Lawsuit challenges Legislature's shell bills, Hurricane Kiko to weaken to tropical storm north of state today, Honolulu council seeks audit on homeless response, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Suit Challenges How Legislators Turn Blank Bills Into Mid-Session Surprises. League of Women Voters targets the use of short-form measures that start out as empty shells. The Hawaiʻi Legislature’s practice of introducing mostly blank placeholder bills and then transforming them into substantive measures mid-session is unconstitutional, the League of Women Voters of Hawaiʻi says in a new lawsuit. Civil Beat.

Major changes, political conflict create confusion over COVID-19 vaccines in Hawaii.  While the federal approval process for COVID-19 vaccines over past years was routine, this year’s process is full of strife and disruption, with conflicting recommendations. Star-Advertiser.

Hurricane Kiko is weakening on a forecast path expected to take it north of Hawaii. As of 5 a.m. today, maximum sustained winds have decreased to near 85 mph (140 km/h) with higher gusts.  Additional weakening is forecast during the next few days, and Kiko is expected to become a tropical storm by the end of the day.  Associated Press. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now.  National Hurricane Center.  Hawaii News Now.  KHON2.  KITV4. 

Hawaii Army National Guard meets its recruiting goals. After a yearslong slump in efforts to recruit new guardsmen and retain old ones, the Hawaii Army National Guard is finally making its recruiting goals. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Honolululu City Council requests audit of homeless response program. The Office of the City Auditor is expected to delve into the administration and operation of the city’s homeless response program currently overseen by the Honolulu Emergency Services Department. Star-Advertiser.

Police report progress on shuttering illegal game rooms on Oahu. The number of arrests at illegal game rooms on Oahu so far this year has surpassed the total for 2024, as Honolulu police work with city planning officials to shut down the operations, which have often been the scene of shootings, robberies and other violent and illicit activities. Star-Advertiser.

State agency to further invest in troubled Kakaako condo. The Block 803 Waimanu, an “extraordinary boutique condominium” midrise in Kakaako is headed for an extraordinary intervention by a state agency trying to salvage a nearly $10 million investment in the project. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiʻi's wealthiest ZIP code may surprise you. 96814 is the ZIP code for the Ala Moana-Kakaʻako area of Honolulu. And it's the wealthiest ZIP code in the state, when you count not just home values but such data points as per capita income, education and population density. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaiʻi's only marine debris recycling facility searches for funding to stay afloat. Hawaiʻi’s only marine debris recycling center is running at full capacity after opening last summer. It’s part of Hawaiʻi Pacific University’s Center for Marine Debris Research — and a full-time staff of four is turning plastic trawl nets into building materials, roads and more. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaiian Airlines, Honolulu CC expand aviation training. Honolulu Community College and Hawaiian Airlines are expanding their partnership with the launch of the Maintenance Technician Development Program, a new initiative to train and hire the next generation of aircraft maintenance technicians. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Council advances charter amendment on Environmental Management director qualifications.  The Hawaii County Council on Wednesday passed the first of three required readings of a bill that would amend the County Charter to change qualifications for the director of Environmental Management. Tribune-Herald.

What to do about feral cats? Group stresses education, sterilization in County Council presentation. Aloha Animal Alliance $10 million is spent annually on animal welfare today between county Animal Services, county and state-funded grants, and other donations from animal welfare nonprofits. About $4.7 million came from the county. Tribune-Herald.

Big Island police dog dies after being left in hot car. A police dog with the Hawai‘i Police Department died Thursday after he was left in a police car for a long period of time. KITV4.

Hawai’i Island police post clarification regarding social media video of raid in Puna. The Hawaiʻi Police Department issued a statement clarifying that the activity in the Kalapana area was related to a fugitive arrest case involving illegal drugs and guns, not immigration enforcement. Big Island Now.

Immigration detainer, ‘substantial real property’ in labor trafficking case. A 26-year-old Kona woman accused of forcing a minor to work has substantial real property, according to the state attorney general’s office. Ludin Yorleny Pena Miranda on Thursday pleaded not guilty of nine counts of first-degree labor trafficking. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui County drums up interest in more 'empathetic' approach to relocating homeless individuals. The Maui County Council on Thursday deferred the drafted set of rules, including those that would have required the county to give notice to residents and outreach providers before encampments were removed, and inform those displaced about shelters and “safe zones” where they can stay. Hawaii Public Radio.

Maui commercial boating industry struggling while waiting for Lahaina Harbor to reopen, tourism to rebound. Most companies were just recovering from the pandemic’s six-month shutdown of tourists to Maui, when the Lahaina fire led to visitors being told initially to stay away, a message that still lingers two years later. Maui Now.

Burying power lines along Lahainaluna Road part of Hawaiian Electric’s grid hardening plan. The plans include burying 2.5 miles of power lines along Lahainaluna Road, which could be done in conjunction with Maui County’s plan to widen the major thoroughfare in Lahaina. Maui Now.

Solar nanogrids bring energy independence to these off-grid Molokaʻi families. With federal financial assistance from the Department of Energy, technical and design support as well as funding were funneled through Sandia National Laboratories and Pacific Northwest National Laboratory.  Hawaii Public Radio.

Kauai

New boat for Kauaʻi Sea Scouts arrives at Nāwiliwili Harbor. For the first time in 15 years, the Sea Scouts of Kauaʻi have a new boat with the support of the local community. Kauai Now.

Kaua’i volunteers mobilize for 40th Annual International Coastal Cleanup. The Ocean Conservancy is celebrating 40 years of action and impact, scheduled for Sept. 20 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., marking one of the largest single-day efforts worldwide to clean trash from beaches and waterways. Kauai Now.

COVID cases ticking upward, environmental lawyers, Trump officials meet in court over commercial fishing rules, Maui study finds lingering wildfire trauma, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

COVID-19 cases in Hawaii still on upward trend this summer. The Hawaii Department of Health on Wednesday reported a statewide test positivity rate of 16.1% on its COVID dashboard, up from 14.3% last week. The prior week, it was at 12.0%. Ideally, the rate would be much lower — below 5.0% — which is where it was during most of this year. Star-Advertiser.

Health Department offering free courses on medical cannabis for healthcare providers. The state Department of Health is offering free courses to a limited number of licensed healthcare providers on the clinical application of medical cannabis. This comes after the governor signed a new law giving more leeway for physicians sand some nurses to decide which patients could benefit from the drug. Twenty-five years after Hawaii legalized medical marijuana, the state says 30,000 patients are currently registered to buy the drug from one of 24 regulated dispensary locations statewide. Hawaii News Now.

EPA plans to claw back $62M awarded to Hawaiʻi for solar projects. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is planning to end a major source of funding for state-level solar programs, which could jeopardize several community solar projects in Hawaiʻi. The EPA's "Solar for All" program has awarded $7 billion in federal grants to help low- and moderate-income households access solar. Hawaii Public Radio.

Environmental lawyers, Trump officials meet in court over fishing in Pacific monument. President Donald Trump issued a proclamation in April to open the Pacific Islands Heritage Marine National Monument  to commercial fishing but environmental lawyers in a legal battle to stop the fishing say a formal process, which includes public hearings, is required first. Hawaii Public Radio.

HIDOE names new deputy superintendent for operations, assistant superintendent. The Hawaiʻi State Department of Education has appointed two senior leaders to strengthen operations and student services across the public school system. Maui Now.

Tropical Storm Henriette Update. Tropical Storm Henriette is 1,555 miles east of Hilo, and moving west at 16 mph. The cyclone is expected to take a northward turn in the next couple of days, keeping the center well to the north of the Hawaiian islands. Big Island Video News.

Oahu

Media access to HPD radio channels receives pushback. The Council voted 8-1, with Val Okimoto dissenting, to advance Bill 46 on its second of three readings. Routine radio communications by Honolulu police and firefighters became off-limits to news organizations and the general public in 2022 when a $15 million system that encrypts the frequencies used by nine city departments went into effect. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Police Union Members Want Next Chief To Come From Within HPD. Union members who responded to a survey conducted in July also stressed they want someone with patrol experience who will focus on staffing the front line. Civil Beat. KHON2.

Haleiwa housing project stalls after lawmakers defer action on key measure. More than 800 people submitted testimony against Bill 37, which would rezone some land in Haleiwa from agricultural to urban.  Hawaii News Now. KITV4. 

Oahu housing market shows softening in July. Single-family home sales in July were down 7.4% at 249 sales compared with 269 a year ago, while condo sales held steady at 389, according to a report released Wednesday from the Honolulu Board of Realtors. Star-Advertiser.

Military explains why roaring fighter jets woke residents at 3 a.m. U.S. Air Force officials confirmed several fighter jets took off from Hickam Air Force Base on Monday and Tuesday for a department-level training exercise. Hawaii News Now.

Man, ex-wife sentenced in $29M ‘Semisub’ scam. The 72-year-old man who teamed with his then-wife to con investors out of more than $29 million for a prototype tour ship before trying to sail away from prosecution was sentenced to 13 years in federal prison. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Mayor vetoes bill regarding roadside soliciting. Hawaii County Mayor Kimo Alameda announced Wednesday that he has vetoed County Council Bill 59 on July 31, a rare move that challenges a recently passed ordinance regulating pedestrian behavior near roadways. Tribune-Herald.

Bill banning the feeding of feral animals on county property passes. The Hawaii County Council, by a vote of 6-2 with one absent, on Wednesday approved the second and final reading of a measure that would ban the feeding of feral or stray animals such as cats and pigs on county property. Tribune-Herald.

North Kohala Told To Use Water For “Essential Needs Only”.  With only one working well serving the area, high water usage is causing customers to have no water or low water pressure. Big Island Video News.

Episode 30 pau after nearly 12 hours of lava fountains, flows, including from new fissure in south Halemaʻumaʻu. After almost 12 hours of continuous lava fountaining — that included a new fissure vent that transected the south wall of Halemaʻumaʻu Crater and erupted for about 3 hours and 20 minutes early this morning — Episode 30 of the ongoing episodic eruption in southern part of Kaluapele, the summit caldera, at Kīlauea volcano confined within Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island ended abruptly at 12:55 p.m. Wednesday. Big Island Now.

Maui

By the numbers: Maui recovery inches forward 2 years after fires. Two years after the wildfires that devastated Lahaina and parts of Kula, Maui’s recovery story is still being written—one of slow progress, uneven outcomes and resilience being tested. Maui Now.

Maui fires triggered suicides, overdose deaths. Suicides and overdose deaths skyrocketed 97% on Maui immediately after the August 2023 wildfires and simultaneously increased 46% statewide, presumably from survivors who moved away from Maui or possibly from grieving family and friends with Maui roots, according to a study published Wednesday in the Journal of the American Medical Association. Star-Advertiser. Associated Press. Hawaii Public Radio. Hawaii News Now.

Commercial rebuilds lag in the heart of Lahaina. While new construction dots the landscape across Lahaina, the area along Front Street remains a long way from recovery from the Aug. 8, 2023, wildfire. Maui News.

Lahaina Fire Survivors Make A Home Without A House. Kuhua Camp had the highest concentration of wildfire deaths. The plight of this homeowner shows the challenges of rebuilding two years after the blaze. Civil Beat.

Rebuilding a burned Kula home brings both construction challenges and mixed emotions. More than 20 homes burned two years ago in Kula. According to Maui County, four have been rebuilt so far. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaiʻi Visitors and Convention Bureau looks to rebuild tourism and boost Maui's economy. This past legislative session, lawmakers set aside $6 million to market Maui as a tourism destination. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kauai

Kauai Police Department, dignitaries break ground for a new KPAL complex. The Kauai Police Department, Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami, and other dignitaries on Wednesday broke ground on the construction of a new Kauai Police Activities League Sports Complex adjacent to the Vidinha Stadium, where renovation work is being carried out. Garden Island.

Kauaʻi collects 3,000 pounds of food during Saturday drive, but falls short of last year’s donations. Volunteers were stationed at eight sites across Kauaʻi on Saturday, collecting in six hours a combined 3,000 pounds of non-perishable food, with a majority of it rice, and monetary donations. Kauai Now.

Army brings long-range rockets to Schofield and Pohakuloa, Honolulu city worker paid not to work for 5 years, House includes $16.7M for East-West Center in budget, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Army adds long-range missiles to its arsenal in Hawaiʻi . In a media briefing Tuesday morning, the military talked about the need to add the capacity of the high mobility rocket launchers to strengthen its defenses in the Indo-Pacific, with the threat from China and North Korea. The Army plans to acquire a total of 16 of these launchers. They will have a range of 250 miles compared to the 25 to 40-mile range of howitzer cannons. Hawaii Public Radio.

ICE Is Moving Immigrants Arrested On The Mainland To Honolulu. U.S. Rep Jill Tokuda said that during a two-hour visit to the detention center on Friday, Bureau of Prisons staff told her that 77 ICE detainees were there. Civil Beat.

Hawaii schools looking into contingency plans for $33 million lost in federal funds. School officials across the state want to reassure parents and families that they are doing all they can to make sure the upcoming school year runs as smoothly as possible, despite possibly losing millions of dollars in federal funds. KHON2.

Toxoplasmosis spread by cats poses growing threat to endangered nēnē, public health. Nēnē, Hawaiʻi’s state bird, face a growing threat not just from predators—but from disease. Feral and free-roaming cats are transmitting toxoplasmosis, a parasitic disease that is increasingly killing these endangered geese, according to conservationists at Pacific Birds Habitat Joint Venture. Maui Now.

Oahu

Honolulu Worker Paid Not To Work For Nearly Five Years. The employee has been paid at least $300,000 while his mileage reimbursements are investigated.  Brandon Kaaa-Swain hasn’t been to work since October 2020, but the Honolulu prosecutor’s office investigator continues to collect a taxpayer-funded paycheck.  Civil Beat.

Ex-HPD chief files $460K pay claim. Honolulu police Chief Arthur “Joe” Logan alleges he was forced to retire and is demanding the city pay him for the two years remaining on his contract. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.  Hawaii News Now.

‘We are very shorthanded.’ Navy program dealing with forever chemicals cleanup at Red Hill has 50% vacancies. Navy leaders updated state lawmakers Monday during a House Special Committee on Red Hill on the closure of the fuel facility and clean up after the 2021 spill that contaminated Pearl Harbor’s drinking water. Hawaii News Now.

City to launch new permitting software. An effort to speed up Hono­lulu Department of Planning and Permitting’s ability to process building permit applications is scheduled to begin next month, city officials say. Star-Advertiser.

House panel proposes $16.7M for East-West Center. The East-West Center has cleared a crucial early hurdle in the federal budget process, with a U.S. House spending bill proposing $16.7 million in funding for the Hawaii-based institution — despite the White House having recommended zero dollars for the center next year. Star-Advertiser.

Possible new Hawaiʻi jail spurs discussion on reducing OCCC population. As the state Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation continues to consider how to replace the overcrowded and deteriorated Oʻahu Community Correctional Center, the Correctional System Oversight Commission is considering alternatives to a new, bigger jail. Hawaii Public Radio.

EAH Housing, a nonprofit affordable housing organization in Hawaii and California, today announced the start of leasing at Aloha Ia Halewiliko. The new $62 million rental community aims to provide affordable housing to older adults in ‘Aiea.  Hawaii News Now.

Ewa developer to pay $40 million to resolve lagoon suit. About 2,900 homebuyers at Ocean Pointe and Hoakalei Resort have resolved litigation against developer Haseko (Hawaii) Inc. over the company converting a planned boat marina into a recreational lagoon as the centerpiece of the master-planned community. Star-Advertiser.

Court hearing on ex-Kahuku coach’s job is set for Friday. Kahuku’s former football coach is suing the state Department of Education, a former team captain and the player’s dad alleging he was fired after confronting the player and his father, who complained about playing time in 2023. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Hū Honua, Hawaiian Electric reignite plans for Hawaiʻi Island biomass plant. On June 3, the companies submitted a joint letter to the Public Utilities Commission via their attorneys that expressed their intent to file a new application for HELCO to purchase power from Hū Honua's facility in Pepeʻekeo, a few miles north of Hilo. Hawaii Public Radio.

Ownership of toppled banyan still a bit murky. The county, the state and Kamehameha Schools all have a stake in the disposal of the landmark banyan that fell. The chopped-up tree remains partially on the roof of the church and partially in the parking lot off Kilauea that serves both the church and the Wailoa State Recreation Area. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Sixth West Maui TDS report shows compliance with environmental regulations. The West Maui Temporary Debris Storage (TDS) site environmental monitoring quarterly report for the sixth 90-day operational period shows the findings from sampling and monitoring are in compliance with county, state and federal environmental regulations. Maui Now.

Lahaina Energy Partnership releases new report; announces Phase 2 kickoff workshop. Local partners of the Lahaina Energy Partnership have released the “Community-Identified Energy Pathways Report.” The LEP invites all community members to join the Phase 2 Kickoff Co-Design Workshop on July 24, 2025, to continue shaping a resilient, community-guided energy plan for Lahaina. Maui Now.

Nominations, candidates sought for open judge’s position. position. The vacancy was created after District Judge Blaine Kobayashi retired on July 1 after serving as a district court judge since October 2010. Maui News. 

This Common Precursor To Murder Is Too Rarely Prosecuted On Maui. The Maui County Prosecutor’s Office is looking to crack down on domestic abuse cases involving strangulation, which experts say often precedes homicide. Civil Beat.

Kauai

Navy, NASA hosting 3 public meetings about Pacific Missile Range Facility, Kōkeʻe Park Geophysical Observatory. The U.S. Navy and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration are seeking public comment at three public meetings this week about their recently released draft Environmental Impact Statement for proposed continued use of state lands on Kaua‘i for the Pacific Missile Range Facility and Kōkeʻe Park Geophysical Observatory. Kauai Now.

What If HOAs, Not Government, Enforced Wildfire Prevention Rules? A Kauaʻi County planner thinks homeowners associations should be the first line of defense when it comes to wildfire risk. Kauaʻi County planners are pushing forward a bill to impose new landscaping and construction restrictions on five heritage plantation camp properties. Civil Beat.

Kauai CASPER survey report released. More than a third, or 35 percent, of Kauai households are very concerned, or somewhat concerned about their ability to pay the next month’s rent or mortgage.That’s according to the 2025 Community Assessment for Public Health Emergency Response, or CASPER survey. Garden Island.

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

Oahu

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hawaii Island

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

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

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

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

Maui

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

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

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

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

Kauai

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

Group mapping out feral cat population, judge considers Red Hill compensation, Hawaii Tourism Authority gets negative rating, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Community invited to submit feral cat sightings to help protect native species. In the wake of the death of a nēnē gosling from a disease transmitted by cats, a nēnē research and conservation group is asking members of the community to report cat colony sightings. The group will put together a comprehensive cat map and work with policymakers to prioritize areas where feral cats and endangered native species are coming in contact. It’s the first statewide effort of its kind. Hawaii Public Radio.

HTA study examines reinventing tourism oversight. The Hawai‘i Tourism Authority received an unfavorable rating from 43% of the stakeholders who gave feedback to the contractor working on a tourism governance structure recommendation. Star-Advertiser.

Landmark coffee legislation to tighten labeling requirements nears final approval. Senate Bill 2298 has passed through the state Legislature and is awaiting Gov. Josh Green’s signature to become law. It would require roasted, instant, or ready-to-drink coffee marketed as "locally sourced" to have at least 51% local coffee. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii bill would protect shelters that house homeless minors. A newly passed bill before Gov. Josh Green would protect homeless shelters that take in minors without the consent of their parents or guardians. Star-Advertiser.

Former UH Regents Chair To Oversee Hawaii Public School Facilities. Randy Moore will replace Curt Otaguro as one of three deputy superintendents in the Hawaii Department of Education. Civil Beat.

New law governing Tenant Screening Fees now in effect. Enacted as Act 200 (SLH 2023) and codified in Hawai‘i Revised Statutes § 521-46, the law prohibits a landlord from charging an applicant for a residential dwelling unit, a tenant screening fee that is more than the actual cost to obtain information about the applicant. Maui Now.

Oahu

A Missouri River Court Decision Could Sink Hawaii’s Ala Wai Flood Control Plan. The nearly 30-year push to better protect one of Hawaii’s most populous watersheds from extreme rains and flooding has hit another snag, city leaders say — this time due to a federal court ruling that upholds farming interests along the Missouri River.  Civil Beat.

Judge In Red Hill Trial Takes On Question Of Compensation. Plaintiffs are seeking a combined sum of nearly $7 million for physical and mental harm related to Red Hill. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser.

A ‘High-Ranking Prosecutor’ Helped Mike Miske Out Of A Traffic Citation, HPD Officer Testifies. Without naming former Honolulu prosecutor Katherine Kealoha, the feds try to show how Miske used powerful connections to avoid legal trouble for years while operating a criminal enterprise. Civil Beat.

Honolulu agrees to 4-month window to grant or deny gun carrying licenses after lawsuit. Honolulu has agreed to grant or deny applications to carry guns in public within four months of submission in response to a lawsuit by residents who complained of delays of up to a year, according to a stipulation signed by a federal judge Friday. Associated Press.

HART director receives support at Council. During a special budget hearing Monday morning, HART Executive Director and CEO Lori Kahi­kina, who’s come under fire in recent weeks from some on the board and has voiced concerns of her own over her future at the rail agency, got public backing from Council Vice Chair Esther Kia‘aina. Star-Advertiser.

Request To Halt Haiku Stairs’ Dismantling Denied By Judge. Friends of Haiku Stairs argued during a court hearing Friday that the city didn't follow proper historic preservation procedures for dismantling the stairs. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.  KHON2.

Ala Moana Boulevard to close for pedestrian bridge work. State officials are issuing a traffic alert ahead of a full closure of Ala Moana Boulevard on Tuesday and Wednesday night for construction of the pedestrian bridge. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Study of PGV’s impacts on groundwater set to begin. A nearly $500,000 federal study of the impacts of Puna Geothermal Venture on Puna’s groundwater should begin soon. Tribune-Herald.

Akaka Falls State Park To Close Weekdays, Starting May 15. The temporary weekday closure is expected to run through the end of the month, the DLNR Division of State Parks says. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now.

Maui

'Unacceptable': critics testify against proposal for more telescopes on Haleakala. Tensions escalated during a public meeting Monday evening discussing a proposal from the Department of the Air Force to construct up to seven additional telescopes on Haleakala.  KITV4.

Inmate hospitalized after becoming unresponsive at MCCC. A female inmate is in the hospital after becoming unresponsive at Maui Community Correctional Center on Monday. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai

Kaua‘i poi to be served at dozens of Hawai‘i schools throughout May. To help increase local menu offerings in school lunches, three dozen public schools on Hawai‘i Island, Maui, Kaua‘i, and Moloka‘i will be offering fresh local poi as an accompanying lunch menu item to students and staff this month in honor of May Day. Kauai Now. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

School lunch program caught in bureaucratic snafu, Navy leaders testify about Red Hill to federal grand jury, Puna Geothermal Venture seeks expansion, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

DOE Tells Schools To Reject Federal Funding For Local Food That It Helped Apply For. The Department of Education is telling schools not to apply for a slice of $500,000 in federal funding that would help them buy local food – an initiative the DOE helped apply for. Civil Beat.

Is The Deck Stacked Against Hawaii Condo Owners? Critics say oversight by state Real Estate Commission means owners get short-changed in favor of associations, management firms and lawyers. Civil Beat.

Hawaii ranks second-worst in the nation for distracted drivers. That’s according to a new analysis based on federal data. Hawaii News Now.

Informal Caregivers Are Propping Up Hawaii’s Child Care Industry With Little Support. Providing enrichment opportunities and training to grandparents and friends providing in-home child care can have a big impact on school readiness. Civil Beat.

Two Hawaii Lawmakers View The Debt Ceiling Differently. Sen. Brian Schatz wants debt ceiling raised without concessions. Rep. Ed Case says now is the time to take action on the fiscal health of the nation. Civil Beat.

Lawmaker won’t apologize after saying Hawaiian leader ‘would have been hung’ for criticizing him. Some residents are calling for an apology from state Sen. Brenton Awa, who said during a recent public meeting that a respected Hawaiian leader “would have been hung” for criticizing him. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

NOAA fines dolphin boat company for getting too close to dolphins off Makua Beach. An Oahu tour boat company is being fined $1,000 for getting too close to dolphins while the boat was idling. Federal law requires people to stay 50 yards away from Hawaiian Spinner Dolphins. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu housing market stays sluggish as high interest rates subdued sales. High interest rates continue to subdue Oahu’s housing market where prices pushed down this year could remain flat in 2024, according to a University of Hawaii analysis. Star-Advertiser. KITV4.

Honolulu considers Chinatown tower for affordable housing. The Honolulu City Council is scheduled to hold a special meeting Wednesday over the potential financing, acquisition and rehabilitation of an existing 32-story high-rise tower in Chinatown that the city seeks to keep as affordable. Star-Advertiser.

Navy leaders testify before federal grand jury investigating catastrophic Red Hill fuel spill. Navy leaders connected to the Navy tainted water scandal have testified before the federal grand jury investigating possible criminal wrongdoing. Hawaii News Now.

Joint Task Force-Red Hill says defueling still on track for June 2024. Vice Adm. John Wade, who leads the Joint Task Force-Red Hill, took command in last September with the mission to "safely and expeditiously" defuel the facility, but since the Aqueous Film Forming Foam spill, he's had to put more safety measures in place. Hawaii Public Radio.

Massive airport runway project halting state roadway repairs. Roadblocks are up on a number of state roadway repairs according to the Hawaii Department of Transportation. It’s due to what the HDOT is calling a massive project at the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport. KHON2.

City officials working to mitigate homeless encampment near Kalihi Transit Center. For years, people have been living at a homeless encampment half-hidden below a bridge on Kamehameha Highway near the Kalihi Transit Center -- and some noticed the streamside village is growing. KITV4.

A local teacher caught her students using AI for essays. Now, it's become a learning tool. Teachers can pay hundreds of dollars for lesson plans created by other teachers. ChatGPT is free. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Island

Big Isle fire dispatchers move due to low staffing. A staffing shortage of fire and Emergency Medical Serv­ices dispatchers at the Hawaii County Fire Department has prompted its dispatch center to relocate to the Hawaii Police Department’s dispatch center in Hilo. Star-Advertiser.

Draft EIS Published For Puna Geothermal Venture Repower Project. The project would increase power production from 38 to 46 megawatts in Phase 1 and further increase production to 60 megawatts in Phase 2. The overall property size would remain the same. Big Island Video News. Hawaii News Now.

Volunteer organization seeks adoptions for Waikoloa cats. Abaykitties has been working to get some of the cats from Queens’ Marketplace adopted after the nonprofit was told to stop its trap-neuter-release efforts at the shopping center. Tribune-Herald.

DLNR seeks public input on Hawaiʻi's only designated koa canoe forest. The Kapāpala Koa Canoe Management Area on Hawaiʻi Island consists of 1,257 acres of land and is located on the southeastern slopes of Maunaloa. Hawaii Public Radio. Big Island Now. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Looking For A Job? Maui County Has More Than 700 Openings. Maui County is hiring for more than 700 vacant jobs and is seeking volunteers for 30 spots on boards and commissions that steer the government’s path forward in solving the community’s most challenging problems.  Civil Beat.

Scores march on Molokai Ranch over access to culturally important lands. A contentious debate over land access on Molokai Ranch is resurfacing nearly five decades after it was first put in the spotlight. Hawaii News Now.

Luxury yacht owner denied insurance coverage to remove grounded boat from Maui’s Honolua Bay. The state’s efforts to recover $460,000 in expenses for the removal of a grounded luxury yacht at Maui’s Honolua Bay have hit a snag as the owner’s insurance company has denied coverage. Hawaii News Now.

Two Maui businesses accelerate their growth as part of entrepreneurial cohort. Two Maui businesses are among the latest XLR8HI cohort in Hawaiʻi, whose mission is to improve the Hawaiʻi ecosystem and better the community. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kauaʻi Island Utility Cooperative leads state in renewable generation at 60.2% in 2022. Approximately one-third of the solar production came from members’ rooftop systems. Other renewables contributing in 2022 were hydro (10.7%) and biomass (9.8%). Kauai Now.

County of Kaua‘i jobless rate falls to 3.0 percent in March. The accommodation sector increased total employees to 4,300 in March from 3,600 in March 2022, according to monthly data released by the state Department of Business, Economic Development &Tourism. That marked a gain of 19.4 percent in the period. Garden Island.

Schatz nation's most popular senator, union wants pay equity with teachers, two cited for feeding feral cats, cease and desist order issued to Coco Palms developer, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Survey: Hawaii’s Brian Schatz Is ‘Most Popular’ Senator. And Josh Green ranks sixth most popular among U.S. governors, according to a national marketing research firm. Morning Consult reported Wednesday that Democrat Brian Schatz has the highest approval rating of all U.S. senators — 65%. Just 24% disapprove. Civil Beat.

Union for nonteacher public workers seeks pay equity. A union representing nearly 7,000 Hawaii public school employees other than teachers is claiming that pay equity for many of its members has been thrown out of whack by recent gains for teachers. Star-Advertiser.

HTA cuts would cost Hawaii millions, agency says. The embattled Hawai‘i Tourism Authority said state lawmakers could cost the state millions of dollars in federal funding, halt destination management efforts and put community programs at risk if they continue down a path of repealing the agency or funding it through a budget bill that cuts the agency’s funding request by more than half. Star-Advertiser. Tribune-Herald. Hawaii News Now.

Bill ‘fundamental to the future of Hawaii’ looks to stop corruption. Hawaii’s political system could undergo significant reform as a bill providing public money to finance election campaigns for political candidates has successfully passed both the State House and Senate. KHON2.

Sports Doctors From Other States May Get A License Exemption In Hawaii. A bill that would clarify the status of doctors traveling with sports teams to the islands is in the final stages at the Legislature. Civil Beat.

Schools getting new preschool classrooms. Although some Hawaii lawmakers have grumbled that a new agency in charge of public school construction is moving too slowly, its leader says the first 11 classrooms in the state’s Ready Keiki preschool initiative are on track to welcome students this fall — below budget and a year ahead of schedule — while three Oahu high schools are in advanced discussions to become Hawaii’s first major teacher housing projects. Star-Advertiser.

Survey finds increased homelessness on neighbor islands. The annual survey, done by Ka Mana O Na Helu and Bridging the Gap Continuum of Care with partners on Maui, Kaua’i and Hawai’i Island, found an overall 9% increase in homelessness, up from 2,022 in 2022 to 2,195 this year. Hawaii Public Radio.

University of Hawaii ROTC cadets train amid growing tensions in Pacific. After a long day of training at Marine Corps Training Area Bellows, a platoon of cadets from the University of Hawaii’s Army Reserve Officer Training Corps program began to prepare a patrol base for the night, when they would trade off sleeping or keeping watch for an enemy attack. Star-Advertiser.

Air quality on 3 Hawaiian islands among best in the US, report says. The American Lung Association released its annual State of the Air report Tuesday, giving a yearly snapshot of air pollution throughout the U.S.  Hawaii Public Radio.

Dept. of the AG prevails in federal challenge to COVID-19 emergency proclamations. The US District Court for the District of Hawaiʻi dismissed a federal constitutional challenge to COVID-19 emergency proclamations issued by former Governor David Ige. Maui Now.

Hawaii reports 935 new COVID-19 cases, 10 more deaths. The state’s seven-day average of new COVID-19 cases was at 133 a day, about the same as 138 a day reported on April 12. The state’s average positivity rate was at 7.9%, down from 9.2% reported on April 12. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Leaky Roofs Are Causing Costly Problems For 2 Historic State Buildings. Water damage from rain that leaked into two historic state buildings downtown has caused interior damage to both, and fixing the roofing and other problems will cost tens of millions of dollars, according to state officials. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Officials Move To Dismiss Charges Against Them In Police Chief Retirement Payout. The case centers on a $250,000 retirement deal for former police chief Louis Kealoha allegedly orchestrated in 2016 by officials at the time — corporation counsel Donna Leong, managing director Roy Amemiya and police commission chair Max Sword.  Civil Beat.

In bid to make Hawaii roadways safer, incoming DOT chief pushes speed enforcement cameras. Honolulu police in 2022 issued about 28,000 basic speeding citations and about 20,000 were issued on freeways. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Finishing touches near complete for Hawaiian heiress Abigail Kawananakoa’s royal tomb. Hawaiian heiress Abigail Kawananakoa is in her final resting place at Mauna Ala, the Royal Mausoleum in Nuuanu. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Council overrides Roth veto; bill regarding extensions of zoning change applications becomes law. Hawaii County Council on Wednesday overruled Mayor Mitch Roth’s veto of a bill that would allow the council to confirm whether developers can get extensions on their rezoning applications. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Now.

Weight, speed limits reduced on Hilo’s ‘Singing Bridge’.  The state Department of Transportation said Wednesday the weight limit and speed limit are being reduced on Wailuku Bridge in Hilo as emergency repairs are being made. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now.

DLNR issues 2 citations at cat feeding protest in Waikoloa. State conservation officers issued two citations and one warning during a protest by cat activists Tuesday night over the removal of cat-feeding stations at Queens’ Marketplace in Waikoloa. Star-Advertiser. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now.

Businessman pitches lofty plan to expand farming in East Hawaii. Ken Fujiyama, former owner of the then-Naniloa Volcanoes Resort in Hilo and various other businesses, has a plan to convert a vast amount of state land in East Hawaii into parcels for commercial farming. Tribune-Herald.

Removal of Caltech observatory mirror from Maunakea marks first decommissioning. Two observatories atop Maunakea on Hawaiʻi Island are scheduled for decommissioning this year: the Caltech Submillimeter Observatory and the University of Hawaiʻi's Hōkū Ke‘a Observatory. Hawaii Public Radio.

Maui

Can Maui’s New Mayor Finally Make A Dent In The Housing Crisis? The challenge now rests with Mayor Richard Bissen, who is hashing out his government’s first annual budget, a $1 billion spending plan that would lay the foundation for tackling the housing shortage during his four-year term and beyond.  Civil Beat.

Maui Council’s Budget Committee completes deliberations with departments. The Budget, Finance and Economic Development Committee completed deliberations on the Fiscal Year 2024 Budget with Maui County’s departments and will begin the decision-making process on Friday, according to Committee Chair Yuki Lei K. Sugimura. Maui Now.

Maui homeless numbers continue to decline. The number of homeless people in Maui County continues on a downward trend, with overall homelessness numbers down by 5 percent according to results of this year’s Homeless Point In Time Count which was released on Tuesday.  Maui News.

Virtual public meeting for Puʻunēnē Ave. improvements set for May 2. The Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation will hold a virtual public meeting on proposed improvements to Puʻunēnē Avenue between Wākea Avenue and Kūihelani Highway. Maui Now.

Kauai

State land board issues “Cease and Desist” order to Coco Palms developers. The state has issued a cease-and-desist order to a Utah company trying to build a new 350 room hotel on Kauai’s old Coco Palms property. Hawaii News Now.

Kaua‘i County Council shifts tax break plan. After a Wednesday, April 19 county council committee meeting, a plan for broad Kaua‘i property tax breaks appears to have been shelved in favor of a more targeted proposal. Garden Island.

Deadline to apply for Residential Investor tax credit is Friday. The County of Kaua‘i Department of Finance reminds taxpayers whose properties may have been misclassified as Residential Investor that the deadline to apply for tax credit differentials for the 2022 and/or 2023 tax years is on Friday, April 21. Kauai Now.

AG nominee Lopez endorsed by committee, indicted ex-prosecutor can keep her lawyer, DLNR orders Waikoloa cat feeding stations closed, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Committee endorses Hawaii attorney general nominee. A Senate committee on Wednesday voted to recommend that Anne Lopez become Hawaii’s permanent attorney general after she pledged to brainstorm ideas to legalize recreational marijuana and come up with constitutional ways to allow more local residents to buy homes, among other issues important to committee members. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

New Department of Health director starting out with a 24% staff vacancy rate. Hawaiʻi's new health director, Dr. Kenneth Fink, is the former Med-QUEST director for the state and most recently served as vice president of Medicare and Medicaid Programs at HMSA. Hawaii Public Radio.

Noise-detecting camera bill heads back to Senate. Senate Bill 588 would create a pilot program to use noise detection traffic cameras in urban areas, in each participating county.  Hawaii Public Radio.

Government wants 30-month sentence for ex-union officer. The 64-year-old former executive officer of the Hawaii Longshore Division should spend the next 30 months in federal prison and pay a $150,000 fine after he was found guilty of falsifying records and embezzlement that cost his union $95,000, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii reports 959 new COVID-19 cases, 4 more deaths. The metrics show a leveling off after two consecutive weeks of increases in daily average cases and positivity rates. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Indicted Honolulu Official Can Keep Her Lawyer, Judge Rules. Donna Leong, Honolulu’s former corporation counsel, is fighting federal charges that she conspired with two others to improperly grant a $250,000 severance payment to former police chief Louis Kealoha.  Civil Beat.

Early discussions on how to fix Honolulu's permitting backlog begin. One proposal would codify a program allowing industry professionals to review and certify plans. Currently, the department allows third-party reviewers to certify plans, which is done by using administrative rules. Hawaii Public Radio.

Federal grand jury conducting criminal probe into Red Hill fuel spills. A number of military and civilian officials have been subpoenaed in recent months to testify about the 2021 spills, which contaminated the drinking water of more than 90,000 military personnel and civilians. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu inflation shrinks to 3.3%. Honolulu consumers may be finding prices more affordable as inflation continues to ease under the weight of the Federal Reserve’s aggressive campaign to increase interest rates. Star-Advertiser.

More arrests being made in Waikiki to get habitual criminals off the street, but many are still violating geographic restrictions. Over the past six months, Honolulu police have made over 700 arrests in Waikiki, but residents say there's still much more that needs to be done. KITV4.

Oahu Inmate Kills Himself After Jail Staff Fails To Put Him On Suicide Watch. Jimuel Gatioan hanged himself at OCCC despite warnings by a prosecutor and a defense lawyer that he was suicidal, court records show. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Mauna Kea Authority Nominees Receive Thumbs Up From Senate Committee. The appointees include Richard Matsuda, Gary Kalehua Krug, Kamanamaikalani Beamer, Paul Horner, Noe Noe Wong-Wilson, John Komeiji, Joshua Lanakila Mangauil, and Pomaikalani Bertelmann. Civil Beat.

State Orders End To Cat-Feeding Stations At Waikoloa Shopping Center. DLNR has directed the removal of cat-feeding stations located at a Hawai‘i Island shopping center, following complaints that the endangered Hawai‘i state bird, the nēnē (Hawaiian goose), are being negatively impacted by the consumption of cat food and close contact with feral cats. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now.

Maui

DOH looks into cases of sickened students at school. The state Department of Health is in the midst of an investigation at Maui Preparatory Academy to try to determine what may have been causing some fourth-grade students to experience symptoms, including nausea and headaches, in recent months. Maui News.

ʻĪao Valley State Monument remains closed, reopening postponed until further notice. The closure went into effect on Aug. 1, 2022 to allow crews to complete the final phase of a slope stabilization project and parking lot improvements. It was initially slated to reopen on Jan. 15, 2023, but the closure was extended until April 15, 2023 to allow for continued slope stabilization work.  Maui Now.

Study warns of Molokini islet overuse. A new study of the marine life at Molokini islet suggests the popular snorkeling destination off Maui is being overused and in need of additional management to improve not only ecosystem health but also the visitor experience. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.

Maui cheeseburger eatery ordered to close because it doesn’t have hot water. The state has temporarily ordered the Lahaina location of Cheeseburger in Paradise to close because the eatery does not have hot water. Hawaii News Now. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kaua‘i council chair plans to fund tax breaks with reserves. Under a plan proposed by Chairman Mel Rapoza, the county would allocate 27 percent of the previous year’s general fund revenues toward the reserve fund instead of the 30 percent that it traditionally puts aside. Garden Island.

This Nonprofit Helps Kaua‘i’s Farmers Start Up and Grow. Mālama Kaua‘i’s network increased sales by almost 6% in a year, with one farmer reaching six figures. Hawaii Business magazine.

Native Hawaiian men guilty of hate crime in attack on white Maui man, Supreme Court allows violent offenders jailed before indictment, disease spread by cats endangers spinner dolphins, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii receives 'B' grade in 2022 State Of The Beach report. A new "State of the Beach" report shows how each state is maintaining its coastlines. According to the report, Hawaii is earning a "B" grade, which means the state is doing a good job of protecting coastal resources, but also has room for improvement. KITV4.

Hawaii spinner dolphins at risk of disease, study finds. Toxoplasmosis, the disease that originates from the feces of cats, has been known in recent years to have killed at least 15 Hawaiian monk seals, as well as endangered birds and other wildlife in the islands. Now new research has discovered the deadly disease in two spinner dolphins. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s high court OKs 60-day hold on those uncharged. The Hawaii Supreme Court issued an opinion Thursday in Deangelo v. Souza, which allows courts to continue to order the jailing of people without charges in what are loosely known as “Obrero” cases, but appears to discourage the 90-day maximum hold in favor of 60 days. Star-Advertiser. KHON2. KITV4.

1,300 ballots arrived too late to count, so far. More than 1,300 ballots have come in too late to be counted in the general election. So far the Honolulu County clerk’s office has received 716 mailed ballots after the election-day cutoff, 400 in Maui County and Hawaii County got 213 late so far. KHON2.

Help Wanted: Retailers Redouble Calls For Holiday Workers. As Hawaii’s economy recovers from the Covid-19 pandemic, there’s an abundance of job openings for seasonal employees. Civil Beat.

Gov. Ige extends SNAP emergency benefits through the holidays until Jan. 16. Hawaiʻi Gov. David Ige signed a fifth emergency proclamation today that extends the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) emergency allotment benefits. Big Island Now.

Local branding firm receives renewal to lead HTA's Japan market. The Hawaii Tourism Authority renewed its contract with a local firm to handle its branding and marketing for Japan. The integrative consulting firm a.link LLC will once again lead HTA’s Visitor Education and Destination Brand Marketing and Management Services for the Japan market. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii BOE Seeks More Community Input For Its Strategic Plan. The Board of Education will allow stakeholders to have another say on a new plan that will direct public education in Hawaii for the next several years. Civil Beat.

'It's cartoon pornography'. Some demand teen novel be pulled from Hawaii library. Controversy is brewing over a teen cartoon novel found in a state library that some criticize for displaying graphic and inappropriate images. KITV4.

Oahu

City issues dozens of violation notices amid crackdown on illegal vacation rentals. Since the ordinance went into effect Oct. 23, the city has issued 63 notices of violation. Hawaii News Now.

Parking at Honolulu airport to tighten, cost more. The state Department of Transportation announced Thursday that it plans to raise the daily parking rate at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu and also charge more to park for over six hours but under eight hours, effective Jan. 1. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Crime down in Waikiki, police tell safety summit. Crime in Waikiki is down in every category but theft so far this year as hotels, businesses, police, social service providers and government partner to ensure a mix of enforcement and programs help to ensure public safety. Star-Advertiser. KHON2. KITV4.

Honolulu Police Chief Tries To Rebuild Community Trust One Group At A Time. Business professionals question the chief on homelessness, police staffing and how they can support the department. Civil Beat.

In suit, family of 9th grader raped at gunpoint on campus says attack could have been prevented. The state Department of Education is being sued over the violent rape of a ninth grade girl at McKinley High School last year. Hawaii News Now.

City knew for years about lead concerns at shooting range, but did little to warn workers of danger. Gun owners on Oahu are still without a public range as a probe into possible lead contamination at Koko Head Shooting Complex continues ― and new details emerge about what the city knew. Hawaii News Now.

Kalihi nature preserve heals thousands of people, earns national award. The nature preserve is part of the nonprofit Kōkua Kalihi Valley Comprehensive Family Services. In 2005, the nonprofit was granted a lease from the state Department of Land and Natural Resources to care for the land. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Island

Kona hospital’s cancer clinics resume accepting new patients. Kona Community Hospital announced Thursday that its Medical Oncology and Infusion Clinics will soon begin accepting new patients again. Both clinics had temporarily paused accepting new patient referrals in early October due to staffing shortages. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaiʻi Radiologic Associates reopens after apparent cyber attack. Hawaiʻi Radiologic Associates reopened this week after a reported cyber attack took their system offline last month, leading to canceled appointments and delays in patients getting test results. Big Island Now.

Hilo MEGA Lab Helps Surfing Scientists Research Reefs. The Hilo-based consortium of scientists, athletes, and artists is making headlines for an effort to create a 3D map of Earth's "premier surf breaks to help better protect reefs around the world." Big Island Video News.

Maui

2 Native Hawaiian men found guilty of hate crime. A jury Thursday found two Native Hawaiian men guilty of a federal hate crime, eight years after they beat up a white man who bought a house in their remote village on Maui. Star-Advertiser. Associated Press. Maui Now.

12 more east Maui streams gain instream flow standards. A dozen additional east Maui streams and tributaries are the beneficiaries of amended interim instream flow standards, or IIFS, which are meant keep water in the streams and enhance the downstream habitat and upstream connectivity for native stream biota. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now.

Agricultural park expansion could put emphasis on organic crops. Bill under consideration to limit pesticides and prioritize local food in Kula park. Maui News.

Fire chief given highest marks in evaluation. First-year Maui County Fire Chief Bradford Ventura excelled in his evaluation by the Fire and Public Safety Commission on Thursday, with the panel giving him the highest marks in each of six performance categories. Maui News.

Kauai

Brun associates Kai and Huihui sentenced for roles in drug trafficking conspiracy. With the recent sentencing of two players in former County Council Member Arthur Brun’s illegal drug trafficking operation, the case against the Kaua‘i drug ring is nearly closed. Garden Island.

Kauaʻi short 43 full-time doctors; new UH medical school program will help. There is no endocrinologist on the Garden Isle. No out-patient neurologist. No oncologist. No psychologist or ophthalmologist that is accepting new patients. Specialists in rheumatology and gerontology also are nonexistent. Kauai Now.

Land Donor Takes Back Kauai’s Unopened Youth Drug Treatment Center. New private ownership could prove more nimble than government. But old business model troubles persist. Kauai’s $7 million adolescent treatment facility, never opened to help the drug-dependent youth it was built to serve. But it has a new name, a new owner and a new goal to open by next August. Civil Beat.

Housing bill on Kauaʻi aims to provide a 'regular flow' of revenue for infrastructure improvements. The Council passed the measure at its meeting Wednesday. It would require at least 2% of real property tax revenues to go into the Housing Development Fund annually. Hawaii Public Radio. Garden Island.