Federal grant cuts, lawsuit threaten Native Hawaiian education, millions in Superferry debt still lingers, city leaders want Skyline to extend to university, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaiʻi Colleges Face Loss Of Federal Grants For Minority Students. The U.S. Department of Education terminated several grant programs on Wednesday supporting universities with high proportions of minority students, including Asians and Native Hawaiians. Civil Beat.

Amid backlash, lawmakers defend mainland trip over Kamehameha Schools’ admissions policy. State Sen. Brenton Awa and Rep. Diamond Garcia traveled to Virginia to try to convince conservative activist Edward Blum not to challenge Kamehameha Schools’ admissions policy.  Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii still paying millions for Superferry debt 16 years after closure. The Hawaii Superferry has been out of commission for over 15 years, but its financial wake is still hitting the State. KHON2.

Surge In Inmate Suicides Take Toll On Hawaiʻi Taxpayers, Too. Six legal claims are pending over people who killed themselves behind bars, with more to come. Civil Beat.

Data project provides public with information about U.S. immigration enforcement. The Deportation Data Project is a group of professors and lawyers who successfully sued the federal agency for the data on ICE encounters, arrests, and detentions across the country. They’ve made their data accessible to the public. Hawaii Public Radio.

Community meetings at public libraries to discuss Hawaiʻi’s Climate Plan this month. Community meetings at public libraries to discuss Hawaiʻi’s Climate Plan this month. he Hawaiʻi Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission (CCMAC) is partnering with state libraries this month to host a series of community talk-story sessions on the draft Climate Action Pathways (CAP), a plan designed to guide Hawaiʻi toward a safer, healthier and more affordable future. Maui Now.

Hawaiʻi Gov. Green orders flags to fly at half-staff for Patriot Day. Hawaiʻi Gov. Josh Green has ordered the United States and Hawaiʻi state flags to be flown at half-staff at the State Capitol, all state agencies and offices, and at Hawaiʻi National Guard facilities across Hawaiʻi in honor of Patriot Day. Big Island Now.

E-bike bill veto leaves road safety gap, House Transportation panel chair says. House Transportation Committee Chair Darius Kila says he’s deeply disappointed with Gov. Josh Green’s veto of House Bill 958, which would have encouraged safe riding of electric bicycles on Hawaiʻi roadways. Maui Now.

Diana Birkett Rakow named new Hawaiian Airlines CEO. Birkett Rakow, who is currently serving as Alaska Airlines’ senior vice president of public affairs and sustainability, will take over  on Oct. 29 and will be based in Honolulu, the second largest hub for Alaska Airlines. Star-Advertiser. Big Island Now.

Can This Tree Still Save Us? In Some Places It’s Barely Hanging On. ʻUlu, bia, uru, mā: Breadfruit has been lauded as a climate-resilient solution to world food security. That’s not proving true in the Marshall Islands, where some have relied on it for centuries. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Honolulu City Council bill pushes for Skyline to reach UH Manoa.  Bill 60, which the Council recently adopted on the first of three readings, would authorize the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation to conduct planning and preliminary engineering for the rail line to possibly branch for another 3.2 miles beyond its current terminus in Kakaako, to a spot near UH’s 2500 Campus Road address. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii considering anti-squatter law to protect homeowners, cut eviction times. An Oahu landlord who won a court ruling in July to get his delinquent tenants evicted is still waiting for sheriffs to kick them out. His ordeal is shining a light on a problem with Hawaii’s laws to prevent squatting. Hawaii News Now.

City plans for massive crowd in Waikiki for Saturday concert. City officials and Honolulu police are preparing for over 30,000 people to descend on the Tom Moffatt Waikiki Shell and Kapiolani Park on Saturday for the “Fiji Tribute Concert” honoring the late singer George “Fiji” Veikoso. Star-Advertiser. KHON2.  KITV4. 

Hawaii Island

'Return, reconnect, and remember': Native Hawaiian ʻohana gets ownership of ancestral land. A Native Hawaiian nonprofit has successfully preserved Hawaiʻi Island land for generations to come. ‘Anaeho‘omalu Kapalaoa, a 27-acre plot of land in Waikoloa Beach Resort, will now be permanently protected by Nā ‘Ōiwi O Pu‘uanahulu, a Native Hawaiian descendant-led nonprofit. Hawaii Public Radio.

Scientists search West Hawaiʻi for fresh water beneath the ocean floor. Scientists recently completed a two-week expedition along the west coast of Hawaiʻi Island. Their goal is to see if there is fresh water below the ocean and, if so, how much. Hawaii Public Radio.

Drought continues to grip Hamakua; brush fire mostly contained. According  to Hawaii County Fire Chief Kazuo Todd, the drought is a factor — perhaps the most significant one — in a brush fire that has burned in Hamakua, including the Manowaiale‘e Forest Reserve, the past several days. Tribune-Herald.

Drones Treat Palm Trees At Kohanaiki To Stop CRB Spread. The battle to prevent the coconut rhinoceros beetle from becoming established on Hawai‘i Island continues in Kona. Big Island Video News. Hawaii News Now.  KITV4. 

Maui

Maui Land & Pineapple looks at selling Valley Isle water assets. Maui Land &Pineapple Co. is looking to sell or lease its water sources and infrastructure assets amid a historic drought and a lawsuit over irrigation access, according to a U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission filing. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. 

Hawaiʻi Supreme Court reaffirms water advocates' rights to challenge stream water diversion permits. The Hawaiʻi Supreme Court has ruled that the Sierra Club of Hawaiʻi was improperly denied the ability to contest one-year revocable permits that allow the diversion of millions of gallons of water from east Maui streams. Hawaii Public Radio.

State leaders scramble to save Sentry golf tournament at Kapalua. State leaders say they’re scrambling to try to keep the PGA’s Sentry Tournament of Champions at Kapalua. Or at the very least, keep it in Hawaii. Meanwhile, the landowner involved in the dispute is open to giving up the land. KHON2.

Hawaiian homestead agency amps up ‘paper lease’ program. The state Department of Hawaiian Home Lands plans to award more than 1,000 leases for future homesteads on Maui later this year, representing the agency’s biggest move yet to provide beneficiaries with residential lots using a historic 2022 legislative appropriation. Star-Advertiser. Maui News.  Maui Now. 

Wildfires Create Long-Term Academic Challenges For Students. Students’ academic progress since the 2018 California wildfires indicates that Lahaina schools may face a long road to recovery. Civil Beat.

Kauai

Proposals for Kauaʻi Innovation Grants for FY 2025-2026 are available for public review.  Proposals submitted for the Fiscal Year 2025–2026 Innovation Grants program now are available for review and feedback from the public as part of the selection process, the Kauai’i County Office of Economic Development announced.  Kauai Now.

Kaua’i residents advised to prepare for temporary water service shutdown. The Department of Water has scheduled a temporary water service shutdown for parts of Hauaala Road (valley side), Makamaka Street, and Keapana Road in Kapa’a. The shutdown is scheduled for Sept. 11 from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Kauai Now.

Hurricane Kiko maintains northwest track, group targets Kamehameha Schools admission policy, East-West Center to receive $6.5M federal funds previously withheld, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hurricane Kiko expected to approach Hawaiʻi in early to middle part of next week. As of 5 a.m. on Friday, it was about 1,245 miles south-southeast of Hilo. It is expected to cross into the central Pacific basin Friday night. Maui Now. Kauai Now.  Hawaii News Now.  KITV4.

‘Subdued’ economic growth for Hawaii forecast through 2026.  High global import tariffs and federal government policy uncertainties are expected to keep Hawaii’s economy in slow-growth mode for the next few years, according to a new state forecast from the  state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii joins West Coast Health Alliance to form own policies. Hawaii has joined forces with the newly launched West Coast Health Alliance, which includes California, Oregon, and Washington. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Kamehameha Schools’ Admission Policies May Face Legal Challenge. An anti-affirmative action group wants the school to end its policy of giving preference to Native Hawaiians. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now. KITV4. 

Oahu

East-West Center to receive federal funds before end of fiscal year. The East-West Center (EWC) is set to receive some of its federal funding that was previously held by the Trump Administration.The center said $6.5 million in funding that was allocated by Congress is expected to arrive before the end of the fiscal year. Hawaii News Now.

Navy and NPS begin removing platforms from USS Arizona.  The U.S. Navy and National Park Service began operations to remove two World War II-era mooring platforms from the USS Arizona on Wednesday. Star-Advertiser. Big Island Now.

Man pleads not guilty to starting Kunia Road fire. A 70-year-old arson suspect Thursday pleaded not guilty to second-degree arson in a wildland fire along Kunia Road that broke out Aug. 23, but he has not been charged with a Haleiwa fire that was set the same day. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu EMS Director Defends Decision To Drive Wrong Way On H-1 Freeway. Honolulu Department of Emergency Services Director Jim Ireland was driving an official EMS vehicle toward Thomas Square and the Blaisdell Center to follow up on homeless complaints when he witnessed a man get hit by a car on Ward Avenue at around 11 a.m. on Aug. 27, Ireland said Thursday. Civil Beat.

Oahu homeowner shares costly eviction process after dealing with tenants who refuse to pay rent. A costly lesson for an Oahu man who used Facebook Marketplace to rent out a family property and has spent months in court to get it back from tenants who refuse to pay rent. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu Marathon entries race past last year's numbers. The Honolulu Marathon is just three months away, but it’s already on track for record-breaking numbers. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Island

County likely to delay STVR registration law until March. Hawaii County’s new law to regulate short-term vacation rentals — rentals lasting less than 180 consecutive days — is set to take effect Dec. 20 but will likely be pushed back to the end of March to give operators more time to comply. Tribune-Herald.

The weather theme for Hawaiʻi in August is ‘dry, drier and driest’. Most of Hawaiʻi Island was below average rainfall for August, with the seasonable exception of the leeward coast/slopes of the Kohala and Kona districts which turned in another month with many sites near to above average, according to the National Weather Service. Big Island Now. 

Big Island council and public testimony want Pōhakuloa military training to stop. The Hawaiʻi County Council has passed a resolution signaling that it wants to end the military’s presence at the Pōhakuloa Training Area — or at least task the military with taking better care of the land. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaiʻi Island grant program invites food security organizations to apply. The Food Basket and Hawaiʻi County’s Department of Research and Development announced a $500,000 grant program to fight the island’s food insecurity issue. Grants are available to existing projects that strengthen food security and economic resilience. Hawaii Public Radio. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii Community College announces two new deans. Carrie Mospens has been named dean of career and technical education, and Jace Saplan has been named dean of liberal arts. Tribune-Herald. 

Maui

Water restrictions put starting of 2026 PGA Tour in question. The billionaire owner of Kapalua Golf said Maui Land & Pineapple Co.’s move to cut off irrigation water Aug. 29 puts preparations for the start of the 2026 Professional Golfers Association Tour at the Plantation Course in jeopardy. Star-Advertiser. Associated Press.

Maui council seeks solutions to address homelessness in new bill. Maui County leaders are taking another look at how to handle homeless encampments. Councilmember Gabe Johnson says his new proposal, Bill 111, is designed to bring more compassion and consistency to the process. Hawaii News Now.

Nonprofits Want To Help Maui Fire Victims — If They Can Reach Them. Limited communications and continued grief have made it more challenging for nonprofits to connect with survivors who could most benefit from their services. Civil Beat.

Theft of shipping container stalls ocean cleanup efforts. A 20-foot long shipping container used as a key link for removing marine debris from Maui’s beaches has been stolen. Maui News. Maui Now.  Hawaii News Now. 

Kauai

Office of Elections pushes back on allegations it overcounted hundreds of 2024 Kauaʻi ballots. Earlier this summer, a permitted interaction group, or PIG, within the state Elections Commission put out a report accusing the Office of Elections of overcounting 600-plus ballots received in Kauaʻi County during the 2024 election. Hawaii Public Radio.

$51M+ federal grant funding heading to Līhuʻe Airport. The U.S. Department of Transportation awarded Hawaiʻi $51,315,736 in federal grant funding for improvements on Kaua‘i. KHON2.

Use It Or Lose It? Kauaʻi Wants Robinson Resort Land Back To Agriculture. Developers have failed to start construction on the 250-room project for the past two decades. Civil Beat.

KPD provides alternative contact numbers amid technical issue. The Kaua‘i Police Department is alerting the public to intermittent outages affecting its non-emergency phone line due to an ongoing technical issue. Kauai Now.

Hawaiian Independence Day could become 14th state holiday, federal raids on Kona coffee farms raise concerns, longtime UH sports announcer Bobby Curran dies at 69, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Senators push bipartisan holiday bill. The list of annual state holidays in Hawaii could grow by one under legislation that easily passed a milestone last week. State senators voted 25-0 to approve and send to the House of Representatives a bill that would make Nov. 28 La Ku‘oko‘a, or Hawaiian Independence Day, as Hawaii’s 14th official state holiday. Star-Advertiser.

Hōkūleʻa events celebrate 50 years of preserving Polynesian wayfinding. Hōkūleʻa reached a milestone birthday this Saturday, celebrating 50 years. To honor Hawaiʻi’s "Star of Gladness," festivities across Oʻahu this week will reflect on the double-hulled canoe's beginnings and profound impact as a precious link to the past through the seafaring people who came first to the islands. Hawaii Public Radio. Hawaii News Now.

Trump tariffs expected to weaken isle tourism. Economist Paul Brewbaker, principal of TZ Economics, is concerned that tariff-related trade wars could hurt Hawaii’s bread-and-butter U.S. consumers, who ultimately will pay more for goods and serv­ices, causing them to pull back on luxury and long-haul travel. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiʻi’s Smallest Elementary Schools Could Face Closure. The Hawaiʻi Board of Education is looking for ways to reduce costs as enrollment continues to decline statewide.  Civil Beat.

Plan to raise hotel room tax for climate change among surviving bills. A bill that would generate new revenue for the state to address climate change and reduce the risk of future wildfires by increasing the state hotel room tax remains alive at the midpoint of the 2025 Hawaii legislative session. Perennial efforts to allow different forms of gambling, such as a lottery, and legalize adult recreational marijuana use, however, once again appear dead, among hundreds of other bills that have stalled. Star-Advertiser.

Still no clear answer for combating Hawaiʻi physician shortage.  A bill requiring local medical school graduates to work as physicians in Hawaiʻi for two years after graduation has died in the Legislature. Hawaii Public Radio.

Parents seek flexibility in preschool subsidies. Bills advancing through the state Legislature aim to support families with preschool-age children, but many parents are calling for greater flexibility in qualifying for child care subsidies. Their concerns center around strict requirements, including income limits and age eligibility, which some argue do not reflect the harsh financial realities facing struggling families. Star-Advertiser.

Trump's funding cuts create challenges for University of Hawaiʻi research. The University of Hawaiʻi's research enterprise is a $605 million operation, but UH is now facing significant challenges. So far, 30 stop work orders have halted more than $30 million in contracts.  Hawaii Public Radio.

‘Damning’ Report: Hawaiʻi Falls Short Helping Inmates Reenter Society. The study says the lack of effective reentry programs is one reason so many inmates get in trouble again soon after release. Civil Beat.

Wildfire mitigation: Bringing out the sheep, goats to keep vegetation in check. U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono, D-Hawaii, joined other senators in introducing the measure in February to promote research on grazing and how it can support fuels reduction, wildfire mitigation and post-fire recovery. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

City Council discusses helping with cesspool conversion. The City Council is advancing a measure to use the climate resiliency fund, supported by 0.5% of the city’s estimated annual real property tax revenue,  to convert outdated cesspools on Oahu, possibly to more updated sewer systems. Star-Advertiser.

Lawmakers hope military property could solve landfill deadlock. The city has said if lawmakers rule out the Wahiawa site, there is no choice left but to expand Waimanalo Gulch, which some westside lawmakers suspect was the plan all along. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu developer mulls design, funding options for Aloha Stadium. A replacement for Aloha Stadium may be built on parts of the existing condemned facility in Halawa as a way to reduce costs and help meet a 2028 opening timetable. The strategy is being considered by the project’s tentative developer to produce a “basic” 25,000-seat sports and entertainment complex estimated to cost $450 million. Star-Advertiser.

Bobby Curran, long-time voice of Rainbow sports, dies at 69. Curran, who grew up in Long Island, N.Y., was the play-by-play announcer for more than 400 broadcasts in 32 football seasons. He also was host of the popular sports talk show, “The Bobby Curran Show.” Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.  KHON2.  KITV4.

Hawaii Island

Alarm Sounded Over Big Island Police Pacts With Federal Immigration Agency. The memorandums of understanding have existed for years but in the new Trump era they are red flags for immigrants and their advocates, especially after Kona raids last week. Civil Beat.

Island posts extremely low rainfall totals for February. Hilo International Airport, for example, received just 0.75 inches of rain for the entire month. That’s 7% of its usual 10.22 inches of rain for February.  Tribune-Herald. Big Island Now.

Waimea residents blast rezoning request; decision postponed. For years, developer Ka‘upulehu Land LLC has requested a zoning change for a parcel of land on Mamalahoa Highway in Waimea, about one mile east of its intersection with Kawaihae Road. Tribune-Herald.

Hospital expansion on schedule for ’26. Almost one year into construction at the Hilo Benioff Medical Center, everything is “on track” with the expansion of the main hospital and the East Hawai’i Clinic facilities across the street. Tribune-Herald.

How to save the animals? Big Island alliance trains responders to be prepared for the next big natural disaster. The loss of many beloved animals, big and small, in the traumatic 2018 Kilauea eruption planted in many residents an urge for knowledge about how to rescue pets and livestock during disasters. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Mayor Bissen delivers 2025 State of the County Address, focuses on housing, recovery. Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen delivered his third State of the County Address at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center’s Castle Theater on Friday, expressing renewed hope for residents and progress made in the year and half after the 2023 Maui wildfires. Maui Now. KITV4.

Flip-flopping tariffs create confusion, price uncertainty for builders in Lahaina. For local contractors and suppliers, the flip-flopping tariff policy and escalating feud between the United States and two of its biggest trading partners have created uncertainty and potential price spikes at a time when Maui is rebuilding from the 2023 wildfires. Maui Now.

Maui residents out of jobs funded by National Dislocated Workers Grant program. Federal funding cuts have hit close to home for Maui residents — a grant program that supported wildfire recovery efforts has been terminated. More than 130 Maui residents received notices on Feb. 24 that their jobs ended, effective immediately. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kauai

Kauai County reaches COVID hazard pay settlement with police union. The union representing Kauai Police Department officers reached a settlement agreement with the county over COVID-19 hazard pay with initial payouts of approximately $20,000 coming in the next four to five months if the Kauai County Council votes to accept it. Star-Advertiser.

‘Ready, set, go!’: New playgrounds open at Pacific Missile Range Facility Child Development Center. A ribbon-cutting ceremony March 4 officially opened two new playgrounds at the Barking Sands facility in Kekaha following 4 months of demolition and construction. Kauai Now. Garden Island.

Prison guards stressed from staff shortages, former Speaker Saiki finds government job, Legislature mulls toll roads, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Report: Hawai‘i Prison Guards Face ‘Unsustainable’ Working Conditions. Staff vacancies require corrections officers to work at least 16- or 24-hour shifts, and the mandatory overtime takes a toll. A new report on Hawai‘i’s understaffed prisons and jails warns many of the guards are exhausted and struggling with psychological and other health issues, with nearly one in 10 correctional officers saying they seriously contemplated suicide in the past year. Civil Beat. KHON2.

Saiki returns to help control insurance coverage, costs. Former House Speaker Scott Saiki has returned to state government service following his 2024 election defeat — this time to help consumers obtain and afford homeowner’s insurance. For the last several weeks, Saiki has served as a special assistant with the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, which has a mandate to protect Hawaii consumers. Star-Advertiser.

New bill paves the way for toll roads in Hawaii. Toll roads are a foreign concept to Hawaii drivers, but a new bill (SB217) could pave the way for them in the islands giving the Department of Transportation (DOT) tolling authority, focusing first on a very popular, and problematic, highway on Maui. KHON2.

Native Hawaiian leaders object to Trump’s ‘race-blind’ actions. In the last 48 hours, President Donald Trump has swept away diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, halted civil rights investigations, and eliminated White House initiatives to bring minority groups to the table, including an initiative for Native Hawaiian, Asian American and Pacific Islander access to White House decision-making. Now Native Hawaiian leaders fear programs that directly support their community could be next. Hawaii News Now.

Alaska Air’s profit rises despite costly acquisition. Alaska Air Group posted stronger-than-expected earnings Wednesday in its first full quarter report filed since its merger with Hawaiian Airlines, which it anticipates will help generate $1 billion in additional pretax profit over the next three years. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

City, state take action on fireworks crackdown. To prevent tragedies like the New Year’s Aliamanu fireworks explosion that killed four people and injured dozens, city and state officials are mulling stricter legal penalties for those caught using, buying and selling illegal fireworks throughout Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

How Honolulu Crime Boss Mike Miske Fed The Illegal Fireworks Market. Miske’s operation sold thousands of fireworks to dealers on Oʻahu between 2008 and 2010. Civil Beat.

Hilton Hawaiian seeks key permits for new tower. Hilton Hawaiian Village got mixed reviews Wednesday at a hearing to seek two critical permits needed to construct its planned Ala Moana Boulevard Tower that will add approximately 515 rooms to what is already Waikiki’s largest resort property. Star-Advertiser.

City holds Honolulu lifeguard recruit tryouts. The city is opening up tryouts Jan. 31 and Feb. 1 at Ala Moana Beach Park. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Brothers Exonerated In Dana Ireland Murder Case Sue Hawai’i County Police. Albert Ian and Shawn Schweitzer say police framed them for the 1991 rape and murder of a tourist on the Big Island. Civil Beat.  Associated Press. Tribune-Herald.  Hawaii News Now.

Mayor Alameda Presents To State Lawmakers. Hawaiʻi County Mayor Kimo Alameda was on Oʻahu Tuesday, making the annual presentation to state lawmakers at the start of the legislative session. The biggest funding concern for Hawaiʻi island is regarding the Big Island's wastewater infrastructure, Mayor Alameda told the joint committee. Big Island Video News.

Hawaiʻi County Council measure asks state to consider humane avian flu control methods. The Hawaiʻi County Council has introduced a resolution urging the state Department of Agriculture to work with local poultry farmers to develop a comprehensive plan to manage the flu. It heard the resolution in a council committee meeting on Tuesday. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kilauea Summit Eruption Resumes As Episode 5 Begins. Kīlauea is once again erupting at the summit caldera within Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Big Island Video News. KITV4.

Maui

Maui airport gets $62M upgrade. Hawaii transportation officials unveiled a newly expanded passenger hold room at Kahului Airport on Wednesday. The new 17,000-square-foot space, which serves gates 1 to 15 in the airport’s southern concourse, can seat nearly 500 passengers. Hawaii News Now.

Hale Mahaolu plans to redevelop Lahaina Surf and Front Street Apartments. Hale Mahaolu, a nonprofit affordable housing provider, has announced plans to redevelop its Lahaina Surf property, and the Front Street Apartments, which is owned by the Hawai‘i Housing Finance and Development Corporation. The redevelopment projects are expected to provide 304 units of family housing for Maui residents. Maui Now.

At least 450 residents moved off Maui after the fires, UHERO says. The University of Hawai‘i Economic Research Organization estimates at least 430 to 510 residents have moved out of state because of the fire, and the island's population was reduced by at least 1,000 individuals. That's due to migration, as well as fewer people moving in. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kauai

Vacant lot in Līhu‘e sells for $13.25 million; new owner plans to build U-Haul center. An Arizona-based company purchased 11 acres of vacant land fronting Kūhiō Highway in Līhu‘e for $13.25 million, with plans to build a new U-Haul center, according to the commercial real estate firm that handled the sale for the seller. Kauai Now.

State legislator among 10 arrested in Kapiolani nurses strike, state economy still feeling pandemic shock, Kilauea eruption ends, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Honolulu police arrest 10 demonstrators outside Kapi‘olani hospital. Those arrested outside the hospital included recently elected state Rep. Kim Coco Iwamoto, Democrat candidate for state House Ikaika Hussey, and John Witeck and Sergio Alcubilla of the Hawaii Workers Center. Star-Advertiser. Associated Press. KHON2.  KITV4.  Hawaii News Now.

Hawaiʻi has yet to recover to pre-pandemic job numbers, report says. As of July, the number of payroll jobs in the state was still about 3.5% short of where it was before the pandemic. Louisiana, Maryland and Washington, D.C., are the only other areas in the nation that have yet to recover to their pre-COVID job numbers, according to the latest forecast report from the University of Hawaiʻi's Economic Research Organization. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaiian Electric slumps after disclosing $500M stock offer. Hawaiian Electric Industries Inc. disclosed Monday plans to sell up to $500 million worth of its common stock to help fund its part of the Maui wildfire settlement, sending its shares down over 9% in extended trading. Reuters.

Suspect accused in Trump shooting attempt wrote letter detailing plans. The Hawaii man accused in the assassination attempt of Donald Trump at a golf course in Florida left behind a note detailing his plans to kill the former president and kept in his car a handwritten list of dates and venues where Trump was to appear, the Justice Department said Monday. (video only). Hawaii News Now.

Architecture branch manager selected as new State Historic Preservation Administrator. Jessica Puff has been chosen to lead the DLNR State Historical Preservation Division succeeding Dr. Alan Downer who retired earlier this year. Maui News.

Two Native Hawaiians appointed to the President’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders. President Biden has announced his intent to appoint two Native Hawaiians to the President’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders. Kamana‘opono M. Crabbe and Krystal Ka‘ai were selected as commissioners of the advisory commission. Maui Now.

 Rule change will increase food aid for Hawaii families. Internal rule change at the state Department of Human Serv­ices will mean 13,000 to 14,000 Hawaii households will be eligible for another $40 million to $45 million — or an average of $3,200 a year — in SNAP benefits, commonly known as food stamps. Star-Advertiser.  Civil Beat.

Local military lab reaches milestone in identifying unknown Korean War soldiers. Thanks to emerging technology and the staff at the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, many families now have closure. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

City Council to review $5M toward potential hazard pay. A city-initiated resolution that urges the Honolulu City Council to reprogram about $5 million in federal COVID- 19 pandemic funds for “revenue replacement” is under review this week. Star-Advertiser.

Downtown Honolulu offices become rental housing with city help. The project used a city affordable-housing subsidy program to help convert a seven-­story office building at 1060 Bishop St. into 52 apartments ranging from studios to two-bedroom units reserved for households earning no more than 80% of Honolulu’s median income. Star-Advertiser.

After years of debate, official says city is 'very close' to naming new landfill site. Honolulu Department of Environmental Services Director Roger Babcock said the city is considering multiple sites. It includes ones that have been excluded in the past and other locations that would require changes to state law. Hawaii Public Radio.

Concrete reefs to be deployed off Oʻahu in a $27 million coastal protection project to slow wave energy, promote coral growth. The first prototype of a concrete reef structure will be placed in the ocean off Windward Oʻahu later this year or early next. Hawaii Public Radio.

$20 million verdict in Ewa marina case is restored on appeal.  huge jury verdict has been restored over scuttled plans for a marina in Ewa Beach. An appeals court says the developer must pay well over $20 million to homeowners who said they were deceived. Hawaii News Now.


Hawaii Island

Kilauea’s latest eruption declared over; alert levels lowered. HVO lowered its volcano alert level for ground-based hazards from “watch” to “advisory,” and the aviation color code from orange to yellow. Star-Advertiser. Big Island Now. Hawaii News Now.

Former Peace Corps volunteers return to E. Hawaii after 60 years. The cohort of about 100 completed its training here before deploying to Malaysia, some as teachers, others as nurses — and all with a mindset to make the world a better place, one community at a time. Tribune-Herald.

Coconut rhinoceros beetle found on Big Island. The State Department of Agriculture reports a single coconut rhinoceros beetle (CRB) was found in a trap this week during routine monitoring in Waikoloa on the Big Island.  Big Island Now.

State awards $70K specialty crop grant to nonprofit Malama Sanctuary. The replanting of awa — a canoe plant named Piper methysticum and known elsewhere as kava — would make the beverage more accessible to residents and, at the same time, give growers in the isles a culturally relevant crop to cultivate. Star-Advertiser.

Maui

Diane Yogi named Deputy Director of County Department of Transportation. Diane Yogi, who has worked for the County of Maui Department of Transportation since its creation in 2003, has been appointed the departmentʻs deputy director. Her start date was Sept. 3. Maui News. Maui Now.

Alleged threat made toward Maui high school prompts increased police presence. Baldwin High students and staff will notice a larger police presence on and around campus on Monday after an alleged threat was made against the school. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai

Fire mitigation work scheduled for portion of Ninini Point starting Sept. 23. The county’s Public Information Office said the necessary work will allow various crews to cut and maintain vegetation and remove debris, including abandoned vehicles, that are on the property. Kauai Now.

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.

Census shows most Native Hawaiians now live outside Hawaii, Green vows Maui residents won't be displaced by tourists, school enrollment flat, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

US Census shows majority of Native Hawaiians now live outside of Hawaii. According to the 2020 Census, 46.7% of Native Hawaiians or part Hawaiians lived in Hawaii, compared to 55% in 2010. Hawaii News Now.

Green Promises West Maui Residents Won’t Be Displaced By Tourism’s Return. Officials say visitor demand to the Valley Isle is very low and Lahaina fire survivors will continue to be housed in area hotels as needed. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser.  Tribune-Herald.  Big Island Video News.  Maui Now.  Hawaii News Now.

University of Hawaii report details ‘heavy blow’ to Maui’s economy after fires. Wildfires have delivered a “heavy blow” to Maui’s economy and will exert costs on the county and state that will last well into the future, according to a University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization report released today. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Maui Now.  Garden Island.

Maui to host PGA Tour opener in January, 5 months after deadly fires. The PGA Tour is returning to Maui to start the new season with the Sentry Tournament of Champions at Kapalua, five months after deadly wildfires destroyed nearby Lahaina and killed at least 97 people. Associated Press.

Little change in enrollment at Hawaii public schools. The number of students enrolled is 167,649, compared with an enrollment of 168,634 students at the start of last school year — a difference of 0.6%, the DOE said in a new release. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now.

Regaining public trust could be an uphill battle for the state Water Commission. After 12 hours of deliberation and public testimony at the monthly meeting of the state Commission on Water Resource Management (CWRM), it was clear that regaining the public's trust could be an uphill battle for Commission Chair Dawn Chang and Gov. Josh Green. Hawaii Public Radio.

Native Hawaiian churches urge investigation into missionary role in federal boarding schools. The history of Christianity in Hawaiʻi is a complicated one. And now parts of that history have led to an investigation by the United Church of Christ.  Hawaii Public Radio.

Reduced light and caution urged during turtle nesting season.  The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and other agencies are asking the public to be on the lookout for turtles on local beaches this nesting season, which began in mid-April and continues through September but can last as late as December. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Honolulu Police Chief Had A Good 1st Year But There’s ‘Room To Grow,’ Eval Says. The police commission largely praised Chief Joe Logan's job performance but said he can do better with communications. Civil Beat.

City to hold public hearing on proposed rule changes for shore water events. Shore water events include surf contests, canoe regattas, triathlons and swim races. Hawaii News Now.

Criminals beware: New Chinatown camera system boasts next-level surveillance. Phase one of the city’s upgraded Chinatown surveillance system is now online. It boasts state-of-the-art capabilities like 360-degree coverage, on-screen tracking and much more. KHON2.

Bidding Deadline For The Last Major Honolulu Rail Contract Is Extended. HART blamed state licensing delays, but the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs says there is no backlog. Civil Beat.

State agency disputes HART CEO’s comments over delays.  The state agency that licenses construction industry contractors says recent claims that the Maui wildfire disaster has caused long delays within its application system that have hampered the progress of the Skyline project to Kakaako are unfounded. Star-Advertiser.

Prosecutor handling Hawaii Loa murder case is fired. Honolulu Prosecutor Steve Alm this week fired the deputy prosecutor handling the case against the man accused of murdering a Hawaii Loa Ridge resident and concealing the body in a cement-filled bathtub. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Kailua Post Office suffering from lack of cleaning. The local President of the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) Branch 5516 that represents letter carriers assigned to the Kailua-Kona Post Office says the lack of janitorial services has created unsightly and unhealthy work conditions. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaiʻi County Provides Resource Hub For Displaced Maui Residents. In tandem with Governor Green’s announcement on finding longer-term housing options for displaced Maui residents, the County of Hawaiʻi unveiled a virtual resource hub to assist. Big Island Video News.

Paving work starts on Waikōloa Road next week. Work on the long-awaited $26 million Waikōloa Road Rehabilitation Project is a reason to celebrate for many people. Big Island Now.

Maui

Passes to Maui disaster zone now available. Thirty-six street addresses are included in the first residential zone to reopen to property owners and residents who will be able to see for themselves the destruction left behind by the deadly Aug. 8 Lahaina wildfire. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.  Maui News.  Maui Now.

Hawaiian Electric begins restoration work in Lahaina at request of Maui Emergency Operations Center.  The work will restore power to wastewater pumps and telecommunication services and improve electrical service reliability to surrounding residents and neighborhoods. Maui Now.

How a Maui PD officer worked with community to open an evacuation route. Alfredo Malapira is grateful to the Maui County PD officer who acted decisively on Aug. 8, opening a closed off route leading to Old Stuart Road (off of Keawe Street), at the urging of the community. KITV4.

Kauai

Corteva Agriscience grants awarded to local schools. The schools — King Kaumuali‘i Elementary School, Kalaheo Elementary School, Kaua‘i High School and Waimea Canyon Middle School and Waimea High School — all received their Corteva Agriscience grant moneys as part of the $35,000 total awarded by Corteva Agriscience for 2023. Garden Island.

Kaua‘i led counties in hotel performance last month, new report shows. Kaua‘i hotels came out on top last month, according to the Hawai‘i Hotel Performance Report published by the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority. Kauai Now.

New state laws address highway safety, driver's licenses, shoreline protection; Honolulu rail CEO wants tax extended, Kauai managing director moves to Schatz' office, beers created from rice, ti root, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaiʻi Roadway Safety Bills Signed Into Law. Seven bills relating to roadway safety in Hawaiʻi were signed into law by Governor Josh Green on Thursday, during a ceremony on Oʻahu. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now.

A new law makes driver license renewal easier. You will eventually be able to renew your driver’s license online or by mail. It was a bill that Governor Josh Green, M.D. signed into law on Thursday, July 6. KHON2.

Increased fines, drones to protect Hawaii shorelines . Governor signs measures to boost coastal management, enforcement.  Gov. Josh Green signed a handful of bills Thursday related to coastal protection. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

In fight against erosion, new legal weapon targets homeowners who go rogue. As ocean levels rise, new rules give the state more power to keep people from breaking the law to protect their properties from erosion. Hawaii News Now.

Preschool educators stipend program finally launches.  Despite a two-year wait to fully launch Hawaii’s first public stipend program for early-childhood educators, state officials are hopeful that it will make big strides toward solving a chronic and severe shortage of teachers and caregivers for keiki ages 0 to 5. Star-Advertiser.

DOE spent $168M on bell and alarm system, but more than half of schools still don’t have it. More than half of Hawaii’s 255 public schools rely on aging bell, alarm and P.A. systems due to delays in installing promised high-tech upgrades. Hawaii News Now.

Civil rights attorney to file class action against Hawaii education, health departments. A Honolulu attorney says he's a few weeks away from filing a class action lawsuit against the state over special education services. KITV4.

President’s commission meeting in Hawaii OKs broad set of recommendations. For the first time, the President’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders convened for its quarterly meeting outside of Washington, D.C. Star-Advertiser.

Native Hawaiians discuss housing challenges with U.S. HUD Secretary.  The visit served as an opportunity for HUD Secretary Marcia Fudge, U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono, U.S. Rep. Jill Tokuda and HUD Regional Administrator Jason Pu to listen to the struggles, successes and valuable feedback shared by the community.  Big Island Now.

Hawaii, Honolulu score $4M for climate action plans. The funding — $1 million to Honolulu and $3 million to the state — was announced Thursday in Honolulu by Environmental Protection Agency Regional Administrator Martha Guzman. Star-Advertiser.

83,000 Hawaii homes dispose of sewage in cesspools. Hawaii has 83,000 cesspools — more than any other state — and about 20% are less than 0.6 mile from shore. Six years ago, Hawaii mandated the removal of all cesspools by 2050. Associated Press.

Oahu

Honolulu City Council trio needed to reject 64% pay raises in writing. In the days leading up to the controversial start of the salary increases for Hono­lulu’s top elected and appointed officials, Council members Augie Tulba, Andria Tupola and Radiant Cordero were each required to submit a memorandum to the city stating their rejection to the expected $44,400 pay bump — to $113,304 from $68,904. Star-Advertiser.

Businessman Accused Of Bribing Honolulu Prosecutor Points Finger At Feds.  If convicted of bribing former prosecutor Keith Kaneshiro, the 79-year-old Dennis Mitsunaga could go to prison for the rest of his life.  Civil Beat.

Rail CEO looks to extend the system — by extending rail surcharge. Mostly with money from the half percent general excise tax, HART has spent about $5 billion so far to get the first 11 miles up and running, construct most of the way from Pearl Harbor to Middle Street and begin utility work on the final segment to Kakaako. Hawaii News Now.

Rail Contractor Sues HART Over Construction Delays. Contractor STG is seeking more than $99 million in damages, and says HART "has only itself to blame." The contractor hired to build the 5-mile airport segment of the Honolulu rail line is suing the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation, alleging HART’s failure to address problems with the relocation of utilities along the line has caused expensive construction delays. Civil Beat.

Rail ridership falls as paid service begins.  The first day of paid rail ridership saw a drop in interest, as expected, with only 1,245 passengers boarding Skyline trains. Star-Advertiser. KITV4.

State agrees to purchase and maintain Wahiawā Irrigation System, Lake Wilson.  Gov. Josh Green signed a bill Wednesday that requires his office to negotiate the purchase of Wahiawā Dam, Lake Wilson, and its associated spillways and irrigation ditches.  Hawaii Public Radio.

Kaiwi coast scenic area on Oahu could become state park.  Hawaii might have a new state park by this time in 2024 covering about 340 acres of mostly natural coastal land in East Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu housing market cooled off in June.  The median price for single-family home resales stabilized in June but remained above seven figures at $1,050,000. That was down 4.5% from $1.1 million a year ago and off 5.3% from $1,109,000 in May, according to data released Thursday from the Honolulu Board of Realtors.  Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

County Council approves creation of Office of Sustainability, Climate, Equity and Resilience. The Hawai‘i County Council on Wednesday approved the creation of a cabinet-level Office of Sustainability, Climate, Equity and Resilience — and a new section of county code to govern it — that will lead the County’s efforts to ensure the island can withstand the effects of climate change. Big Island Now.

Council rejects plan for downtown Hilo. A proposal to create a Business Improvement District to revitalize downtown Hilo has been decisively killed after pushback from area business owners. Tribune-Herald.

Big Island Wants To Use Opioid Settlement Money To Open Its First Detox Facility. Hawaii County will receive $489,000 in opioid settlement funds this year and just over $100,000 annually thereafter through 2038, Mayor Mitch Roth announced Thursday.  Civil Beat. Tribune-Herald.  Big Island Now.  Hawaii News Now.

How ‘ōkolehao, an alcoholic spirit made of tī root, could change the liquor industry. Hawaiʻi's first-ever alcoholic spirit made from the root of the tī plant may soon get a boost in popularity from a Big Island brewery.  Hawaii Public Radio.

Keaukaha speed limit change advances. A proposal to reduce the speed limit on Kalanianaole Street is closer to reality after passing a Hawaii County Council committee Wednesday. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

For the second month in a row, visitor arrivals slowed. In May, there were 240,407 visitors to Maui, down 2.8 percent compared to May 2022 when there were 247,280 visitors, and down 4.5 percent versus May 2019 when there were 251,665 visitors, according to the state Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism. Maui News.

Can’t Afford To Junk Your Car? Maui Will Tow And Recycle It For Free. Officials estimate 2,500 vehicles are abandoned each year in the county. Civil Beat. Maui Now.

Kamehameha Schools acquires thousands of acres at Kaupō Ranch and Hāmākualoa, Maui. Kamehameha Schools announced today its acquisition of more than 4,500 acres of land from Kaupō Ranch Ltd. on southeastern Maui for approximately $21 million.  Maui Now.

Kauai

Matsuyama named Kauaʻi County’s managing director, replacing Dahilig who joins U.S. Sen. Schatz’ office.  Kauaʻi native Reiko Matsuyama has been appointed as the new managing director of the County of Kaua‘i by Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami. Kauai Now.

And so we wait': Kauaʻi doctor underscores dialysis needs on island.  The capacity of dialysis treatment on Kauaʻi is critical, according to a local doctor. Dr. Raymond Petrillo, Kauaʻi’s sole kidney doctor, operates his private practice, Island Kidney Care, in Lihuʻe and Waimea.  Hawaii Public Radio.

Rice beer on tap on Rice Street. Rice grower Jerry Ornellas said when the first batch of Jerry’s Rice Beer — the name assigned to the rice-based beer by the Kaua‘i Beer Company — went online on Monday, it was the first time in more than 60 years that Kaua‘i-grown rice was used commercially. Garden Island.