Constitutional amendment would allow tax-free bonds for construction industry, Honolulu exempts HART from eminent domain notification requirements, electricity returning to Kauai, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii construction industry pushes constitutional amendment to lower housing costs. Constitutional amendment question 2 is mostly about paying for new roads, bridges and water systems, which until now housing developers had to pay for themselves upfront. The tax-free bonds, already used across the country, are paid back from future property taxes generated by new homes and businesses in an improvement district. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaiʻi Voting Groups Cheer As High Court Rejects Trump Mail Ballot Restrictions. The decision allows Hawaiʻi and other states to continue sending mail ballots under existing processes. Trump wanted restrictions before the November elections.  Civil Beat.

More Unlicensed Teachers Are Filling In Gaps In Hawaiʻi Classrooms. The Hawaiʻi Department of Education reported 142 teacher vacancies earlier this month, a jump from the 73 unfilled positions last school year. Civil Beat.

University of Hawaiʻi tuition freezes, increases proposed for all campuses. A new proposed schedule would keep tuition unchanged at all of the University of Hawaiʻi’s campuses for two years. After the freeze, two years of increases would begin. KHON2.

Preparations underway for final aloha for Gov. George Ariyoshi. Members of the general public have several opportunities later this week to pay respects to late Hawaii Gov. George Ariyoshi and his family, starting with a visitation and ceremony Friday at the state Capitol. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Honolulu City Council exempts HART from eminent domain notice rule. The Honolulu City Council has approved legislation exempting the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation from a city law requirement to notify property owners and lessees when seeking Council authorization to condemn their property for construction of the over $10 billion Skyline project. Star-Advertiser.

Bill passed by City Council would allow farmers markets in underutilized parks. The Honolulu City Council passed a bill on Wednesday that would allow the Department of Parks and Recreation to permit nonprofit organizations to host farmers markets and food distribution events in underutilized public parks. Aloha State Daily.

He Was Banned From Police Work In California But Hired In Honolulu. A California cop stonewalled an internal investigation into his handling of an alleged kidnapping while lining up a job in Hawai‘i as an investigator in the prosecutor’s office. Civil Beat.

City and state join forces to help prevent Honolulu’s flood problem. City and state crews were working along the Woodlawn Drive Bridge in Mānoa, an area known for flooding, before both Hurricane Lala and Hurricane Lowell hit the islands. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Island

University of Hawaiʻi law school brings recruitment events to Big Island. University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa William S. Richardson School of Law representatives will provide an overview of program details, admission requirements, application process, timelines and scholarships as well as be available to answer any specific questions those who attend might have. Big Island Now.

Maui

Mayor to host series of community meetings for 2028 budget. Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen and officials from his administration will host a series of community budget meetings for residents to offer input on the budget for fiscal year 2028. Maui News.

Hawaiian Council opens vendor applications for ʻUlu O Lele Marketplace in Lahaina. Hawaiian Council announced Monday that the website and vendor application portal are now live for ʻUlu o Lele, the interim marketplace and community gathering space being developed at the former Outlets of Maui site in Lahaina. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now. 

Significant Little Fire Ant infestations discovered on Maui in Ha‘ikū and Kapalua. Native to Central and South America, little fire ants arrived in Hawai‘i in the late 1990s, likely as hitchhikers on a cargo or nursery shipment. Today, they are among the most destructive invasive species on the islands. Maui Now.

Kauai

Power back on for most of Kauai but some areas may have to wait 2 weeks. Some areas of Kauai’s North Shore could see power restoration on Wednesday, though it could take one to two more weeks for remote areas to turn on their lights, according to the Kauai Island Utility Cooperative. Star-Advertiser. Kauai Now.  Garden Island. 

‘Definitely A Hit’: Hawaiʻi Urges Trump To OK Disaster Aid. Kauaʻi will have to tap its reserve funds to help pay for damages from Lowell as state leaders seek major disaster declarations from the White House. Civil Beat.

County of Kauaʻi extends application deadline for Grant-in-Aid program. The application deadline for the County of Kauaʻi Grant-in-Aid program has been extended to 4:30 p.m. on Sept. 30. Kauai Now.

Travelers heed calls to avoid Kauai amid Hurricane Lowell recovery. As Kauai recovers from Hurricane Lowell, many residents are repeating their calls to visitors to avoid traveling to the island, and it appears some are listening.  Hawaii News Now.

Belatti switches candidacy to lieutenant governor race, Hawaiian Airlines to scrap free meals in coach, Puna triple homicide suspect captured, OHA drops bid for KITV4, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Belatti Drops Bid For Congress To Run For Lieutenant Governor. Democratic state Rep. Della Au Belatti said the political landscape shifted once Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke opted not to run for reelection while facing criminal investigation. Civil Beat. Hawaii Public Radio. 

Hawaiian Airlines to scrap free meals in coach. Hawaiian Airlines will eliminate complimentary meals in its main cabin on most long-haul mainland routes, replacing them with a prepaid menu developed with a James Beard-­recognized Hawaii chef. Star-Advertiser. Kauai Now. 

Hawaii visitor spending rises despite April drop in arrivals. Hawaii’s visitor industry saw fewer travelers in April but a sharp rise in daily spending, highlighting a widening divide between higher-end visitors who continue to spend freely and more budget-conscious travelers who are pulling back. Star-Advertiser.

Sudden Slashes To Solar Incentives Make It Harder To Go Green. More than 260 of Hawaiʻi’s commercial and industrial projects are at risk after Legislature cuts credits 2026, undermining renewable resource goals. Civil Beat.

Report ranks Hawaiʻi 5th in teachers' union strength. An analysis from the Thomas B. Fordham Institute is an update to the institute's last ranking in 2012, when Hawaiʻi secured the leading spot.  Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

Kapolei community board endorses Amazon project. A $600 million-plus plan by Amazon to build a massive warehouse and order fulfillment center in Kapolei gained some tentative community support Wednesday night. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. 

OHA trustees reject due diligence funding for KITV- KIKU purchase. The Office of Hawaiian Affairs Board of Trustees voted against funding due diligence for acquiring KITV Island News and KIKU TV, ending the quasi-government agency’s latest attempt to enter into broadcast media. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now. 

Some question if the JERA natural gas project will deliver meaningful savings. Japanese energy company JERA wants to build a floating gas terminal off the coast of Barber's Point and a new gas-fired power plant in Campbell Industrial Park on Oʻahu. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Island

Chief credits community for helping to nab triple-homicide suspect. Hawaii Police Department Chief Reed Mahuna said during a Thursday afternoon press conference that tips from the public resulted in the apprehension of triple-homicide suspect Jacob Daniel Baker, the subject of a two-day multiagency manhunt involving county, state and federal law enforcers. Tribune-Herald. Star-Advertiser.  Hawaii Public Radio.  Big Island Video News.  Big Island Now.  Hawaii News Now. KHON2. KITV4. 

Puna Murders Raise Questions About Restraining Order Process. Attorneys say TROs are granted in a majority of cases. But that wasn’t the case for the man who allegedly killed three men. Civil Beat.

Maui

Maui council weighs new hotel zones in vacation rental phase-out equation. In an ongoing effort to address controversial Maui vacation rentals, the Maui County Council is considering a measure to create two new hotel zones that would allow legal short-term rentals.  Hawaii Public Radio.

For many sinkholes left by March storms on Maui County roads, cost and timeline for repairs unclear. Before a portion of a beach park and multiple roadways collapsed during two major storms in March, Maui County Public Works Director Jordan Molina had never seen so many sinkholes in the seven years he’d been with the department. Maui Now.

Maui’s Last Wild Beaches: Locals Fear Upgrades Will Sideline Them. Some members of the Maui community worry that proposed upgrades to Mākena State Park could pave the way for more transformative changes in the future. Civil Beat.

Kauai

Intervention granted in review of luxury development at Hanalei Bay. A group of community organizations successfully petitioned the Kauaʻi Planning Commission to grant a petition they sought to intervene in a proposed luxury coastal housing development by Miami-based Starwood Capital Group’s 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay. Kauai Now.

Umi Martin announces candidacy for county council. Lifelong Kauai resident, farmer, small business owner and community leader Umi Martin has officially announced his candidacy for the Kauai County Council in the 2026 election.  Garden Island.

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.

Residents concerned about sea level rise, lawmakers mull ticket scalping, suing Big Oil, teacher incentives; Honolulu City Council seeks police transparency, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Sea level rise worries most Hawai‘i residents, new study shows. The report, Public Views on Sea Level Rise in Hawaiʻi: Results from a Statewide Survey, draws on responses from 1,314 adults surveyed in summer 2025 and provides the most comprehensive snapshot to date of how residents view sea level rise and the policy choices it raises. Big Island Now.

Hawaiʻi Senate committee advances bill to allow state to sue Big Oil for climate damage. A state Senate committee pushed forward a bill last Wednesday that would allow the state to sue major corporations for climate-related damages, a move that attempts to stabilize Hawaiʻi’s volatile insurance market. Big Island Now.

Hawaii eyes ban on reselling tickets above face value. Hawaii concert fans are often priced out by ticket scalpers who snatch up seats and resell them for huge markups. KHON2.

Measures tackle Hawaii teacher shortage. A measure that would create a new five-year state permit for visiting international teachers has drawn strong support from the state Department of Education as well as immigrant and educator advocates, as Hawaii continues to grapple with a persistent teacher shortage. Star-Advertiser.

Legislative bills address costs of hike rescues in Hawaii. For at least seven years, the bills have resurfaced, but seldom survive. This year, the idea of reimbursement, along with a prepaid hike card to cover rescue fees, were reintroduced, along with a proposal for a state search-and-rescue coordinator. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii bill aims to provide immediate assistance to wrongfully convicted. Legislation would provide case managers and monthly payments to help exonerees transition after release. Hawaii News Now.

High prices are forecast to lower auto sales this year. Hawaii auto sales reaccelerated and rose 3.7% in 2025 after three straight down years,  but sales are forecast to dip 1.8% in 2026 as consumers grapple with the high price of vehicles and the lingering effect of tariffs. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Honolulu City Council to review HPD’s transparency measure. A Honolulu City Council measure that commends the city’s police force for not wearing masks when encountering members of the public it’s sworn to protect and serve is scheduled for final review on Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Hale Nani strike averted after tentative agreement reached. Unionized health care workers at Hale Nani Rehabilitation & Nursing Center said they have reached a tentative agreement with management and will no longer be going on strike.  Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Banyan Drive in spotlight. A pair of bills to facilitate the redevelopment of Banyan Drive in Hilo are scheduled for committee hearings this week. Tribune-Herald.

Water Restriction Notice Issued For Kawaihae, South Kohala Resorts, Again. Effective immediately and until further notice, residents and businesses in Kawaihae, as well as the resort communities along the South Kohala coast, must reduce water use by 25%. Big Island Video News.

State staff discover one of oldest Hawaiian honeycreepers on Big Island. Hawai’i Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Forestry and Wildlife staff recently recaptured — and re-released — one of the oldest ʻiʻiwi ever observed. Big Island Now.

Maui

Public Safety Power Shutoff watch: Hawaiian Electric monitoring wildfire risk conditions this week. Customers in these areas are urged to initiate their own emergency plans should a Public Safety Power Shutoff be necessary, and to prepare for the possibility of extended power outages Monday through Thursday. Maui Now.

Students have been speaking ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi at this Molokaʻi school for over 30 years. Walk down the hallway at Ke Kula Kaiapuni o Kualapuʻu, and you’ll hear students learning and conversing in Hawaiian, practicing oli and studying math. Today, Kumu Lokelani Han’s sixth grade class, or Papa ʻEono, is practicing for a Hawaiian language speech competition next week to celebrate Mahina ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi. Hawaii Public Radio.

Haleakala eyed for 7 more telescopes despite opposition. The U.S. Air Force is moving forward with plans to build seven more telescopes on Haleakalā, drawing opposition from those who consider the mountain sacred. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai

County postpones remaining rubbish pick up in Anahola, Moloaʻa to Tuesday. Residential trash collection in portions of Anahola and Moloaʻa has been delayed because of staffing shortages, county Solid Waste officials said Monday afternoon.  Kauai Now.

Plan ahead now: Road closure scheduled for Pe‘e Road at intersection of Po‘ipū Road. Kaua’i County Department of Public Works and contractor Goodfellow Bros. notify the public about an upcoming closure of Pe‘e Road at the intersection of Po‘ipū Road. Kauai Now.

Undersea cable planned to connect 6 islands, gambling bills struggle in Legislature, Intermediate Court of Appeals judicial nominees named, Luke fallout continues, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Draft EA Details Undersea Fiber Optic Cable Between Hawaiian Islands. A University of Hawaiʻi proposal to install a subsea fiber optic cable system connecting the six main Hawaiian Islands is detailed in a new draft environmental assessment.  The subsea cable system would improve and expand high-speed internet access and availability to the six main Hawaiian Islands. Big Island Video News.

Full 1,587-page environmental assessment on Undersea Fiber Optic Cable can be found here.

Gambling bills struggle to remain alive amid Hawaii’s prohibition on wagering.  A bill that would allow cruise ship gambling — even while ships are docked in Hawaii ports — stalled in a House committee Wednesday while another bill that would allow sports betting squeaked through as the state Legislature continues to debate whether to end Hawaii’s prohibition on gambling. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiʻi eyes expanded automatic voter registration with driver's licenses. A state proposal could automatically register eligible residents to vote in elections — unless they explicitly “opt out” of that opportunity. Hawaiʻi already has an automatic voter registration system, but it follows an “opt-in” model.  Hawaii Public Radio.

Election advocates warn of political fallout following recent scandal. Several bills are already teed up this session to crack down on bribery and money-driven influence over lawmakers. Advocates say funding elections publicly is another way to bring ethics back to politics. KHON2.

Unlicensed Teachers Want To Work In Hawai‘i Schools For Longer. The state has become increasingly reliant on emergency hires in recent years, but educational leaders are split on what role they should play in schools moving forward. A package of bills that would allow emergency hires to work in schools for five years is now sparking debate around the role unlicensed teachers should play in Hawaiʻi classrooms.  Civil Beat.

Bill would help repay teachers’ student loans.  A bill moving through the state Legislature would create a new student loan repayment program for public school educators, aiming to ease financial pressures and help address Hawaii’s ongoing teacher shortage. Star-Advertiser.

Bill advances for disclosure and safeguards on conversational AI services in Hawaiʻi. Senate Bill 3001, known as the Artificial Intelligence Disclosure and Safety Act, the measure establishes consumer protections and safety standards for conversational artificial intelligence services operating in Hawaiʻi.  Maui Now.

Gov. Josh Green to choose judge from list of nominees for Intermediate Court of Appeals. The Judicial Selection Commission submitted the following nominees: Lance D. Collins, currently president and principal attorney of the Law Office of Lance D. Collins and a per diem District and Family Court judge; Daniel M. Gluck, currently a deputy corporation counsel for the City and County of Honolulu; Nickolas A. Kacprowski, currently a partner at Dentons US LLP; Robert T. Nakatsuji, currently a deputy prosecuting attorney for the City and County of Honolulu. Big Island Now.

Hawaiʻi Democratic Party eyes local and national midterm elections. Democratic Party of Hawaiʻi Chair Derek Turbin stopped by The Conversation on Monday morning to talk about criticism aimed at national leadership and the possible effects on various state and local-level races. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

Luke Donor And Friends Cashed In On City-Funded Covid Testing Program. In a public health crisis, Tobi Solidum saw a business opportunity, and his company made millions from a Honolulu-funded program. Now he’s at the center of a public corruption scandal.  Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

Student homelessness rises on Oahu’s west side. The number of students experiencing homelessness is rising on Oahu’s west side, according to Hawaii State Department of Education officials who say they are seeing the highest numbers in years. Hawaii News Now.

‘Let the kids play’: Legal dispute cancels flag football league for hundreds of keiki. Scott Nunotani, who started the NFL Flag Football Hawaii organization, was slapped with an injunction last Friday by his former employer, Ultimate Lokahi Sports, for starting the company and improperly competing against them. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu woman sentenced for threatening to kill Presidents Biden and Trump on Facebook. A 49-year-old woman was sentenced to seven months in prison on Tuesday after she pled guilty to threatening to kill Presidents Biden and Trump in multiple Facebook posts and comments. KITV4.

Hawaii Island

$33 million well spent? Resolution seeking audit of county homeless fund spending passes. The Hawaii County Council on Feb. 4 voted 8-0 to approve a resolution requesting the county auditor conduct a performance audit of the Office of Housing and Community Development’s Homeless and Housing Fund, a five-year program established by the council in 2022 to combat homelessness. Tribune-Herald.

Grand opening Friday for new Hilo Goodwill store. Goodwill Hawaii has announced that the Hilo Store and Donation Center will be relocating to its Hawaii Island Campus (17 Makaala St.), which offers a larger retail space, more parking and a convenient donation drop-off. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

High court blocks appeal of $4 billion Maui wildfire settlement, but payouts still delayed. For the second time in two years, the Hawaii Supreme Court has blocked insurance companies from acquiring part of a $4 billion Maui wildfire settlement. Star-Advertiser.

Maui Housing Policy Divides Top Candidates For Mayor This Election. Maui County Council member Yuki Lei Sugimura is trying to unseat Mayor Richard Bissen in a closely watched race this election. Civil Beat.

Kauai

Kauaʻi Small Business Energy Efficiency Grant program continues through this year. The grant operates alongside the utility co-op’s Commercial Retrofit Program, which provides funding for efficiency upgrades of existing items and units — including air conditioning, motors and refrigeration. Kauai Now.

New CPR machines coming to Wilcox. Hawaii Pacific Health announced on Tuesday that the Leona M. and Harry B. Hensley Charitable Trust is funding new lifesaving equipment for cardiac emergencies all the Hawaii Pacific Health (HPH) system with a grant totaling nearly $360,000. Garden Island.

Almost half of new Hawaii teacher hires not licensed, mild recession forecast, deported Hawaii Purple Heart veteran addresses Congress, Hitachi-HART battle over rail funding heats up, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Nearly Half Of DOE’s New Teacher Hires Are Not Licensed To Teach. Hawaiʻi’s public schools have improved teacher retention and reduced vacancy rates since the Covid-19 pandemic, but are relying heavily on emergency hires. Civil Beat.

Hawaii faces ‘weak’ 2026 economy, report says. Hawaii’s economy continues to head toward a mild recession in 2026, driven primarily by the overall U.S. economy, President Donald Trump’s ongoing tariffs, cuts in federal spending and deportations, according to the fourth quarter economic forecast released Thursday by the University of Hawai‘i Economic Research Organization. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s 2026 minimum wage increase could raise prices. While business owners will certainly feel the pinch of an increased minimum wage, both restaurateurs and economists said it will also be passed on to the consumer. KHON2.

Funding bill urges Army to negotiate land leases. The latest version of Congress’s annual defense spending bill includes several provisions for Hawaii and the Pacific, and one major change covering land lease negotiations in the state. Star-Advertiser.

Deported Purple Heart veteran makes virtual appearance at House committee hearing. A Purple Heart Army veteran made a surprise appearance on Capitol Hill Thursday, months after he was forced to self-deport from Hawaii to South Korea. Sae Jun Park, a Purple Heart recipient, self-deported from Honolulu in June after nearly 50 years in the U.S. Hawaii News Now. KITV4. 

‘Fraud Magnet’? Top Senator Wants To Halt SBA Contracts, Citing Hawaiʻi Case. In a letter to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Joni Ernst cited a criminal investigation of Christopher Dawson, accused of hijacking small business funding intended to help Native Hawaiians. Civil Beat.

Priced out of paradise: Hawaii families build new lives in Utah while efforts grow to bring them home. Thousands of Hawaii families have relocated to Utah, driven by the state’s high cost of living but maintain strong cultural connections through businesses, religious networks and community organizations. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

HART files counterclaim against Hitachi’s $320M lawsuit. On Monday, HART filed a counterclaim against Hitachi Rail Honolulu JV, after the train manufacturer brought a new $320 million lawsuit against the rail agency last month, over allegations of numerous costly delays during the phased construction of the city’s more than $10 billion rail line. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.

Nearly 1,000 acres of Kāneʻohe Pali land saved for conservation. The state Department of Land and Natural Resources and the Trust for Public Land partnered to buy the area from its previous private owners for nearly $2.6 million. Hawaii Public Radio.

Library welcomes its newest staff member: a robot named Pepper. ʻĀina Haina Public Library was given a humanoid robot named Pepper to help library patrons with greeting visitors, promoting programs and leading story times. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaiʻi organization receives $2.5M from Bezos fund toward helping homeless youth. Residential Youth Services and Empowerment, or RYSE, was recently awarded $2.5 million from billionaire Jeff Bezos and his wife, Lauren Sánchez. It is the largest donation in the organization’s history. Hawaii Public Radio.

Honolulu mayor seeks Taiwan’s help to rebuild crime-plagued Chinatown Cultural Plaza.  Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi wants the crime-infested Chinatown Cultural Plaza torn down and rebuilt, and he’s asking Taiwan’s President to get it done. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Seismic data offers new insights into Kīlauea's behavior in 2018. New data suggests that something blocked the flow of magma into the shallow reservoir below Kīlauea's summit caldera in late 2016. That disruption diverted magma pressure towards the East Rift Zone and Puʻuʻōʻō. Hawaii Public Radio.

Maui

‘The Maui Method:’ A New Fix For A Major Fire Hazard In Hawaiʻi. Government officials developed a way to deal with tons of electric vehicle batteries left in the aftermath of wildfires and found at illegal dumpsites. Civil Beat.

Lahaina Restoration Foundation announces new leadership. Ekolu Lindsey has been named President of LRF, bringing his deep roots in Hawaiian cultural and environmental stewardship to guide the organization’s mission of preserving Lahaina’s historic and cultural resources. Maui Now.

Kauai

State reports 3rd possible case of H5N1 in duck on Kauai. A third presumptive case of avian influenza has been confirmed in another duck – this time an endangered, native duck from a wildlife refuge on Kauai, according to state officials. Star-Advertiser.  Garden Island.  Kauai Now. 

Public-sector construction falls, teacher turnover intensifies, ousted occupants storm apartment building, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii construction report shows drop in public-sector projects. Pacific Resource Partnership said data for this year through Sept. 30 show that the industry remains strong with spending at $4.3 billion, though the sum trails full-year spending that was over $8 billion in each of the last three years, including $9.5 billion in 2023 and $8.4 billion in 2024. Star-Advertiser.

High teacher turnover challenges Hawaii public schools. The teacher turnover rate averages 15.7% statewide, according to the state Department of Education’s recent analysis. Some schools have posted turnover rates of 30% to 50% over two years. Star-Advertiser.

Bonuses Aren’t Solving Hawaiʻi’s Special Education Teacher Shortage. The Hawaiʻi DOE offers at least $10,000 to special education teachers to fill open positions, but most schools have reported worsening shortages. Civil Beat.

Hawaiʻi Police Face Unique Barriers To Solving Violent Crimes. The percentage of violent crimes that end in an arrest or a closed case is declining, as agencies grapple with understaffing, insufficient technology and geographical challenges of an island state. Civil Beat. Hawaii Public Radio. 

Hawaiʻi Launches New Online Data Portal About Invasive Species. Lawmakers called on the agriculture department to create the dashboard so the public can keep an eye on what it’s doing to stem the spread of pests. Civil Beat. KHON2. 

Oahu

Deed forgery scheme impacts properties across Oahu. Hawaii’s attorney general has charged two men with stealing three properties, but investigators say a Kalihi lot may be one of about a dozen others taken as part of a much larger deed fraud scheme. Hawaii News Now.

Evicted tenants reoccupy downtown apartment building in ‘hostile takeover’.  The owner of Union Plaza said someone called in a false fire alarm, so that about 30 evicted tenants could storm the building and reoccupy rooms. Hawaii News Now.

Property manager blames clerical error for rent hike notices wrongly sent to low-income seniors. Seniors at two Oahu housing complexes say they were thrown into panic after receiving rent hike notices that turned out to be wrong. EAH Housing now confirms the issue was caused by a clerical error that affected both Ainahau Vista and Artesian Vista. Hawaii News Now.

Local journalists look for a way forward as newsrooms shrink or disappear. The book “Presstime in Paradise” by editor George Chaplin details the life and times of the Honolulu Advertiser from 1856 to 1995. The 'Tiser' was one of Honolulu’s first non-government newspapers under the Hawaiian Kingdom, but it no longer exists. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Island

Hilo hospital expansion on target for 2027 completion. The $80 million expansion of Hilo Benioff Medical Center is taking shape, with certain facilities likely ready for use early next year and full completion expected in 2027, hospital officials said. Tribune-Herald.

Push to expand Hawaiʻi Island bus infrastructure reaches another step in Pāhoa. A proposed Pāhoa Transit Hub is gaining traction in its planning phase, with a preferred location confirmed by Hawaiʻi County's Mass Transit Agency. Hawaii Public Radio.

New access road proposed for Kaʻu Forest Reserve. The state Department of Land and Natural Resources is proposing to bulldoze a short access road in the remote Ka‘u Forest Reserve to improve management of native ecosystems and maintain a hooved-animal-proof fence, according to a draft environmental assessment released this week. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Maui County to collect domestic waste.  Maui residents may start making appointments Monday, Dec. 8, 2025, for the County of Maui Department of Environmental Management’s free Residential Household Waste Collection on Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026, in Central Maui. Maui News. Maui Now. 

Kauai

SHOPO raises concerns about pick for the next Kauaʻi police chief. At a meeting on Friday, the commission made a conditional offer to Rudy Tai, one of four finalists. Tai was born and raised on Oʻahu, but spent his 35-year police career with the San Diego Police Department, where he currently serves as deputy chief. Hawaii Public Radio.

Man dies rescuing children in Kauai surf. A Good Samaritan has died on Kauai after being pulled from the waters of Waiapuaa Bay. KHON2. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

DMV identification cards unavailable through Wednesday. The Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is unable to produce identification cards, such as driving permits, driver’s licenses, and state identification cards, because of hardware issues. Kauai Now.

First cohort of AI Accelerator celebrates. The Capstone Pau Hana held on Friday at the Kuleana Workspace in Kukui Grove celebrated achievements of six members — all local small business owners — of the first AI (Artificial Intelligence) Lab cohort. Garden Island.

New teacher apprentice program strives to address shortage, HPD officers who handcuffed 10-year-old could face excessive force lawsuits, Lahaina after-action report vendor disqualified, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii’s Latest Effort To Recruit Teachers: Put Prospective Educators In Classrooms Sooner. A new apprenticeship program would provide financial support for future educators and remove some of the barriers to obtaining a teacher's license. Civil Beat.

NATO protection for Hawaii is not clear-cut. A senior State Department official said the agency believes that U.S. allies likely would respond if Hawaii was attacked, but that any chance of explicitly amending the treaty to include it or other U.S. Pacific territories is not likely. Star-Advertiser.

COVID activity in Hawaii has peaked, but is still at high levels. The state Department of Health on Wednesday reported a statewide average positivity rate of 16.3%, up from 14.7% the previous week. The positivity rate — the percentage of all reported tests that are positive — was at 16.1% two weeks ago. Star-Advertiser. KITV4.

Bill protection is ending for HECO's Shift and Save program. Utilities charge higher rates for electricity during the evening and overnight, and lower rates during the day. For the first six months of the program, HECO placed a $10 cap on any increases in enrolled customers' electricity bills, which insulated participants as they adjusted to the new rate structure. Hawaii Public Radio.

DOE employees can donate sick leave to Maui wildfire impacted teachers. Hawaii Department of Education teachers across the islands can now share up to 10 sick days with other salaried D.O.E. employees impacted by the Maui wildfires. KITV4.

Oahu

More tiny home ‘kauhale’ to open across Oahu. A flatbed truck on Wednesday carried two more newly built 100-square-foot tiny homes to a new “kauhale” going up at Kalihi’s Cedar Church as the state, counties and a hui of builders and developers work together to create more communities for low-income and homeless people on Oahu by the end of the year. Star-Advertiser.

HPD Officers Who Handcuffed 10-Year-Old Can Be Sued For Using Excessive Force, Judges Rule. Judges in the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals rule three Honolulu police officers who arrested an elementary school student in 2020 are not entitled to qualified immunity on an excessive force claim. Civil Beat.

After years of waiting, Waianae coast residents may get their highway bypass next year. Paakea Road in the Maili area is part of the emergency access route for the Waianae Coast. However, parts of it are sealed off by rarely opened gates. Hawaii News Now.

HPD launches internal review of escapee incident at Kapolei Police Station. Law Enforcement sources say David Montoya scaled a 15-foot security fence and a retaining wall Sunday morning. This was after an employee unlocked a secured door for the 31-year-old because they thought he was an officer. Hawaii News Now.

Financial help for struggling rail businesses still months away. The City’s Rail Transit Mitigation Fund went into effect at the beginning of the month, but it will still take some time for businesses to see the money. KHON2.

Opossum captured in Downtown Honolulu. The animal was found near S. King Street and Alakea Street just after 7 a.m. So far it is unknown where the animal originated. KITV4.

Hawaii Island

Police commissioner sues HPD and assistant chief.  The complaint alleges Assistant Chief Kenneth Quiocho violated Police Commissioner Anthony Sur's right to privacy by disclosing to the county Board of Ethics in a 2023 complaint against Sur that he carries a concealed firearm.  Tribune-Herald.

Kamehameha Schools Faces Pushback On Plan To Build ‘Low-Impact’ Resort On Big Island. Hawaii’s largest private landowner is asking the public to weigh in on its proposal to build 150 units of bungalow-style lodging at Keauhou Bay, about six miles south of Kailua-Kona on the Big Island’s leeward coast. Civil Beat.

High Bacteria Advisory Posted For Richardson Ocean Center In Keaukaha. Health officials say enterococci levels of 364 per 100 mL have been detected at Richardson Ocean Center during routine beach monitoring. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Vendor disqualification delays Maui fire report. The lone vendor selected to perform an after-action report of the Maui Emergency Management Agency’s response to the fatal Aug. 8 fires that killed 102 people and destroyed the heart of historic Lahaina town is non-compliant with state policies and unable to perform the work. Star-Advertiser.

Maui County considering 2 proposals that could impact Lahaina rebuilding. Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen is proposing to allow destroyed buildings in Lahaina to be rebuilt, even if they don’t meet current zoning rules. Hawaii News Now.

Lahaina wildfire final debris site hits snag. U.S. District Court Judge Kenneth Mansfield denied a motion by Maui County to immediately use 20 acres of privately owned property in Central Maui to expand the county’s adjacent landfill to accommodate fire waste and municipal refuse in advance of a trial to condemn the site and pay the owner a fair value. Star-Advertiser.

EPA completes drinking water and wastewater mission in Lahaina. The US Environmental Protection Agency recently completed its Drinking Water and Wastewater mission in Lahaina as part of a multi-agency emergency response to the 2023 Maui wildfires. Maui Now.

This Lahaina Family Finally Finds A House To Call Home — At Least For A While. In the span of a week, the Dadez family moved from a resort condo to a pair of studio hotel rooms and then, finally, into a five-bedroom home in Napili. Civil Beat.

Scouting America, Aloha Council receives funding to replace cabins at Camp Maluhia. Whittier Trust has donated $100,000 to the Scouting America, Aloha Council to replace five Pop Hutton cabins at Camp Maluhia. Maui Now.

Kauai

Median home price on Kaua‘i highest of four major islands in first half of year. The median price of a single-family home jumped nearly 29 percent on the back of stronger sales in the first half of the year, in turn making Kaua‘i the most expensive housing market of the four major islands in Hawai‘i. Garden Island.

Water conservation request continues for customers in ‘Ōmao and Kōloa. Kaua‘i County’s Department of Water reminds customers located in ‘Ōmao and Kōloa to continue water conservation efforts until further notice. Kauai Now.

Money flows to lawmakers during legislative session, Honolulu mayor rejects Alaska homeless, COVID-19 sends Maui council back to remote meeting, another Big Isle death from dog packs, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Ban On Fundraisers? Hawaii Legislators Continued To Rake In Campaign Cash During Session. Many found ways to raise big donations even though a new law was intended to limit the influence of special interest money. Civil Beat.

Alaska mayor’s plan to send homeless to warmer cities gets pushback in Hawaii. The mayor of Alaska’s largest city says he’s planning to send some of the state’s homeless to warmer cities, citing a lack of shelter space as winter approaches. The program is already getting pushback, including from Honolulu’s mayor. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii DOE Has Changed Up Its Teacher Recruitment And Early Results Are Promising. The department has made 690 local and 277 out-of-state hires to start the school year.  There are around 300 vacant positions in the system now, compared to over 1,000 vacancies at the start of the last school year. Civil Beat.

US Department of Energy funding to support state renewable energy network.  The U.S. Department of Energy named 67 winners for its Energizing Rural Communities Prize. One of them is Shake Energy Collaborative in Hawaiʻi. Hawaii Public Radio.

Department of Hawaiian Home Lands struggling to fill dozens of vacancies. The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands is positioned to build thousands of homes, but it's the positions behind the desk that first need to be filled. KITV4.

UH sets new record in extramural funding with $515.9 million. For a second year in a row, the University of Hawaii has set a record in extramural funding, pulling in $515.9 million for fiscal year 2023 and surpassing its prior peak by $10.9 million, UH officials announced. Star-Advertiser.

Visitors spent $2B in June, mostly on Maui and Oahu. Neighbor Island visitor spending through first half of 2023 outpacing 2019. Visitors to Hawaii spent $2 billion in June — more than any other month during the record-breaking year before the pandemic — with nearly three-quarters of that total coming from tourists on Maui and Oahu.  Maui News.

Ambitious public housing plan focuses on creating thousands of new units — quickly.  The state’s public housing authority plans to build more than 10,000 affordable units over a decade. Past projects may have failed to build enough housing, but the executive director of the Hawaii Public Housing Authority told Hawaii News Now the $6.6 billion plan is different. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

New city traffic study finds 7 in 10 drivers failed at yield for pedestrians at busy intersection. Hawaii Kai residents are calling for safer crosswalks. The plea comes following a new city traffic study conducted at nine areas with high traffic incidents. Researchers found 71% of drivers failed to yield for pedestrians at the intersection of Lunalilo Home Road and Kaumakani Street in east Oahu. Hawaii News Now.

Audit finds improvements in city hiring shortfalls. An audit into the city’s 2,458 job vacancies is revealing an outdated system and lengthy hiring process. As a result, the city is making improvements to the system. KHON2.

King Tide Leads To New Release Of Partially Treated Wastewater Near Pearl Harbor. The military said water in the area remained safe to use but warned another discharge may occur as ocean conditions persist. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser.  Spectrum News.

Invasive Species Are Rampant On Oahu And Stakeholders Are Calling Out DOA. The department said it is taking an "all-hands-on-deck approach" to the issue. Civil Beat.

Hawaiʻi could see a big hurricane season, but most homes aren't ready.  Two-thirds of the single-family homes on Oʻahu, an island of 1 million people that's home to Honolulu, have no hurricane protections. Associated Press.

Powering O‘ahu 24/7 for 60 Years. Behind the scenes at the Kahe Power Plant, which opened in 1963 and still generates firm power to supplement solar- and wind-generated electricity. Hawaii Business magazine.

Hawaii Island

Police: Ocean View man killed by dogs in ‘horrific attack’.  Hawaii island police are investigating the death of a man who was reportedly attacked by four dogs in the Hawaiian Ocean View Estates subdivision Monday morning. Star-Advertiser. Tribune-Herald.  Big Island Video News.  KHON2. KITV4.

Look South of Hilo for Affordable Homes in Hawai‘i. Hawai‘i Island’s overall median price has been relatively steady this year, but the lowest priced deals – including many inexpensive vacant lots – can often be found in Puna. Hawaii Business magazine.

DHHL awards 15 subsistence-ag lots in Panaewa.  Fifteen Department of Hawaiian Home Lands beneficiaries became the first to be awarded subsistence-agricultural lots Saturday at the Keaukaha Elementary School gymnasium. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui County Council meeting to be held remotely Friday due to COVID-19 cases.  Due to several cases of COVID-19 within the Legislative Branch, Council Chair Alice L. Lee determined that Friday’s council meeting will be held remotely via Bluejeans. Maui Now.

NOAA announces $17M for infrastructure improvements at Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary.  The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration will invest $17 million from the Inflation Reduction Act in Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary to improve the climate resilience of the Kīhei, Maui visitor and community center.  Maui Now.

Betty’s Beach Cafe in Lahaina to reopen after inspection.  The state Department of Health Food Safety Branch has allowed Betty’s Beach Cafe in Lahaina to reopen after closing it last week due to a cockroach infestation. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai

State suspends bus services at four Kaua‘i schools amid driver shortage.  Kapa‘a High School, Kapa‘a Middle School, Kapa‘a Elementary School and Hanalei Elementary School will see canceled services on Kaua‘i. Garden Island.

Waimea middle school principal removed from position. The principal of Waimea Canyon Middle School has been removed from her position in the midst of increasing complaints from parents, teachers and students. Garden Island.

Hawaii short health-care workers, teachers, corrections officers; cash flows to legislators during session, coffee labeling bill advances, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Lawmakers Consider Higher Bar For Labeling Hawaii Coffee. The label “Kona Coffee” could no longer used by coffee distributors unless more than half of the blended beans were in fact from Kona if a bill moving through the Legislature becomes law. Civil Beat.

Campaign Cash Flowed To Hawaii Senators Just Before An Energy Bill Vote. Reform Measures Won’t Stop It. A bill would prohibit lobbyists from cutting checks to lawmakers during the legislative session, but wouldn't prevent other people with an interest in legislation from writing checks. Civil Beat.

Bills to repeal Hawaii Tourism Authority advance. Two bills are moving forward to repeal the embattled Hawaii Tourism Authority this legislative session, which could prove one of the more contentious for the agency since state lawmakers gave it life in 1998. Star-Advertiser.

Lawmakers Are Focusing On Hawaii’s Youngest Residents As Other Education Measures Stall. Proposals to increase preschool attendance and stabilize child care centers are receiving the most attention in this legislative session. Civil Beat.

To stem exodus of preschool teachers, lawmakers consider using taxpayer dollars to boost their pay. Hawaii preschools say a shortage of qualified teachers is making Hawaii’s childcare crisis even worse. Now, lawmakers are considering using taxpayer money to give some underpaid educators a raise. Hawaii News Now.

Resurrected afterschool proposal gets approval from Senate committee.  House Bill 69 would give an additional $2.5 million to the DOE's Resources for Enrichment, Athletics, Culture, & Health (REACH) program for middle and intermediate school students. Hawaii Public Radio.

Reports show more healthcare workers leaving Hawaii. According to a recent survey from the Healthcare Association of Hawaii, vacancy rates went from 10% in 2019, to 17% in 2022. KHON2.

Waitlists grow for Hawaii’s long-term care facilities. For years, Hawaii’s long-term care facilities, which include nursing homes, have been dealing with staffing shortages, even before the COVID-19 pandemic. Today the situation has only gotten worse, with long-term care facilities operating in crisis mode. Star-Advertiser.

Labor conflict in Hawaii’s shipping industry playing out at Legislature.  The dispute is largely, or at least partly, between different factions of organized labor, and it could affect the prices and availability of goods. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s state prisons face severe staff shortages. The confirmation hearing for Tommy Johnson to lead the state Department of Public Safety revealed a deep and complex rift between guards and the department over chronic staff shortages, absences and overtime. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

DOH: Fecal bacteria in Kailua Bay exceeds permitted levels; Stay out. The public is advised to avoid Kailua Bay until further notice after wastewater was discharged into the ocean, according to the Hawaii Department of Health. Star-Advertiser. KHON2.

State considers closing financial gap to buy Maunawili Valley. More than a thousand acres of Maunawili are privately owned, and for years community members have been raising funds to buy it. Now, with the state’s help, they hope to restore agricultural land and preserve cultural and historical sites. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Permit granted for Ka‘u-based satellite receiver array. The Academia Sinica Institute of Astronomy and Astrophysics plans to install a system of 10 satellite dishes 20 feet in diameter on a two-acre site on a larger 10.7-acre parcel in Wood Valley in order to observe faint radio pulses from deep space. Tribune-Herald.

60th Annual Merrie Monarch Festival kicks off with Ho‘olaule‘a. Seven halau and a taiko drum group were to entertain an anticipated crowd of hundreds, perhaps thousands, starting at 9 a.m. at the Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium. Tribune-Herald. Hawaii News Now.  KITV4.

Merrie Monarch Week: The ‘unofficial’ events.  The action during the upcoming 60th Annual Merrie Monarch Festival in Hilo on the Big Island isn’t just confined to the official events at Edith Kanaka‘ole Multi-Purpose Stadium and Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium. Big Island Now.

Maui

Bissen’s Spending Plan For Maui Targets Affordable Housing And A Rainy Day Fund. His $1.23 billion spending plan for Maui, Lanai and Molokai is only slightly higher than fiscal year 2023’s $1.21 billion spending plan — the largest budget in county history.  Civil Beat.

Maui experts hope to catch up in battling coquis, Little Fire Ants, miconia. Christy Martin and Teya Penniman have spent more than 20 years successfully leading the fight against alien species on Maui, including the coqui frogs and Little Fire Ants. But they warn budget cutbacks in recent years have hurt their efforts. Maui Now.

Mokulele Airlines struggles to win the trust of its kamaʻāina passengers. Mokulele Airlines serves as a lifeline for the Molokaʻi and Lānaʻi communities, especially for critical medical appointments and off-island work. However, residents say they can no longer depend on Mokulele to get them there.  Hawaii Public Radio.

Kauai

Kaua‘i police warn of Craigslist apartment rental scams. The already herculean task of finding an affordable apartment on Kaua‘i has been made more difficult by a recent rash of fake listings aimed at scamming tenants. Garden Island.

Therapists to analyze ‘climate psychology’ at next Kaua‘i Climate Action Forum. The Kaua‘i Climate Action Forum – made up of local environmental groups Zero Waste Kaua‘i, Kaua‘i Climate Action Coalition and the Surfrider Foundation Kaua‘i Chapter – will discuss “climate psychology” at its next online meeting. Kauai Now.