FAA ends flight cutbacks, Hawaii SNAP payments resume in full, Honolulu AI police surveillance worries advocates, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

FAA to end cuts to flights at 40 airports, including Honolulu. The FAA says it is ending all commercial flight restrictions that were put in place during the federal government shutdown. Starting Monday, Nov. 17, at 1 a.m. HST, airlines will be able to go back to their regular schedules. KHON2. Reuters. Associated Press.

Hawaii working on restoring SNAP benefits after shutdown. The state Department of Human Services said it successfully issued full November SNAP benefits Nov. 7 to more than 78,000 households representing over 160,000 people statewide. Star-Advertiser.

From Fundraisers To Favors, Ethics Panel Wants To Crack Down On State Workers. New reform measures would prohibit high level state officials from holding fundraisers and stop state employees from doing favors for former employers. Civil Beat.

Travel firms urge increase in marketing as visitor numbers slip. A total of 690,858 visitors came to Hawaii in September, down 2.5% from September 2024, according to state data. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii ranks second highest in the country for women in construction. Construction Coverage, which researches construction software, insurance and related services for builders and real estate professionals, looked at all 50 states in its “Best-Paying States for Women in Construction” report that found that women make up 13.2% of Hawaii’s construction industry. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Job Corps survives federal shutdown attempt. The operator of the Job Corps centers on Oahu and Maui wants the public to know that the facilities didn’t close at the end of June as directed by the U.S. Department of Labor. Star-Advertiser.

Campaign to ID unknowns from USS Arizona reaches milestone. A civilian-led effort called Operation 85 has reached its goal of collecting enough DNA samples from the living relatives of the battleship’s crew to prompt the Defense Department to consider reexamining dozens of unidentified servicemen who were buried in Hawaii after the Pearl Harbor attack. Arizona Daily Star.

Oahu

Advocates Fear ‘Surveillance Creep’ If HPD Starts Using AI To Write Reports. Honolulu police will start testing an AI program for writing reports run by body camera company Axon on Monday. Civil Beat.

Justice Department: Well-Known Hawaiian Defense Contractor Embezzled Funds. Newly public court documents accuse Christopher Dawson and other executives not only of stealing from their federal contracting business but shortchanging Native Hawaiians in the process. Civil Beat.

Centre Urban project would create 72 Waikiki workforce housing units. Centre Urban Real Estate is advancing plans to transform two Waikiki sites, including the long-­derelict 1615 Ala Wai Blvd., into 72 affordable workforce housing units under city guidelines. Star-Advertiser.

Anxious Honolulu bus riders await contract resolution. After months of stalled negotiations and warnings of a possible strike, the approximately 130,000 daily riders of Honolulu’s TheBus have been left in limbo, hoping for a resolution to the contract stand-off. Star-Advertiser.

Strike continues at Kapi‘olani Medical Center. Hundreds of union workers continued their strike Saturday in front of the Kapi‘olani Medical Center for Women &Children, marking four weeks since walking off the job Oct. 17. Star-Advertiser.

This Hawaiian Fishpond Is Nearly Restored. All That’s Missing Is Fresh Water. The Heʻeia Fishpond relies on fresh water to create the right conditions to raise fish for the community, but the stream that feeds into it was diverted 85 years ago.  Civil Beat.

Housekeeper sues Hilton Hawaiian Village, alleges co-worker sexually assaulted her. A housekeeper at Hilton Hawaiian Village filed a lawsuit against the hotel, alleging a colleague sexually assaulted her, and arguing her employer should have done more to protect her. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Construction of Hilo roundabout to start in ’27. The intersection of Bayfront Highway, Kamehameha Avenue and Waianuenue Avenue in Hilo is set for a $22 million redesign that includes a roundabout, with construction expected to begin in 2027. Tribune-Herald.

Bill aims to give kupuna farmers property tax relief. Two Hawaii County Council members are proposing a measure that would give longtime kupuna farmers a break on property tax increases after they retire from agricultural work. Tribune-Herald.

Land use debate heats up over controversial ‘Burning Man-inspired’ festival in Pāpaʻikou. On a 15-acre portion of his land in Pāpaʻikou near Hilo, Pennsylvania native Andrew Tepper held a controversial festival in 2023 and 2024 called “Falls on Fire,” an event with a large wooden effigy inspired by the annual weeklong, large-scale Burning Man held in the Black Rock Desert in Nevada. Big Island Now.

Ka‘u student group seeks to minimize waste through composting, recycling. A student-led zero-waste initiative in Ka‘u has kept more than 20,000 pounds of waste out of the West Hawaii landfill since the 2024 start of their grant-supported efforts in trash separation, recycling and composting. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Report projects post-shutdown OGG travel surge with TSA data. Kahului International Airport (OGG) is expected to see one of the nation’s steepest surges in passenger traffic this holiday season, according to a new analysis of Transportation Security Administration data by Luxury Link.  Maui Now.

Who uses the most water in Lahaina? A new report says non-owner-occupied homes. Single-family dwelling was the biggest category of water use in West Maui by meter type, at approximately 5.5 million gallons per day, with hotels coming in second at about 3.5 million. Hawaii Public Radio.

Japan’s richest person loves Kapalua, but not its water crisis. The owner of the course, Japanese billionaire Tadashi Yanai, has been eagerly pursuing avenues to secure a new adequate supply of irrigation water. Star-Advertiser. Maui News. 

Nation’s first communal dialysis home in Hāna needs repairs to keep operating at full capacity. Maui County, which owns the home and leases it to the nonprofit Hui Laulima O Hāna led by Cosma, plans to provide funding to help with the repairs.  Maui Now.

Kauai

Kaua’i Council advances measure targeting disposable bodyboards. The Kaua‘i County Council is considering a proposal to ban disposable bodyboards in an effort to reduce plastic waste and protect the island’s beaches and marine life. Kauai Now.

Kaua‘i County comes together to observe National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week.  Kaua‘i County Housing Agency on Nov. 10 joined community members and county officials during a special ceremony in the Mo‘ikeha Rotunda at Līhu‘e Civic Center to proclaim this week, Nov. 16-22, as National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week. Kauai Now.

RNC sues Hawaii over voter rolls, teens who filed climate lawsuit say state's interisland travel producing too much carbon, state airports won't play video blaming Dems for shutdown, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Republican National Committee Sues Hawaiʻi Over Voter Rolls. Chief Election Officer Scott Nago failed to address the RNC’s questions about what records the state maintains regarding voter rolls, the suit says, adding that this violates Hawai‘i’s open records law and federal disclosure requirements. Civil Beat.

Hawaii won’t play airport video blaming Dems for shutdown. The state Department of Transportation will not play in Hawaii’s airports a Trump administration video that blames Democrats for the ongoing federal shutdown. Star-Advertiser. KITV4.

Teens Who Sued Hawai‘i Say State’s Climate Plan For Aviation Doesn’t Fly. Interisland flights are Hawaiʻi’s biggest transportation carbon producer, making up more than half of all emissions related to civilian travel in the state. Civil Beat.

5-day strike begins at Kaiser Permanente hospitals across Hawaii. Hundreds of unionized workers showed up in force Tuesday morning for the first day of a scheduled five-day strike at Kaiser Permanente hospitals across Hawaii. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii Public Radio. Associated Press. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. 

UH eyes revamping budget allocations amid record enrollment. In the past, enrollment growth would result in additional funds allocated for infrastructure costs and hiring lecturers. With the new model, the appropriate money will automatically be allocated to the campus based on the enrollment for that semester. Hawaii Public Radio.

Meadow Gold issues recall for chocolate milk distributed at Hawaii schools. The chocolate milk, made and packaged out of state, is being voluntarily recalled due to potential quality control issues. Approximately 70,000 units were distributed in Hawaii since they were received on Sept. 29, 2025.  Hawaii News Now. KHON2. KITV4. 

Oahu

Honolulu City Council postpones fare increases for public transit. The Council’s Budget Committee voted unanimously to postpone Bill 54 — a measure formally requested by the city Department of Transportation Services — citing the need to further study a measure that calls for a new fare structure for the city’s public transit system. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu Transit Services, union at odds. Oahu Transit Services, which operates TheBus and TheHandi-Van routes for the City &County of Honolulu, is urging its 130,000 daily riders of TheBus to consider alternative transportation after officials say they received inquiries about a possible strike by bus drivers. Star-Advertiser.

Will 4 New Stations And A $1 Million Ad Campaign Attract More Rail Riders? Mayor Rick Blangiardi says the city must overcome “almost two decades of negativity and cynicism.” Civil Beat.

 Real estate company faces $2.4M fine from DOH for unauthorized discharge into Kahaluu wetlands. Fill materials were illegally discharged into the wetlands on Wailehua Road from 2015 to 2016 . The Hawaii Department of Health (DOH) issued a $2.4 million fine against real estate company Wailehua I, LLC for unauthorized discharge into the wetlands in Kahaluu. KITV4. Hawaii News Now. 

State warns of possible bird flu case in sick Manoa duck. State officials are urging caution after a presumptive case of avian influenza has been identified in an ailing duck at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. Star-Advertiser. KHON2. 

Hawaii Island

Drought conditions prompt water conservation notice in South Kohala. Prolonged lack of rainfall and dry conditions have prompted Hawai‘i County to issue a water conservation notice for both residential and commerical accounts in South Kohala till further notice. Big Island Now. Hawaii News Now. 

Low-Level PFOS Detected In Pepeʻekeo Water System Well; amount within acceptable federal standards. Low levels of perfluorooctanesulfonic acid, or PFOS, have been detected for the first time in a Pepeʻekeo water well. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now.

Officials, supporters gather for blessing of Hilo’s Hale Na Koa ‘O Hanakahi. The $58 million project produced four two-story buildings on the 5.6 acre property at the corner of West Kawili and Kapiolani Streets. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

New hotel zoning weighed to preserve some vacation rentals amid housing crisis debate. A Maui County Council investigative group has recommended creating two new hotel zoning districts to allow some existing short-term vacation rentals in apartment-zoned districts to continue operating, a proposal that drew sharp public debate over balancing economic concerns with residents’ urgent need for housing. Maui Now.

Controversial Bill To Phase Out Maui Vacation Rentals Could Get Watered Down. A temporary investigative group recommended rezoning thousands of apartment-zoned units so they can be used as both short- and long-term rentals. Civil Beat.

Paʻia Elementary School to reopen on Wednesday. Paʻia Elementary School on Maui will reopen to students and staff on Wednesday following its closure for fire cleanup and environmental testing, the state Department of Education said . Star-Advertiser. Maui Now. 

No hunting proposed for Kula forest reserve. A draft management plan proposes no hunting of game animals, except possibly birds, at the new Kamehamenui Forest Reserve in Kula. Maui News.

Kauai

Kaua‘i charter boat spies its first humpback whale of 2025-26 season. Humpback whales — or kohola in Hawaiian — travel about 3,200 miles each winter from Alaska to Hawai‘i to give birth, mate and care for their young.  Kauai Now.

Blessing held for the Poipu Road Safety and Mobility Project. The County of Kauai held a blessing ceremony in Koloa on Tuesday to mark the start of the Poipu Road Safety and Mobility Project, a major infrastructure effort aimed at improving safety and accessibility along one of South Kauai’s busiest corridors. Garden Island. Kauai Now. 

Green promises 64k new homes, Kaiser Permanente workers set to strike, Japanese firm to help meet state energy goals, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Green Says 64,000 New Affordable Homes Are In The Pipeline. Can He Deliver? The market has shown few signs of improving since Green took office. While the resale prices of single-family homes and condos have leveled off, rents have increased 17% since his December 2022 inauguration, according to the University of Hawaiʻi Economic Research Organization. Civil Beat.

New state task force targets Hawaii’s permit backlog. A new state task force is taking aim at Hawaii’s notoriously slow and complex permitting system, which has long delayed housing and commercial projects across the islands. Tribune-Herald.

Japanese firm to help Hawaii achieve clean energy goals. Gov. Josh Green and the energy firm, JERA Co. Inc., signed a strategic partnering agreement establishing a framework for the collaboration on Oct. 6 during a weeklong trip to Japan by Green and more than a dozen other officials from state government including lawmakers. Star-Advertiser. Kauai Now. 

OHA’s Chief Executive Could See A 35% Pay Bump While On Leave. Office of Hawaiian Affairs CEO Stacy Ferreira, who was placed on indefinite leave in September, could see her pay jump 35%—to $270,400 — next month under a proposal up for consideration by the office’s Board of Trustees on Wednesday. Civil Beat.

Kaiser workers to strike over wages, staffing, benefits. About 2,300 Kaiser Permanente employees in Hawaii are set to walk off the job this morning as part of a five-day national strike, joining over 45,000 unionized health care workers across the country in one of the largest labor actions in the health care sector in recent years. Star-Advertiser. Tribune-Herald. KHON2.

HCL offers forbearances for federal employees impacted by shutdown. Hawai‘i Community Lending is offering temporary relief to federal workers in Hawai‘i to ensure they do not lose their homes amid the ongoing government shutdown. Maui Now.

Oahu

Honolulu City Council considers fare hikes for public transit. As initially proposed, Bill 54 could increase the annual adult fare from $880 to $990; and fares for monthly adult fare would rise to $90, up from the current charge of $80 — a 12.5% price increase for both. Star-Advertiser.

Uncertainty for TheBus riders as strike talks continue, no advance notice guaranteed. Oahu Transit Services has been receiving inquiries about a pending strike by TheBus employees, prompting the union that represents them to clear the confusion. Hawaii News Now.

Skyline debuts 4 new stops, making its way into the heart of Honolulu. Honolulu’s rail system is expanding again with Skyline Segment 2 opening Thursday, Oct. 16, at 4 a.m.  KHON2.

 Honolulu's TheBus introduces new routes for Skyline expansion. The Department of Transportation Services in Honolulu announced upcoming changes to TheBus routes, effective October 16, 2025, to align with the opening of Skyline Segment 2. KITV4.

Windward Oʻahu Senior Housing Stalls Amid Zoning Appeals Backlog. A proposed senior living facility in Kāneʻohe would bring a range of negative impacts, residents say. The developer says it will help meet a crucial need. Civil Beat.

Father, daughter charged with assaulting HPD officers in Kalihi. Father, daughter charged with assaulting HPD officers in Kalihi. Kaeo Keoki Montalbo, 39, and his daughter, Naehu Montalbo Wong, were charged Monday for allegedly assaulting Honolulu police officers during a large brawl Friday night after a high school football game in Kalihi. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Public input sought on housing project in Hilo. The County of Hawai‘i Office of Housing and Community Development will host a community meeting on Oct. 23 to share information and gather feedback on the proposed ʻĀinakō Subdivision Housing Project in Hilo. Big Island Now.

Parolee who killed Big Island woman in 1978 is ‘under the highest level of supervision’.  The 75-year-old parolee, Steven Ray Simpson, was recently paroled for the 1978 murder of a young woman on the Big Island and suspected by prosecutors of having killed another young woman on the island that same year. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui Is Racing To Spend $20M On Lahaina Land Deal With Prominent Developer. The county plans to use 160 acres from Peter Martin for flood control, evacuation routes and other projects that could help the fire-torn town recover. Civil Beat.

Relief in the works for applicants on Upcountry water meter waitlist. John Stufflebean, director of the Maui County Department of Water Supply, said the department has developed a plan to start processing the list of people waiting for water meters in the Upcountry area. Maui News.

Downed communication cables spark concerns on Maui. Downed cables on Maui have many residents worried it could potentially spark a fire. Hawaiian Telcom, the company that owns the lines, promises there is no danger. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai

Rat lungworm disease detected in adult on Kaua‘i. A case of neuroangiostrongyliasis, or rat lungworm disease, was identified in an adult on Kaua‘i for the first time since 2019. Kauai Now. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii readies nation's first climate impact fee on tourists, Kaiser Permanente workers vote to strike, inaugural high school surfing championships coming this spring, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Conference showcases nexus between green fees, tourism. Members of the Green Fee Advisory Council updated Hawaii’s visitor industry Monday on the process that they are using to ensure that the nation’s first-ever climate impact fee strengthens Hawaii’s environment, builds resilience and enhances the visitor experience. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiʻi is getting less rainfall than in the past. Is that shift permanent? Overall, last month was the driest August for Hawaiʻi since at least 1991. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kaiser Hawaii workers vote to authorize a strike. The vote signals the possibility that thousands of health care workers, including hospital aides, medical assistants, nurses, and lab technicians, among others, could walk off the job if no agreement is reached by the end of month, when contracts expire. Star-Advertiser. Tribune-Herald.  Big Island Now.  Hawaii News Now. KITV4. 

Ruling opens door for challenges to HMSA prior authorization decision. The Hawaii Supreme Court has cleared the way for customers of the state’s largest health insurance company to sue over coverage denials that they believe harmed them or their families.  Hawaii News Now.

Here’s Where Hawaiʻi School Enrollment Is Dropping Fastest. The state is looking at redistricting schools and closing campuses amid an ongoing decline in enrollment. Civil Beat.

Surfing State Championships Coming To Hawaiʻi Schools This Spring. Surfing has been a high school sport since 2004, but a lack of funding and state support has kept many schools from starting their own competitive teams. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser.  Big Island Now. 

Coral in Hawaiʻi waters officially named after furry 'Star Wars' lookalike. A species of deep-sea coral has been named after the beloved "Star Wars" character Chewbacca. Its long shape makes it look like it’s standing upright, and its extended, flexible branches resemble the famous character’s fur. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

Alleged discrepancies in HFD fund under Council discussion. The City Council’s Budget Committee is set today to discuss an audit that showed that a Honolulu Fire Department fund to support fire prevention efforts islandwide was instead allegedly used to finance the department’s operations, staffing and new fire equipment purchases with little to no oversight. Star-Advertiser.

Red Hill whistleblower describes ‘cover-up’ during May 2021 fuel leak. A whistleblower turned over a mountain of evidence years ago, which includes never-seen-before photos of the initial spill. Hawaii News Now.

Invasive Beetles Are Overrunning Oʻahu. Could New Methods Offer Relief? The agriculture department has been focusing on coconut rhinoceros beetles on other Hawaiian islands, leaving Oʻahu largely to fend for itself. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Salary Commission to discuss raises for top officials, County Council. The Salary Commission is proposing to mirror Hawaii Government Employees Association alary increases for executives and elected officials for the next four years: 3.5% increase for year one; 3.79% increase for year two, 4% increase for year three, and 4% increase for year four. Tribune-Herald.

Council OK’s effort to acquire Honolulu Landing property. The Hawaii County Council has given full approval to a resolution urging the Department of Finance to move ahead with acquiring 364 acres of culturally and environmentally significant coastline in Puna known as Honolulu Landing. Tribune-Herald.

Hakalau Bridge Project Begins September 24. Work to rehabilitate the bridge will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Maui Balances Compassion With Fire Safety In Homeless Encampment Sweeps. County leaders say they are prioritizing the community as a whole but critics feel it’s scapegoating. Civil Beat.

With debris transfer nearing completion, attention turns to future of site. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers estimates some 400,000 to 500,000 tons of debris will be moved from the temporary disposal site at Olowalu to the permanent location at Puunene next to the Central Maui Landfill. Maui News.

Maui to host first-ever Hawaii high school surfing championship May 1-2. After almost three decades of work to bring surfing into the mainstream of high school sports on Maui, the first Hawaii High School Athletic Association surfing state championship will be decided on the Valley Isle. Maui News. Maui Now. 

Kauai

Coordinated Hunt in Kauaʻi’s Kalalau Valley reduces feral animal population. Kalalau Valley has long struggled with populations of feral pigs and goats, which damage native plants, cause erosion, and create public health and safety concerns for campers and hikers. Kauai Now. Hawaii News Now. 

Hilo cruise ship passengers left behind, Waikiki traffic gridlocked during tsunami evacuation, Oprah falsely accused of blocking Maui evacuation route, Red Cross served 770 meals, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Tsunami Prediction Has Gotten Much Better. Hawaiʻi Just Needs More Data. Specialized buoys can monitor waves on the seafloor. But there are few sea-level stations between Asia and Hawaiʻi to test the accuracy of the forecast. Civil Beat.

'Feeling really good': Gov. Green reports no significant damage after tsunami event. The earthquake appeared to be the strongest recorded since the 9.0 magnitude earthquake off Japan in 2011 caused a massive tsunami and meltdowns at a nuclear power plant. Hawaii Public Radio.

HI-EMA looking to make infrastructure improvements following tsunami warning gridlock. The Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency is looking at strategies to deal with issues like gridlock, which was widely experienced during July 29’s tsunami warning in the islands. KHON2.

Salvation Army Hawaii feeds hundreds at tsunami shelters across the state. The Salvation Army served 770 meals for breakfast at tsunami shelters across the islands on Wednesday morning up until the advisory was lifted. KITV4.

U.S. Rep. Ed Case announces reelection campaign. U.S. Rep. Ed Case is running for reelection. This would mark his seventh full term in the U.S. House of Representatives. Hawaii Public Radio.

Lawsuit: Censoring Inmates’ Reading Material Violates Publisher’s Rights. A publisher of magazines and books for prison inmates, including “Prison Legal News,” is suing the state correctional system for blocking its publications from being mailed to inmates in Hawaiʻi prisons and jails, arguing the ban violates the publisher’s constitutional rights. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Tsunami threat triggered islandwide gridlock, reveals gaps in emergency evacuation. Damaging waves from Tuesday’s tsunami to Hawaii never materialized, but the traffic it triggered offered a sobering real-time test of Oahu’s evacuation capacity — one that state officials admit was deeply strained. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.  Associated Press.

Honolulu Airport Travelers Fend For Themselves Amid Tsunami Threat. A mother-daughter excursion in Waikīkī was spoiled by the tsunami warning. They blame airport communication failures for leaving them stranded with hundreds of other travelers. Civil Beat.

‘Ignorant’: Evacuees in Waikiki upset others ignored tsunami warning. Many in Waikiki didn’t listen to evacuation orders during Tuesday’s tsunami warning, putting themselves and others in danger.  Hawaii News Now.

City acquires $8M expansion for Honolulu police headquarters. A parcel of property adjacent to the Honolulu Police Department’s headquarters has been acquired by the City and County of Honolulu. Hawaii Public Radio.

Skyline trial runs past the airport have begun. Skyline rail cars are scheduled to run with passengers from Aloha Stadium, past the airport to Kalihi by Oct. 15, rail officials now estimate. Star-Advertiser.

Case dismissed against city in killing of unarmed man. The civil trial in the wrongful death case brought by the widow of Lindani Myeni, an unarmed Black man shot by police in 2021, abruptly ended Tuesday when the judge dismissed the case. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Hawaii cruise ships sailed to safety amid tsunami warnings, leaving some passengers behind. Tsunami waves generated by an 8.8 magnitude earthquake in Russia on Tuesday did less damage than had been feared. But some cruise passengers were distressed to learn they had been left behind when all ships were ordered out of port by local authorities. New York Times. KHON2. 

Hawai‘i County escapes a disaster, but lessons can be learned from tsunami response, coastline evacuation. Before he first waves of the tsunami were expected to hit at 7:17 p.m. on Tuesday, most motorists were out of the inundation zones. Big Island Now.

Union nurses vote to authorize strike at Waimea hospital. After more than six months of negotiations, the Hawaii Nurses’ Association, which represents about 100 registered nurses at the Waimea hospital, said tensions are escalating and morale has plummeted. The nurses’ contract expired March 31. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

‘A glorious day’ for Waiakea Uka; Hilo park reopens. Hawaii County on Tuesday celebrated the reopening of Waiakea Uka Park after a two-year renovation, expansion and upgrade. Tribune-Herald.


Maui

No, Oprah Winfrey didn’t block access to a private road amid tsunami warning evacuations. Even as the threat of a tsunami swamping Hawaii had passed on Wednesday, social media posts were still circulating claims that Oprah Winfrey had refused immediate access to a private road that would allow residents a shorter evacuation route. Associated Press.

No significant damage or injuries reported on Maui from tsunami. Maui residents spent an anxious day in anticipation of a potential tsunami. Maui News. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai

Tsunami produces minor flooding, evacuations. The emergency center at the Kauai Veterans Center was full of activity on Wednesday as evacuees anxiously waited for news about flight departures from the Lihue Airport. Garden Island. Kauai Now. 

New Kauaʻi laws address environmental stewardship, public access, community priorities. Kauaʻi state legislators and community advocates gathered at the end of last week to celebrate the recent enactment of several key measures that reflect efforts to protect natural resources, improve public land access and support community initiatives on the Garden Isle . Kauai Now.

Hawaii braces for Election Day crowds, controversy erupts over middle school presidential candidate lesson, state GOP poised to report election irregularities to Trump campaign, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii voters can expect Election Day lines, delayed results. Elections officials expect long lines of people exercising their right to vote in person — and even register to vote — on Election Day, Tuesday, reminiscent of the 2020 presidential race when voting sites across every island county could not close at 7 p.m., delaying results for the public and political candidates. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Republicans compiling complaints for election challenges. Despite no evidence of voter fraud in Hawaii elections, leaders of the local Republican party are urging voters to be vigilant for irregularities, and plan to share those reports with the Trump campaign. Hawaii News Now.

‘It was biased’: Controversy over Hawaii public school lesson on presidential candidates. The race for the White House is reaching local classrooms and one lesson has some parents raising their eyebrows. The controversy is over a two page document that was handed out to classrooms at Kapolei Middle School. It broke down where the U.S. presidential candidates -- Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris and Republican former President Donald Trump -- stand on the issues. Hawaii News Now.

Marriage equality, vulnerable incumbents, Big Island mayor: 10 election stories we're watching. Polls close in Hawaiʻi at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, but you can still vote as long as you're in line by that time at a voter service center. If you have not yet mailed your ballot, you should take it to an official drop box as it must be received by the time polls close. Hawaii Public Radio.

Matson Slows Down To Protect Whales, While Pasha Hawaii Speeds On. Until recently, both of Hawaii’s main shipping companies, Matson and Pasha, held two of the worst records among all major ocean shippers in slowing down their vessels off the California coast to avoid collisions with endangered whales. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Hotel workers, Hilton reach tentative agreement. The 40-day strike by workers at the Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort appears to be nearing an end after Hilton and UNITE HERE Local 5 announced a tentative agreement on a new contract late Saturday. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Navy water system upgrade under intense scrutiny. The Navy is upgrading and renovating its Oahu water system that serves 93,000 island residents, having demolished an old water storage tank with a replacement currently under construction — and with more planned upgrades along the way. Star-Advertiser.

Nonprofit farm receives land in Makaha Valley. MA‘O Organic Farms has received ownership of 249 acres of undeveloped land in Makaha Valley from the The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation. Star-Advertiser.

Trial delayed for 4 officers charged in Makaha crash case. A trial has been delayed for four Honolulu police officers accused of causing a car chase, crash and covering it up in September 2021. Star-Advertiser.

Star-Advertiser editorials on Red Hill crisis bring accolades. Honolulu Star-Advertiser editorial page editor Lucy Young-Oda won second- place honors in a national journalism contest for her editorials on the U.S. Navy’s response to the Red Hill water contamination crisis. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Big Island voters will help decide county, state and federal contests. The General Election will be held Tuesday, and Big Island voters will have the opportunity to choose Hawaii County’s next mayor, along with state senators and representatives, County Council members, and of course the U.S. president. Tribune-Herald.

3 school bus routes back on the road on Hawaii Island. Starting Monday, the buses will transport nearly 50 students to Waiakea Intermediate in Hilo and Keonepoko Elementary in Pahoa. Hawaii News Now.

Mauna Loa Road in HVNP will temporarily close for six weeks. Mauna Loa Road in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park will temporarily close to all use when survey, drilling and soil sampling work starts Monday. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui Council May Double Down On Mayor’s Tax Relief Proposal For Day Cares. Plan would increase the annual property tax exemption for some licensed child care facilities from $50,000 to $200,000. Civil Beat.

Staff across Maui hospitals gather to make signs to prepare for strike. Hundreds of nurses and other healthcare workers at major hospitals on the neighboring islands are set to strike Monday morning. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Shark bites 61-year-old Maui surfer, completely severing his leg below the knee. The man was alert while being treated on shore and then taken to Maui Memorial Medical Center in critical condition.  Associated Press. Maui Now.  Hawaii News Now.  Spectrum News.

Coast Guard members, civilians honored for Lahaina heroism. Both national and international organizations are recognizing Coast Guard and civilian mariners who responded to the deadly 2023 Lahaina fire for heroism at sea. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai

Visitors and spending fall in September on Kauai. Total visitor spending retreated to $211.4 million in September from $236.7 million in September 2023, a decrease of 10.7 percent, as well as the second straight month spending was below the same period a year earlier. Garden Island.

Business picks up at Lihue Airport in October. A total of 65,485 passengers off-boarded domestic flights at the seaside transportation facility in October, compared with 62,216 in October 2023. Garden Island.

FBI sets up election command post, Board of Education restores money for after-school programs, judge clears the way for 350-unit hotel at Coco Palms site, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

FBI Honolulu sets up command post to monitor Election Day. FBI Honolulu will set up an Election Command Post for election security starting on Monday, Nov. 4. The post will be staffed 24 hours a day to monitor a host of potential scenarios related to election fraud, voter suppression, foreign malign influence, malicious cyber activity against election infrastructure, and threats to election workers. Its jurisdiction covers Hawaii, Guam, U.S. Commonwealth in the Pacific Ocean (CNMI), and American Samoa. KITV4.

Alaska’s first financial report since Hawaiian acquisition shows combined strengths. Leaders at Alaska Air Group were bullish Thursday on their merger with Hawaiian Airlines in their first quarterly report filed since the move, indicating Hawaiian could almost break even by the fourth quarter. Star-Advertiser.

Board Of Education Restores Cuts For School Learning Centers. After strong public opposition the proposed budget cuts, DOE will continue to request state funding to support school learning.  Civil Beat.

Visitor arrivals up 7.8%. Visitor arrivals in Septem­ber recovered to 96% of Sept­ember 2019’s pre-­pandemic level — the best recovery rate since the devastating Maui wildfires in August 2023 interrupted tourism’s recovery. Arrivals to Hawaii rose 7.8% year over year to 707,486 visitors, according to preliminary statistics released Thursday by the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. Star-Advertiser.

Water commission appointee takes seat over advocates' objections. Gov. Josh Green’s two key appointees to the state water commission officially started work Thursday.The appointments have brought new attention to the debate over whether taro farmers and affordable housing are in competition for water. Hawaii News Now.

$1.5M grant goes toward students pursuing food, agriculture studies in Hawaiʻi. A handful of University of Hawaiʻi campuses have been awarded a $1.5 million grant to strengthen Native Hawaiian-serving institutions by supporting students in food and agricultural sciences. The USDA grant was awarded to UH West Oʻahu, Leeward Community College, Hawaiʻi Community College, and UH Mānoa’s College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

Governor’s Office To Help YMCA Residents Facing Huge Rent Hike. The state’s Office on Homelessness and Housing Solutions promised to make sure no tenant has to move out after Honolulu’s Central YMCA announced it would end rental subsidies for eight long-term residents. Civil Beat.

New airport parking structure the start of big plans at HNL. The state’s currently taking bids for a new parking structure at Honolulu Airport. Officials say it’s not just another project, but a key piece for future plans there. KHON2.

Stadium rebuild on track with selection of developer. Aloha Halawa District Partners has met state requirements and received approval as master developer for the New Aloha Stadium Entertainment District, with the planned opening of a new stadium in August 2028 still intact. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Street Festivals Frustrate Waikiki But Chinatown Wants More. In a tale of two neighborhoods, street festivals can be a headache for people in Waikiki while community leaders say they could be an economic lifeline for Chinatown. Civil Beat.

Work starts next week on new transit-only lane in Waikiki. The city will begin work next week on making the right westbound lane of Kuhio Avenue a transit-only lane for buses and certain other vehicles. It will take about a month to make the change from Kapahulu Avenue to Launui Street. Hawaii News Now.

City council looking at Mililani police substation. The Honolulu City Council is considering the need for a new police sub-station in Mililani, it comes after several high profile cases last year. KHON2.

3 charged in Afghan immigration fraud scheme. A Honolulu man and two others face federal charges in connection with a six-year scheme starting in 2018 to provide more than 200 fraudulent visa application recommendations for citizens of Afghanistan to live in the U.S. — accepting $500 each, and emeralds in one instance. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Fire Department unveils new twin-engine helicopter. Starting in 2025, the Honolulu Fire Department will fly a new twin-engine helicopter to incidents ranging from searches and rescues to fighting wildland fires across not only Oahu, but perhaps to the other islands as well. Star-Advertiser.

DLNR investigating ‘cruel and inhumane’ cat killings. State authorities have launched an investigation after at least eight cats appear to have been killed in a cruel manner at the Sand Island harbor in October. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Hawaii County Mayor’s Race Is Getting Lots Of Cash This Year. Hawaii County Mayor Mitch Roth has raised and spent tens of thousands of dollars more than his opponent, Kimo Alameda, in his bid to win a second term. Civil Beat.

Salvation Army Opens Safehouse For Girls In Hilo. The Salvation Army’s Noho ‘Olu Safehouse for Girls opened its doors on Monday. The new four-bedroom safehouse in Hilo serves girls aged 13 to 17,and will offer “life skills and academic training, essential resources, and compassionate care to help each girl thrive and build a bright future.”  Big Island Video News.

Maui

Healthcare workers announce three-day strike, beginning Monday morning. Hundreds of nurses and other healthcare workers will walk off the job for three days beginning 7 a.m. Monday, impacting care from essential staff at Maui Memorial Medical Center, Kula Hospital and Lāna‘i Community Hospital. Maui Now.

New Maui police statement reveals county protocol violations in Lahaina fire victim recovery. Concerns raised by the department’s former morgue contractor cast doubt on whether all the ashes families received are those of their loved ones. Hawaii News Now.

Meeting addresses new ocean fiber cable construction on Maui. Construction of a submarine optical fiber cable system aimed at improving high-speed broadband internet throughout the state may start construction on Maui in the near future.  Maui News.

First steps underway for Summit-to-Sea Restoration project on Maui. Work to restore what is known as “Maui’s mother reef” began this week with a contractor starting to drill test bores for a possible retention basin in Manawaipueo Gulch. Maui News.

Maui County, again, leads state in vacation rental supply in September. Maui County continued to have the largest vacation rental supply in the state in September — 263,900 available unit nights, compared with 230,500 on Oʻahu, 214,600 on Hawaiʻi Island and 136,600 on Kauaʻi, according to a monthly vacation rental performance report by the state Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism. Maui Now.

Kauai

Judge denies attorney’s motion to stop construction at Coco Palms property. Fifth Circuit Court Judge Randal Valenciano on Thursday denied an attorney’s motion to grant a preliminary injunction to stop all construction work on a controversial 350-unit hotel on the site that once housed the iconic Coco Palms Resort on Kauaʻi. Kauai Now.

Cesspool grant program notifies 100 awardees on Kauai. A grant program aimed at helping island residents convert cesspools on their properties has selected 100 recipients, each of whom are eligible to receive a $20,000 reimbursement. Garden Island. Kauai Now.

Lydgate Campground to close for two weeks. The closure is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 12. The campground will reopen at noon on Thursday, Nov. 21. Garden Island.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Oahu

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

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

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

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

Hawaii Island

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

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

Maui

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kauai

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

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

HART seeks $1B from state, more than 100 modular homes headed to Lahaina, $12M grant for health care reform, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

HART requests $1 billion appropriation from state. The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation has petitioned the state Department of Budget and Finance to appropriate that sizable sum for the agency’s next two budget cycles. The $1 billion would come from the mass transit special fund, created under a 2017 state law known as Act 1. Star-Advertiser.

Insurance Companies Are Still Trying To Block The $4 Billion Maui Fire Settlement. Insurance companies hoping to recoup billions of dollars they’ve already paid in claims to Maui fire victims are asking a federal judge to get in the middle of a legal squabble that has been playing out in state court. Civil Beat.

Hawaii’s tourism goals unlikely to keep up with inflation. The Hawai‘i Tourism Authority board on Thursday approved a goal for Hawai‘i Tourism USA, the global marketing team responsible for driving travel demand to Hawaii from its core U.S. market, to grow visitor spending by just 1.4%. Star-Advertiser.

UH Foundation raises over $115M for students, programs, research. The University of Hawaii Foundation raised $115.2 million in fiscal year 2024, exceeding its $100 million annual goal by 15%, marking the fourth consecutive year of surpassing the $100 million milestone. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now.

Hawaiʻi receives $12M federal grant to establish health care reform. Hawaiʻi is one of only six states chosen to participate in this program, making it a rare opportunity. Hawaii Public Radio.

Report: Deaths associated with with hepatitis C happening at earlier age in Hawaiʻi than elsewhere in the United States.  The Hawaiʻi Department of Health released “Premature Deaths and Disparities Associated with Hepatitis C: The Hawaiʻi Hepatitis C Mortality Report” as part of Liver Cancer Awareness Month, which is observed in October. Big Island Now.

Here are the changes to SNAP benefits starting this month. Several changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also known as SNAP, start Tuesday. This year, the USDA has increased maximum allotments but also changed eligibility requirements for SNAP benefits, but exact amounts vary based on where you live and the size of your household. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Honolulu Voters To Decide Whether Lifeguards Need Oversight Commission. Whether to create a volunteer commission that would oversee the Department of Ocean Safety and have the power to appoint and remote its chief will be up to voters in November. The commission would be analogous to those that oversee the city’s police and fire departments. Civil Beat.

Could a vacant home tax end the housing crisis? That means, in addition to paying Hawaii real property taxes annually, anyone with a home that is vacant six months out of the year, would have to pay taxes on 1% of its assessed value the first year, 2% the next year and 3% after that. KHON2.

Catholic church sells land to senior living complex. The nonprofit operator of the Kahala Nui senior living complex is buying the land under the project built in 2005 on a parcel leased from the Roman Catholic Church of Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

Homeless kauhale units still without power, city says. Over the summer, the Aala Respite facility was set up as part of a joint effort between the city and state to provide shelter and medical care for vulnerable, medically fragile people who’ve experienced long-term homelessness on Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

Increased Hawaii park surveillance without public approval. City officials plan to more than double the video surveillance at Ala Moana Regional Park. KHON2.

Kapi‘olani nurses set to return to work Sunday morning. With a new contract in place, union nurses are scheduled to return to work Sunday at the Kapi‘olani Medical Center for Women & Children. Star-Advertiser.

Tensions rising after ten days of a workers strike at the Hilton Hawaiian Village. Striking workers at the Hilton Hawaiian Village aren’t happy that after ten days of striking, they’re still not any closer to getting a new contract, or even an offer to return to the bargaining table. Also unhappy are guests, some surfers and neighbors around the resort. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

A 76-year-old man has been arrested in connection with a brush fire that happened in Haleiwa on Tuesday, Honolulu police said. Police arrested the man Thursday afternoon for fourth-degree arson. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Ex-Miske Associate Sentenced To More Than 10 Years In Prison. Jake Smith emerged as a key witness against the convicted Honolulu crime boss after agreeing to a plea deal with prosecutors. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

OHA Grant Supports Hale Mua Cultural Group Efforts In Waipiʻo Valley. The $145,000 grant will assist the ʻAi Me Ka Iʻa Waipiʻo: Perpetuating ʻOhana Connection to Loʻi Kalo and Loko Wai Program. A program reinforcing cultural practices and freshwater fishpond preservation in Waipiʻo Valley is getting support from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Opening of residential areas off Lahainaluna Road set for today. With residential debris removal 100 percent complete, opening of residential areas off Lahainaluna Road is set for Friday, Oct. 4, at 6 a.m. This is Phase 4 of the Maui Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) zone reopening plan and marks one of the final large residential zones to be reopened. Maui News. Maui Now.

Traffic Alert: Caravans to carry over 100 modular homes for Maui wildfire survivors. The Hawaii Department of Transportation is alerting drivers of potential traffic delays as modular homes for wildfire survivors are being transported from Kahului to Lahaina starting on Friday. Hawaii News Now.

Timeline shows Maui Electric inspection missed damage before power started fire. MPD commanders and the federal ATF did say that the fire was caused when damaged electric lines were re-energized. But the detailed timeline shows a key inspection failed to find the damaged equipment - and led to a decision to throw the switches that sparks the flames. Hawaii News Now.

Kahului man pleads guilty in Maui explosives case. The U.S. Attorney’s Office said Robert Francis Dumaran, 47, entered a plea agreement in federal court in Honolulu Wednesday, pleading guilty to possessing explosive powders as a convicted felon and possessing an unregistered destructive device. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. KITV4.

This Lahaina Fire Survivor Tends The Memorial Every Day. Susie Richter hauls up jugs of water for the plants amid the crosses and portraits of Maui fire victims. She often has company. Civil Beat.

Kauai

Disciplinary proceedings being initiated for Kauaʻi police chief who left gun in bathroom. The Kauaʻi Police Commission is considering disciplinary measures for Police Chief Todd Raybuck after he left his gun unattended in a bathroom earlier this year.  Kauai Now.

Kapa‘a transfer station to be closed nearly 1 year beginning in early November. The renovations are part of the county’s islandwide Refuse Transfer Station Improvements project. Kauai Now.

'It needs to get better' | Calls continue for change to search and rescue operations on Kauai. Nearly two months after a Kauai man was found dead in Wailua, calls are growing for change to the way official search and rescue efforts are conducted. KITV4.

Padraic Gallagher named executive director Kauai Humane Society.  Gallagher, the former disaster program manager at the American Red Cross in Lihue, will be the new executive director. Garden Island.