Lahaina hosts congressional hearing on federal wildfire response, Honolulu council seeks more water testing, Hawaii Gas asked to release emissions reports, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Congressional hearing in Lahaina examines federal response. Select members of the U.S. House Subcommittee on Government Operations and the Federal Workforce held the hearing Wednesday to assess what has been done well and perhaps not as well to help Maui recover from the Aug. 8, 2023, wildfires that killed 102 people and destroyed most of Lahaina town. Star-Advertiser. Associated Press.  Hawaii News Now.  KITV4. Civil Beat.

DARPA sheds light on peculiar drone spotted off Hawaii. Officials with the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) have confirmed that the unmanned drone spotted off Waikiki on Friday, Aug. 30 is designed for energy-harvesting. KHON2.

Local environmental group calls on Hawaiʻi Gas to release emissions data. Life of the Land has intervened in Hawaiʻi Gas' rate case before the Hawaiʻi Public Utilities Commission.  Hawaii Public Radio.

New report: ‘Power Pivot — Transitioning Hawaiʻi Gasoline Superusers to Electric Vehicles’. Released by Ulupono Initiative and Coltura, the paper focuses on these superusers, which account for approximately 65,000, or 6.8%, of the state’s drivers. The superusers have extensive and costly driving habits, often exceeding 40,000 miles annually, compared to the non-superusers average of 8,500 miles annually. Collectively, these superusers consume nearly 26% of Hawaiʻi’s gasoline. Maui Now.

Hawaiʻi chief economist shares insights from decades of data collection. Hawaiʻi Chief Economist Eugene Tian gave us the context of the 1,187-page Data Book, which the state has been compiling every year for about 60 years.  Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

Council OKs resolution for more water testing. The Honolulu City Council adopted a resolution Wednesday urging the Navy and Department of Defense to immediately implement weekly testing of monitoring wells related to past fuel spills at the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility.  Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.  KITV4.

HART Scrambles To Free Up Cash For Rail’s Push Into The City Center. Other work may be delayed because a $1.66 billion bid was $300 million more than the rail authority had budgeted. Civil Beat.

Kapi‘olani threatens lockout of union nurses. Management at Kapi‘olani Medical Center for Women & Children on Wednesday said after receiving a second strike notice from the nurses union, it is prepared to impose a lockout. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.  KHON2. KITV4.

Waianae attacker threatened to shoot his victims’ family twice before, an attorney says. The 59-year-old man fatally shot Saturday night after he rammed his neighbor’s home with a front loader and shot and killed three women had threatened gun violence against his victims’ family twice before, an attorney representing a family member says. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.  KITV4.

Authorities seize 42 gambling machines in suspected game room raid in Makiki. Officers seized 42 gambling machines and thousands of dollars in cash in a game room raid in Makiki Wednesday evening, according to Honolulu police officials. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Ohana housing bill advances: Council bill would create more options for ‘accessory dwelling units’.  Bill 123 is one of several measures discussed by the council this year aimed at updating rules regarding short-term vacation rentals. Tribune-Herald.

4 Big Island men charged with illegally taking lobsters. The men, all divers, were cited for misdemeanor violations with the taking of female lobsters and eggs — which are known as roe — after DLNR officers conducted an inspection on the vessel Law and Disorder III upon its return to its slip at Kawaihae Small Boat Harbor.  Tribune-Herald. Big Island Now. Big Island Video News.  Hawaii News Now.

Maui

UH Maui Wildfire Study gets $2.3M to build comprehensive survivor registry. The University of Hawaiʻi’s Maui Wildfire Exposure Study has received a boost of funding from the state. The additional $2.3 million will allow the study to increase its participant base to 2,000 individuals, focusing on children and first responders. Hawaii Public Radio. Maui News.

Kula Community Association to host Candidate Forum, Sept. 11. This event will feature candidates running for Senate, House, and Maui County Council offices covering nine races. The event offers a platform for candidates to present their views and respond to questions. Maui Now.

60 refurbished computers distributed by MEO at no cost to recipients.  For some, the refurbished laptop given to them at no cost was their first computer. For others, the laptops replaced ones burned in the wildfires. Maui Now.

Kauai

Dozens of campers fall ill to suspected norovirus, Kalalau Valley closed. Kalalau Valley is a popular camping destination off the Nāpali Coast State Wilderness Park on Kaua‘i. At full capacity, the campsite accommodates up to 80 people. With the nearest restrooms being closed to the public, campers said available restrooms were about a quarter mile down the beach. KHON2.

‘A guiding light for our keiki:’ Youth development program Kaua‘i Sea Scouts celebrates 15 years. The Kaua‘i Sea Scouts is a youth development program founded in 2009 by father-and-son team Larry and Max Richardson.  Kauai Now.

Maui fire recovery, pandemic hazard pay strain state budget, Green leads delegation to Japan, Blangiardi signs bill increasing grants to developers of affordable housing, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Governor: Hawaii Can Pay The Bills For Maui Fire Recovery, Hazard Pay And More. The administration has not yet released a budget plan for covering those costs, but the governor says it can be done without tapping into the rainy day fund. Civil Beat.

Maui judge agrees to ask state Supreme Court about barriers to $4B wildfire settlement. Judge Peter Cahill on Maui agreed Friday to ask the state high court questions about how insurance companies can go about recouping money paid to policyholders. Associated Press.

Disaster insurance drove billions in revenue for companies. Hawaii homeowners and businesses have purchased nearly $38 billion in disaster insurance over the last 20 years, generating more than $23 billion in net income for insurance companies and further driving Gov. Josh Green to insist that insurers be barred from suing the entities responsible for last year’s Maui wildfires, including the state. Star-Advertiser.

U.S. Transportation Department holds fate of Alaska-Hawaiian merger. Two weeks have passed since the proposed $1.9 billion merger between competitors Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines cleared what is traditionally considered its most significant regulatory hurdle. Star-Advertiser. KITV4.

Gov. Green travels to Japan to strengthen ties with sister cities. Green will also lead a delegation of local businesses for the Tokyo International Gift Show, meet with the US Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel, and will meet with leaders from Fukuoka, Ehime and Hiroshima prefectures. Maui Now.

In first interview since losing election, Hawaii's house speaker Scott Saiki discusses long career in politics. Video Only. Hawaii News Now.

UH developed, living coastal-protection system prepares for deployment. The University of Hawaiʻi has reached a milestone in the US Department of Defense funded project that aims to create a living breakwater system to protect coastlines from erosion and create ecosystems where resilient corals and other ocean life can grow and thrive. Maui Now.

Oahu

New Honolulu law aims to spur affordable rental construction. Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi signed Bill 3 to increase post-construction grant amounts for privately financed rental housing projects, deemed a key incentive for developers trying to make projects financially feasible, city officials said. Star-Advertiser.

Board to review CEO’s contract on Friday, HART says. The next employment agreement for Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation’s executive director and CEO, Lori Kahikina, is set for possible approval later this week. Star-Advertiser.

City unveils plans to alter Oahu’s livable landscape to match population growth. Pearl City residents got to see the city’s ambitious plan to reshape their neighborhood. It includes replacing rundown buildings with new high-rises over the next 16 years. Hawaii News Now.

A Wave Of Westside Shootings Has People Saying ‘Enough Is Enough.’ But What More Can Be Done? Honolulu police promised to step up officer patrols in the area, where residents have long felt neglected by city services.  Neighbors’ complaint about speeding cars set off Waianae man’s deadly rampage. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser. KHON2.  Hawaii News Now.  KITV4.

Kapi‘olani Medical Center nurses vote to go on strike again. The Hawaii Nurses’ Association, which represents 600 Kapi‘olani nurses, said Sunday night that its members voted by an overwhelming majority to give the union the green light to call for a walkout if a contract cannot be reached with Hawaii Pacific Health, which operates Kapi‘olani. Star-Advertiser.

Assets School is granted $1.25 million for tuition aid. Assets School, the only K-12 school in Hawaii specializing in educating children who are gifted, dyslexic or have other language-­based learning differences, has received an anonymous $1.25 million donation to support tuition assistance. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Gov. Green Fills Hawaii House of Representatives Vacancy. Matthias Kusch will represent Hamakua, Kaumana and parts of Hilo on the Big Island. Civil Beat.

Overnight Safe Space opens in Hilo. The Hilo Overnight Safe Space is a 25-bed outdoor tent at the Salvation Army’s facility downtown on Ponahawai Street.  Tribune-Herald. Big Island Now.

Conservation groups say Hawaiʻi Supreme Court aquarium fishing ruling will hurt ecosystem.  The Hawaiʻi Supreme Court on Wednesday approved the legality of an environmental review to allow limited aquarium fishing around Hawaiʻi Island, leading to concerns about opening up the industry throughout the West Hawai‘i Regional Fishery Management Area. Hawaii Public Radio.

State’s high court to hear arguments over release of new evidence in Dana Ireland murder case. The Hawaii Supreme Court has set Sept. 12 as the date to hear oral arguments in the legal battle over evidence in the high profile 1991 murder of Dana Ireland. Hawaii News Now.

Maui

Council refers accessory dwelling bill to Housing and Land Use Committee. Maui County Council members referred to the Housing and Land Use Committee on Tuesday a bill stemming from a new state law that requires counties to change the way accessory dwellings are permitted on residential property. Maui Now.

Maui Is Fully Reopening 2 Lahaina Neighborhoods For First Time Since The Fires. The county says Wahikuli and Mala no longer present a safety or health risk to justify restricted access. Civil Beat.

Initiative works to keep Lahaina lands in local hands. The Lahaina Community Land Trust helps local residential property owners avoid selling their Lahaina land and buys  property from owners who are committed to sell and then buys the property to perpetually house local families. Star-Advertiser.

Storm rainfall brings little relief to Maui’s southside; drought conditions persist. Leslie Peterson, nursery manager of the South Maui Garden in Kihei, said the recent rainfall that hit Maui last week from storm system Gilma was nothing short of a blessing. Maui News.
 
Kauai

Kauai fishpond’s restoration is recognized. Scores of volunteers have been sweating and toiling in the mud the past five years to restore the Alakoko fishpond on Kauai, one of the last remaining ponds built by Native Hawaiians some 600 years ago. Star-Advertiser.

Kauaʻi County considers bill to add $200 surcharge for illegal highway parking. The Kauaʻi County Council has introduced a bill to tap into the State Highway Enforcement Program Surcharge Fund, which was established in 2019. Hawaii Public Radio.

Maui hotel booking decline could cost state $40M in taxes, insurance industry wants Hawaii Supreme Court to step in over wildfire payment dispute, Hone sweeps past state after dumping needed rain, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Decline in Maui room bookings could cost the state more than $40 million in taxes. The dampening in travel sentiment for Maui is bringing down tourism statewide and is a key reason Hawaii visitor industry executives appealed to the Hawaii Tourism Authority Board to add $1.6 million to the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau marketing budget to conduct a marketing saturation campaign Sept. 15-22 in Los Angeles, Hawaii’s top source market for visitors. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now.

Insurance Industry Insists It Has Right To Recoup Billions In Paid Wildfire Claims. Victims’ lawyers want the Hawaii Supreme Court to step in. They have asked Maui Judge Peter Cahill to let the high court determine the question central to his ruling, and want the insurance industry to join in on their request as a way to resolve the issue. Civil Beat.

Hawaii automobile sales plunge as owners hang on to vehicles. The dismal outlook comes after new-vehicle registrations plunged 11.8% in the second quarter to bring the midyear decline to 7%. By contrast, national auto sales were up 3.4% through the first six months. Star-Advertiser.

UHERO report spotlights rural health care needs. Rural area residents reported having more health challenges and limitations than their urban counterparts, according to the study produced by the University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization. Overall, they rated their health as poorer. Star-Advertiser.

Hone weakens to tropical storm and sweeps past Hawaii, dumping enough rain to ease wildfire fears. Hone passed south of Hawaii and weakened from a hurricane to a tropical storm on Sunday, dumping so much rain that the National Weather Service called off its red flag warnings that strong winds could lead to wildfires on the drier sides of the islands. Associated Press. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Airlines adding Hilo flights Monday after cancellations due to Hone. Hawaiian Airlines has announced it will resume flights to and from Hilo and operate two additional flights between Honolulu and Hilo after several flights were canceled due to Hone. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Impending Legislature leadership change could do same for Kakaako landscape. Kakaako will have a new state House representative in January and new potential for residential high-rise development on poorly utilized land makai of Ala Moana Boulevard owned by the state Office of Hawaiian Affairs. Star-Advertiser.

New Year’s Day shooting drives rise in attempts to harm police. There have been 21 cases of first-degree attempted murder of a law enforcement officer on Oahu so far this year compared to only three last year, according to the Honolulu Police Department’s data dashboard. Star-Advertiser.

Over 500 firearms collected at Oahu gun buyback event. Officials say they collected more than 500 firearms and numerous rounds of ammunition at the buyback at Aloha Stadium’s lower parking lot on Saturday. The guns and ammo were swapped for $100 and $200 dollar gift cards to Foodland. Hawaii News Now.

Many East Honolulu communities are at high fire risk. Due to its high density, topography and frequent human-­caused ignitions, East Honolulu is considered at moderate to high risk of wildfire, according to the recently published East Honolulu Community Wildfire Protection Plan. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Hurricane Hone brings heavy rain but no major damage. Hurricane Hone passed within 60 miles of Hawaii Island early Sunday, bringing heavy rain, knocking out power to thousands of customers and snapping native ohia trees like twigs. New York Times.

2 Big Island schools closed Monday due to hazardous road conditions. Ka‘u High & Paaala Elementary School and Na‘alehu Elementary School will be closed to students and staff Monday due to hazardous road conditions. Highway 11 has been shut down by emergency crews, making both campuses inaccessible to families and staff. Star-Advertiser.

Aquarium fishing proposal stalls: DAR seeks to start permit process for commercial fishers. At Friday’s meeting of the Board of Land and Natural Resources, the state Division of Aquatic Resources submitted a request to establish a process to grant permits to commercial aquarium fishers to operate in West Hawaii, something that hasn’t been allowed since 2017. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui County Faces $1.2 Billion In Unmet Needs For Wildfire Recovery Efforts. No specifics have been released, but the amount would help pay for costs that FEMA isn't authorized to cover. Civil Beat.

This Buddhist Temple Is Collapsing Into The Sea Off Maui. With nearby graves already swallowed by the ocean, sea level rise and coastal erosion are now threatening to destroy an iconic Zen mission and cemetery. Civil Beat.

Hotels on Maui woo back leisure travelers. While many Maui hotels, especially in West Maui, are transitioning back to a leisure travel and group business focus, the transition is more involved for the Royal Lahaina resort, which was all in until its contractual obligations ended at the end of June. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai

Lane closure scheduled on Kaua‘i highway to replace 3 culverts. The Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation will be closing a single lane on Kaumualiʻi Highway (Route 50) in the vicinity of Kīkīaola Boat Harbor next week to allow crews to permanently replace three 54-inch culverts. Kauai Now.

The Kaua‘i County Housing Agency’s Section 8 office will be closed from 7:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. on Sept. 4, to accommodate a staff training. Normal operation and hours will resume from 12:45 p.m. to 4 p.m., that day. Kauai Now.

Insurance companies lose first dibs on $4B Maui fire settlement, Justice Department mulls Hawaiian-Alaska Airlines merger plans, final segment of Skyline rail considered, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Maui Judge Clears Path To Final $4.04 Billion Settlement Of Wildfire Cases. Insurance companies lose their bid to continue separate lawsuits.  Several of Hawaii’s largest government, business and social organizations including the state, Maui County, Hawaiian Electric Co., Hawaiian Telcom and Kamehameha Schools have agreed to contribute to settle the claims of fire victims.  Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser. Associated Press.  Hawaii News Now.

DOJ ramps up scrutiny in Hawaiian-Alaska merger. Mixed signals are coming as an extended deadline for federal antitrust enforcers to review the proposed $1.9 billion merger between competitors Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines draws to a close. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiʻi DOE introduces free online mental health services for families. The DOE has partnered with the national nonprofit Cook Center for Human Connection to provide 24/7 access online. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

HART’s third-segment contract under consideration. The remaining 3-mile portion of Skyline — the estimated $482.4 million City Center Guideway and Stations project — would begin at Middle Street and end at Halekauwila Street. Star-Advertiser.

Overnight camping suspended at Oahu park over reckless behavior. State officials said starting Aug. 23, they are suspending camping at the Sand Island State Recreation Area due to reckless nighttime behavior. Star-Advertiser.

‘It’s not solving the problem’: Mixed reaction after city sells community mini-park. A small public park in the middle of the city won’t belong to the public much longer. Hawaii News Now.

Amid erosion concerns, city to begin repairs for Kaneohe Dam. The city is set to begin repairing a portion of the Kaneohe Dam at the Hoomaluhia Botanical Garden. Hawaii News Now.

‘Alarming’: Kapilina Beach Homes residents raise concern over days-long watermain leak. Residents who live in Kapilina Beach Homes in Ewa Beach said a water leak has been running for days — and a timeline for when it will be fixed is still up in the air. Hawaii News Now.

Generations Of Immigrants Have Forged A Unique Asian Tattoo Culture In Hawaii. The state's tattoo industry is thriving as Asian Americans seek a reconnection with their ancestral heritage through this skin-deep art form. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Kona Airport Runway Project To Get $64.7 Million In Federal Grants. Two Federal Aviation Administration grants will be used to rehabilitate the runway at the Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keāhole. Big Island Video News. Hawaii News Now.

Overnight runway work scheduled at Hilo International Airport. The primary runway, 8/26, will be closed nightly from 9 p.m. to 5:30 a.m., from Aug. 19 through Aug. 22. Big Island Now.

Study: Water quality will continue to decline. The water quality of Hilo Bay will only get worse as climate change intensifies, according to a new study by University of Hawaii researchers. Tribune-Herald.

Drought conditions ‘could be coming’. For the second consecutive month, much of the Big Island had abnormally dry weather. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui Property Owners Are Pushing Tenants Out to House Wildfire Survivors for More Money. High prices offered by emergency housing programs have encouraged property owners to chase the money. Civil Beat.

Kapalua Village opens with 50 temporary modular homes for wildfire impacted employees. The new development features 50 temporary modular homes supplied by Daiwa House Group—a Japanese company and pioneer in prefab housing—to offer incoming residents at Kapalua Village comfort, functionality and a sense of community. Maui Now. KHON2.

Maui Wildfires Smoldered Underground, Threatening Water For Agriculture. While the harm to homes and tourism drew the most attention, agriculture was also heavily affected across the island, and the harm did not stop once the flames were out. Civil Beat.

Suspect Used Batteries, Shrapnel And A Pipe To Make Explosives Found On Maui, Investigators Say. Authorities arrested 47-year-old Robert Dumaran after multiple homemade bombs detonated on Maui roads. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser. Maui News.  Maui Now.  Hawaii News Now.  KITV4.

Kauai

Mayor, employer unions sign agreement on free health care premiums on Kaua‘i.  Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami met with union officials on Monday to finalize the joint agreement on Kaua‘i County’s proposed free health care premium coverage for Fiscal Year  Kauai Now. KHON2.

County of Kauaʻi wants public to report invasive rose-ringed parakeets. The county has an online survey that the public can access to report sightings of the invasive bird. Hawaii Public Radio.

Tulsi Gabbard on terrorist watch list, insurance companies seek first cut of $4B Lahaina fire settlement as Hawaiian Electric stocks drop, real estate commissions to change, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Gabbard cites ‘political retaliation’ for her addition to TSA watch list.  State House Republicans defended former colleague, presidential candidate and U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard in a letter sent Sunday to the Transportation Security Administration demanding she be removed from the federal government’s terrorist watch list. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Hawaiian Electric stocks fall after report of massive quarterly loss. Hawaiian Electric Industries is reporting a loss of about $1.3 billion for the second quarter of 2024. The fall is related to the costs of ongoing litigation with Maui wildfire victims and their families.  Hawaii Public Radio.

Will Insurance Companies Get First Crack At $4 Billion Lahaina Fire Settlement? A last obstacle to a proposed $4.04 billion global settlement between thousands of victims of the Lahaina wildfire and defendants including the state of Hawaii, Maui County, Hawaiian Electric Co., Kamehameha Schools and Hawaiian Telcom is scheduled to be addressed Tuesday by Maui Circuit Court Judge Peter Cahill. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

How a major settlement could impact Hawaiʻi real estate commissions. On Aug. 17, a settlement agreement takes effect that will impact the real estate industry. It stems from a lawsuit filed against the National Association of Realtors over its practice of setting commissions. Hawaii Public Radio. Hawaii News Now.

‘Above normal significant fire potential’ for Hawaii expected through October. As drought continues to expand and intensify, Hawaii can expect more wildfires to occur across the isles the rest of this summer. Star-Advertiser. KHON2.

Awards to fund University of Hawaii research soar by $100 million. UH snagged $616 million in the 2024 fiscal year, up 19% from $516 million a year earlier, which followed only a 2% gain from $505 million in the 2022 fiscal year, according to university officials. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Maui Now.

Hawaii Joins Military Program To Recruit Government Workers. The state of Hawaii is hoping the U.S. Department of Defense can help fill some of the thousands of state job vacancies through a program that connects military members nearing the end of their service with employers looking for workers. Civil Beat.

After surprise primary upset, Democrats hope to flip seats in the general election. Republicans did not have their unity breakfast this year. Instead, they will be hosting candidate forums leading up to the general election on Nov. 5. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

Chemical Plume Found In Closed Aiea Drinking Wells May Come From Red Hill. It's the first time so-called PAH's have been detected at the shuttered wells, although regulators disagree about whether the chemicals stem from the Navy's fuel spill. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Violent crime report shows rise in 2 disturbing categories for Honolulu. There were 16 murders reported, compared to 15 during the same time period in 2023. Reported rapes jumped. There were 164 in the first half of this year, compared to 136 in the first half of last year. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

With ‘zero fatalities’ top of mind, city unveils 16-year plan to improve Oahu’s roads. The city released its ambitious 16-year plan to eliminate traffic fatalities on Oahu’s roads that come with changes to the island’s most dangerous streets. It could cost up to $755 million. Hawaii News Now.

Rental, utility assistance enrollment to open for new applicants in Makiki. The City’s Rental and Utility Relief Program (RURP) will hold an enrollment event for new applicants on Friday, August 23. KHON2.

Sources: Corrections officer, sergeant suspended after alleged assault of prison inmate. An adult corrections officer and a sergeant were reportedly suspended after allegedly assaulting a handcuffed inmate at the Halawa Prison earlier this month. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Hawaiʻi Island Dairy Faces Lawsuit For Dumping Milk, Animal Waste. Meadow Gold and Cloverleaf Dairy have been put on legal notice for allegedly polluting local waters on the Big Island. Big Island Video News.

Public feedback sought for solar project. The Ke‘amuku Solar + Storage project is a proposed solar farm that would be built on a pair of parcels just south of the intersection between Mamalahoa Highway and Waikoloa Road. Tribune-Herald.

State increasing no-passing zones on DKI Highway.  The state Department of Transportation advises motorists that sections of the Daniel K. Inouye Highway, formerly Saddle Road, will become no-passing zones effective upon installation of signs and pavement markings. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News.  Big Island Now.

Maui

Maui police arrest Kahului suspect in Pukalani IEDs explosion. The Maui Police Department arrested a 47-year-old Kahului man Saturday in connection with the discovery of a series of improvised explosive devices, one of which detonated and sidelined a sport utility Opens in a new tab vehicle in Pukalani on Thursday. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now.

Maui resort agrees to dim lights to protect native seabirds. Conservation groups sued the Grand Wailea Resort on Maui in February 2022, and again in May, claiming that the hotel's outdoor lights harmed the native seabirds. Hawaii Public Radio.

Precinct results: In razor-thin primary, Cook takes Central Maui; King backed in South and East Maui. First-term Maui County Council Member Tom Cook finished 145 votes ahead of former Council Member Kelly Takaya King in Saturday’s primary election by winning all Central Maui precincts and splitting votes with his rival Upcountry and in West Maui. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kaua‘i Fire Department urges public to be vigilant as risk for fire weather increases. There is an above normal significant fire potential through October, until the wet season gets underway in November. Kauai Now.

Water conservation request issued for some residents in Princeville. In an effort to avoid a water outage due to dry weather, Kaua‘i County officials have issued a water conservation request for customers along the North Shore. Kauai Now.

State prepares for lackluster primary election, paddle-out ceremonies commemorate Maui fire anniversary, Waikiki hotel workers vote to strike, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Paddle Out ceremony honors the 102 victims killed in Lahaina. Some 4,000 people attended a Paddle Out on Thursday morning in the waters off Hanaka‘o‘o Beach Park, including Maui’s three Lahaina canoe clubs and the Hokule‘a, the double-hulled voyaging canoe known for bringing people together and persevering Hawaii’s treasured values. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now.  Hawaii News Now.  Associated Press. KITV4.

Early votes suggest apathetic turnout for Hawaii primary. In a sign of a likely dismal turnout when all of the ballots are counted, only about 198,000 people across Hawaii have voted ahead of Saturday’s primary election — a considerably lower proportion of total votes when compared with the 2022 and 2020 primaries. Star-Advertiser.

What to expect in Hawaii’s state primaries. Voting concludes Saturday in Hawaii’s state primaries, where candidates for Congress and the Legislature will compete for their parties’ nominations. Associated Press.

As ballots come in, here's how the Office of Elections processes the votes. With just two days until primary election day, volunteers and observers were busy Thursday processing ballots as they come in through the mail and drop boxes. Hawaii Public Radio.

DOE restores some suspended school bus routes. The state Department of Education said 34 of 147 previously suspended school bus routes on Oahu, Hawaii island and Maui will be restored starting Monday. Star-Advertiser. Big Island Now.  Hawaii News Now.  KITV4.

State’s Legal Expenses For Maui Wildfires Topped $6 Million. Hawaii may have avoided costly litigation when it reached a $4 billion settlement with Maui wildfire survivors this week, but the state has already spent millions of dollars on legal advisors since fires engulfed Lahaina last August. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Waikiki hotel workers authorize strike. About 5,000 Unite Here Local 5 hotel workers took a crucial step Thursday toward labor strikes at seven Waikiki hotels. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.  KITV4.

City to begin road rehabilitation project in Kakaako. The city’s Department of Design and Construction is set to kickstart a road rehabilitation project in the Kakaako area starting Aug. 19. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Hawaiʻi Island lawmakers consider bill to encourage beekeeping. The Hawaiʻi County Council is moving along Bill 144, which allows beekeeping in every zoning district on the island, including those meant for residential, commercial or industrial purposes. Hawaii Public Radio.

Publisher, bookseller David Reed dies at 74. David Reed, publisher and co-owner of Petroglyph Press and Basically Books, died Aug. 2 at his home in Hilo after a brief illness. He was 74. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Survivors experience first anniversary of tragic Maui wildfires. There are as many memories of the Aug. 8, 2023, Maui wildfires as there are people who experienced the horrors of that day. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Maui Now.  Hawaii News Now.

The Lahaina Burn Zone Is Coming Back To Life. How To Keep It Safe Is A Work In Progress. The Maui Police Department is combining new technology, better equipment and more responsive policies in the aftermath of last year’s fire. Civil Beat. Hawaii Public Radio. Maui Now.

Maui wildfires one year later: Governor signs off on transition of Mokuʻula from the state to Maui County for its cultural restoration. As state, county and federal leaders gathered to reflect on the one year mark since the devastating Maui wildfires, Gov. Josh Green announced he signed papers to “purposefully transition” Mokuʻula from the state to Maui County for its cultural and ecological restoration. Maui Now.

Historic Lahaina documents to be available on Office of Hawaiian Affairs’ Papakilo database. Release of the Historic Lahaina Photography Collection goes live on the one-year anniversary of the Maui wildfires. Maui News.

Iconic Lahaina Banyan Tree being cloned. Among the many living things affected by the Lahaina fire — Front Street’s long-standing banyan tree is making its recovery. KHON2.

FBI and Maui police investigating IEDs found in Kahului and Pukalani. The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Maui Police Department are investigating Improvised Explosive Devices left in the Kahului and Pukalani areas of Maui, according to a joint statement from the FBI’s Honolulu Division and MPD. Star-Advertiser. Maui News. Maui Now.

Kauai

Road closure scheduled in Līhu‘e for private waterline installation. Eha Street will be closed to both eastbound and westbound traffic from Aug. 15 to Oct. 15, weekdays, from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., weather permitting. Kauai Now.

East Kaua‘i path joins Rails-to-Trails Hall of Fame. Rails to Trails Conservancy, the nation’s largest trails advocacy organization, announced that Ke Ala Hele Makālae on the Hawaiian island of Kaua‘i is the newest member of the organization’s Hall of Fame. Kauai Now.

Green declares emergency over condo insurance fees, Honolulu pandemic hazard pay set at $30M or more, state commemorates anniversary of deadly Maui fires, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Emergency declared over Hawaii condo association insurance rates. Gov. Josh Green used emergency power Wednesday to help a pair of state government insurance carriers sell policies to Hawaii condominium projects in an effort to relieve many condo owners from skyrocketing industry rates. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.  KHON2.

More Details On Maui Fire Settlement: Kamehameha Schools Pledges $872.5 Million. Kamehameha Schools announced it would contribute $872.5 million to a proposed settlement fund for Maui wildfire claims, answering more of the question about how much various defendants will pay under the $4.037 billion tentative agreement. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.  KHON2.

5 ways Hawaii is trying to prevent the next deadly fire. A year ago, the deadliest U.S. wildfire in more than a century took 102 lives on the island of Maui, leaving the historic town of Lahaina in ashes and spurring a series of investigations into what could have been done to better prepare for such a disaster. New York Times.

Flags ordered to half-staff in memory of lives lost in deadly Maui wildfires 1 year ago. On Aug. 8, 2023, one of the deadliest fires in U.S. history razed Maui’s old Hawaiian fishing of Lāhainā to the ground. Big Island Now. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii food safety site still not up to par after 8 months. Restaurant inspection reports have not been viewable through the Food and Safety Branch website since January, but restaurateurs said they are still being conducted. KHON2.

UH partners with lawmakers pushing for environmental legislation. The University of Hawaiʻi has agreed to act as a resource for the National Caucus of Environmental Legislators, which has 1,200 members across all 50 states and U.S. territories. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

Latest Hazard Pay Decision For Public Workers Likely Will Cost Honolulu $30 Million Or More. A new arbitration decision awarding hazard pay to unionized government workers will likely require Honolulu to pay an extra $30 million to $40 million to about 2,500 city employees for their work during the pandemic, according to city Managing Director Michael Formby. Civil Beat.

Waikiki hotel workers take strike vote today. About 5,000 Unite Here Local 5 hotel workers are expected to take a strike vote today. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu City Council votes on restricting Waikiki events. They say everyone loves a parade, but in reality not everyone in Waikiki does. KITV4.

Kailua residents frustrated over Kalapawai roundabout construction. Kailua residents working and living near the Kalapawai roundabout have a lot to say about the construction that’s been ongoing for the past two years. KHON2.

Dozens of CRB larvae discovered in garden soil sold at Oahu store. A Pearl Harbor man said he discovered 50 invasive coconut rhinoceros beetle larvae inside a bag of Miracle Grow garden soil when he opened it on Sunday. Hawaii News Now.
 
Hawaii Island

Council votes to offer tax relief to those who rent out part of their home for at least six months. Bill 175, which the council voted to pass on first reading Wednesday, allows residential properties that are rented out for six months or more to be eligible for the county’s “homeowner” tax classification, and therefore receive that classification’s tax benefits. Tribune-Herald.

Council votes to override mayor’s veto: Bill on access to transfer stations becomes law. The council on July 10 voted to approve Bill 140, which required that all county solid waste facilities be open to the public at least two days per week. Tribune-Herald.

Researchers to look at how residential sewage systems impact Kahalu‘u Bay waters. From Aug. 9-12, researchers from University of Hawai‘i at Hilo will be dropping a small amount of the dye, fluorescein, into sewage disposal systems of residences upstream to see where sewage water travels and if it’s entering the bay. Big Island Now. Big Island Video News.

Retired HPD assistant chief allowed deferred plea. Mitchell Kanehailua, 58, pleaded no contest on May 21 to violating a protective order and attempted third-degree assault, both misdemeanors. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii County Seeks To Delay Release Of Records in Dana Ireland Case. Hilo Judge Peter Kubota questioned why police need to protect records pertaining to a suspect who is now dead. Civil Beat. KHON2. KITV4.

Maui

One year later, no cause or origin for Lahaina fire available. The Maui Department of Fire and Public Safety does not have a timetable for releasing its formal report on the origin and cause for Aug. 8 wildfires in Upcountry Maui and Lahaina, but said when the final report is ready a news conference will be called and the findings will be made public. Star-Advertiser. KITV4.

Maui wildfires one year later: $1.4M grant boosts Maui Wildfire Exposure Study research. Ahead of the one-year anniversary of the devastating Maui wildfires, the most comprehensive study focused on understanding and mitigating the health and social impacts of the fires, has received a $1.4 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to continue its groundbreaking work. Maui Now.

Maui Remembers: Small businesses desperate for help a year after devastating fire. A year after the devastating Aug. 8, 2023, Lahaina wildfire destroyed a large portion of the west side of Maui in a matter of hours, local business owners are reflecting on their own experiences, and what can be done to help in the aftermath of tragedy.  Maui News.

Maui wildfires one year later: UH research continues to assess impacts, support recovery. Within days of the worst natural disaster in state history, University of Hawaiʻi researchers began providing assistance and support on multiple fronts, including providing direct support and assessing the environmental impact and the long-term health outcomes of residents. Maui Now.

‘Bittersweet’: Lahaina wildfire anniversary, start of new school year stirs mixed emotions. Thursday marks a full year since the deadly fire that broke out in Lahaina, claiming more than 100 lives and almost completely destroying the town. Public school students in Lahaina have been given that day off to reflect on what they have been through and mourn together. Hawaii News Now.

Lahaina’s Historic Elementary School Was A Source Of Community Pride. Now The Town Is Divided On Its Future. Rebuilding King Kamehameha III Elementary School, which was destroyed in last year’s fire, could help bring families back to Lahaina. But residents are torn over where the school should be located.  Civil Beat.

Their Senior Center Burned And Their Friends Died. But These Kupuna Are Moving Forward. More than two-thirds of Maui’s fire victims were over the age of 60. Kupuna are also facing additional challenges in the aftermath of the disaster.  Civil Beat.

Marine scientists work to understand long-term effects of contaminants from the fires.  Scientists have been concerned about the marine environment due to the nearly 100 burned vessels and the potential hazardous runoff from the devastated neighborhoods. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kauai

Domestic passenger count heats up in July at Lihu‘e Airport. The domestic passenger count climbed to its highest monthly total of the year in July, as Lihu‘e Airport welcomed more than 87,000 people to the island of Kaua‘i. Garden Island.

Internal network upgrades made by Kaua‘i Police Department. Internal network upgrades to the Kaua‘i Police Department’s dispatch line and its services continued on Tuesday evening. Garden Island.

Kaua‘i County reminds public to report sightings of invasive rose-ringed parakeets. More than 170 responses have been received to a Kaua‘i County survey reporting sightings of the invasive rose-ringed parakeets since the beginning of the year.  Kauai Now.

 

Council on Revenues predicts 5% income growth, HECO contributes $2B to $4B Maui wildfire settlement, officials seek solutions to school bus shortage, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Council on Revenues predicts total income in state could grow by 5% this year. The boom in construction jobs and the ongoing Maui wildfire recovery could help drive up the total income earned in Hawaiʻi. That’s the view from the state Council on Revenues, which is forecasting 5% growth in total personal income in Hawaiʻi for both this year and 2025. Hawaii Public Radio.

Litigation is doused by settlement in an ‘unprecedented’ time. A $4 billion agreement Friday to settle every loss claim over Maui’s wildfire disaster of nearly a year ago is a monumental deal, but much work lies ahead to wrap up Hawaii’s biggest incidence ever of mass tort litigation. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii, Maui County, HECO And Others Agree To Pay $4 Billion To Wildfire Victims. The proposed settlement still needs to be approved by a judge. And insurers that have paid out billions in claims have not agreed to terms. HECO said in a statement its part of the agreement is $1.99 billion. The settlement term sheet, which was filed in Maui state court on Friday, did not disclose the amounts individual defendants would pay. Civil Beat. Associated Press.  Big Island Now.

RIMPAC exercise wraps up in Hawaii. The biennial Rim of the Pacific — the world’s largest naval training exercise — wrapped up in Hawaii last week after bringing together forces from 29 nations with warships, planes, helicopters and troops practicing fighting skills both on land and at sea, as well as humanitarian disaster response. Star-Advertiser.

How A Group That Started As Libertarian Found Influence In Blue State Hawaii. The Grassroot Institute, a think tank with libertarian roots, has chalked up some big policy wins this year, which some see as evidence of a shifting political landscape in Democratic-dominated Hawaii. Civil Beat.

Hawaiʻi Gets Federal Funds To Fight Brown Tree Snake Threat. $375,000 in federal funding is coming to the Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture to prevent the introduction of the brown tree snake, considered a top invasive species threat to Hawai‘i. Big Island Video News.

DLNR launches new website to reserve permits for outdoor recreation. The new website, Explore Outdoor Hawai‘i, was established in compliance with a law mandating the department to provide information on processes such as fee collection, permit and license applications, and reservations for commercial and recreational activities in the state. Hawaii Public Radio.

Professional Development Can Be Lucrative For Hawaii Teachers — And Hard To Come By. Teachers can increase their annual pay by completing certain courses, but some say it's a challenge to find classes that are accessible and affordable. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Witness In Miske Case Keeps Getting Beaten In Prison By Crime Boss’s Allies, Lawyer Says. A motion filed last week says there's no place safe in the Federal Detention Center for Jake Smith, but a judge denied releasing him on house arrest until sentencing. Civil Beat.

Oahu Condo Owners Are Debating Best Way To Limit Fire Safety Costs. After a deadly fire at the 36-story Marco Polo building in Honolulu killed four people in 2017, the city created an ordinance requiring all existing high-rise residential buildings to take steps to pass a Building and Life Safety Evaluation within seven years. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Faces Opposition Over Sale Of Public Park. The Honolulu City Council passed a resolution earlier this year approving the sale of Piikoi Mini Park, a decision that has since been criticized by community members who feel the city is offloading its responsibilities to maintain the land by simply selling it off. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Board of Water Supply seeks info about residents' water access and affordability.  Honolulu, and other communities in the U.S., are exploring the issue in collaboration with The Center for Water Security and Cooperation. Hawaii Public Radio.

State takes action following complaints of aggressive dogs at Sand Island. The state says it’s now cleared a Sand Island homeless camp that was home to a pack of dangerous dogs. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Big Isle tourism down in first half of ‘24. According to data from the Hawaii Tourism Authority, 866,173 people visited the island during the first half of 2024, a decrease of 1.6% from both the first half of 2023 and the first half of 2019, the year prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Tribune-Herald.

DOE, county seek solutions to school bus crisis. An elementary school principal whose school is one of those impacted by what the state Department of Education says is a shortage of bus drivers said suspension of service to all public schools in the Hilo-Waiakea and Ka‘u-Keaau-Pahoa Complex Areas is “an inconvenience all the way around.” Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News.  Big Island Now.

Hearing resumes on Schweitzers’ innocence in Dana Ireland case. A hearing to determine the innocence of the Schweitzer brothers in the murder of Dana Ireland is scheduled to resume Monday.  KHON2.

Final draft of 2045 General Plan released. Hawaii County released a final draft of its plan for the island’s development over the next 25 years. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui’s Mayor Has Struggled To Lead An Island Reeling From Tragedy. But Some Say He’s Getting Better. From awkward public appearances to stonewalling the media, former judge Richard Bissen has been slow to adapt to life as an elected leader.  Civil Beat.

Maui Strong Fund has paid out $109 million. The Hawaii Community Foundation has awarded over $109 million in grants over the past year to support recovery efforts from the devastating Aug. 8 wildfires on Maui. Star-Advertiser.

Restoring drinking water is latest step toward Lahaina’s recovery. Restoring safe drinking water to Lahaina is perhaps the most critical recovery milestone met in advance of Thursday’s first anniversary of the disaster. Star-Advertiser.

Gov. Green sees hope, progress since deadly Lahaina wildfires.  As Maui prepares to mark the one-year anniversary of the deadly Aug. 8 wildfires, Gov. Josh Green worries about the collective stress on the people of West Maui who continue to struggle emotionally and financially. Star-Advertiser.

A year after Maui wildfire, chronic housing shortage and pricey vacation rentals complicate recovery. Thousands on Maui have faced a year of anxious uncertainty since the Aug. 8, 2023, wildfire brought apocalyptic scenes of destruction to Lahaina, the historic former capital of the Hawaiian kingdom, forcing some survivors to flee into the ocean.  Associated Press.

Temporary housing projects moving ahead in Lahaina for displaced residents. The first dozen or so Ka Laʻi Ola temporary housing units are nearly ready for occupancy by wildfire survivors in pre-fab, futuristic NanoNest tiny homes with curved ends and floor-to-ceiling transparent walls that take advantage of views of the ocean and West Maui Mountains. Maui Now.

Displaced Lahaina students lose access to long-distance school bus routes for high school students. Some displaced Lahaina families say they are scrambling after the DOE’s announcement that more than 150 school bus routes will be suspended, including one that takes students to West Maui’s only public high school. Hawaii News Now.

Mental health needs rise on Maui. With small fires breaking out more frequently lately, mental health clinics on the Valley Isle under the state Department of Health can field 40 to 50 calls a day. But even when the power goes out or it’s a really windy day, the clinics see a surge of calls for help. Star-Advertiser.

Kula Residents Say They Have Built A Closer And More Resilient Community Since The Fire. A steady stream of volunteers has helped clean the land of debris and potential fuel for future fires. Civil Beat.

The Maui Wildfires Were Massive. These Numbers Help Us Comprehend Them. It’s been one year since four fires devastated the Valley Isle. Numbers were one of the earliest byproducts of the disaster — a way to measure the human, economic and environmental toll of an overwhelming event. Civil Beat.

Kauai

Kauai Island Utility Cooperative continues to lead state in renewable energy, officials report. For the fifth year in a row, Kauaʻi Island Utility Cooperative is leading the state in renewable generation at 57.9%. Kauai Now.

Community Emergency Response Team tests equipment and trains in Princeville. Community Emergency Response Team trailers are provided in the case of an emergency during any natural disaster and first responders cannot immediately respond to such emergency. Garden Island.

Only one way out -- state grapples with evacuation routes, 10k Maui fire claims reach $3.4B in losses, Hawaii Gas seeks 17.7% rate hike, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Is Hawaiʻi prepared for its next disaster? The state's race for emergency evacuation routes. HDOT director Ed Sniffen estimated that roughly 20% of Hawaiʻi's developed communities have only one point of ingress and egress — or only one-way in or out. About half of those communities are also in areas prone to wildfire. Hawaii Public Radio.

Over 10,000 claims due to Maui fires top $3.29B in losses and damage. Some $2.34 billion of the claims, or over 71%, were paid as of June 30, according to data released Monday by the state Insurance Division. As many as 3,782 of the claims were reported as total losses. Star-Advertiser. KHON2.

Hawaii Got a Grant To Speed Up Infrastructure For Affordable Housing But Needs Much More. A $6.6 million federal grant to help increase the supply of affordable housing in Hawaii will be primarily used to design infrastructure for high-density residential areas on the neighbor islands, including around public housing on Maui and the Big Island. Civil Beat.

Hawaiʻi Gas files utility rate adjustment with PUC for all islands. Hawaiʻi Gas files utility rate adjustment with PUC for all islands. Hawaiʻi Gas filed an application with the Hawaiʻi Public Utilities Commission on Friday requesting an average statewide increase of about 17.7% in utility rates. Maui Now. KHON2. 

Voter Service Centers open for in-person voting, same-day registration. The centers also offer same-day registration and ballot collection. Each county has at least one center open through primary election day on Saturday, Aug. 10. Hawaii Public Radio.
 

UH study finds Native Hawaiians face higher rates of accelerated biological aging. A new study by the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa discovered for the first time that Native Hawaiians experience higher accelerated biological aging in comparison to White and Japanese American residents. Hawaii News Now.   Big Island Now.

State Circuit Court rules in favor of Native Hawaiian midwives. A state Circuit Court has ruled in favor of plaintiffs challenging a Hawaii law that prevented traditional midwives from assisting in pregnancies and births without state-issued licenses. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Honolulu Officials In 2004 Had A Vision Of The City In 20 Years. The Reality Looks Much Different. As the city updates its development plan for urban Honolulu, officials hope to achieve more goals than they have since the last update. Civil Beat.

Honolulu residents invited to give feedback on urban development plan. The Honolulu City Council Committee on Planning and the Economy is working on the Primary Urban Center Development Plan to outline growth through 2040. Hawaii Public Radio.

Shidler gives $1 million to launch UH Cancer Center Director’s Innovation Fund. University of Hawaii alumnus and philanthropist Jay H. Shidler is donating $1 million to the University of Hawaii Cancer Center. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Big Island Police Didn’t Have Probable Cause To Arrest Albert Lauro Jr. of Hawaiian Paradise Park For Dana Ireland’s Murder, Chief Says. Hawaii Police Department Chief Benjamin Moszkowicz said Monday that his department didn’t have probable cause to arrest the former “Unknown Male No. 1” for the Christmas Eve 1991 murder of Dana Ireland in lower Puna. Tribune-Herald. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii Public Radio.  Big Island Now.  Hawaii News Now.  KHON2. KITV4.

County’s eminent domain plan heads to court. A plan by Hawaii County to take private land in Puna in order to restore Pohoiki Road has gone to court. Tribune-Herald.

Neighbors of Punalu‘u project seek contested case. In May, the Punalu‘u Village project — a 225-unit resort community to be built on a 147-acre parcel in Punalu‘u mauka of the black sand beach there — stalled after two different groups of Ka‘u residents successfully appealed for a contested case against the project during a meeting of the Windward Planning Commission. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Researchers Face Funding Gap In Effort To Study Long-Term Health Of Maui Fire Survivors. The University of Hawaii team is having to recalibrate plans after the governor vetoed a wildfire omnibus bill, setting back efforts to follow a larger cohort of survivors. Civil Beat.

New ferry routes proposal gaining support in Maui County. Maui County residents are weighing in this week about a proposed county-run ferry service between Maui, Lanai, and Molokai. It comes after mounting complaints about a need for transportation between the county. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai

Voter Service Center opens in Lihu‘e. Harold and Rose Matsunaga whipped out their voting receipt on Monday as the couple strolled up the ramp leading to the Voter Service Center, which opened on Monday for the 2024 Primary Election. Garden Island.

Kapa‘a and Waimea swimming pools to resume regular hours July 30. The Kapa‘a and Waimea swimming pools will resume their regular hours starting July 30, according to the county of Kaua‘i Department of Parks and Recreation. Kauai Now.