Solar installations soar but face dim future, Honolulu closes permit counter for a week, measles detected in Maui wastewater, Maui council choice falls to mayor, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii solar installations soar but industry faces ‘disruption’. Hawaii overall now has the highest per capita rate of rooftop solar installations at 45%, Hawaiian Electric said, citing data from the U.S. Energy Information Agency. ales of solar systems increased this year — especially over the past several months — as the Dec. 31 deadline approaches for 30% federal tax credits to expire. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii nurses warn proposed federal rule could worsen shortage. The plan limits how much nursing students can borrow for their training. A petition saying nursing is a professional degree is now being circulated. There are 17,000 nurses in Hawaiʻi, and nurses warn the proposed rule would make the years-long nursing shortage even worse. Hawaii News Now.

When Do Hawaiʻi’s Dying Inmates Deserve ‘Compassionate Release’? Advocates say we’re the only state without a law requiring release of dying inmates in some circumstances, and will press the Legislature to pass one. Civil Beat.

Hawaiʻi Police Face Unique Barriers To Solving Violent Crimes. The percentage of violent crimes that end in an arrest or a closed case is declining, as agencies grapple with understaffing, insufficient technology and geographical challenges of an island state. Civil Beat.

Can Hawaiʻi's coral reefs survive increased oceanic heat waves?  A marine heat wave has been cooking the North Pacific Ocean over the last several months, endangering underwater ecosystems. Cloudy weather saved the day, sparing corals from damaging irradiation. Temperatures are now dropping. Hawaii Public Radio.

Chief State Economist Seth Colby named the new head of Budget and Finance. Gov. Josh Green has announced that Seth Colby will be the next director of the state Department of Budget and Finance, starting in less than two weeks. Hawaii Public Radio. Maui Now. 

Oahu

Honolulu Permit Counter Closing Next Week To Catch Up With Backlog. More than 800 projects are waiting to clear the first hurdle in the permitting process. Honolulu’s troubled permitting department will close its front counter services next week and won’t be accepting phone calls from the public as it tries to climb its way out of a six-week backlog of applications.  Civil Beat.

Family of disabled woman loses thousands in forged deed scam. A Waianae family lost their disabled relative’s one-acre property to alleged title theft despite working with attorneys to gain legal guardianship and sell the home to pay for her care. Hawaii News Now.

Christmas tree sales begin as Hawaii family tradition comes to a close. Paula Tajiri, owner of Christmas Hawaii, hopes her last year will be a good one, even though she’s cut shipments of trees from Washington in half — from 5,000 to 2,500. Star-Advertiser.

Tradition drives Hawaiian Pie Company through its peak season. As Thanksgiving approaches, the ovens at Hawaiian Pie Company in Kalihi are working overtime. KITV4.

Hawaii Island

Kilauea lava fountaining ends after 9 hours in Halemaumau crater. Kilauea displays lava fountains for the 37th time since its eruption began last year. The on-and-off eruption that’s been dazzling residents and visitors on Hawaii’s Big Island for nearly a year resumed Tuesday as Kilauea volcano sent fountains of lava soaring 400 feet (122 meters) into the air.  Associated Press. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now.  Star-Advertiser.

Magnitude 4.6 Earthquake In Puna Shakes Hawaiʻi Island. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center reported the quake was not strong enough to generate a tsunami threat for Hawaiʻi. Big Island Video News.

Hawai‘i Island AgriPolicy Summit Set For December 11. Food producers, distributors, retailers, chefs, schools, nonprofits, and community advocates are invited to participate in the solutions-focused conversation. Big Island Video News.

Big Island Press Club to honor Julia Neal at Annual Torch of Light Luncheon and Silent Auction. The Big Island Press Club will host its annual Holiday Torch of Light Luncheon and Silent Auction from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, at the historic Plantation House in Pahala. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Split Maui Council Can’t Agree On New Member. Now The Mayor Will Decide. Since the death of Tasha Kama, the council is divided into two equal factions of four members. Civil Beat. Maui News. Maui Now.  Hawaii News Now. 

DOH Monitoring first wastewater detection of measles in Maui County. The Hawaiʻi Department of Health is monitoring a positive wastewater sample for the measles virus, the first-ever wastewater detection of the virus for Maui County.  Maui Now.

New report shows Maui County generates $103.7M in annual farm sales. Maui County produces about $103.7 million in agricultural goods each year, according to a new Farm Flavor analysis that ranks agricultural output across nearly 3,000 US counties and all 50 states. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kauaʻi’s Next Top Cop Says He’s A Relationship-Builder. San Diego Deputy Chief Rudy Tai’s conditional appointment as Kauaʻi police chief marks a turning point for a department with a documented morale problem. Civil Beat.

12 programs receive grant funding to tackle community issues, push innovation on Kauaʻi. After receiving 28 proposals for its innovation grants for fiscal year 2025-2026, the Office of Economic Development has selected 12 initiatives that advance innovation, address community challenges, and strengthen Kaua‘i’s economic development. Kauai Now.

Loving Navy father dies while trying to save his son in Kauai waters. A trip to the beach turned into a tragedy for a Navy family stationed in West Kauai. Master-at-Arms 1st Class Jeffrey Diaz died Sunday, just one day before his 48th birthday. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. 

Army stages multinational exercise amid land negotiations, Honolulu fires building permit worker for expediting certain applications, Hawaii County Council set to delay vacation rental regs, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Army gearing up for multinational exercise amid land negotiations. The Army announced Friday that from today through Nov. 17, soldiers from the 25th Infantry Division will participate in the annual Hawaii rotation of the Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center (JPMRC), a series of training ranges in Hawaii and Alaska. Star-Advertiser.

Turnout Is Up. People Like It. But Voting By Mail Is Under Attack In Hawaiʻi. The state Elections Commission has asked the Legislature to revert to in-person, same-day voting. But experts say voting by mail is safe and popular. Civil Beat.

Construction industry looks to younger generations to keep building Hawaiʻi . A recent UHERO report said ongoing construction of the Skyline rail project, the Aloha Stadium redevelopment, and rebuilding on Maui will sustain nearly 40,000 construction jobs through the end of this decade. But the median age of a construction worker in Hawaiʻi is 44, two years older than the national median of 42. Hawaii Public Radio.

UH study: 19-year life expectancy gap among major ethnic groups in Hawaiʻi. The updated analysis — published in the Hawaiʻi Journal of Health and Social Welfare — shows that while the state continues to rank among the nation’s healthiest, Native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islanders continue to face the greatest disparities. Kauai Now.

Hawaii response a ‘lifeline’ for SNAP benefit recipients. Local efforts to help the 161,400 low-income Hawaii residents facing elimination of federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program — or SNAP — benefits and others affected by the federal government shutdown will keep an already bad economic situation from getting worse for the state, according to the University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization. Star-Advertiser.

Change in collecting tourism data disrupts trends. As Hawaii marks the 75th anniversary of its in-flight visitor survey — a cornerstone of tourism data collection — state officials are grappling with an eight-month disruption in tracking visitor trends. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Honolulu Fired Building Permit Worker Who Cut Through Delays For A Few People. The city accused a plans examiner of preferential treatment.From 2019 to 2022, building plans examiner Kim Kehrwieder helped certain applicants on dozens, if not hundreds, of occasions, plucking them out of the queue and sparing them costly, monthslong delays, a city investigation found. Civil Beat.

TheBus gives final contract offer to Local 996. The proposal, delivered late Friday, includes a 16% pay increase over four years — a 4% raise each year — along with 100% employer-paid medical coverage for active employees, retirees, and their families, and full employer contributions to pension funds. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.  KITV4.

North Shore eyeing shuttle service to solve traffic woes. House Majority Leader Sean Quinlan (D, Waialua-­Haleiwa-Punaluu) has secured $4.7 million to help untangle traffic snarls on Oahu’s North Shore and is negotiating to purchase seven acres from Dole Food Co. — an integral step in starting a shuttle system aimed at easing traffic. Star-Advertiser.

Condemned house lots recycled in Kuliouou. The board of the state’s Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corp. in July approved spending $500,000 appropriated by the Legislature in 2024 on “Band-Aid” repaving of a dilapidated road fronting 17 vacant lots where the state previously purchased and demolished damaged homes built by a private developer for a predecessor agency as part of a larger subdivision. Star-Advertiser.

Punahou Square Park Has Seen Better Days. A dog park is being added to the small park while other parts of it remain neglected. Civil Beat.

Sewer installation begins for Kailua Ocean Safety facility. City crews are starting sewer connection work next week for the new Honolulu Ocean Safety Department facility in Kailua. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

Council likely to push back implementation of STVR law to July 2026. Hawaii County’s law regulating short-term vacation rentals — those lasting fewer than 180 consecutive days — could be pushed back to take effect July 1, 2026, under a proposal the County Council will discuss Tuesday. Tribune-Herald.

Big Isle lawmakers provide update on road projects. State and county transportation officials joined local lawmakers last week to share updates and hear community concerns about ongoing and future projects in Puna and across Hawaii Island. Tribune-Herald.

Iconic Ali‘i Drive in Kona changed forever after loss of 80-foot tree. The landscape of historic Ali‘i Drive in Kailua-Kona is forever changed as the more than 100-year-old Moreton Bay Fig tree with branches that arched over the roadway was cut down, going from its majestic 80 feet high to a 20-foot trunk. Big Island Now.

Maui

Drought leaves extreme low flows in East Maui streams; debate sparked over emergency easing of stream flow standards. The Oct. 28 briefing for members of the Hawaiʻi Commission on Water Resource Management raised urgent concerns about the source of East Maui’s and — by extension — Upcountry’s drinking water supply, prompting state water officials to consider revising in-stream flow standards as an emergency measure. Maui Now.

Maui County plans more wells, system upgrades to meet Upcountry’s water issues, growing demand. As the need for water continues to outpace supply, especially in Upcountry, Maui County is trying to find new sources and solutions that aren’t dependent on rain. They include buying and drilling new wells, upgrading key treatment plants and potentially connecting to the Central Maui system so water can be pumped Upcountry in times of short supply.  Maui Now.

As residents brace for changes to SNAP, Maui farmers worry about the impacts. Pono Grown Farm produces a diverse variety of vegetables, fruit and honey on about 13 acres in Makawao, using regenerative and organic methods, with a focus on youth and community agricultural education. Hawaii Public Radio.

Online survey seeks public input on urban forest management plan. Maui County officials are seeking input on a new urban forest management plan that aims to cultivate communities where trees provide food, cultural resources, shade, aquifer recharge, climate resilience and other benefits on the island of Maui.  Maui News.

Hawaiʻi Needs More Firebreaks. Maui Is Making It Happen. A new horseshoe-shaped road around Lahainaluna High School is intended to slow the spread of wildfires and give firefighters better access to the area so they can more easily battle the flames. Civil Beat.

Kauai

Kalāheo Dental Group’s annual Halloween Candy Buyback supports Operation Shoebox. For the past 10 years, the team at Kalāheo Dental Group on Kauaʻi’s west side has turned the post-Halloween sugar rush into something truly sweet: their annual Halloween Candy BuyBack event, which supports U.S. troops overseas. Kauai Now.

Life of a beloved kumu hula celebrated on Kauai in a fond farewell. Hula, memories and aloha filled the Kilohana Plantation grounds Saturday as hundreds turned out to honor the life of Jonelle Marie Leināʻala Pavao-Jardin. She died on Oct. 4 at the age of 51 after a 15-month battle with pancreatic cancer. Hawaii News Now.

Green promises 64k new homes, Kaiser Permanente workers set to strike, Japanese firm to help meet state energy goals, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Green Says 64,000 New Affordable Homes Are In The Pipeline. Can He Deliver? The market has shown few signs of improving since Green took office. While the resale prices of single-family homes and condos have leveled off, rents have increased 17% since his December 2022 inauguration, according to the University of Hawaiʻi Economic Research Organization. Civil Beat.

New state task force targets Hawaii’s permit backlog. A new state task force is taking aim at Hawaii’s notoriously slow and complex permitting system, which has long delayed housing and commercial projects across the islands. Tribune-Herald.

Japanese firm to help Hawaii achieve clean energy goals. Gov. Josh Green and the energy firm, JERA Co. Inc., signed a strategic partnering agreement establishing a framework for the collaboration on Oct. 6 during a weeklong trip to Japan by Green and more than a dozen other officials from state government including lawmakers. Star-Advertiser. Kauai Now. 

OHA’s Chief Executive Could See A 35% Pay Bump While On Leave. Office of Hawaiian Affairs CEO Stacy Ferreira, who was placed on indefinite leave in September, could see her pay jump 35%—to $270,400 — next month under a proposal up for consideration by the office’s Board of Trustees on Wednesday. Civil Beat.

Kaiser workers to strike over wages, staffing, benefits. About 2,300 Kaiser Permanente employees in Hawaii are set to walk off the job this morning as part of a five-day national strike, joining over 45,000 unionized health care workers across the country in one of the largest labor actions in the health care sector in recent years. Star-Advertiser. Tribune-Herald. KHON2.

HCL offers forbearances for federal employees impacted by shutdown. Hawai‘i Community Lending is offering temporary relief to federal workers in Hawai‘i to ensure they do not lose their homes amid the ongoing government shutdown. Maui Now.

Oahu

Honolulu City Council considers fare hikes for public transit. As initially proposed, Bill 54 could increase the annual adult fare from $880 to $990; and fares for monthly adult fare would rise to $90, up from the current charge of $80 — a 12.5% price increase for both. Star-Advertiser.

Uncertainty for TheBus riders as strike talks continue, no advance notice guaranteed. Oahu Transit Services has been receiving inquiries about a pending strike by TheBus employees, prompting the union that represents them to clear the confusion. Hawaii News Now.

Skyline debuts 4 new stops, making its way into the heart of Honolulu. Honolulu’s rail system is expanding again with Skyline Segment 2 opening Thursday, Oct. 16, at 4 a.m.  KHON2.

 Honolulu's TheBus introduces new routes for Skyline expansion. The Department of Transportation Services in Honolulu announced upcoming changes to TheBus routes, effective October 16, 2025, to align with the opening of Skyline Segment 2. KITV4.

Windward Oʻahu Senior Housing Stalls Amid Zoning Appeals Backlog. A proposed senior living facility in Kāneʻohe would bring a range of negative impacts, residents say. The developer says it will help meet a crucial need. Civil Beat.

Father, daughter charged with assaulting HPD officers in Kalihi. Father, daughter charged with assaulting HPD officers in Kalihi. Kaeo Keoki Montalbo, 39, and his daughter, Naehu Montalbo Wong, were charged Monday for allegedly assaulting Honolulu police officers during a large brawl Friday night after a high school football game in Kalihi. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Public input sought on housing project in Hilo. The County of Hawai‘i Office of Housing and Community Development will host a community meeting on Oct. 23 to share information and gather feedback on the proposed ʻĀinakō Subdivision Housing Project in Hilo. Big Island Now.

Parolee who killed Big Island woman in 1978 is ‘under the highest level of supervision’.  The 75-year-old parolee, Steven Ray Simpson, was recently paroled for the 1978 murder of a young woman on the Big Island and suspected by prosecutors of having killed another young woman on the island that same year. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui Is Racing To Spend $20M On Lahaina Land Deal With Prominent Developer. The county plans to use 160 acres from Peter Martin for flood control, evacuation routes and other projects that could help the fire-torn town recover. Civil Beat.

Relief in the works for applicants on Upcountry water meter waitlist. John Stufflebean, director of the Maui County Department of Water Supply, said the department has developed a plan to start processing the list of people waiting for water meters in the Upcountry area. Maui News.

Downed communication cables spark concerns on Maui. Downed cables on Maui have many residents worried it could potentially spark a fire. Hawaiian Telcom, the company that owns the lines, promises there is no danger. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai

Rat lungworm disease detected in adult on Kaua‘i. A case of neuroangiostrongyliasis, or rat lungworm disease, was identified in an adult on Kaua‘i for the first time since 2019. Kauai Now. Hawaii News Now.

McKenna named acting Supreme Court chief judge, economists predict Hawaii recession, arson alleged in latest Maui wildfire, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Sabrina McKenna to lead Hawaii Judiciary as acting chief justice. Hawaii Supreme Court Associate Justice Sabrina McKenna will begin serving as acting chief justice Oct. 1, following the retirement of Chief Justice Mark Recktenwald at the end of September, the state Judiciary announced  Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

Another state lawmaker launches challenge to Ed Case in Congress. Hawaii’s moderate Democrat in Congress, U.S. Rep. Ed Case, is attracting a growing challenge from within his own political party for next year’s midterm election. State Rep. Della Au Belatti announced on Thursday a campaign to run for the U.S. House District 1 seat held by Case. Star-Advertiser.  KITV4. 

OHA’s Chief Executive Has Abruptly Been Put On Paid Leave. Stacy Ferreira, the chief executive officer of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, was quietly placed on paid leave Tuesday by the OHA Board of Trustees. The circumstances surrounding Ferreira’s exit are unclear. Civil Beat. Big Island Video News.

Economists Forecast Hawaiʻi Recession Tied To Job Losses, Trump Tariffs. The University of Hawaii’s Economic Research Organization's third-quarter economic forecast outlines a long list of forces — many driven by Trump administration policies — that are expected to lead to more job losses, rising costs and a “mild recession” for Hawaii that will affect everyone. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.  Tribune-Herald. 

State will see SNAP benefit reductions next week. Families across Hawaii are bracing for yet another reduction in food assistance benefits, as the state Department of Human Services prepares to implement federally mandated changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP. Star-Advertiser.

Confessions could be thrown out because of new Hawaii Supreme Court ruling. Police departments in Hawaii are now required to use video and audio recordings of all interrogations done at police stations if the suspect is under arrest. Hawaii News Now.

Driving change: State gives away 1,000 dashcams to make roads safer. The state Department of Transportation is launching a pilot program called “Eyes on the Road.” The goal is to fix road hazards faster and crack down on unsafe drivers. KHON2.

Hawaiʻi recognized for community resilience, equity at Clinton Global Initiative annual meeting. Gov. Josh Green represented Hawaiʻi at an event featuring leaders from around the world discussing solutions for pressing global challenges, focusing on resilience, health and equity. Big Island Now.

Hawaii Seaglider Initiative expands with new partners. The Hawaii Seaglider Initiative — a coalition advocating electric-powered vehicles known as seagliders as a cleaner, affordable interisland transportation option — announced Thursday it added three major organizations to its membership: Hawaii Medical Service Association, The Queen’s Health System and Kamehameha Schools. Tribune-Herald.

Oahu

Honolulu Mayor Defends Bumpy Rollout Of New Building Permit System. The $7 million system, funded by city and federal funds, has had problems since it launched on Aug. 4. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now. 

New Aloha Stadium contracts signed. Two contracts signed Tuesday give  the New Aloha Stadium Entertainment District's private partnership group, Aloha Halawa District Partners, the go-ahead to dismantle the old stadium and build the new one at the same site. Star-Advertiser. KITV4. 

A New Plan Is Brewing In The Fight To Save O‘ahu’s North Shore Beaches. University of Hawaiʻi Sea Grant teams up with North Shore Community Land Trust to find solutions for the island’s disappearing beaches. Civil Beat.

How Many Crosswalks Have Been Removed In Honolulu? The City Isn’t Sure. The city took out dozens of crosswalks more than six years ago, but city officials they haven’t tallied how many have been removed since then. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Tourism to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park contributes $571 million to economy last year. A new National Park Service report reveals that 1,433,593 visitors to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park in 2024 had a cumulative economic benefit of $571 million for the local economy. Big Island Now.

Residents invited to shape tourism plan at 2 Hawaii Island meetings. The Hawaii Tourism Authority invites residents to take part in community input sessions that will provide space for members of the public to share their insights, experiences and ideas about the future of tourism on their island. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

MFD: Paia wildfire that led to evacuations was intentionally set. The Holomua wildfire that burned about 400 acres, led to the evacuation of over 1,600 Paia residents and has closed a school for three days was intentionally set, Maui Fire Department officials said Thursday. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now.  Hawaii News Now.  KITV4.

State-run Ka Laʻi Ola temporary housing for Lahaina fire survivors is finished; 450 units soon-to-be full. There are 432 units completed on site in Lahaina and another 18 units set to go for residential dwellings to be put on property owned by fire survivors. Maui Now.

Maui public schools included in flawed, $100 million-plus solar air-conditioning initiative. On Maui, the schools that received air conditioning were located in Central and West Maui. Kaunakakai Elementary on Moloka’i is listed, but no classrooms received air-conditioning, even though nearly $320,000 was spent for design of units. Maui Now.

Kauai

Access gate to Queen’s Bath closed for winter. Access to the gate is closed due to hazardous ocean conditions and anticipation of the winter season,” said Kauai Fire Department Chief Michael Gibson.  Garden Island. Kauai Now. 

Hawaii Supreme Court rules Green overstepped authority in original housing proclamation, new task force tackles slow permitting process, Honolulu council mulls aid for residents displaced by affordable housing projects, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaiʻi Supreme Court Puts Guardrails On Governors’ Executive Powers. In a unanimous opinion Thursday, the Hawaiʻi Supreme Court said Gov. Josh Green overstepped his powers early on in his administration two years ago when he suspended dozens of laws under a series of sweeping emergency proclamations intended to spur housing development. Civil Beat. Kauai Now. 

State task force tackles slow Hawaii building permit process. A task force recently created by Hawaii’s Legislature has begun to work on “simplifying” the building permit process statewide in an effort to unleash more construction and economic development.  Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiʻi gas prices hold steady as inflation shifts. The statewide average for regular unleaded is $4.47. That is the same as last week and 17 cents less than one year ago.  KHON2.

Hawaiʻi's dairy industry aims to expand.  For the past six years, Oʻahu consumers have not been able to buy fresh locally produced milk. It's only been available on Hawaiʻi Island, where Cloverleaf Dairy in Kohala is the last remaining dairy farm in the state. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

Council wants city help for displaced tenants. The Honolulu City Council is pushing for a city program to assist Oahu residents displaced by the future construction of city-funded affordable housing projects. Star-Advertiser.

HART sets its sights on the next two Skyline stations in Kalihi. As the city gets ready to open the second segment of the Skyline rail project next month, the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART) is getting input for stations in the next segment down Dillingham Boulevard. Hawaii News Now.

State House committee looks to improve Honolulu’s response to emergency situations. Better communication. More training. Even using artificial intelligence. Those were just some of the improvements that officials with Honolulu’s emergency management team mentioned as ways to help Oahu deal with emergencies. KHON2.

Has City Homeless Services Program Lost Its Way? Audit Will Check. The program has strayed from its emphasis on social work, according to people who value the program but call it ineffective. Civil Beat.

Team Hickam invites public for Wings of Aloha open house. The public will get a chance to tour military aircraft and equipment, check out interactive booths and learn about careers in aviation at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam this Saturday, Sept. 13, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Hawaii News Now.

Eviction order at McCully massage parlor leads to illegal game room bust. Deputy sheriffs with the Department of Law Enforcement served an eviction order at a massage parlor in Pawaa Thursday, only to discover it was actually an illegal game room. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

DAGS creates new district office, hires new program manager. Kailua-Kona civil engineer Ramzi Mansour is stepping into the role of program manager at the recently formed West Hawaiʻi District Office for the Department of Accounting and General Services. (DAGS). Big Island Now.

Council to consider revised pedestrian conduct bill following mayoral veto. The Hawaii County Council is set to revisit legislation regulating pedestrian behavior near roadways, following Mayor Kimo Alameda’s recent veto of a similar measure. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park Construction Update. The national park Service recently reported that Phase One of the Disaster Recovery construction projects resulting from the 2018 Kīlauea eruption and summit collapse is almost complete.  Big Island Video News.

This street medicine program lends a helping hand to Hawaiʻi Island's homeless population. It’s been about eight years since the Hawaiʻi Island Community Health Center started doing street medicine, but it wasn't until 2023 that it became a full-time program. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawai‘i Island Republicans to hold vigils in remembrance of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The West Hawai‘i Republican Party is planning vigils around the island over the weekend in the wake of the shooting death in Utah on Wednesday of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Big Island Now.

Maui

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

Maui police launch internal investigation into social media comments. The Maui Police Department reports it is aware of an incident involving a department member who allegedly posted inappropriate comments on social media. Maui Now.

3 Maui projects, 2 on Molokai get funding from Hawaii Tourism Authority. A restoration project at the Haleakalā Visitor Center on Maui is among 26 projects across Hawaii that are being supported by funding from the Hawaii Tourism Authority. Maui News.

Backup wells to help in drought; Stage 1 restrictions continue. The Maui County Department of Water Supply is beginning to use a couple of backup wells to provide potable water for Upcountry residents as a drought continues across the county. Maui News. Maui Now.

Maui Humane Society announces leadership transition. Lisa Labrecque has resigned as the chief executive officer for Maui Humane Society, which runs the island’s only open-admission shelter and cares for more than 4,900 animals a year. Maui News.

Kauai

U.S. Fish and Wildlife seeks feedback on long-term conservation plan for Kauaʻi. The draft Habitat Conservation Plan and Environmental Impact Statement, developed by the Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative, was published in the Federal Register on Aug. 22, beginning a 60-day public comment period. Kauai Now.

Hawaiʻi medical school's Kauaʻi program aims to combat physician shortage on the island. The Kauaʻi Medical Training Track at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa John A. Burns School of Medicine welcomed its fourth cohort of students into its program, which aims to improve healthcare in Kauaʻi's rural areas while also training future physicians. Hawaii Public Radio.

Fixing Up Homes From Kauaʻi’s Plantation Past Could Ease Local Housing Woes. The county was able to help cut development costs by changing its zoning and subdivision codes. Civil Beat.

Task force to investigate permit delays, voter overcount found in 2024 Kauai election, COVID cases rise, $400M housing aid coming to Maui wildfire survivors, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Task force created to investigate permitting delays statewide. Act 133 directs the state House of Representatives to work with a group of state and county officials to investigate and recommend action that the Legislature can take to address permitting delays. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii health officials urge vigilance as COVID cases rise again.  The Hawaii Department of Health today reported the statewide test positivity rate — or percentage of all tests that are positive — at 12.4% as of Saturday, up from 10.9% the previous week.  Star-Advertiser. Big Island Now.  KITV4.

Cuts to SNAP could deepen food insecurity in Hawaii. A new report by the Urban Institute finds that Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits failed to cover the cost of a modestly priced meal in 99% of U.S. counties last year — and new federal legislation may widen the gap. Star-Advertiser.

Local food production advocates seek funding source for farmers after USDA cuts. Advocates for food production are looking for alternate funding sources for farmers after the federal government slashed $400 million from the nationwide Regional Food Business Centers program. Hawaii Public Radio.

Drastic changes could be coming to Hawaii's cruise industry. The State Department of Transportation plan reduces 50% of state greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. But to reach those goals it recommends cutting in half the number of cruise ships making calls in the islands. With a 75% reduction by the year 2035. KITV4.

Search Begins For New Kamehameha Schools Trustee. Trustees earn up to $186,000. Kamehameha Schools is seeking applicants to fill a vacancy on its five-member board of trustees that controls the assets of one of the largest charitable trusts in the United States. Applications are due Sept. 1. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Farming Dispute On North Shore Highlights Zoning Challenges. Hawaiʻi needs more locally grown food, but plans for a vertical farm and aquaculture operation near Sunset Beach Park violate zoning rules and threaten the community character, critics say. Civil Beat.

Allegations of unsafe staffing triggers an ultimatum for Hawaii’s largest hospital. The Hawaii Nurses Association (HNA) says Queens Medical Center has not enforced nurse to patient ratios outlined in HNA’s new contract which was ratified in January. Hawaii News Now.

From supplies to haircuts, nonprofit helps families get back-to-school ready in Ewa Beach. The nonprofit Child & Family Service is welcoming families to its Ewa Beach office at 91-1841 Ft. Weaver Rd. this Saturday, July 26, from 2 to 6 p.m. Students in grades 6-12 can receive school supplies, including Sprayground backbacks (while supplies last), as well as physical exams by Physical Solutions and haircuts by Superior Blendz Hawaii. Hawaii News Now.

 Falls of Clyde’s voyage has come to an end. A chapter in Hawaii’s maritime history is coming to a close. Shipwright LLC have started removing the 146-year-old Falls of Clyde. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

2 women found dead under Hilo banyan prompts scrutiny of other trees. Mayor Kimo Alameda said he has started surveying banyan trees across Hawaiʻi Island. He said the trees can act as hiding places, so some people live in them. Hawaii Public Radio. Tribune-Herald.  Hawaii News Now.  KITV4.

Lawsuit Alleges Mentally Disabled Inmate Was Preyed Upon. Drake Terlep was reportedly afraid to leave his cell in the Hilo jail, and finally killed himself. Civil Beat.

Maui

Wildfire survivors can tap into nearly $400M in aid. Maui County plans to begin accepting applications on Aug. 11 from low- and moderate-income households to replace housing lost in the disaster, which county officials say destroyed about 5,500 residences including rental apartments. Star-Advertiser.

County completes Amala Place cleanup with 16 cars towed, 13 tons of trash removed. A two-day dispersal of more than 40 homeless people and the subsequent cleanup of Amala Place was completed Saturday morning with 16 vehicles towed and 13 tons of trash removed, according to Maui County officials. Maui News.

New fire station coming to Olowalu. The West Maui Improvement Foundation announced that the Olowalu fire station project has raised enough money to be built. KHON2.

Mayor Bissen announces return of Maui County Fair with rides Oct. 2-5. The 98th Maui County Fair is now being supported by the County of Maui and will be held at War Memorial Special Events Complex. The fair did not continue after 2019 due to financial and other challenges. Maui Now. Maui News. 

Kauai

Investigation Finds Vote Discrepancies In 2024 Kauaʻi Election. A state Elections Commission subcommittee found evidence that the state counted hundreds more ballots than were cast on Kauaʻi. Civil Beat.

Brown water advisory issued for two bays on Kaua‘i. According to a press release from the Hawai‘i Department of Health, the advisories are for Wailua Bay and Hanalei Bay, which is 26 miles north.  Kauai Now.

Hawaii sued over gun ban, state agency seeks to fix 'failing' foster care system, Honolulu advances empty home tax, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Lawsuit Challenges Hawaii’s Gun Ownership Ban For Young Adults. The latest lawsuit to take aim at Hawaii’s gun laws challenges the state’s ban on gun ownership for young adults 18 to 20 years old, which Second Amendment advocates say is an unconstitutional restriction on the right of Americans to bear arms. Lawyers assert that Hawaii is the only state with a complete ban on acquiring and owning firearms and ammunition by those who are 18 to 20. Associated Press.

Hawaii agency details plan to improve ‘failing’ foster care. Daisy Lynn Hartsfield, administrator of the Social Services Division overseeing the Child Welfare Serv­ices Branch within the state Department of Human Services, presented corrective action plan goals to a panel of state lawmakers Thursday in the wake of alarming findings in the audit requested by the Legislature in 2022. Star-Advertiser.

Report: Hawai'i suicide hotline calls increased while answer rates dropped. The results showed that call rates rose from about 97 to 137 per 100,000 residents following the Maui wildfire — that’s a 41% increase. But in-state answer rates dropped from about 90.3% to 77.2%. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Sheriff Division Faces New Scrutiny In 2019 Capitol Shooting Trial. A civil trial over a former deputy sheriff’s fatal shooting of a man outside the State Capitol five years ago began this week in a case that cast a spotlight on turmoil in the understaffed sheriff division. Civil Beat.

Gov. Josh Green's concerns about Trump's Cabinet picks. Green expressed concern over some of Trump's Cabinet appointments, including Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s selection to head the Department of Health and Human Services, as well as Dr. Mehmet Oz to run the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Hawaii Public Radio.

The ‘Ridiculous,’ Growing Trend Of Hawaii Private School Coaching. Tutoring centers helping students with private school admissions have become more popular in recent years, but not all families can afford them. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Honolulu City Council’s empty-homes tax measure advances.  Thursday the Honolulu City Council’s Budget Committee voted 3-2, with Esther Kia‘aina and Augie Tulba dissenting, to advance the second of three readings of Bill 46, which could tax a vacant real property by as much as 3%. Star-Advertiser.

West Oahu May Get More Than 800 New Short-Term Rentals In Apartment Zone. Parcels next to the Hoakalei Resort in Ewa were a hot topic at the Honolulu City Council’s final hearing on the overhauling of its Land Use Ordinance. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Department of Planning and Permitting improves review times. It's also aggressively trying to double its current staff and has upgraded its software so now you can track the status of your permits. KITV4.

Par Hawaii to invest $90 million in renewable-fuel transformation. A petroleum refinery in the James Campbell Industrial Park officially began its transition into the clean- energy sector with a blessing ceremony Thursday, marking the start of its efforts to adopt more sustainable energy practices and work toward Gov. Josh Green’s goal of achieving 100% renewable energy by 2045.  Star-Advertiser.

HPD pushes for tougher ‘ghost gun’ laws amid spike. The 88 ghost guns recovered by the Honolulu Police Department this year come from crimes they were used in or were found during investigations. The seizures represent a nearly 70% increase from the 52 found by officers in 2023. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Coast Guard establishes first Hawaii-based JROTC program. Coast Guard establishes first Hawaii-based JROTC program. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s recycled plastic, asphalt road shows ‘no increased leaching’ in 2 years. Some Ewa Beach residents have been driving on a road that is partially made of recycled plastic for over two years. KHON2.

Navy to start 'large-scale' effort to remove invasive coral at Pearl Harbor. Unomia stolonifera is a species of “octocoral,” also known as “pulsing coral” or "stoloniferous fire coral," and was first detected in the harbor in 2020. Hawaii Public Radio.

DOH: No humans tested positive for H5N1 from infected flock. The Hawaii Department of Health says so far, no one has tested positive for avian influenza after the first detection of H5N1 in a flock of ducks and geese last week. DOH followed up with 54 individuals for potential exposure to the infected flock in Wahiawa. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Proposal regarding hospitals advances. In order to improve health care access across the Big Island, the Hawaii County Planning Department hopes to expand where hospitals and other medical facilities are allowed to be built. Tribune-Herald.

Hope Services Hawaii Granted $2.5 Million From Bezos Day 1 Families Fund. The grant from Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez will help connect Hawaiʻi island families experiencing homelessness with stable housing and critical services. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Modular home hauling for Lahaina happening Friday and Saturday. The Hawai’i Department of Transportation said Thursday that local drivers may expect slight traffic delays as modular homes for wildfire survivors are being transported from Central Maui to the Ka Laʻi Ola housing site. Maui News.

State Historic Preservation Division working to streamline Lahaina approvals. In an effort to reduce delays and frustration for residents and commercial property owners preparing to rebuild in fire-ravaged Lahaina, the DLNR State Historic Preservation Division (SHPD) is working to balance speed and efficiency with protection of historic and archeological resources, particularly iwi, department officials said. Maui Now.

Panel discusses how ancestral knowledge can guide Lahaina rebuilding following 2023 wildfire. Hundreds gathered at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa for the 2024 Piʻo Summit: Hulihia: Fire and Rain, a free series of forums focused on leveraging ancestral ʻike (knowledge) to support long-term recovery efforts for communities affected by the Lahaina wildfires and the 2018 Kauaʻi floods. Maui Now.

New Kahului homes blessed and move-in ready for two healthcare professionals impacted by the Lahaina fires. The first two completed homes under the Housing for Healthcare initiative were blessed in a private ceremony held with the two new tenants and their families, both Maui healthcare professionals who lost their homes and belongings in the devastating Lahaina fires last year. The families moved into their homes this month. Maui Now.

Maui bus gets stuck in sinkhole the size of a small swimming pool. A Maui bus made an unexpected stop Wednesday when pooling water on a Kahului Street turned out to be a growing sinkhole and the rear wheels of the bus got stuck in the hole. Maui News. Maui Now.

Hawaii News Now responds to Maui Police Department accusations. The Maui Police Department says it has lodged a complaint with the Federal Communications Commission over reports by HNN Investigates about the mishandling of human remains after the Lahaina wildfire. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai

Community partners feted for wildfire efforts. Various community members and agencies were honored at an awards ceremony Tuesday for their heroic efforts during mid-July wildfires. Garden Island. Kauai Now.

Locked-out striking nurses, Kapiolani Medical Center reach deal, DHHL launches in-house permitting to get families off wait-list, Honolulu tackles agriculture land use laws, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Kapi‘olani and nurses reach deal. Kapi‘olani Medical Center for Women &Children and the Hawaii Nurses’ Association on Tuesday reached a tentative contract agreement after over a year of contentious negotiations and on the 18th day of the hospital’s lockout of roughly 600 unionized nurses. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.  KHON2.  KITV4.

DHHL launches in-house permitting, fast-tracking its ability to get beneficiaries off the waitlist and into homes. In a milestone initiative, Department of Hawaiian Home Lands Director Kali Watson signed the program’s first in-house building permit for its Yorktown transitional housing project Monday. Big Island Now.

Hawaii tourism industry talks merger, recovery and regeneration. After Alaska Airlines’ $1.9 billion deal to buy Hawaiian Airlines was officially completed two weeks ago, there’s now new marketing as “two beloved brands.” Hawaii News Now.

Voting equipment tested in-person ahead of Nov. 5 general election. In-person logic and accuracy testing was performed Saturday at 875 Waimanu St., No. 106, in Honolulu on voting equipment to be deployed to voter service centers for the Nov. 5 general election. Tests and certification are being conducted this week in each neighbor island county. Big Island Now.

Takamine appointed to state labor board. Gov. Josh Green has appointed Dwight Takamine — a former state legislator, Department of Labor and Industrial Relations director and lawyer — to the Hawaii Labor Relations Board. Tribune-Herald.

Oahu

Voting explainer: 2024 Honolulu charter amendment ballot questions.  Four Honolulu charter amendment questions in the November election related to the environment, councilmember salaries, an oversight commission, and the hiring of the city’s emergency management leaders. Hawaii Public Radio.

‘Ideological choice’ faces House District 39 voters. Voters in Royal Kunia-Waipahu-­Honouliuli — part of a West Oahu area that’s been increasingly turning politically red — will have a clear choice between a traditional union-backed Democrat and an incumbent, evangelical Christian Republican whose views are sometimes so extreme that he was condemned by a West side Republican senator. Star-Advertiser.

City Council tackles agriculture changes in land use ordinance overhaul. The Honolulu City Council last week tackled proposed changes to farming, including some to its land use ordinances that  will likely impact housing on farms, raising livestock, beekeeping, agritourism and many other facets of farming operations. Hawaii Public Radio.

State Funding Of Waianae Emergency Room Lags Far Behind Peers. Health center officials want to expand mental health programs, but ER expenses are eating into the budget. Civil Beat.

Cesspool under collapsed North Shore home prompts environmental concerns. The recent partial collapse of an Oʻahu home into the ocean at Kammies Beach has raised a number of environmental concerns, including what's to be done with the property's cesspools. Hawaii Public Radio.

Increase in dog bites on Oahu prompts concern and legislative action. Data shows the number of emergency calls for people who’ve been attacked has jumped nearly 20% in the past year. Hawaii News Now.

Cams to deter West Oahu dumping: ‘I’m tired of waiting’ . Mattresses, washers and dryers and now, a large truck. These are just some items that are dumped along Paakea Road in West Oahu. KHON2.

Honolulu Zoo bids aloha to last 2 resident chimpanzees. The Honolulu Zoo today announced it has bid aloha to its last two chimpanzees, and that they are now living in Texas as preparations get underway for habitat improvements. Star-Advertiser. KHON2.  KITV4.

Reinauguration of damaged statue to mark Gandhi Day.  The Gandhi International Institute for Peace will hold a ceremony today, on Mahatma Gandhi Day, to celebrate the restoration and reinauguration of the Gandhi statue in Waikiki. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Second finalist for UH president attends forum in Hilo. The second of two final candidates for the position of University of Hawaii president emphasized respect for Hawaiian culture during a forum Tuesday at UH-Hilo. Tribune-Herald.

Pōhakuloa Training Area Advisory Issued. The Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center is underway on Hawaiʻi island, and the U.S. Army says this year’s event has increased in size, scope, scale and noise compared to previous years.  Big Island Video News.

Trails Partially Reopen Following Kīlauea Volcano Eruption. Officials say areas east of Makaopuhi crater remain closed due to volcanic and wildfire-related hazards. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Maui Mayor Richard Bissen announces changes in executive leadership, names Cynthia Lallo new chief of staff. Mayor Richard Bissen on Tuesday announced changes in his executive leadership team, designed to enhance his administration’s reach in renewable energy while reorganizing the structure of the Office of the Mayor and the Office of Economic Development. Maui News. Maui Now.  KITV4.

Cause and origin of Lahaina blazes to be released. The Maui Department of Fire and Public Safety will make public today the cause and origin of the Aug. 8, 2023, Lahaina wildfires that killed 102 people, left thousands homeless and crippled Maui’s visitor industry. Star-Advertiser.

Nurses at Maui’s main hospital vote for strike if they don’t get more help. Maui Memorial Medical Center is the only acute care hospital on the island and employees say the safety of the community is at risk. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Maui tourism numbers make jump in August compared to 2023. Visitor numbers still remain below 2019 levels for Maui, state. Maui News.

Kauai

Hawaii’s Popular Kalalau Trail Reopens After Norovirus Outbreak. The area's popular cave will stay closed, however, because fecal matter was found there as part of the testing and cleanup. Civil Beat. Hawaii Public Radio.

Work on Coco Palms project could be halted by mortgage broker seeking ‘owed’ $1 million commission for securing funding. An upcoming court hearing about the ownership of a prime property on Kauaʻi could lead to another setback for the Utah-based developer who is building a controversial 350-unit hotel on the site that once housed the iconic Coco Palms Resort. Kauai Now.

Visitor arrivals and spending fall in August on Kauai. The Island of Kauai might not have seemed lighter in August, at least by a people count, but it was as the number of visitors and the money they spent dropped significantly in the second full month of summer. Garden Island.

University of Hawai‘i presidential finalists visit Kaua‘i as regents’ decision looms. The two finalists for the president of the University of Hawai‘i’s 10-campus system both visited Kauaʻi to introduce themselves and talk about their vision as part of a three-day state tour. Kauai Now.

Green projects rosier state budget, no ban on Maui vacation rentals; Senate advances $19B supplemental budget, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Rosier state budget picture projected by Gov. Green. Gov. Josh Green reassured the public and Hawaii’s Legislature on Wednesday that Maui wildfire response and recovery expenses shouldn’t overwhelm state finances. Star-Advertiser.

Governor’s spending plan for the State. The governor’s latest spending plan for the State includes skipping a $300 million deposit into the state’s retirement and benefit trust fund. KHON2.

Hawaii Senate Committee’s Spending Plan Includes Hundreds Of Millions For Maui Fire Costs. Senators also gave preliminary approval to a $19 billion supplemental budget bill to pay for state government operations for the coming year year. Civil Beat.

State Digital Equity Plan approved. The Department of Commerce National Telecommunications and Information Administration accepted Hawaii’s 293-page Digital Equity Plan on Tuesday after it underwent federal review. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

DPP launches more tech to speed permit process. To solve the months-long delay to obtain a building permit, the city Department of Planning and Permitting announced new technological initiatives it hopes will improve the speed at which the city issues them to the public. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

Attorney for alleged victim takes stand in bribery trial against former city prosecutor. There were fireworks on day four of a bribery trial against ex-city Prosecutor Keith Kaneshiro and campaign donors from a high-profile engineering firm. Hawaii News Now.

EPA’s integrity is questioned for withholding Red Hill tests. In early March the Navy notified the Environmental Protection Agency that it had detected “unvalidated test results” finding high levels of total petroleum |hydrocarbons, or TPH, in water samples taken from an on-base school and a home in the Aliamanu Military Reservation — both of which had their water systems flushed. Star-Advertiser.

HECO apologizes after new safety measures leave thousands of Mililani residents in the dark.  Hawaiian Electric Company recently made changes to improve safety in areas with a wildfire risk, such as Mililani. However, for residents, that has meant more power outages within the last month. Hawaii News Now.

New Rule Helps Hawaii’s Agriculture Department Stop The Spread Of Little Fire Ants. The interim rules have been signed by the Department of Agriculture in a bid to curb the spread of the stinging ants on Oahu. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Merrie Monarch Festival clinches top spot in USA Today’s list of best cultural celebrations. The Merrie Monarch Festival has been voted as USA Today’s Best Cultural Festival in the nation. A panel of experts put together the list of 20 exceptional nominees. Hawaii News Now.

Legal battle brewing after house built on wrong HPP lot. A woman who purchased a vacant lot in Puna was surprised to find out a $500,000 house was built on the property by mistake. Associated Press.

Hawai‘i Army National Guard Dedicates New Facility In Hilo.  The new Combined Support Maintenance Shop #2 facility at the Keaukaha Military Reservation was celebrated on Wednesday. Big Island Video News.

Maui

No need for ban on short-term rentals in West Maui, Gov. Green says. There will be no need for a ban on short-term rentals in West Maui to get the remaining 3,109 survivors of the Aug. 8 wildfires out of hotels and into long-term housing, Gov. Josh Green said Wednesday ahead of what could have been a moratorium starting Monday. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Associated Press. Maui Now.  KHON2.  KITV4.

Maui to receive $35 Million in federal funding for senior housing. The Hawai’i Public Housing Authority will receive more than $35 million in federal funding to rebuild and restore federal public housing facilities that were damaged and destroyed during the Maui fires last year, according to a press release from senator Brian Schatz. Maui News.

How Much Should People Know About A School’s Safety Plan? The Department of Education is at odds with the teachers union and some Lahaina parents over how much information the public should have access to when it comes to safety plans. Civil Beat.

Kauai

Community groups reach legal settlement with KIUC, state on West Kaua‘i hydro project. In a settlement reached between West Kauaʻi community groups, the State, and Kauaʻi Island Utility Cooperative, the utility has agreed to withdraw its environmental assessment and “finding of no significant impact” for its proposed hydro project called the West Kauaʻi Energy Project. Kauai Now.