New life for state's film industry, Legislature mulls misdemeanor charges for officials who don't report bribery, bill would protect gender-affirming care providers, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

After a dry spell, three film and television productions underway in Hawaii. Hawaii’s film industry is staging a comeback, with three major film and TV productions getting underway in the islands. The Netflix series “Untamed” is the first series since “Rescue HI Surf,” which was canceled in May of last year. It was a blow for a sector that generated over $320 million for the state’s economy in 2024. Hawaii News Now.

The Success Of Hawaiʻi’s Food And Farm Bills Could Depend On One Thing. As Hawaiʻi continues to pinch pennies and fill holes created by federal cuts, lawmakers may have to choose between bills designed to bolster local food or fight invasive species. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke stays silent on state subpoenas. Twelve days after Hawaii’s attorney general said she issued multiple subpoenas and completed interviews in a criminal investigation born out of a federal political bribery case, Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke will not say if she has been subpoenaed by state investigators. Star-Advertiser.

Measure could allow misdemeanor charge for failure to report bribery. Senators advanced a measure Tuesday that would allow elected officials to be charged with a misdemeanor if they're found to have failed to report bribery. Hawaii Public Radio.

Legislative Caucuses Can Help Make The Difference In Getting Bills Passed. Lawmakers combine forces to push measures helping women, kids and working families. Civil Beat.

Lawmakers consider bill to protect gender-affirming care providers. HB1875 would not create any new care standards or practices, but it seeks to ensure that those providing gender-affirming care would be safe from out-of-state legal actions, insurance policies, or licensing consequences. Hawaii Public Radio.

State support could energize movement to equip more homes with plug-in solar. On Tuesday afternoon, the state House Committee on Consumer Protection and Commerce deferred one of two remaining balcony solar bills after the Office of the State Fire Marshal and other fire and law enforcement agencies raised concerns that the National Electrical Code would need to be updated to ensure the safe installation of these systems. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

More Design Delays Could Push Back Honolulu Rail Project — Again. The city center segment of the $10B rail project is supposed to open in March 2031, but an outside consultant questions whether that plan is still feasible. Civil Beat.

Red Hill: Fears linger over Navy reopening water shaft. After waiting hours to hear the latest update on the Red Hill water crisis cleanup at a lengthy meeting Tuesday with the Commission on Water Resource Management, concerned community members learned the Navy had left the meeting. Star-Advertiser.

36 city parks designated as ‘On-Leash’ allowing for dogs on leashes. The Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation has added 36 new on-leash dog parks. That move doubles the number already in place. KHON2.

Changes coming to high-traffic Hawaii offramp, intersections. Transportation officials said there have been over 12 serious crashes near the Koko Head offramp in recent years. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

Hilo Officer pleads no contest to tampering with evidence in search case. Hawaii Police Department Officer Blane Kenolio pleaded no contest Wednesday to a charge of tampering with physical evidence. The charge stemmed from Kenolio’s unconstitutional search of an arrestee’s belongings on May 24, 2023, inside the Hilo Police Station. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now. KITV4.

Hawaiʻi County Changes Mulch Loading Fees For Commercial Customers. Hawaiian Earth Recycling, will be charging commercial customers $5 per cubic yard at the Kealakehe Recycling and Transfer Station. Commercial customers will be charged $20 per cubic yard at the East Hawaiʻi Organics Facility. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now.

Maui

Plan floated to solve West Maui water crisis. The plan, presented by TY Management Corp. to the state Commission on Water Resource Management on Tuesday, intends to benefit Maui County, financially struggling Maui Land &Pineapple Co., a state agriculture development agency, Native Hawaiian taro farmers, other small farmers, Kapalua homeowners and TY. Star-Advertiser.

Treecovery helps Maui wildfire recovery. In December, Treecovery, three Rotary Clubs, Maui County, and the Lahaina Restoration Foundation helped with a native-planting at Keawaiki Park near Lahaina Harbor. Maui News. 

Controversial $13M Nāpili home now offering partial ownership to buyers. Cohana Homes, which describes itself as a vacation home co-ownership company, is offering 25% ownership of the house for $3.55 million apiece. The entire 7,344-square-foot house at 5385 Lower Honoapi‘ilani Road is listed with a value of $12.9 million. Maui Now.

Kauai

State Senate confirms new circuit court judge for Kaua‘i.  The Hawai’i State Senate voted to confirm Stephanie R.S. Char, Gov. Josh Green’s selection to fill the vacancy in the Fifth Circuit Court of the Fifth Circuit, created by the retirement of Judge Kathleen N.A. Watanabe in August 2025. Kauai Now.

Group created to protect Kauai from CRB. CRB Action Kauai, a new community-driven initiative, has formed to support Kauai residents, landowners, farmers, businesses and community groups responding to the growing threat of the Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle (CRB), an invasive pest impacting coconut and other palms across the island. Garden Island.

Bills could protect chief elections officer, mitigate erosion near oceanfront homes; Aloha Stadium coming down, $60M deal in city takeover of Kapolei roads, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Elections officer could get more protection from political firing attempts. The state’s chief elections officer could get more job protection this year under a proposal by state lawmakers. If the three-page Senate Bill 2466 becomes law, that position “may only be terminated for cause,” sparing that position from politically motivated attacks.  Hawaii Public Radio.

Rollback could strengthen state’s position in lawsuits. President Donald Trump rescinded a key rule known as the “endangerment finding” that was foundational for fighting climate change, and while it is considered a massive setback in environmental policy, legal experts said the move could strengthen the state’s arguments against the federal government and fossil fuel companies in its lawsuits. Star-Advertiser.

Senators seek pathway to recreational marijuana. Supporters of legal recreational marijuana for adults made another push at the state Capitol Tuesday, facing fierce opposition even as the final decision may rest with President Trump. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Lawmakers shelve bill requiring homeschooled students to test at public schools. Hundreds of families gathered at the Hawaii State Capitol Tuesday to oppose House Bill 2376, which would have required homeschooled students to take standardized tests at their local public schools. Hawaii News Now.

Divers Are Dying Near The Surface. Now There’s A Call For Safety Warnings. Freediving is one of the leading causes of fatal drownings for Hawaiʻi residents. Now lawmakers and safety advocates want labels on equipment — and more. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Bills seek to mitigate 'slow-moving disaster' facing waterfront homes. Over 90% of Oʻahu's North Shore beaches are expected to be in a chronic state of erosion by 2050, according to the Surfrider Foundation’s 2025 State of the Beach Report. Hawaii Public Radio.

State-city dispute over Kapolei roads being settled for $60M. Under a memorandum of agreement with the city, the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corp. will transfer more than 100 roads covering 24 miles throughout the 888-acre community to the city with the $60 million payment spread over 10 years to cover expenses for maintenance and upgrades. Star-Advertiser.

Council to consider approving Skyline planning to UH Manoa. The Honolulu City Council is set to consider the final approval of a measure calling for plans and feasibility studies for future city rail routes to University of Hawaii at Manoa and toward Ko Olina resort in West Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

Workers begin to dismantle Aloha Stadium. Out with the old officially started at Aloha Stadium as destruction began for the 50,000-seat facility, which opened in 1975 and hosted its final sports event a little over five years ago. Star-Advertiser.

New Victoria Ward Park policy prompts outcry by pet owners. In the middle of all the condominiums in Kakaako lies a recently refurbished, yet-to-reopen park. The well-manicured lawn and other amenities will likely lure many to enjoy the green space amid the concrete jungle. Hawaii News Now.

North Shore Marketplace in Haleiwa changing hands after lease rent dispute. A rental dispute is forcing big changes to a decades-old iconic landmark in Haleiwa. KITV4.

Hawaii Island

Hawaiʻi County Inspectors Missed Illegal Rentals In Factory That Burned. The county subsidized rentals in an office building 30 feet away on the same property, but overlooked illegal units in the adjacent poi factory. Civil Beat.

Kona coffee worker back home after ICE arrest. A 42-year-old Captain Cook man who was locked up more than five months by the federal government without charges or bond was freed late last month, the American Civil Liberties Union of Hawaii said Tuesday.  Tribune-Herald.

Hawai‘i nonprofit buys condominium building in Hilo, growing its rent-to-own program. Hawaiian Community Assets, a nonprofit housing counseling agency, partnered with Hawai‘i County’s Office of Housing and Community Development to purchase Ali‘i Kai apartments in Keaukaha. This purchase doubles the number of units available through the nonprofit’s Ua Hale Aʻela program, which is meant to turn Hawai‘i renters into homeowners in two years or less. Big Island Now.

New Mauna Kea Authority Has Difficult Task Ahead — And Limited Time. University officials and some senators are concerned about the fate of astronomy on the mountain. Civil Beat.

Family and friends mourn cultural matriarch, kumu hula Nālani Kanakaʻole. For years, Kanakaʻole had worked tirelessly in teaching her students hula at Hālau o Kekuhi. Her life’s work was dedicated to continuing the ancient traditions of Hawaiian chant and hula kahiko, teachings she inherited from her mother, Edith Kanakaʻole. Hawaii Public Radio.

Maui

Is Haleakalā The Next Frontier For A Telescope Standoff? Public opposition to the military’s plan to build up to seven telescopes in a state conservation district atop Haleakalā has been mounting in recent weeks, after the release of a draft environmental impact statement late last month. Civil Beat. Maui News. Hawaii News Now. 

Maui Fire Department announces 25 recent promotions. Maui Fire Chief Brad Ventura announced a list of 25 personnel who were promoted recently, including 18 to the rank of Firefighter III and seven to the rank of Firefighter II. Maui Now.

Kauai

Ready before the call: KPD upgrades officer training. Police officers on Kauai are using a state-of-the-art training facility to make safer, smarter decisions in the field. Garden Island.

Lydgate Beach Park campground to close for scheduled maintenance. These closures, scheduled for March 2-22, are necessary to allow Department of Parks and Recreation staff and partner agencies to thoroughly clean the area, perform much-needed grounds maintenance, and conduct various repairs of the campground facilities. Kauai Now.

Census shows fewer vacant homes, smaller households; Legislature mulls bill allowing public to video law enforcement; Honolulu raises transit fares, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Fewer Hawaiʻi Homes Are Vacant As Number Of Households Grow. Hawaiʻi added 33,000 new households between 2020 and 2024, but the average household size has shrunk, according to new data from the Census Bureau. Comparisons between the new survey and the one for the preceding five-year period show there were 492,453 households in Hawaiʻi at the end of 2024 compared to 459,424 households at the end of 2019. Civil Beat.

Lawmakers consider measure allowing public to take videos of law enforcement officers. Hawaii lawmakers are considering a bill that makes it clear that the public can use cameras to record law enforcement actions that take place in public settings. Hawaii News Now.

State leaders want to make sure estimated $100 million from visitors ‘Green Fee’ is used wisely. State officials are optimistic that it will come out on top of a federal lawsuit currently blocking cruise ship visitors from paying the new “Green fee”. KHON2.

Hawaiʻi Could See Nation’s Highest Drop In High School Graduates. The declining number of graduates from Hawaiʻi schools reflects larger concerns in the DOE about shrinking enrollment and the potential for school closures. Civil Beat.

Lawmakers press teacher education leaders over licensing delays. State lawmakers on Wednesday sharply questioned education officials and leaders charged with ensuring teachers are adequately prepared over the issues of persistent teacher shortages, licensing backlogs and student achievement gaps — with some senators warning that delays in strengthening the teacher pipeline are harming students. Star-Advertiser.

Keiki bills target vaping, e-bikes, mental health, school meals. Hawaii children could see a ban on flavored nicotine products, e-bike safety regulations, a digital mental health platform and free school meals in charter schools under a package of bills introduced by the state Legislature’s keiki caucus. Star-Advertiser. Kauai Now.  Hawaii News Now.  KITV4.

State lawmakers propose ban on surfboard wax made with ‘forever chemicals’. The effort follows the passage of one bill in 2022 and the failure of other bills in 2024 and 2025 to ban a variety of consumer products made with the same class of chemicals found in thousands of products. Star-Advertiser.

SBA programs for native businesses face scrutiny. The Native Hawaiian Organizations Association is urging President Donald Trump’s administration to distinguish between “isolated allegations” about the Small Business Administration’s program aimed at developing native-run businesses and its success expanding economic opportunity, as U.S. Rep. Ed Case calls for a formal review. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Honolulu City Council adopts new transit fares. The Honolulu City Council on a split vote Wednesday moved to increase fares for riders of TheBus, TheHandi-Van and Skyline. Bill 54, as adopted, increases the annual adult fare from $880 to $990. The monthly adult fare will rise to $90, up from the current charge of $80 — a 12.5% increase for both. Single fares will remain at $3, but riders who pay cash will have to pay 25 cents more. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.

City says it may have to take over nearby land to expand Oʻahu landfill. Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi told state lawmakers this week that the city is currently discussing expanding the landfill into the nearby Makaiwa Hills, which the James Campbell Company wants to develop into a residential community. Blangiardi said the city may have to resort to eminent domain to use that land. Hawaii Public Radio.

Some call for ban on riding in truck beds after deadly crash. A 27-year-old woman was sitting in the bed of a pickup truck that was traveling eastbound on the H-1 Freeway in Aiea when it was rear-ended. The woman was ejected from the truck and pronounced dead at the scene.  Hawaii News Now. KHON2. 

Hawaii Island

Crucial Hawaiʻi County Commissions Stymied By Members’ No-Shows. Hawai‘i County’s two planning commissions had to cancel more than a third of their regular meetings last year after failing to have the minimum number of members present, resulting in monthslong delays for some projects.  Civil Beat.

Public invited to 5 public meetings regarding Maunakea. The Mauna Kea Stewardship and Oversight Authority, or MKSOA, in partnership with Kua o Wakea, has announced a series of community workshops across the Hawaiian Islands. Tribune-Herald.

Emergency Banyan Tree Removal Set For Hilo. An assessment recently done on 48 banyan trees on Banyan Drive identified the single tree for removal because of structural instability. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now. 

Marine biologists hope 'Limu Ark' will protect Hawaiʻi's seaweed biodiversity. Alongside fellow UH Hilo professor Maria Haws and marine science students Emma Poland, Lauren Runnels and Abigail Nason, Karla McDermid created the Limu Ark, a living library of about 70 limu species. The collection is housed in a Matson container at the Pacific Aquaculture and Coastal Resources Center in Hilo. Hawaii Public Radio.

Maui

Factory-built housing bill stirs debate: Cost versus durability for wildfire survivor housing. The Maui County Council passed a bill on first reading Friday that would allow for factory-built housing in the Lahaina burn zone, a measure intended to accelerate housing recovery for survivors of the August 2023 wildfires. Maui Now.

Restoring sand dunes could save Maui’s north shore, one of Hawaiʻi’s most eroded coastlines. Tara Owens and her team at the University of Hawai‘i Sea Grant program are spearheading an effort to restore the sand dunes along a 1.5-mile stretch of coastline from Wawau Point (Baby Beach) to Lower Pā‘ia Park. Maui Now.

Kauai

U.S. Coast Guard, partners search for missing 19-year-old off Kauaʻi beach. Matthew Kai’mana Packard-Asai was last seen Wednesday (Jan. 28) fishing on the rocks near the northern point of Kahili Beach in Kīlauea.  Kauai Now.

Rhoads sponsors 'no secret police' bill, Health Department moving out of sick building, legislators question HMSA-Hawaii Pacific Health alliance plan, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

'No secret police' bill is high on ACLU's list of Hawaiʻi legislative priorities. State Sen. Karl Rhoads is working with the organization to introduce a “no secret police” bill that would bar state, local and federal law enforcement from concealing their identity by wearing masks or covering their badges. Hawaii Public Radio.

More people are applying to state jobs, but actual hires still lag. The state saw a surge in job applications after several recruiting efforts, although the number of actual hires they’ve resulted in is still low. The state received about 41,500 applications last year, up 27% from 2024. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaiʻi Preschool Aid May Not Kick In This School Year After All. The expansion of preschool tuition subsidies is part of the state’s strategy to increase access to early education, but some families are facing delays in receiving aid. Civil Beat.

School Sports Fans Are Getting Meaner. Do Hawaiʻi Laws Fall Short? The recent assault of Moanalua High School’s assistant athletic director has sparked calls to better protect sports officials. Teachers say the DOE needs to do more to keep them safe, too. Civil Beat.

Hawaiʻi May Add A Test To Driver’s License Renewals As Traffic Deaths Climb. Drivers would have to take written knowledge tests during their license renewals, something Hawaiʻi stopped requiring almost three decades ago. Civil Beat.

Parts of state in drought despite wet December. Last month brought contrasting rainfall patterns across Hawaii, with Kauai and Oahu seeing widespread rain and some flooding, while Maui County and Hawaii island remained largely dry, according to a monthly climate summary released last week by the National Weather Service in Honolulu. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Hawaii lawmakers start looking into HMSA-HPH alliance plan. State lawamakers had dozens of questions Tuesday during a three-hour joint briefing at the state Capitol regarding the impacts of Hawaii’s largest health insurer, Hawaii Medical Service Association, joining forces with Hawai‘i Pacific Health. Star-Advertiser. KHON2.  KITV4. 

Honolulu City Council advances bill to raise transit fares. A proposal to increase fares for riders of TheBus, TheHandi-Van and Skyline for the first time since 2022 is moving forward in the Honolulu City Council. Star-Advertiser.

Asbestos, safety concerns drive Hawaii’s Health Department from headquarters. Relocating 549 employees and some services for the public is slated for later this year, and is expected to cost $3 million for the next fiscal year that begins July 1 to rent space in two downtown Honolulu office towers under a lease slated to run about 15 years. Star-Advertiser.

Fighter jets return to Oahu skies for annual Sentry Aloha Training. The Hawaii Air National Guard is hosting its annual Sentry Aloha fighter exercise from Jan. 14-28. This year’s iteration, Sentry Aloha 26-1, includes about 1,000 personnel and 41 aircraft from seven states with additional support from Australia.  Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Public input sought on the stewardship of Mauna Kea. The Mauna Kea Stewardship and Oversight Authority, in partnership with Kua o Wākea, will hold a series of 10 community workshops across the Hawaiian Islands starting Jan. 15. Big Island Now.

2 Hawaiʻi Island police officers arrested for perjury, evidence tampering. The State of Hawai‘i Attorney General filed a felony charging complaint in 3rd Circuit Court on Tuesday against two Hawai‘i Island police officers for a variety of charges, including perjury and evidence tampering stemming from unconstitutional searches of an arrestee’s belongings in May 2023. Warrants were issued for the arrests of Officers Blane Kenolio and Noah Serrao. Big Island Now. Tribune-Herald. Hawaii News Now.  KHON2.  KITV4.

Questions linger regarding workforce housing bill. An amended version of a bill that would allow residential development in Hawaii County’s industrial-commercial mixed-use zoning districts has been postponed until the Feb. 4 County Council meeting for possible further amendment. Tribune-Herald.

Penn asks Hilo judge to recuse himself in domestic abuse cases. BJ Penn has filed a motion asking Hilo Circuit Judge Peter Kubota to recuse himself from hearing any of Penn’s domestic-abuse related cases. In addition, Penn has filed a motion to discharge his court-appointed defense attorney, Alan Komagome. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui Councilmember Sugimura to challenge Bissen for mayor's office. Maui County Councilmember Yuki Lei Sugimura has announced she will run for mayor. Sugimura was born and raised in Wailuku and has served on the council for nearly a decade. Hawaii Public Radio.

Maui Police release details, body worn camera footage from fatal Wailuku shooting. Maui police released body worn camera footage and further details, regarding Thursday night’s deadly shooting in which a suspect was killed during an exchange of gunfire with police in Wailuku. Police have since identified the deceased as 40-year-old Kristopher Austin. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now. 

Kauai

Kauaʻi Coffee Co. employees receive WARN notices with lease ending March 28. Kauaʻi Coffee Co. on Monday sent Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notifications, known as WARN notices, to its 141 employees with its land lease ending at the end of March. Kauai Now.

Lab confirms native duck on Kaua‘i found sick in November died from avian flu. The Koloa Maoli was found sick on Nov. 26 at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Hanalei Wildlife Refuge in Hanalei. The National Veterinary Services Laboratories confirmed the illness in the bird, which died within 24 hours of being found. Kauai Now.

Hawaiian, Alaska airlines to use locally made biofuel; COVID-19 impact on life expectancy felt less in Hawaii, Kauai Coffee facing uncertain future, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaiian, Alaska airlines to use locally made biofuel. The sister airlines owned by Alaska Air Group also plan to invest in a joint venture between several companies including fuel refinery operator Par Hawaii trying to establish Camelina sativa, also known as false flax, as a major crop in the state for producing sustainable aviation fuel and feed for cattle and chickens. Star-Advertiser.

Lawmakers consider bills to streamline construction projects' lengthy historic preservation review. Out of the 1,300 projects submitted for review last year, the State Historic Preservation Division completed reviews on a little over half. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaiʻi Supreme Court Says Current Rules Are Enough To Prevent AI Abuses. Despite lawyers citing fake, AI-generated citations in court documents, a new report finds existing rules provide adequate safeguards. Civil Beat.

UH study: COVID-19 impact on life expectancy felt less in Hawaiʻi. While life expectancy across the United States declined significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic, a new study led by researchers at the University of Hawaiʻi Thompson School of Social Work & Public Health and the Hawaiʻi State Department of Health found that Hawaiʻi experienced a smaller decline compared to national trends. Maui Now.

Hawai‘i Gun Deaths: Amid Uptick, Leaders Take Debate Underground. The group that brought public health officials, law enforcement and researchers together to talk about how to prevent gun violence hasn’t met in over a year, and efforts to restart it have failed. Civil Beat.

Nonprofit receives $500,000 infusion for career exploration in public schools. A Hawaii workforce development nonprofit announced Tuesday that it has secured more than $500,000 from local leaders, businesses and organizations to extend career exploration and workforce programs in public schools for another five years, with a broader goal of raising $1 million through a statewide community campaign. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

New segment boosts Skyline’s ridership. When the city Department of Transportation Services opened the rail line’s Segment 2 on Oct. 16, from Halawa to Kalihi, average daily ridership hovered around 5,000 rides. Often that amount could be 2,000 rides per day or less. But by the end of November 2025, according to DTS, daily ridership numbers have effectively doubled and, in some cases, tripled those counted in preceding months. Star-Advertiser.

State-run slaughterhouse could improve local meat production — if done right. This year, state lawmakers budgeted $17 million into a “small-animal” slaughterhouse to be built in the Wahiawā area on Oʻahu. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hanukkah celebration in Waikiki to increase security after Australia shooting. After a mass shooting at a Hanukkah event in Australia killed more than a dozen people over the weekend, the Chabad of Hawaii said it will have more security at its menorah lighting event in Waikiki. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Waiakea subdivision bill to go to full council. The County Council’s Committee on Legislative Approvals and Acquisitions on Tuesday voted to forward a favorable recommendation to the full council for a zoning change allowing an applicant to subdivide a 4.4-acre property near the Hilo Municipal Golf Course into 14 house lots and a road. Tribune-Herald.

Two Coffee with a Cop events will open conversations between West Hawaiʻi police and residents this week. Coffee with a Cop events are intentionally informal and are an essential part of the Hawaiʻi Police Department’s ongoing community outreach to listen to community members. Big Island Now.

Maui

Maui Mayor Makes Appointment To Fill Vacant Council Seat. Maui Mayor Richard Bissen on Tuesday appointed Kauanoe Batangan to fill the seat on the County Council that was left vacant Oct. 26 by the death of Kahului area representative Tasha Kama. Civil Beat. Maui Now.  Hawaii News Now. 

Maui’s Bissen will accept any vacation rentals for long-term housing. After approving a plan to convert 6,208 short-term vacation rentals into long-term housing this week, it will now be up to the Maui County Council to decide how many rentals — out of 4,510 — should be allowed to continue to welcome tourists. Star-Advertiser.

Maui's $140k water mismanagement fine may be waived with improvements. The state has fined Maui Land & Pineapple Company (MLP) $140,000 for not properly maintaining the Honokohau Ditch system, but the company has an opportunity to rectify the situation without paying the fine. KITV4. KHON2. 

2 pleading guilty to fraud for false claims in wildfires. A woman and her ex-­boyfriend are pleading guilty to lying about being victims of the Aug. 8, 2023 West Maui wildfires and the January Los Angeles fires — stealing more than $110,000 from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Star-Advertiser.

The Diddy Combs Case That Entangled Maui Police Chief Has Been Dismissed. Chief John Pelletier was one of several high-profile defendants who were accused of participating in a brutal sexual assault against a California woman. Civil Beat.

Kauai

Kauai Coffee facing uncertain future. Wayne Katayama, the president and general manager of Kauai Coffee, quietly announced that there will be no extensions to the lease, or lease renewals of the lands that Kauai Coffee Company occupies, and 3,100 acres of trees that grow there. Operating since 1987, the company is a vital part of Kauai’s agricultural heritage and local economy. Garden Island.

Kauai Housing Agency requests proposals for homeless program grants. Kauai’s Housing Agency is requesting proposals for homeless program grants.The grant program aims to provide critical services to people currently experiencing homelessness. Hawaii News Now.

Case, Tokuda vote no as federal shutdown ends, businesses hurt by Honolulu rail construction struggle for compensation, West Maui water study released, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii’s U.S. House members vote against reopening government, citing lack of health care assurances. Hawaii’s two House members voted against reopening the federal government, saying the legislation contained no guarantees to prevent insurance premiums from rising for island residents who purchase their health coverage through the Affordable Care Act marketplace. Star-Advertiser. KHON2. 

Green Fee Advisory Council to give update about project evaluation, recommendations. The Green Fee Advisory Council will host a webinar next week via Zoom to update the public about its ongoing evaluation criteria along with timelines and next steps in its recommendation process for possible Green Fee projects. Kauai Now.

Hawaiʻi DOE Spending More On Buses For Fewer Students. Schools have fewer bus drivers than before the Covid-19 pandemic, but statewide costs for student transportation have increased. Civil Beat.

AlohaCare expands access to medical equipment for Medicaid, Medicare patients. AlohaCare currently serves about 80,000 residents in Hawaiʻi who have Medicaid and Medicare coverage. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

Honolulu Businesses Hurt By Rail Construction Find City Help Falls Short. It took years for the city to set up a program helping businesses that were negatively impacted by rail construction. Now, that program is underutilized and insufficient, business owners say. Civil Beat.

Bribery Case: Architect, 92, On Trial For Failed $20 Gift To City Worker. An elderly architect tried to slip an employee what he called a gratuity. County prosecutors say it was a bribe. A judge will decide. Civil Beat.

Honolulu urged to reduce water usage by 20% . Honolulu Board of Water Supply urged Oahu residents to cut their water usage by 10% when the Halawa Shaft was closed due to Red Hill contamination, and that request doubled in 2025. KHON2.

OHA receives $2M grant for environmental cleanup and redevelopment of Kaka‘ako Makai. The Office of Hawaiian Affairs has been awarded a federal Brownfields Assessment Grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to begin critical environmental assessments and planning for the revitalization of 29 acres of Kaka‘ako.  Hawaii News Now.

Ex-informant allegedly killed trying to collect debt. Jonnaven Jo Monalim, 55, was not killed out of retribution for his work as a federal informant during the 2004 Pali Golf Course murder investigation, according to authorities.  Star-Advertiser. KHON2. 

Eligible Oʻahu veterans to get $20 vehicle registration fee exemption. Military veterans 65 and older on Oʻahu will be given a $20 exemption from their annual vehicle registrations. Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi has signed a bill that makes the exemption a city law. It will go into effect next July. Hawaii Public Radio.

Chef Chai closed for operating without valid permit. Chef Chai was shut down Wednesday after health investigators said its new owner lacked a valid permit.The restaurant, located at 1009 Kapiolani Blvd., is now owned by Pomaikai Culinary Group, LLC. Hawaii News Now. Star-Advertiser. 
 
Hawaii Island

Input sought on DOT plan to add bus stops, bike lanes, charging stations. Hawaii Island residents should see a significant boost in bike lanes, bus stop improvements, and electric vehicle infrastructure as the Hawaii Department of Transportation moves forward with its Priority Multimodal Network Plan. Tribune-Herald.

How Overhauling A Big Island Sewer Plant Is Energizing A Long-Stalled Park. A lawsuit over a controversial wastewater system in Kona may finally lead to development of a new regional park. Civil Beat.

What's causing Hāmākua's extraordinary fire season? Hāmākua on the northern coast of Hawaiʻi Island has had more than 90 fires so far this year — three times higher than average. Human activity is responsible for the majority of wildland fires. Hawaii Public Radio.

HECO works to restore South Kohala power after being shut off due to wildfire risk. Hawaiian Electric initiated a public safety power shutoff — proactively shutting off power — in South Kohala because of the threat of wildfires from high winds and dry conditions. Hawaii News Now.  Big Island Now.

Maui

West Maui water usage study to underpin better regulation ahead. The Commission on Water Resource Management published an analysis Wednesday on surface and groundwater consumption by West Maui property owners, which will be used to better regulate the public trust resource in an area plagued by severe drought and dominated by private water system operators. Star-Advertiser.

Disabled Maui residents still struggle 2 years after wildfires, report finds. More than two years after the Aug. 8, 2023, Maui wildfires, disabled residents remain among the least recovered — still facing unstable housing, steep income losses and worsening health — according to a new report from the University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization. Star-Advertiser.

Play returns to the Plantation as owner donates $750K to Maui nonprofits. About four dozen golfers ages 10 to 17 teed off at the pro-level Kapalua Plantation Course on Sunday — just after watching three junior golf nonprofits receive one big check. Maui News.

Upcountry Maui water shortage downgraded to Stage 1. Following recent rainfall that improved surface water flows and replenished reservoirs, the County of Maui Department of Water Supply (DWS) is suspending the Stage 2 Upcountry water shortage and downgrading it to a Stage 1. Maui Now.

Kauai

County Charter Review Commission invites public comment on proposed amendments. Kaua‘i County Charter Review Commission is considering several changes to the Kaua‘i County Charter that could appear on the 2026 General Election ballot. Kauai Now.

Public can give input on update of county Multi-Hazard Mitigation and Resilience Plan. Garden Isle community members are invited to help update the 5-year Kaua‘i County Multi-Hazard Mitigation and Resilience Plan — a key to strengthening community preparedness and reducing risks from natural disasters. Kauai Now.

Legislative task force works on permit reform, Benioff's increased Hawaii presence, HART approves $53M design to bring Skyline to Ala Moana, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Task force aims at permitting reform. Three House-led committees comprising state and county governments, private developers and environmental interests, among others, face tight December deadlines to make recommendations before the start of the legislative session in January on complex issues to spur economic development across the state regarding permitting, cesspool conversions and historic preservation regulations. Star-Advertiser.

Perfect Attendance To AWOL: Missed Votes At The Hawaiʻi Legislature.  Check out how lawmakers rank according to the number of votes they missed during the 2025 session. Civil Beat.

San Francisco reporter talks Marc Benioff's 'massive philanthropic presence' in Hawaiʻi. Since the pandemic, the Salesforce CEO has purchased land and increased his philanthropy in the islands. He also switched his voting records from California to Hawaiʻi. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaiian Electric Proposes Backup Power Program For Certain Customers In Wildfire Risk Areas. As Hawaiʻi faces another Fire Weather Watch, which could trigger Hawaiian Electric’s Public Safety Power Shutoff in certain wildfire risk areas, a new program is being proposed by the utility to help certain customers with the purchase of backup power equipment.  Big Island Video News.

Hawaiʻi Relies On Oil More Than Any Other State. Hawaiʻi’s mandate to transition to 100% renewable resources to generate electricity by 2045 spawned headlines when lawmakers passed the measure in 2015, making the Aloha State the first in the nation to commit to such a lofty goal. But a decade later, Hawaiʻi lags far behind leading states in using renewables. Civil Beat.

Hawaii jobless claims hint at shutdown fallout. The first batch of 381 state unemployment insurance claims filed by idled or unpaid workers offers a glimpse of the effects of the federal government shutdown on Hawaii families as food banks are already feeling the pressure. Star-Advertiser.

Going Hungry In Hawaiʻi? Government Shutdown To Halt Food Stamps. The state is creating a relief fund to cover costs for some — and will consider tapping into a $200 million contingency fund. Civil Beat.

Where To Get Help With Food In Hawaiʻi During The Shutdown. While the state government formalizes its plans to help SNAP recipients, local assistance organizations are stepping up, too. Civil Beat.

Home-care providers launch Hawaii-chapter. The national trade group Home Care Association of America, — which represents nearly 4,500 private-duty home-care agencies nationwide — announced the chapter this month. Star-Advertiser.

Viral Bullying Videos Are Sign Of Bigger Problem In Hawaiʻi Schools. Social media is amplifying conflicts and normalizing bad behavior as teens film fights and post them online to draw hundreds of views and comments.  Civil Beat.

Above Normal Rainfall Expected For Hawaiʻi Wet Season. Climate model consensus supports enhanced probabilities for above normal rainfall through early spring 2026, which is consistent with a cold-season La Niña event. Big Island Video News.

Alaska Air profits sag as integration with Hawaiian Airlines progresses. Hawaiian Airlines sapped some of the profit of parent company Alaska Air Group in the third quarter, but performed relatively well as integration between Hawaiian and Alaska Airlines progressed. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

HART Approves $53 Million In Design Work To Continue Rail To Ala Moana. Extending rail from Kakaʻako to Ala Moana would cost another $1.6 billion, money the rail authority does not have. Civil Beat.

Development in Ala Moana-Kapiolani corridor stalls. What had been one of urban Honolulu’s hottest spots for condominium tower construction in recent years, an Ala Moana transit-oriented development zone, has become pretty cold. Star-Advertiser.

Talks slow for North Shore first-responder hub, city says. Real estate negotiations between the City &County of Honolulu and the owner of a commercial center eyed for a future first-responder hub on the North Shore will require more time to complete, city officials say. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu in search of someone to lead climate change and resiliency efforts. The chief resilience officer tracks, manages, and develops plans regarding the impacts of climate change on city infrastructure, and monitors areas across Oʻahu that could potentially be at risk. Hawaii Public Radio.

North Shore community pushes back on expansive gondola plan. A Canadian adventure-­tourism investor’s bid to build gondolas, a zip line and expanded visitor infrastructure above Waialua has sparked one of the most energized community opposition campaigns the North Shore has seen in years. Star-Advertiser.

Ex-Hawaii CEO sentenced for illegal donations. Martin Kao, 51, the former CEO and 99% owner of Martin Defense Group LLC, formerly known as Navatek LLC, is already serving 87 months for COVID-19 relief fraud and the sentence he received Monday will run concurrently. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Hawaiʻi Island lawmakers advance bill to strengthen plastic foodware ban. Bill 83 would ban food providers and permittees at County of Hawaiʻi facilities from using disposable polystyrene or plastic containers and utensils, and require them to use products “certified” compostable or reusable material. Hawaii Public Radio. Tribune-Herald.

As Hawaii County looks for new police chief, expert points to role’s unique challenges. After nearly two months without a permanent police chief, Hawaii County is now looking for its new top cop. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island police officer struck by vehicle while helping stalled motorist. A Hawaii Island police officer is in serious, but guarded condition after being hit while helping a stranded driver. The crash was reported Sunday morning at the intersection of Kekuanaoa Street and Kanoelehua Avenue near the Hilo International Airport. Hawaii News Now. Big Island Now.

Maui

State commission alleges Maui Land &Pineapple Co. water violations. A major Maui landowner entrenched in litigation with private customers over the supply of water made improvements to stream diversion infrastructure after a state commission alleged violations of a nearly 6-year-old order. Star-Advertiser.

Historic drought strains Upcountry Maui water systems. Upcountry Maui is facing a historic drought, prompting the County Department of Water Supply to declare a Stage 3 water shortage for the first time. Prior to this, Upcountry had been under Stage 1 water restrictions since April 17 and Stage 2 restrictions since Sept. 11. Star-Advertiser.

Paia Inn files for bankruptcy following harassment lawsuit. The Paia Inn filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy Friday, with the business owing millions of dollars after being hit with a lawsuit from the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission earlier this year alleging widespread sexual harassment against female employees. Maui News.

Group that saved Honolua Bay from development now wants it to become a cultural sanctuary with fewer tourists. With its coral reefs and big winter swells, Honolua Bay is one of the biggest draws in West Maui, bringing in anywhere from 500 people on a slow day to 1,000 on a busy day, according to Heidi Beltz, coordinator of the coalition’s Makai Watch program. Maui Now.

Kauai

County of Kauaʻi updates residents on status of refuse. The Kaua‘i County Department of Public Works has issued an update on the operational status of its refuse transfer stations and the Kekaha Landfill.  Kauai Now.

Kamehameha Schools sued over race-based admissions, Hawaii losing $120M a week from federal shutdown, Maui residents sue council over Sunshine Law, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Kamehameha Schools sued over race-based admissions. The nonprofit group that successfully challenged race-conscious college admissions in the U.S. Supreme Court has filed a new lawsuit — this time against Kamehameha Schools — seeking to overturn the private institution’s long-standing policy of giving preference to students of Native Hawaiian ancestry. Star-Advertiser. Associated Press. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. Civil Beat.

Former Hawaiʻi Defense Contractor Gets Prison Time For Illegal Donations. A federal judge says Martin Kao’s prison sentence will be a deterrent for others. Civil Beat.

Hawaii tax director accused of creating ‘hostile’ work environment. Six state Tax Department employees — including the department’s human resources officer — allege that Tax Director Gary Suganuma has created an abusive and hostile work environment over issues that have nothing to do with assisting island taxpayers or ensuring that the state collects what it’s due. Star-Advertiser.

Democrats send 3 names to governor for Senate seat. The Democratic Party of Hawaii’s Oahu County Committee has selected Steven P. Canales, Rachele F. Lamosao and Dr. Inam U. Rahman for Gov. Josh Green’s consideration to fill the Senate District 19 seat left vacant by the retirement of state Sen. Henry Aquino (D, Pearl City-Waipahu-West Loch). Star-Advertiser.

Gov. Green says Hawaii losing $120 million a week during government shutdown. We’re into day 20 of the federal government shutdown with wide-ranging impacts being felt in Hawaii, including federal employees and the University of Hawaii. KHON2.

State emergency officials say new rules and delays for FEMA grants put disaster response at risk. State officials on the front lines of preparing for natural disasters and responding to emergencies say severe cuts to federal security grants, restrictions on money intended for readiness and funding delays tied to litigation are posing a growing risk to their ability to respond to crises. Associated Press. 

Federal cuts and policies lead to 'crisis' for local agriculture, food security. In an informational briefing with state lawmakers Thursday, state officials and nonprofit representatives said the fallout and uncertainty from shifting federal policies make it difficult for farming operations to grow, or even continue. Hawaii Public Radio.

Farmworkers Earn Well Over Minimum Wage But Not Enough For Hawai‘i. Farm and ranch workers made almost $22 an hour on average last year but still fell just below the state’s survival wage. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Skyline counts 61,968 rides in first 4 days after new segment opened. City officials counted 61,968 rides taken on Skyline rail trains in the first four days after opening a new 5.2-mile segment that takes passengers into four, critical new stations, including Daniel K. International Airport. Star-Advertiser. KHON2.

‘Complete Failure’: Honolulu Permit Workers Say Tech Upgrade Is A Bust. The permitting director insists the new program is working and problems are being fixed, but some staff are begging for a return to the old system. Civil Beat.

Land dispute causes reef and wave project to shift to Oʻahu's south shore. Instead of being placed in the water off Mōkapu near the marine base, it will end up off O'ahu’s south side. Hawaii Public Radio.

Waterway maintenance at Moanalua Valley stream begins. The city Department of Facility Maintenance says it began using heavy machinery on Friday ) at Manaiki Stream, located in a residential neighborhood within Moanalua Valley. Star-Advertiser.

What will new Business Improvement District mean for Downtown Honolulu? Downtown Honolulu has a new business improvement district. An effort to make the area safer and cleaner in the hopes it will attract more business, residents and visitors. With a signature Monday morning, Honolulu mayor Rick Blangiardi turned Act 51 into law. KITV4.

New bacteria species identified off coast of Hawaiian Islands. Researchers at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa believe this discovery will shed light on how unseen microbial life connects Hawaiʻi’s land and sea ecosystems. Big Island Now.

100th public pre-K classroom opens in Hawaiʻi, advancing universal access for keiki. Hawaiʻi celebrated a milestone toward making preschool accessible to all keiki with the opening of the state’s 100th public pre-kindergarten classroom at Maunawili Elementary School in Kailua, Oʻahu. Kauai Now.

Hawaii Island

Commission to discuss search for next Hawaii County police chief. The commission will meet at 9 a.m. Friday in the Council Chambers of the County Building in Hilo to finalize key parts of the hiring process, including written questions for qualified applicants. The application deadline is Oct. 31. Tribune-Herald.

Pohoiki Dredging Project Fails To Open Boat Ramp. The Department of Land and Natural Resources acknowledged the community’s disappointment with the failure of the estimated $5.4-million project. Big Island Video News.

Aerial search conducted in Kona for invasive beetles. No coconut rhinoceros beetles have been detected in East Hawaii, but surveillance efforts are ramping up as the invasive pest remains active in West Hawaii. Tribune-Herald.

County continues to make progress on Hilo skatepark. Slowly but surely, the effort to construct a skatepark in Hilo is making progress as contracts are executed for the design and permitting of the structures that may one day stand across from the Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium. Tribune-Herald.

Café in Hilo shuts down after state inspection reveals roach infestation, food safety violations.  A roach infestation and multiple food safety violations forced the immediate shutdown of White Guava Café in Hilo. Big Island Now. Star-Advertiser.

Maui

Maui residents file Sunshine Law complaint against County Council over Waiʻehu housing vote. Waiʻehu community members who oppose the 119-unit Hale Mahaolu Ke Kahua affordable housing project have escalated their fight, filing a formal Sunshine Law complaint against the Maui County Council. Maui Now.

Up to $100K available for nonprofits supporting Maui fire survivors' mental health. Organizations offering mental health services for Maui wildfire survivors could get a boost of funding. The Maui Recovery Funders Collaborative will be awarding grants to nonprofits that increase access to mental health resources. Hawaii Public Radio.

Five teen girls charged in alleged assault at Kalama School. Several teenage girls were charged with assault and kidnapping after allegedly holding a 13-year-old boy in a sound proof room at the Kalama Intermediate School campus in Makawao on Friday afternoon.  Maui Now.

Maui Police Department’s new K9 makes first arrest. When Ku Makani, 1, isn’t working, he loves playing fetch, going on walks, being carried and head scratches. But when duty calls, the Belgian Malinois is serving and protecting the people of Maui County. Hawaii News Now.

Molokaʻi-based group to explore marine carbon dioxide removal. Researchers are exploring technologies that would pull carbon dioxide from the air and store it in the ocean. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kauai

Amazon Plans To Build A 42,000-Square-Foot Warehouse On Kauaʻi. A real estate development firm has plans to buy 14.6 acres in Līhuʻe to develop the 42,000-square-foot metal warehouse and distribution facility that would operate around-the-clock in the up-and-coming Ahukini Business Park. Civil Beat.

Kauaʻi Bus community outreach event scheduled this week. It will highlight the introduction of Kauaʻi Bus’ new battery electric buses and their connection to the Kauaʻi Bus Short Range Transit Plan and Kauaʻi Multimodal Land Transportation Plan. Kauai Now.

Police to get hefty raises, bonuses, perks; Green and Driscoll ink preliminary military land agreement; Waikiki bank robbery injures 18, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Arbitrator awards police officers their largest pay raise in 17 years. Police officers in Hawaii secured the increase after an independent arbitrator issued a decision on a new four-year contract that was lauded by union leadership. Police officer pay will increase 40% between 2021 and 2028. The  total compensation package will provide most members an increase of more than 27.5%. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. 

Green signs ‘statement of principles’ with Army on land negotiations. Governor Josh Green and Secretary of the Army Dan Driscoll have established a non-binding Statement of Principles as land lease talks continue.  Star-Advertiser. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now. 

Young Brothers warns interisland shipping is at risk. A state commission began a multiday hearing Monday to determine whether the distressed company transporting most goods between the main Hawaiian islands deserves a big rate hike plus automated inflationary annual increases. Star-Advertiser. Tribune-Herald. KHON2.

The search is on for a new Hawaii Chief Justice. Longtime Chief Justice Mark Recktenwald is retiring this week, and there aren’t yet enough qualified applicants interested in taking his place. KHON2. Hawaii News Now. 

Shutdown would add to Hawaii’s economic woes. Federal workers in Hawaii who are worried about a shutdown of the federal government that could begin at 6:01 p.m. today (12:01 a.m EDT Wednesday) are likely already cutting back on local spending, adding to Hawaii’s already sluggish economy, according to the head of the University of Hawaii’s Economic Research Organization. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Chemical dispersed during Waikiki bank robbery. Police search for suspect in Waikiki bank robbery; 18 patients treated at scene. Officers were called to the First Hawaiian Bank’s Waikiki branch on Kalakaua Avenue and Lewers Street just after 2 p.m. KHON2. Hawaii News Now. KITV4. 

Skyline stations transform into community food hubs. Honolulu Skyline passengers may notice something different on their morning rail commute: more than half-a-dozen planter boxes full of growing tomatoes, eggplants, scallions and sweet potatoes, among other edible plants. Civil Beat. KHON2.

‘Lord Of The Flies’: How Hawaiʻi’s Model Foster Dad Preyed On Boys. John Teixeira answered a desperate need for the state: Where to put boys no one else would take. He’d eventually take in almost 60. But there would be a cost. Civil Beat.

Community vows to protect Oahu’s water amid Red Hill contamination concerns. Community leaders, advocates and students gathered at Honolulu Hale on Monday afternoon to launch the “Pledge to Our Wai, Pledge to Our Keiki,” a public commitment to protect Oahu’s aquifer from ongoing contamination tied to the U.S. Navy’s Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility.  Star-Advertiser.

Forum on political history of Native Hawaiians seeks to help navigate the future. In a nod to Hawaiian History Month, a forum sponsored by the Honolulu mayor's office and the city council is to take place on Tuesday to highlight the changing political climate and the concern that programs to help Native Hawaiians are being targeted. Hawaii Public Radio.

Blaisdell Center has completed new state-of-the-art parking system. While the upgrade work started on Sept. 22, additional operational adjustments are still being finalized, and the Department of Enterprise Services is asking commuters and visitors to be patient during this transition period. Hawaii News Now.

Ala Wai Golf Course gets major upgrades, including solar and LED lighting. These improvements align with the City's wider initiatives to decrease energy consumption, lower expenses, and advance the objectives of the City's Climate Action Plan. Concurrently, they aim to maintain and enhance the distinguished golf course, which accommodates over 12,000 rounds of golf annually. KITV4.

Hawaii Business Magazine's new editor-in-chief talks next generation, media landscape. Jennifer Ablan returned home from New York after three decades to take the job. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Island

Teen Arrested For Alleged Terroristic Threatening At Kona High School. A 14-year-old female from Ocean View was arrested after the Konawaena High School student allegedly threatened to shoot three fellow students on campus. Big Island Video News.

Construction of county’s Kukuiola project begins. The Kukuiola Emergency Shelter and Assessment Center in Kailua-Kona will include 16 emergency shelter units for the homeless, a manager’s unit, a 2,000-square-foot assessment center, community restroom facilities with showers, a 1,400-square-foot community center and a shared kitchen. Tribune-Herald.

Next Lava Episode In Kilauea Eruption Is About To Begin. Precursory activity in Episode 34 of the Kīlauea eruption got underway overnight at the summit.  Big Island Video News.

Maui

The Sunshine Interview: Maui Mayor Richard Bissen And Recovery Chief John Smith. The county’s chief executive and head of the Maui Office of Recovery discuss federal funding for the rebuilding of Lahaina and Upcountry. Civil Beat.

Pāʻia Elementary School to remain closed through Friday; asynchronous distance learning to begin Wednesday.  While the campus did not sustain direct fire damage, soot continues to impact parts of the campus. Maui Now.

Maui County Fair returns this week. The Maui County Fair is returning to the War Memorial Special Complex this week, featuring dozens of food booths, rides, live entertainment, livestock and poultry exhibits, a petting zoo and much more. Maui News. Maui Now. 

Kauai

Kauaʻi Water Utility Hawks $1.3B Plan To Overhaul Century-Old System. The repairs are needed to protect the island’s drinking water and ensure sufficient supply to face the growing wildfire risk, officials said. Civil Beat.

Kauaʻi-based conservationists sound alarm over mass killing of native birds. At Ninini Point near the Līhuʻe airport, Archipelago Research and Conservation recently discovered 125 dead birds. The group said all the birds had been killed by cats. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kauaʻi County’s Housing Agency to open applications for community development block grants. Online applications will be available beginning Friday on the Housing Agency’s CDBG webpage. The deadline to submit applications is Nov. 13, by 4:30 p.m. Kauai Now.