Green seeks $500M to clean military munitions; Hilo fires destroy historic buildings, kill 2, displace dozens; commercial boat operations to return to Lahaina, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

How Far Will $500M Go To Clean Up Army Bombs Left In Hawaiʻi? Gov. Josh Green has requested a $10 billion investment for the military to continue training on state lands, including funds for cleaning military waste.  Civil Beat.

Holiday discounts, vacancies signal Hawaii tourism downturn. Hawaii’s visitor industry is confronting one of its weakest holiday seasons in recent memory, with hoteliers reporting rare availability during the traditionally sold‑out festive period and industry leaders warning of mounting economic pressures. Star-Advertiser.

University of Hawaii seeks funding for student athletes. UH officials say that staying competitive in the NCAA’s Mountain West Conference of mid-major schools will take $5 million in annual public funding on top of private funding, and that the new landscape has already negatively affected recruiting. Star-Advertiser.

Trans Community Hits New Barriers To Gender-Affirming Care In Hawaiʻi. Hawaiʻi has one of the highest per-capita populations of transgender people in the nation and māhū, which means “dual spirit” or “third gender,” is deeply rooted in Native Hawaiian culture. According to the Williams Institute at UCLA, 3.6% of Hawaiʻi youth and 0.7% of adults identify as transgender.  Civil Beat.

Oahu

Council’s ‘constitutional rights’ resolution advances. An attempt to forge trust between local government and all Oahu residents is the aim of new Honolulu City Council legislation. Council’s Resolution 301 urges Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s administration to affirm the constitutional rights of all City and County of Honolulu residents regardless of citizenship or immigration status. Star-Advertiser.

State laying foundation to boost Central Oahu food production. Two state agencies recently held a groundbreaking ceremony for what they are calling the Central Oahu Agriculture and Food Hub on a site that was once an operations base of sugarcane and pineapple producer Dole Food Co. in Whitmore Village. Star-Advertiser.

Rail Work Is Causing Pedestrian Hazards And Headaches On Dillingham. Construction crews have torn up not just the streets but also the sidewalks, leading to potential ADA violations. Civil Beat.

Panel picks 3 finalists for city’s Ocean Safety chief. John Titchen, the City and County of Honolulu’s former top lifeguard, who was terminated from his job in 2024 over claims of insubordination following an alleged row inside the Mayor’s Office, is now a finalist for his prior post. Besides Titchen, the commission is considering Ron Bregman, a retired city lifeguard lieutenant who now works as aquatics director and chief lifeguard for Marine Corps Base Hawaii in Kaneohe; and Kurt Lager, currently the designated director of the Ocean Safety Department. Star-Advertiser.

Schofield soldiers developing drones for Pacific operations.  25th Infantry Division’s “Lightning Lab” at Schofield Barracks is the division’s “innovation and development” section, meant to look at how new technology can help support the division’s soldiers and leaders. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Overhaul of county’s affordable housing rules eyed. Hawaii County officials are inviting a limited number of residents to weigh in on proposed changes to the county’s affordable housing rules at a second public housing summit on Monday from 1 to 4 p.m. in Hilo. Tribune-Herald.

Fire razes four buildings in downtown Hilo. Sunday’s fire occurred just a day after an early morning fire killed two people and displaced 28 others at the old Puueo Poi factory apartments just off Kekuanaoa Street in midtown Hilo.  Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now.  Hawaii News Now.  KHON2.

Festival Inspired By ‘Burning Man’ Ignites Big Island Debate. The events on private property outside of Hilo were held without permits, and critics say they should not be allowed to continue, especially on agricultural land. Civil Beat.

Hawaiʻi Island chosen to host prestigious international Indigenous conference in 2028. The largest and most influential Indigenous Peoples’ conference will be coming to the Big Island. Maui Now.

Monk seal hospital begins vaccine trial for bird flu in pups. The Marine Mammal Center of California is taking a proactive step by running a trial on the effectiveness of H5N1 vaccines on two monk seal pups at its specialized hospital in Kona. Star-Advertiser.

Maui

Limited commercial boat operations to return to Lahaina Harbor for first time since destructive wildfire of 2023.  On Dec. 15, following the difficult removal of the sunken boats, restoration of the fueling station and repairs of the bathrooms, the state-run harbor will begin to slowly allow commercial marine operations to return with loading and unloading permitted at the dock during daytime hours. Maui Now.

State clarifies Central Maui pumping data; groundwater aquifer limits are under review. State water regulators have clarified data regarding groundwater pumping in Central Maui, acknowledging that while current withdrawals exceed official sustainable yield limits, those limits are conservative estimates that are now under re-evaluation. Maui Now.

Brown grass cost a famed golf course a big tournament and highlighted Hawaii water problems. High up on the slopes of the west Maui mountains, the Plantation Course at Kapalua Resort provides golfers with expansive ocean views. The course is so renowned that The Sentry, a $20 million signature event for the PGA Tour, had been held there nearly every year for more than a quarter-century. Associated Press.

Kauai

Permanent striping of the Kīlauea roundabout begins Monday. The Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation (HDOT) will close the Kolo Road access from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday to Friday until Dec. 12. During these hours, Kīlauea Town can be accessed through Pūʻeli Road and Hoʻokūʻi Road. Kauai Now.

Small Business strong. Tucked between the shopping frenzy of the Black Friday weekend, Small Business Saturday capitalized on the adaptability and flexibility of small businesses to get a share of the shopping pie. Garden Island.

Hawaiians celebrate their independence day, military plans to house hypersonic missiles in Hawaii, sports' survival may take taxpayer dollars, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaiian Moment — Lā Kūʻokoʻa, Hawaiian Independence Day. In the Kingdom of Hawaiʻi, Nov. 28 was an official holiday called Lā Kūʻokoʻa, or Independence Day. This was the day in 1843 when England and France formally recognized Hawaiʻi’s independence. Maui Now.

Military leased lands panel begins laying groundwork for future talks with U.S. Army. Members used their inaugural meeting — in advance of meeting with the governor — to review their roles and responsibilities, discuss a general framework to proceed and develop a shared understanding of the choices before the state — lease, land exchange and condemnation. Big Island Now.

Plans to house hypersonic missiles in Hawaii years away, experts say. U.S. Rep. Jill Tokuda said she’s investigating reports that the U.S. Navy is planning to base a future arsenal of hypersonic weapons in the Aloha State. A Hawaii congresswoman said she’s investigating reports that the U.S. Navy is planning to base a future arsenal of hypersonic weapons in the Aloha State. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaiʻi works to fill the gap left by narrowed fair housing protections. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s rollback of protections for housing discrimination related to sexual orientation, gender identity, and English language proficiency will likely impact Hawaiʻi residents’ options for reporting housing discrimination. Hawaii Public Radio.

Goodwill Hawaii sees surging demand but falling donations as holidays approach. This fall, Goodwill stores statewide have reported double-digit increases in customers, including families seeking lower-cost holiday items. But donations haven’t kept pace.  Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii joins states suing over SNAP cuts for legal immigrants. A group of Democratic-led states, including Hawaii, sued Wednesday to block President Donald Trump’s administration from cutting off food aid benefits for tens of thousands of legal immigrants by declaring certain groups of non-citizens ineligible for the anti-hunger program. Reuters.

Lawsuit Claims ‘Negligence’ Led To Fatal Stabbing Of State Hospital Nurse. Family claims administrators at Hawaiʻi’s only public psychiatric hospital failed to institute basic safety protocols to prevent the death of Justin Bautista by a patient. Civil Beat.

Sporting event survival may demand taxpayer dollars. The state already supports sports with significant investments, including $350 million to replace Aloha Stadium. But experts say changes in the sports business landscape will make state subsidies even more essential. Hawaii News Now.

Can Hawaiʻi Tackle Football’s Massive Carbon Footprint? Sports organizers, including the International Olympic Committee, are increasingly grappling with how to handle carbon emissions related to big events. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Honolulu Could Become The First US City Where Food Is A Human Right. Among dozens of proposed amendments that the Charter Commission will consider putting on the ballot next fall is one underscoring a basic need: to eat. Civil Beat.

Honolulu EMS announces significant pay raises to boost staffing. Honolulu Emergency Medical Services will implement significant pay raises starting in January to recruit and retain experienced paramedics, EMTs and dispatchers who handle about 9,000 calls every month island-wide. Hawaii News Now.

Medical helicopter group offers Oahu service. Global Medical Response is now offering emergency helicopter flight services from Oahu, with a newly established rotor-wing base at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu. Star-Advertiser.

Beetles Attacked Wahiawā Botanical Garden Trees, Closing Trails. A large swath of the central Oʻahu garden has been closed for many weeks due to a coconut rhinoceros beetle infestation. It is scheduled to reopen Thanksgiving weekend. Civil Beat.

Honolulu City Lights switch ‘on’ Saturday. Official lights will bring the holidays to life on Saturday when the switch to the 55-foot Christmas tree in front of Honolulu Hale is turned on during the electric light parade at the 41st Honolulu City Lights celebration. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

PGV seeks to boost power output by 5 megawatts. Puna Geothermal Venture shared progress about its repower project and discussed a pending state permit request during the company’s final quarterly community meeting of the year on Tuesday at the Pahoa Neighborhood Facility.  Tribune-Herald.

DAGS getting new digs in Honokaʻa. Hawaiʻi Department of Accounting and General Services is getting a new home on the Big Island, breaking ground earlier this month on a nearly $8 million base yard project in a different  location in Honokaʻa. Big Island Now.

Hilo’s Basically Books turns 40, hosts celebration Saturday. Basically Books is more than a bookstore — it’s Hilo’s gathering place for Hawaii’s finest authors, artists and musicians and their patrons, who are often as much friends as fans. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Lahaina debris call center closes, marking progress toward completion. The debris removal process after the Lahaina fire has reached several milestones, more than two years after the blaze. The Lahaina debris call center has officially closed.  Hawaii Public Radio.

Two ʻalalā added to wild flock on Maui. The pilot project that released five ʻalalā (Hawaiian crows) into the forests of Maui in November of 2024 is taking steps to expand the flock. Two ʻalalā, a male and female, were recently translocated to the field aviary where the first five birds got their start more than a year ago. Maui Now.

Kauai

First major winter swell expected this weekend along north, west shorelines.  The first major winter swell of the season looks like it will arrive on Kaua‘i’s doorsteps this weekend, generating monster waves, with sets that could at times exceed 50 feet along northern shores. Kauai Now.

Kai Kahele pushes Congress over military land, Maui mulls desalination plant, AI comes to Mauna Kea telescope, government meeting reports, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

OHA presses for role in military land decisions. Office of Hawaiian Affairs board of trustees chair Kai Kahele is appealing to Congress to press the military to engage with Native Hawaiian groups in negotiations for leases on state-owned training lands. Star-Advertiser. Big Island Now.

Grants awarded to strengthen food security for local nonprofits. Kaiser Permanente Hawaii is investing $263,000 in four local nonprofits to expand access to healthy, locally sourced food for families across the islands, the health care provider announced Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

Locally created AI tool transcribes and dissects government meetings. Joe Kent is the executive vice president of the Grassroot Institute of Hawaiʻi. He created the Open Hearings tool after he felt he was wasting time and money hiring interns to monitor meetings. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

Kakaako Makai housing plan could skirt ban. The state Office of Hawaiian Affairs is pursuing a new strategy to develop housing on land it owns in Kakaako where the Legislature banned residential development in 2006, and it has the potential to sidestep the prohibition. Star-Advertiser.

Council pushes for transparency over unspent money. The Honolulu City Council seeks to hold Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s administration more accountable over the funding appropriations it provides for the city’s use each year. Star-Advertiser.

Fatal HPD Chases Cost City Millions. Will New Law Change That? As Honolulu looks to settle with the family of a teenager killed in a 2021 chase, efforts to regulate police pursuits continue to draw criticism. Civil Beat.

The Foster Girl’s Bones Kept Breaking. Expert Suggested She Didn’t Feel Pain. In response to a Hawaiʻi Supreme Court decision, case files in one of Hawaiʻi’s most notorious child abuse cases were unsealed. They reveal how the state and experts ignored multiple warnings before Ariel Sellers died. Civil Beat.

$17M in forfeitures sought against company’s late founder Christopher Dawson. Federal prosecutors are seeking to recoup roughly $17 million meant for Native Hawaiian charitable causes that they allege was embezzled to pay for polo, homes in Hawaii and Florida, and other personal expenses of the late founder of Hawaiian Native Corp., according to federal court records. Star-Advertiser.

Popular Downtown Honolulu Street Crossing Needs To Be More Visible. In the past two months, Honolulu architect Joshua Briggs said he has almost been hit three times by cars and even a city bus, all while crossing King Street’s striped crosswalk between ʻIolani Palace and the King Kamehameha statue. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

UH debuts advanced robotic optics on Maunakea, sharpening images in night sky. The University of Hawaiʻi Institute for Astronomy (IfA) has launched initial science operations for Robo-AO-2, a robotic laser adaptive optics system now operating at the UH 2.2-meter telescope. Maui Now.

Mobile Family Resource Center rolls out in Puna. The van was made available to Neighborhood Place of Puna through partnerships with state nonprofit organizations Blueprint for Change and Hawaii Ohana Support Network.  Tribune-Herald.

Outreach team from Hawaiian Council coming to Big Island to help with emergency relief applications. The team will provide in-person support for applicants needing help filling out applications, eligibility verification forms and more. Big Island Now.

Puna Geothermal to host final quarterly community meeting of 2025. The meeting is slated for 4 p.m. Nov. 25 at the Pāhoa Neighborhood Facility, located at 15-0322 Kauhale St., in Pāhoa. Big Island Now.

Maui

Maui Water Department begins initial planning for West Maui desalination plant. The Maui County Department of Water Supply is taking the first steps toward developing its first publicly owned desalination facility in West Maui. Maui Now.

Earthjustice asks water commission to stop Kapalua golf courses from using drinking water for irrigation. The environmental law firm Earthjustice is claiming that two Kapalua golf courses unlawfully used millions of gallons of drinking water for irrigation, and with the knowledge of the state water commission chair.  Maui Now.

First eight families receive County of Maui’s First-Time Homebuyer Program shopping letters. Marking a significant chapter in rebuilding, the County of Maui Office of Recovery announced that eight families received First-Time Homebuyer Opportunity Program shopping letters that allow them to begin shopping for a house within their approved price range. Maui Now.

Kauai

State completes $24 million project to secure landslide-prone Hanalei Hill on Kauaʻi. After a four-year effort, the project to stabilize the slope at Hanalei Hill and make one of Kaua‘i’s most vulnerable roadways safe is finally finished, the Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation said. Kauai Now.

Project Housing Connect program raising awareness. Tessa Belardo of the Department of Education, Project YES (which stands for Youth Education Stability program) said on Tuesday that even children who are homeless need to be educated. Garden Island.

Russian spy ship spotted off Hawaii, Green names military land advisory panel, Mauna Kea Thirty Meter Telescope plan draws public opposition, Seaglider completes feasibility study, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Coast Guard monitors Russian spy ship off Hawaii’s coast. U.S. Coast Guard officials said they are monitoring a Russian naval intelligence ship that has been lingering just outside U.S. territorial waters close to the Hawaiian islands for at least two weeks and is currently about 15 miles off the coast of Hawaii Island. Star-Advertiser. Big Island Now.

Hawaiʻi Governor Names Advisory Panel For Military Land Negotiations. Gov. Josh Green announced a 10-member advisory committee composed  mostly of Native Hawaiians to weigh in on land lease negotiations with the U.S. military Thursday, hours before Office of Hawaiian Affairs trustees voted to take a more aggressive approach to inserting the organization into the process. Civil Beat. Big Island Now.  Kauai Now.  Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Lawmakers, advocates defend mail-in voting. State lawmakers and voting­-rights advocates gathered at the state Capitol on Thursday to oppose a recent recommendation from the Hawaii Elections Commission to eliminate universal mail-in voting and return to single-day, in-person elections. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. KHON2. 

Commission wants more candidates to request public funds for their campaigns. Candidates running for office across Hawaiʻi are requesting less public funding for their campaigns, the state Campaign Spending Commission says. Hawaii Public Radio.

Environmental law firm says recent BLNR decisions may not be legally valid. An environmental law firm contends that recent decisions made by the state Board of Land and Natural Resources may not be legally valid for lack of a certain kind of member. Hawaii News Now.

New interisland transportation service is one step closer to coming to fruition. REGENT, the developer of electric Seaglider vessels, just completed a feasibility study to see how ready Hawaii’s infrastructure is for this type of transportation. Hawaii News Now.

Federal corruption inquiry still going following 3 convictions. The acting U.S. Attorney for Hawaii told the state House speaker that a public corruption probe that convicted two state legislators and a Maui County official for bribery remains “active” and that any parallel state probe could interfere — also clarifying that a bribery offense referred to in court documents did not involve an “influential state legislator” mentioned elsewhere in court filings. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Elderly Honolulu Architect Convicted For Attempted $20 Bribe. 92-year-old architect Kiyoshi Toi,  who tried to slip a Honolulu permit worker a $20 bill, has been convicted of bribery of a public servant and now faces potential prison time.  Civil Beat.

Honolulu’s Crackdown Traps Homeless In Loop Of Citations. Ticketing of Honolulu’s homeless population ballooned after the mayor pledged to get 1,000 people off the street in a year, but the effort tends to involve familiar faces. Civil Beat.

Honolulu’s speed enforcement cameras off to slow start with zero citations. Hawaii’s new speed enforcement camera system has issued zero speeding citations in its first 12 days of operation at 10 intersections, despite state officials issuing half a million warnings over the prior seven months. A computer programming glitch has prevented citations from being processed, according to state officials. Hawaii News Now.

Multinational exercise prepares soldiers for high-tech warfare. The 25th Infantry Division at Schofield Barracks is in the closing stages of its annual Hawaii rotation of its Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center training as it puts one of the Army’s first “mobile brigades” to the test. Star-Advertiser.

UH wants $5M in taxpayer funds to recruit, retain college athletes. In a public meeting with state legislators on Wednesday, University of Hawaiʻi officials said the school will ask for $5 million from the state to pay potential students to play at the university.  Hawaii Public Radio.

Kailua roundabout project completed at last. It took three years and cost an estimated $11 million due to numerous hurdles and delays. Star-Advertiser.

Waipahu Intermediate to close Friday due to 8-inch water main break. The break was reported at around 6 p.m. Thursday on Waikele Road fronting Waipahu Intermediate School, and Board of Water Supply crews are working to repair it. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Green’s TMT letter draws strong opposition at Maunakea authority meeting. The Maunakea Stewardship and Oversight Authority took no vote Thursday but heard hours of testimony sparked by Gov. Josh Green’s recent letter outlining a path for permitting the Thirty Meter Telescope on a previously developed site atop Maunakea. Tribune-Herald.

Saddle Road speed limit could be lowered to 55 mph. State Sen. Lorraine Inouye, who introduced a bill that in 2017 increased the speed limit on portions of the Daniel K. Inouye Highway from 55 mph to 60 mph, said she thinks it’s time to roll the speed limit back to 55. Tribune-Herald.

Scouting America could sell Camp Honokaia. The executive board of Scouting America’s Aloha Council recently authorized staff to explore a range of options for Camp Honokaia near Honokaa, including selling it, leasing it or partnering with a third party. Tribune-Herald.

White Guava Café passes DOH inspection. The state Department of Health’s Food Safety Branch authorized the reopening of White Guava Café and issued a green “pass” placard during a follow-up inspection Thursday. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

The Fight Over The Future Of East Maui Water Returns To The State Land Board. The battle over who controls one of the island’s major water sources — a foreign company or a county board — appears headed to a contested case hearing. Civil Beat.

Biggest water users in West Maui before fire were non-owner-occupied homes, report finds. Nearly 100 applications for existing use water permits in West Maui show that single-family homes were the biggest users of water before the August 2023 wildfire, with some non-owner-occupied homes consuming even more water than ones lived in by owners, according to a report released Wednesday by state water commission staff.  Maui Now.

Maui Council gives final approval for Wailuku Executive Center purchase. The Maui County Council has given final approval to public acquisition of the four-story Wailuku Executive Center for $10 million to buy and renovate the property as the new headquarters for the Department of the Prosecuting Attorney. Maui Now.

Maui County Council backs Kamehameha Schools in lawsuit. The resolution comes as Kamehameha Schools’ admissions policy favoring Native Hawaiians faces a new lawsuit from Students for Fair Admissions, a conservative group based in Arlington, Virginia, that successfully challenged affirmative action in college admissions in 2023. Maui News.

Kauai

Preparing to care for The Kauai Bus future. A new 35-foot electric bus was parked on the side of Hoolako Road on Thursday when the county, project partners and community members broke ground on the Kauai Bus Baseyard Expansion Project that is located across Hoolako Road from the Vidinha Stadium soccer fields. Garden Island. Kauai Now. 

State notifies public about upcoming full closure of Wailuā River Bridge. Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation notifies the public about the planned upcoming full closure of Wailuā River Bridge over Kūhiō Highway, also known as Highway 56, between Kuamoʻo Road and North Leho Drive. The bridge will be closed from 6 to 10 a.m. Nov. 16. Kauai Now.

Green seeks $10B for use of military land, Hawaii teacher claims rights violation in Charlie Kirk discussion, Hawaii County Council delays vacation rental regs, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaiʻi Gov Wants $10 Billion From Feds For Military Land Leases. Gov. Josh Green wants to secure significant investments from the federal government for housing and environmental protection while also moving swiftly on a deal that would allow the Army to continue using thousands of acres of state land for training. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

Teacher says DOE response to Charlie Kirk class discussion violates her rights. A conservative legal group has sent a demand letter to the state Department of Education because of a classroom discussion about conservative activist Charlie Kirk. A middle school history teacher at a Hawaiʻi public school alleges that the department violated her First Amendment right to free speech. Hawaii Public Radio.

At least 7 dead in ‘catastrophic’ fiery crash of Honolulu-bound UPS plane in Kentucky. A UPS cargo plane bound for Hawaii crashed and exploded in a massive fireball Tuesday while taking off from the company’s global aviation hub in Louisville, Kentucky, killing at least seven people and injuring 11, authorities said. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. KITV4. 

The University of Hawaii announced a temporary grace period for registration holds across all 10 campuses Tuesday. A letter from UH President Wendy Hensel said students can register for Spring 2026 even with unpaid Fall quarter balances. Hawaii News Now.

New hemp registration requirements coming in 2026. The Hawaiʻi Department of Health (DOH) Office of Medical Cannabis Control and Regulation (OMCCR) is launching a statewide outreach and education campaign to help hemp retailers and distributors prepare for new registration requirements that take effect Jan. 1, 2026. Maui Now.

State Sen. Awa contests election ethics violation over social media video. The Hawaiʻi Ethics Commission is considering a violation against Oʻahu North Shore state Sen. Brenton Awa that could result in a nearly $1,000 fine. Awa appeared before the commission Monday to contest the violation regarding a video he posted on his official Instagram account. In issuing the violation notice, the commission said Awa's video used government resources for campaign purposes, which is against the law. Hawaii Public Radio.

Matson pays $6.4M in port fees to China since levies started. Honolulu-based ocean shipping company Matson Inc. has paid $6.4 million in port fees to China since they were implemented on Oct.14, CEO Matt Cox said Tuesday. Reuters.

Federal Cuts Mean Less Help For Hawai’i Domestic Violence Victims. Programs providing targeted outreach to Native Hawaiian and Filipino survivors are among those facing cuts. Civil Beat.

 1 dead, 1 sick from listeria infection in Hawaii. DOH said that the strain has been linked to prepared pasta meals that have since been recalled due to a potential listeria contamination — the source of the two Hawaii cases has yet to be determined. KHON2.

Oahu

Osprey command team relieved of duty. Maj. Gen. Marcus B. Annibale, commanding general of the Okinawa-based 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, relieved Lt. Col. Shaina M. Hennessey of her duties as commanding officer of Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 268, along with its senior enlisted leader Sgt. Maj. Jamie Lampley and the squadron’s unnamed executive officer. Star-Advertiser.

HPD using mounted license plate reading cameras in parts of Waikiki and Downtown. Honolulu Police have been using license plate reading cameras in their patrol cars for years. But they’ve recently started mounting them in fixed locations. And if police had their way, the cameras would be all over the island.  KHON2.

Uncertainty surrounding the distribution of SNAP benefits and ongoing furloughs during the government shutdown is causing multiple challenges for federal employees.  An Oʻahu food pantry added a day of distributions specifically for federal workers. Hawaii Public Radio.

‘Very painful,’ former Miss Hawaii fights to stop her husband from being deported.  With a cane in hand guiding her every step, former Miss Hawaii Cheryl Bartlett slowly walks along the garden of palms and hinahina she and her husband, Rogerio Araujo, grew together outside of their Makiki apartment.  Hawaii News Now.

Years of blight: Crumbling Waialae Ave home sparks safety fears. It’s one of the first homes you see driving into Kahala. Neighbors say the crumbling, overgrown property on Waialae Avenue has become a magnet for trouble, and they’re pleading for something to be done. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

County Council committee votes to delay start of STVRs law. A proposal to delay implementation of Hawaii County’s short-term vacation rental law until mid-2026 cleared a County Council committee Tuesday and now heads to the full council for final approval. Tribune-Herald.

State leaders support alternate Mauna Kea sites as option for Thirty Meter Telescope. Gov. Josh Green is pledging to help “promptly” establish a procedure to permit construction of a controversial telescope atop Mauna Kea on a site previously developed for observatory use. Star-Advertiser.

Hawai‘i Community College Sees Large Enrollment Increase. Hawaiʻi CC saw an enrollment of 2,489 students, an 8.7% rise, said to be one of the highest headcounts in years at the Hawaiʻi island-based college.  Big Island Video News.

BJ Penn charged with alleged assault of 45-year-old man outside Hilo residence. Hawai‘i Island police arrested and charged former UFC two-division champion 46-year-old Jay Dee “BJ” Penn of Hilo with third-degree assault following an incident early Tuesday morning (Nov. 4) in Hilo. Big Island Now. KITV4. 

Maui

Maui Council adopts dual track Kahului seat vacancy process, clashes over Bill 9 delay. The Maui County Council ended a contentious special meeting to determine a process to fill the vacancy left by the death of Council Member Tasha Kama with a final, tense 8-0 vote. Maui Now.

Maui’s King Kamehameha III school to reopen Wednesday. King Kamehameha III Elementary plans to reopen Wednesday after being closed Tuesday “out of an abundance of caution” due to Monday’s Kapalua wildfire which is now 100% contained. Star-Advertiser.

Maui fishers donate thousands of pounds of fish to feed hungry families. Fishers on 23 boats participated in the tournament, bringing in more than 4,800 pounds of fish, including marlin, mahi mahi, and ahi.  Hawaii News Now.

County of Maui seeking volunteers to serve on Boards and Commissions. Maui County boards and commissions need volunteers for more than 30 panels, including Liquor Control Commission, Maui Planning Commission, Police Commission, Salary Commission, Urban Design Review Board, Fire and Public Safety Commission and others. Maui Now.

Kauai

Mayor, county officials swear-in the county’s new attorney. Tyler Saito previously worked as a deputy county attorney and a deputy prosecuting attorney in the Kauaʻi Office of the Prosecuting Attorney. Kauai Now.

Mākua Beach Parking Woes May Be Eased Under Kauaʻi Mayor’s Plan. Parking has been a problem for decades at the main access point shared by Mākua Beach and Hāʻena Beach Park. An effort to fix it may be gaining momentum. Civil Beat.

Conservationists seek to reduce nēnē deaths on West Kauaʻi highway. The Mānā Plains Nēnē Project will focus on reducing car collisions with nēnē along a 5-mile stretch of Kaumualiʻi Highway in West Kauaʻi near the Kawaiʻele Waterbird Sanctuary. Hawaii Public Radio.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Oahu

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hawaii Island

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

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

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

Maui

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

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

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

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

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

Kauai

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

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

Hawaii insurers defy new federal COVID vaccine guidelines, state launches website on military leases, Maui Prep Academy hit with transgender lawsuits, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii insurers hold firm on COVID vaccine policies. Hawaii’s health insurers say they will cover COVID vaccinations for anyone older than six months, despite new FDA guidance that says children and healthy adults don’t need the shots. While public health advocates applaud the decision by Hawaii’s insurers, doctors and pharmacies are predicting a big drop in vaccinations. Hawaii News Now.

National organization pushes for more voter registrations in Hawaiʻi. The 2026 election may seem far away, but the national Voter Participation Center is already sending out postcards to get people registered to vote in Hawaiʻi. Hawaii Public Radio.

 Hawaiʻi enforces new law to combat discriminatory calls to law enforcement. The new law allows for penalties of no less than $1,000 plus legal fees against someone who is deemed through civil litigation to have called law enforcement on a person based on that person’s actual or perceived race, color, birthplace, age, religion, sex, gender expression or other protected class. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now. 

New state website to keep Hawai‘i residents informed on future of U.S. Army leases. According to a new release from Gov. Josh Green’s office, the site will provide updates on key developments involving leases on Hawai‘i Island and O‘ahu and give people the chance to provide their perspectives and opinions on the matter. Big Island Now.

Native Hawaiian groups want to be included in discussions between state and military on training lands. Native Hawaiian groups are speaking out, calling for change as the military works to extend its use of training land in Hawaii. KHON2. KITV4.

Kiko remains a Category 2 hurricane, but more strengthening expected. The National Hurricane Center said in data valid at 11 p.m. Monday, Kiko had maximum sustained winds near 105 miles per hour with higher gusts. Hurricane force winds extend 15 miles from the center, while tropical storm force winds extend 90 miles. Kiko was located about 1,700 miles east of Hilo and was moving to the west at 7 miles per hour.  Hawaii News Now. KHON2.  KITV4. 

80th anniversary of end of World War II commemorated at Pearl Harbor.  In a ceremony at Pearl Harbor, where Imperial Japan’s surprise Dec. 7, 1941, attack drew the United States into World War II, a crowd gathered Tuesday on the pier beside the battleship USS Missouri — the ship where Japanese diplomats signed the unconditional surrender that finally ended the war. Star-Advertiser.

Sustainable aviation fuel sales agreement signed for Hawaiian Airlines Osaka-Honolulu flights. Hawaiian Airlines announced it will be incorporating sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) on flights between Osaka, Japan, and Honolulu, Hawai‘i under a sales agreement between parent company Alaska Air Group Inc., and Cosmo Oil Marketing Co. Ltd., a subsidiary of Cosmo Energy Holdings Co., Ltd.  Maui Now.

Oahu

Bills aim to ease homeowner tax burden. Two measures meant to offer financial relief to island property owners burdened with high property taxes are scheduled for third and final readings by the Honolulu City Council today. Star-Advertiser.

Oʻahu is updating its climate plan ahead of 2030 state goals. The Honolulu Resilience Office is in the process of updating its climate plan. It will lay out actions that the City and County of Honolulu will take over the next five years to help the state meet its goal. Hawaii Public Radio.

JABSOM clinic marks 20 years of free health care for Oʻahu's houseless population. Clean clothes, a fresh shower, and routine medical check-ups await patients as they walk through the doors of an Iwilei health care clinic. But this particular clinic is dedicated solely to Oʻahu's unhoused population.  Hawaii Public Radio.

4 facing federal prison time for more than $1M tax fraud. Four people were convicted last week for their role in a conspiracy to file false tax returns and then use Hawaii real estate holdings, banks and trusts to launder more than $1 million from the federal government. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Qualifications for Public Works director could change. Under the current language, the individual must be a “registered professional.” The proposed amendment would remove this term and instead specify that candidates must have at least five years of experience in an administrative or managerial role, with at least two years in public works, construction or a related field. Tribune-Herald.

Feral Cat Battle Reaches Fever Pitch. A new county measure outlawing cat feeding on the Big Island is expected to become law this week, pitting feral cat advocates against politicians. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Police Department’s interim chief takes over command. The Hawaii County Police Department’s new interim chief has officially taken over command.Reed Mahuna replaced acting chief Ben Moszkowicz on Monday.  Hawaii News Now.

Resolution to acquire Honolulu Landing advances. The County Council on Tuesday advanced a resolution to proceed with the acquisition of Honolulu Landing in the Puna District, moving it to the full council for a vote. Tribune-Herald.

$1M grant buoys Hawaiʻi Island health clinic facing federal cuts. Kumukahi Health + Wellness started 40 years ago to serve people living with or affected by HIV. It now offers a range of services, including Med-Quest patient enrollment navigation, a sexual health clinic, and a syringe exchange program. Hawaii Public Radio.

Undeveloped beachfront parcel in Waikōloa Beach Resort returned to native Hawaiian descendants. 27.38-acres of the culturally significant coastline of ‘Anaeho‘omalu Kapalaoa in North Kona will now be permanently preserved, the Trust for Public Land announced on Tuesday. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now. 

Maui

Maui Prep Academy hit with 2 suits on transgender policy. Two lawsuits were filed Tuesday in Maui Circuit Court against Maui Preparatory Academy related to its new school policy, which began in the 2025-26 school year, that transgender students would no longer be allowed to use restroom facilities, play on sports teams or room with students of the same gender. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

Nonprofits Want To Help Maui Fire Victims — If They Can Reach Them. Limited communications and continued grief have made it more challenging for nonprofits to connect with survivors who could most benefit from their services. Civil Beat.

Kauai

Nāpali Coast: A ‘Biodiversity Hotspot,’ but with many endangered species to protect. The remote Nāpali Coast, a beautiful region of sheer sea cliffs and lush valleys on the northwestern shores of Kaua‘i, is one of the most breathtaking landscapes in the Hawaiian Islands – and on Earth. Kauai Now.

Pipe replacement, road repairs scheduled near highway in Kalāheo. Lane shifts are scheduled along a portion of Papalina Road in the vicinity of Kaumuali‘i Highway to complete pipe replacement and road repairs within the Kaua‘i County right of way. Kauai Now.

Federal farm grants, Mauna Loa Observatory face federal budget axe, Air Force surges in huge Pacific exercise, new law removes development obstacle, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

USDA Cancels $30 Million Grant Intended To Boost Hawaiʻi Food Production. Hawaiʻi program leaders say there are few alternative funding options available to local farmers who want to increase and improve operations. Civil Beat.

U.S. Air Force surges forces into Pacific in massive exercise. Hundreds of planes and thousands of service members are flying across the Pacific as part of the largest air fighting exercise in the region’s recent history. About 400 aircraft, 12,000 airmen and 700 Space Force guardians are participating in the exercise from 50 locations across the Pacific and Indian Oceans as the Pentagon tests its ability to surge forces into the region in the event of a major crisis or conflict. Star-Advertiser.

Newly Signed Bill Imperils Historic Places and Burial Sites, Critics Say. Preservationists decry Gov. Josh Green’s late decision to approve a measure to remove an obstacle to development. Civil Beat.

Protecting Coral Habitat May Prove Vital As Ocean Becomes More Acidic. A paper published Monday in the Journal of Geophysical Research found the oceans around Hawai’i will become significantly more acidic throughout the 21st century, based on climate modeling.  Civil Beat.

Oahu

Oahu couple accused of fraud in fire victims scam. An Oahu couple is facing federal criminal charges after allegedly lying about being victims of the Aug. 8, 2023, West Maui wildfires and the January Los Angeles fires — allegedly stealing more than $110,000 from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. 

Huge petroglyphs covered for years unearthed again at Pokai Bay. The kiʻi pōhaku in the shoreline sandstone front cabin 11 at the Pililaʻau Army Recreation Center. The biggest one is more than 3 feet tall. Hawaii News Now.

Applications open for media training program by Hawaii News Now, Kamehameha Schools. Hawaii News Now and Kamehameha Schools Kaiāulu are partnering on a special, hands-on training program for emerging media-makers who are rooted in Hawai‘i. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Trump’s budget would kill Mauna Loa Observatory after seven decades. The observatory is part of a global network of stations that monitor the atmosphere. The research performed at these labs lets scientists assess changes over the long term, figure out what caused the changes and make better predictions for extreme events like heat waves, droughts and floods. New York Times.

Water quality issues remain for Kona aquaculture companies. State officials will meet next week with some tenants of the Hawaiʻi Ocean Science and Technology Park in Kona to discuss lingering problems with water quality amid a pending lawsuit against the state. Hawaii Public Radio.

Over 31 billion gallons of magma have flowed during Kīlauea's episodic eruption. Lava fountaining could soon be returning to the Big Island. The U.S. Geological Survey said pressure is once again building up inside the Halemauʻmaʻu crater. The on-again, off-again eruption at Kīlauea has shot lava up to 1,250 feet just about every week for the past seven months. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kona Skatepark more than doubles in size. The Hawaii County Department of Parks and Recreation joined community partners Wednesday for the opening of a significant addition to the skatepark. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now. 

Taming the ‘Kraken’: Father, son rowing across the Pacific to Hilo. An Atlanta man and his 18-year-old son are on Day 45 of rowing 2,400-plus nautical miles from San Francisco Bay to Hilo to raise awareness about and funds for veterans’ mental health. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Emotions run high as officials clear massive Maui homeless encampment. Maui County started clearing a homeless encampment of about 50 people in Kahului on Thursday. Officials said 23 people went into shelters from the effort. Meanwhile, others moved to other encampments, or down the road and said they were coming right back. Hawaii News Now.

Mayor Bissen leads delegation to United Nations. A delegation led by Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen visited New York to submit the state of Hawai‘i’s third Voluntary Local Review to the United Nations. Maui Now.

North Shore Greenway near Kahului Airport reopened. The Hawai‘i Department of Transportation notifies the public of the re-opening of the North Shore Greenway bike and pedestrian path adjacent to Kahului Airport. Maui Now.

Rising ground beef prices impact ranchers, retailers and burger lovers. The cost of ground beef in the U.S. reached $5.98 per pound in May, the highest it’s been since the Department of Labor started tracking beef prices in the 1980s, according to the Federal Reserve.  That’s about $3 less than the average price of ground beef on Maui. Maui News.

Kauai

Kauaʻi council seeks to shore up restrictions on beachfront home improvements. The Kauaʻi County Council is moving along Bill 2969 primarily to address a county-level exemption for beachfront properties that has allowed owners to make repairs to their homes without adhering to setback rules, which seek to keep them a certain distance from the shoreline. Hawaii Public Radio.

Filipino teachers arrive in time for school. For the third year, members of the Department of Education, the Kauai Filipino Chamber of Commerce, the Kauai Philippine Cultural Center, and the Kauai Filipino Community Council welcomed about 20 new teachers from the Philippines on Tuesday. Garden Island.

Bomb squad called to Wailua Golf Course after suspicious device found in parking lot. According to police officials, the bomb squad was dispatched to the scene to investigate. They quickly secured the area with yellow tape, and it was later determined that the object did not contain any explosive material. Kauai Now.

Governor vetoes 8 bills, new law could break HECO monopoly, ICE agents partner with Kaneohe Marines, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Governor Green Issues Final Veto List. On July 3, Governor Josh Green finalized on his Intent-to-Veto list, signing 12 bills into law and vetoing eight. Big Island Video News.

Full veto list can be found here. Hawaii Governor's Office.

Is HECO’s Monopoly Over? New Law Could Change Power Market. The bill is expected to give Hawaiʻi ratepayers additional choices for purchasing electricity. Lawmakers hope it will also lower electric bills. Civil Beat.

New laws to tackle condo insurance crisis. Gov. Green signs two bills to help with housing. To help deal with Hawaiʻi’s housing crisis, Gov. Josh Green signed into law one bill that deals with the rising cost of property insurance and another that expands essential resources for youth and young adults facing homelessness. Big Island Now. Maui News.  Star-Advertiser.  KHON2.

Newly named Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity is looking for new hires. The state is looking to fill 44 positions in the newly-named State Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity. The new hires are part of a nearly $26.6 million appropriation to protect Hawaii from invasive species and grow the agriculture industry. Hawaii News Now.

Rent supplement program for kūpuna extended through 2028. The program allows kūpuna at imminent risk of homelessness who are at least 62 years old to apply for supplemental rental assistance. Hawaii Public Radio.

New commander to lead elite forces in the Pacific. The military’s secretive elite forces have a new leader in the Pacific. On Thursday Navy Rear Adm. Jeromy Williams of U.S. Special Operations Command Pacific, also known as SOCPAC, passed the baton to Army Maj. Gen. Jeffrey Van­Antwerp. Star-Advertiser.

New UH Agriculture Dean Wants To Help Hawaiʻi Grow More Of Its Own Food. During 16 months on the job, Parwinder Grewal has hired more faculty, secured millions in funding and started setting up a new undergraduate degree in farming. Civil Beat.

Oahu

ICE agents partner with Kaneohe Marines. Marine Corps Base Hawaii is one of three military installations partnering with Immigration and Customs Enforcement on a pilot program to ensure foreign nationals can’t gain “unauthorized” access to U.S. Department of Defense facilities. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu chooses consultant for transit-oriented development. A master planning effort to transform city- and state-owned lands along Hono­lulu’s more than $10 billion rail line into mixed-use, transit-oriented development in the Iwilei-Kapalama area now includes a contracted primary consultant. Star-Advertiser.

Investigator: Vocal Red Hill Whistleblower Faced Pushback For Speaking Out. One of the military’s loudest critics amid the Red Hill fuel contamination fiasco said her boss tried to keep her quiet. Civil Beat.

Fire leaves woman, 94, and dog dead. Gusts of wind continued to sweep through the 55 acres of blackened land in Maili on Monday, where a wildfire Sunday afternoon left a 94-year-old woman and a pitbull dead and destroyed a family’s home and business. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.  KHON2. KITV4.

Hawaii Island

LUC to consider expansion of University of the Nations in Kona. The plans to add 62 acres adjacent to the 45-acre campus on Kuakini Highway have been in the works since a 2003 master plan was submitted to the LUC to change zoning on the two subject land parcels from agricultural to urban. Tribune-Herald.

Weigh in on new changes to gun rules on Hawaiʻi Island. The Hawaiʻi Police Department is changing the rules about gun permits and licenses, and the public is invited to share their thoughts. KHON2.

New finding answers a question that has puzzled astronomers for years.  An international team of astrophysicists have uncovered a possible origin of fast X-ray transients (FXTs) — mysterious, fleeting bursts of X-rays that have long puzzled astronomers. Using the W. M. Keck Observatory on Maunakea, Hawaiʻi Island helped with the discovery. Hawaii News Now.

Maui

Council focuses on zoning issues throughout this month. The Maui County Council will meet July 8 at 9 a.m. to consider zoning legislation on agricultural tourism, parking requirements for electric vehicles, food trucks in the agricultural district, the size of accessory dwellings and the definition of various land-use terms. Maui Now.

County Committee on the Status of Women to host community roundtables on women’s health issues. The County of Maui Committee on the Status of Women will hold community roundtables on Friday, July 11, 2025, to gather public input on issues affecting women’s health in the county. Maui Now.

State of Hawaiʻi to host recruitment event on Maui, July 10, showcasing 300 jobs. The state of Hawaiʻi Department of Human Resources Development will host a recruitment event on Thursday, July 10, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Maui State Office Building in Wailuku. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kauaʻi Police Chief Job Posting Gets Tepid Response. On Kauaʻi, job applications for chief of police are down 68% as a department with sinking morale and recruitment and retention issues seeks its next leader. Civil Beat.

County warns of fraudulent council letter. The County of Kauai is warning the public of a new scam involving fraudulent letters falsely claiming to be from the Kauai County Council. Garden Island.