HDLE director calls for 5-year fireworks ban, petition seeks info on $35k given top lawmaker, Hawaii awarded $190M for rural health care, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaiʻi Law Enforcement Leader Calls For 5-Year Ban On All Fireworks. Officials say this New Year’s Eve was quieter than last, but state Department of Law Enforcement Director Mike Lambert is calling for more drastic measures to cut off the state’s supply of illegal fireworks. Civil Beat.

Hawaii gets nearly $190 million for rural health care. Hawaii has been awarded nearly $190 million in federal funding to augment rural health care under President Donald Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill” through a plan co-written by Democratic Gov. Josh Green. He said it’s the result of working with fellow Pennsylvania native and physician Dr. Mehmet Oz, administrator for the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Star-Advertiser.

PUC study supports creation of Hawaiʻi wildfire recovery fund. The Public Utilities Commission has concluded that a state recovery fund is likely warranted to compensate future victims of major wildfires. Hawaii Public Radio.

$35K Mystery Payment: Petition Calls For Hawaiʻi Legislature To Investigate. More than 900 Hawaiʻi residents are asking the Legislature to get to the bottom of a mysterious transaction in 2022 that involved a man handing $35,000 in a paper bag to someone federal investigators have described as an influential legislator. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.  KHON2. 

Hawaiʻi ICE Arrests And Detentions In 2025 Spiked From Year Before. Updated tallies are not yet complete but already eclipse those in 2024. Data show immigration arrests are increasingly likely to take place at ICE offices and at the state’s civil court houses. Civil Beat.

Hawaiian announces $600 million airport, wide-body upgrades. Hawaiian Airlines CEO Diana Birkett Rakow announced an investment of more than $600 million over five years to improve airport passenger areas across the state and interior upgrades to widebody aircraft. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now.  Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Oahu

Crackdown nets 61 tons of illegal fireworks. Honolulu police and state law enforcement officials stepped up joint enforcement against illegal fireworks on New Year’s Eve, responding to a sharp increase in fireworks-related calls while reporting fewer serious injuries and fires than in previous years. Star-Advertiser.

ABC Stores CEO Lags On Fixing Up ‘Eyesore’ In Busy Waikīkī Corridor. Property owner says renovation plans are on hold due to high construction costs, but neighbors are frustrated by the lack of action. Civil Beat.

Off-leash dog park opens in Makiki. Honolulu’s dogs have more space to explore and exercise after city leaders officially opened an off-leash dog park in Punahou Square. Hawaii News Now.

Celebrate Year of the Horse with festival, parade in Chinatown. Get ready to celebrate the Year of the Horse! Chinatown 808 will host its 50th Chinatown Festival & Parade celebrating the Lunar New Year on Saturday, Feb. 14. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Nalani Kanaka‘ole-Zane, renowned kumu hula and Merrie Monarch judge, dies at 79. Nalani Kanaka‘ole-Zane, revered kumu hula of Halau o Kekuhi, cultural matriarch and veteran judge of Merrie Monarch Festival hula competitions, died Saturday in Hilo. She was 79. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Now.  Hawaii News Now.  KITV4. 

Maui

Batangan takes seat on Maui County Council. Kauanoe Batangan was sworn into office as a Maui County Council member Monday morning, saying he was honored to have been selected by his late predecessor, Tasha Kama, to serve out the remainder of her term. Maui News. Maui Now.  Hawaii News Now.

Maui To Settle Landfill Legal Battle After Scrapping Plan To Seize Property. The county won’t say how much it intends to pay the company in damages over the eminent domain case to acquire a dump site for Lahaina fire debris. Civil Beat.

Kauai

Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative offers new rebates for medical device power backup. The Medical Device Power Backup Rebate Program provides eligible members with a rebate of up to $200 for the purchase of a qualifying backup power solution, such as a battery backup or portable generator, according to a news release from the power company. Kauai Now.

Appeals court blocks Hawaii's cruise ship 'green fee' tax, PUC approves HECO wildfire mitigation plan, Honolulu to expand Waimanalo Gulch landfill, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Federal ruling blocks Hawaii’s climate change tourist tax on cruise ships. A federal appeals court ruling on New Year’s Eve blocked Hawaii from enforcing a climate change tourist tax on cruise ships passengers, a levy that was set to go into effect at the start of 2026.Cruise Lines International Association challenged the tax in a lawsuit, arguing that the new law violates the U.S. Constitution by taxing cruise ships for entering Hawaii ports.  Associated Press.

Public Utilities Commission approves Hawaiian Electric wildfire mitigation plan. Hawaiʻi Public Utilities Commission on Wednesday (Dec. 31) approved Hawaiian Electric’s 2025-27 wildfire mitigation plan and completed a comprehensive study about whether to establish a wildfire recovery fund. Big Island Now.

Counties Are On A Hiring Spree, But Recruitment Challenges Linger. Some neighbor island jobs have the edge in salaries compared to their Oʻahu counterparts, adding to hiring difficulties.  Civil Beat.

University of Hawaii leader pushes AI, student support initiatives. When Wendy Hensel took the helm of the University of Hawaii system on Jan. 1, 2025, any notion of a gradual “honeymoon phase” was quickly dashed by an accelerating series of national and local disruptions. Star-Advertiser.

By Resisting Feds’ Demand For Personal SNAP Data, Hawaiʻi Could Face Cuts. Hawaiʻi is one of 22 states that have called the USDA’s demand for food stamp recipients’ information unprecedented and unlawful. Civil Beat.

Hawaii insurers paid $13.3 million for fireworks injuries in past year. State insurance commissioner says costs extend beyond insurance companies to employers and taxpayers. Hawaii’s health insurance companies paid out $13.3 million for 1,496 fireworks-related injury claims over the past year, according to new data released by state insurance commissioner Scott Saiki. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaiʻi Is Still Releasing Inmates Without IDs Needed To Reenter Society. Lawmakers have made multiple efforts to improve the process of getting incarcerated people the identification they need to access basic services, but little has changed. Civil Beat.

2025 in memoriam: These Hawaiʻi figures contributed to the fabric of our islands. Hawaii Public Radio. Hawaii News Now. 

Oahu

City aims to expand Waimanalo Gulch landfill. Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s administration intends to pursue expansion of the city’s Waimanalo Gulch Sanitary Landfill in Kapolei following stalled attempts to find a suitable location for a new dump. The city plans to petition for a special-use permit to expand the approximately 200-acre solid-waste landfill at 92-460 Farrington Highway by 92.5 acres, according to city documents.  Star-Advertiser.

Oʻahu Needs Sidewalks. Should The County Be Required To Build Them? Two Honolulu charter amendment proposals this year aim to enshrine sidewalk construction as a core local government responsibility. Civil Beat.

Oahu sees calmer New Year’s celebration. Oahu rang in 2026 with significantly fewer fireworks-­related fires and “a below-­average night” for emergency medical crews in a marked shift from the chaos and death that marred the previous New Year’s Eve celebration, authorities reported Thursday. Star-Advertiser. KHON2. 

2 arrested as Honolulu police respond to nearly 600 fireworks violation calls. (video only). Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu EMS responds to multiple firework-related injuries on New Year's Eve. At least seven people were hurt with suspected fireworks injuries in five separate incidents on Oʻahu this New Year's Eve. Hawaii Public Radio. KITV4. 

Hawaii Island

Affordable housing, short-term vacation rentals, drought, volcanic eruptions, more: A look back at some of the top Hawaii Island news stories. Alook back at the Top 10 stories of the year, as selected by the editorial staff of the Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui Fire Department tackles 22 fires over New Year’s Eve. From 7:30 a.m. on Dec. 31 to 7:30 a.m. on Jan. 1, Maui firefighters worked to put out brush fires, vehicle fires, small vegetation fires and more.  KHON2. KITV4. 

Repair work starts on section of Haʻikū Road. Starting today, Monday, Jan. 5, 2026, a section of Haʻikū Road between Hamana Place and Līhau Place will be closed from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday while work is underway to repair the eroding slope embankment and replace damaged guardrails, according to the County of Maui Department of Public Works. Maui Now.

DLNR patrols Kāne‘ohe Bay to deter illegal Christmas tree bonfires on New Year’s Day. Officers with the Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement (DOCARE) will again conduct patrols over the New Year’s holiday to enforce laws and protect the environment, including the sacred Ahu o Laka (Kāne‘ohe Bay sandbar).  Maui Now.

Kauai

Department of Water announces new access hours for the bill payment drop box. The Department of Water (DOW) has completed construction of its new, motorized entry gate to the main entrance of its administrative buildings parking lot. The bill payment drop box located in the DOW parking lot, at 4398 Pua Loke St., Lihue, will be accessible from Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., except holidays. Garden Island. Kauai Now. 

Hawaii not prepared for aging population, state bans sale of fluorescent lightbulbs, fireworks abound as officials caution residents, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii lawmakers to confront housing affordability, tourism volatility in 2026. Pressures are mounting as the state faces a predicted mild recession next year, and as Hawaii lawmakers head into the 2026 legislative session to confront housing affordability, tourism volatility and shifting job markets. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s 2.5% jobless rate is second lowest in U.S. The state’s seasonally adjusted rate fell two-tenths of a point to 2.5% in September to tie Vermont for the second lowest in the country, according to recent data from the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. Only South Dakota was lower in September at 2.0%. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s traffic fatalities in 2025 skyrocket to 17-year high. As of Saturday, a total of 128 traffic deaths had been counted statewide, according to preliminary statistics from the Hawaii Department of Transportation, up from 97 at the same time last year. Star-Advertiser.

New Navy Report Gauges Training Disruption Of Hawaiʻi’s Marine Mammals. The report shows improvement related to deaths but continued hearing loss and other injuries from some exercises. Civil Beat.

No more fluorescent lightbulbs for Hawaiʻi in 2026. The ban on the sale of fluorescent lights goes into full effect on New Year’s Day, making Hawaiʻi one of 15 states to ban the bulbs. Hawaii Public Radio.

Union seeks raises for teachers not credited for out-of-state experience during salary repricing. The teachers union is fighting to get pay raises for thousands of public school educators. The Hawaii State Teachers Association (HSTA) says they were denied the money because the Hawaii State Department of Education  said they didn’t have enough experience here in Hawaii. Hawaii News Now.

Demand for New Year’s staple ahi peaks in Hawaii. As Hawaii prepares to ring in the new year, demand for fresh ahi is surging across the islands, sending heavier volumes through the Honolulu Fish Auction, extending auction hours and intensifying competition among buyers seeking premium fish for holiday gatherings. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

HPD increases fireworks, DUI enforcement ahead of New Year’s Eve.  With new laws enacted this year, the Honolulu Police Department has issued a warning to parents, property owners and others that it intends to crack down on illegal fireworks as New Year’s Eve approaches. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Associated Press. Hawaii Public Radio.  KHON2. 

Kapi’olani hospital workers end 10-week strike with new contract. The 10-week hospital workers’ strike at Kapi‘olani Medical Center for Women &Children has ended, the two sides confirmed Saturday. The stalemate broke just after Christmas and two weeks after a federal mediator stepped in. Star-Advertiser.

Planned rail projects at HCC under negotiations. HART is negotiating with UH over the placement of future rail- related infrastructure and utilities on a portion of Honolulu Community College at 874 Dillingham Blvd. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

New Year’s Fireworks Permits Now Available in Hawaiʻi County. Each permit costs $25 and will entitle the holder to purchase 5,000 individual firecracker, officials says. Multiple permit purchases are authorized. Permits are not required for the purchase of novelties and paperless firecrackers. Big Island Video News.

Maui

New Year’s Eve fireworks in Maui County, information and reminders. There will be two public aerial fireworks displays in Maui County this year — one from the Grand Wailea Resort in South Maui, and the other from the Four Seasons Resort Lānaʻi at Mānele Bay. Both shows begin at approximately 11:59 p.m. on New Year’s Eve, Dec. 31, 2025.  Maui Now.

Kauai

New Year’s fireworks, firecrackers go on sale. The TNT Fireworks tent opened for business on Saturday morning at the highway side of the Walmart parking lot. Garden Island.

Collaborative design meeting to engage public in shaping Haleko. A collaborative design meeting aims to engage the public and community stakeholders in shaping the future of Halekō Road between Nāwiliwili Road and Rice Street. Kauai Now.

Immigration advocates push for legislative protections, Hawaii National Guard gears up major crowd control unit, HECO sues Par Hawaii over damaged turbines, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

As Arrests In Hawaiʻi Climb, Immigration Advocates Push Protective Legislation. Advocates seek to limit cooperation with ICE and to rein in the agency’s actions amid a major increase in immigration arrests locally. The table of immigration-related bills in the Hawaiʻi Legislature’s next session was at least partially set Monday, as advocates described measures they want to see introduced and painted a picture of legal rights being trampled under the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now. 

Most arrests for violating immigration in Hawaii unwarranted, attorneys say. The majority of people arrested by federal agents for violations of U.S. immigration law in Hawaii have no criminal record despite assertions by federal officials, immigration attorneys told a state lawmaker Monday. Through July, 149 people have been arrested for violations of immigration law in Hawaii, a 380% increase compared to the same period in 2024, according to the Deportation Data Project. Star-Advertiser. 

'It's not new': Hawaiʻi National Guard on directive to prepare crowd control unit. This fall, each state's National Guard received a federal directive to assemble 500 troops for a "quick reaction force" to be deployed to address civil disturbance and crowd control. The order requires the teams to be ready to respond at the start of next year. Hawaii Public Radio.

Advocates urge state lawmakers to protect LGBTQ+ community this legislative session. Establishing a shield law to protect gender-affirming care, expanding gender markers on birth certificates, and mandating an accurate count of hate crimes in Hawaiʻi are some of the top priorities advocates are urging lawmakers to focus on during the 2026 legislative session. Hawaii Public Radio.

State deploys $18 million for clean energy access. The Hawai‘i Green Infrastructure Authority is making $18 million in new loan capital available to help nonprofits, small businesses and low- and moderate- income households pay for clean energy upgrades as the state works to expand access to solar and reduce electricity costs. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Electric Sues Par Hawaiʻi Claiming Faulty Fuel Ruined Turbines. Hawaiian Electric Industries Inc. is suing the operator of Hawaiʻi’s only petroleum refinery, alleging that substandard fuel produced by Par Hawaiʻi Refining LLC caused millions of dollars in damage to power plants on the Big Island and Kauaʻi last year. Civil Beat.

Alexander & Baldwin leaves stock market after major sale. Alexander & Baldwin agrees to go private in $2.3B deal. Alexander & Baldwin — the largest owner of grocery‑­anchored neighborhood shopping centers in Hawaii, where it has a 155‑year history — has agreed to go private in a $2.3 billion merger, the largest commercial real estate portfolio deal in state history. Star-Advertiser. KHON2. 

Oahu

Honolulu City Council adopts transparency bills for unspent funds. The Council on Wednesday voted 8–0, with Council member Matt Weyer absent, to separately approve Bills 64 and 65, requiring the city to offer a greater degree of financial reporting over lapsed, or unspent, funds from past budget cycles. Star-Advertiser.

Blackened Canteen ceremony rekindles WWII peace offering. American and Japanese officials gathered in Pearl Harbor on Monday as commemorations of the anniversary of the Dec. 7, 1941, attack continued. Star-Advertiser.

Fireworks Firm Tied To Illegal Hawaiʻi Shipment OK’d To Sell Firecrackers. The Honolulu Fire Department says it has no legal basis to deny the company a permit to sell firecrackers despite its involvement in a shipment of $2.7 million of illegal fireworks seized by the Coast Guard in 2022. Civil Beat.

Waianae Police Station undergoes $1.4M in upgrades. The Honolulu Department of Design and Construction on Monday began a more than $1.4 million partial second-floor interior upgrade at the Waianae Police Station, city officials say. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. 

Land deal to protect Maunawili Valley serves as a model for other communities. A deal is underway to protect over 1,000 acres in Maunawili Valley, located in the ahupuaʻa of Kailua. The area was historically favored by aliʻi for its productive kalo lands. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaiian macadamia nuts recalled after potential salmonella contamination. American Nuts LLC has issued a voluntary recall of Hawaiian Macadamia Nut Co. Baking Nuts sold at Costco’s Hawaii Kai warehouse due to potential salmonella contamination. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

U.S. Geological Survey searches for new monitoring site after Kīlauea summit camera buried in volcanic debris. As Episode 38 of the ongoing eruption sent fountains of lava and a plume more than 20,000 feet into the air, the widely viewed V3 summit camera was buried under roughly 50 feet of volcanic debris. Big Island Now.

New statewide crime dashboard launched. Reports of criminal offenses were up almost 6% in Hawaii County in 2024 over 2023. That’s according to the Hawaii Crime Dashboard — a new online platform launched and maintained by the Hawaii Department of the Attorney General.  Tribune-Herald.

New traffic signal to be activated on Waikoloa Road. A new traffic signal at the intersection of Waikoloa Road and Paniolo Avenue/Pua Melia Street in Waikoloa Village will start operating at 11 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 15. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaiʻi County opens registration for free disaster training for community members. The CERT program, which combines online coursework with hands-on instruction, teaches basic disaster skills including first aid and triage, search and rescue, and fire safety and suppression. Big Island Now.

Maui 

First 100 days: Ethics executive director reports surge in inquiries, calls for staff expansion. The newly established Office of the Board of Ethics is fielding a significantly higher volume of inquiries than in previous years, prompting the executive director to call for expanded staffing in the upcoming fiscal 2026-27 budget. Maui Now.

EIS preparation notice filed for Hoʻonani Village mixed-use project. Developers have filed an environmental impact statement preparation notice for the Hoʻonani Village mixed-use development proposed for 1,600 residential apartment units near the old Puʻunēnē sugar mill on 166 acres off of Hansen Road in Kahului.​ Maui Now.

Court documents reveal alleged motive in slaying of Maui police officer. Maui police Officer Suzanne O died in the line of duty as she and other officers were responding to a terroristic threatening call in Paia on Aug. 15. Hawaii News Now.

Maui’s Waiehu Beach Road getting new speed tables, raised crosswalks. DOT said four speed tables will be installed on Waiehu between Kukona Place and Lower Waiehu Beach Road. Additionally, three raised crosswalks will be installed at the intersections of Kukona Place, Kaikoo Street and Kainalu Place. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai

Rubbish pickup in Kalāheo delayed due to staffing shortages. Residential trash pickup in Kalāheo will be delayed because of staffing shortages, Kauaʻi County officials announced Monday.  Kauai Now.

The Kauai Marathon distributes $37,500. Awards of $12,500 each were presented to the Koloa Early Learning School, that will soon celebrate its 40th anniversary; the Kauai Habitat for Humanity, which is involved in constructing affordable housing for Kauai families; and Ho‘omalu Ke Kai, whose coral restoration efforts recently enjoyed a successful coral rescue off Ahukini Landing State Park. Garden Island.

 

US, China held maritime security talks in Hawaii, flower industry wilting, state gets $31M for high-speed internet, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii’s flower industry wilts as it faces changing tastes, global competition. According to federal and state data, the local floriculture industry generated $83.4 million in 2000 and $75.6 million in 2010; by 2022 that figure dropped to $47.1 million and fell again in 2023 to $43.9 million. The Hawai‘i Agricultural Foundation convened more than 200 industry leaders Tuesday to discuss how to stabilize the sector. Star-Advertiser.

Hawai‘i Farmers Are Investing In Tech To Protect Property And Livestock. Local farmers and ranchers are eager to invest more in technological solutions to their real world problems, according to U.S. Department of Agriculture data. Civil Beat.

U.S., China held maritime security talks in Hawaii, Chinese navy says. The U.S. and Chinese militaries last week  held “frank and constructive” maritime security talks in Hawaii, the Chinese navy said Saturday, as the two superpowers gradually restore military-to-military communications after several months of trade tensions. Reuters.

Gov. Green predicts Newsom won't satisfy U.S. desire for a peacemaking leader in 2028. Gov. Josh Green, a Hawaiʻi Democrat who has floated the possibility of running for president, predicted that Americans will want a peacemaker once Donald Trump’s second term is over — and California Gov. Gavin Newsom may not fit the bill. Hawaii Public Radio.

Army in Hawaii reinvests in boats for service in the Pacific. As the U.S. military has tried to shift resources from drawn-out conflicts in the Middle East to confront China and prepare for the prospect of a very different kind of engagement, the Army has dusted off the Kuroda and the Smalls and has more ambitious plans. It also is testing a new boat prototype in Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

Schatz: Hawai’i to receive $31M in new federal funding to expand high-speed internet. National Telecommunications and Information Administration approved a proposal that will unlock $30.6 million in new federal funding to expand high-speed internet access throughout Hawai‘i. Kauai Now.

New Hawaiian Airlines CEO sees gradual changes continuing under Alaska. Hawaiian Airlines recently named former Alaska Air Group executive Diana Birkett Rakow as its CEO. Alaska Air Group officially acquired Hawaiian Airlines in September of last year for $1.6 billion, setting off a long integration process. Hawaii Public Radio.

Strong cruise recovery collides with Hawaii’s climate rules. Cruise ship visitation to Hawaii has set a course for its strongest rebound in nearly two decades, but new state rules requiring cleaner-burning fuels and expanded “green fees” are sparking legal challenges and raising questions about the industry’s future. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. 

Independent workers in Hawaii brace for skyrocketing health premiums. American Rescue Plan Act premiums are rising an average of 30% in 2026 for states such as Hawaii that use the federal healthcare.gov platform. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Former Lifeguard Chief Who Sparred With Mayor Is Finalist For His Old Job. After falling out with Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi a year and a half ago, former Ocean Safety Chief John Titchen is interested in getting his job back. Civil Beat.

Hitachi files new $320M lawsuit against HART. Skyline’s principal contractor has brought a new $320 million lawsuit against the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation over claims the rail agency caused numerous costly delays during the phased construction of the city’s $10 billion-plus rail line. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiʻi Foodbank gets biggest chunk of state's $50M fund for nonprofits. The Hawaiʻi Foodbank is set to receive $5.5 million from the state Legislature's grant program for nonprofits impacted by federal funding cuts. Hawaii Public Radio.

Waipahu buyback event nets 724 pounds of fireworks. The state Department of Law Enforcement and partner agencies collected 724 pounds of fireworks during a buyback amnesty event Sunday at the Honolulu Police Department’s Training Academy in Waipahu. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.  KITV4.

Botanical garden in Windward Oahu closing for improvements. Camping will be temporarily unavailable at Hoomaluhia Botanical Garden in Kaneohe until 2026.  Hawaii News Now.

Unofficial Security Guard Arrested At ‘Hell Hole’ Honolulu Office Building. There is escalating violence at the squalid building, where Union Mall Development has turned former office suites into housing that lacks proper kitchens and bathrooms. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Jim Wilson dead at 92: Longtime Tribune-Herald publisher was a tireless advocate for the community. Jim Wilson, retired longtime publisher of the Hawaii Tribune-Herald, died Friday morning at home in Volcano. He was 92. Tribune-Herald.

Council passes bill to allow henneries in residential areas. With egg prices still hovering near double digits, Hawaii Island families may soon find relief in their own backyards after the County Council voted Wednesday to legalize household henneries in most residential zones. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaiʻi County agency created to improve animal control already seeking new administrator. Last month, Matthew Runnells, the agency’s first administrator selected by former mayor Mitch Roth’s office, was quietly reassigned to a veterinarian technician position at the county-owned Pana‘ewa Zoo at the behest of current mayor Kimo Alameda. Big Island Now.

Hawaii County converting Hilo hotel to affordable rentals. Hawaii County’s Office of Housing and Community Development has purchased the Dolphin Bay Hotel in Hilo, with plans to convert guest rooms into 18 affordable rentals, officials announced Friday. Star-Advertiser. Big Island Video News. 

Final Kona Open Space Network Plan To Be Presented, December 4. The Hawaiʻi County Planning Department will present the final conceptual plan to the public from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Makaeo County Pavilion. Big Island Video News.

County still determining ‘next steps’ for Moku‘ola bridge. Hawaii County is using emergency procurement procedures to hire a structural engineer to analyze the foot bridge between Waiakea Peninsula and Moku‘ola (Coconut Island), according to Parks and Recreation Director Clayton Honma. Tribune-Herald.

Plumbing leaks plague Kealakehe Elementary School. Persistent plumbing problems have plagued Kealakehe Elementary School in Kailua-Kona for years, a crisis that escalated earlier this week when what several teachers described as sewage leaked from the second floor into a third-grade classroom during the school day. Star-Advertiser.


Maui

What’s the health toll of 2023 Maui wildfires on firefighters? Long-term study aims to find out. A team came to Maui two months after the fire and took blood samples from more than 100 firefighters. In October, they returned for another round of samples that will help them keep an eye on the firefighters’ health over time and screen for cancer and other diseases. Maui Now.

Kahului Council candidates interviewed; contrasts emerge in policies, philosophy and personalities. Differing personalities, philosophies and policy positions surfaced Thursday afternoon as Maui County Council members interviewed three applicants vying to fill the unexpired term of the late Council Member Natalie “Tasha” Kama. Maui Now.

At Maui’s only go-kart track, drivers have fun and race toward their dreams. Kart racing at home on Maui is making a comeback. For the first time in six years, the club held a time trial race last weekend. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kauai

Kauaʻi utility's wildfire mitigation plan needs improvement, report finds. The Consumer Advocate, which represents the interests of ratepayers in utility matters, hired the outside consulting firm Jensen Hughes to review the plan. According to their findings, Kauaʻi Island Utility Cooperative's vegetation management program needs critical improvement. Hawaii Public Radio.

Coral rescued from Ahukini. The Department of Land and Natural Resources said the corals of opportunity, or loose corals that have been dislodged from their parent reefs or damaged from storms, boat groundings or anchors, were collected by Hoomalu Ke Kai in collaboration with Kauai Ocean Awareness, Kauai Sea Farm, the DLNR-DAR, and the UH Coral Resilience Lab. Garden Island.

$400M state stockpile could soften blow of federal cuts, state libraries banned from saying 'banned' during Banned Books Week, state Senate committees to examine impacts on agriculture food security, IRONMAN kicks off with Kona underpants run, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Legislators to examine federal impacts on ag, food security. Two state Senate committees will hold a joint informational briefing next week to examine how recent federal policy changes are affecting the state’s agricultural and food sectors, amid growing concern over rising costs, trade disruptions and weakening federal support for farmers. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now.

Hawaii library system bans displays that refer to ‘Banned Books Week,’ rebrands to ‘Freedom to Read’.  New guidelines issued by the Hawaiʻi State Public Library System ahead of the 41st annual event prohibit the use of the words “censorship” and “banned,” as well as the phrase “banned books week,” in displays at 51 public libraries across the state.  Civil Beat.

Hawaiʻi Lawmakers Introduce A Lot Of Bills. See Whose Pass — And Fail. Committee chairs and legislative veterans have the best track record, a review of the data shows. But even they only get a fraction of what they introduce through. Civil Beat.

$400M stockpile for Hawaiʻi low-income families could soften effects of federal cuts. The state has more than $400 million in unspent federal funds for a program to help low-income families through Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, or TANF. Hawaii Public Radio.

Tourist Tax Hike Sought For Hawaiian Home Lands. The state Department of Hawaiian Home Lands plans to ask lawmakers to approve a 1% increase to the Transient Accommodations Tax, which could generate more than $100 million in annual revenue for the department to pursue development and assist its beneficiaries with home loans — a key sticking point for many who have languished for decades on a waiting list for housing lots. Civil Beat.

Native Hawaiian Convention wraps up with focus on tourism, culture. The Native Hawaiian Convention wrapped up this week in Tulalip, Washington, after days of cultural exchange and discussion about how tourism can better support local communities. KHON2. Big Island Now. 

1 In 4 Hawai‘i Students Are Chronically Absent From School. Five years after the pandemic upended attendance, many schools are still struggling to get kids to show up regularly. Civil Beat.

Hawai‘i House of Reps accepting applications for 2026 legislative session. Session staff positions are temporary and typically span from December/January through May each year, with salary ranges dependent on the specific position and relevant experience. Kauai Now.

State senators see results — and challenges — during illegal fireworks bunker inspection. Senators also were briefed about the ongoing work of the Hawai‘i Department of Law Enforcement Illegal Fireworks Task Force, highlighting enforcement efforts and challenges of addressing illegal fireworks throughout the islands. Kauai Now.

Oahu

Assaults on Honolulu police officers on the rise. Assaults on Honolulu police officers are up 21% this year compared with the same period last year, and are on pace to surpass 2024’s total of 43 cases, the Honolulu Police Department announced Thursday in a news release. Star-Advertiser. KHON2. 

Hopes high for increase in Skyline ridership. Journalists got to ride the city’s second segment of the Skyline rail system on Thursday that will take passengers down a new, 5.2-mile route to some of the most important stations and major employment centers at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam and Daniel K. Inouye International Airport. Star-Advertiser. KHON2.  KITV4. 

Oceanit donates thousands of COVID test kits to local schools. Honolulu-based Oceanit this week said it has donated thousands of its ASSURE-100 COVID rapid test kits to schools across Oahu. The test kits, authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, were developed by Oceanit scientists and engineers locally. Star-Advertiser.

This School Wanted Officers On Campus. 3 Others Will Get Them First. Representatives of Nānākuli High and Intermediate School say they have been left out of Oʻahu’s upcoming school resource officer pilot program. Civil Beat.

City says improper propane tank disposal sparked waste facility fire. The Department of Environmental Services (ENV) confirmed the fire that sparked Wednesday, leaving piles of charred debris and equipment, was caused by improper disposal of a propane tank. Hawaii News Now.

Ho‘omaluhia Botanical Garden to close Thursdays, city says. City officials say that in the post-pandemic era the number of guests to Ho‘o­maluhia — which in the Hawaiian language translates to “a peaceful refuge” — skyrocketed to a point where the garden itself needed peace and refuge. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Kona Underpants Run Held On Aliʻi Drive. The Kona Underpants Run was held on Aliʻi Drive Thursday morning, part of the IRONMAN World Championship pre-race series of events. Big Island Video News.

2025 IRONMAN World Championship Week In Kona. This year marks the final co-hosting rotation of the IRONMAN World Championship, with the 2025 men’s edition having been held in Nice, France in September, with the women’s edition taking place in Kona this weekend. Big Island Video News.

Restoration Of Honu‘apo Estuary Wetland Planned. A proposal to restore 8 acres of estuary and wetland habitat at Honu‘apo in Kaʻū is examined in a Draft Environmental Assessment (EA) published in the October 8th issue of The Environmental Notice.  Big Island Video News.

20 Sheep Killed On Puna Ranch. The sheep were killed sometime between Friday, October 3th, and Monday, October 6th, police say. Investigators discovered what appeared to be dog bite marks on the slaughtered sheep. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now. KHON2. 

Maui

Major GMO Seed Company Is Maui County’s Top Water Customer. While the genetically modified seed industry has declined across Hawaiʻi, records show Monsanto, now owned by Bayer, has increased its water usage on two Maui farms by 13% since 2021. Civil Beat.

Public hearing set for Kula Forest management plan.  The state Department of Land and Natural Resources has scheduled a public hearing next week to solicit feedback on a comprehensive plan to manage the 3,434-acre Kamehamenui Forest Reserve in Kula. Maui Now.

DOT completes repairs to erosion-damaged highway on Molokai. The state said it has completed emergency road repairs to the main highway on Molokai damaged by coastal erosion at a cost of $720,000. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai

Road work scheduled for various locations in Wailuā Houselots area. Kaua‘i County Department of Public Works and contractor Maui Kupono Builders notify the public about road closures and single-lane contraflows for portions of Nonou Road, Likeke Place, Laʻaukea Place, Eggerking Road and Nānā Place in the Wailuā Houselots area beginning next week. Kauai Now.

U.S. Postal Service hiring for holiday help on Kauaʻi. The holiday positions available are at the Kapa’a and Līhuʻe post offices, with assignments running from Nov. 15 to Dec. 26. Kauai Now.

First hurricane of the season to track south of Hawaii, extension sought on state emissions plan, Kauai narrows field for police chief, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hurricane Iona becomes first hurricane of 2025 Central Pacific season. At 5:00 AM HST, the National Weather Service reported that Tropical Storm Iona had strengthened into a hurricane. The storm is currently located about 895 miles southeast of Honolulu, Hawaii, moving west at 10 mph. KITV4. Big Island NowStar-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.  KHON2.

Extension sought for public to comment on Hawaii emissions plan. Eight state House members want more time for the public to comment on a transportation emissions reduction plan that could raise costs for consumers in Hawaii. The public has until Thursday to comment on the draft plan produced by the state Department of Transportation. Star-Advertiser.

College Students In Hawaiʻi Could Lose Access To Federal Loans. An estimated 1 in 6 community college students are enrolled in programs at risk of losing federal loan eligibility if UH can’t prove graduates earn more than residents with a high school diploma. Civil Beat.

HIDOE advances efforts to cut food imports, boost local purchasing. With a statewide regional kitchen master plan now in motion, the Hawai‘i Department of Education (HIDOE) is turning its attention to transforming school menus to feature more locally grown and produced foods. Big Island Now.

Success of Women’s Court pilot program helps to make it permanent. Women’s Court provides trauma-informed care and gender-­responsive services, substance use disorder treatment, education and training in domestic violence prevention, and life skills. It was made permanent on Oahu and extended to Hawaii Island after a bill passed by the Legislature was signed June 26 by the governor. Star-Advertiser.

Hawai‘i Public Radio raises nearly half a million dollars after federal funding cuts. Hawai‘i Public Radio raised nearly half a million dollars in a two-day emergency fundraiser that concluded Friday. The campaign took place after Congress last week approved clawing back $1.1 billion in previously approved federal funding to public media. Hawaii Public Radio. Maui Now. 

Oahu

Nearly 500 pounds of illegal fireworks collected. The state Department of Law Enforcement collected 493 pounds of illegal aerial fireworks on Saturday at Aloha Stadium during its first-ever fireworks buyback event — part of a broader effort to prevent holiday season tragedies by giving residents ample opportunities to dispose of banned explosives safely and anonymously. Star-Advertiser. KITV4. 

5 picks for new Honolulu Ocean Safety Commission prioritize chief selection. Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s candidates to fill the city’s new Ocean Safety Commission say their priorities are to learn more about the department’s needs and properly choose its chief. Hawaii Public Radio.

North Shore residents rally against proposed gondola. Residents of Oahu’s North Shore are not backing down in their fight against a plan to build a gondola along the slopes of Mount Kaala.  Hawaii News Now.

21 native birds found dead in East Honolulu over weekend. On Saturday, Pacific Rim Conservation executive director Dr. Eric VanderWerf found 21 native birds dead near Halona on Oahu’s East shore. KHON2.

Extended reality redefines Hawaii tourism. XploreRide’s bus tour has become the first of its kind in Hawaii and opens the door for other business in Hawaii’s visitor industry to tap into the expanding global virtual tourism industry. Star-Advertiser.

Food entrepreneurs eye Hawaiʻi's first 'high-pressure processing' machine. Business owners and other interested parties gathered last week in Wahiawā during a food summit at Leeward Community College's Value-Added Product Development Center, where the machine is housed. Hawaii Public Radio.

Former football coach to return to court for defamation lawsuit hearing. The former head football coach of the Kahuku Red Raiders is set to appear in Circuit Court. A hearing is scheduled Monday in Sterling Carvalho’s defamation lawsuit against the Hawaii State Department of Education. Hawaii News Now.

Early Hawaiian petroglyphs on a beach are visible again with changing tides and shifting sands. Hawaiian petroglyphs dating back at least a half-millennium are visible on Oahu for the first time in years, thanks to seasonal ocean swells that peel away sand covering a panel of more than two dozen images of mostly human-looking stick figures.  Associated Press.

Historic Falls of Clyde ship to be disposed of at sea. The state has awarded Shipwright LLC, a Florida-based company, a $4.9 million contract to remove the 146-year-old ship from Honolulu Harbor and to scuttle it at sea, marking a final chapter after decades of wrangling over its fate. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

State releases $1 million for feasibility study, redevelopment planning of Waiākea Peninsula, Banyan Drive in Hilo. State funding that was secured a year ago has finally been released by Hawaiʻi Gov. Josh Green to begin master planning for the redevelopment of the Waiākea Peninsula that includes iconic Banyan Drive in Hilo. Big Island Now.

Inouye: Banyans near Lili‘uokalani Gardens ‘have been neglected’.  $1 million in bond funding was released as seed money for the peninsula’s redevelopment, despite the failure this legislative session of Senate Bill 1078, introduced by Sen. Lorraine Inouye,  and House Bill 818, introduced by Hilo Rep. Sue Keohokapu-Lee Loy. Tribune-Herald.

Waiākea Uka Park in Hilo set to reopen after being closed for renovations.  The park now also has a reoriented ballfield with a new dedicated comfort station, dugouts, concession building and scorekeeper’s booth. Big Island Now.

UH Hilo to use AI to help students succeed. Two platforms, EAB Navigate360 and Edify, aim to improve student retention and graduation rates by catching students who are falling behind in their studies or attendance. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Goats prove their worth (and appetite) in wildfire mitigation program on Maui. Using grazing animals to help with fire prevention isn’t a new solution, but on Maui, goats are helping with the task. Hawaiian Electric had a herd of goats on its payroll as part of a pilot program. Hawaii Public Radio.

Displaced Lahaina fire survivors eager to rebuild with help from $1.6 billion federal grant. Applications to rebuild have ramped up in the nearly two years since the fire. According to the Maui County recovery dashboard, 453 building permits had been issued in Lahaina and Kula, with another 323 being processed as of Tuesday. So far, 42 buildings, all residential, have been completed. Maui Now.

An Infusion Of Fire Aid Is Changing How The Maui Food Bank Does Business. The Maui Food Bank saw its revenues jump to more than $77 million after the 2023 fires, a nearly eightfold increase from the previous year. It’s trying to use the windfall wisely. Civil Beat.

Kauai

Kauaʻi public, Navy spar over state renewing lease agreements at Pacific Missile Range Facility. Emotions ran high during three recent public meetings in Līhu’e, Kekaha and Kapa’a concerning the U.S. Navy’s and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s joint Draft Environmental Impact Statement for proposed lease renewal agreements on state-owned land on Kauaʻi. Kauai Now.

Kauaʻi Narrows Candidate Field For New Police Chief. Kauaʻi’s efforts to recruit a new chief come as Honolulu and Hawaiʻi island wage their own searches for a new top cop. The Kauaʻi Police Commission decided Friday to advance 13 candidates to become the next police chief to the next round, a process that involves asking the contenders to answer five written essay questions about their background and vision for KPD’s future. Civil Beat.

Green trims $100M from state budget, Rep. Case lone congressional delegation holdout over ICE immigrant tactics, governor signs fireworks bills, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

More Than $100 Million Cut From Hawaiʻi State Budget. Gov. Josh Green signed the nearly $40 billion executive biennium budget bill Monday, allocating $19.8 billion to state operations for fiscal year 2026 and about $19.7 billion for fiscal year 2027. Uncertainty over federal funding and projections for reduced state revenues played a role in the governor’s decision to line-item veto about $110 million in spending across the fiscal biennium. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. KHON2.

Press release with budget highlights. Governor's Office.

As Immigrant Arrests Rise, Hawaiʻi Political Leaders Condemn ICE Tactics. Rep. Ed Case, the lone holdout, said criticisms didn’t capture his or constituents’ views on immigration. With the arrests of immigrants surging, most of Hawaiʻi’s congressional delegation accuse federal immigration agents of creating “fear and terrorizing communities” in the Aloha State in a letter to be sent Tuesday to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. Civil Beat.

New Hawaii fireworks laws take effect today. During a ceremony in his office at the state Capitol, Gov. Josh Green signed two “signature” bills passed by the Legislature in May to crack down on rampant use, possession and distribution of illegal fireworks statewide. State Department of Law Enforcement Director Mike Lambert took questions from the media. Star-Advertiser. Associated Press. Big Island Now.  Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Governor: I’ll Be ‘Agnostic’ On How Hawaiʻi Spends Its New Green Fee. Climate experts and proponents of Hawaiʻi’s new green fee will kick off next month what Gov. Josh Green has dubbed the “green fee initiative” — a process to decide how hundreds of millions of dollars for climate- and conservation-related projects will be spent. Civil Beat.

EV owners may opt for state road usage charge starting July 1. Starting Tuesday, owners of passenger EVs have the option of paying the state either a per-mile road usage charge of $8 per 1,000 miles, capped at $50, or an annual flat fee of $50. Star-Advertiser. Kauai Now. 

New law shifts seafood labeling rules. The bill mandates retail establishments that sell products made with raw yellowfin tuna and bigeye tuna, such as poke and sashimi, must label them with the country of origin where the fish was caught. Maui News.

Green Tells Hawaiʻi Tea Farmers Not To Worry About New Labeling Law. The governor had put the legislation on his intent-to-veto list, but ended up signing the measure last week. Civil Beat.

OHA budget battle pits its CEO against the chair of the board. OHA Trustees Race To Beat Deadline For New Controversial Budget. Trustees of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs approved a new two-year budget after a marathon meeting on Monday to resolve issues in a spending plan that had drawn intense criticism and scrutiny in recent weeks. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

Hawai‘i gender-affirming care providers brace themselves amid Trump ending LGBTQ+ youth hotline. Hawai‘i advocates said there is already a lack of gender-affirming resources locally, and cuts to that federally funded service could lead to severe consequences. Hawaii Public Radio.

Summer tourism lag risks long-term performance. Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism Director James Kunane Tokioka said in a statement that May’s modest increase in total visitors was led by growth from the U.S. West, which offset arrival drops of 1.1% from the U.S. East, 0.5% from Japan, and 8% from Canada. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Drones To Patrol From Oʻahu Skies For Illegal Fireworks On July 4th Weekend. A measure allowing video evidence from drones was part of a package of bills aimed at cracking down on illegal fireworks that became law Monday. Civil Beat.

Despite an alarming rise in traffic fatalities, officials say safety measures are working. There are more traffic control measures than ever on Oahu: speed humps, red light cameras and now speed cameras. But traffic fatalities are still going up. There have been 39 people killed on Oahu roadways through June. Halfway through 2024 that number was 15. Hawaii News Now.

Prosecutors want ex-prison guard to serve 7 years. The U.S. Department of Justice is asking a judge to sentence a 47-year-old ex-prison guard from Kapolei to seven years in federal prison for raping female inmates and trying to skip town before trial. Star-Advertiser.

Fire causes $150K in damage to Sheridan Park playground. For the second time in less than two months, vandals set fire to a city playground — causing about $150,000 damage and shuttering a section of Sheridan Park. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. KITV4. 

Hawaii Island

Big Island students produce first-ever draft genome of endangered palila. Five Big Island high school students were among the six youths who have successfully produced the first-ever draft genome sequence of the critically endangered endemic palila bird. Tribune-Herald.

“Voluntary Compliance Order” Issued To Stop Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle Spread. Residents are being asked not to transport palm plants and mulch in an area of West Hawaiʻi this summer, in order to prevent the further spread of the destructive coconut rhinoceros beetle, or CRB.  Big Island Video News.

Kahua Kahe Mālie Integrated Care Hub Opens In Ainaloa. The Kahua Kahe Mālie Integrated Care Hub, a new medical respite and behavioral health care facility, opened Friday in Ainaloa. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Samaritan’s Purse dedicates new homes to Maui families impacted by Lahaina wildfire. Samaritan’s Purse, an international Christian relief organization, dedicated three newly built homes in Lahaina for Maui families who survived the state’s deadliest wildfire in history. Maui Now. KITV4.

6 Maui men arrested for internet-related sexual offenses against children. The latest Operation Keiki Shield action, conducted Friday to Sunday, resulted in the arrest of six Maui individuals for charges related to internet-facilitated sexual offenses against children, according to the Maui Police Department. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now.

Kauai

DOW invites the public to attend a discussion on the Kapaa Homesteads Tanks Project. The Department of Water will hold a community event at 6 p.m. today to give the public an opportunity to review the project and share their feedback. Garden Island.

Fraud alleged in homeless village construction, Honolulu and HGEA finalize $41M Covid hazard pay settlement, teachers learn their rights vs ICE, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Manager Alleges Potential Fraud In Homeless Village Construction. A licensed contractor employed as a construction manager for the state’s Kauhale Initiative has written to Gov. Josh Green, alleging violations of building codes, contract terms and other issues with the homeless housing program — allegations that the initiative’s developer denies. The allegations involve the nonprofit HomeAid Hawaiʻi, and CM&D, which HomeAid has hired to manage the sprawling statewide initiative. Civil Beat.

Advocates explain rights regarding ICE agents. Advocates and educators gathered virtually Tuesday evening to share critical guidance with Hawaii families and public school staff on how to respond if U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents show up at school. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Criminals Mailing Illegal Fireworks To Hawaiʻi Mostly Get Away With It. People are sending undeclared explosives via U.S.P.S. on a regular basis. Few face arrest or prosecution.  Civil Beat.

Hawaii high school surfing still a tough wave to catch. Lawmakers passed House Bill 133, which has the backing of Gov. Josh Green and would appropriate $685,870 in each of the next two fiscal years to help cover expenses for public high schools in regional athletic leagues that include surfing as an interscholastic sport, which is something that currently exists only on Maui. Star-Advertiser.

Bomb threat delays Hawaiian Airlines flight to Honolulu. A Hawaiian Airlines flight from San Diego bound for Honolulu Tuesday morning was stopped shortly before takeoff after a passenger allegedly threatened to bomb the aircraft. Star-Advertiser. Associated Press. Maui News. Hawaii News Now.

Sweet potato to become part of the regular menu in Hawai‘i’s public schools. Approximately 372 pounds of local Okinawan sweet potatoes were distributed to 91 participating schools. The effort is part of the Hawai‘i Department of Education’s farm-to-school initiative, which aims to enhance food sustainability in Hawai‘i and aligns with the goals of Act 175 to improve student health while supporting local farmers. Big Island Now.

Oahu

HGEA finalizes $41 million hazard pay settlement. Honolulu Mayor Rick Blan­giardi’s administration has finalized a multimillion-dollar settlement with the Hawaii Government Employees Association involving dangerous COVID-19-era work. Star-Advertiser.

Army official discusses proposed return of state land on Oʻahu. A week after a brutal seven-hour public hearing before the state Land Board over the military's land lease at Pōhakuloa on the Big Island, the U.S. Army released a report signaling it was considering drastically pulling back on its footprint on Oʻahu. Hawaii Public Radio.

Judge Rules Miske’s Mother Can’t Represent Granddaughter’s Interests. The mother of convicted racketeering boss Mike Miske, who died last year, had been seeking guardianship of his granddaughter. Civil Beat.

Waikiki will step up safety efforts this summer. There will be new enhanced patrols starting up and a plan to tap into hundreds of private cameras overlooking public areas. KITV4.

Fire prevention pilot program in Oʻahu neighborhood park turns to lamb-scaping. The 3.5-acre Laukahi Slopes Mini Park in the middle of a Waiʻalae Iki neighborhood on Oʻahu is hilly and overgrown with trees, bushes and grass — a fire risk. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Island

Thousands on the Big Island could face cuts in SNAP benefits. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program helps 21,472 Hawaii Island households by providing an average of $365 in monthly federal support for food, according to state DHS statistics from mid-May. Tribune-Herald.

Hokule‘a, Hikianalia head to Hilo. The Hokule‘a and Hikianalia voyaging canoes are expected to arrive in Hilo this afternoon, and celebrations honoring their trans-Pacific journey will be happening this weekend.  Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Federal lawsuit details graphic sexual harassment allegations against Pāʻia Inn owner. A federal lawsuit alleges that Pāʻia Inn owner Michael Baskin used drugs to try to engage in sexual acts with female employees, some teenagers, while in his hotel room, and the young women were “unable to consent” because “they were under the influence of drugs and alcohol.” Maui Now.

Maui woman breaks silence on her disappearance. Hannah Kobayashi, a Hawaii woman who Disappeared rom Los Angeles International Airport in November, kicking off an international search before resurfacing in Mexico a month later, spoke out on social media this week about her “loss, pain and suffering.” New York Times.

Kauai

Graduation time: Public high school graduations this Friday. Friday marks a milestone for nearly 700 seniors in the three public high schools on Kauai as the students and their support group of family, relatives and friends celebrate graduation. Garden Island.

Full closure scheduled on Temporary Kapa‘a Bypass Road later this month. A full closure of the Temporary Kapa‘a Bypass Road (Route 5600) is scheduled for later this month to install new striping and paving markers on the newly paved road, according to Hawai‘i Department of Transportation. Kauai Now.