Maui defends decision not to sound sirens during wildfires, DLNR official who held back water reassigned, COVID deaths highest since January, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Maui emergency chief defends not sounding sirens in Lahaina.  Maui Emergency Management Agency Administrator Herman Andaya on Wednesday defended the decision not to activate sirens to warn residents about the rapidly moving inferno that overwhelmed Lahaina town. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.  KHON2.  KITV4.

State Water Official Who Delayed Water Release Has Been Reassigned. Kaleo Manuel was given another job in DLNR while officials investigate what happened. The Department of Land and Natural Resources said it “is re-deploying” the state water resource administrator who was at the center of a delayed decision to divert water from Upcountry Maui land to help firefighters as the Aug. 8 wildfires began to take hold around Lahaina. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.

State not pursuing criminal probe of Maui fire. The comprehensive review by the state attorney general of the deadliest U.S. wildfire in a century is not a formal criminal or civil investigation into the cause and response to the deadly blaze, Gov. Josh Green said Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Maui fire timeline and warnings: Forecast through engulfment. A timeline of eyewitness accounts and official alerts show just how chaotic things got on Maui, on what was predicted to be a red flag fire-risk day Tuesday, Aug. 8. KHON2.

Hawaiian Electric Faces Heavy Legal, Financial Pressure After Lahaina Fire. The company faces scrutiny for not shutting down the power prior to the fire. Lawyers have wasted no time filing lawsuits. Civil Beat.

Analysis shows fires, other disasters increasing in Hawaii. Hawaii is increasingly under siege from disasters, and what is escalating most is wildfire, according to an Associated Press analysis of Federal Emergency Management Agency records. That reality can clash with the vision of Hawaii as paradise. It is, in fact, one of the riskiest states in the country. Associated Press.

COVID deaths climb. The statewide death toll has climbed to 1,931 people since the start of the pandemic, with the DOH reporting 11 deaths over the last week, the most since January.  Tribune-Herald.

Oahu

Honolulu District Courthouse to be closed due to structural damage.  The Honolulu District Courthouse will be closed Thursday following “inadvertent structural damage caused by a contractor working in the building,” the state Judiciary said in a news release Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Earthquake Swarm Detected At Kīlauea Summit, Elevated Unrest Continues. Kīlauea volcano is not erupting, but scientists say recent earthquakes indicate movement of magma in the south caldera region. Big Island Video News.

Commission to consider Miloli‘i park improvements. More than $1.7 million in improvements are coming to Miloli‘i Beach Park in Captain Cook. Tribune-Herald.

Free eye clinic in Kona a success. Hundreds of Hawaii Island residents, some traveling from as far away as Hilo and Puna, took advantage of a free eye exam and glasses at the Hawaii Island Community Health Center in Kealakehe thanks to a program within the Department of Defense. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

More Maui fire victims named, officially and by family.  Maui County so far has released the names of five of the 111 officially acknowledged fatalities from last week’s wildfire that laid waste to Lahaina — all of them over the age of 70. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii Public Radio. Hawaii News Now.  KHON2.  KITV4.

Maui Residents Finally Have Local Access To Federal Relief Programs. SBA loan limits were substantially hiked only a week before the destructive fires. Civil Beat.

Water Contamination Concerns Loom Over Lahaina And Upper Kula. As they await test results, Maui residents in affected areas are told not to drink tap water and to wash their clothes in cold water. Civil Beat.

FEMA official addresses business leaders in Hawaiʻi, urges disaster survivors on Maui to register for federal assistance. To date, FEMA has provided more than $2.3 million in assistance to more than 1,330 households, including more than $800,000 in initial rental assistance. Maui Now.

Installation of dust screens begins around Lahaina Town. Following the opening of the Lahaina Bypass on Aug. 15, 2023, the Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation began installing dust screens around Lahaina Town.  Maui Now.

‘There’s still life’: Nationwide effort underway to save Maui’s historic banyan tree.  Arborists from around the country are lending a hand in West Maui to save the historic banyan tree that sits in the heart of Lahaina. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai

Road closure planned Wednesday on Peleke Street in Līhuʻe for waterline repair. Kauaʻi County Department of Water crews are conducting emergency waterline repairs on Peleke Street in Līhuʻe, which required the roadway to be closed about 4 to 5 hours from Milikeleka Place to Aukele Street. Kauai Now.

Maui water wars exacerbated Lahaina wildfire disaster, state begins notifying families of lost loved ones, Hawaiian Electric stock plunges 34% on lawsuit fears, Hurricane Fernanda, Tropical Storm Greg advance, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

A State Official Refused To Release Water For West Maui Fires Until It Was Too Late.  The Department of Land and Natural Resources delayed releasing water requested by West Maui Land Co. to help prevent the spread of fire, sources familiar with the situation said. Civil Beat.

The Maui Agency That Could Answer Pressing Wildfire Evacuation Questions Has Been MIA.  The Maui Emergency Management Agency hasn't participated in media updates, and officials haven't offered specifics on what happened leading up to the deadly blaze. Civil Beat.

Hawaiian Electric’s stock plunges 34% on fears of wildfire liability. Hawaiian Electric Industries Inc.’s stock plunged by a record on concern that its power lines may be linked to the deadly Maui wildfires. Shares fell $10.94, or 34%, to close at $21.46 today on Wall Street, after earlier tumbling as much as 42%. Bloomberg.

Residents had moments to make life-or-death choices.  There were no sirens, no one with bullhorns, no one to tell anyone what to do: They were on their own, with their families and neighbors, to choose whether to stay or to run, and where to run to — through smoke so thick it blinded them, flames closing in from every direction, cars exploding, toppled power lines and uprooted trees, fire whipping through the wind and raining down. Associated Press. Hawaii Public Radio.  Maui Now.  Hawaii News Now.  KHON2.

Families of first 3 victims identified in Maui fire to be notified today.  Three victims of the Aug. 8 Lahaina fire have been identified, and their families will get the grim news today that their loved ones are official casualties as the death toll grew to 99 on Monday, and will likely continue to rise. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Governor Seeks Moratorium On Property Sales In Lahaina. The search through the rubble continued as the death toll from the wildfires rose to 99. Civil Beat. Maui Now.  KITV4.

Focus moving to pollution, water hazards on Maui, Coast Guard says. The U.S. Coast Guard announced Monday that it’s shifting its focus from combing the waters around Lahaina for bodies to cleaning up debris and pollution in the sea after a deadly wildfire destroyed much of the historic town. Star-Advertiser.

Obama posts video urging support for Lahaina. Former President Barack Obama took to social media Monday to urge his followers to help rebuild Lahaina. Star-Advertiser. KHON2.

Major Hurricane Fernanda, Tropical Storm Greg Churning In Pacific. Tropical Storm Greg has formed in the Central Pacific and is about 1,050 miles east-southeast of Hilo, while Hurricane Fernanda maintains its category 4 strength in the Eastern Pacific, about 2,380 miles east-southeast of Hilo. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now.

Oahu

State Failed To Heed Warnings Of Waimanalo Girl’s Abuse, Lawsuit Alleges. The lawsuit by the estate of Isabella Kalua says the state advocated her adoption by her foster parents despite multiple reports of suspicious injuries by doctors and others. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Ocean View students stranded after being denied bus service. An incident last Friday involved more than two dozen students from the Ocean View area who attempted to take a Hele-On bus to Ka‘u High and Pahala Elementary.  The students were stranded when a Hele-On bus driver told them seats were being reserved for other commuters at upcoming stops and they were not able to board. Tribune-Herald.

Nonprofit offers wildfire risk assessments in Hawaii County.  In the wake of the deadly Maui wildfires and the blazes that damaged properties in West Hawaii, a Waimea-based nonprofit organization is conducting community wildfire risk assessments using home assessors-in-training. Tribune-Herald.

Kilauea Volcano Again Showing Signs Of Elevated Unrest.  Earthquakes peaked at 100 on Sunday, August 13, including a magnitude-4.3 event that was felt across Hawaiʻi Island.   Big Island Video News. Big Island Now.

Maui

FEMA Money For Maui Disaster Relief May Get Caught Up In A Partisan Fight Over Ukraine. Federal funding is kicking in on Maui but a budget shortfall looms in Washington. Civil Beat.

Federal help ramped up for Maui fire relief. New levels of federal assistance for Maui fire survivors who suffered losses rolled out Monday, including free hotel lodging and one-time $700 payments per household for any critical needs. Star-Advertiser.

For some Maui teachers, fires took 2 places they called home.  At least six of the teachers with lost or greatly damaged homes worked at King Kamehameha III Elementary, the one public school that officials have deemed a loss in the West Maui fires. Star-Advertiser.

On the ground in Lahaina town: Sadness, searching, signs of hope. In the smoldering ruins of Lahaina town, a stream of water casts through the air onto the blackened branches of the 150-year-old banyan tree.  Maui News. KITV4.

Maui police suspend placard program after ‘non-essential’ people flood distribution sites. Just hours after launching it, Maui police have suspended a placard program designed to speed up access into West Maui after distribution areas were flooded with people. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai

Senator Hirono gets a taste of agriculture in Wailua. U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono was pleasantly surprised on Monday when she was presented with a 4-H certificate during her stop at the University of Hawai‘i Kaua‘i Agricultural Research Center during a day trip to the Garden Island. Garden Island.

Invasive coconut rhinoceros beetles spread to Wailuā, Kīlauea – but experts are optimistic. Three months after invasive coconut rhinoceros beetles were first reported on Kauaʻi near the Līhu‘e Airport, more of the species have been found in Kīlauea and Wailuā.  Kauai Now.

State and federal officials tour Lahaina as death toll rises to 55, more than 1,000 unaccounted for, wildfire took local emergency leaders by surprise, emergency proclamation bans price gouging, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Death toll from Lahaina wildfire rises to 55; governor says town is ‘gone’.  Maui County confirmed two additional fatalities from the catastrophic Lahaina wildfire on Thursday night, bringing the death toll to 55. Also on Thursday, Gov. Josh Green toured the devastation in the historic town. Speaking to reporters, he said Lahaina was “gone” and estimated over 1,000 buildings had been destroyed. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.  KITV4.

Maui’s Top Emergency Officials Were Off Island As Wildfires Hit Lahaina. Local leaders say they were caught by surprise because the scale of Tuesday's fire was unprecedented. But the warning has been sounded for years. Civil Beat. Associated Press.

Maui Crews Search For Survivors Of ‘Likely The Largest Natural Disaster’ In Hawaii. Officials estimated that some 1,000 were unaccounted for, 1,700 buildings burned and 2,000 people were in shelters as the Lahaina wildfire continued to burn. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser.  Hawaii Public Radio.  Associated Press.  Maui Now.

Biden declares federal disaster on Maui, Hawai‘i Island. President Joe Biden approved on Thursday morning Governor Josh Green’s request for a federal disaster declaration in Hawai‘i, ordering federal aid to assist recovery efforts on Maui and opening funds to individuals affected by the recent wildfires that have killed at least 53 people. Garden Island.

Gov. Josh Green issues fourth Emergency Proclamation relating to wildfires. Shortly after arriving back in the state, Governor Josh Green issued a fourth emergency proclamation relating to the ongoing emergency due to the wildfire disasters in Maui and Hawaiʻi counties. Big Island Now.

As scope of Maui disaster widens, state puts new rules in place to prevent price gouging. A price freeze has been enacted by Hawaii’s Office of Consumer Protection to prevent prices of necessities from skyrocketing as a result of the deadly wildfires. The state said merchants must sell items at “pre-emergency prices” through Aug. 31. Hawaii News Now.

Flash drought, invasive grasses, winds, hurricane and climate change fuel Maui’s devastating fires. Hawaii went from lush to bone dry and thus more fire-prone in a matter of just a few weeks — a key factor in a dangerous mix of conditions appear to have combined to make the wildfires blazing a path of destruction in Hawaii particularly damaging. Associated Press.

Why Hawai‘i’s Wildfires Are Growing Bigger and More Intense. The unfolding disaster on Maui is a sign of things to come as invasive grasses spread across the landscape and extreme rain-drought cycles intensify their fuel loads. Here's the science behind Hawai‘i’s wildfires, and the experts who are fighting to stop them. Hawaii Business magazine.

Help Maui Fire Victims: Here’s How You Can Donate. Thousands sought shelter in evacuation centers after at least 271 buildings burned, leveling much of Lahaina town. Here's how you can help. Civil Beat. Hawaii Public Radio.  West Hawaii Today.  Hawaii News Now.

DOH says Hawaii has experienced steady uptick in COVID-19 cases. The health department in a news release Thursday said COVID-19 cases have grown since June of this year, and on Oahu and on Maui County hospital admission levels increased from the “low” to “medium” level. Star-Advertiser. Big Island Now.

Oahu

City’s Bonds Sale To Fund Rail, City Improvements. The City and County of Honolulu has sold $271 million worth of general obligation bonds to help fund the rail project and other city improvements.  Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Maunakea observatories’ decommissioning is imminent.  During a Thursday meeting of the Board of the Maunakea Stewardship and Oversight Authority, Greg Chun, director of the University of Hawaii’s Center for Maunakea Stewardship, said work to remove the Caltech Submillimeter Observatory will begin within a few weeks, and the dismantling of the University of Hawaii’s teaching observatory Hoku Kea will begin in a few months. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Rebuilding Lahaina Will Be A Huge And Costly Undertaking. Gov. Josh Green says he is considering calling a special legislative session to help get money out to the Maui community. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser.

Loss of cultural landmarks in Lahaina deeply affects community, Hawaiʻi historians. Lahaina became the capital of the Hawaiian Kingdom in the early 1800s. Hawaii Public Radio.

DOE: 4 West Maui public schools to remain closed for at least another week. The state Education Department announced that four West Maui public schools will remain closed for at least another week. Hawaii News Now.

Power outage shutters hotels outside Lahaina. Almost half the hotel rooms on Maui are shut down for at least two weeks because of power outages related to wildfires that destroyed two Lahaina hotels, razed a historic commercial power center and continue to take a staggering human toll. Star-Advertiser.

County of Maui to air daily public updates on Maui radio stations.  Starting Friday, Aug. 11, 2023, radio stations on Maui will air County of Maui updates on the Lahaina wildfire incident at 9 a.m., noon and 3 p.m. Maui Now.

Miscommunication led to nosedive on Maui flight.  The National Transportation Safety Board found that miscommunication between United Airlines Flight 1722’s captain and copilot precipitated the aircraft’s plunge of 1,352 feet just one minute after departure from Kahului Airport on its way to San Francisco in 2022. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai

Kaua‘i officials react to Hawai‘i wildfires. County of Kaua‘i officials reacted to the large wildfires that tore through Maui and Hawaii Island on Wednesday, with the chief of the Kaua‘i Fire Department asking the public to remain vigilant to help avoid a similar situation on the island. Garden Island.

36 confirmed dead, hundreds of buildings destroyed as wildfire levels historic Lahaina, Maui; tourists and residents evacuated, Red Cross seeks volunteers, Biden, Green begin recovery plans, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Fast-moving blaze in Lahaina kills 36 and leaves devastation in its wake.  Officials fear the death toll and casualties will rise, but preliminary reports were that the fire that tore through Maui claimed at least 36 lives, wounded nearly 30, forced some at Lahaina Harbor into the ocean to escape flames, and destroyed or damaged at least 271 structures on the Valley Isle. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.  Maui News.  Maui Now.  Associated Press.  Hawaii News Now.  KHON2.  KITV4.

Deadly Wildfires Caught Hawaii By Surprise. Hawaii was unprepared for the wildfires that devastated Lahaina on Maui and other parts of that island and the Big Island, fires that appear to have been caused in part by a high winds from a passing hurricane. Civil Beat. Hawaii Public Radio.

Biden pledges ‘all available federal assets’ for response to wildfires.  President Joe Biden said Wednesday he has ordered “all available federal assets on the islands to help with response” to the devastating wildfires on Maui and the Big Island. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Gov. Josh Green cuts travel short to return to Hawaii.  Green is responding to the wildfire emergency affecting the people of Maui and Hawai‘i Counties by returning home to the islands immediately. Press Release.

Hawaiian Air adds flights, offers $19 fares as visitor evacuations from Maui continue. Officials are scrambling to evacuate thousands of visitors from Maui as crews continue to battle devastating wildfires burning across the island. Hawaii News Now.

Disaster could be lasting setback for economy.  The wildfires on Maui are likely to have a major impact on the tourism industry — the state’s primary economic engine — with the Valley Isle as a huge draw for Hawaii’s core U.S. visitor market. Star-Advertiser.

Lahaina’s historic and cultural treasures go up in smoke.  The area in and around Front Street — designated a National Historic Landmark since 1962 — was leveled by the massive overnight blaze, and so were its historic buildings, landmarks and sites. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now.

Red Cross seeks hundreds of volunteers to assist with Maui disaster response.  The American Red Cross of Hawaii is calling on hundreds of volunteers to help staff its shelters and assist with response efforts to the wildfire disaster on Maui. Hawaii News Now.

People quickly, generously share the aloha spirit. In a span of just four hours Wednesday, the Maui Strong Fund at the Hawai‘i Community Foundation swelled to $1 million, buoyed by people and organizations rushing to help residents affected by the Maui wildfires. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Proposed Ala Moana luxury condo approved. The Honolulu City Council gave final approval Wednesday to a planned condominium tower near Ala Moana Center with a condition that new affordable rental apartments be provided nearby for twice as long as typically required. Star-Advertiser.

Testimony heard for extension to find new site for Kapolei Landfill. The city’s request for a two-year extension to locate a replacement site for the 34-year-old Waimanalo Gulch Sanitary Landfill in Kapolei drew opponents as well as supporters to a hearing over those future plans. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Payment to HCC hackers was first for state.  The decision by the University of Hawaii to pay the hackers responsible for a ransomware attack on Hawaii Community College was the first such payment in state history, according to the governor’s office. Tribune-Herald.

Big Island firefighters get upper hand on West Hawaii blazes. As of press time Wednesday, the fire that caused evacuations from Kohala Ranch, Kohala by the Sea, Kohala Estates, Kohala Waterfront and the North and South Fairways at Mauna Kea Beach Resort were still being quenched by fire personnel. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaiʻi Fire Update: Evacuation Orders Lifted, Roads Open. Akoni Pule Highway, Highway 270 in Kohala, and Mauna Kea Beach Drive are now open, officials reported early Wednesday evening. Big Island Video News.

Attorney De Lima’s estate sued by former client accused of murder. A murder defendant is suing the estate of Brian De Lima, claiming the late Hilo attorney used his position to steal money from the defendant’s bank account and from a trust set up for him. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Tokuda to hold town hall on Maui. U.S. Rep. Jill Tokuda will hold her second Maui community town hall at 3 p.m. Aug. 19 in Kihei.  Maui News

Housing working group to meet. Chief Housing Officer Nani Medeiros and members of the Build Beyond Barriers Working Group will hold a kick-off meeting from 9 to 11 a.m. Friday.  Maui News.

Kauai

Keeping Kaua‘i fire-free — wildfire expert urges residents take fire precautions. As the deadliest wildfires in Hawai‘i’s recorded history ravage Maui and Hawai‘i Island, the Hawai‘i Wildfire Management Organization (HWMO) is urging Kaua‘i residents to prepare now to protect the Garden Island from the threat of inferno. Garden Island.

Department of Health cancels Po‘ipū bacteria count warning. The Hawai‘i State Department of Health has canceled the notification for Poipu Beach Pavilion on Kaua‘i. Water sample retesting results show that enterococci levels no longer exceed the threshold level. Kauai Now.

Chief housing officer hosting Q&A today on housing proclamation, Dora-fueled fires spur evacuations, school closures on Maui and Big Island, health inspectors green-light Safeway after rat eradication, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Chief Housing Officer Nani Medeiros to address top questions surrounding Emergency Proclamation on Housing. Public invited to Q&A about Green’s emergency housing order. The state’s chief housing officer is scheduled to host a public virtual question-and-answer session Wednesday on Gov. Josh Green’s recent emergency proclamation for housing. The event is slated to run from 2:30 to 3 p.m. on the governor’s GovJoshGreen Facebook page and @govhawaii Instagram feed, respectively at facebook.com/GovJoshGreen and instagram.com/govhawaii. Star-Advertiser. Big Island Now.

‘Affordable Housing’ Projects In Hawaii Are Unaffordable To Many. State and county policies aimed at increasing Hawaii's housing stock can have the unintended consequence of pushing out lower-income residents. Civil Beat.

Lahaina burns as high winds fuel wildfires on Maui, Big Island. High winds fueled brush fires that ravaged thousands of acres and caused extensive property damage, forcing the widespread evacuation of residents from Lahaina, Upcountry Maui and several Kohala communities on Hawaii Island. Star-Advertiser. West Hawaii Today. Big Island Now. Maui News. Maui Now.  KITV4. KHON2.

Much of historic Lahaina town believed destroyed as huge wildfire sends people fleeing into water. Eyewitnesses described an apocalyptic scene Tuesday in Lahaina town, where residents were forced to jump into the harbor waters to avoid fast-moving flames from a massive brush fire that’s destroyed much of the historic area — and continues to burn. Hawaii News Now.

USDA Program Helps Hawaii Farmers Offset High Shipping Costs. Of the $3 million allotted to the federal program last year, farmers in Hawaii received over $1.2 million. Civil Beat.

Invasive corals found in Pearl Harbor pose a threat to the natural environment, DLNR says. Three types of invasive octocorals have been found in Pearl Harbor. The most recent species were discovered during an environmental assessment conducted for the planned shipyard modernization plan at the military base. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

Board to take testimony on landfill. The Honolulu Planning Commission is expected to take public testimony today on the city’s request for a two-year extension to find a replacement site for the nearly 40-year-old Waimanalo Gulch Sanitary Landfill in Kapolei, which is slated to close by 2028. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Council To Decide Whether To Pay For HPD Officer’s Defense In Lawsuit Over Fatal Shooting. Dana Brown was a motor scooter rider killed following a traffic stop and pursuit in Kapolei. Civil Beat.

Health inspectors visit Safeway Beretania, find no evidence of rats.  Health officials said Safeway’s manager was already aware of the complaint, and had already hired pest control professionals to treat the Safeway Bakery for the presence of rodents. Star-Advertiser.

Skimmers are stealing credit card information in Honolulu.  Honolulu police last week were warning the public about credit card skimmers after they were discovered at self-checkout registers at grocery stores across the island. Star-Advertiser.

Pearl Harbor commander: Lab error to blame for false detection of petroleum in drinking water. Capt. Mark Sohaney, commander of Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, told community members Monday that testing found elevated levels of petroleum in the drinking water at two homes in Radford Terrace and the Doris Miller neighborhood. Hawaii News Now.

Public transit commute sheds light on suspended school bus routes. When parent complaints and questions began pouring into state Rep. Trish La Chica’s office about the state suspending bus routes at 14 Hawaii public schools two weeks before school started, she says she felt frustrated that she had few immediate answers or solutions to offer. Star-Advertiser.

HPD officer succumbs to injuries from July 11 crash. A Honolulu Police Department motorcycle officer died Tuesday from injuries he suffered in a July 11 traffic accident in Kapolei, but not before he donated his organs to save lives. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.  KITV4.

Hawaii Island

More questions than answers: County to have four seats on panel created by governor’s housing proclamation. Hawaii County will have four representatives on the new Build Beyond Barriers working group, a decision-making committee for housing development projects statewide. Tribune-Herald.

Reviving the Hilo DIA: Efforts to reboot organization are underway.  After years of fading relevance, the Hilo Downtown Improvement Association is being resurrected with new leadership. Tribune-Herald.

Additional fees waived for Big Island residents disposing junk cars under county program. Hawaiʻi County is expanding its efforts to reduce the number of abandoned vehicles on the island. Hawaii Public Radio.

Maui

Dream come true: Kihei’s high school finally opens. Freshmen and sophomores step onto long-awaited Kulanihako‘i campus. Maui News.

Multiple school closures remain in place on Wednesday due to high winds, fires on Maui. HIDOE’s four public schools in South Maui will also be closed Wednesday due to spreading brush fires and evacuations in the area.  Maui Now. Hawaii News Now.

Affordable housing on Maui, Hale O Piʻikea III, awarded funds for completion of final phase. The 223-unit development aims to provide quality, affordable housing options for individuals and families at or below 60% of the Area Median Income.  Maui Now.

Kauai

Matsuyama sworn in as County of Kaua‘i managing director.  The County of Kaua‘i made things official on Monday with the swearing in of Reiko Matsuyama as the county’s new managing director before a large audience that included a lot of the county’s department heads and staff. Garden Island.

Visitor spending tops $250 million in June on Kaua‘i.  Visitor spending topped the one-quarter billion dollar mark in the first full month of summer, as tourism dollars continued to flow into Kaua‘i at an eye-popping rate. Garden Island.

How the community is stepping up to fill the school bus shortage on Kauaʻi.  The shuttle’s main job is to bring visitors from Waipa to Keʻe Beach and Haʻena State Park at the end of Kuhio Highway. Using the same schedule, they’re able to connect students to county bus services free of charge. Hawaii Public Radio.

Department of Health retesting Po‘ipū water, following high bacteria count. Levels of 624 per 100 mL were detected during routine beach monitoring, but the health department is uncertain about the representativeness of the first sample. Kauai Now.

Ige emergency order seeks out-of-state nurses, ballots slow down before election, workers battle Pohakuloa wildfire, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hospital nurse PC:SJ Objio via Unsplash

Gov. David Ige approves emergency rules addressing health care staff shortage. Gov. David Ige today announced the approval of emergency rules authorizing out-of-state nurses to temporarily practice in Hawaii without applying for and obtaining a license if certain requirements are met. Star-Advertiser. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Now. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. KITV4.

Hawaii to follow CDC’s relaxed COVID-19 guidelines. The state Department of Health says it plans to adjust its COVID-19 quarantine guidelines to align with those issued Thursday by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The CDC dropped the recommendation that Americans quarantine if they come into close contact with an infected person, saying there is now significantly less risk of severe illness, hospitalization and death than earlier in the pandemic. Star-Advertiser.

Lack of ballots to count leaves Hawaii election volunteers at home. As of Wednesday over 234,000 ballots had been received via mail, dropped off at collection sites or cast in person at voter service centers. That’s 32% of the 730,000 ballots that were sent out to registered voters in Hawaii two weeks ago. Star-Advertiser. KHON2.

Federal agency failed to protect 49 at-risk Hawaii species, lawsuit says. The Center for Biological Diversity filed a lawsuit Thursday against the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, accusing the agency of failing to designate and protect critical habitat for 49 Hawaii endangered species. Star-Advertiser.

Alaska Airlines to fly Hawaii veterans to D.C. for free on special flights. Alaska Airlines is offering Hawaii military veterans free flights to Washington, D.C., to visit the memorials and monuments honoring their service and sacrifice. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. KITV4.

Oahu

Hawaii’s first major solar farm with batteries is currently producing electricity on Oahu. Hawaii’s first major solar farm with batteries is currently producing electricity on Oahu. The first utility-scale solar farm on Oahu linked with batteries recently began commercial power production ahead of seven similar projects slated for completion over the next two years. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu’s Urban Core May See More Affordable Housing For Older Adults. The Catholic Church has joined a nonprofit organization to develop a 17-story affordable housing building for older adults on downtown property owned by the church at Fort Street Mall, nestled on one of the oldest streets in Honolulu. Civil Beat.

Marine Corps Pledges To Improve Stormwater Management In Kaneohe. After the U.S. Marine Corps was found to be polluting Oahu’s coastal waters with stormwater discharges, the military and Environmental Protection Agency have entered into an agreement to address “significant deficiencies” in the base’s stormwater program, the EPA announced on Thursday. Civil Beat.

TheBus will be free for 5 days beginning Aug. 22. To regain and encourage ridership, regular fares for TheBus on Oʻahu will be suspended for five days later this month. Riders will need to have HOLO cards to participate, which is how the city will evaluate the program. Hawaii Public Radio.

West Oahu Charter School Finances Expansion Through Municipal Bonds. One of Hawaii’s newest charter schools turns to an untraditional source of funding to finance its expansion. A West Oahu charter school that opened in 2019 with 100 sixth graders welcomed its first class of freshmen this year, but DreamHouse Ewa Beach doesn’t yet have a high school. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Large wildfire burning amid Big Isle drought. A large wildfire in a rural area of Hawaii island is not threatening any homes, but high winds and extremely dry conditions are making it difficult for crews to contain the blaze. The fire had burned more than 15 square miles as of Thursday. Associated Press. West Hawaii Today.  Big Island Video News. Big Island Now. KHON2.

Hawaiʻi County Council considers affordable housing credit audit. Earlier this month, Hawaiʻi County Council member Holeka Goro Inaba introduced a resolution for an audit into the county’s affordable housing credits after state and federal investigators indicted four people in an affordable housing scheme. Hawaii Public Radio.

Officials work to fix traffic woes near Mt. View school. Since students returned to school last week, there has been a substantial increase in traffic congestion on Highway 11 near Mountain View Elementary. Tribune-Herald.

Surf’s up: Business gets permit for surf school at Old Kona Airport Park. Kona Town Surf received a permit from the state Department of Land and Natural Resources hours before Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement officers on Wednesday attempted to cite the surf school business for operating without the necessary documentation. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Iwi kupuna discovered on Maui public beach sparks debate over erosion plans. Rising sea level and erosion are provoking a painful debate on Maui between protecting the beach and protecting the dignity of Native Hawaiian ancestors. Last week, a visitor stumbled across ancestral skeletal remains on a public beach near the Marriott’s Maui Ocean Club in West Maui. Hawaii News Now.

District 13 Democratic primary features new faces with deep ties. House District 13 has seen plenty of turnover in recent years. In 2015 Lynn DeCoite was appointed to the seat after the death of former Rep. Mele Carroll. In 2021 Linda Clark was appointed to the office after DeCoite moved over to the Senate. Maui News.

The long-awaited opening of Kīhei High School is planned for January, but will it happen? Construction of the upper campus of the beautiful new Kīhei High School — which sits mauka of Piʻilani Highway with Haleakala as a backdrop — is expected to finally be completed enough to open in January for a small inaugural class of ninth graders. Maui Now.

Kauai

HDOT to begin work on Lihu‘e Airport parking lot. The Hawai‘i Department of Transportation-Airports Division is set to begin a $2.4 million project at Lihu‘e Airport this Monday. Garden Island.

Primary election update; ballots due Aug. 13. Here are the preliminary numbers on ballots turned in so far, according to Elections Administrator Lyndon Yoshioka: Total ballots sent out: 40,947. Ballots turned in: 8,684. Percent of ballots cast: 17.5. In-person votes: 241. Percent in person: 2.7 Garden Island.

Costs climb for Mauna Kea enforcement, worker drug use rises, Honolulu stalls wind power enforcement measure, Maui wildfire strands tourists, Ige extends Kauai disaster declaration, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Mauna Kea access road in July ©2019 All Hawaii News

Cost grows to $8.3M in policing Mauna Kea. The state and counties have spent at least $8.3 million on law enforcement costs related to the Thirty Meter Telescope standoff on Mauna Kea that began in mid-July. Star-Advertiser.

Price tag for the government’s response to the TMT protest: $7.8M and growing. State and county government agencies have now spent more than $7.8 million responding to the ongoing Thirty Meter Telescope protest at Mauna Kea. Hawaii News Now.

$8 million in taxpayer money spent on law enforcement and first-responders at TMT site. Costs are nearing $8 million in taxpayer money for law enforcement and first-responder at the site of the Thirty-Meter Telescope protests since the occupation of Mauna Kea Access Road began in July. KHON2.

Hawaii's Attorney General releases updated numbers of cost to keep law enforcement on Mauna Kea. Combined the state and Hawaii County has spent at least $7.8 million on law enforcement for Mauna Kea so far. KITV.

=====

New immunization requirements begin for Hawaii students. State health officials are requiring public school sixth graders to be immunized with a controversial vaccine before the start of the next school year or risk being excluded from enrolling in middle school. Star-Advertiser.

Test results show a spike in drug use among Hawaii workers. New numbers shows that more workers across Hawaii are using amphetamine and cocaine. Hawaii News Now.

=====

Tulsi Gabbard to join 11 others onstage for next Democratic debate, the most ever. The next Democratic presidential primary debate, on Oct. 15 in Westerville, Ohio, will feature a supersize lineup of a dozen candidates onstage at once, party officials said today. New York Times.

How Tulsi Gabbard Got Back On The National Debate Stage. A New Hampshire poll last month gave U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard the push she’d needed to get back on the Democratic National Committee’s debate stage. Civil Beat.

Dutch inventor says his system for catching plastic in Pacific is working. fter a series of setbacks, a system for catching plastic floating in the Pacific between California and Hawaii is now working, its Dutch inventor said Wednesday. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

City Council stalls on a resolution to regulate turbine project. A Honolulu City Council committee on Wednesday held off action on a resolution sought by Kahuku residents that presses the Department of Planning and Permitting to more tightly regulate a wind farm project going up next to area schools. Star-Advertiser.

EPA preparing to remove elevated lead concentrations in various areas on Factory Street in Kalihi. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency wants to remove the soil under Factory Street in Kalihi “to abate the potential imminent and substantial endangerment posed by lead contamination to this densely populated neighborhood,” and says it can begin the work as soon as Monday. Star-Advertiser.

Formerly Homeless Now In Charge Of $3.8M Grant To Help Kids Still On The Streets. A federal youth homelessness project in Honolulu is being guided by nine young people who know the issue first-hand. Civil Beat.

Next Ward Village tower wins approval. A go-ahead for another luxury condominium tower at Ward Village was issued Wednesday, but it came with a deadline to finish much of a central public plaza that critics contend should have been delivered sooner. Star-Advertiser.

Howard Hughes gains approval for their latest luxury highrise in Kakaako. The Hawaii Community Development Authority Wednesday approved Howard Hughes Corp.'s latest highrise in Kakaako. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Pizza the road repair pie: Big Island gets $5k Domino’s grant to fill potholes. Hawaii County is the only county in the state to get a “pizza” the road repair pie, as delivery giant Domino’s wraps up a 50-state pothole repair campaign to promote its pie dispatch service. West Hawaii Today.

Kupuna Soon Able to Apply for Hilo Housing. Applications for residency will be available this month for 92 units at a senior living community housing project in Hilo. Big Island Now.

After years of delays, Kuawa ball fields set to open. Nearly three years after it was initially supposed to open, work on the Kuawa Street park is finally complete. Tribune-Herald.

Historic Pepeekeo bridge slated for repairs. A bill that would allocate more than $1 million to repair a historic bridge in Pepeekeo passed its first reading Wednesday before the Hawaii County Council. Tribune-Herald.

A Popular Volcano Trail Is Rebuilt With A Lot Of Sweat Equity. Seven tons of gravel and two tons of large rocks had to be brought in by wheelbarrow to repair the famed Kilauea Iki trail in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Civil Beat.

Maui

Roads on Maui reopened, but wind-whipped brush fire continues to burn. A wind-whipped brush fire on Maui that triggered evacuations, forced road closures and stranded hundreds of cruise passengers on island is still burning early Thursday, county officials said. Hawaii News Now.

Brush fire burns 4,100 acres by Wednesday night; traffic finally moving on pali. finally moving on pali. Fueled by strong winds on “extremely steep” mountain slopes above Maalaea, a morning brush fire grew from 5 acres to 4,100 acres by 9 p.m. Wednesday, forcing a handful of evacuations, closing off major arteries in and out of Lahaina and impacting West Maui businesses and travel plans. Maui News.

Honoapi‘ilani OPEN, Intermittent Closures Possible Overnight Due to Fire. Maui Now.

Evacuations are underway as firefighters work to put out large brush fire in Maalaea. Maui firefighters are responding to an ongoing fire in Maalaea, Wednesday, October 2, around 9 a.m. KHON2.

=====

Beached whales appeared to be fighting infection. Researchers looking into cause behind sickness, strandings. Maui News.

Kauai

Ige extends disaster relief. Gov. David Ige issued a 10th supplementary emergency proclamation Wednesday, extending the emergency relief period for last year’s Kauai floods. Garden Island.

Former TVR owners sue county. The former owners of a vacation rental property in Haena are suing the County of Kauai over an emergency order restricting visitor access to North Shore neighborhoods following severe flooding in the area last April. Garden Island.

Hundreds attend vigil as Thirty Meter Telescope construction to commence today, arson investigation in Maui wildfires, security cameras going up in Oahu parks, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaiians chant, prepare on Mauna Kea ©2019 All Hawaii News

With TMT construction set to begin, protesters lie on ground to block potential vehicles. At least seven protesters were lying on the ground, chained to a cattle guard on Mauna Kea Access Road early Monday, just hours before construction was set to start on the controversial project. Hawaii News Now.

Hundreds of Thirty Meter Telescope opponents on Mauna Kea in attempt to block construction. State and local officials will try to close a road to the summit of Mauna Kea Monday morning to allow trucks carrying construction equipment to make their way to the top to begin construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope on land that some Native Hawaiians consider sacred. Associated Press.

Hundreds of Native Hawaiian activists encamped Sunday at the bottom of Mauna Kea were determined to stand their ground against the launching of construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope — unsure of how law enforcement would intervene or what the morning would bring. Star-Advertiser.

Mayor Kim Makes Surprise Visit To Puuhonua At Base Of Mauna Kea. Mayor Harry Kim made a surprise visit to Puu Huluhulu on Sunday, where he told the Thirty Meter Telescope opponents who have established a puuhonua at the location that he supports what they have done. Big Island Video News.

Hundreds gather for prayer vigil. A 12-hour prayer vigil Sunday drew hundreds opposed to the construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope on Maunakea to Pu‘u Huluhulu, across from the intersection of Saddle Road. Tribune-Herald.

Crowds gather on Maunakea prior to TMT project start. With less than 24 hours before the Maunakea summit access road was expected to close in anticipation of the start of construction on the Thirty Meter Telescope, hundreds gathered here over the weekend offering oli, mele and prayers as part of a peaceful yet determined demonstration at the base of Maunakea. West Hawaii Today.

Hundreds gather to protest TMT, construction begins Monday. Hundreds gathered at the base of Maunakea to peacefully protest the Thirty Meter Telescope, which is scheduled to begin construction Monday morning, July 15. KHON2.

Hundreds of TMT protestors gather at Maunakea. Hundreds of protestors are already gathered at the base of Maunakea on the eve of the start of telescope construction. KITV.

Anxiety, Rumors And Prayers Before TMT Construction Begins On Mauna Kea. Officials are committed to escorting construction vehicles for the Thirty Meter Telescope up the mountain Monday. Civil Beat.

Gov. Ige addresses concerns ahead of the start of TMT construction. Gov. David Ige held a news conference Sunday to address the mounting tensions over the start of construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope. Hawaii News Now.

Governor Attempts to Tamp Down Tensions As TMT Opponents Gather At Mauna Kea. Hawaii Gov. David Ige sought to quell rumors of a planned sweep to clear out protesters gathering at Mauna Kea as construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope on the mountain begins this week. Hawaii Public Radio.

Governor Ige Says No Sweeps Planned. “There is no sweep planned for 8 p.m. this evening,” Governor David Ige told media during a Sunday news conference on Oahu. “There’s no sweeps planned at this point.” Big Island Video News.

Full Video: Gov. Ige holds press conference day before TMT ground break. Hawaii Gov. David Ige held a press conference the day before the ground break of the Thirty Meter Telescope on Maunakea on Sunday. KHON2.

OHA demands TMT halt until Native Hawaiian concerns, safety issues resolved. Office of Hawaiian Affairs Chairwoman Colette Machado and OHA Trustee Dan Ahuna are demanding a halt to construction of the long-stalled Thirty Meter Telescope near the summit of Mauna Kea “to avoid harm to Native Hawaiians” and ensure public safety. Star-Advertiser.

OHA Chair Demands Governor Halt TMT Construction. The chairperson of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs has demanded a halt to construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope that is scheduled to start next week. Hawaii Public Radio.

The DOE’s Chief Financial Officer Is Leaving For UH. Amy Kunz’s appointment to the University of Hawaii system was tucked in a recent meeting agenda item from the UH Board of Regents. Civil Beat.

Court Rejects Feds’ Withholding Of Info In UH Biolab Inspection Report. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention heavily redacted a report that found safety infractions at the facility. Civil Beat.

Shawzy Cann is one of the 82 people with confirmed cases of rat lungworm disease from 2007 to 2017. A review of the cases was published last week in the American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

State agency to study transferring control of Kakaako to city. One day after Ige issued his veto Tuesday, board members of the Hawaii Community Development Authority overseeing Kakaako voted to spend up to $100,000 for a private consultant to produce a study on transferring the agency’s Kakaako responsibilities to another entity or entities, despite concerns that such a transfer would be premature and unwise. Star-Advertiser.

Council’s office move to Alii Place hits a snag. The Honolulu City Council’s plan to temporarily move into offices at the downtown Alii Place tower has hit a snag that likely will push the renovation of Council offices at Honolulu Hale into 2021. Star-Advertiser.

More improvements are coming to Ala Moana Beach Park. Up next: Repaving. Work to resurface the main road in Ala Moana Regional Park is scheduled to begin next month. Hawaii News Now.

To curb vandalism, nearly 200 security cameras will be installed in Oahu parks. The City and County of Honolulu plans to install nearly 200 more security cameras at its busiest parks under a partnership with the Hawaii Tourism Authority. Hawaii News Now.

Katherine Kealoha diagnosis raises questions about her city job. After a jury convicted former Deputy Prosecutor Katherine Kealoha of multiple felony counts, the lead federal prosecutor described her as a chronic malingerer, someone who feigned medical ailments to avoid accountability for her actions. Star-Advertiser.

University of Hawaii Officials 'Not Pleased' With West Oahu Land Transfer Mandate. A dispute is brewing over a parcel of land in West Oahu designated as the site of a new state film studio. Hawaii Public Radio.

Changing Habits Yields Health Benefits At MA’O Farms In Waianae. Early data from a UH study shows interns at the farm lowered their diabetes risk by altering eating habits and lifestyles —  with a ripple effect of health benefits for friends and families. Civil Beat.

Turtle Bay Resort offers community garden plots. The resort owner is offering 500-square-foot plots adjacent to its resort property as a community garden for employees, North Shore residents and neighborhood organizations including nonprofits and schools. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Zoning change would allow cinder quarry to expand. A cinder quarry south of Leilani Estates may be expanded in the next few years after a petition was filed by Kamehameha Schools last month. Tribune-Herald.

County plans project to install better performing streetlights around the island.  Tribune-Herald.

Waiaka Stream Bridge project gains traction. Sen. Lorraine Inouye said the state’s effort to replace the 87-year-old bridge, located near the intersection of Kohala Mountain and Kawaihae roads in Waimea, “is moving along except for … the stall of needing additional property.” Tribune-Herald.

Dairy wastewater lagoons in process of being removed. The removal of wastewater lagoons at Big Island Dairy is currently underway, the state Department of Health said Thursday. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Mayor Victorino Urges Vigilance: Wildfires Burn 9,200 Acres. Mayor Michael Victorino asked residents and visitors to exercise caution Sunday in the wake of wildfires that have kicked up clouds of dirt and ash from Upcountry Maui to Kaupo and South Maui. Maui Now.

Attention shifts to arson investigation as crews gain upper hand in Maui wildfires. Officials on Maui remained on high alert as a raging wildfire --believed to be the largest in the county’s history -- continued to burn out of control in Central Maui. Hawaii News Now.

Firefighting focus turns toward hot spots, flare-ups. Both blazes nearing containment, county says. Maui News.

Maui Fires Kick Up Dust, Ash As Mop-Up Continues. Maui residents and visitors were advised to drive carefully and stay indoors, if needed, as dust and ash from two brush fires lowered road visibility as well as air quality in parts of the island. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kauai

New police chief visits North Shore. Several North Shore residents were invited to meet and greet new Kauai Police Department Chief Todd Raybuck, as well as Lt. Todd Tanaka, acting North Shore captain, and Capt. Mark Begley, patrol captain for the entire island. Garden Island.

Housing market holding strong. The real estate market on Kauai remained relatively strong through the first half of 2019, but overall sales figures across the island are down from this time last year, and the market could be in for a substantial downturn, Realtors said. Garden Island.

Kahoolawe

Kahoolawe watershed rehabilitation project is bearing fruit. The formerly bare, red-dirt slopes of Hakioawa watershed on the northern slopes of Kahoolawe island are now festooned with green through the labors of the Kahoolawe Island Reserve Commission and 199 volunteers from around the state. Star-Advertiser.

USS Arizona Memorial repairs continue, Kealoha lawyer quits, 2020 census to be online, Maui residents return after wildfire, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

USS Arizona Memorial PC:NPS

Key progress made in Arizona Memorial access. A more than $2.1 million project to restore walk-on access to the USS Arizona Memorial is getting closer to completion, with a 105-foot floating concrete dock repositioned next to the memorial and a new anchoring system in place beneath it. Star-Advertiser.

New Pre-K Locations Announced After Expansion Bill Becomes Law. The 10 classrooms will be at the following schools: on Oahu, Aiea Elementary, Haleiwa Elementary, Nanaikapono Elementary, Waianae Elementary, Palolo Elementary and Waimanolo Elementary & Intermediate; on Big Island, Chiefess Kapiolani Elementary, Hilo Union Elementary and Honaunau Elementary; and on Maui, Pukalani Elementary. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Katherine Kealoha Loses One Attorney While A Second Seeks A Retrial. The former city prosecutor’s publicly funded defense lawyer was allowed to withdraw from the case on the same day her privately paid attorney made new claims. Civil Beat.

Kealoha attorneys seek new trial — and claim they’ve found Alison Lee Wong. Katherine Kealoha says her court-appointed attorney was ineffective, inexperienced and uncooperative during the trial. Hawaii News Now.

Katherine Kealoha appears in shackles. Deputy prosecutor- turned-felon Katherine Kea­loha shuffled into federal court Thursday wearing an off-white, short-sleeve prison jumpsuit, navy blue boat shoes and shackles around her ankles. Star-Advertiser.

Katherine Kealoha will get a new lawyer. Cynthia Kagiwada filed a motion to withdraw and the judge approved it Thursday. KHON2.

State backs affordable-housing towers. A state agency is inclined to provide $130 million for a developer to build two apartment towers near Aloha Stadium for low-income households despite contentious community meetings over much of the project earlier this year. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Astronomers express anxiety, excitement at TMT construction site atop Mauna Kea. The construction site for the Thirty Meter Telescope is on the mountain’s northern plateau, about 400 feet below the summit. Hawaii News Now.

Institute for Astronomy to continue managing telescope. The University of Hawaii’s Institute for Astronomy was awarded a contract by NASA to continue to manage its telescope on Maunakea. Tribune-Herald.

Cracking down on ag theft: New law provides counties with an enforcement officer. Legislation recently signed by Gov. David Ige aims to address agricultural theft and vandalism on Hawaii Island and Maui. Tribune-Herald.

Preparing for the 2020 census: People will be able to fill out their forms online for the first time. But challenges remain in making sure every person in every community, in every state, is counted accurately, Census Bureau representatives told the County Council earlier this week. West Hawaii Today.

Supreme Court to weigh in on police shooting accomplice case. Prosecutors are seeking relief from the Hawaii Supreme Court in the case of four of the seven defendants accused of aiding accused cop killer Justin Waiki. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Liquor panel finally approves rules changes. Maui County brewpubs will be able to serve their industry standard 16-ounce beers and provide multiple sample-size beers to customers, according to rule amendments approved Wednesday morning by the Maui County Liquor Commission. Maui News.

=====

Officials lift evacuation order but warn that fire is still ‘an active threat’. All evacuation orders triggered by a massive wildfire in Central Maui were lifted Thursday night, but the mayor of Maui County warned residents to remain on alert because the fire is still posing a threat. Hawaii News Now.

Evacuees allowed to return home after brush fire scorches 3,000 acres. KHON2.

All evacuees may return home, Maui County says. KITV.

UPDATE 10:20 P.M.: Motorists allowed back into Kihei amid fire; airport, Kuihelani Highway open. Shelter, road updates. Maui News.

Maui Brush Fire Forces Evacuations. The blaze was still uncontained Thursday evening, and two shelters had been opened. Civil Beat.

An enormous wildfire swept across 3,000 acres of mostly fallow former sugar cane fields Thursday, forcing thousands to evacuate, closing down highways, trapping some residents for hours and diverting flights from Kahului Airport to Honolulu. Star-Advertiser.

A brush fire that prompted evacuations and diverted some flights on the Hawaii island of Maui remained uncontained, officials said Thursday night. An evacuation notice was sent to the cellphones of residents in the town of Maalaea and in parts of Kihei, a Maui County official said. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kauai

Illegal Parking Fees Rise From $35 To $235 On Kauai’s North Shore. The steepened penalty is expected to deter problematic illegal parking near popular beaches, trailheads and attractions on Kauai’s secluded North Shore. Civil Beat.

State to raise fines for illegally-parked cars along parts of Kauai’s North Shore. Hawaii News Now.

The North Shore community showed up in force at the Waipa Foundation Center Wednesday evening to take part in an Office of Hawaiian Affairs public meeting. Garden Island.

The salt beds are flooded on Kauai’s Westside, thanks to a combination of king tides, high surf and blocked drainage. Garden Island.