Trump-Backed Program Offers Money For Students. Will Hawaiʻi Take It? An infusion of scholarship money could help families pay for private school tuition and other educational expenses. But Hawaiʻi will have to cross political lines to get it. Gov. Josh Green initially said Hawaiʻi would not participate in the scholarships, but he is now waiting for the federal government to release program regulations in September before consulting with other state agencies. Civil Beat.
Trump extends Jones Act waiver for 90 days, narrows scope. President Donald Trump has extended for 90 days a waiver allowing foreign-flagged ships to transport oil and other commodities between U.S. ports, but imposed new limits after shipbuilders and their allies in Congress argued the policy was undermining the domestic maritime industry, the White House said. Reuters.
Office of Hawaiian Affairs plans televised candidate forums for 2026 trustee election. Forums will be presented in partnership with ʻŌlelo Community Media and Hawaiʻi’s local media networks, pre-recorded Oct. 3 and then broadcast statewide during the week of Oct. 12, providing broad public access. Kauai Now.
Oahu
Five judges recuse themselves from Tommy Waters’ ineligibility appeal. Five of the seven judges on the state Intermediate Court of Appeals have recused themselves from Honolulu City Council Chair Tommy Waters’ appeal of the ruling that found him ineligible to seek a third consecutive term. Star-Advertiser.
“A slap in the face”: Honolulu Office of Economic Revitalization folds after county cuts funding. Honolulu’s Office of Economic Revitalization is ceasing operations this Friday — a decision made weeks after the City Council cut a majority of its funding and staff positions in early July. Hawaii Public Radio.
New Sand Island technology modernizes wastewater treatment for Oahu. A new Membrane Bioreactor Facility at the Sand Island Wastewater Treatment Plant separates solids out of the water more effectively than older methods. KHON2.
Hawaiian Council buys Sea Life Park, assumes stewardship. Hawaiian Council has acquired Sea Life Park in Waimanalo, placing the landmark marine attraction under Native Hawaiian stewardship for the first time and expanding the organization’s growing portfolio of tourism and cultural enterprises. Star-Advertiser.
NOAA confirms deaths of 2 endangered monk seal pups. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said it got a report last Wednesday of a deceased monk seal entangled in an unattended fishing net about 10 yards offshore of an area west of Mokuleia Beach Park. he pup’s death follows that of another monk seal, RUO2, known to most as ‘Umi‘umi, several months ago. Star-Advertiser.
Hawaii Island
Measures to combat fentanyl advance. A Hawaii County Council committee last week supported two measures aimed at addressing fentanyl-related overdoses across the island. One would equip the Hawaii Police Department with portable devices capable of detecting trace amounts of fentanyl. The second would allow for the installation of distribution boxes for naloxone — a fast-acting overdose reversal medication — at county buildings in Hilo and Kona. Tribune-Herald.
Young Brothers plans modified cargo acceptance, availability at Port of Kawaihae. Hawai‘i shipping company Young Brothers will have modified cargo acceptance and availability at the Port of Kawaihae this month. Big Island Now.
Two Wildland Fires Close Daniel K. Inouye Highway. The highway was closed in both directions Tuesday afternoon between Old Saddle Road Junction and Highway 190 Junction. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now. Hawaii News Now.
Maui
State opposing county plan for East Maui water system. A Maui County effort to take control of the island’s largest water system has stalled after the state land department moved to block it, drawing criticism from environmentalists and traditional farmers. Hawaii News Now.
Bissen swept all districts in Maui County mayoral primary, including Sugimura’s backyard. Incumbent Mayor Richard Bissen won every district of Maui County in Saturday’s primary election, including West Maui, where the recovery from the 2023 wildfires was the biggest test of his first term, as well as Upcountry, the home district of challenger Yuki Lei Sugimura. Maui Now.
Maui County Council votes to expand fare-free bus access. Bill 95 expands eligibility for the fare-free bus access program to include more residents and gives authorization to the county's the director of transportation to suspend enforcement of fares for special events, parades or emergency closures for up to 14 days in a fiscal year. Aloha State Daily.
Haʻikū Fire Station project stalls as Maui County Council panel wrestles with land title dispute. After more than 17 years of planning, the proposed Haʻikū Fire Station has hit a legal stumbling block significant enough for council members to seek legal advice in a closed executive session and delay further consideration for two weeks. Maui Now.
Maui Police Leader Accused Of Taking Bribes Will Stay In Jail For Now. Entertainer is linked to Maui officer accused of corruption. A Maui police lieutenant accused of taking bribes to protect organized crime allegedly watched over a Jan. 1 illegal aerial fireworks party hosted by the founder of country reggae group Maoli, according to state and federal court records. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. KHON2. Hawaii News Now.
Brothers arraigned in Maui labor trafficking case. Maui police arrested two men Monday on labor trafficking, extortion and document-related charges following the execution of search warrants at a Kihei residence. Maui News.
Report shows Maui housing gains while jobs and incomes lag. Three years after devastating wildfires swept through Maui, the island’s recovery is showing meaningful progress in housing — but economic challenges, including weak employment and lower household incomes, continue to weigh on fire-affected residents, according to a new report from the University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.
Kauai
Public invited to review proposals for County of Kauaʻi grant program. The Office of Economic Development’s Innovation Grants Program is designed to support projects that bring innovative solutions to Kauaʻi in the areas of small business, technology, transportation, agriculture, local manufacturing, creative industries, workforce development, circular economies, tourism destination management, and product development. Kauai Now.
Inspection of Wailua–Kapaʻa sewer collection system scheduled. A comprehensive inspection and condition assessment of the Wailua–Kapaʻa sewer collection system will begin Aug. 19. The County of Kauaʻi Department of Public Works describes this as a critical step toward strengthening wastewater infrastructure serving the eastside communities of Wailua, Kapaʻa and Waipouli. Kauai Now.
Fire weather signs installed at Westside fire stations. The Kaua‘i Emergency Management Agency, in partnership with the Kaua‘i Fire Department and the Department of Public Works, has installed new fire weather signs at the Hanapepe and Waimea fire stations to help residents and visitors stay aware of wildfire conditions and the year-round risk of wildfires on Kaua‘i. Garden Island.
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