Hawaii Legislature opens with pageantry, dissent; big hike proposed for school lunches; Kilauea volcano lava fountains draw crowds, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Prickly dissent colors opening day of Hawaii Legislature.  The 33rd Hawaii State Legislature convened Wednesday morning, welcoming new members and House leadership, including Hawaii’s first female House Speaker. Hawaii government policies and leadership long dominated by Democrats were criticized in a floor speech by Sen. Brenton Awa as the new leader of the three-member Republican Senate caucus, while newly elected Rep. Kim Coco Iwamoto voted against her fellow Democratic colleague Rep. Nadine Nakamura becoming House speaker. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.  Big Island Now. KHON2. KITV4.  Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii lawmakers vow to stabilize property insurance market as climate change fuels higher premiums. Hawaii lawmakers began a new legislative session Wednesday with a vow to try to stabilize the state’s property insurance market as hurricanes, wildfires and other climate change-influenced disasters at home and elsewhere prompt insurance carriers to raise rates. Associated Press.

Hawaiʻi Families Could Face Big Price Hike For School Meals. Charging elementary and middle school students $4.75 for lunch would be a huge hit to working families, advocates say. Civil Beat.

Climate team urges funding sources, better planning for destructive disasters. The Climate Advisory Team, convened by Green last year, is urging the state to prepare for this new reality in which climate-fueled disasters are more destructive and more frequent. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaiʻi is the only state without a fire marshal. We need one ASAP, new report says. Last year, the state Legislature passed a law to establish the Office of the State Fire Marshal. Since then, the State Fire Council, which is composed of all the county fire chiefs, has been working through the hiring process. Hawaii Public Radio.

Invasive Species In Hawaiʻi: Lawmakers Float New Plan As Urgency Mounts. Draft legislation proposes consolidating programs under a renamed Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, but critics say the agency already has a spotty track record on invasive species. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Police Department major nominated to lead state agency. The director of the state Department of Law Enforcement is stepping down and a Honolulu Police Department major has been nominated to replace him, according to Gov. Josh Green. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii Public Radio. Hawaii News Now.

Mokulele flight disruptions highlight service vulnerabilities. Southern Airways Express LLC, doing business as Mokuele Airlines, temporarily suspended all of its interisland airline routes across Hawaii on Wednesday morning, citing maintenance needs and an abundance of caution. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now.  KITV4.

Navy holds public meetings over mine warfare training plan around Hawaii. This type of training is traditionally done in Southern California, but the Navy wants more of it around Hawaii. As for why, project managers would only say it’s to respond to a requirement from operational commanders. Hawaii News Now.

Will NOAA’s Race To Make Papahānaumokuākea A National Sanctuary Survive Trump? The added protection for the environmentally and culturally sensitive area in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands is set to take effect in March. Civil Beat.

Oahu

City's proposed landfill site draws strong opposition at Wahiawa town hall meeting. For the first time, Wahiawa area residents got the chance to react to the city’s proposal to build a 15-acre landfill on agricultural land in Central Oahu. Hawaii News Now.

California developer revives plans to build ‘iconic’ resort in West Oahu. Some of Ko Olina’s empty fields could be the future site of what developers are calling an “iconic resort.” The “Atlantis” would be built on Oahu on 26 acres of land, next to Disney’s Aulani Resort. Hawaii News Now.

Queen’s Medical Center nurses ratify tentative agreement. Nurses at The Queen’s Medical Center are celebrating a huge victory after ratifying a tentative agreement to secure a three-year contract. KHON2. KITV4.

Hawaii Island

Eager visitors flock to see spectacular lava fountaining from Kilauea eruption in Hawaii. People were flocking to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on Wednesday to get a glimpse of fountaining lava. Associated Press. Tribune-Herald.  Big Island Video News.

A face-lift for Central Fire: Decrepit downtown Hilo station will be repaired, renovated starting later this year. Firefighters will vacate the Central Fire Station in downtown Hilo as early as this spring while the nearly 90-year-old building undergoes long-overdue repairs. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Now.

Maui

Lahaina Library and Spring House one of many issues coming before Maui County Council this week. A bill related to the demolition of the historic Lahaina Library and Spring House that was ravaged by the 2024 Lahaina wildfire is on the Maui County Council’s agenda for Friday. Maui News.

Maui Emergency Management Agency urges public to avoid restricted areas in Lahaina. MEMA has received numerous reports of vehicles parked on private property or in private lots. Also, there have been reports of individuals disregarding signage and entering unsafe, restricted zones, according to county officials. Maui Now.

Kauai

Bird flu detected in samples collected at Līhuʻe Wastewater Treatment Plant. Hawai‘i Department of Health State Laboratories Division officials say bird flu, specifically H5 avian influenza, was detected at very low levels in wastewater samples collected at the Līhuʻe Wastewater Treatment Plant. Kauai Now.

Upcoming symposium to address future of Kauaʻi Community Correctional Center. The Hawaiʻi Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation will share updates, receive feedback, and explore best practices on the relocation plans for the Kauaʻi Community Correctional Center next Saturday. Kauai Now.

Nurses strike continues at Wilcox Medical Center with staffing ratios as sticking point. The 159 nurses now on strike at Wilcox Medical Center, the largest medical center on Kaua‘i, say five minutes of delayed care can be a matter of life and death. Kauai Now.

Green releases proposed budget, state deportation cases reach 25-year high, West Hawaii fishing ban extended, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Green's proposed budget includes likely raises, covers tax cuts. Gov. Josh Green has unveiled his proposed state budget for the next two fiscal years, which accounts for record tax cuts for residents that begin in January, the state’s $800 million share of a proposed $4.037 billion settlement to settle lawsuits in the aftermath of the 2023 Maui wildfires and includes likely raises for unionized workers. Star-Advertiser. Big Island Now Maui Now.  Hawaii News Now.  KHON2.  KITV4.   Civil Beat.

Read the full budget here. Hawaii Department of Budget and Finance.

Hawaiʻi Deportation Cases Hit Quarter-Century High. The backlog of cases in U.S. immigration courts has tripled since 2017 and is at record levels in Hawaiʻi. Most involve immigrants from China. Civil Beat.

Gabbard shows ‘momentum’ on Capitol Hill. Despite mostly partisan concern over an apparent closeness to ousted Syrian President Bashar Assad and what critics say is a tendency to repeat Kremlin propaganda, it seems former U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard has found a warm reception on Capitol Hill. Boston Herald.

Hawaiʻi Hemp Growers Say New State Rules Will Put Them Out Of Business. Gov. Josh Green’s approval of new regulations for CBD products, touted as a win for locally grown hemp, actually represents a major setback for the industry, local hemp farmers and CBD processors say.  Civil Beat.

Oahu

‘I have never been this angry’: Lawmakers to fight proposed landfill site in Central Oahu. (video only.) Hawaii News Now.

ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi education in the spotlight amid 'dead language' comment at council meeting. A testifier who called ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi a "dead language" at a recent Honolulu City Council meeting was met with rebuke from Hawaiian council members. ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi and English are the official languages of the state. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Island

Land board extends fishing ban for Achilles tang in West Hawaiʻi. The state Board of Land and Natural Resources has extended a temporary fishing ban for the pākuʻikuʻi, also known as the Achilles tang, until the end of 2026. Hawaii Public Radio. Tribune-Herald.

Despite the closure of the Kīlauea Visitor Center early next year, visitors will still have access to the store and park services. The construction and expansion project will close the entirety of the visitor center, including the restrooms, lānai and most of the parking beginning Feb. 17.  Big Island Now.

Puna Geothermal to host year-end community meeting this week. Puna Geothermal Venture in Puna hosts its year-end quarterly community meeting at 4 p.m. Thursday at at Pāhoa Neighborhood Facility, located at 15-2906 Pāhoa Village Road, in Pāhoa. Big Island Now.

Treasured Hawaii Island tsunami museum faces closure amid financial struggles. A museum in Hilo that aims to educate the public on the devastating impact of tsunamis could have to close its doors for good. Hawaii News Now.

Kawamoto Swim Stadium Reopens After Two-Month Closure. The Hawaiʻi County Charles “Sparky” Kawamoto Swim Stadium reopened on Saturday, December 14th, following the completion of repairs. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Revocable permit granted, with amendments, for use of East Maui stream water. The Board of Land and Natural Resources voted 5-0 Friday evening to issue a revocable permit to Alexander & Baldwin and subsidiary East Maui Irrigation Co. for the use of East Maui stream water, much of it for Upcountry drinking water and for nearly 10,600 acres of Mahi Pono farm lands. Maui Now.

Lahaina debris disposal site, landfill expansion gets approval. The county announced last month that it had reached conditional agreements with a subsidiary of Nan Inc., Hawaii’s largest, locally owned construction company, to purchase approximately 49 acres of previously quarried land and 30 acres of land currently being quarried adjacent to the Central Maui Landfill. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Report calls for inclusive recovery for Filipino survivors of Lahaina fire. A comprehensive report by Maui grassroots organization Tagnawa and the Hawai‘i Workers Center highlights the deep disparities, resilience and urgent needs of Filipino survivors of the Aug. 8, 2023, Lahaina fires. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai

County building closed for installations. The Department of Public Works Buildings Division announced that its services and doors will be closed for a week so that its staff can return to the offices located at the Moikeha Building, Suite 175. Garden Island. Kauai Now.

Red light, speeding cameras could expand statewide, Honolulu postpones empty homes tax, Dole says proposed landfill impacts its pineapple production, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

More red light safety cameras and speeding cameras coming to Hawaii roads. DOT Director Ed Sniffen said they plan to roll out an average of 10 new red light cameras per year. DOT is currently determining the locations, which will be announced in February, based on crashes, and incidents across the state. KHON2.

Digital permit test now live for Hawaii drivers. It will soon be easier for aspiring drivers to take their permit test. A new statewide service is offering a digital option for what used to only be a written exam. KHON2. Hawaii Public Radio.

Fishing Gear Threatens Hawaiiʻs Already Endangered False Killer Whales. Researchers say more monitoring and input from local fishers is needed to help the marine mammals. Hawaiʻi is the only place where theyʻre endangered. Civil Beat.

Survey finds residents struggle with living costs but find support through work, community. A recent quality of life survey conducted by the University of Hawaiʻi unsurprisingly found that residents are struggling with the state’s high cost of living — but also that many find support in their jobs and communities. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hannah Kobayashi, missing Hawaii woman whose disappearance prompted a massive search, is found safe. Other details about her disappearance, as well as where and how she was found, were not immediately available Wednesday, but police previously said she was “voluntarily missing” and had gone on her own will across the border into Mexico. Associated Press.

Oahu

Honolulu Council Punts Empty Homes Tax Vote, Extends Sprinklers Deadline. Property owners worried about increasing costs got their way Wednesday when the City Council killed its empty homes tax and extended the deadline for condo fire safety measures. Civil Beat.

Council postpones empty-homes tax bill. Following hours of blistering public testimony largely in opposition, Council Chair Tommy Waters garnered a full Council vote to postpone the latest version of Bill 46 until a city-commissioned study on the EHT matter is completed early next year. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Dole responds to landfill site identification on Central Oahu property. In a statement, the company said the proposed site was selected without its involvement or prior consultation, and the planned location would directly impact the company’s pineapple farming operations. Hawaii News Now.

‘It’s scary’: Commercial rents set to double in historic Haleiwa town. Haleiwa is known for its small town vibe and charming local shops, but the cost of operating has gotten so high that some worry locals are being pushed out and the beloved community will turn into another Waikiki. Hawaii News Now.

Farrington High to reopen after early-morning shooting on campus. Farrington High School will reopen as usual Thursday after the shooting of a security guard early Wednesday led to the school’s closure. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

DOH to continue testing for bird flu on Big Island. The state heath director said Wednesday that the discovery last week of avian influenza in Hilo wastewater samples is a “heads up” to poultry owners, but described ongoing wastewater testing — while important — as “a pretty blunt tool.” Tribune-Herald.

Hawaiʻi Island aerial survey finds coconut rhinoceros beetle infestations. The effort marked the first time a helicopter aerial survey has been used for the invasive beetle in Hawai’i. Researchers identified eight potential infestations. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kaʻū Hospital Celebrates $9M Expansion. Ka‘u Hospital and its East Hawaii Health Clinic held a groundbreaking celebration for its $9 million expansion project to upgrade and modernize the facility. Big Island Video News.

Public can weigh in about study to restore Kahaluʻu Bay during meeting in Kona. A public scoping and informational meeting to introduce the Kahalu‘u Bay Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration Study will take place Thursday from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at the West Hawai‘i Civic Center in Kona. Big Island Now.

Maui County

Long-debated Honuaʻula project set for full Council action on Friday morning. The Council’s Housing and Land Use Commitee is recommending in Bill 171 that references to 450 affordable units be eliminated from the project district ordinance for the Kīhei-Mākena Project District 9. The bill also would delete mention of a golf course or golf course-related uses and facilities.  Maui Now.

Nonprofit’s expansion plan in historic district worries some Wailuku neighbors. Imua Family Services, a nonprofit geared toward children of all abilities, hosts educational activities and community events at Imua Discovery Garden, a 5.6-acre property on Main Street in Wailuku that’s located in a designated historic district, one of three in Maui County — the August 2023 wildfire destroyed most of the structures in the other two. Maui Now.

Low-Income Housing Project Gets A New Life On Billionaire-Owned Lānaʻi. Public dollars for hefty infrastructure costs could revive a long-stalled affordable housing project on this tiny isle of 3,300 residents. On this tiny isle owned by billionaire tech tycoon Larry Ellison, families sometimes bunk together with as many as 10 people sharing two-bedroom plantation homes to cope with an affordable living crunch.  Civil Beat.

Kauai

Work to continue on parts of Wailua Homesteads Park through most of January 2025. It is part of the county’s $3.1 million playcourt resurfacing project, which also includes Bryan J. Baptiste Sports Complex in Kapaʻa and Puhi Park in Līhuʻe. Kauai Now.

State seeks food security, Oahu landfill site selected near water supply, avian flu found in Hilo wastewater, Alaska Air stock takes off after Hawaiian purchase, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

How To Keep Hawaiʻi Better-Fed, According To Food-Security Advocates. Even in the best of times, Hawaiʻi isnʻt doing a good enough job of feeding itself, with 30% of households statewide experiencing food insecurity.  Addressing the underlying issues will require a lot of work, state food system planner Amanda Shaw told attendees at the Hawaiʻi Food Systems Summit on Tuesday during a three-day event at the University of Hawaiʻi West Oʻahu. Civil Beat.

UH study on quality of life cites housing, health care as stressors. A new dashboard launched by the University of Hawaii at Manoa offers data from a survey of more than 8,000 adult residents conducted earlier this year. It offers snapshots of how residents from a broad range of demographics felt about their neighborhood, workplace, housing, mental and physical health and other factors affecting quality of life. Star-Advertiser.

Alaska sees $1B jump in profit after Hawaiian Airlines merger. Alaska Air on Tuesday unveiled a plan to generate $1 billion in additional profits by 2027 by leveraging its acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines and booming demand for premium travel, sparking a rally in its shares. Reuters.

Experiences in Hawaii may hold clues to suspected CEO killer’s anger. Luigi Mangione, who lived in Hawaii for about two years, is accused of shooting to death UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson last Wednesday. Police say Mangione left three pages of notes, calling the company’s leaders “parasites.” Hawaii News Now.

A ‘Devil’ Seaweed Is Spreading Inside Hawaiʻi’s Most Protected Place. An invasive algae has wrecked huge sections of reef in Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument. Scientists are racing to find out what it is, where it came from and whether anything can stop it.  Civil Beat.

Oahu

New Oʻahu Landfill Site Is Above Island’s Water Supply. The Honolulu Board of Water Supply opposes the decision, but the mayor and the director of the Department of Environmental Services think they can prevent leaks. After a yearslong search filled with pivots and delays, Honolulu city leaders announced on Tuesday plans to place Oʻahu’s new municipal landfill on land belonging to Dole Food Co. outside of Wahiawā. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii Public Radio. Hawaii News Now.  KHON2.  KITV4.

Price increase expected for Oahu Transit Services. The Department of Transportation Services (DTS) is trying to generate more money to run Oahu Transit Services, TheBus and Skyline, by increasing costs in the next few years. KITV4.

Popping a wheelie on a public street may soon be illegal. The popularity of e-bikes continues to grow along with the number injuries relating to them. So lawmakers are pushing for stricter safety guidelines by banning wheelies on e-bikes and mopeds. KHON2.

Police subsidized vehicle reportedly involved in Aiea hit-and-run. Law enforcement sources say an HPD sergeant, who claimed to be a passenger in that police vehicle, told responding officers the man in the driver’s seat took off. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

State reports H5 avian flu detected in Hilo wastewater. The Hawaii Department of Health today said the H5 avian influenza virus has been detected in a wastewater sample collected from the Hilo Wastewater Treatment Plant on Hawaii Island. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Cell tower bills head to council. A duel between two proposed regulations on Big Island cell towers ended with both bills victorious, after the Windward Planning Commission punted them both to the County Council on Thursday. Tribune-Herald.

Artificial intelligence being used as tool to protect Hawai‘i’s native birds. UH Hilo biology professor Patrick Hart’s research, funded by the Pacific Islands Climate Adaptation Science Center, uses artificial intelligence to monitor bird populations in remote forests on Hawaiʻi Island. Big Island Now.

Maui

Maui County files for dismissal of election suit. A motion filed by the Maui County Clerk seeks to dismiss a lawsuit challenging the results of the Nov. 5 general election, arguing that former Maui County Council member Kelly King, who lost to incumbent Tom Cook, failed to provide evidence of any errors or wrongdoing. Star-Advertiser.

Tobacco bill moves forward through Maui County Council. Multiple individuals testified Friday during a Maui County Council meeting in support of a bill that hopes to ban e-cigarettes and flavored tobacco products on the island some day.  Maui News.

Residents fear cutbacks in Akaku Maui Community Media budget. With a song and a Hawaiian chant, supporters of nonprofit Akaku Maui Community Media testified for more than four hours in favor of preserving the budget for its access channels and production. Maui News.

Maui police seek help contacting families of 11 unclaimed bodies. The Maui Police Department is seeking the public’s help in contacting the family members of 11 unclaimed bodies at its forensic facility. Star-Advertiser. Maui News. Maui Now.

November single-family home prices shy of all-time record, but not by much. The median price of a single-family home on Maui was $1.3 million in November, according to a monthly statistical report by the Realtors Association of Maui. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kauai Economic Opportunity to mark 60 years. Kauai’s Economic Opportunity Inc. will mark an impressive milestone in 2025, celebrating 60 years of helping Kauai residents resolve disputes through effective mediation. Garden Island.

Hawaiian Airlines begins layoffs, state mulls ways to help insurance-stricken condo owners, hundreds of Maui health-care workers to strike, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaiian Airlines begins merger-related layoffs. Hawaiian Airlines plans to eliminate 73 people from its 1,400 noncontract workforce in Hawaii and on the mainland in the wake of its recent merger with Alaska Air Group Inc.  Layoffs of Hawaiian Airlines employees include 57 people in Hawaii and another 16 from the mainland. Star-Advertiser.

Lien, foreclosure threats add anxiety over insurance-driven condo fees. Soaring condominium fees due to insurance cost hikes are putting owners at risk of foreclosure, and trapping others in properties they can’t sell, according to residents struggling to keep up. The governor’s office points to a second emergency order this month that among other things suspended certain laws in order to allow an industry association and a state agency to issue master policies to condo associations. KHON2.

Most Hawaii Schools Have Gardens — But Few Kids Can Eat What They Grow. A state program that helped schools meet food safety standards ended during the pandemic and it can be daunting for campuses to tackle the requirements on their own. Civil Beat.

Hawaii’s State Psychiatric Hospital Has Leaks, Causing Mold To Grow. Some three years after the newest building at Hawaii State Hospital was completed, persistent leaks are allowing rainwater to seep in and causing mold to grow inside the facility, according to a consultant that investigated the problem. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Inmate Dies in An Arizona Prison. A Hawaii prisoner apparently hanged himself in a disciplinary unit of the Saguaro Correctional Center this week, the fourth Hawaii inmate in Arizona to die this year. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Oahu’s next landfill: City weighs sites as waste dilemma looms. The search for a new landfill site on Oahu is moving forward, but the top sites selected so far would require legislative action. KHON2.

State: Drag-Racing Event On Farmland Violated License-Holder’s Agreement. The Agribusiness Development Corp. has issued a violation notice to one of its license-holders after he claimed an unapproved drag-racing event on state farmland was a way of tilling the soil.  Civil Beat.  KHON2.

Union to provide support for Hilton Hawaiian Village workers as strike continues. It's been a month since 1,800 hotel workers walked off the job at Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort. Hawaii Public Radio.

On Your Ballot: Honolulu City Charter amendments explained. If you are voting in the City and County of Honolulu, your ballot has four questions related to proposed amendments to the Honolulu City Charter. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

New 99-Unit Affordable Rental Complex Dedicated In Kona. Kauhale I Ke Kula Uka features 99 units, including 58 3-bedroom units and 41 2-bedroom units, for households earning up to 60% of area median income (AMI), in addition to a manager’s unit. For reference, a household of four in 2024 could earn up to $66,480 per year. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now.

Iconic bridge in Hilo park to be rebuilt. One of the most recognizable structures in Lili‘uokalani Gardens, the vermilion wooden bridge pavilion, will undergo a complete rebuild because of extensive termite damage. Tribune-Herald. Hawaii News Now.  KHON2.

Maui

Unionized workers at Maui Memorial, clinics to strike. Hundreds of unionized health care workers, including most of the essential staff at Maui Memorial Medical Center, will hold a three-day strike starting 7 a.m. Nov. 4 in protest of unfair labor practices. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.  KITV4.

Rolling lottery planned for healthcare professionals at transitional housing development in Kahului, Maui. Maui Health Foundation’s Housing for Healthcare initiative is accepting interest from healthcare professionals for 31 transitional housing units in Kahului, including 16 brand new, 4-bedroom, single-family homes, and 15 accessory dwelling units (‘ohana units).  Maui Now.

Maui County trying to collect millions in overdue visitor lodging taxes. Hundreds of property owners who have failed to pay Maui County the 3% transient accommodations tax for visitor lodgings have been receiving letters saying they need to pay up, and fast. Maui Now.

South Maui community meeting centers around development concerns. Several South Maui residents came together Wednesday night at the ProArts Theater in Kihei to discuss a variety of topics ranging from road development and water management to affordable housing and controversial luxury home developments in the area. Maui News.

Hawaii Is Allowing Registered Sex Offender To Keep Treating Patients. California revoked Edward Hsu's physical therapy license based on a Hawaii conviction. In Hawaii, both his physical therapy and acupuncture licenses remain in good standing. Civil Beat.

Kaheawa Wind 1 Environmental Impact Statement Preparation Notice published, 30-day comment period begins. This proposal involves continuing operations of the existing Kaheawa Wind 1 wind generation facility, located above the town of Māʻalaea, for an additional 20-year period.  Maui Now.

Kauai

Kauaʻi County passes resolutions following public beach access complaints. Although all beaches in Hawai’i are generally open to the public by law, there have been complaints on Kauaʻi about a declining number of public access routes to the shoreline, including to the popular and family-friendly ʻAnini Beach. Kauai Now.

Ancestral Remains Conflict Means Trouble For Hawaii Cesspool Owners. A stop work order has been placed on a septic installation project in Hanalei while the State Historic Preservation Division investigates the finding of iwi kupuna on the property. Civil Beat. Maui Now.  Kauai Now.

Honolulu considers shipping garbage off-island, comments sought on federal plan to protect coral reefs, charges dropped against state legislator, others in Kapiolani hospital strike, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Honolulu Revives The Idea Of Shipping Trash Off Island. Honolulu’s trash could be shipped off island for 10 years until a new landfill is opened, a potential interim solution to the challenge of what to do with the waste generated by almost 1 million residents and about half a million monthly visitors. Civil Beat.

Public invited to comment on federal plan to preserve coral. The National Coral Reef Resilience Strategy will be used to protect reefs around Hawaiʻi, Florida, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, American Samoa, the U.S. Pacific Remote Island Area and other areas. Hawaii Public Radio.

Gov. Green's Climate Advisory Team talks priorities to mitigate disaster losses. Gov. Josh Green established a Climate Advisory Team this past May to promote resilience and recovery from future climate-related disasters. The volunteer team is looking at areas ripe for policy-making: environmental and infrastructure resilience, and physical and financial recovery. Hawaii Public Radio.

Voting explainer: 2024 constitutional amendment ballot questions. Hawaiʻi voters will have the chance to weigh in on two constitutional amendment questions in the November election. The questions are related to marriage equality and judicial appointments. Hawaii Public Radio.

Ballot question revives debate over same-sex marriage in Hawaii. Many voters are expressing confusion over a constitutional question on ballots that arrived at homes over the weekend. It brings up the 30-year-old debate over same-sex marriage in Hawaii that most people feel was settled a decade ago. Hawaii News Now.

OHA race: Luapa faces political newcomer for Molokaʻi and Lānaʻi seat. Luana Alapa, who has served on the Office of Hawaiian Affairs Board of Trustees since 2020, faces challenger Kunani Nihipali, a farmer and former Honolulu police officer. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawai‘i unemployment rate remains at 2.9% in September. The Hawai‘i Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism reports 651,100 people were employed last month, with 19,300 were unemployed, for a total seasonally adjusted labor force of 670,400 statewide. Kauai Now.

Oahu

Council urges state action on rising property insurance premiums. A Honolulu City Council resolution wants state lawmakers to address what it deems are “drastic” increases in property insurance premiums paid by homeowners across Oahu, particularly for those who own condominiums. Star-Advertiser.

Charges dismissed against 10 arrested during Kapi‘olani hospital protest. All charges have been dismissed against the 10 protesters arrested outside Kapi‘olani Medical Center for Women & Children during a management lockout of unionized nurses last month, Honolulu prosecutors said. Star-Advertiser. KHON2.  Spectrum.

Rare court filing puts trial on hold for 4 HPD officers accused in near-fatal crash. The high-profile criminal case against four Honolulu police officers has been shelved until a higher court can rule on the defense team’s interlocutory appeal. Hawaii News Now.

Westside After-School Clubs Are Helping Kids Stay Out Of Trouble. Sports and extracurricular activities can help kids build a sense of community pride — and show them a better life is possible. Civil Beat.

Voter service centers on Oahu open ahead of general election. With general election just two weeks away, in-person voter service centers open Tuesday across the state. On Oahu, it opens at Kapolei Hale and Honolulu Hale and they will remain open until 7:00 p.m. on Election Day. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

IRONMAN Emphasizes Respect, Safety Ahead Of Kona World Championship. In the first all-male Ironman race in Kona, about 2,500 athletes will compete in the swim, bike and run competition that covers 140.6 miles on Saturday, starting at the Kailua Pier and ending on Aliʻi Drive. Big Island Now. Big Island Video News.

Kona hotel prepares again to serve as hub for Ironman World Championship. When a semi-truck loaded with pasta and other foods arrived at the Courtyard King Kamehameha Kona Beach Resort last week, the employees knew that soon to follow would be hoards of hungry triathletes competing in the 2024 VinFast Ironman World Championship. Big Island Now.

Volcano Skatepark reopens after 4+ year closure. Volcano Skatepark is one of the only wooden and indoor parks out of eight skateparks on the island. KHON2. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Feedback conflicting on how to rebuild Lahaina. Survivors of the Aug. 8, 2023, Lahaina wildfire expressed both clear and often conflicting opinions on how to rebuild the historic fishing village, with many participants in community engagement sessions on long-term recovery calling for better communications and other technological upgrades to respond to future emergencies, climate change and sea-level rise. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.  Maui News. Maui Now.  KHON2.  KITV4

HECO narrowly avoided cutting power in West Maui last week. What happened? West Maui customers were told last Wednesday that Hawaiian Electric might have had to cut power as a fire prevention measure under the new protocols of the utility's Public Safety Power Shutoff program, which launched in July. Hawaii Public Radio.

Trash, invasive trees and abandoned vehicles to be removed from 5-acre County-owned parcel at Ukumehame.  In coordination with Mālama Maui Nui and Kane’s Legacy Tree Services, the County of Maui will be conducting trash removal, invasive tree cleanup and abandoned vehicles disposal during a three-day period from Oct. 23-25 at a 5-acre parcel owned by the County directly mauka of mile marker 13.5 in Ukumehame, West Maui.  Maui Now.

Mayor Bissen to host community budget meeting on Lānaʻi, Oct. 23.  Mayor Richard Bissen and his administration will host a community budget meeting from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 23, at ILWU Union Hall in Lānaʻi City. Maui Now.

Kauai

Should Kauai’s Police Commission Get More Time For Investigations? The seven-member commission that oversees the operations of the island’s police department currently has 90 days to go through the entire process of investigating all complaints that come to it.  Civil Beat.

Voter Service Center to open in Lihue. The Voter Service Center (VSC) is scheduled to open on Tuesday, Oct, 22, in the basement of the historic County Annex Building at 4386 Rice St. in Lihue. Garden Island.

State audits DOE following teacher paycheck delays, Navy seeks increased training and bombing at Barking Sands, Hawaiian Electric stock drops 9.7% on $250M stock sale plan, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Paycheck delays prompt audit of DOE procedures. Following a grievance by the Hawaii State Teachers Association, the state Department of Education will conduct an audit and compensate over 500 teachers for financial losses due to delayed paychecks. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Electric shares drop after $250M stock offering plan. Shares of Hawaiian Electric fell 9.7% Thursday after the parent company of the state’s largest utility said it plans to sell up to $250 million worth of shares to partly fund its portion of the Maui wildfire settlement. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Airlines will soon notify staff about employment status following merger. Nonunion Hawaiian Airlines employees will learn, as soon as Friday, whether their positions will be retained through the company’s merger with Alaska Airlines. Hawaii Public Radio.

Tight labor force to weigh on Hawaii economy, especially Maui’s. University of Hawaii economists are warning that the statewide labor force likely will continue to lag pre-pandemic levels for several years, extending challenges for many employers. Star-Advertiser. Big Island Now.

Hawaii Lawmaker To Pay $12,500 To Settle Ethics Commission Complaint. Rep. David Alcos was accused of failing to disclose millions of dollars in debts to various creditors including the IRS and the state Tax Department. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

City details ‘restricted’ properties for Oahu’s next landfill. The Department of Environmental Services offered a list of potential future dump sites — located in West Oahu or on the North Shore — that are deemed restricted and unusable as all are in close proximity to potable well water, prime agricultural lands, residential areas, schools or hospitals, or a variety of each. Star-Advertiser.

Police chief pressured by mounting concerns over West Oahu violence. As communities in West Oahu continue to struggle with a surge in violent crimes, the Honolulu Police Commission is urging the chief of police to get more help from other law enforcement agencies. Hawaii News Now.

Input needed for new pool and recreation center in Kahuku. A public meeting is scheduled September 26 to gather input on designs for the project at Kahuku District Park. The meeting will run from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Kahuku Elementary cafeteria. Hawaii News Now.

Downtown Honolulu office building transformed into residential units. A downtown Honolulu office building has been converted into residential housing, with the newly named 1060 Bishop offering studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom units for rent.  KHON2.

Waianae Illegal Parties: Beyond The Silva Dome. Community members say events in venues without permits are common on the Westside, while the city says it cannot do much more than issue violations. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Big Island Voters Asked To Impose New Deadlines For Filling Top County Jobs. Mayor Mitch Roth opposes the charter change, saying it wouldn't allow enough time to search for the best department heads. Civil Beat.

Roth, Alameda debate issues at Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement convention. Hawaii island Mayor Mitch Roth and challenger Kimo Alameda shared their policy platforms Thursday at a Hawaii Island Mayoral Debate in advance of the marquee contest in the state’s coming general election. Star-Advertiser. KHON2.

Kilauea eruption intensifies along with hazards to park visitors. The eruption is taking place in and around Napau Crater in a remote wilderness area more than six miles from the closest road. Lava viewing is not possible, but the Park Service said lava glow outside of daylight hours may be viewable from open parking and pullouts along Chain of Craters Road. Star-Advertiser. Big Island Video News.  Big Island Now.

Finally, a park for HPP? Meeting set to discuss county project; draft EA expected soon.  A long-discussed project to build a Hawaii County-operated park in Hawaiian Paradise Park will be reintroduced next month. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News.

Maui

This Maui Board Was Created To Improve Transparency. Now It’s Accused Of Doing The Opposite. County Council members cite the Independent Nomination Board's failure to identify applicants and release meeting minutes. Civil Beat.

New ‘robust’ Hawaiian-Alaska airlines flies aircraft too big for Molokaʻi and Lānaʻi. While the combined airlines’ air routes give Hawaiʻi residents three times more travel options and ongoing inter-island service at current levels, this new “robust” air service will not, at least for the foreseeable future, include renewing direct air service to Molokaʻi, Lānaʻi, Kapalua or establishing air service to Hāna, said Joe Sprague, Hawaiian Airlines chief executive officer, who spoke online Wednesday with Neighbor Island journalists. Maui Now.

UHERO forecasts a lagging Maui recovery and slower overall Hawaiʻi growth. Maui’s economy will only gradually recover from its post-wildfire downturn while visitor industries in other counties across the state will continue to operate at high levels, according to the University of Hawaiʻi Economic Research Organization’s third quarter forecast for 2024. Maui Now.

Kauai

U.S. Navy seeks public input on proposed increase in military training on Kauaʻi, uninhabited island. Officials with the U.S. Navy on Tuesday unveiled the draft environmental assessment of proposed plans at the Pacific Missile Range Facility on Kauaʻi to significantly increase the amount of military training, bombing exercises and other activities, saying impacts would be minimal. Kauai Now.

Stretch of Kalalau Trail to reopen. A popular trail on the north side of the island is scheduled to partially reopen about two weeks after a virus sickened dozens of people and forced its closure. Garden Island. Kauai Now.

Firefighters battle blaze at Powerhouse Road in Wainiha. A brush fire in the North Shore kept firefighters working overnight and into the day on Thursday. Garden Island.

New faces coming to state Legislature, Honolulu city council already set, HART CEO gets 22% raise, cell tower battles in two counties, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii Legislature to see 11 new faces even before November election. The state House and Senate will welcome at least 11 new faces for the next legislative session, even before the Nov. 5 general election, which could result in more incumbent upsets. Star-Advertiser.

Commentary: The FBI Continues To Stall On Releasing Hawaii Lawmakers’ Bribery Investigations. Former state lawmakers Ty Cullen and J. Kalani English pleaded guilty more than two years ago to taking cash bribes in exchange for swaying legislation to favor Honolulu businessman Milton Choy, who owned a wastewater disposal company. Civil Beat has been trying to get the investigative files on public officials convicted of bribery for more than a year. Civil Beat.

California, Hawaii can ban guns in bars and parks, appeals court rules. Court ruling supports Hawaii gun restrictions. State Attorney General Anne Lopez hailed a ruling of a panel of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals that Lopez said reinstates restrictions on where people can carry firearms in Hawaii. Star-Advertiser. Associated Press.

Waianae Shootings May Spur A Push To Strengthen Hawaii’s Self-Defense Laws. Some lawmakers want to amend the state law on use of deadly force for self-protection, but a key senator says that's unnecessary. Civil Beat.

Oahu

No contested Honolulu city races on general election ballot. All of the contested city races — namely, elections for mayor and City Council — were decided during the Aug. 10 primary election. Star-Advertiser.

HART OKs 22% raise for CEO Kahikina to a $336,000 annual contract. The board of directors for the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation on Friday approved a new contract with a 22% raise for Executive Director and CEO Lori Kahikina to oversee completion of the nearly $10 billion Skyline. Star-Advertiser.

‘It Smells Like Earth’: Honolulu Shows Off Its Alternatives To Landfills. An end-of-year deadline looms for Honolulu officials to name a location for a new municipal landfill. Meanwhile, the city is working to divert waste from needing to go to the disposal site in the first place. Civil Beat.

Kapi‘olani nurses seek injunction to block lockout. The Hawaii Nurses’ Association/Office and Professional Employees International Union Local 50 is seeking an injunction to stop Kapi‘olani Medical Center from locking unionized nurses out of the hospital following a planned one-day strike, the union’s second this year. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.  KHON2.

Oahu housing market steady ahead of possible demand increase. According to data released Friday by the Honolulu Board of Realtors, sales and prices ticked up for single-­family homes and down for condominiums. Star-Advertiser.

Ewa Beach to get first hotel. Alaka‘i Development has secured $135 million in financing and is on its way to delivering Ewa Beach’s first hotel: a dual-branded Hyatt Place and extended-stay Hyatt House for the Ho‘opili master-­planned community. Star-Advertiser.

Turtle Bay resort expansion proceeding under new owners. Arete Collective recently hosted an “open house” in Kahuku to share its plan with community members and gather feedback on what its chief executive described as an eight- to 10-year project slated to begin later this year with 20 homes in four buildings between the beach and the 18th hole of the resort’s Arnold Palmer Golf Course. Star-Advertiser.

St. Francis Healthcare pensions face chopping block. Almost all private retirement plans are required to comply with federal pension and tax laws, according to the Pension Rights Center, a nonprofit based in Washington, D.C., with the exception of church pension plans. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

County buys refrigerated containers to store bodies; Morgue at Hilo hospital is overcapacity. Hawaii County has purchased two 40-foot refrigerated containers and is exploring the possibility of an emergency proclamation to start using them as a temporary storage facility for the bodies of decedents whose deaths occurred somewhere other than Hilo Benioff Medical Center. Tribune-Herald.

Changes eyed for cell towers: Proposals would alter the approval process. Cell towers on the Big Island could be installed without a Hawaii County permit under a proposed new policy. Tribune-Herald.

2 Keaukaha projects rejected: Planning commission sides with area residents. The Windward Planning Commission on Thursday considered a pair of applications for special management area use permits to build housing in Keaukaha near Onekahakaha Road. Tribune-Herald.

Public advised to avoid affected waters following sewage spill at Kailua-Kona Pier. On Sunday, September 8, 2024, it was reported that a sewage spill had occurred at the Kailua Kona Pier. Officials state that an unknown amount of sewage had spilled from a restroom and onto the pier, which entered the ocean.  KITV4. Big Island Video News.

NOAA research ship docks in Hilo: Okeanos Explorer to host events throughout week. The team on board — Shannon Hoy, Anna Coulson, Mark Durbin and Caitlin Ruby — just finished conducting 24-hour-a-day exploratory seafloor mapping operations of the atoll’s deep waters for 20 days before traveling to Hilo this past Saturday. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui’s toxic debris could fill 5 football fields 5 stories deep. Where will it end up? The temporary landfill in Olowalu is a former quarry on state-owned land and close to Lahaina, which made it a convenient choice for quickly storing the debris being cleared away so the town can rebuild. Associated Press.

End of an era? Lahaina fire delivers big blow to already declining commercial fishing industry. On Aug. 27, following a request for an update on the harbor work, officials from the Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation said the harbor has been cleared of debris and pilings and was expected to be operational in two-plus years, but did not provide more details. Maui Now.

County of Maui acquires Kula community center land for $950,000 for ‘public use in perpetuity’. The County of Maui has acquired approximately seven acres of land beneath the Kula community center and adjacent facilities for “public use in perpetuity,” according to a press release announcing the acquisition. The county has leased the land for over six decades.  Maui News.

Feds Partner With Maui Groups To Develop An Energy Plan For Lahaina. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory is working with three local organizations. Civil Beat.

AES launches state’s largest solar power facility on Maui. The Central Maui project is a key part of Hawaii’s aggressive 2045 Clean Energy Initiative goals as well as AES’ own 2040 goal of net zero carbon emissions from electricity sales. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now.

Kauai

Haʻena residents file lawsuit against proposed 5G cell tower. In a continuing effort to stop the construction of a 95-foot tall 5G cell tower in their neighborhood, two Haʻena couples have filed a lawsuit against the California-based property owner who is leasing the vacant lot to AT&T. Kauai Now.

A Stomach Bug Outbreak Brings Uncomfortable Scrutiny To One Of Hawaii’s Most Beautiful Places. Some of the campers who endured the recent norovirus outbreak at the end of Kauai’s famed Kalalau Trail hope the unusual incident, which sickened dozens of people, will lead to better state upkeep of one of the most scenic destinations in Hawaii. Civil Beat.

$149M high-speed internet plan approved, federal judge denies Maui plan to take private land for Lahaina wildfire debris landfill, parts of volcano park closed due to fire risk, more news from all the Hawaiian islands

Hawaii gets over $149M to get Hawai‘i 100% internet connected. Hawaii will soon see an expansion in affordable and reliable high-speed internet access through a grant of over $149 million, the Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration announced Tuesday. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.  Big Island Now.

Full text of initial Hawaii broadband proposal as approved by the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment, or BEAD, program by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration. University of Hawaii.

Commission allows candidates to pay for child care with campaign funds. Lisa Dugan with the Vote Mama Foundation, an organization that advocates for caregivers to hold political office, explained that the inability to afford child care is a reason why many people wait until their children are grown to even consider running for office. Hawaii Public Radio.

Land board authorizes temporary closures of wildlife sanctuaries. In an action inspired by last month’s birth of a monk seal on Mokulua island off of O‘ahu’s windward coast, the Board of Land and Natural Resources approved the temporary closure of wildlife sanctuaries statewide when necessary to protect endangered or threatened species. Maui Now.

Can I Sue My Neighbor For Playing Pickleball? The Noise Is Tearing Hawaii Neighborhoods Apart. The sport’s popularity skyrocketed during the pandemic, but its noise is getting to some residents. Civil Beat.

Former CNN Exec Named New HPR Chief. Hawaiʻi Public Radio’s Board of Directors has appointed Meredith Artley, former editor-in-chief and senior vice president of CNN Digital Worldwide, as the nonprofit media organization’s new President and CEO.  Civil Beat. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

Honolulu names acting Ocean Safety director. Kurt Lager, a nearly 19-year city lifeguard veteran, was named acting director of Honolulu’s Ocean Safety Department on Tuesday morning. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii Public Radio.

Residents are urged to vote by mail. Some 480,000 registered voters across Oahu should receive their primary election ballots in the mail sometime next week — which can be mailed back or dropped off by Election Day on Aug. 10 to vote for preferred candidates. Star-Advertiser.

How to vote on Oahu. Oahu voters have multiple ways to cast ballots on or before the Aug. 10 primary election. Star-Advertiser.

Jury deliberation continues in sprawling Miske trial.  The jury has been deliberating since Friday afternoon after both sides presented their closing arguments.  Hawaii News Now.

Chinatown Business Owners Filing Claims From June Power Outages Unsure How Much Will Be Covered. For restaurants, the outages meant lost tips and wages and spoiled food, but also damaged equipment from power surges. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Elevated Fire Risk In Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park Prompts Closures.  Sections of Mauna Loa Road and Hilina Pali Road has been closed to motorized vehicles, and open fires are prohibited until further notice. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now. Hawaii News Now.

Uncertain path forward for Bayfront Trails: Funding needed for next phases of the project. The Hilo Bayfront Trails project — spearheaded by the nonprofit Hilo Bayfront Trails Inc. — has built out a network of pedestrian trails throughout downtown Hilo since 2016.  Tribune-Herald.

Water quality issues continue to disrupt hatcheries at Big Island's HOST Park.  The state Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaiʻi Authority manages the HOST Park, located in Kailua-Kona. The facility houses about 50 aquaculture operations, renewable energy projects and other groups working with ocean-based sustainable technologies. Hawaii Public Radio.

How an illegal ATV Tour near Green Sand Beach was shut down. Vendors react to regulation. A recent Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) enforcement action on Hawaii Island's South Point was aimed at an illegal ATV tour company, operating in the Kau Forest Reserve. KITV4.

Maui

Federal Judge Rules Against Maui County Taking Private Land Soon For Lahaina Fire Debris. The ruling likely will result in the estimated 400,000 tons of fire debris and ash staying much longer than expected in the temporary dump site at Olowalu. Civil Beat.

Wednesday Disaster Recovery Community Update Meeting to be held in Lahaina Civic Center gym, July 17. Residents are encouraged to attend the County of Maui’s Weekly Disaster Recovery Community Update Meeting at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 17, in the Lahaina Civic Center gymnasium. Maui Now.

Hawaiian Electric deploys AI video cameras for early detection of wildfire ignitions; First station is in Lahaina, Maui. Hawaiian Electric began deploying a network of high-resolution video cameras using artificial intelligence (AI) technology to provide enhanced situational awareness and early detection of ignitions in elevated fire risk areas near company infrastructure.  Maui Now. KITV4.

Kauai

Hanapepe and Kaumakani fire charred an estimated 1,100 acres. A brush  fire, which tore through roughly 1,100 acres in Hanapepe and Kaumakani on Monday, was 100 percent contained about 12 hours after it started, the Kaua‘i Fire Department said.  No homes were destroyed and no injuries were reported. Garden Island. Kauai Now. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Info-sessions to educate Kaua‘i residents on broadband equity and funding. The county of Kaua‘i Office of Economic Development will hold a series of informational sessions from July to September to update and train the public on the upcoming Broadband Equity, Access and Development Challenge Process. Kauai Now.