Supreme Court to consider overturning Hawaii gun ban, FEMA scales back housing for Maui fire victims, $126M for nonprofits at risk, arguments conclude over proposed shipping increase, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Supreme Court will consider overturning Hawaii’s strict ban on guns on private property. The Supreme Court said on Friday that it will take up its latest gun rights case and consider striking down strict regulations on where people can carry firearms in Hawaii.  The court will consider Hawaii’s restriction banning guns on private property unless the owner has specifically allowed them.  Associated Press.

Arguments wrap up over steep increase in regulated interisland shipping rates. A quasi-judicial hearing over a proposed 27% hike for regulated interisland ocean cargo rates ended Thursday after four days of witness testimony, tough questions and sometimes contentious arguments. The state Public Utilities Commission will render a decision, anticipated by the end of the year, on how much of an increase should be granted Young Brothers LLC. Star-Advertiser.

Investigation Clears State Utility Official In Toxic Workplace Case. The state agency announcing the findings provided few details about the case, saying only that 5 of 20 issues related to the allegations against the PUC’s chief of policy and research Randy Baldemor had been partially substantiated but were not “considered to be determinative of the overall claim or issue.” Civil Beat.

$126M for Hawaii’s nonprofits at risk. A new analysis released Thursday by the University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization and the Hawaii Community Foundation (HCF) lays out the risks in stark terms: 74 federal grants to 59 Hawaii nonprofits — totaling $126 million in unpaid balances — are politically vulnerable. Star-Advertiser. Tribune-Herald. Hawaii News Now. Aloha State Daily. 

Threat to federal workforce 'unlike anything we've seen before,' Rep. Tokuda says. About 24,000 civilian federal employees and 47,000 active duty military servicemembers in Hawaiʻi have been impacted by the federal government shutdown. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaiʻi air travel expected to continue with minimal disruption despite federal shutdown. Despite the federal government shutdown, travelers heading to the Hawaiian Islands are advised not to cancel or postpone their plans, as most tourism-related services will continue operating with little to no disruption. Big Island Now.

Unionized Kaiser workers prepare for possible strike after contract expires. UNITE HERE Local 5 members voted overwhelmingly last week to authorize a strike, meaning union leaders now have the ability to call a strike at any time. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Honolulu police shoot, kill felon, 50, who pointed revolver at officers. A 50-year-old felon was shot and killed by police Thursday morning after he pulled a revolver out of his waistband and pointed it at two Honolulu Police Department officers on Punchbowl Street, according to Interim Police Chief Rade K. Vanic. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.  KHON2. KITV4. 

Waiʻanae Goes All In With New $17M Facility To Boost Food Security. A 15-acre campus is expected to include a food bank, fruit trees, community kitchen, wastewater treatment center and more. Civil Beat.

Foster Home Abuses Were Secret For Years. A Lawsuit Exposed Them. The foster sons of John Teixeira had told almost no one about the abuse they suffered in his household. Then they started to talk. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island 

Kona woman pleads not guilty to coffee fraud. Patricia Johnson pleaded not guilty Thursday to federal criminal charges accusing her of making more than $5.2 million selling “100% Kona coffee” that was actually from foreign countries and bought in California and Washington. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii real estate investor denies improper use of Shohei Ohtani’s likeness in lawsuit. Ohtani and Nez Balelo of CAA Baseball were sued Aug. 8 in Hawaii Circuit Court for the First Circuit by developer Kevin J. Hayes Sr., real estate broker Tomoko Matsumoto, West Point Investment Corp. and Hapuna Estates Property Owners over a $240 million luxury housing development on the Big Island’s coveted Hapuna Coast.  Associated Press.

Funding released to expand E.B. DeSilva school. The release of over $2 million in construction funding for Hilo’s Ernest Bowen DeSilva Elementary School will allow it to build more classrooms to better accommodate students. Tribune-Herald.

UH Hilo Opens Veterans Student Services Resource Center. The new space, dedicated to veterans for networking and accessing support, was recently blessed at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo. Big Island Video News.

Maui

FEMA Scales Back Direct Lease Housing For Maui Fire Survivors. Citing no more unmet needs, the agency canceled $2 million worth of contracts with a company managing residential units leased from property owners.  Civil Beat.

Urban Design Review Board set to review Kahului Civic Center project Oct. 7. The Maui County Urban Design Review Board is scheduled Oct. 7 to review design plans for the proposed Kahului Civic Center mixed-use complex, a project that pairs more than 300 affordable rental apartments with a civic center featuring a wave-inspired roof design. Maui Now.

Kauai

Both Kaua‘i County Division of Motor Vehicles locations to close 1 day next week. The main Līhu‘e office and Kapa‘a satellite office will be shuttered Oct. 8 to accommodate staff training. Kauai Now.

‘Think pink’: Kaua‘i community urged to come together in solidarity during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Kaua‘i Committee on the Status of Women encourages survivors, supporters and the community to come together in solidarity during Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2025, which began Oct. 1. 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.

Green pushes national agenda, hearings start today on Young Brothers' 27% shipping rate increase, Hanabusa quits HART board, Chief Justice Recktenwald forced to retire, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

'There Can Be Peace': Hawaiʻi Gov. Josh Green Wants To Heal The Country. In a wide-ranging conversation, the governor makes it pretty clear where his head is at when it comes to combining his ongoing efforts for Hawaiʻi with his future national ambitions. Civil Beat.

Retiring chief justice led with kindness, compassion, wisdom. Mark E. Recktenwald, who turns 70 on Oct. 8, will retire Tuesday due to the state’s mandatory retirement age of 70 for justices and judges. Star-Advertiser.

Choy fired while suing Hawai‘i Tourism Authority for retaliation. Isaac Choy, a former state tax director and state legislator, was terminated from his job at the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority effective Sept. 15, according to a motion to file an amended complaint in his whistle-blower lawsuit. Star-Advertiser. KITV4. 

Young Brothers shipping company proposes a rate increase to shore up finances. The state Public Utilities Commission is holding a weeklong hearing starting today on Young Brothers’ request to raise its rates. The shipping company asked the commission to approve a 27% rate increase last year.  Hawaii Public Radio. Hawaii News Now. 

State Tries To Seal Foster Care Files To Protect Info It Already Revealed. When Civil Beat sought exhibits in the trial of an abusive Hawaiʻi foster dad, the Attorney General’s Office intervened to prevent “family trauma” from becoming public. It already had. Civil Beat.

Hawaii consumers hit by higher prices brace for more. Last week, UHERO forecast a bleak economic future for Hawaii for the rest of the year and into 2026 with more job losses expected as federal immigration agents continue to deport immigrants and more federal workers are expected to end their job extensions on Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

Keeping Hawai‘i Convention Center repairs on track is vital to stemming tourism losses, officials say. The modified closure of the Hawai‘i Convention Center over at least the next two years will cost the visitor industry hundreds of millions in lost revenue, and a lack of confidence in the state-run project’s timeline is putting future bookings at risk. Star-Advertiser.

Developers seeking to build affordable housing reach new heights. Demand for affordable housing in Hawaiʻi is rising, and so is the number of developers seeking to meet that demand. And now federal changes could mean more housing built.  Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii schools are climbing back from pandemic slump. The 2025 Strive HI report shows that math proficiency climbed to 41% in the 2024-2025 academic year, science to 43% and language arts proficiency saw a slight increase to 53%, meaning they met benchmarks set by the state Department of Education. Star-Advertiser.

Health care student loans to be paid by year-end. The fourth and final student loan payments for the first 780 Hawaii health care workers has been delayed but are now expected by the end of October, or at least the end of the year, according to the doctor in charge of overseeing the two-year program designed to keep and recruit workers. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Colleen Hanabusa resigns from HART board. Colleen Hanabusa, chairperson of the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation board of directors, is resigning from the body that governs construction of the more than $10 billion Skyline rail project, officials announced at Friday’s HART meeting. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.

Affordable apartments in Makiki billed as first of many by partnership. The partnership between Tradewind Capital Group and Stanford Carr Development recently received state financing commitments to fund nearly all of the estimated $148 million cost to build their initial tower. Star-Advertiser.

Nonprofits anticipate hunger to worsen in Hawaii. Thousands of people filled the Hawai‘i Convention Center on Saturday for the return of the Empty Bowl fundraiser, where guests selected handmade bowls crafted by local potters and enjoyed soups donated by more than a dozen restaurants. Star-Advertiser.

This Kāneʻohe Road Is Overdue For Repair. Kea’ahala Road connects Kāneʻohe town to major state facilities, but it’s been 20 years since it was properly repaved, and sidewalks are impassable for many.  Civil Beat.

State looks for lessee to revamp and operate Mālaekahana campground. The 36-acre recreation spot in Kahuku closed in 2023 for infrastructure upgrades. Hawaii Public Radio.

Residents reeling after being told to vacate Honolulu apartment building within days. A letter from the owner of Union Plaza posted on Saturday night said residents had until Tuesday to get out.  Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Big Island Housing Scandal Stalls Plans For Apartments. The affordable rentals in Kailua-Kona were supposed to be ready in 2024 and cost $50 million. The developer now hopes to finish in 2027 at a cost of $81 million. Civil Beat.

Keauhou Bay development clears another hurdle. Kamehameha Schools is advancing plans for a resort development on lands above Keauhou Bay, following the county Planning Department’s acceptance of the project’s final environmental impact statement. Tribune-Herald.

Monterey Bay Aquarium granted permit to collect marine life off Kona coast. The Board of Land and Natural Resources has approved a special activity permit allowing George Peterson, director of Marine Operations at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, to collect, possess and transport various regulated and nonregulated marine organisms off the coast of West Hawaii. Tribune-Herald.

Tokuda discusses shutdown threat, health care cuts during Hilo visit. U.S. Rep. Jill Tokuda met with the Tribune-Herald on Wednesday during a visit to Hilo, where she discussed the potential for a federal government shutdown, ongoing attacks on Congress, the fight to preserve health care funding and efforts by states to shift the balance of power ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. Tribune-Herald.

AG, county reach agreement over HPD internal records. The Hawaii Police Department and the state attorney general have come to an agreement regarding statements made by four HPD officers in an internal affairs investigation of alleged misconduct regarding events in May 2023. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

State mulls rescue help for parched Maui water system. Over 30 years ago, state leaders saw a need to take over Hawaii plantation-era water systems and fallow farmland to support diversified agriculture, and now one such water system that’s become a drain on Maui’s economy is for sale. Star-Advertiser.

Paia Elementary cleans up from nearby brush fire; school to remain closed Monday. The school has now been closed for four school days since Tuesday’s Holomua wildfire burned 400 acres and led to the evacuation of 1,600 Paia residents.  Star-Advertiser. Maui News.  Maui Now. 

Petition calls for Holomua Road closure after 380-acre fire; houseless community says it’s not to blame. Tania Kawa‘akoa shakes her head at the notion that one of the roughly 25 people who live in their cars, tents and temporary shelters along Holomua Road had anything to do with the 380-acre blaze that broke out Tuesday in the open fields above Pā‘ia and Kū‘au. Maui Now.

105 Hawaiian Homes agricultural leases on Maui mark first such awards in over 20 years. It was a day of celebration and anticipation for Maui ʻohana as they received their agricultural lot awards in two homestead projects. Some were on the Hawaiian Homes waitlist for nearly 50 years. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawai‘i Agribusiness Development Corp. to hold first board meeting on Maui, Oct. 16. The Hawai‘i Agribusiness Development Corporation (ADC) will hold its next board of directors meeting on Maui, marking the first time the state agency has convened on the island. Maui Now.

Kauai

High Enterococcus fecal indicating bacteria measured at Morgan’s Pond in September. This month 12 of the 29 sites tested had bacteria concentrations higher than the Hawaii state standard (130 mpn) and 14 of the 29 had geometric means high enough to put them on the chronically polluted list. Garden Island.

Scheduled Kaua‘i lane closures on state roadways for Sept. 29 to Oct. 3. Hawai‘i Department of Transportation announces the following lane closures and road work projects for state roadways on the Garden Isle during the week of Sept. 29 to Oct. 3. Kauai Now.

Coral monitoring plan develops, Green signs bill allowing HECO to borrow against rates, federal detention center to house immigrants, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Tracking Coral Disease Attacking Hawaiʻi’s Reefs Is All-Hands-On-Deck Job. Hawaiian reefs account for 85% of coral reefs in the United States, stretching over 1,200 miles around the state’s shoreline — a vast territory for any individual group to monitor.  Creating a way for tourists and casual oceangoers to flag diseased coral is underway as white syndrome threatens reefs around Hawaiʻi. Civil Beat.

Governor enacts HECO securitization measure. Gov. Josh Green quietly signed into law a major piece of legislation dealing with Hawaiian Electric's finances on Tuesday night. Act 258 authorizes securitization, which allows the utility to issue ratepayer-backed bonds for certain costs. Hawaii Public Radio.

Here's how the state is moving forward to stabilize the condo insurance crisis. The state has started to accept applications for hurricane insurance from condominium and townhouse associations that have been unable to secure full coverage on the regulated market. Last August, Gov. Josh Green issued an emergency proclamation to stabilize the insurance market after condominium buildings were unable to secure full insurance coverage from one of the three companies operating in Hawaiʻi. Hawaii Public Radio.

Honolulu’s Federal Detention Center to house ICE detainees. The Federal Detention Center in Honolulu is one of three prisons that joined the list of five approved facilities that will hold detained immigrants. McClatchy News.

Rep. Case confirms ICE detainees coming to Honolulu facility. U.S. Rep. Ed Case, D- Hawaii, said his office was recently notified of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement plans to house its detainees in additional prison facilities, including the Federal Detention Center in Honolulu.  Star-Advertiser.

With No Federal Halfway House in Hawaiʻi, Inmates Remain Far From Home. The state’s only halfway house for people convicted of federal crimes closed six years ago so those who qualify for supervised release must stay on the mainland. Civil Beat.

Only Half Of Hawaiʻi High School Seniors Apply For Financial Aid. The state has seen a boost recently in the application rate for federal financial aid, but it still falls short of its pre-pandemic level. Civil Beat.

Young Brothers announces leadership transition: Jay Ana stepping down, Frank Almaraz selected as Interim President. The inter island freight company, Young Brothers, LLC, has announced a leadership transition. Jeremiah “Jay” Ana is stepping down as President after leading the company since 2020 and will assume an advisory role through the end of the year to support a seamless transition. Frank Almaraz has been appointed Interim President. Maui Now.

Oahu

Maili wildfire prompts mass evacuation on Leeward Coast. Honolulu firefighters had a 95-acre wildfire in Maili 75% contained Sunday night after it led to the mass evacuation of Leeward Coast residents, resulted in a 94-year-old woman being treated for smoke inhalation and burned two homes. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii Public Radio. Hawaii News Now.  KHON2. 

Traffic fatalities skyrocket on Oahu. More than half of the states 70 traffic-­related fatalities were on Oahu, with a current count of 41, more than double the 15 reported at the same time last year. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu housing market slows at midpoint of 2025. While homebuyers are seeing more single-family home options at the midpoint of 2025, year-to-date sales for both single-family homes and condominiums in June lagged slightly behind the same time last year, according to the Honolulu Board of Realtors’ monthly report. Star-Advertiser.

Schofield Barracks soldiers turn to drones as battlefields change. Soldiers at Oahu’s Schofield Barracks have been making drones a more central part of how they operate, both in Hawaii and in operations across the Pacific. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Police chief to face commission on Thursday. The Hawaii County Police Commission has scheduled a special meeting for 10 a.m. Thursday, with the only agenda items relating to the fate of Hawaii Police Department Chief Benjamin Moszkowicz as the Big Island’s top cop. Tribune-Herald.

Pāhala Wastewater Collection System Construction Starts Monday, July 7. The $30.9 million contract for the Pāhala Wastewater Collection System was awarded to Goodfellow Bros., and includes exploratory excavation and potholing, sewer and water line installation, lateral connections to the 109 existing LCC-served properties, and roadway restoration and paving. Big Island Video News.

Cessna Aircraft Crash Lands On Kona Beach Road.  An airplane crash landed in North Kona on Thursday, and the pilot was able to walk away from the plane with only minor injuries. Big Island Video News.

Tree trimming, removal maintenance project scheduled this week at Liliʻuokalani Gardens. Hawai‘i County Department of Parks and Recreation notifies the public that a tree trimming and removal maintenance project is planned this week at Liliʻuokalani Gardens in Hilo. Big Island Now.

Maui

Maui County Gears Up For Legal Challenges From Former Employees. Maui is poised to spend more than $800,000 in taxpayer dollars to hire outside counsel to defend the county against various legal challenges and to pay legal settlements. The cases include allegations from the mayor’s former chief of staff and a gender discrimination lawsuit against the Maui Police Department. Civil Beat.

Over 400 building permits have been issued for Lahaina rebuilds so far. As of Wednesday, more than 30 homes have been issued their certificate of occupancy, marking completion. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kauai

12 projects receive Agriculture Farm Expansion Grants from Office of Economic Development. This is the second year the office offered funding through the grant program aimed at advancing Kaua‘i’s agricultural industry through targeted investments in the expansion of farming and/or production around the island. Kauai Now.

Water conservation request lifted for Kauai residents. After three months Kauai residents in Hanalei and Anini Beach are no longer asked to conserve water. This comes after repairs to a pump that failed at the Maka Ridge Well in Hanalei back in April. Hawaii News Now.

PUC approves 18.1% hike on interisland shipping, Land Board rejects Army's Oahu lease plans, Hawaii County commission seeks pause in plastic recycling plant plan, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

PUC approves 18.1% temporary rate hike for Young Brothers. The state Public Utilities Commission approved Friday an 18.1% temporary rate increase for Young Brothers LLC, effective Tuesday. The move comes in response to the company’s claims of financial distress that it says threatens its ability to maintain essential interisland shipping services. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now. 

Governor seeks clean slate to appoint new Hawai‘i Tourism Authority board. Gov. Josh Green asked for courtesy resignations from the entire Hawai‘i Tourism Authority board following its first meeting as an advisory board Thursday — leaving the agency to process through its biggest leadership shake-up since it was created by the Legislature in 1998. Star-Advertiser.

OHA Staff Baffled By Spending Plan Filled With Dramatic Cuts, Changes. A vote comes Monday for the new budget, which some fear could undermine the Office of Hawaiian Affairs’ mission. Civil Beat.

State Watchdogs Are Keeping The Pressure On For Government Reform. It includes a plan to revive a major pay-to-play bill snuffed out in the Hawaiʻi Legislature this year. Fired up by the fate of a major pay-to-play bill that died in April at the Legislature, the heads of the Campaign Spending Commission and Hawaiʻi State Ethics Commission are stepping up their efforts to lobby for reform in the 2026 session that beings in January. Civil Beat.

Governor signs measures aimed at protecting agriculture in Hawaii. A pilot program to fight agriculture-related crimes in Hawaii will go into effect July 1 on the Big Island and Oahu. The program within the state Department of Law Enforcement is intended to strengthen laws relating to agriculture theft — including cattle rustling — plus trespassing and hunting without permission on private ag land. Tribune-Herald. Maui Now.  KITV4.

Students Learn To Farm Fish, Seaweed. But Where Are The Jobs? Aquaculture is projected to become Hawaiʻi’s strongest food industry, but the state may not be doing enough to ensure there are good jobs in the future for local teens already preparing for the field.  Civil Beat.

Army land retention efforts stalled again. The state Board of Land and Natural Resources voted 5-1 Friday to reject the Army’s final environmental impact statement on potential renewal of leases on state land on Oahu. The action came after the board voted 5-1 in May to reject the Army’s FEIS on plans to retain land at the Pohakuloa Training Area on Hawaii Island. Star-Advertiser.

Culture and fish at center of debate in Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument. Shortline fishers as well as Hawaii’s longliners, now have a shot at resuming fishing within the monument, which is comparable in size to the Gulf of Mexico. Star-Advertiser.

What Trump’s executive order to end birthright citizenship could mean for Hawaii residents. Birthright citizenship has been guaranteed under the 14th Amendment, which says any person born in the United States is automatically a citizen, regardless of their parents’ citizenship or immigration, except children of foreign diplomats. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Land board rejects Army’s final EIS. The state Board of Land and Natural Resources voted Friday 5-1 to reject the Army’s final environmental impact statement on plans to retain state land on Oahu after leases expire in 2029. Star-Advertiser.  Civil Beat.

Connors takes over East-West Center among budget concerns. Celeste Connors, who takes over Tuesday as the new president of the East-West Center, continues to receive emails from across Hawaii and the Indo-Pacific region about what the East-West Center has meant professionally and personally. Star-Advertiser.

Proposed Haleiwa development draws community ire. A planned housing and commercial development in Haleiwa town is being rejected by many nearby residents who say it poses a significant threat to the North Shore area’s agricultural history, rural environment and overall community. Star-Advertiser.

Dozens rally against proposed gondola ride on Oahu’s North Shore.  Dozens protested plans for a gondola spanning a portion of Mount Kaala in the Waianae mountain range. The movement to stop the proposed construction of a tramway along the mountainside has been gaining momentum for years. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. 

New paradigm put forth to protect ancient Hawaiian burials. The beachside town of Kailua could be designated a burial ground, affording more protection to a roughly estimated 3,000 unmarked ancient Hawaiian graves located in the community built largely on sand. Star-Advertiser.

Dog owners seek increased access to parks for furry family members. Youth sports teams say they are struggling to find available fields for their practices and games, while dog owners — knowingly or unknowingly — are ending up at de facto parks because they have nowhere else to bring their four-legged friends to play. Star-Advertiser.

Queen’s shutters clinic specializing in long COVID patients. The long COVID clinic at The Queen’s Medical Center in Honolulu is closing today after a five-year run treating more than 500 patients. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Plan For Plastic Recycling Plant Alarms Big Island Officials, Residents. A Hawaiʻi County commission calls for a pause in the project until the state establishes rules regulating discharge of micro- and nanoplastics. A plan to launch Hawaiʻi’s first bulk recycling plant for plastic is running into determined pushback from Big Island critics who worry the recycling operation could release contaminants into the environment. Civil Beat.

UH to decommission third Maunakea telescope. The University of Hawaii Institute for Astronomy is officially initiating the decommissioning process for the UH-owned UKIRT telescope, formerly known as the United Kingdom Infrared Telescope. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News.

University of Hawaiʻi’s telescope dedicated in 1970 now honored for enduring impact on space exploration. University of Hawaiʻi’s 2.2-meter (88 inch) telescope on Maunakea was recognized by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Milestone program for its role in shaping astronomical research worldwide.  Big Island Now.

Trump administration’s actions rattle foreign students at UH Hilo, could hurt enrollment. International students at the University of Hawaii at Hilo are grappling with anxiety about their visas, travel and social media as the university braces for a potential loss of enrollment because of those concerns. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Residents encouraged to attend in-person Lahaina Community Meeting, July 2. Residents are encouraged to attend the County of Maui’s Lahaina Community Meeting at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 2, at the Lahaina Intermediate School cafeteria. Maui Now.

Pair honored for nearly 40 years of work at Maui homeless center. James Worley and John Decker have helped people facing homelessness find housing on Maui through their volunteer work as board members for the nonprofit Ka Hale A Ke Ola Resource Center. The two were honored Thursday for their longtime contribution to the community. Maui News.

Kauai

Kaua’i conservation leaders hope Hawaiʻi’s new Green Fee will prioritize environmental initiatives, not tourism. Kauaʻi nonprofit Malama Hule’ia planned to use a $750,000 federal grant to purchase an aquatic excavator to remove invasive red mangrove around the Hule’ia river watershed in Lihu’e. Kauai Now.

Kauaʻi’s Embattled Drug Addiction Treatment Center For Youth Is No Longer Empty. A new treatment option for drug-dependent youth on Kauaʻi is breathing life into the island’s troubled $7 million adolescent treatment center, a taxpayer-funded facility that fell into disrepair over the four years that it stood vacant.  Civil Beat.

Community encouraged to complete Waimea 400 Affordable Housing Survey by today. The County of Kauai Housing Agency is encouraging community members to provide their input on the Waimea 400 Affordable Housing Master Plan by completing an online survey by today.  Garden Island.
 

Legislature plans special sessions, Honolulu fails to collect $100M in vacation rental fines, state may buy 1k acres of farmland from Kauai billionaire Steve Case, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaiʻi lawmakers plan special sessions to address federal funding cuts. The Legislature has about three weeks left of its regular session. But the magnitude of federal cuts and what it means for the state’s budget is still unknown. The budget overhaul being considered by Congress threatens about 75% of the state budget’s $4.6 billion in federal funds. Hawaii Public Radio.

State Legislature poised to pass sweeping weapons ban. Senate Bill 401 proposes to ban the purchase or sale of “assault rifles” and “assault shotguns” in the state after July 8. While such weapons purchased and registered before July 8 would remain legal, those guns could not be again sold within the state. Aloha State Daily.

Geothermal power exploration building up steam. Three state agencies have big ambitions to expand geothermal power production in Hawaii, and two somewhat competing bids for more funding are at a final stage of potential legislative approval. Star-Advertiser.

Lawmakers take up the issue of midwifery, possibly affecting Native Hawaiian practices. Midwifery and the Native Hawaiian cultural practices that blur the boundaries of statutory definitions are again at the center of a fierce legislative debate that harkens back to the 2019 legislative session, when lawmakers passed what became Act 32 in recognition of “the potential for harm to public health and safety posed by the unregulated practice of midwifery.” Star-Advertiser.

Bills would require youths to wear skateboard helmets. Minors would be required to wear helmets when riding skateboards on public property under two bills that continue to move through the Legislature. Star-Advertiser.

New Zealand’s deputy prime minister visits Hawaii, amid heightened tensions in Asia-Pacific. New Zealand’s deputy prime minister, who also serves as the foreign minister, was set to visit Hawaii over the weekend, leading a high-level, cross-party delegation for key meetings across the Pacific. Hawaii News Now.

Neighbor Island businesses worry of shipping rate hike, tariffs. The state Public Utility Commission has been holding public hearings on Young Brothers’ request for a 27% rate increase for interisland cargo. KHON2.

Board of Education promotes financial literacy for Hawaii students. The state Board of Education has begun discussions to develop a formal policy that would embed financial literacy education throughout the state’s public school system, responding to growing interest from students, educators and the broader community. Star-Advertiser.

Famed war correspondent to be honored at final resting place. Legendary newsman Ernie Pyle, whose vivid reporting from the front lines of World War II won him a Pulitzer Prize and the admiration of readers and the soldiers whose stories he told, will be honored at a ceremony Friday marking the 80th anniversary of his death during the Battle of Okinawa. Star-Advertiser.

Federal Judge Won’t Make Bribery Investigations Public. A federal judge has ruled against Civil Beat in its efforts to obtain the FBI’s investigative files on two Hawaiʻi lawmakers who took tens of thousands of dollars in bribes from a Honolulu businessman in exchange for swaying legislation the way he wanted it to go. Civil Beat.

Oahu

City fails to collect millions in rental fines. The city has issued over $100 million worth of fines for short-term rental violations over the past three fiscal years but has collected less than $2 million — or barely 2% — even after hiring a collection agency in 2023 that was tasked with bringing in every dollar owed to the city. Star-Advertiser.

Speedier Reviews, Quicker Honolulu Building Permits? Not So Fast. The county says it’s doing its job faster, but that’s not yet translating to faster permits for property owners.  Civil Beat.

Navy seeks to reactivate wells closed during Red Hill crisis. More than three years after the Navy shut down two of its Oahu water wells in response to the Red Hill water crisis, the service is now looking to reopen them. Star-Advertiser.

Transit-oriented development forum is set for Kapolei. The city Department of Planning and Permitting announced it will hold a community meeting Wednesday to address proposed land use changes that could allow for TOD development around three city rail stations in the East Ka­polei area. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu residents turn in over 367 firearms in gun buyback program. The guns were exchanged for $37,900 in Foodland gift cards contributed by the Department of Law Enforcement. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu’s traffic fatalities nearly tripled in deadly start to 2025. Oahu, the most populated isle, usually has the greatest share, and so far this year has 22 fatalities, nearly triple the eight fatalities at the same time last year. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii lawmakers advance bills banning landfills over aquifers. Opponents to plans by Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s administration to site the city’s next solid-waste landfill on active pineapple fields above Central Oahu’s freshwater aquifer claimed a tentative victory this week. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Vacation Rental Registration Process Subject Of Online Briefing. An upcoming, online informational briefing will be held about a potential registration process for hosted Transient Vacation Rentals (TVR) and hosting platforms in Hawai‘i County. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now.

Hawaiʻi County Council goes round and round on bus budget.  Hawaiʻi Island's mass transit budget has increased by 400% since 2018. At a budget hearing on Thursday, Hawaiʻi County council members questioned whether that fourfold investment has been worth it. Hawaii Public Radio.

Waikoloa Village wildfire preparedness in the spotlight. The public is invited until April 30 to give input to Hawaii County to help identify potential wildfire risks and opportunities for preparation and prevention in the Waikoloa Village area. Tribune-Herald.

Opposition to fence grows: Some neighbors of muni golf course cite safety concerns. Hawaii County is following through on its plans to fence off the Hilo Municipal Golf Course from nearby residents, to the displeasure of at least some of the neighbors. Tribune-Herald.

Aging Kona Inn Shopping Village struggling to sell despite property’s century history as tourist mecca. Nearly 100 years ago, the opening of Kona Inn along the coastline marked the beginning of commercial tourism for the once sleepy fishing village of Kailua-Kona. Big Island Now.

Maui

Dozens of Maui County officials to get hefty raises after vote by salary commission. More than 40 top county officials, including Maui’s mayor, police and fire chief, will see substantial raises following a vote by the salary commission. Hawaii News Now.

Maui wedding and events industry seeks help. The Maui Wedding and Event Association is asking for $300,000 from Maui County to help to support Maui’s wedding and events industry. Maui News.

Worries About Climate Change Spiked On Maui After 2023 Fires. More than three-quarters of Maui residents said they were concerned about global warming in 2024, according to a national climate survey conducted annually by Yale University — a six percentage point increase from 2022. Civil Beat.

Landscape fire recovery work progresses in Upcountry, Kīhei gulches. More than 20,000 cubic yards of excess sedimentation have been moved, and over 9,200 linear feet of gulches have been cleared of burnt debris and dead or dying trees as part of a major undertaking to address substantial landscape damage caused by the Maui wildfires of 2023, and to protect communities and ecosystems downslope of the burned areas. Maui Now.

Modular homes for wildfire survivors to be in transit next week. The Hawai‘i Department of Transportation notifies highway users of potential traffic delays as modular homes for wildfire survivors are transported from Kahului to the state’s Ka Laʻi Ola housing site in Lahaina. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kaua’i Billionaire Wants To Sell Prime Ag Land. The State Might Buy It. More than 1,000 acres of former Kauaʻi plantation land owned by a billionaire tech entrepreneur Steve Case  are in the sights of the state’s Agribusiness Development Corp. as part of the effort to help Hawaiʻi achieve its local food production goals. Civil Beat.

Kaua‘i County reviewing, updating Multi-hazard Mitigation and Resilience Plan. The Federal Emergency Management Agency requires a community to review and update its Multi-Hazard Mitigation and Resilience Plan at least every 5 years to remain eligible for a range of the agency’s programs, including the agency’s Hazard Mitigation Grant program and the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities Grant program. Kauai Now.

Changes to coastal permits in the works, interisland shipping costs could increase by 20% or more, huge raises coming to Maui officials, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

State considers changes to permit process for coastal single-family homes. Lawmakers are advancing a bill to amend the permitting process for certain coastal residences despite pushback from some conservation groups and community members. House Bill 732 would increase the cutoff for a Special Management Agency minor permit to $750,000 for single-family homes no larger than 3,500 square feet, which the supporters say would streamline the permitting process and account for inflation. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaiian homestead development plans questioned amid funding request. On July 11, 2022, a historic bill to reduce the number of Native Hawaiians waiting for homesteads became law, but nearly three years later it can be hard to grasp how many homesteads will be produced from the $600 million Waitlist Reduction Act. Star-Advertiser.

Bills drive union challenge of Hawaiian Electric. Both Hawaiian Electric and the carpenters union argue that their positions for and against earlier versions of House Bill 982 would be best for Hawaii when it comes to recovering from future wildfires in the aftermath of the Aug. 8, 2023, Maui wildfires, which killed 102 people and all but obliterated Lahaina. Star-Advertiser.

Bill advances to support film, TV productions. Abill passed out of the House Committee on Finance Wednesday with amendments, would create the Island Film and Media Production Investment Fund, expand tax incentives for hiring local workers and extend support to streaming platforms such as Netflix and Hulu. Star-Advertiser.

Young Brothers looking to raise shipping costs by at least 20%. Members of the public are invited to weigh in on shipping cost increases proposed by Young Brothers, the shipping company responsible for all interisland cargo shipping. Should the raise be accepted, container shipping will cost 20% more, with shipping to Hilo rising 35%. Shipping a car would rise 30%, and refrigerated items would increase 40%. KHON2.

Cost of raising a child in Hawaiʻi surges to $362,891—the most expensive in the US. Raising a child in Hawaiʻi now costs an estimated $362,891 over 18 years, making it the most expensive state in the country for families, according to a new LendingTree analysis. Maui Now.

Hawaiʻi Is Failing Special Education Students. Federal Cuts Could Make It Worse. Families and researchers say possible funding cuts and reduced federal oversight could make it harder for special education students to receive the services they need in schools.  Civil Beat.

National Endowment for the Humanities terminates grants awarded to local organizations. The U.S. Department of Government Efficiency is demanding deep cuts to a federal agency that funds humanities-focused organizations across the country, according to officials from the Hawai‘i Council for the Humanities. Hawaii Public Radio.

Nonprofits face uncertainty under Trump funding freezes. Nonprofit leaders across the state are warning that cuts to technical assistance, staff reductions in federal housing offices and the anticipated loss of millions of dollars in grants under the Trump administration are creating ripple effects — threatening the long-term stability of Hawaii’s social safety net. Star-Advertiser.

Veteran GOP state lawmaker Gene Ward served with distinction, fervor. Former state Rep. Gene Ward was remembered Friday for nearly 30 years of service in the Legislature and other accomplishments that included helping Native Hawaiians and people in poor countries around the world. Ward, 82, died Friday morning after prolonged health issues kept him sidelined from the state Capitol since January and led him to resign Monday. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

Council questions Honolulu transportation director about rail audit. At a Planning Committee meeting Wednesday, Council members shared their concerns over perceived limits on access to rail stations for the disabled, the public’s difficulty in using station lavatories, and reports that the city’s HOLO cards, which allow ridership on public transit, were in short supply. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu’s Outdoor Dining Pilot Program Made Permanent. Oʻahu eateries are now on solid legal ground if they want to set up tables outside on city sidewalks, thanks to a measure signed by Mayor Rick Blangiardi on Friday. Civil Beat.

Hawai‘i Convention Center’s 2-year repair schedule risks millions in lost group trade. The planned closure of the Hawai‘i Convention Center in 2026 for $64 million in repairs to the rooftop terrace deck is now expected to extend into 2027, putting at risk millions of dollars in group tourism bookings. Star-Advertiser.

Marines bring fallen comrades home from Guadalcanal 80 years later. The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency sends teams around the world to find the remains of missing serv­ice members and bring them to Hawaii where experts at the world’s largest forensic skeleton lab work to identify them using a mixture of science and historical detective work. Star-Advertiser.

Anti-Musk movement reaches Hawaii with Waikiki Tesla protests. Twice a week, protesters take to the sidewalk in front of the Tesla dealership in Waikiki to speak out against President Donald Trump, Tesla CEO billionaire Elon Musk and their policies. Star-Advertiser.

$28,500 To COFA Migrant Denied Gun Permit By HPD. The Micronesian plaintiff sued the state, arguing he was denied fundamental rights protected under the U.S. Constitution. Civil Beat.

Thousands across Hawaii join 'Hands Off' protest against Trump and Musk. As part of a national response, reportedly involving over a thousand demonstrations across the U.S., an event called "Hands Off!" hit the streets Saturday outside the Hawaii State Capitol. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Hawaii Island

About 1,000 people in Hilo participate in nationwide ‘Hands Off’ protest of Trump, Musk. People with signs gathered at the Ross Dress For Less on Kanoelehua Avenue when the protest began at 10 a.m. As the crowd swelled throughout the three hours of the demonstration, it stretched from Makaala Street to Pohaku Street. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Now.

Waiakea Intermediate robotics team heading to world championships. Four students from Waiakea Intermediate School will be the only team representing the Big Island in May at the VEX Robotics World Championships in Dallas. Tribune-Herald.

Laupahoehoe Transfer Station to close until 2026. The Laupahoehoe Transfer Station will close for up to 10 months starting Monday, April 21, so significant improvements can be made to the facility. Tribune-Herald.

Work on Goodwill campus progresses. The consolidation of Goodwill Hawaii’s Hilo stores and social service programs to the 67,000 square-foot campus at 17 Makaala St. acquired in late 2023 should be completed by the end of 2026. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Salary Commission boosts pay for mayor, council members, department heads. The Maui County Salary Commission has given Pay raises as high as 89% to elected and appointed executive and legislative branch public officials, based on a “classification and compensation report” carried out by government consultant MGT. Maui Now. KHON2.

Maui Council To Take Up Bill Phasing Out Vacation Rentals This Summer. Maui Mayor Richard Bissen’s plan to convert thousands of temporary vacation rentals into long-term housing for locals may start moving forward again as soon as next month. Civil Beat.

Kauai

Kaua‘i Helicopter Company Wants New Flight Rules Amid Public Opposition. Blue Hawaiian has petitioned federal regulators for a rule change but community members, worried about safety and noise, say they need more time to study the proposal. Civil Beat.

‘Hands off!’ message goes out. A crowd that one member estimated to be about 2,500 people braved blustery weather conditions on Saturday to express their displeasure and objections over recent actions and announced plans by the President Trump administration. Garden Island.

State Senate races could bring in more Republicans, threats mar state election process, electricity disconnections spike post-pandemic, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Key Senate races this election that could flip seats in the state Legislature. It's no secret that Democrats make up the overwhelming majority in Hawaiʻi's Legislature. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t competitive races on the general election ballot where seats could go to the Republican Party. Hawaii Public Radio.

Why Blank Votes Count As No Votes For Hawaii Statewide Ballot Measures. Hawaii is among four states along with Minnesota, Tennessee and Wyoming that require amendments to be approved by “a majority of voters in the entire election."  That means voters who abstain from voting on an amendment “essentially count as no votes. Civil Beat.

Officials talk election threats, engaging the next generation of voters. Hawaiʻi was one of at least 16 states targeted with a suspicious package since September. Hawaii Public Radio.

Young Brothers seeks 2 kinds of rate increases for interisland ocean cargo. The company’s Oct. 15 application to the state Public Utilities Commission not only seeks a general rate increase averaging 20% for most cargo, but also asks for annual automatic rate changes tied to inflation. Star-Advertiser.

Public Utility Commission holds community meeting about energy disconnections. A recent report issued by the Public Utilities Commission estimates that roughly 6,000 households had their electricity turned off after falling behind on their bills last year, which is almost double the number of disconnections that occurred in 2019. Hawaii Public Radio.

Governor Green nears decision for Water Commission’s loea position, also known as water expert. Following a months-long vacancy, Governor Josh Green plans to fill the loea position on the Water Commission by next week. KITV4.

Residents encouraged to help state identify where internet upgrades needed most. Hawaiʻi residents are encouraged to become “digital detectives” through Nov. 4 by taking a simple 30-second internet speed test to help identify areas in the islands where internet infrastructure upgrades are crucial, ensuring federal funding is allocated to where it is needed most. Kauai Now.

Timeshare industry is growing in Hawaii. American Resort Development Association President and CEO Jason Gamel said Hawaii’s timeshare growth this year is significant given that in 2023 only five new timeshare resorts opened nationwide. Star-Advertiser.

As Rhinoceros Beetles Spread, State Board Bolsters Pest Control Powers. The Hawaii Board of Agriculture has approved rule changes to help control the spread of invasive species following about a 20-month delay. Civil Beat. Tribune-Herald.

Leaders to meet at Hawai‘i Agriculture Conference. Held every two years since 2002, the conference brings together local and national agriculture and food production leaders to share ideas and trends in the industry. Hosted by the Agricultural Leadership Foundation of Hawai‘i, key sponsors include the state Department of Agriculture, Ulupono Initiative and Kamehameha Schools. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii man accused of lying for money to help Afghans enter the U.S. Marty Anthony Muller allegedly wrote hundreds of letters of recommendation for Afghans applying for a special visa. Hawaii News Now.

Memorial service to honor late Big Island state lawmaker planned at state Capitol. A memorial service for late Big Island state Rep. Mark Nakashima is planned from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday in the rotunda at the state Capitol, located at 415 S. Beretania St., in Honolulu. Big Island Now.

Oahu

Honolulu Council discusses new agricultural task force. Many from Oahu’s farming and ranching communities support a Honolulu City Council plan to potentially restore the city’s now-­defunct Agricultural Development Task Force. Star-Advertiser.

Settlements Recommended For Honolulu Liquor Commission And Police Lawsuits. The City Council still needs to approve the $670,000 settlement over a lawsuit against the liquor commission and $150,000 for the family of a girl who was arrested. Civil Beat.

Officials brainstorm new rules for e-bikes to improve safety amid rising accidents. New laws aimed at clarifying the rules on e-bikes could be passed by the end of this year. It comes as the City and County of Honolulu reports already more than 180 accidents related to them this year alone. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Environmental Protection Agency reports mixed bag of Red Hill water results. The current well in use got the all-clear in terms of meeting the maximum contaminant level, or MCL. The EPA also tested for total petroleum hydrocarbons. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii youth engage in voting process. Hundreds of students gathered around the Kamehameha statue Tuesday, sign-waving before walking over to Honolulu Hale to drop off general election ballots or watch the process unfold. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

EA for Keaukaha project contains references to startup company. Despite appearing in a state environmental assessment, a private company’s concept for a water treatment facility in Keaukaha remains only hypothetical for now. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaiʻi Island's Natural Energy Laboratory celebrates 50 years of climate-focused projects. The park is also home to the only off-shore aquaculture operation in the country, operated by Blue Ocean Mariculture. New tenants— such as Sea Dragon Energy, a company that wants to scale up its operations to produce jet fuel from seawater — are hoping to get space at the 870-acre park. Hawaii Public Radio.

Solid Waste Facilities In West Hawaiʻi To Close For IRONMAN. The Kealakehe Recycling and Transfer Station, as well as the West Hawai‘i Sanitary Landfill at Pu‘uanahulu will be closed on Sunday, October 26th.  Big Island Video News.

Maui

Lahaina residents invited to workshop on rebuilding the energy grid. The new Lahaina Energy Partnership is composed of local organizations and funded by the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory, or NREL. They'll be holding a community workshop Thursday to gather input. Hawaii Public Radio.

Lahaina homeowners can now apply to receive lot surveys at no cost. The Lahaina Homeowner Recovery Program announced that it will offer no-cost lot surveys for Lahaina homeowners who lived in their home before the Aug. 8, 2023, Maui wildfires. Funding for the lot surveys was provided through a $3-million grant to Hawaiʻi Community Lending from the Maui Strong Fund of the Hawaiʻi Community Foundation.  Maui Now.

State seeks feedback on new proposed site to rebuild King Kamehameha III Elementary in Lahaina. The Hawai’i Department of Education is seeking community input for a new proposed site up to 16 acres from landowner Kamehameha Schools in Ku’ia, Lahaina, that could serve as the permanent home for rebuilding King Kamehameha III Elementary School, which was damaged in the Aug. 8 wildfires. Maui News. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kauai Voters Asked To Fund Groups Maintaining Natural Resources. One proposed charter amendment on Kauai could make it easier for the county to partner with volunteer organizations to care for properties it has acquired under a fund designed to preserve natural resources. Civil Beat.

Kauai voters to decide on five key Charter Amendments in General Election. Voters on Kauai will have to decide on five important charter amendments on the ballot this general election. KHON2.

Hanamaulu Stream grungiest in October. A monthly analysis of streams, rivers and surf spots around the island found high concentrations of enterococcus bacterium at a number of locations with Hanamaulu Stream emerging as the grungiest in October. Garden Island.