden Island.

NOAA scientists study coral reef, condo insurance a rising campaign issue, Hawaii Herald newspaper reopens as The San Times, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

NOAA ‘mother ship’ circling Hawaiian Islands as scientist scuba divers monitor coral reefs. The ship wending its way through the blue waters of the tropical archipelago is Oscar Elton Sette – a 224-foot research vessel operated by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, now conducting the first Hawai‘i portion of the National Coral Reef Monitoring Program in five years. Kauai Now.

Alternate technology to make electricity from wind proposed for Hawaii. Small-scale wind turbines that don’t resemble the rotating fans seen on typical wind farms could start popping up around the state under an ambitious plan by a startup company. Star-Advertiser.

State law extends reporting time for child sex abuse. Gov. Josh Green signed Senate Bill 2601 into law last week, extending the reporting period for childhood sexual abuse from the previous limit of 26 years old to 50 years old. Star-Advertiser.

State works to keep H5N1 bird flu out of Hawaii. Hawaii is the only U.S. state in which H5N1, also known as highly pathogenic avian influenza, has not yet been detected, according to state and federal officials — not in wild birds, domestic poultry or mammals, including cattle. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Condos’ High-Rising Insurance Premiums Are A Top Issue In These Legislative Races. The plight of condo owners grabs the attention of House and Senate candidates in urban Honolulu races. Civil Beat.

It’s All About Water Quality And Housing For Windward City Council Candidates. David Kauahikaua, Kelsey Nakanelua, Christopher Curren and incumbent council member Esther Kiaaina are on the ballot. Civil Beat.

GOP Primary Opponents Square Off In Waianae, Where ‘You Can Win As A Republican’. Tiana Wilbur and Chris Muraoka are candidates for the open seat in House District 45. Civil Beat.

Accused crime boss’s case goes to the jury. Ninety-eight days after federal prosecutors tried to prove Micheal J. Miske Jr. was a notorious Hawai‘i crime lord instead of a benevolent businessmen providing essential services to homeowners, businesses and county government, Miske’s fate now rests with a jury. Star-Advertiser.

Waikiki Community Center redevelopment could support senior housing. The nonprofit, which has served the community since 1978, is discussing a collaboration with the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corp. to redevelop a portion of its property into a mixed-use facility that could include a preschool, offices and senior affordable housing, according to HHFDC Development Branch Chief Randy Chu. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Herald newspaper reopens as The San Times. For 43 years, the Hawaii Herald told Japanese-American stories in Hawaii. Now it's resurfacing as The San Times - as in "sansei" - the third generation of Japanese-Americans. KITV4.

Beloved Oahu surfer and lifeguard Tamayo Perry is celebrated. Tamayo, 49, died June 23 after he was bitten more than once by a shark while surfing during a break from his city life-guarding shift. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.  KHON2.

Hawaii Island

Green to appoint Nakashima’s successor, Dems to submit choices. Since the 2008 election, the residents of House District 1 have known only Mark Nakashima as their state representative. According to law, Nakashima’s successor must be a Democrat. The Hawaii Democratic Party will submit a list of three individuals to the governor, who will select one. Tribune-Herald.

In A Hilo Rematch, Senate Candidates Differ On The Economy And Tourism. Incumbent Lorraine Inouye and former legislator Laura Acasio are back on the ballot in the Democratic primary. Civil Beat.

Hospital morgue overcapacity: Hawaii County urged to build its own facility. According to state law, the chief of police in each county is the county coroner, and police officers are deputy coroners. Police, as coroners, have used the hospital’s morgue as a holding facility for bodies in coroner’s inquest cases and in criminal investigations. Tribune-Herald.

Update On Key Hawaiʻi County Park Projects. Officials say there are more than 130 projects in development through the planning section of the Department of Parks & Recreation. Big Island Video News.

June brought below average rainfall to E. Hawaii. The locations where rain fell in near- to above-average amounts were along the lower Hamakua slopes and along the Kona slopes south of Hualalai. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Long-Term Recovery Plan For Lahaina Expected By December. The county is compiling public input to help prioritize fire recovery projects and programs for disaster funding. Civil Beat.

Maui wildfire 70% contained as crews battle for fifth day. The Maui Crater Road wildfire that has burned 574 acres since Wednesday was 70% contained as of 10 a.m. Sunday, the Maui Fire Department said. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now.

DOH monitoring Upper Kula Brushfire for air quality and behavioral impacts. The Hawaiʻi Department of Health (DOH) is coordinating with state and county officials in response to the brushfire in upper Kula that started on the evening of July 10, 2024. Maui News.

Kauai

Search for pilot, passenger suspended following helicopter crash in waters off Na Pali Coast.  Search and rescue operations were suspended Sunday afternoon for two people reported missing following a tour helicopter crash off Kauai’s Na Pali Coast last week.  Star-Advertiser. Big Island Now. Hawaii News Now.  KITV4.

Nakashima dead at 61, 1 dead, 2 missing in Kauai tour helicopter crash, federal prosecutor details vast 'criminal underworld' as Miske trial closes, Maui wildfire rekindles trauma, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

State Rep. Mark Nakashima Dead At 61. Mark Nakashima, a Democrat who represented Hamakua, a portion of Hilo and Kaumana in the Hawaii House of Representatives, died Thursday in Honolulu. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii Public Radio.  Big Island Video News.  Big Island Now.  KHON2.

Young Voters Want To Make Themselves Heard In Hawaii — But They Don’t Always Know How. Events like Covid-19 and the Black Lives Matter movement have boosted Generation Z's political awareness, but more needs to be done to engage the state's youngest voters. Civil Beat.

Funding for landmark biosecurity bill slashed in half. Gov. Josh Green has cut what was once a $20 million biosecurity bill in half, raising some concerns about invasive species management in the state. Hawaii Public Radio.

Gov. Green signs bill extending conservation fee on ocean tourism industry. Gov. Josh Green has signed off on an extension to a fee levied on the ocean tourism industry to support marine conservation efforts. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

Prosecutors Describe Vast ‘Criminal Underworld’ Controlled By Michael Miske During Closing Arguments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Inciong told jurors alleged racketeering boss Miske operated a criminal enterprise for nearly 20 years that engaged in violent assaults, kidnapping and murder. Civil Beat. KHON2. KITV4.

New PR Firm To Sell Honolulu Rail? Some HART Board Members Say No. HART is already paying a public relations firm $8,000 to $9,000 per month through another arrangement with a rail consultant. Civil Beat.

TSA: New tech promises enhanced security (and faster lines) at Honolulu’s airport. TSA officers at Honolulu’s Airport have screened over 5 million travelers so far this year.Now, they’re debuting new technology that could bolster security — and speed up lines. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Sam Shomaker lays out his priorities as JABSOM's sixth dean. Dr. Thomas Samuel “Sam” Shomaker started his new role on July 1 as the sixth dean of the University of Hawaiʻi John A. Burns School of Medicine. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Island

Mayoral hopefuls take stage. AARP Hawaii invited Mayor Mitch Roth and three challengers — Kimo Alameda, Breeani Kobayashi and Seaula “Junior” Tupa‘i — to discuss the issues facing Hawaii County. Tribune-Herald.

Chancellor chosen for Hawaii Community College. Susan Kazama has been named the next Hawaii Community College chancellor, effective July 19. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News.

Upgrading tradition: Drones aid restoration, resilience of Native Hawaiian fishponds. Researchers from the University of Hawai‘i and fishpond stewards in Hilo are using these unmanned aerial vehicles to support integrated coastal zone management, including at cultural heritage sites. Big Island Now.

Maui

Fire On Haleakala Tests Maui’s Improvements in Emergency Management. The county's leadership on Thursday detailed actions its taken to deal with a fast-moving blaze, a stark contrast to what occurred on Aug. 8. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser. Maui News. Maui Now. KITV4.

No injuries after Hawaiian Air flight overshoots Kahului runway. A runway at the Kahului Airport was briefly closed Thursday afternoon after a Hawaiian Airlines flight carrying 173 passengers was towed to the gate after experiencing problems with its brakes on landing. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now.  KHON2.

Kauai

1 Dead, 2 Missing In Tour Helicopter Crash Off Na Pali Coast. A helicopter crashed into the ocean off the Hawaiian island of Kauai on Thursday, leaving one person dead and two others missing, the Kauai Police Department said. Associated Press. Star-Advertiser.  Garden Island.  Kauai Now. Hawaii News Now.  KHON2.  KITV4.

Kaua‘i sees below average rain in June as dry season intensifies. Rainfall totals for Kaua‘i were near to below average at most of the gauges, according to the monthly precipitation summary from the National Weather Service. Kauai Now.

Green touts progress in first 100 days, Honolulu council sets gun-free zones, UPW union members to vote on agreement with Maui Health, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

First 100 days will lead to bigger solutions, Green says. Gov. Josh Green believes the progress his administration has made in his first 100 days of office will lead to solutions to a wide range of problematic issues including help for struggling families, homelessness and climate change by the end of his first term. Star-Advertiser. Big Island Now.  Maui Now.  Kauai Now.  Hawaii News Now.

Lawmakers seek to increase the penalty for high-profile bribery cases. House Bill 126 would change political bribery from a class B felony to a class A felony. That would double the maximum prison sentence to 20 years. Hawaii Public Radio.

Past-due rent of DHHL nominee is a character issue, Fevella says.  State Sen. Kurt Fevella, a member of the Senate committee scheduled to consider today the confirmation of Gov. Josh Green’s latest choice to run the state Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, blasted nominee Kali Watson but stopped short of saying how he will vote. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.  KITV4.

House budget bill crosses over, priorities include housing and renewable energy. The House approved its version of the state's $18 billion  budget Wednesday, prioritizing health, safety and education. Tribune-Herald. Maui Now.

Process to indict violent offenders needs Gov.’s signature. Six months after a Hawaii Supreme Court decision invalidated the use of preliminary hearings to indict serious offenders, the legislature pushed a bill through that would reinstate the process. KHON2.

New policy could reduce high cost of evictions. House Bill 1439 would reinstate policies under a COVID-era pilot program called Act 57, which required landlords to go through a third-party mediation session before filing to evict a tenant. It would also provide up to $5,000 in emergency rent relief funding through the Hawai‘i Public Housing Authority. Garden Island.

Judge wants plan to protect humpback whales from fishery. A U.S. judge this week ruled that the National Marine Fisheries Service violated the law when it failed to develop a plan to prevent West Coast commercial sablefish fishermen from harming humpback whales. Associated Press.

Looking back and ahead: Hawaii learns to live with COVID. Three years on since the COVID-19 pandemic hit Hawaii shores, many have resumed living without restrictions, but the state is still reeling from its impacts — and residents are still dying from the disease. Star-Advertiser.

449 new COVID-19 cases and 8 more deaths. The Hawaii Department of Health today reported 449 new COVID-19 infections over the past week, bringing the total number of cases since the start of the pandemic to 381,057. Star-Advertiser. KITV4.

Oahu

Honolulu City Council OKs bill designating gun-free places.  Firearms should be banned on Oahu in 13 “sensitive places,” including schools, hospitals and parks, the Honolulu City Council decided Wednesday. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

Enforcement of beach closure hours starts Friday in Waikiki. Enforcement starts Friday for the newest Waikiki Beach early morning closure period, which went into effect earlier this month at the Royal Hawaiian Beach to address a range of problems associated with overnight campers. Star-Advertiser.

City plan to restrict commercial activities at parks hits opposition. The city wants to restrict commercial activities to all city parks. But Bill 19 also repeals the ban on tour buses at Windward Oahu beaches ― and that’s got some residents concerned. Hawaii News Now.

Joint Task Force to begin an environmental assessment for defueling Red Hill.  The DOD's Joint Task Force Red Hill will begin the environmental assessment process for defueling the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility this month. Hawaii Public Radio.

New warning sirens will be tested across Oahu. The Hawaii Emergency Management Agency will test new or upgraded warning sirens this week at six locations on Oahu. Hawaii News Now. KITV4. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

High court decides two cases involving Maunakea. On the same day, the Hawaii Supreme Court ruled largely against two Hilo residents but in support of a group of Native Hawaiian residents in two unrelated but similar cases surrounding the jurisdiction of the mauna. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii lawmaker stresses importance of prevention, detection after battling kidney disease. During this National Kidney Month, state leaders and health advocates are raising awareness about what many call a silent epidemic. State Rep. Mark Nakashima knows that firsthand. Hawaii News Now.

Maui

Latest agreement between UPW and Maui Health goes to vote. The Maui Health and United Public Workers bargaining teams reached an agreement following lengthy talks on Tuesday, March 14. Maui Now.

State declines to fund half of $10M beach restoration. BLNR chair: Mission is to protect public trust, not private property. Maui News.

Kauai

From Kaua‘i to Ukraine: Reflecting on a month at war. Dr. Allon Amitai arrived in Kyiv, Ukraine, in early February — hoping to deliver a lecture and reclaim a stolen ambulance. Garden Island.

Humane society needs community to be able to accept animals. The Kaua‘i Humane Society contracts with the County of Kaua‘i to perform numerous services for the community that includes, but are not limited to, caring for homeless, sick or injured animals. Garden Island.