Cloud over the Capitol: Calls for independent investigation as Governor's Office caught up in $35k bribery scandal; Big Island businessman sentenced in affordable housing credit scam; Japanese archery range draws opposition, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

$35K Case: New Development Sparks Calls For Independent Probe.  Because Attorney General Anne Lopez is appointed by the governor’s office, she and Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke are both part of the executive branch. The Clean Elections Hawai‘i Coalition, made up of 40 pro-democracy organizations, said in a press release on Tuesday afternoon that an “impartial special prosecutor” is now needed to ensure public trust in the investigation.  Civil Beat. KITV4.  Hawaii News Now. 

Hawaii Gov. Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke comes under more scrutiny. The Hawaii Campaign Spending Commission will investigate whether Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke violated state law when she failed to report $16,000 in campaign contributions, including $10,000 tied to a businessman involved in a high-profile bankruptcy. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii Public Radio. 

Sylvia Luke Quietly Took Thousands From This Lobbyist Linked To Cullen. The lieutenant governor is only now reporting money she received four years ago as a bribery scandal continues to roil the Hawaiʻi Legislature. Civil Beat.  Hawaii News Now. 

Luke’s campaign spending reports fuel more questions, uncertainty.  Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke will have a cloud over her whenever she fills in as acting governor — and heading into the August Democratic primary election — as long as she is tied to the case of the “influential state legislator” who allegedly accepted $35,000 in a bag in 2022, said current lawmakers who served with Luke at the time, and others. Star-Advertiser.

Speed-limiting devices could be coming for Hawaii repeat offenders. A bill moving through the Legislature would let judges order speed-limiting devices in the cars of habitual offenders, similar to ignition interlocks for drunk drivers. KHON2.

Hawai‘i Doctor Shortage Has Patients Paying Fees For Fast Care. Direct primary care is a burgeoning business model that bypasses insurance. If widely adopted, it could lessen the state’s dire shortage of primary care doctors — or make things worse. Civil Beat.

‘It Is Not A Fraud’: Schatz, Murkowski Blast Attack On Native Contracting. The two senators are leading a bipartisan push to protect the SBA’s 8(a) program amid the Trump administration’s ongoing effort to eliminate DEI initiatives. Civil Beat. 

Oahu

State affordable-housing project fails to gain traction. The endeavor to develop one leasehold condo tower on state land in Kakaako as a pilot project for envisioned replication ran into trouble several months ago over concerns that unit prices and use restrictions would deter buyers, who would receive 99-year leases instead of fee-­simple ownership. Star-Advertiser.

Hawai’i Pacific Health, HMSA partnership plans proceeding. Hawaii Medical Service Association insures more than 750,000 people statewide, while HPH operates major hospitals including Kapi‘olani Medical Center for Women &Children, Pali Momi Medical Center, Straub Medical Center and Wilcox Medical Center on Kauai. Star-Advertiser.

Council urges city to secure lower cost ambulance services. The Honolulu City Council is urging the city to work with state officials to establish a federally funded program aimed at reducing the city’s cost of ambulance serv­ices for low-income people. Star-Advertiser.

Plan for Japanese archery range draws some opposition from Kaimukī neighbors. For decades, the 125-year-old Hawaiʻi Kyudo Kai club has been looking for a permanent home. The search may soon be over as the nonprofit Hawaiʻi Kyudo Foundation and the city announced last year that it would build a kyudojo at the Mauʻumae Nature Preserve, located on 16th Avenue and Claudine Street. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Island

Another Big Island man sentenced for affordable housing scam. Rajesh Budhabhatti,  65-year-old Big Island businessman who prosecutors said “played a central role in the conspiracy and scheme” to earn millions of dollars illegally using Hawaii County affordable housing credits, was sentenced Friday in Honolulu to 7 1/2 years in federal prison. Tribune-Herald.

Public invited to provide feedback on HTA’s destination management plan. The Hawaii Tourism Authority's  Hawaii Island virtual meeting is from noon to 1 p.m. this Thursday. Registration is required to receive the Zoom links to the virtual meeting. Register at: hawaiitourismauthority.org/what-we-do/events/ Tribune-Herald.

Hawaiʻi Care Choices is expanding services, care options to North Hawaiʻi this month.  Beginning this month, the Kupu Palliative Care Program will be available through a dedicated clinic space within the North Hawaiʻi Hospice office, extending palliative care services to residents of Hāmākua, Waimea, North Kohala, and South Kohala. Big Island Now. 

Maui

Maui Cops Could Still Aid Feds Despite Council Immigration Concerns. A Maui County Council committee on Tuesday voted to kill a bill that would have authorized Mayor Richard Bissen to re-up a now-controversial agreement between the county’s police department and the FBI-Joint Terrorism Task Force. But the council committee’s 8-0 recommendation on Tuesday that the full council file Bill 92 did not alter or overturn the existing agreement with the FBI task force, which has been in place for more than two decades. Civil Beat.

Supreme Court ruling deemed ‘huge milestone’ for Maui wildfire settlement. A ruling from the Hawaii Supreme Court on Tuesday could allow for the more than 21,000 Maui fire survivors in a $4 billion settlement to begin receiving payments in a matter of weeks, an attorney for the victims said. Hawaii News Now.

Budget priorities topic of discussion at South Maui community town hall on Feb. 24. Maui County Council member Tom Cook will host a South Maui town hall at 6 p.m. Feb. 24 at the Malcolm Center, 1305 N. Holopono St., Suite 5, to gather input on the community’s budget priorities. Maui News.

Power restored to ~10,000 in West Maui after safety shutoff.  Hawaiian Electric says it has re-energized all West Maui circuits impacted by the Public Safety Power Shutoff program. Approximately 10,000 customers in West Maui had been out of power for approximately 24 hours. Hawaii News Now.

West Maui schools to reopen Wednesday. Department of Education officials say electrical service has been restored following required utility inspections, and water intake has been cleared. With utilities restored, campuses are able to safely resume normal school operations. Maui Now. KITV4. 

Kauai

Free tax preparation opens. Due to the large amount of people needing tax returns — both federal and state — hours have been extended on opening day for several of the sites. Garden Island.

Schatz, Hirono hold fast for health care, rejecting deal to reopen government; SNAP users remain in limbo over payments; state House speaker seeks answers on $35k bribe allegations, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

‘We are not done with this fight’: Hawaii senators reject deal to reopen government. Both Sens. Mazie Hirono and Brian Schatz said the compromise, which does not include a guaranteed extension of health care subsidies, fails to address rising health care costs for millions of Americans. Hawaii News Now.

Tens of thousands of Hawaii SNAP recipients in limbo as states told to recover funds. Tens of thousands of Hawaii residents who rely on federal food assistance face renewed uncertainty after the Trump administration on Saturday directed states to undo the distributions and warned of financial penalties for noncompliance, telling states they must “immediately undo” any actions providing full benefits to low-income families. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

What’s Controversial? Teachers Grapple With Free Speech In Hawaiʻi Schools. A parent’s complaint after a class conversation about Charlie Kirk highlights the larger challenges schools face in teaching government and current events. Civil Beat.

House Speaker Seeks Answers About The $35,000 Mystery Money The FBI Revealed. Hawaiʻi House Speaker Nadine Nakamura is wading into the murky political and legal waters swirling at the State Capitol around whether another lawmaker took tens of thousands of dollars as a bribe. Civil Beat.

New state initiative launched to improve pedestrian, biking, transit access across Hawaiʻi. The Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation has announced the launch of its Priority Multimodal Network, a statewide initiative identifying 113 projects designed to improve pedestrian, bicycle and transit access across the state highway system. Big Island Now.

Sports to play key role in Hawaii’s tourism new game plan. Over the weekend, the UH baseball team wrapped up a weeklong tour in Tokyo. backed by a $100,000 investment from the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority, marked the team’s first international outing and is part of a broader push to position Hawaii as a global sports brand. Star-Advertiser.

Three Hawaii public schools have received top national honors for their work in career- connected education — part of the state’s efforts to integrate college and career readiness from elementary through high school. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Honolulu Police Commission cautious about giving mayor oversight of HPD chief. The Honolulu Police Commission appears cautious about some proposed changes to its structure and its oversight of the city's police department. Hawaii Public Radio.

City Council urges repeal of transit fare policy. The Honolulu City Council is urging the city administration to repeal a decades-old cost recovery policy for the city’s bus system to stave off service cuts and potential fare increases for low-income riders on Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

‘Hell-Hole’ Building Tenants Gain Traction In Court As Conditions Deteriorate. For weeks, conditions have gone from deplorable to worse for residents of 1136 Union Mall, a derelict, downtown office building that’s been converted into makeshift residences without air conditioning or proper kitchens and bathrooms. Civil Beat.

Hawaii evictions loom as federal shutdown persists. An Oahu family headed by parents who are both working without pay for the shuttered federal government was evicted in the final days of October, and the Mediation Center of the Pacific expects more to follow as the country last week set a record for the longest shutdown in U.S. history. Star-Advertiser.

Former government informant found dead in Waipio. The body of 55-year-old Jonnaven Monalim was found Friday night in Waipio, the Honolulu Police Department confirmed Sunday. Monalim testified in federal court during the 2009 trial of his cousins Ethan Motta and Rodney Joseph Jr., who were charged with racketeering and murder and attempted murder in connection with the Jan. 7, 2004, shootings at Pali Golf Course, which left two men dead and another critically wounded. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. 

Pearl Harbor sites remain open during federal shutdown thanks to local funding. While several national parks and museums across the country have been forced to close or reduce operations during the ongoing federal government shutdown, Pearl Harbor’s historic sites remain open, thanks to local commitment, nonprofit support, and private funding. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

Public can weigh in on proposed county raises. The public will have an opportunity to comment on a proposed 15.29% pay hike for Hawaii County’s top officials when the Salary Commission meets at 10 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 17. Tribune-Herald.

Plastic foodware ban postponed. If passed, the ordinance would ban plastic and polystyrene cups, lids, plates, bowls, trays, forks, spoons, stirrers, straws and knives. Tribune-Herald.

UH Hilo gets $15M for improvements. UH Hilo Vice Chancellor for Administrative Affairs Kalei Rapoza said the projects selected for the fiscal year 2026 funding are renovation and improvement of the air-conditioning systems, renovation and improvement of the agricultural facility to provide modern instruction, designing renovations and upgrades to student housing, and designing a “replacement of built-up roofing.” Tribune-Herald.

It could be a not-so-wet rainy season for the Big Island. East Hawaii has received steady rainfall the past few weeks, but the prospect of a rainier-than-normal wet season on the Big Island appears more hope than prediction, according to forecasters. Tribune-Herald.

Kīlauea Episode 36 Ends After 5 Hours Of High Lava Fountains. Episode 36 of the ongoing Kīlauea summit eruption started and ended on Sunday, and lasted just under 5 hours.  Big Island Video News. Big Island Now. 

Maui

Maui County Mayor launches reelection campaign. Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen has announced his 2026 reelection campaign after winning over some initial skeptics during his handling of Maui’s devastating wildfires. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now. 

HDOT to host final meeting on Hāna Highway historic bridge improvements, Nov. 18. The Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation, in partnership with the Federal Highway Administration Central Federal Lands Highway Division, will hold a public meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, to discuss planned improvements to six historic bridges along Hāna Highway (Route 360) between Huelo and Hāna town in East Maui. Maui Now.

Kauai

Public invited to provide feedback before final phase of Hanalei water line improvements.  The meeting will be from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the cafeteria at Hanalei Elementary School, 5-5415 Kūhiō Highway, on Wednesday. Kauai Now.

Hawaiʻi transportation department launches plan to improve pedestrian, biking, transit access. The virtual meeting for Kauaʻi will take place on Nov. 10 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Register here: Microsoft Virtual Events Powered by Teams. Kauai Now.

New tourism authority formed, Aloha Stadium reconstruction delayed, Maunaloa carbon research station in peril, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

HTA establishes advisory board, wants public input for planning. The governance and future focus of the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority is expected to be redefined under a newly appointed HTA advisory board, and by the community members who take part in HTA’s latest planning cycle, which seeks to ensure greater balance between tourism’s economic and community benefits. Star-Advertiser. KITV4.

Hawaiʻi Sex Abuse Case Shows How Predatory Teachers Can Go Undetected. Laws passed last year aim to protect students by creating a shared database of teachers who have abused kids in public and private schools. But other states have had a hard time getting schools to comply with similar laws.  Civil Beat.

Hawaiʻi’s False Killer Whales Trending Toward Extinction. A new report finds that efforts to protect the dolphins are not working. Experts blame both fishing vessels and NOAA. Civil Beat.

Hawaiʻi medical school's Willed Body Program pauses new enrollments indefinitely. The University of Hawaiʻi John A. Burns School of Medicine announced that it will not accept new enrollments for the Willed Body Program due to an overwhelming amount of interest and limited space. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

Aloha Stadium opening pushed to 2029. Replacing Aloha Stadium has advanced a step closer to initiation, but the new facility is now slated to be smaller and completed later than previously planned. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.  KHON2.

Maunalua Bay now under conservation management. Nighttime spear fishing has been outlawed in Maunalua Bay and new catch limits have been imposed as part of a 20-year conservation effort in East Honolulu that led the Board of Land and Natural Resource to approve the state’s latest fisheries management area. Star-Advertiser.

As Mainland Egg Prices Drop, Waialua Fresh Eggs Invests In Hawaiʻi. Waialua Fresh Eggs is building four new barns at its Central Oʻahu farm, which will add 120,000 hens to the farm’s flock of 400,000. Those hens will lay an egg a day, to help supply about one-third of Hawaiʻi’s daily egg demands. Civil Beat.

Ex girls basketball coach to be sentenced in sex case. Dwayne Yuen, a Honolulu man who coached at Punahou and was involved with girls basketball in Hawaii for 20 years, will be sentenced today before Senior U.S. District Judge J. Michael Seabright. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Maunaloa research station, vital to global CO2 data, could close due to NOAA cuts. Since 1958, instruments at NOAA's Mauna Loa Observatory have taken nearly continuous measurements of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. The Trump administration has proposed funding cuts to NOAA that would shutter the observatory, as well as other hubs in the country's greenhouse gas monitoring network. Hawaii Public Radio.

Schatz town hall draws hundreds. Nearly 250 people gathered at the Kahilu Town Hall in Kamuela on Tuesday to engage with U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz, D-Hawaii, who fielded over a dozen questions about topics ranging from ICE raids and protecting democracy, to the environment and America’s relationship with Israel. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News.

Mauna Kea Authority Holds Community Talk Story Session. The Mauna Kea Stewardship and Oversight Authority held a community talk story in Kaʻū on Wednesday, as part of an ongoing effort to engage Hawaiʻi residents and gather public feedback.  Big Island Video News.

Water restrictions lifted in North Kohala following repair of well. Water restrictions for North Kohala customers, in place for just over a week, were lifted. Big Island Now.

School bus service changes to Hilo route raise student safety concerns. The bus transports students attending Hilo High School, Hilo Intermediate School and Haʻaheo Elementary School to and from the Wainaku Gym. But Kaiwiki Road extends four more miles and ends at a significant elevation. Big Island Now.

Maui

Last-ditch efforts to kill Honuaʻula project amendments fail amid bickering; controversial development passes final vote. On a day full of intense tension and high drama, the Maui County Council voted 5-4 to approve amendments on second-and-final reading for the hotly debated Honuaʻula project. Maui Now.

Work to reduce fire hazards in West Maui leads to dispute over homeless rights and arrests. An effort to clear wildfire hazards in West Maui on Wednesday led to a dispute over homeless rights and ended with seven people in handcuffs. Hawaii News Now.

Maui real estate market a mixed bag in July. Single-home sales on Maui were up in July while condominium sales continued to decrease, according to the Realtors Association of Maui. Maui News.

County of Maui Department of Agriculture invites grant applicants for Fiscal Year 2026. Eligible Maui County nonprofits, for-profits and sole proprietors are invited to apply for reimbursable grants through the County of Maui Department of Agriculture for Fiscal Year 2026. Maui Now.

Kauai

Immediate water conservation request issued for some Kalāheo residents. Kauaʻi County Department of Water has announced an immediate water conservation request — in effect until further notice — for residents on the entire makai side of Kaumualiʻi Highway in Kalāheo. Kauai Now.

Proposals for FY 2025-26 Kaua‘i County Innovation Grants now being accepted. Kaua‘i County Office of Economic Development is accepting proposals for fiscal year 2025–26 Innovation Grants. Application deadline is 4 p.m. Sept. 2. Kauai Now.

Sen. Schatz makes waves in Washington, Honolulu doubles vacation rental registrations, state jobless rate among nation's lowest, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

With His Political Star On The Rise, Brian Schatz Aims For A Powerful New Role. Hawaiʻi’s senior U.S. senator is constantly popping up in national media reports as a go-to critic of Trumpism and someone who is actually taking action — here putting a hold on the president’s nominees for State Department posts, there introducing a resolution to condemn President Donald Trump’s acceptance of a $400 million airplane gift from Qatar.  Civil Beat.

Few details released on more than 100 immigration arrests. Federal agents have arrested more than 100 people in Hawaii so far this year for alleged violations of immigration law, but information on exactly how many over 100, where they were arrested and for what was not made public.  Star-Advertiser.

Will Hawaiʻi’s Supreme Court Curb Governor’s Power To Suspend Laws? Gov. Josh Green has issued more than 90 emergency proclamations during less than three years in office. Now the Hawaii Supreme Court may soon define the scope of the governor’s power to issue such executive orders and suspend laws with the stroke of a pen. Civil Beat.

Hawaii child welfare service providers search for cultural solutions. The Malama Ohana Working Group, established by the Legislature to develop recommendations to improve the state’s child welfare system, concluded in a recent report that integrating Native Hawaiian cultural values into policies and practices is necessary to fix a failing system. Star-Advertiser.

After Fumbling Fire Priorities Last Year, Hawaiʻi Lawmakers Make Amends. After the 2023 fires destroyed much of Lahaina, Hawaiʻi vowed to improve prevention measures. More than two years later, the state has finally paved the way for that to happen. Civil Beat.

State jobless rate remains among the nation’s lowest. The seasonally adjusted jobless rate in April remained at 2.9% for the second straight month after holding at 3.0% for the previous eight months, according to data released last week from the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. Star-Advertiser.

Barriers to physical, mental health care persist in Hawaii, survey finds. The latest University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization Public Health Report found there to still be a high mental health burden, particularly among young adults, continued barriers to health care, and persistent struggles obtaining food. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Honolulu Sees Doubling Of Vacation Rental Registrations Under New Rules. The city has made it easier to sign up, but many owners are still flying under the radar even in areas like Waikīkī and Ko Olina where short-term rentals are legal to operate. Civil Beat.

Wahiawa landfill plans sidetracked. The city likely will seek an extension of operations at the Waimanalo Gulch Sanitary Landfill. New state legislation likely will upend the city’s plan to close its current solid-­waste landfill in West Oahu and replace it with one near Wahiawa, on active pineapple fields above Central Oahu’s freshwater aquifer. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu’s proposed 115% hike in sewer fee under review. The Council’s Budget Committee today is scheduled to review aspects of city-initiated Bill 60, which, if approved, will take effect July 1. Star-Advertiser.

Servco Pacific requests pause on HART’s eminent domain plans of its Kakaako property. A more than 100-year-old family-owned business has requested the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation pause its plans to condemn the company’s large automotive servicing center property in Kakaako. Star-Advertiser.

HI-EMA fined $98K for violating underground storage tank laws.  The Hawaii Emergency Management Agency had  operated a 6,000-gallon underground storage tank system at its Battery Birkhimer facility inside Diamond Head Crater since December 1997. Star-Advertiser.

New elevated walkway connects Kakaʻako to Ala Moana Beach Park, Kewalo Basin. The elevated walkway is located between Ward Avenue and Kamake‘e Street and crosses six lanes of traffic, connecting the Kaka‘ako community to Ala Moana Beach Park and Kewalo Basin. Hawaii Public Radio. Hawaii Public Radio.

Suicides At Hawaiʻi’s Largest Prison Up The Stakes For Mental Health Review. Two more prisoners at Hālawa Correctional Facility died in the past two months in what are believed to be the fourth and fifth suicides there since last summer, making the state’s largest prison a disturbing anomaly nationally that experts blame on longstanding operational flaws. Civil Beat.

Journalist Jerry Burris excelled at insightful political coverage. Longtime Honolulu Advertiser reporter, Capitol bureau chief, city editor and editorial page editor Jerry Burris died Wednesday in his sleep at his home in La­nikai. He was 81. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Foreclosure Opens Door To Preserve Famous Black Sand Beach On Big Island. Lineal descendants of Punaluʻu and conservationists devise plans to permanently protect the land on Hawaiʻi island and its unique cultural and ecological features. Civil Beat.

Feral Sheep Salvage Project Seeks Participants. The project will involve "humane live-trapping and removal" of feral sheep along the Daniel K. Inouye Highway (Saddle Road). Big Island Video News. Big Island Now. 

Maui

Lahaina fire survivors find new sense of community as Ka Laʻi Ola housing nears completion. Ka Laʻi Ola is the state’s modular home community that will include 450 units and house about 1,500 residents who didn't qualify for Federal Emergency Management Agency assistance.  Hawaii Public Radio.

Traffic expected as crews truck Lahaina wildfire debris to central Maui. It’s said to be the next important step in rebuilding Lahaina, moving all the debris from the fire to its permanent site.  KHON2.

Homeless community is back 4 years after clearing of Amala Place. What will Maui County do this time? When government crews and police officers cleared out the extensive homeless community along Amala Place in 2021, it didn’t take long for some people to return.  Maui Now.

Secluded corner of Molokai puts subsistence hunting near unexploded bombs. While the nation honors those who fought for freedom, another legacy of World War II continues to be a challenge in Hawaii: unexploded munitions in some of Hawaii’s most sensitive environments. It’s an issue on the most northwest corner of Molokai, where the state-acquired Ilio Point, knowing it had been a Navy target range. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai

The 2026 Kauaʻi Mayor’s Race Is Off To An Early Start. Bernard Carvalho, the longest-serving mayor in Kauaʻi history, and Mel Rapozo, a retired Kauaʻi police officer, announced their intent to run within days of each other.  Civil Beat.

Final workshop for Waimea 400 housing project scheduled this week. Kaua‘i County Housing Agency invites the public to the final community workshop for the Waimea 400 Affordable Housing Master Plan. Kauai Now.

Former Honolulu corporation counsel and Police Commission chairman to plead guilty in Kealoha scandal, bills address DUI, ahi labels, paid family leave, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

2 Honolulu Officials To Plead Guilty In Kealoha Payout, Avoiding Jail Time.  Honolulu’s former corporation counsel Donna Yuk Lan Leong and the ex-chair of the Police Commission, Max John Sword, will plead guilty March 4 to a misdemeanor federal conspiracy charge in connection with the $250,000 retirement payment in 2017 to former Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha, according to federal court documents. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.  Hawaii News Now.  KHON2.

Green reiterates opposition to RFK Jr. as U.S. health chief. Gov. Josh Green reiterated his opposition to Robert F. Kennedy Jr. becoming the next secretary of health and human services as a Senate committee is scheduled to vote today on whether to advance the nomination to the full Senate. New York Times.

Schatz to block Trump nominees over USAID move. U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz of Hawaii said today he would block Senate votes on President Donald Trump’s diplomatic nominees in protest of plans to shut down the U.S. Agency for International Development and merge it into the State Department. Reuters.

How tariffs could impact Hawaii. Because Hawaii imports 85 to 90 percent of all its food, a 25% tariff will be felt deeply from restaurants to grocery stores. The Hawaii farm bureau says 80% of fertilizer ingredients come from Canada which is used in farming and food production, and grain feed is also imported from Canada. KHON2.

Debate Keeps Swirling Around Paid Family Leave In Hawaiʻi. Advocates say the need is greater than ever. But unions, businesses and state agencies are resisting. Civil Beat.

Bills would lower legal threshold for drunken driving. For the fifth consecutive year, bills have been introduced in the state Legislature to reduce the blood-alcohol content threshold for a drunken driving charge from 0.08% to 0.05%. Tribune-Herald.

Do you know where your ahi comes from? A state measure could require origin labels. Industry leaders say that imported fish is cheaper and can undercut locally caught fish. Imported fish can also be frozen and gas-treated to look fresher than it is.  Hawaii Public Radio.

Bill would ban immigration detention centers on state land. Immigration detention centers would be banned on state and county lands, and other bills in the Legislature also would ensure due process for any detainees. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii Public Radio.

Track how opioid settlement funds are being used in Hawai‘i. The Hawaiʻi Department of Health launched a website that allows the public to track where an excess of $100 million in opioid settlement funds paid to the state by pharmaceutical companies is going. Big Island Now.

Oahu

Is 2025 Last Chance For OHA’s Big Development Plans At Kakaʻako Makai? After years of futility, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs has new support for its plans to build affordable housing and a hotel on 30 acres of the Honolulu waterfront. Civil Beat.

Community weighs in on future plans for Aloha Stadium with questions about affordable housing. Five years after Aloha Stadium shut down, demolition is set to begin in June and then a new community will start taking shape. On Monday, neighbors got to engage with the developers for the first time. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Hawaii’s plan to develop leasehold homes advances. A more than $200 million tower is envisioned in Honolulu with 360 units and leasehold prices ranging from $456,400 for units with one bedroom and one bathroom to $862,600 for units with four bedrooms and two bathrooms. Star-Advertiser.

Multifaceted writer Cliff Slater dies at 91. Cliff Slater — businessman, newspaper columnist, author, photographer and community activist most visible in recent years for his steadfast opposition to Oahu’s controversial $10 billion rail project — died Jan. 20, with his wife and children beside him, at his home in Honolulu. He was 91. Star-Advertiser.

Penalty Reduced For HPD Officers Accused Of Assaulting Prisoner. Honolulu police officers were disciplined for a range of issues in 2024, including failing to activate their body cameras, drunk driving, falsifying police reports and stealing a wallet.  Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Council members question effectiveness of homeless-related grants. Hawaii County on Friday awarded more than $10 million to various Big Island nonprofits to fight homelessness. Kona Councilwoman Rebecca Villegas said some programs funded through the grants this year spend up to 90% of their awarded funds on employee salaries. Tribune-Herald.

Lava fountains over 250 feet high return to Kilauea volcano. Kilauea volcano resumed its latest eruption Monday, the eighth time that lava fountains have returned to the summit caldera in less than two months. Star-Advertiser.   Big Island Video News.

Hawaii astronomers monitor potentially dangerous asteroid. Hawaii astronomers late last year discovered an asteroid that has a slim likelihood of striking the Earth in about seven years, and a telescope on Maunakea will be used to help track the object’s orbit. Tribune-Herald.

Waikoloa Road project nearly complete. Almost two years of repairs on Waikoloa Road in South Kohala are projected to wrap up by this spring for the 12-mile stretch of roadway, county officials said. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Senate bill advances to increase air medical services. The state Department of Health has been cost-sharing a helicopter with Maui County and contracts with a private entity to provide staff and operations for the emergency helicopter. Maui Now.

FEMA finishes installing 167 temporary homes at Kilohana. FEMA’s 167-unit Kiohana temporary home site for wildfire survivors was completed this week in Lahaina.  Maui Now.

UH Maui College launches program to support Lahaina’s long-term revitalization. The University of Hawaiʻi Maui College is proud to announce the launch of the 2025 Maui Strong Fellowship Program, an initiative aimed at engaging UHMC students and any interested Maui residents in projects critical to Maui’s long-term care and post-fire recovery.  Maui Now.

Activists worry proposed Grand Wailea expansion could disturb iwi kupuna. For years, the Grand Wailea Resort has been trying to expand and is now seeking approval for a proposal to build 137 additional guest rooms, among other additions.  KITV4.

Kauai

Kauaʻi middle school counselor named 2025 Hawai‘i School Counselor of the Year. Noelani Butcher of Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School in Līhuʻe was named the 2025 Hawai‘i School Counselor of the Year by the American School Counselor Association. Kauai Now.

Schatz announces more Social Security for public workers with pensions, crime boss Miske died of fentanyl overdose, Maui police investigate body found in airplane wheel well, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

 

Schatz: Social Security change to boost benefits for 100K in Hawaii. Congress gave over 100,000 public-sector workers in Hawaii an early Christmas gift by repealing provisions in federal law that reduced Social Security benefits for people who also receive a pension. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now.

Miske Died Of Fentanyl Overdose In Federal Detention, Medical Examiner Says. His death appeared to be “accidental,” according to a preliminary report from the Honolulu Medical Examiner. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser. Associated Press. Hawaii Public Radio. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

New CEO Joe Sprague Explains What’s Next for Hawaiian Airlines. A Q&A about airfares, interisland flights, the fate of nonunion employees, coordinating with Alaska Airlines and maintaining the Hawaiian brand.  Hawaii Business magazine.

Oahu

Oversight commission concerned about plans for new Oʻahu jail. The Department of Corrections began working on plans for the new jail over seven years ago. It is expected to cost about $1 billion and would expand the facility’s capacity by 350 beds. Hawaii Public Radio.

ACLU Hawaii expands probe into HPD drunk driving arrests after more drivers come forward. The American Civil Liberties Union of Hawaii has broadened its investigation and potential lawsuit against the Honolulu Police Department over intoxicated driver arrests. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Public warned to be mindful of air quality as Kilauea erupts. Although the USGS has lowered Kīlauea’s volcano alert level, vents are continuing to erupt on the floor of the southwest part of the summit caldera and high levels of volcanic gas can have far-reaching effects downwind of the summit, generally southwest. Maui News.

Plane crash under investigation on Hawaii Island. The National Transportation Safety Board confirms it is looking into what caused a Cessna to go down at Parker Ranch in Waimea shortly before noon. Hawaii News Now.

Maui

Draft environmental assessment details Māʻalaea condo plans for erosion control. Public comments are due Jan. 22 for a proposed installation of a “geotextile, sand-filled burrito” as erosion control at the Kanai A Nalu, a nearly 50-year-old, four-story condominium in Māʻalaea. Maui Now.

Maui police investigate body found in wheel well of United Airlines flight.  Maui police are investigating after a body was found in a wheel well of a United Airlines flight from Chicago to Hawaii. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.  Star-Advertiser.

State installing 2 speed tables near Maui high school.  They will be installed at mile marker 0.25 on Haleakala Highway, or Route 377, in response to community and school concerns over speeding in the area. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai

Kauaʻi Police Detective Bobby Thopson honored for investigative work. The Kauaʻi Police Commission on Friday honored Detective Bobby Thompson for his outstanding investigative work and dedication to public safety.  Kauai Now.

Advocates seek more transparency with change of House leadership, child welfare, prison system need help, snake found in Christmas tree shipment, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

 

Advocacy groups seek to change how bills move through the House. The state House of Representatives has a new leadership team with Rep. Nadine Nakamura becoming the new speaker of the House. Because of the changes, advocacy groups are expanding efforts to change the rules in the House that they say will increase transparency. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii’s Child Welfare System Needs Major Reform, Report Says. A panel created to propose reforms to Hawaii’s child welfare system has described an array of troubling defects in the system, and its draft report calls for a surge in government support for disadvantaged families so fewer children will be removed from their homes. Civil Beat.

‘Inmates are running the facility’ prison sources warn public safety is at risk. The climate inside Hawaii’s correctional facilities is at a tipping point with inmates running the show and guards overworked and underpaid.  KHON2.

Top booster cuts university funding over athletics director Craig Angelos' ouster. Longtime UH supporter and businessman Mike Kawazoe founded the Rainbow Collective in April of last year as a way to raise funds for the department and Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) money for student-athletes.  Hawaii News Now.

New Feral Cat Colony Map Could Save Hawaii’s Native Birds — But It’s Secret. The crowd-sourced map, which hasn't been made public yet, is bound to rankle many locals who regularly feed and care for free-roaming cats. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Honolulu Mayor Appoints New Housing Director. Kevin Auger became the Honolulu Office of Housing’s executive director this week, stepping up from his prior role as deputy director to lead the city’s efforts to acquire, build and preserve more housing as many residents struggle with high prices. Civil Beat.

Hawaiian Home Lands pursues Royal Kunia housing plan. The state Department of Hawaiian Home Lands wants to buy 211 acres approved for housing in Kunia for about $60 million from developer Haseko (Hawaii) Inc. with a preliminary development agreement to produce 1,200 residential lots for beneficiaries, including 500 lots in an initial increment where infrastructure already exists. Star-Advertiser.

City considers task force to explore merger of fire, emergency services. Staff shortages at Honolulu Emergency Medical Services are once again bringing up the idea of a merger with the Honolulu Fire Department. A resolution to study and create a plan passed the Honolulu City Council’s Public Safety Committee on Tuesday. Hawaii News Now.

West Side crackdown is reducing crime. Crime is down on the West Side during the three months since a spate of deadly shootings prompted county, state and federal officials to inundate the Waianae coast with law enforcement. Star-Advertiser.

911 outage caused by Hawaiian Telcom equipment issue. Hawaiian Telcom confirmed Wednesday that equipment failure caused Sunday’s 911 outage on Oahu. Most cell phones were blocked from reaching police dispatchers for about four hours. Hawaii News Now.

City plan to remove changing areas in Waimanalo Beach Park draws criticism. At Waimanalo Beach Park, the city plans to demolish two rundown comfort stations as part of a multimillion-dollar renovation project and install new prefabricated structures with individual, unisex bathroom stalls. The change would eliminate separate changing areas for men and women. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

New Mayor, Council To Be Sworn-In On December 2nd In Kona.  Mayor-elect Kimo Alameda, Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen, and the newly elected County Council will take part in the inauguration event. Big Island Video News.

Thumbs down for Kona Vistas. A 10-year extension for a controversial West Hawaii housing development to complete construction has once again been rejected, this time by the Hawaii County Council on Wednesday. Tribune-Herald.

More than $1.2M in PONC funds awarded to nonprofits. The county’s Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resources Preservation Commission identifies lands around the county worthy of preservation and recommends grant funding to nonprofits to continue to steward those parcels. Tribune-Herald.

Live snake found in container of Christmas trees in Hilo.  State officials say a live snake was found in a container of Christmas trees as it was being unloaded for a store in Hilo over the weekend. HDOA has identified the 2-foot-long reptile as a non-venomous gopher snake. Star-Advertiser. Big Island Video News.  Big Island Now.  KHON2.  KITV4.

Maui

Federal Officials Pressed On Maui Recovery Efforts. U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz took part in the Senate Appropriations Committee hearing on national disaster needs. Big Island Video News.

Lawsuit filed to change Maui’s street lighting citing its effect on endangered birds. Environmental groups have filed a lawsuit in U.S. District Court in Honolulu against Maui County and Hawaiian Electric to change the kind of street lighting on the Valley Isle that allegedly impairs the navigation of three bird species. Maui News. KITV4.

Survey asks children’s preference for rebuilding King Kamehameha III Elementary while focusing on 2 sites. Civic engagement in Lahaina remained strong Tuesday evening, with about 100 community members and staff gathering to discuss potential sites for King Kamehameha III Elementary School’s permanent location. Maui News. Maui Now.

Maui Invitational Returns To Lahaina As Post-Fire Emotions Are Still Raw. Many residents are excited about the economic boost the tournament will bring. But concerns also are high that visitors might show disrespect. Associated Press.

Kauai

Kapa‘a Swimming Pool to be temporarily closed in December. The Kaua‘i County Department of Parks and Recreation announced that Kapa‘a Swimming Pool will be shuttered from Dec. 1-16 so contractor Pacific Concrete, Cutting & Coring can repair the pool’s concrete deck. Kauai Now.

Restaurants haven't recovered from COVID-19 downturn, governor signs condo, energy bills, Boy Scouts settle wrongful death lawsuit, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii’s Restaurant Industry Still Hasn’t Recovered From The Pandemic. Even well-established eateries are struggling with high food costs, a shortage of workers and fewer Japanese tourists. Civil Beat.

Visitors arrivals, spending down in April as summer cooldown looms for Hawaii tourism. Visitors to Hawaii and their daily spending fell more sharply in April than they had in any month since the Aug. 8 Maui wildfires — an indication that even the peak summer season could prove soft. Star-Advertiser.

Governor signs bills benefiting condominium residents, owners. Gov. Josh Green on Thursday signed into law a package of bills benefiting condominium owners, associations and residents — another component of Green’s commitment to addressing statewide housing challenges. Star-Advertiser.  Big Island Video News.  Maui Now.

Bills providing improved access to clean energy approved by Gov. Josh Green. Addressing housing challenges in Hawai‘i, Governor Josh Green signed several bills Thursday aimed at benefiting condominium owners, associations, and residents statewide.  KITV4.

Military backs new work to locate, safely detonate wartime munitions dumped off Hawaii. An estimated 100,000 military bombs were sunk off Hawaii in the 1940s alone, according to a University of Hawaii researcher. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

City Ocean Safety facility on Windward coast begins work.  Honolulu Ocean Safety made history Thursday with a blessing ceremony for a groundbreaking $2.5 million project: the first facility tailored for lifeguard services in its 107-year history. Star-Advertiser.

‘Outside the box’: In a first, indoor Oahu mall to host volleyball championship. Volleyball fans across the state will see a historic first this weekend: The Hawaii Club Volleyball Championship is set for this Saturday and it will be played not at an arena or gym but at Windward Mall. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Hilo Councilwoman Sue Lee Loy Is Hoping To Move Up To The Legislature. State House Rep. Richard Onishi is retiring this fall, and longtime Hawaii County Councilwoman Sue Lee Loy moved to a rented home in Onishi’s Hilo district in April just weeks before filing to run for office there. Civil Beat.

Schatz visits HVNP, discusses funding.  Long-deferred maintenance projects are finally underway at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park after an infusion of millions of dollars in federal funds. Tribune-Herald.

Plaintiffs, Boy Scouts settle wrongful death case. A civil lawsuit filed by the family of an 11-year-old Boy Scout killed in 2023 by a rifle bullet at Camp Honokaia near Honokaa has been settled. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui Council Budgets $300,000 To Study Impacts Of Eliminating 7,000 Vacation Rentals. The council wants more precise information before taking action that could cost thousands of jobs and millions in lost tax revenue. Civil Beat.

No Water, No Problem? Council Is Steering $33 Million Toward West Maui Housing Project. Paul Cheng, a Texas developer with a criminal past, says he'll use the money to construct phase one of Pulelehua, the island's largest affordable housing project in decades. Civil Beat. Maui Now.

Maui County donates Kahului lots for affordable housing development. Maui County has donated seven lots in Kahului to the nonprofit Nā Hale O Maui for affordable housing.  Hawaii Public Radio. Maui Now.

Maui firefighter charged with sex assault has history of domestic violence. A battalion chief with the Maui Department of Fire and Public Safety charged with continuous sexual assault of a girl under age 14 has a history of domestic violence, according to state court records. Star-Advertiser. KITV4.

‘We can’t afford to wait’: Effort to build new West Maui fire station gains momentum. A Hurricane Lane After Action Report included recommendations for more resources, but it went largely ignored by county officials. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai

Fourth annual Kaua‘i Poke Fest approaches. Final preparations are underway for the fourth annual Kaua‘i Poke Fest with Sam Choy and friends as more than 20 competitors prepare to compete for the title of Hawai‘i’s Best Poke on June 8 at Kōloa Landing Resort. Kauai Now. KITV4.

Condo owners hit with high insurance costs, climate change could bring more infectious disease, free flights offered to Maui fire survivors, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Condo Owners Are Starting To Feel The Pain From Rising Insurance Costs. Gov. Josh Green has created an advisory team to work on ways to stabilize the market which has been battered by climate-related catastrophes. Civil Beat. KHON2.

Scientists predict climate change will bring more infectious disease to Hawaiʻi .  As human-driven actions change the climate, they're also changing the landscape for infectious diseases. Health officials are grappling with what that means for Hawaiʻi. Hawaii Public Radio.

Schatz, Tokuda seek higher Medicare reimbursements for Hawaii physicians. U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz, alongside Hawaii’s congressional delegation, plans today to introduce new legislation seeking higher Medicare reimbursements for the state’s health care providers. Star-Advertiser.

Pacific Fleet gearing up for return of RIMPAC exercises to Hawaii. The U.S. Navy’s Pacific Fleet is gearing up for the biennial Rim of the Pacific exercise — better known as RIMPAC — set to begin next month. Star-Advertiser. Big Island Now.  Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Mitsunaga Secretary Acquitted For Bribery Could Still Face State Campaign Violations. For a decade, Terri Ann Otani made tens of thousands of dollars in donations to political candidates in the names of her family members, according to her relatives.  Civil Beat.

Legal analysts: Board of Water Supply’s $1.2B claim with Navy likely headed to lawsuit. The Board of Water Supply and Navy are corresponding with each other as part of the utility’s $1.2 billion claim aimed at recouping costs associated with the Red Hill fuel leaks. Despite the movement, legal analysts think the massive claim will likely end up in court. Hawaii News Now.

Health official discusses air monitoring plan as Navy prepares to vent Red Hill tanks. More than 100 million gallons of fuel have been drained from the Navy Red Hill underground fuel facility, but residual fumes could still pose a risk to workers and neighboring communities. Hawaii Public Radio.

City begins sales of license plate shaka decals.  Starting Thursday, the new shaka license plate decal will be available for purchase at any satellite city hall on Oahu to support efforts to reduce aggressive driving. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Agriculture department surveys Waimanalo nursery for fire ants. The Hawaii Department of Agriculture says it is working with Pua Lani Landscape Design in Waimanalo to survey and treat little fire ants. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

More strategies mulled for feral pig conundrum. As the population of feral pigs on the Big Island continues to grow, county officials and residents are considering a wider range of solutions. Tribune-Herald.

Groundbreaking held for Waikoloa Village emergency route. State and county officials celebrated the launch of a private project Tuesday to construct an emergency route out of Waikoloa Village. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News.  Big Island Now.

More details emerge after cockfight raid: 25 dead roosters, $20K in cash seized. Lehualani K. Kaleiwahea, 49, of Hilo, and her son, Isaac Dylan H. Ragasa-Kaleiwahea, 28, of Keaau were arrested and booked on suspicion of 29 counts of cruelty to animals, plus single counts of first- and second-degree promotion of gambling and first-degree possession of gambling records. Domonick Uchima, 37, of Kurtistown was arrested and booked on suspicion of second-degree promotion of gambling. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News.  Big Island Now.  KITV4.

Maui

Council passes fiscal 2025 budget on first reading. The council met for the better part of the day in order to achieve the required passing of a budget. In total, the council entertained 18 bills and resolutions throughout the course of the meeting. Maui News. Maui Now.

Maui Care Flights to offer wildfire survivors free trips. Gov. Josh Green on Wednesday announced a new program, Maui Care Flights, to provide thousands of round-trip flights for Maui families affected by the Aug. 8 wildfires. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now.

A $2M gift to UH Maui College creates full scholarships for nursing students. A $2 million gift from the Gilbert and Aileen Chuck Foundation will provide full scholarships for nursing students in the University of Hawai’i Maui College starting this fall, according to a press release from the university. Maui News.

Luxury Housing Planned For South Maui Prompts Concerns Over Water, Traffic And Affordability. The $1.4 billion project envisions 975 high-end homes in and around the Wailea resort community that would cater to seasonal residents. Civil Beat.

Maui health center dealing with major tech issues, affecting thousands. A medical center on Maui is experiencing major computer problems that are affecting thousands of patients. Malama I Ke Ola Health Center shut down abruptly earlier this month blaming IT issues. Hawaii News Now.

Lahaina Business Owners Dive Into Busy Travel Season. Additional opportunities have arisen in recent weeks as they navigate a new normal after the Aug. 8 fires. Civil Beat.

Kauai

Hawaiian Host chocolate owners award four Kauaʻi students academic scholarships. The four Kauaʻi students were selected among a total of 59 recipients across the state, one from each of the qualifying public and independent school categories. Kauai Now.

Green announces Maui wildfire fund modeled after 911, audit blasts Honolulu's use of Covid relief money, Skyline train stalls, blocking crossing, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

$150 Million Fund Is Established For Families Of Maui Wildfire Victims. The fund is the start of what Gov. Josh Green described as a multi-part plan to compensate survivors and help them rebuild. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii Public Radio.  Maui Now. Hawaii News Now.  KHON2. KITV4.

Wildfire prevention prioritized in upcoming legislative session. Emergency preparedness is expected to be a major topic in next year’s legislative session, from management of the land to reduce wildfires to taking a closer look at how homes are built, the House of Representatives was tasked with taking a closer look at ways to mitigate the dangers. KHON2.

Residents urged to get updated flu, COVID shots. In Hawaii, an estimated 98,738 doses of the updated vaccine have been administered, according to DOH data from voluntary reports up to Wednesday, which is nearly 7% of the state’s population. Star-Advertiser.

State officials say the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service will provide $5 million for the planting of 75,000 trees. $5 million in federal funds is headed to Hawaiʻi for forest enhancement, state officials say. The new grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service, or USDA NRCS, is under the Regional Conservation Partnership Program. Big Island Video News.

Oahu

Audit Finds Honolulu’s Covid Relief Spending ‘Flawed And Unenforced’. The City and County of Honolulu’s Covid-relief response included millions of dollars of questionable spending going to potentially ineligible businesses and official vehicles while struggling households were turned away, the city auditor said in a report released Wednesday. Civil Beat.

Passenger Screen Gate Alarm Triggered Skyline Train To Stall, City Says. Because the train stopped at a track crossing, other trains weren't able to get around it. Civil Beat. KHON2.

Hearing canceled over Ala Wai harbor parking. Opponents claiming a state-level agency intends to end free recreational parking at the popular, state-controlled Ala Wai Small Boat Harbor hoped to make their voices heard at an official meeting today. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Nine Honolulu men cited for illegally fishing in marine life conservation district. Nine men were cited by DLNR Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement officers for illegal fishing in the Pūpūkea Marine Life Conservation District on Saturday. Big Island Now. KITV4.

Hawaii Island

Lawmakers tour Big Island ahead of legislative session.  Lawmakers tour Big Island ahead of legislative session. Members of the state Senate Ways and Means Committee have been holding discussions across Hawaii Island this week to help guide future decisions and budget appropriations during the upcoming legislative session. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii lawmakers working on solutions to dearth of home insurance in lava zones. There's a home insurance crisis erupting on the Big Island, and two state lawmakers from that area are working to fix it. The last private insurer for lava zones one and two is planning to leave this market next August. KITV4.

As drought conditions worsen, water restrictions loom on Hawaii Island. Intensifying drought conditions are expected to peak early next year, prompting officials in most counties to warn residents that conservation efforts are ahead. Hawaii News Now.

Affordable housing project for kupuna opens in Pahoa.  The project is described by its owners and managers, Hope Services Hawaii, as a “community of 12 prefabricated modular homes and resource center, serving as affordable housing for kupuna.” Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii lawmakers working on solutions to dearth of home insurance in lava zones. There's a home insurance crisis erupting on the Big Island, and two state lawmakers from that area are working to fix it. The last private insurer for lava zones one and two is planning to leave this market next August.  KITV4.

Parade set for Nov. 25. The Downtown Hilo Christmas Lights Parade committee is looking for morep parade participants before the annual holiday procession hits the street later this month. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Deadline Extended For Maui Fire Survivors Seeking Federal Assistance. County officials hosted the first in a series of public meetings to update residents on wildfire recovery efforts and improve communication. Civil Beat.

Maui declares Stage 2 water shortage. The Maui County Department of Water Supply declared a Stage 2 water shortage Wednesday. The shortage prohibits Upcountry residents from using water for “irrigation, watering lawns, washing vehicles or other nonessential activities,” according to a county news release. Star-Advertiser. Maui News. Maui Now.

Schatz: ‘A Lot Of People Are Going To Be Forced To Leave Maui’. Hawaii’s senior senator worries that victims of the wildfires will leave the islands. He wants the federal government to help make sure that doesn’t happen. Civil Beat.

Pink water at Keālia Pond on Maui likely due to halobacteria growth from high salinity. Preliminary analysis suggests that the color change appears to be the result of a single-celled organism called halobacteria. Officials with the US Fish and Wildlife Service say halobacteria are “salt-loving organisms” found in high salinity water bodies.  Maui Now. Hawaii News Now.  KHON2.

Another memorial planned for lives lost in Lahaina fire. The passage of time was evident Wednesday at the scores of crosses that form a Lahaina memorial on the hillside above the destroyed town. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai

County of Kaua‘i launches online reporting tool for road issues. As part of the County of Kaua‘i’s Land Information Management System project, the Department of Public Works and Information Technology Division created an application that provides the public with the ability to confirm the location of a reported County of Kaua‘i road issue on an interactive map. Kauai Now. KHON2.

Lihu‘e Airport traffic holds up in October. A total of 62,216 passengers deplaned domestic flights in October, compared with 72,450 in October 2022, according to data compiled by the state of Hawai‘i’s Department of Business, Economic Development &Tourism. Garden Island.