Tropical depression expected to become Tropical Storm Moke later today south of the islands, nation's first coral reef insurance program pays for rehabilitation, another endangered monk seal dies off Oahu, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaiʻi Governor Urges Vigilance Days After Lala. With two more storms developing, emergency workers are rushing to prepare. Hawaiʻi could be facing what Gov. Josh Green called a “trifecta” of storms in the days ahead as Tropical Depression Two-C and yet another less developed weather system approach the islands on the heels of Hurricane Lala. The governor urged residents on Thursday to restock supplies and prepare. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser. Associated Press.  Hawaii Public Radio. Tribune-Herald. Maui Now.  Hawaii News Now. 

NOAA 5 a.m. update: At 500 AM HST (1500 UTC) Friday, Aug. 21, the center of Tropical Depression Two-C was located near latitude 13.4 North, longitude 146.0 West. The depression is moving toward the west-northwest near 10 mph (17 km/h). This general motion is expected to persist over the next several days, with the center of the system passing south of the Big Island of Hawaii this weekend, then the smaller main Hawaiian Islands by early next week. Maximum sustained winds are near 35 mph (55 km/h) with higher gusts. Gradual strengthening is forecast over the couple of days, and the depression is forecast to become a tropical storm later today. National Hurricane Center.

Lala Triggers Nation’s First Coral Insurance Payment. The unusual policy was created in 2022, and the wind speed brought by Hurricane Lala has triggered a $200,000 payment that will go toward assessing and repairing the reef. Civil Beat.
 
Hurricane Lala brought 1.3 trillion gallons of water to Hawaii. Hurricane Lala brought in 1.3 trillion gallons of water to the state, equivalent to almost two million Olympic-sized pools. Researchers from the University of Hawaii said that while Lala never made landfall, its close pass brought average statewide rainfall of 11.4 inches. KHON2.

Here's some best practices to verify hurricane relief fundraisers. Hundreds of GoFundMe pages have been launched for Hawaiʻi families to help with hurricane relief, and officials are urging residents to double-check their donations are going to verified fundraisers. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii’s kindergarten vaccination rates drop across the board. For measles, mumps, and rubella, Hawaii’s kindergarten vaccination rates fell from 90.1% in 2024-25 to 89.3% in 2025-26. For diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTap), vaccination rates fell from 92.0% to 88.8%. The target rate for herd immunity is 95%. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

NOAA confirms death of another monk seal on Oahu. NOAA said his death marks the fourth Hawaiian monk seal death on Oahu this year. Earlier this month, a monk seal pup identified as RV36 was found dead, entangled  Opens in a new tabin an unattended fishing net near Mokuleia Beach Park. Two other seals, named ‘Umi‘umi and Ka‘ale, have died from toxoplasmosis, a parasitic disease. Star-Advertiser. KITV4. 

Joint hearing slated for 2 Honolulu City Council election challenges. The Hawaii Supreme Court is scheduled to hear oral arguments Tuesday in two cases contesting recent Hawaii primary election results for a Honolulu City Council seat held by Tommy Waters. Star-Advertiser.

Dozens Of Hawaiʻi’s Mentally Ill Inmates To Move to Waiawa Prison. Experts say some inmates at Hālawa don’t need to be in the restrictive setting of a medium-security prison, and the setting at Waiawa will be more therapeutic. Civil Beat.

Historic Podmore building in Downtown Honolulu sold for $2.6M. International architecture, engineering and environmental consulting firm ESC Pacific acquired the property in a privately negotiated and off-market transaction.  Aloha State Daily.

Hawaii Island

Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park to close ahead of approaching new tropical cyclone. Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, including its Kahuku Unit in Kaʻū, will temporarily close by 5 p.m. today (Aug. 21) ahead of a new storm system that could again bring torrential rainfall and high winds to Hawaiʻi Island as early as Aug. 22. The park remains without power, internet or phone service. Big Island Now.

Recovery efforts continue at Ka‘u schools. The state Department of Education continues recovery and planning efforts for Na‘alehu Elementary School and Ka‘u High &Pahala Elementary School following “significant impacts” from Hurricane Lala. The schools remain temporarily closed to students and staff. Tribune-Herald.

Multi-agency effort underway to recover and protect burials displaced by Lala. Hawaii County officials on Thursday said they are coordinating with experts and cultural practitioners to ensure the proper recovery and protection of burials displaced by flooding from Hurricane Lala. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Now. 

Maui

Emergency Wi-Fi available for Hana residents. Three local organizations have pooled their resources to set up a free Wi-Fi network to help East Maui residents maintain access to internet connectivity, communication and online resources following Tropical Storm Lala. Maui News.

Summit District of Haleakalā National Park remains closed, Kīpahulu District reopens after Lala. The Summit District of Haleakalā National Park remains closed through the weekend for storm recovery, including road clearing and facility restoration. It will reopen once conditions are safe. Maui Now.

Kauai

Post-Lala recovery drives bring urgent call for blood, food donations on Kauaʻi. In the wake of Hurricane Lala, Kauaʻi residents are urged to bolster community resilience by donating blood and supporting the annual Food Drive Day.  Kauai Now.

Formation of Tropical Storm Lala likely by weekend, Jones Act waiver extended, 5 judges recuse themselves in Tommy Waters election appeal, Land Board to dive into Maui water wars, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Tropical Storm Lala forecast to form Wednesday or early Thursday. NWS continues monitoring possible tropical cyclone as it approaches Hawaiʻi. A developing cyclone is approaching the state with possible severe weather over the weekend. Conditions will vary from island to island, so best to be prepared for strong winds and heavy rain as well as large life-threatening surf along east and southeast shores through Sunday. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Trump-Backed Program Offers Money For Students. Will Hawaiʻi Take It? An infusion of scholarship money could help families pay for private school tuition and other educational expenses. But Hawaiʻi will have to cross political lines to get it. Gov. Josh Green initially said Hawaiʻi would not participate in the scholarships, but he is now waiting for the federal government to release program regulations in September before consulting with other state agencies.  Civil Beat.

Trump extends Jones Act waiver for 90 days, narrows scope. President Donald Trump has extended for 90 days a waiver allowing foreign-flagged ships to transport oil and other commodities between U.S. ports, but imposed new limits after shipbuilders and their allies in Congress argued the policy was undermining the domestic maritime industry, the White House said. Reuters.

Office of Hawaiian Affairs plans televised candidate forums for 2026 trustee election. Forums will be presented in partnership with ʻŌlelo Community Media and Hawaiʻi’s local media networks, pre-recorded Oct. 3 and then broadcast statewide during the week of Oct. 12, providing broad public access. Kauai Now.

Oahu

Five judges recuse themselves from Tommy Waters’ ineligibility appeal. Five of the seven judges on the state Intermediate Court of Appeals have recused themselves from Honolulu City Council Chair Tommy Waters’ appeal of the ruling that found him ineligible to seek a third consecutive term.  Star-Advertiser.

“A slap in the face”: Honolulu Office of Economic Revitalization folds after county cuts funding. Honolulu’s Office of Economic Revitalization is ceasing operations this Friday — a decision made weeks after the City Council cut a majority of its funding and staff positions in early July. Hawaii Public Radio.

New Sand Island technology modernizes wastewater treatment for Oahu. A new Membrane Bioreactor Facility at the Sand Island Wastewater Treatment Plant separates solids out of the water more effectively than older methods. KHON2.

Hawaiian Council buys Sea Life Park, assumes stewardship. Hawaiian Council has acquired Sea Life Park in Waimanalo, placing the landmark marine attraction under Native Hawaiian stewardship for the first time and expanding the organization’s growing portfolio of tourism and cultural enterprises. Star-Advertiser.

NOAA confirms deaths of 2 endangered monk seal pups. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said it got a report last Wednesday of a deceased monk seal entangled in an unattended fishing net about 10 yards offshore of an area west of Mokuleia Beach Park. he pup’s death follows that of another monk seal, RUO2, known to most as ‘Umi‘umi, several months ago. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Measures to combat fentanyl advance. A Hawaii County Council committee last week supported two measures aimed at addressing fentanyl-related overdoses across the island. One would equip the Hawaii Police Department with portable devices capable of detecting trace amounts of fentanyl. The second would allow for the installation of distribution boxes for naloxone — a fast-acting overdose reversal medication — at county buildings in Hilo and Kona. Tribune-Herald.

Young Brothers plans modified cargo acceptance, availability at Port of Kawaihae. Hawai‘i shipping company Young Brothers will have modified cargo acceptance and availability at the Port of Kawaihae this month. Big Island Now.

Two Wildland Fires Close Daniel K. Inouye Highway. The highway was closed in both directions Tuesday afternoon between Old Saddle Road Junction and Highway 190 Junction. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now. Hawaii News Now. 

Maui

State opposing county plan for East Maui water system. A Maui County effort to take control of the island’s largest water system has stalled after the state land department moved to block it, drawing criticism from environmentalists and traditional farmers. Hawaii News Now.

Bissen swept all districts in Maui County mayoral primary, including Sugimura’s backyard. Incumbent Mayor Richard Bissen won every district of Maui County in Saturday’s primary election, including West Maui, where the recovery from the 2023 wildfires was the biggest test of his first term, as well as Upcountry, the home district of challenger Yuki Lei Sugimura. Maui Now.

Maui County Council votes to expand fare-free bus access. Bill 95 expands eligibility for the fare-free bus access program to include more residents and gives authorization to the county's the director of transportation to suspend enforcement of fares for special events, parades or emergency closures for up to 14 days in a fiscal year. Aloha State Daily.

Haʻikū Fire Station project stalls as Maui County Council panel wrestles with land title dispute. After more than 17 years of planning, the proposed Haʻikū Fire Station has hit a legal stumbling block significant enough for council members to seek legal advice in a closed executive session and delay further consideration for two weeks. Maui Now.

Maui Police Leader Accused Of Taking Bribes Will Stay In Jail For Now. Entertainer is linked to Maui officer accused of corruption. A Maui police lieutenant accused of taking bribes to protect organized crime allegedly watched over a Jan. 1 illegal aerial fireworks party hosted by the founder of country reggae group Maoli, according to state and federal court records. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. KHON2. Hawaii News Now. 

Brothers arraigned in Maui labor trafficking case. Maui police arrested two men Monday on labor trafficking, extortion and document-related charges following the execution of search warrants at a Kihei residence. Maui News.

Report shows Maui housing gains while jobs and incomes lag. Three years after devastating wildfires swept through Maui, the island’s recovery is showing meaningful progress in housing — but economic challenges, including weak employment and lower household incomes, continue to weigh on fire-affected residents, according to a new report from the University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. 

Kauai

Public invited to review proposals for County of Kauaʻi grant program. The Office of Economic Development’s Innovation Grants Program is designed to support projects that bring innovative solutions to Kauaʻi in the areas of small business, technology, transportation, agriculture, local manufacturing, creative industries, workforce development, circular economies, tourism destination management, and product development. Kauai Now.

Inspection of Wailua–Kapaʻa sewer collection system scheduled. A comprehensive inspection and condition assessment of the Wailua–Kapaʻa sewer collection system will begin Aug. 19. The County of Kauaʻi Department of Public Works describes this as a critical step toward strengthening wastewater infrastructure serving the eastside communities of Wailua, Kapaʻa and Waipouli. Kauai Now.

Fire weather signs installed at Westside fire stations. The Kaua‘i Emergency Management Agency, in partnership with the Kaua‘i Fire Department and the Department of Public Works, has installed new fire weather signs at the Hanapepe and Waimea fire stations to help residents and visitors stay aware of wildfire conditions and the year-round risk of wildfires on Kaua‘i. Garden Island.

Green to sign off on tax cuts and budget today, state prepares for Hawaiʻi America250 celebrations, 140 Kauai coffee jobs saved, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Green to sign budget that restores tax cuts for most. The state’s $21 billion budget over the next two fiscal years will be signed by Gov. Josh Green today, ensuring Hawaii’s historic tax breaks for all but the highest-earning residents. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii AG to review Supreme Court decision on gun law.  The state Department of the Attorney General is reviewing Thurday’s U.S. Supreme Court decision to strike down restrictions on where and when guns may be carried, but said current Hawaii law should still be obeyed. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.

New funding opens for Hawaiʻi farmers, ranchers, forest managers. The U.S. Department of Agriculture is offering $18.5 million through the Hawaiʻi Grown Partnership for Agriculture, or HiGPA, project. The funds will go toward conservation efforts and market expansion initiatives led by farmers, ranchers and forest managers across the islands. Hawaii Public Radio.

New loan program set to help homeowners finance cesspool conversions. This session, state lawmakers allocated $2 million in Green Fee funds to create a new low-interest loan and grant program for residents looking to convert their cesspools. Hawaii Public Radio.

OHA reopens TV station study after vote shift. The Office of Hawaiian Affairs on Thursday revived a proposal to explore buying Honolulu television stations KITV and KIKU, approving up to $172,500 for due diligence after Trustee John D. Waihe‘e IV reversed his earlier vote and shifted the board’s majority. Star-Advertiser. KITV4. 

Mokulele Airlines tests electric aircraft. Real‑world testing of electric aircraft began in Hawaii on Thursday — a pivotal step toward evaluating whether zero‑emission planes can support interisland cargo and passenger service and help the state meet its aggressive climate goals. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. 

Jones Act, Renewables and Trump: U.S. House 1st District Candidate Q&As. Eight candidates are competing for the 1st Congressional District. Civil Beat.

Climate Change, The Military And Housing: U.S. House 2nd District Candidate Q&As. Seven candidates are on the ballot for Hawaiʻi’s 2nd Congressional District. The district extends over 6,200 square miles and includes all the neighbor islands and parts of suburban and rural Oʻahu. Civil Beat.

As America 250 nears, Hawaiʻi prepares homegrown celebrations. In Hawaiʻi, those preparations are being led by the Hawaiʻi America250 Commission, which is chaired by Hawaiʻi Island resident Peter Young. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

NOAA: Monk seal Ka‘ale’s death was caused by toxoplasmosis. According to NOAA, the parasite reproduces in cats’ intestines, and its infectious eggs are released into the environment through cat feces.  Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.  KITV4.

Volunteers say more protections are needed for Rocky and her monk seal pup at Kalaeloa beach. Rocky the monk seal is famed for giving birth to pups at Kaimana Beach. This time, she decided to give birth to a pup at Nimitz Beach at Kalaeloa for the first time, an area rarely used by monk seals for that purpose. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu satellite city halls to stop cash property tax payments. Beginning July 2026, Oahu satellite city halls will no longer accept cash payments for real property taxes. Property tax payments at satellite city halls must be paid by check, credit card or debit card. KHON2. KITV4.

Part Of A Frantic Charge To Feed People During Covid, He’s Now Charged With Fraud. Former city employee, who helped steer federal funds to the hungry, is accused of deceiving the food bank into spending money that wasn’t there. Civil Beat.

State orders junkyard shutdown as violations mount. The state Department of Health has ordered a junkyard next to Waiawa Stream to shut down. There are multiple city violations, but operations are still going on. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Aircraft Alert Issued For Hawaiʻi Island Ahead of RIMPAC 2026. Jet engine and aircraft noise may increase to and from Pōhakuloa Training Area in July for the 2026 Rim of the Pacific exercise. Big Island Video News.

Community invited to learn more about how to grow vegetables in Hawaiʻi. “Vegetable Production for Hawai’i Growers” with researcher, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa tropical plant and soil sciences professor and University of Hawaiʻi Extension Specialist Ted Radovich is scheduled for 10 a.m. to noon June 27 at Kohala Village Hub Barn in Hāwī. Big Island Now.

Honokaa suspect in child enticement case to receive mental exam. Police became aware that 23-year-old Honokaa resident Kainalu Palik allegedly used the messaging app Snapchat to meet a 14-year-old girl for sex after her 17-year-old sister noticed the sexually explicit messages on her younger sister’s phone and notified authorities, according to court documents filed by police. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

New Maui County water rates set to go into effect with new fiscal year, July 1. During Maui County Council final 2027 budget deliberations, members of the Budget, Finance and Economic Development Committee members did not recommend substantive changes to the Department of Water Supply’s proposed 5% increase to monthly service fees and higher tiered rates for fiscal 2027. Maui Now.

Public presentation of final designs for Olowalu-Ukumehame coastline coming July 9. Conceptual landscape designs that could help shape the future of the Olowalu-Ukumehame coastline will be presented to the public July 9 at the Maui Ocean Center Sphere in Maalaea. Maui News.

Kauai

140 Kauai Coffee Jobs Saved Through New Land Lease Agreement. After months of uncertainty around the future of the country’s largest coffee grower, roughly 140 jobs at Kauai Coffee Company will be preserved through a new long-term agricultural lease. Civil Beat. Kauai Now.  Garden Island. 

Can A $400+ Million Loan Push The Stagnant Coco Palms Project Ahead? The Kaua‘i project is could reopen in 2028, after being closed for nearly four decades. Developers behind the planned rebirth of Kaua‘i’s famed Coco Palms hotel have secured a $431 million loan to reconstruct the 1953 resort where Elvis Presley’s “Blue Hawaii” was filmed. Civil Beat.
 

Lawmakers dump pet projects into green fee tourist tax bucket, Education Secretary preserves Native Hawaiian funding another year, 40 shark fins seized from private jet out of Hawaii, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

How will Hawaiʻi spend The Green Fee? Some projects are 'head scratchers'. The governorʻs Green Fee Advisory Council recommended a series of projects at the start of the session for projects in three areas: protecting natural resources, increasing climate resiliency, and sustainable tourism. While some of the final projects remained the same, like millions of dollars for coral reef and ahupuaʻa restoration, wildfire reduction and retrofitting homes to withstand hurricanes, some projects didn’t seem clearly related to the three buckets written in the law. Hawaii Public Radio.

Department of Education Secretary agrees to continue funding for Native Hawaiian programs for at least another year. U.S. Department of Education Secretary Linda McMahon agreed to keep Native Hawaiian programs fully funded for at least another year on Thursday, following a request Senator Brian Schatz made to the department to avoid cuts. KITV4.

Dozens of shark fins seized on private jet out of Hawaii. Authorities seized 40 suspected shark fins from a private jet that departed from Hawaii in February. Officers from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife intercepted the plane when it landed in California. Hawaii News Now.

New UHERO report shows persistent housing crisis. The University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization on Thursday released the 2026 Hawaii Housing Factbook, which shows that despite modest improvements in affordability, Hawaii’s housing market remains deeply out of reach for many local families. The annual report showed that statewide home prices largely leveled off in 2025 after years of rapid increases. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. 

State jobless rate slips back to second lowest in country. South Dakota took over the top spot in March after its seasonally adjusted rate dipped by one-tenth of a point to 2.3% while Hawaii held at 2.4%, according to data released Wednesday from the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiʻi State Legislature passes Artificial Intelligence safety act. The Hawaiʻi State Legislature on Wednesday passed the Artificial Intelligence Disclosure and Safety Act that establishes some of the nation’s first consumer protections and transparency requirements for conversational artificial intelligence services, particularly for minors and individuals seeking mental health or crisis support. Kauai Now.

Solar industry rallies to save tax break. Members of the Hawaii Solar Energy Association urged lawmakers to not give final passage to Senate Bill 3125, which would limit and phase out state income tax credits for consumers and businesses installing rooftop solar systems. Star-Advertiser.

Lawmakers establish annual raises for Hawaiʻi teachers. State lawmakers are guaranteeing annual raises for public and charter school teachers that can be negotiated into their collective bargaining agreements. Hawaii Public Radio.

Fresh lessons found in Hawaiʻi public schools. Students are planting, harvesting and enjoying produce grown in their own school gardens at Waipahu High and Leilehua High on O‘ahu and Hāna High and Elementary on Maui.  KHON2. KITV4.

State begins surveying cemeteries for cleanup and restoration. The state Department of Accounting and General Services  is embarking on an effort to survey and restore eight of Hawaiʻi’s cemeteries. The newly created Cemetery Office will be using drones to capture aerial images of the cemeteries to survey their current state. Hawaii Public Radio.

Life and legacy of Colleen Hanabusa honored at Hawaii State Capitol. A public memorial on Thursday honored the life and service of longtime Hawaii politician and attorney Colleen Hanabusa. Hanabusa died March 6. She was 74. Hawaii News Now. KITV4. 

Oahu

‘Slush Fund’? Honolulu Council Wants Control Of $41 Million. The provisional account would be used for covering disaster relief and routine operations. Council Chair Tommy Waters and Budget Chair Val Okimoto are proposing the formation of a new fund through which the city administration would have to ask the council’s permission to spend money.  Civil Beat.

Rail planners advance bills for unused ag lands in Kapolei. The Honolulu Planning Commission approved Wednesday a final piece of a recent package of land-use measures tied to the so-called East Kapolei Neighborhood Transit-Oriented Development Plan. Star-Advertiser.

Power Has Been Out In These Oʻahu Classrooms For Months. A building at Kalāheo High School has faced a power outage since the fall. Families are advocating for more funding to repair the school’s electrical system. Civil Beat.

3 homebuyers close under new state mortgage program. The first three homeowners to close on mortgages through Hawaii’s new Hale Kamaaina Mortgage Program were recognized Thursday by the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corp., which officials call an early milestone for a state effort aimed at making homeownership more attainable amid high housing costs and elevated interest rates. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Legislature OKs demolition funds for Country Club. The state’s executive supplemental budget transmitted Wednesday to Gov. Josh Green contains $14 million in capital improvement project funds to demolish the former Country Club Condominium Hotel building in Hilo. Tribune-Herald.

Waianuenue Avenue roadwork scheduled. The Hawaii County Department of Public Works will be conducting pavement overlay work on Waianuenue Avenue in front of the Hilo Benioff Medical Center on Monday and Tuesday. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Now. 

Maui

Investigation into rock thrown at monk seal and breaches of seal resting areas. The Department of Land and Natural Resources is investigating social media postings on Instagram that appear to show an adult male throwing an object toward a monk seal while it was swimming in the water off the Lahaina shoreline. Maui Now. Maui News.  KHON2.  Hawaii News Now. 

Makawao Forest Reserve’s first management plan balances needed conservation, popular recreation. On the northwestern slopes of Haleakalā, the Makawao Forest Reserve was created in 1908 at the urging of Hawaiʻi’s first territorial forester Ralph Hosmer for the primary purpose of protecting freshwater resources to meet the increasing demand from the growing population and agricultural industries on Maui. Maui Now.

Kauai

Beginner Farmers Need Look No Further Than West Kauaʻi. Few instructional opportunities exist for Kaua‘i residents to get into commercial farming, and this program connects participants to a ready market.  Civil Beat.

County of Kauai advances Wildfire Home Assessment Program. The County of Kauai, in partnership with the Hawaii Wildfire Management Organization, continues to advance a Wildfire Home Assessment Program designed to help residents reduce wildfire risk and strengthen community resilience. The program is scheduled to launch on Aug. 1.  Garden Island.

State economists unclear on Trump policy impact, NOAA monitoring monk seals for avian flu, former Punahou coach pleads guilty to child sex crimes, Kobayashi’s family offers to return GoFundMe donations, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Trump policies create uncertainty for Hawaii economy. Incoming President Donald Trump and his potential policies — especially campaign threats of tariffs on imported foreign goods — create an unknown for Hawaii’s economic forecast, which the University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization otherwise expects to show modest growth through 2027. Heading into 2025, UHERO Executive Director Carl Bonham said there remains “complete uncertainty about federal policies.” Star-Advertiser. Kauai Now.

Hawaiʻi receives $6M in federal funds for digital equity plan. The U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration has awarded more than $6 million to help Hawaiʻi bring broadband internet service and the know-how to use it to residents across the state. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawai‘i Tourism Authority to reinvest nearly $3M in partnerships with 100+ community projects and events in first half of 2025. The Hawai‘i Tourism Authority has announced its upcoming community partnerships focused on natural resources, cultural initiatives, festivals and signature events. HTA is reinvesting nearly $3 million in partnerships with 105 community-based organizations, projects, programs and events taking place across Hawai‘i from January 1 to June 30, 2025. Maui Now.

NOAA keeps an eye on possible avian flu among Hawaiian monk seals. Across the globe, there have been die-offs due to avian influenza. In South America, more than 3,000 sea lions and seals have been casualties. Hawaii Public Radio.

Turbulence slammed Hawaiian Airlines flight because of decision to fly over storm cell, report says. A Hawaiian Airlines flight crew’s decision to fly over a hazardous storm cell instead of deviating around it was the probable cause for hitting severe turbulence that injured passengers and crewmembers in 2022, the National Transportation Safety Board said in a final report Thursday. Associated Press.

Hannah Kobayashi’s family offers to return GoFundMe donations. The family of Hannah Kobayashi offered to refund online donations after announcing Wednesday that she had been located. Numerous donors contributed more than $47,000 to the family on GoFundMe. New York Daily News. Hawaii News Now.

The Atlantic magazine showcases the 'complexity' of Hawaiian sovereignty history. Adrienne LaFrance, who once worked as a journalist in Hawaii, has penned an article about Hawaiian sovereignty with the headline “The Hawaiians Who Want Their Nation Back.” Hawaii Public Radio.
 
Oahu

Honolulu City Council testifier stirs controversy with comment that ''Ōlelo Hawaiʻi is dead'. "Assuming it was Hawaiian and that is a dead language," said Honolulu City Council testifier Kai Lorinc. Lorinc, who's lived in Hawaii for a decade, said she did not mean any disrespect, but simply wanted to participate in the civic process. KITV4.

Council OKs seizure of Queen Theater. The Queen Theater, once an iconic, 1930s-era landmark in the heart of Kaimuki that over the decades would attract illicit and illegal activities, public complaints and vagrants, is now on track to be a city-owned property. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Restaurant Tip Theft Case Hardly The Only One In Town. Restaurant workers, advocates and government officials say practice of restaurant owners scooping up tips meant for employees is far more common than it seems. Civil Beat.

Women Inmates Can Work Out At New Prison Gym. Prison reform advocates hope the privately funded exercise room at the Women’s Community Correctional Center in Kailua will contribute to an overall effort to focus on rehabilitation and help prevent inmates from committing more crimes after their release. Civil Beat.

New facility combines interim housing with multiple services. Family Promise of Hawaii officially unveiled Thursday its new facility on Young Street, designed to provide both emergency shelter and comprehensive support services for families experiencing homelessness. Star-Advertiser.

Former basketball coach pleads guilty to child sex crimes against 10 victims. A former Punahou School youth basketball coach has pleaded guilty to 12 offenses related to child sex crimes that could put him behind bars for the rest of his life. The U.S. Attorney’s Office said Dwayne Yuen, 51, pleaded guilty Thursday to committing sex crimes against three minor victims. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.  KITV4.

Police officer arrested for felony crime at downtown apartment complex. A Honolulu police officer assigned to the Traffic Division was arrested Thursday afternoon for allegedly breaking into her tenant’s apartment. Hawaii News Now.

Senior housing complex manager left injured resident to die on apartment floor, lawsuit alleges. The daughter of a woman left injured and dying in a state-run apartment complex is now suing. The woman’s decomposing body was found after neighbors complained about the smell. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Contract finally awarded to dredge volcanic debris that left Pohoiki Boat Ramp landlocked in 2018. East Hawai‘i commercial and recreational boaters have finally received the news they have wanted to hear since 2018, when the lava flow from the 2018 Kīlauea eruption left the much-used Pohoiki Boat Ramp landlocked.  Big Island Now.

Scientists Fixing Blurry Kīlauea Summit Webcams. Water and spiderwebs were removed from the webcams overlooking Kaluapele in order to ensure clear views of Kīlauea caldera.  Big Island Video News.

November rainfall a one-day deluge. Much of the Big Island received normal to near-normal rainfall totals in November. In some areas, however, especially in East Hawaii, much, if not most fell on Nov. 4. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Honuaʻula project yanked from Friday’s Council agenda over ‘procedural requirement’. Bills 171 and 172 would amend land-use and development standards for the 670-acre South Maui development, formerly known as “Wailea 670.” A public hearing on the bills was also canceled. Maui Now.

The Long Crusade To Build A West Maui Hospital Hits Another Snag. Proponents and possible developers are still pursuing the proposed hospital in Kā’anapali, but they say the county has backpedaled on a key component — a commitment to be the guarantor of state-issued bonds to kick-start construction. Civil Beat.

Survey to help identify locations most in need of reliable, high-speed internet on Maui, Molokaʻi and Lānaʻi. As part of the Connect Kākou Initiative, the County of Maui is inviting residents of Maui, Molokaʻi and Lānaʻi to take a brief survey on their internet access and use, devices used, community resources needed and household demographics. Maui Now.

Army of helpers clear out ‘ineligible’ fire debris for Maui property owners. Out of more than two-thousand properties burned in the Maui wildfires, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has removed debris from all but eight commercial lots. There are some debris, however, that homeowners must remove themselves. Hawaii News Now.

Court ruling could halt boat operations at Kāʻanapali Beach in 2025. Boat operators in Kāʻanapali, Maui, might not be allowed to launch or operate from the world-famous beach starting next year. KHON2.

Kauai

Kapa‘a woman indicted by federal grand jury for scheme to defraud coronavirus assistance program. A 46-year-old Kaua‘i woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury on 8 counts including wire fraud, aggravated identity theft and others in connection with an alleged scheme to defraud a Garden Isle coronavirus pandemic rental and utility assistance program. Kauai Now.

$25M initiative to restore coral health, monk seal pup found dead on North Shore, Big Island to quit spraying glyphosate on county roadsides, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

$25M initiative to restore health of Hawaii’s coral reefs. Arizona State University on Monday announced the creation of a new $25 million initiative that aims to preserve and restore the vitality to Hawaii’s declining coral reefs. Star-Advertiser.

Monk Seal Pup Found Dead On Oahu’s North Shore. The discovery comes after officials disclosed another young seal was most likely killed intentionally on the island in March. Civil Beat. Big Island Now.  KHON2.

State school board shake-up raises questions. No one who knows why Gov. Josh Green removed Bruce Voss as chair of the state Board of Education is talking openly about the reasons.  Star-Advertiser.

Inflation is stabilizing, but Hawaii food costs high. Honolulu’s inflation rate is easing, but prices for some items are still higher than they were last year, according to federal data. Star-Advertiser.

Hotels offer applicants perks amid staffing shortages. More than 80% of hoteliers across the nation are reporting staffing shortages, and Hawaii is no exception with this year’s projection for state hotel jobs expected to be nearly 12% below pre-pandemic levels. Hawaii’s projected hotel job decline is tied for 20th worst along with Arizona and Minnesota.  Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii On The Hill: Hirono Talks K-Pop, Cats And Carrying On At DC Event. The U.S. senator from Hawaii talked about a wide range of issues during the 7th Annual Hawaii on the Hill event in Washington, D.C. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Ex-Council chair pleads not guilty to abuse charge. Former Honolulu City Council member Ikaika Anderson has pleaded not guilty to allegations of domestic abuse levied by his 34-year-old girlfriend. Star-Advertiser. KITV4.

New HPD Budget Adds Potential Hiring Bonuses, Boosts Chinatown And Community Policing. Recruiting incentives for new officers and civilian hires are under discussion. Civil Beat.

Portal for City’s rent, utility relief program closes after surge in applications. Due to extraordinary demand from Oahu renters, the City and County of Honolulu’s Rental and Utility Relief Program (RURP) application portal closed again Tuesday afternoon. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

The patient numbers at Red Hill's clinic are low. Why are civilians seeking care elsewhere? Earlier this year, the military opened the Red Hill Clinic to provide treatment to those facing long-term health effects from the November 2021 jet fuel water crisis. Hawaii Public Radio.

City to start major improvement project on Kalākaua Avenue. Honolulu's Department of Design and Construction announced that they will be renovating the roads and curbs for the next nine months. The project also includes adjusting manhole covers and utility boxes. Hawaii Public Radio.

Vandals Nearly Destroyed This Central Oahu Cemetery. Now The Community Is Standing Up For The Dead. The state has stepped in to untangle legal issues and create a long-term plan. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island
 
County announces changes for own pesticide use. The County of Hawaii Public Works Department announced Tuesday plans to end the use of glyphosate-based herbicides on County roadsides, drainage structures, rights-of-ways, and easements by July 1. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News.

Charges against two women — cited in a dispute over nene conservation— were dropped by a judge Tuesday. “It’s a win for the cats.” That was the reaction by Nancy Charles-Parker after misdemeanor charges of the taking of endangered and threatened species against her and fellow Waikoloa resident Ferol Kolons were dismissed without prejudice Tuesday by South Kohala District Judge Jill Hasegawa. Tribune-Herald.

Public invited to learn about Wailuku hydroelectric project on Big Island. The public is invited to a meeting this week to learn more about a project that has provided clean, renewable electricity for more than 30 years on the Big Island and plans for its continued operation. Big Island Now.

Maui

Former Mayor, Ex-Mahi Pono Exec Now Want To Steer East Maui’s New Water Board. The council is considering the additional applicants as DHHL scraps its initial recommendation of Jonathan Likeke Scheuer. Civil Beat.

Gov. Green moves to increase healthcare opportunities.  Governor Josh Green, M.D. announced that he has signed legislation that will expand access to healthcare on Maui. KHON2.

Wailuku parking structure to open in September. The four-story, 393-stall parking structure that aims to clear up street parking in Wailuku town is set to open Sept. 1, according to Maui County and construction officials. Maui News.

USPS seeks to fill 47 job openings at four Maui post offices; Job Fair Blitz on June 15. The US Postal Service is hosting job fairs on June 15 at the Kahului, Kīhei, Lahaina and Wailuku Post Offices.  Maui Now.

Maui parents want more mental health help for woman who allegedly tried to take child. A Maui woman accused of trying to kidnap a child last month is now facing a new charge. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai

Owning pepper spray on Kauaʻi may get easier with new law. Unlike other counties in the state, to legally own pepper spray on Kauaʻi, a resident needs a permit. A new bill at the Kauaʻi County Council seeks to change that. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kapa‘a Swimming Pool estimated to reopen August. With renovations to the pool beginning in August 2022, the project’s scope of work includes replacing and upgrading the pool filtration, recirculation and chlorination systems. Kauai Now.

Three Hawaii beaches in top 10 ranking, Gov. Green helps rescue driver, Craig Angelos named UH athletic director, Katherine Kealoha loses bid to be released from prison, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Oahu, Maui and Kauai crack top 10 in 2023 national beach rankings. Hawaii placed three beaches on the list, more than any other state. Those locations were Duke Kahanamoku Beach on Oahu, Wailea Beach on Maui and Poipu Beach on Kauai. Associated Press.

Tourism, construction still Hawaii’s recession buffers. Economist: It’s ‘hard to be pessimistic’ amid positive signs in the local economy. Despite heightened risks, Hawaii economists believe the state is still likely to avoid an outright recession due to tourism and construction activity softening the hit. Maui News.

Car dealership inventory increasing as demand remains high. Those in the market for a new car may have better luck finding a car that meets their needs, dealerships said car inventory is improving while the ticket price on cars is on a downward trend. KHON2.

Hawaiian monk seal population continues to increase. Hawaiian monk seal populations have grown to an estimated 1,605 in 2022, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. This number is up from an estimated 1,564 in 2021.  Spectrum News.

Oahu

Mayor Insists City Didn’t Downplay Health Concerns Over Kailua Sewage. Blangiardi and the state health director pushed back against assertions made by state clean water supervisors monitoring the situation. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Vacant Homes Would Be Taxed At Higher Rate Under Possible City Plan. Honolulu officials are considering ways to boost city income and expand the pool of rental housing by raising the property taxes on homes that have been left vacant by their owners. Civil Beat.

Katherine Kealoha Fails In Effort To Get Out Of Prison.  A request from disgraced former Honolulu prosecutor Katherine Kealoha to end her 13-year prison sentence early has been officially rejected. In a ruling on Wednesday, U.S. District Court Judge J. Michael Seabright denied Kealoha’s petition. Civil Beat. KHON2.

HPD Investigation Of Makaha Cops Is Wrapping Up, Commission Told. More than a year and a half after four police officers allegedly ran a car full of people off the road, the Honolulu Police Department is just about done with its investigation of the incident.  Civil Beat.

New homeless facility that long sat idle will soon house medical respite beds. In a major development, the city says it’s on track to open a medical respite facility for the homeless in early June inside an Iwilei housing project that’s been sitting empty for more than a year. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Craig Angelos approved as next Hawaii athletic director. Craig Angelos is the new University of Hawaii at Manoa athletic director, starting June 5, after he was approved by the UH Board of Regents today at Honolulu Community College. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.  KHON2.

Oil-fired power plant proposed for conversion. Hawaiian Electric is seeking to redevelop an 85-year-old power plant in Pearl City as part of meeting a state goal for a 100% renewable energy supply by 2045. Star-Advertiser. Associated Press.

What will replace Pali Lanes? 2 years after its closure, the answer remains unclear. It’s been nearly two years since an iconic Kailua landmark closed its doors for good. That’s got community members wondering what the future of Pali Lanes actually looks like. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Hawai‘i County Council approves first reading of $1.19 billion budget for FY 2023-24. During a special meeting on Thursday, the Hawai‘i County Council approved the first reading of the County’s proposed fiscal year 2023-24 operating and capital budgets that total nearly $1.19 billion. Big Island Now.

Gov. Green, others help driver in overturned vehicle on Big Island. Green was traveling on Waikoloa Road to attend the Waikoloa Solar + Storage ribbon-cutting ceremony when he and his security detail saw an overturned vehicle sometime before 10 a.m. Star-Advertiser. Big Island Now.  Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

AES opens its newest solar plus storage site amid Hawaiʻi's push for renewables. The AES Corporation has started operating its Waikoloa Solar + Storage Project, capable of generating up to 30 megawatts and storing 120 megawatt-hours. Hawaii Public Radio. West Hawaii Today.

CSO Decommissioning Delay Due To Mirror Removal. Officials say CSO is finalizing the design of a special cradle that can carry the telescope mirror down the mountain. Big Island Video News.

Maui

MPD plan: Recruiting, community relations among top priorities. Around 42 percent of Maui County residents said they have a favorable impression of the Maui Police Department, while 24 percent saw the department unfavorably, according to a survey of 402 residents included in MPD’s recently released strategic plan. Maui News. Maui Now.

Nexamp to provide update on two Upcountry shared solar projects. Nexamp will host two virtual community meetings to provide updates on two Upcountry shared solar projects–Piʻiholo Road Solar and Makawao Solar. Maui Now.

Kauai

Marriott hiring for several positions on Kaua‘i. Positions are available at The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas, Marriott’s Kauai Beach Club, Marriott’s Kauai Lagoons – Kalanipu’u and Marriott’s Waiohai Beach Club properties. Kauai Now.

Pay transparency advances in Legislature, Clintons visit Big Island, Honolulu City Council passes shoreline setback bills, Kagawa elected to Kauai County Council, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii Companies May Be Required To Disclose Pay In Job Ads. Senate Bill 1057 would require employers to list their hourly rates and salary rates on job listings. Civil Beat.

Former lawmaker Kaniela Ing prosecuted for missed deadline. Former state Rep. Kaniela Ing is in trouble again with the Hawaii Campaign Spending Commission, and this time he’s facing criminal prosecution and possible jail time for allegedly failing to file a mandatory campaign spending update on time. Star-Advertiser.

Rep. Gene Ward: ‘Reform Proposals Will Be Very Disappointing This Session’. The veteran GOP lawmaker thinks the one-party dominance of Democrats is a hindrance to efforts to bring more transparency to the Legislature. Civil Beat.

Preschool plan plagued by Hawaii’s teacher shortage.  Momentum is growing for Hawaii’s plan to create statewide access to preschool — but so are anxieties over how quality teachers for 465 new classrooms would be found amid a pervasive teacher shortage, as well as how private preschool providers would be able to attract more workers with higher salaries without pricing out tuition-paying families.  Star-Advertiser. KITV4.

After-school programs eye additional REACH dollars, in part to lower rates of juvenile drug use and crime. After-school programs could be getting a boost in funding after a bill unanimously passed the House Committee on Finance on Thursday. Tribune-Herald.

Oahu

Honolulu City Council unanimously passes 2 bills to combat rising sea levels. Bills 41 and 42 will increase the shoreline setback rules for new buildings. Hawaii News Now.

DOE Hopes A $35 Million Kitchen In Wahiawa Will Improve School Lunches And Give Farmers A Boost. The DOE plans for a centralized kitchen concept but local advocates say it's better to increase cooking capacity at individual schools. Civil Beat.

Kamalani Academy Charter School Expected To Close In June After Commission Vote. Kamalani Academy, a public charter school in Wahiawa, is expected to permanently shut its doors by the end of June after the Hawaii State Public Charter School Commission voted 5-1 Wednesday not to extend the school’s contract for several violations. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

National Guard to test Waiawa wells, spigots for ‘forever chemicals’.  The Army National Guard wants to test drinking water in parts of Waiawa for toxic PFAS “forever chemicals.” It’s investigating to see if residential water wells were contaminated from firefighting foam years ago. Hawaii News Now.

Pokai Bay Beach comfort station project to start. The state will be working on improving the security to the comfort station (bathroom building) at Pokai Bay Beach Park. KHON2.

Rocky’s monk seal pup born on Waikīkī beach gives birth to her own pup Uʻi Mea Ola. On Jan. 28, 2023, Kaimana gave birth to the first pup of 2023 in the main Hawaiian Islands.  Kauai Now. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.  KITV4

Hawaii Island

State seeks public feedback on proposed location for HVO.  Big Island residents are encouraged to provide feedback for a proposed new facility for the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory at the University of Hilo campus. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News.

Failing infrastructure threatens future of only hospital that serves West Hawaii. Leadership at Kona Community Hospital is asking the Legislature for nearly $19 million — money to fix utilities that are falling apart. Hawaii News Now.

Proposal to release wasp to fight CBB advances. The release of a parasitoid wasp from Africa to assist in the fight against the invasive coffee berry borer moved one step closer to taking place Thursday. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaiʻi Council Advances Animal Control & Protection Agency Bill. Bill 22 - which will create a new “Animal Control And Protection Agency” - passed first reading at the Hawaiʻi County Council on Wednesday. Big Island Video News.

Clintons attend blessing of new parish center on Hawaii Island. Former President Bill Clinton and First Lady Hillary Clinton are in Hawaii. The Clintons attended the blessing of a new parish center at St. Michael the Archangel Parish in Kailua-Kona. Hawaii News Now.

Merrie Monarch Ho’ike tickets on sale Sunday. Tickets for this year’s Merrie Monarch Festival Ho‘ike will go on sale at 9 a.m. Sunday at the Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium box office in Hilo. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Military Contracts Honolulu Company To Clean Up Haleakala Fuel Spill. The military is still in the process of working to clean up 700 gallons of diesel spilled at the summit last month. Civil Beat. Hawaii Public Radio. Maui Now. Maui News.

Maui Paves The Way For Organic Section At Kula Agricultural Park. The Maui County Council is setting aside 260-acres of the county's agricultural park for organic farming. Civil Beat.

Maui man accused in alleged $146M Ponzi scheme. A 25-year-old Wailuku man is accused of defrauding investors of more than $2 million through his role in a $146 million Ponzi scheme that took money from investors who thought they were buying futures in foreign currency or gold exchange rates, according to a federal civil enforcement action alleging fraud and misappropriation. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai

Ross Kagawa fills in vacant Kauaʻi County Council seat.  After a trickle down of vacancies, the Kauaʻi County Council voted in former Councilmember Ross Kagawa to round out the seven-person body. Hawaii Public Radio. Kauai Now. Garden Island.

Hawaii Spent Decades Developing Community-Managed Fishing Areas. Lawmakers May Undo That. When overfishing badly depleted stocks off Kauai’s northwestern shore, subsistence fishermen and their families teamed with environmental regulators to draw up new rules designating Haena as Hawaii’s first Community-Based Subsistence Fishing Area. Civil Beat.

Heavy rains cause 100,000 gallons of wastewater to spill at Kauai treatment plant. The state Department of Health said heavy rains earlier this week caused thousands of gallons of wastewater to spill at the Poipu Water Reclamation Plant. Hawaii News Now.

Counties grapple with concealed carry laws, union boss vote-rigging trial begins, bivalent COVID boosters unpopular as more die from virus, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Voting Is Solidly Underway In Hawaii As General Election Approaches. With a week to go before general election voting comes to an end in Hawaii, state and county elections officials report about 195,000 ballots have been returned. That’s out of more than 731,000 ballots distributed so far, a return rate of about 27%.  Civil Beat.

A More Civil Legislature? Hawaii Lawmakers May Soon Be Asked To Bolster Citizen Rights. The Legislature’s special commission aimed at fighting corruption is continuing to fine tune proposals for the upcoming session. Civil Beat.

Witness details alleged vote rigging in Ahakuelo trial. Testimony in the trial for former union boss Brian Ahakuelo highlights more details in the alleged vote rigging to raise union dues. Ahakuelo was the former business manager at IBEW Local 1260. KHON2.

Hawaiʻi Sells $800 Million Of General Obligation Bonds. Before the sale, the State says Moody’s and S&P affirmed the State’s bond ratings of Aa2 and AA+, respectively, with stable outlooks. Big Island Video News.

Matson Inc. to buy 3 vessels totaling $1 billion; profit falls. Matson Inc. demonstrated its commitment to its long-term decarbonization strategy by announcing Wednesday it had signed contracts totaling $1 billion with Philly Shipyard Inc. to build three new liquefied natural gas-powered Aloha Class containerships. Star-Advertiser.

Bivalent booster uptake low as holidays near. A total of 167,434 residents have received the new bivalent booster, representing 11.8% of the state’s total population and about 15% of the state’s eligible population — age 5 and older. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii records 1,017 new COVID-19 cases, 7 more deaths. The state’s average positivity rate also declined to 5.5% compared with 6.2% in the previous week. Star-Advertiser. KHON2.

Oahu

Honolulu lags other counties on concealed-carry gun licenses. The Kauai Police Department will begin issuing concealed carry weapons licenses to gun owners this week, leaving Honolulu as the last county to finalize rules and process the 575 pending applications to carry a gun in public. Star-Advertiser.

City Council vacancies inspire hot races, but the transition could bring business to a halt. The Honolulu City Council said an early aloha to two members Wednesday ― and there is no shortage of candidates fighting to replace them and fill a third open seat. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu City Council unanimously passes measure to protect historic cultural sites. In an effort to better protect historic cultural sites, the Honolulu City Council voted Wednesday to activate the Historic Preservation Commission. Star-Advertiser.

Another HPD officer involved in chase, crash asks for taxpayer-funded legal defense. Officer Joshua Nahulu is part of three civil lawsuits that stem from the Sept. 12, 2021 incident in which he and two other officers, Jake Bartolome and Erik Smith, are accused of improperly chasing a white sedan before the driver crashed in Makaha. Hawaii News Now.

Lawsuit Raises Stakes In Pollution Dispute Between Boat Owners and Kakaako Developer. A group of commercial boat operators located at Kewalo Basin Harbor has sued the Howard Hughes Corp. for allegedly violating state and federal laws by discharging construction debris laden with minute metal particles from the developer’s massive condo construction sites in Kakaako. Civil Beat.

Hanabusa: Rail’s Limited Passenger Service Start Date Could Be Pushed To Summer. The opening date for limited passenger service on the Honolulu rail has steadily been pushed back in recent years. On Wednesday, the chair of the volunteer board overseeing that transit project said it might be pushed back several months further. Civil Beat.

Police arrest at least 10 ‘habitual’ offenders in Waikiki as part of crackdown on crime. Since September, when the Safe and Sound Waikiki program was launched, police have arrested 10 people near Kuhio Beach ― mostly on drug charges. Court records show those 10 people have at least 54 prior felony and misdemeanor convictions combined. Some of the offenses date back to the late 1980s. Hawaii News Now.

Passport services will be available at Kapolei Satellite City Hall. The Kapolei Satellite City Hall will begin accepting U.S. passport applications on Dec. 5. The expansion comes after Ala Moana Satellite City Hall began offering the services in August. Hawaii Public Radio.

Ahead of rainy season, large Oahu encampment in flood zone draws concern. With forecasters predicting a wetter-than-normal winter, Waipahu residents are raising concerns about an encampment in their community that’s near a canal. Hawaii News Now.

Waikiki’s largest resort Hilton Hawaiian Village to get bigger. Hilton Hawaiian Village is in the early stages of the permitting process for a new 36-floor Ala Moana Boulevard Tower that will add approximately 515 rooms to what is already Waikiki’s largest resort property and has the most rooms of any Hilton in the world. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

After much debate, gun bill advances. After hours of considering, approving and rejecting more than half a dozen amendments, the County Council voted Wednesday in favor of a bill prohibiting concealed firearms in certain places. Tribune-Herald. Hawaii News Now.

Council kills property tax relief. A measure that would have provided property tax relief for properties not currently under assessment caps was soundly defeated Wednesday by a County Council majority. West Hawaii Today.

Man cited after his dog is seen harassing Hawaiian monk seal. State officials say a 52-year-old man has been cited by multiple agencies after his dog was seen harassing an endangered Hawaiian monk seal last month at Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park. Star-Advertiser. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now. Maui Now. Kauai Now. KITV4.

Hawaii Radiologic at a standstill: ‘Technical difficulties’ prompt company to suspend key services. Hawaii Radiologic Associates has been experiencing what it refers to as “technical difficulties” that have caused temporary disruptions to its computer systems, phone lines and website. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Now.

Hawaii Care Choices shutting down in-patient care facility. After a decade of service, Pohai Malama Care Center, a 12-bed inpatient hospice facility owned and operated by Hawaii Care Choices, will cease operations starting Nov. 18. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

A Massive Effort To Manage Hawaii’s Nearshore Waters Just Launched On Maui. The process is beginning six years after Gov. David Ige first announced the initiative to manage 30% of the state’s nearshore waters by 2030. Civil Beat.

Iconic Kula Lodge sold to 5 Palms owner, Simon Vojdani. The iconic Kula Lodge & Restaurant and Kula Marketplace are now under new ownership and management by Simon Vojdani. Vojdani is the owner of 5 Palms Restaurant, which was previously situated on Keawakapu Beach in South Maui for 27 years. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kaua‘i County Council lays groundwork for electric vehicle infrastructure. In a 5-2 vote Wednesday, the council agreed to pass Bill No. 2877, which requires that new parking lots with more than 100 spaces install EV charging systems in 5 percent of their stalls. Garden Island.

Kauai construction company dropping lawsuit against Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg's company.  A Kauai construction company is dropping its lawsuit against Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s company for not receiving payment of more than $130,000 for work it had completed on the billionaire tech titan’s North Shore Kauai property. KITV4.