Maui ash samples show high levels of arsenic, lead, cobalt; vandals hit emergency sirens; state loses bid to be hydrogen hub; more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Preliminary ash samples from Kula fire show high levels of toxic substances; same expected in Lahaina. Preliminary, unvalidated data from ash sampling received late Friday night shows very high levels of arsenic, and elevated levels of lead and cobalt, in wildfire ash collected in Kula, the Hawaiʻi State Department of Health announced on Sunday. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Hawaiian Electric’s wildfire mitigation plan under scrutiny.  Video cameras, weather sensors, intelligent switches, stronger wires and other upgrades are part of a Hawaiian Electric plan to reduce wildfire ignition risk, though it could take decades to make widespread improvements that only partially reduce risk. Star-Advertiser.

PUC needs definitive cause of Maui fire before HECO investigation. The Public Utilities Commission needs an official finding of what caused the Aug. 8 Maui wildfires before investigating whether a lack of preparation by utility companies contributed to the tragedy that killed 98 people.  Star-Advertiser.

Vandals Are Stealing Parts Off Hawaii’s Emergency Sirens. Roughly three out of every four sirens works at any given time, officials said. At least eight of the state’s emergency sirens are currently not working due to vandalism or suspected vandalism, according to the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency.  Civil Beat.

Hawaii’s bid to be hydrogen hub falls short. Hawaii won’t be a clean-­hydrogen production and distribution hub under a $7 billion federal initiative. Federal officials announced Friday that seven hydrogen hub plans across the country were selected for the funding, and a bid from Hawaii didn’t make the cut. Star-Advertiser.

This State Employee Is Scouring The Earth For Solutions To Combat Hawaii’s Invasive Species. Government bureaucracy and inadequate research facilities are now blamed for delaying potentially significant relief to industries like macadamia and coffee and possibly even providing a “silver bullet” in the battle against the invasive grasses that fueled the deadly wildfires on Maui. Civil Beat.

Hawaii State Hospital names Luke as permanent head. The state Department of Health said in a press release Thursday that Luke, the interim hospital administrator since May, becomes administrator effective Monday. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

‘Red tape’ likely delayed Honolulu police efforts to assist Maui after wildfires. Required county forms appear to have been part of the delay in getting Honolulu police to Maui to help that department in the days after the Lahaina wildfire. Hawaii News Now.

Coast Guard puts 2 new environmental focused units on Oahu. The Coast Guard is expanding its engagement in the Pacific and beyond to tackle illegal fishing and respond to environmental disasters. Star-Advertiser.

US military to begin draining leaky fuel tank facility that poisoned Pearl Harbor drinking water. The military next week plans to begin draining fuel from World War II-era underground fuel tanks in Hawaii, nearly two years after the massive facility sickened 6,000 people when it leaked jet fuel into a Pearl Harbor drinking water well. Star-Advertiser. Associated Press. Hawaii News Now.

Downtown businesses expect loss in revenue following cancellation of major Halloween event.  One of Downtown Honolulu’s biggest events of the year will not happen due to a permitting issue, and many bar owners say it will cause a major drop in revenue. Businesses in the Downtown area say Hallowbaloo that Halloween night can represent anywhere from 10 to 30% of their income for October. Hawaii News Now.

On Oahu’s North Shore, big fines are proposed for illegal erosion control measures. Waves have been rising on Oahu’s North Shore, with one of the largest early-season swells possible next week. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Activity at Kīlauea summit decreases dramatically, suggesting recent intrusive event coming to an end. Earthquake and ground deformation rates beneath the southern part of the summit caldera of the Big Island’s Kīlauea volcano and extending southwest to the Koaʻe fault zone have decreased dramatically during the past several days. Big Island Now.

BLNR denies research application, saying project failed to engage with residents. A United Kingdom-based research project that took samples from Big Island reefs has been terminated after a state board found the scientists failed to hold sufficient public outreach about the project. Tribune-Herald.

BLNR OKs removal of Hawi dam, reservoir. The reservoir has not been in use since 1975, although it was only drained of water in 2014, after the Department of Land and Natural Resources found serious deficiencies in the dam that posed a high risk of failure. Tribune-Herald.

Big Island saw surge of vehicle thefts during the pandemic. There were 1,190 auto thefts reported islandwide in 2019, the last prepandemic year. The pandemic hit the island in March 2,000, and auto thefts increased to 1,269 that year, a 6.6% increase. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Uncertainty And Delays Are Too Much For Some Lahaina Businesses. They’re Calling It Quits. Cheeseburger in Paradise was a top revenue producer for Maui for decades but its owners have decided not to try to reopen. Other firms are making the same decision. Civil Beat.

Students Return To Lahaina Schools As EPA Seals Down Toxic Ash. State health and education officials say it's safe for kids to come back but some parents and teachers have doubts. Civil Beat. Associated Press. Maui News.

Lahaina fire evacuees being evicted from temporary shelters. William Nhieu, spokes­person for the state Office of Consumer Protection, said the office has opened an investigation but, since it is still pending, declined to comment on specifics. Star-Advertiser.

Modular-home village proposed for displaced Lahaina residents. Tiny-home villages have been popular as emergency housing in Hawaii, but Maude Cumming is pursuing a bigger idea to temporarily re-house many Lahaina residents displaced by the Aug. 8 wildfire that destroyed the West Maui town. Star-Advertiser.

Human Remains From Lahaina Wildfire Found In Courthouse. Maui police also said the number of people who have not been accounted for since the Aug. 8 fire dropped to seven. Civil Beat. Maui News.

Kauai

Mosquito ‘birth control’ project that could save Hawaiian honeycreeper is moving forward. The project called “Birds, Not Mosquitoes” is working with the state to help import mosquitoes implanted with Wolbachia, a bacterium that would curb reproduction of wild mosquitoes that carry avian malaria — which is killing off the endemic Hawaiian honeycreeper. Hawaii News Now.

Schatz visits Lima Ola housing project in ‘Ele‘ele. U.S. Sen Brian Schatz on Friday stopped by the Lima Ola Housing Development on Kauai’s westside, where he was updated on the decades-long project to build affordable housing on the island. Garden Island.

Six Kaua‘i nonprofits awarded total of $1 million through Life’s Choices grant program. Six Kaua‘i nonprofit agencies will receive a portion of $1 million awarded Oct. 13 through the Kaua’i County Office of the Prosecuting Attorney Life’s Choices program mental health and substance abuse community program grants. Kauai Now.

State concerned about worker safety as Red Hill defueling poised to begin Monday, Maui council passes Lahaina cleanup plan, Mala Wharf to open Saturday, 2k athletes gather in Kona for second phase of Ironman, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Safety worries persist before Red Hill defueling begins Monday. The Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration sent a letter Tuesday to the Navy notifying the service of alleged workplace hazards in Red Hill’s main operations tunnel. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Wanted: New Executive Director For Hawaii Fisheries Council. Kitty Simonds, one of the most influential people in the Pacific in U.S. fishing policy, says she’s actively seeking someone to replace her as executive director of the Western Pacific Fishery Management Council, a post she’s held for 40 years.  Civil Beat.

UH president looks back at a decade of leading the university system.  As he embarks on his final year as president of the University of Hawaii System, KHON2 News spoke with David Lassner about what he’s accomplished in more than a decade at the helm. KHON2.

Oahu

After Lahaina, Makakilo Residents Press Harder For Another Exit Off Their Hill. The dry West Oahu neighborhood has just one way in and out. A decades-long push to build another route has failed to gain traction. Civil Beat.

Makiki affordable rental project to break ground. Although the city touts affordable housing development under Bill 7, the pace of development under the measure — which had a goal of producing 500 affordable rental units per year — has been markedly slow. Star-Advertiser.

Construction begins on affordable housing units in Chinatown's Hocking Building. The units constructed under the Hocking Building Affordable Housing Project will provide rental housing for households earning up to 30-50% of the area median income level. Hawaii Public Radio.

Glitch leads to a lot of extra time on some of the city’s new parking meters. In a statement, the city’s Department of Transportation Services said about 200 of the city’s 4,200 parking meters experienced the issue, which was related to the recent upgrade to 4G. The meters cost nearly $4 million and were installed just this past summer. Hawaii News Now.

‘Mother of Honolulu City Lights’ Carol Costa was dedicated to holiday event.  Costa was so dedicated to the Honolulu City Lights event and the all-volunteer crew that put it together each year, she continued on as a volunteer for the celebration until just a few years ago, long after she retired in 2004 after three decades as an employee of the City and County of Honolulu, serving Mayors Frank Fasi, Eileen Anderson and Jeremy Harris.  Costa, 80, died Tuesday under hospice care on Oahu. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Maunakea “Traditional Cultural Property” Nomination Discussed. An effort to designate all Maunakea lands above 6,500 ft. as a Traditional Cultural Property was discussed by the Maunakea Stewardship and Oversight Authority board. Big Island Video News.

World’s top athletes gear up in Kona to compete in grueling Ironman championship. Just over 2,000 of the globe’s top endurance athletes are in Kona this week for the Ironman World Championship. This year is the first for a new format with only one day of racing as the men had their event in September in France. Hawaii News Now.

EPA awards county, UH $2.1M in effort to reduce disposable foodware. A program that would replace disposable foodware with reusable items at Hilo restaurants and other places that sell or serve food will take shape later this month. Tribune-Herald.

HPD to crack down on illegal vendors: Enforcement on street-side sales to start in December. The Hawaii Police Department on Monday announced upcoming enforcement of laws related to illegal roadside vending and commercial activities on state and county roadways islandwide. West Hawaii Today.

Jim Kauahikaua, former head scientist at HVO, dies at 72.  Jim Kauahikaua, a research geophysicist at Hawaiian Volcano Observatory and the federal facility’s former scientist-in-charge, died Sunday at home in Hilo.  Tribune-Herald. Hawaii News Now.

Maui

In major step forward, council approves plan for clearing fire-ravaged properties in Lahaina. In a big step toward recovery for Lahaina. the Maui County Council has approved a plan for removal of fire debris. Property owners will be given a choice of cleaning up themselves or having the Army Corps of Engineers do the work. Hawaii News Now.

Mayor Bissen proposing 3 water bill categories for customers affected by Maui fires. Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen will submit a proposal developed by the Department of Water Supply to the County Council that would establish three categories for customer billing to address impacts of the August 8 wildfires in Lahaina and Upper Kula. Maui Now. KHON2.

Federal aid available for unemployed Maui workers. Maui employees too traumatized to work following the deadliest U.S. wildfire in over a century could be eligible for federal Disaster Unemployment Assistance with the help of the state Department of Labor and Industrial Relations. Star-Advertiser.

How Will The Maui Strong Fund Be Spent?  The amount raised for the Maui Strong Fund — nearly $140 million — greatly exceeded expectations, according to the foundation’s CEO Micah Kane. Civil Beat. Hawaii Public Radio.

Māla Wharf reopening to recreational boaters Saturday — earlier than expected after Lahaina fire. People will be able to use the facility to access vessels moored offshore.  Maui Now.

'Voluntourism' after the fires could be a regenerative force for Maui — if done right. In the wake of the wildfires, malihini who want to give back may be the kind of visitor Maui could use, according to Kalani Kaʻanāʻanā, Chief Branding Officer of the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority. HTA partnered with Kanu Hawaiʻi to create an online booking platform for voluntourism activities that is set to launch at the end of October. Hawaii Public Radio.

911 calls from Lahaina wildfire show residents’ terror and panic. Audio of 911 calls from a deadly August wildfire released late today by Maui County authorities reveals a terrifying and chaotic scene as the inferno swept through the historic town of Lahaina and people desperately tried to escape burning homes and flames licking at cars in gridlocked traffic. Associated Press.

Kauai

8th Kauaʻi Chocolate & Coffee Festival to showcase Hawaiʻi-grown products.  The festival will celebrate all things chocolate and coffee from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 15 at Kilohana Plantation, located at 3-2087 Kaumualiʻi Highway in Līhuʻe. There will be free pumpkin giveaways for the keiki, lots of sampling, exhibitor booths featuring a variety of chocolate and coffee products from throughout the state featuring plenty of Hawaiʻi-grown products, local crafters and food trucks. Kauai Now.

McKelvey appeals to Biden to help Maui fire victims keep their homes, all but one of known fire victims identified, more Kakaako trees to be felled in latest rail plan, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

State senator for Lāhainā requests President Biden's help to avoid foreclosures. State Sen. Angus McKelvey, who represents West and South Maui, has asked President Biden to help residents who lost their homes in the fires but still face mortgage payments. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii grapples with ‘rampant’ unemployment fraud, delaying aid to wildfire survivors. Hawaii Labor Director Jade Butay said Wednesday of 2,200 applications for federal disaster unemployment assistance, 500 have been approved. There is also a backlog of applications for regular unemployment — with 15,161 filed since the fires with 8,731 currently being paid. Hawaii News Now.

Catalytic converter theft drops dramatically with new law. Catalytic converter theft has gone down dramatically. Officials said a new law that took effect this year makes it a lot harder to sell the precious metals. KHON2.

Oahu

Council to pick Office of Council Services director. The Honolulu City Council will hold a special meeting today toward the selection and appointment of a new director for the Office of Council Services. Star-Advertiser.

Commercial tanker pulls into Pearl Harbor for Red Hill defueling.  The first fuel tanker that the military will use to drain the Navy’s underground Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility arrived at Pearl Harbor early Wednesday morning. Star-Advertiser. KHON2.

Rail Changes Planned For Kakaako Mean Fewer Trees, More Buses. The city’s latest plans for the Honolulu rail line would sacrifice more trees than originally planned in the downtown area and convert a segment of Halekauwila Street into a bus-only traffic corridor, according to a recent city filing. Civil Beat.

Gift cards for guns: State to hold firearm buyback program at 2 Oahu locations. The state Department of Law Enforcement is offering $200 gift cards in exchange for automatic weapons, semi-automatic rifles, and ghost guns. Gift cards of $100 will be swapped for handguns, rifles, shotguns, bump stocks, and Glock switches. Hawaii News Now.

Historic royal palms in Wahiawa threatened by invasive rhino beetle.  It’s against the law to harm the historic palms that line Royal Palm Drive in Wahiawa, as they are protected by the city’s Exceptional Tree Program. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Kilauea set for repeat of ’74? Eruption at southern summit area could begin at any time.  An eruption at the summit of Kilauea volcano could begin with little warning, the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reported Wednesday. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News.

Event enumerates Big Island wildfire preparedness strategies. Wildfire preparedness is top of mind for the Big Island, and Hawaii County has a bevy of strategies up its sleeve to ensure that its residents are insulated from the risk fires pose.  Tribune-Herald.

‘Focus on healing’: Innovative hospital partnership aims to offer respite to those on the streets. Hope Services Hawaii has taken some of its shelter space and transformed it into a small medical respite facility providing homeless people with a safe place to heal after they’re discharged from the hospital. Hawaii News Now.

Expert: Fighting little fire ants ‘a forever job’ on the Big Island. As the war against the invasive ant continues across all four counties, the state Department of Land and Natural Resources and Hawaii Invasive Species Council are asking residents to take samples of ant populations on their properties and send them into local labs to help determine how the destructive insects are spreading. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui County Council to take action Oct. 12 on bill about alternative fire debris removal program. Bill 86, prepared by Maui Mayor Richard Bissen’s administration and currently pending approval by the County Council, would serve as an initial step in defining the process for property owners who choose to remove fire debris under an alternative program.  Maui Now.

All but 1 of 98 known Lahaina fire victims have been identified. The names of two more people who died in the Aug. 8 Lahaina wildfire were released Wednesday by Maui police, leaving only one of the known 98 fatalities yet to be identified. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now.  KHON2.

Maui Disaster Relief Fund suspends new applications after overwhelming response. The Maui Disaster Relief Fund is suspending new applications after already receiving an overwhelming response of more than 1,500 applications. Maui Now.

EPA air sampling data shows good air quality following wildfires in Lahaina and Kula. EPA tested for metals including lead and arsenic, asbestos, particulate matter, and 42 compounds called volatile organic compounds. Maui Now.

Misperceptions, different occupancies hurting Maui hotel workers. Hotels in West Maui are fuller than others across Maui but the combination of wildfire evacuees and workers from the American Red Cross, Federal Emergency Management Agency and other relief organizations means some tourist-oriented hotel operations are shuttered and reduced, affecting hotel workers — many of whom rely on tips. Star-Advertiser.

Lahaina Teachers Have To ‘Start From Scratch’ As Schools Prepare To Reopen. Educators are prioritizing social-emotional learning and mental health amid uncertainties of what the next quarter will bring. Civil Beat.

Kauai

Kaua‘i police officials earn ‘Officer of the Year’ awards.  The Hawai‘i State Law Enforcement Official Association honored KPD Officer Jason Scalzo as a 2021 Officer of the Year, KPD Officer Kalani Apilado for 2022 and KPD Lt. Philip Banquel for 2023. Garden Island.

Pilot project gives DLNR more power to ticket, Red Hill defueling plan clears last hurdle, Maui County still not saying who was in charge during deadly Lahaina wildfire, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Pilot project will allow on-the-spot tickets, fines for resource violations in Hawaiʻi.  The Hawaiʻi State Department of Land and Natural Resources is putting together a three-month pilot project that will allow state conservation enforcement resource officers to issue on-the-spot tickets and/or fines for rule violations.  Big Island Now.

Document details state’s strategy to improve internet accessibility. The Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism recently published a draft of its Digital Equity Plan, a document that establishes a multiyear series of strategies to improve internet connectivity throughout Hawaii. Tribune-Herald.

UH announces 3 finalists in the running to become the next CTAHR dean. Three finalists have been named in the search for a dean of the University of Hawaiʻi’s College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources.  Hawaii Public Radio.

Gov. Green orders U.S. and Hawaiʻi flags at half-staff to honor lives lost in attacks on Israel. To honor the lives of those lost, including Americans, that began with the attacks on Israel over the weekend, Hawaiʻi Gov. Josh Green has ordered the United States and Hawai‘i state flags be flown at half-staff at state facilities. Big Island Now.

Oahu

Hawaii Health Department approves Red Hill defueling plan. The state Department of Health announced Tuesday that it has conditionally approved the military’s plan to defuel the main tanks of the Navy’s underground Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility beginning Monday. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Traffic safety proposal could mean less parking in Kaimuki. Waialae Avenue from First through 11th Avenues is a bustling stretch. Those who live or work here are all too familiar with the dangers on the roadways. KHON2.

New commander of 25th Infantry Division hits ground running amid Pacific tensions. The new commander of the Army’s 25th Infantry Division at Schofield Barracks has been busy from Day One of his new assignment after taking command in August. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Hawaii Island police to begin enforcing street vending rules. In a collaborative effort between the Hawaii Police Department, the State Department of Transportation and the County of Hawaii Planning Department, the police department is notifying the public of an islandwide enforcement initiative to clear state highways and county roadways of illegal commercial activities that include street vendors. Spectrum News.  KHON2.

To help the hardest to house, they start with a simple question: How are you feeling today? Hawaii Island’s largest homeless service provider is working to reestablish the critical resource in an attempt to take some of the burden off hospitals. The reboot comes at a critical point: Hawaii Island’s homeless population now stands at more than 1,000 people — up nearly 50% in the past five years, according to the latest point in time count. Hawaii News Now.

Former Konawaena Middle School teacher pleads no contest to sexual assault. John Lee Franks of Ocean View was indicted Feb. 23, 2022, on two counts of first-degree sexual assault of a minor less than 14 years old and one count of continuous sexual assault of a minor stemming from alleged incidents committed against a girl between November 2021 and mid-February 2022. West Hawaii Today.

Free or reasonably priced parking in Kona’s Historic Kailua Village getting difficult to find. Over the past several years, privately owned parking lots that used to be free so people could patronize restaurants, shops, bars and other businesses now are charging rates ranging from $9 to $15 per hour.  Big Island Now.

New nonprofit works to help control population of cats, dogs. A new animal rescue and advocacy group is working to get more dogs and cats adopted to help control the animal population on the Big Island. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui County won't say who was in charge during Lahaina fire. On the afternoon of Aug. 8, an incident commander in Maui County should have been directing the emergency response to the Lahaina fire. Neither Maui County's communications director, nor the Joint Operations Center working on behalf of Maui County, will disclose who was calling the shots; or if anybody was at all. KITV4.

Maui police identify Lahaina resident, 57, as latest fire fatality. Maui police released the name today of one Lahaina resident as among the 98 confirmed Aug. 8 wildfire fatalities. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now.  KITV4.

It could be weeks more before all Upcountry Maui residents have safe drinking water. The tap water has been declared safe for drinking in about 75% of the Upcountry Maui area impacted by the Kula wildfire. Hawaii News Now.

Uncertainty over Lahaina fire survivors’ unemployment claims persists. Two months after the deadly Maui wildfires, widespread confusion and uncertainty continue over whether survivors will be denied weekly unemployment payments if they’re too traumatized to work. Star-Advertiser.

Lahaina tour, charter fishing operators appeal to state for solutions to get them back to work. Lahaina’s thriving commercial tour and charter fishing community was decimated by the Aug. 8 wildfire. And now those who lost their businesses say the state is failing to help some of them get back to work. Hawaii News Now.

Scientists install water quality sensors off Lahaina to study impacts to ocean. Over the weekend, teams from UH Manoa and the Pacific Whale Foundation installed water quality sensors in areas around the Lahaina impact zone. The sensors will look at the presence of contaminants and reef health. Hawaii News Now.

Maui County lifting restrictions for owners and residents of Zone 6C and 15A on Oct. 13. Zone 6C: Kahoma Village Loop and Hoe Kawele Drive. Zone 15A: Puapihi Street, Pualima Street, Pualima Place, Pualoke Place, Puapake Place, Front Street. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now.

Could A Community Land Trust Give Locals More Control Of Lahaina? Concerns over the potential loss of land in the town began almost immediately. Civil Beat.

Crews continue daily patrols for hot spots in 1,000-acre Olinda fire.  Daily patrols for hot spots and still-smoking areas are continuing Upcountry, two months after the start of the roughly 1,000-acre Olinda fire.  Maui News.

American Lung Association’s chief doctor warns of fire exposure. The American Lung Association’s chief medical officer Tuesday encouraged West Maui residents who are returning to the Lahaina burn zone to wear protective gear. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai

Kaua‘i visitors spend mightily in August. Visitor spending on Kauai eclipsed $200 million for the eighth straight month in August, as tourists continued to plow big bucks into the local economy while on the island. Garden Island.

Hotels on Kaua‘i exceed 80 percent occupancy in August. Hotels on the island of Kauai put up big numbers in August with occupancy exceeding 80 percent, in turn generating tens of millions of dollars in revenue for lodging establishments. Garden Island.

Water deputy reinstated following Lahaina wildfire controversy, military set to empty Red Hill fuel tanks Oct. 16, Kilauea volcano getting ready to rumble, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Kaleo Manuel reinstated as state Water Commission head.  The state Commission on Water Resource Management reinstated First Deputy Kaleo Manuel on Monday, nearly two months after he was reassigned following accusations by a land owner that he delayed access to water during the deadly Aug. 8 Lahaina fire. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.  Maui Now. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. KITV4.

Hawaii House And Senate Take Different Paths In Response To Wildfires. House members are divided into working in groups aimed at proposed legislation. Senators will propose individual ideas to a caucus meeting next month. Civil Beat.

State flooded with complaints about out-of-state attorneys soliciting Maui wildfire survivors. The tragic level of death and destruction on Maui has attracted a feeding frenzy of attorneys trying to sign up victims for lawsuits. Some of them are now under investigation for practicing without a Hawaii license or improper advertising. Hawaii News Now.

University of Hawaiʻi-led projects secure $800,000 in grants for post-wildfire research. Four University of Hawaiʻi-led projects received a total of approximately $800,000 in expedited RAPID grants from the National Science Foundation in the wake of the deadly Maui wildfires. Maui Now.

Oahu

Film studios bill passes first reading in Council. Bill 59, if adopted, would provide greater real property tax incentives for eligible film studio facilities to move here — at least those willing to spend at least $100 million toward local improvements. Star-Advertiser.

Military sets date to begin emptying fuel from Red Hill underground storage facility. Military officials say they hope to begin emptying the Red Hill storage facility of fuel on Oct. 16, pending final state Health Department approval. Joint Task Force - Red Hill plans to empty about 104 million gallons of fuel from the Red Hill underground facility. Hawaii News Now.

This Waianae Condo Development Has Lost Hundreds Of Thousands Of Dollars To Embezzlement. Condo association officials won't say who might have stolen the money, which appears to have disappeared over time and through phony invoices for work that was never performed. Civil Beat.

State-of-the-art emergency shelter facility in the works for Windward Oahu. A new state-of-the-art emergency shelter is in the works on the Windward side of Oahu. It comes with a big price tag, but residents and officials said safety should be priceless. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

Kilauea shows continued ‘signs of unrest’; parts of Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park remain closed. The area just south of Kilauea volcano’s summit continues to show signs of unrest, and inflation remains at about its highest level in more than five years and has nearly returned to the level seen just before the last eruption on Sept. 10, the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reported Monday. West Hawaii Today. Big Island Now.  Big Island Video News.

Street medicine team expands to Big Island, covering lots of ground to meet plenty of need. On Hawaii Island, officials estimate about half of the homeless population need psychiatric services. And data shows the island’s homeless population is growing — jumping 45% in just five years. Hawaii News Now.

Conference brings medical professionals, lawmakers, others together to discuss health care crisis. A myriad of stakeholders came together Thursday for the Hawaii Island Health Care Conference at the Westin Hapuna Beach Resort to discuss the state of health care in Hawaii County. West Hawaii Today.

Seven Animal Control Officers Receive Badges. Work on the build out of the Animal Control and Protection Agency continues on Hawaiʻi island, with the announcement that seven animal control officers have completed training and were part of an inaugural badging ceremony on Friday. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now.

Maui

West Maui phased tourism reopening is off to quiet start. Hotels from Kapalua to Kahana are officially open to visitors, but they’re not exactly packed.  Star-Advertiser. Hawaii Public Radio.  Associated Press. Maui News.

Maui Mayor Gives EPA The Go-Ahead To Seal Down Lahaina’s Toxic Ash With Soiltac. With the rainy season approaching and Lahaina students poised to return to class next week, a sense of urgency has grown over how and when to temporarily glue down tons of toxic ash from the August wildfires that consumed the West Maui town. Civil Beat. Maui Now.

Maui Police Release Latest List Of Missing People From Fires.  On Friday the Maui Police Department posted the seventh list of the names of individuals who have been reported unaccounted for or missing — there are 10 total — following the Lahaina wildfire disaster Aug. 8. Civil Beat.

A studio for $3,000 a month? Skyrocketing Maui rents leave wildfire evacuees alarmed. At a Senate briefing in Lahaina last month, State Senators and Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs officials said they were unaware this was happening. Hawaii News Now.

Deadline now Oct. 25 for nonprofits, government to apply for Hawaiʻi fires’ disaster assistance. The Federal Emergency Management Administration has extended the deadline to Oct. 25 for private nonprofits and government organizations seeking public assistance funding for the Hawai‘i wildfire disaster. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai

Fire prevention is every day on Kaua‘i. This week is Fire Prevention Week on Kaua‘i, states a proclamation presented to the Kaua‘i Fire Department on Monday morning. Garden Island.

Median home price hits new high on Kaua‘i. A staggering leap in the median price of a home on Kaua‘i vaulted the housing market into rarefied air in August. Garden Island.

Maui reopens for tourism as island grapples with $31M deficit, state struggles with 50-year-old computer system, real income drops, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

West Maui reopens for tourists exactly 2 months after devastating wildfires. This comes as the governor says hotel occupancy for the month of October and the following months is expected to be very low, despite officially welcoming back visitors back to the island. Hawaii News Now. Star-Advertiser. Associated Press. KHON2. KITV4.

Bringing them home: Hawaii’s future doctors set their sights on working in the isles. Despite the high costs of living and myriad challenges in Hawaii, many of the University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine’s current students and graduates say, given the opportunity, they want to practice here and give back to their community. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Is Still Struggling To Modernize A 50-Year-Old Computer And Financial Data Systems. The state has scrapped a major computer accounting contract with a mainland vendor after spending millions of dollars on the project. Now, it’s wrestling with the same vendor over a second multimillion-dollar contract, according to state records and administration officials. Civil Beat.

Real Household Income In Hawaii Dropped Significantly In Last 3 Years. High inflation and a slower economic recovery in the state slashed the real median household income in the state by about 9% -- twice the national average. Civil Beat.

Drought conditions have become extreme.  High pressure northwest of the state will slowly track east during the first half of the week, allowing the return of breezy trades with minor fluctuations through mid-week.  KHON2. Tribune-Herald.

State warns of suspicious solicitations for Maui fire relief. For the third time since deadly Aug. 8 wildfires ravaged Lahaina, the state is asking local residents to be wary of suspicious fundraising solicitations. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.

Oahu

2 Honolulu City Council members respond to Big Tobacco contributions, as council passes bill to ban flavored tobacco products. Although Council Chair Tommy Waters and Council member Matt Weyer sponsored this latest anti- tobacco legislation, according to the Hawaii Campaign Spending Commission, both received contributions from local lobbyists with ties to major tobacco companies. Star-Advertiser.

Navy to monitor Oahu air quality during Red Hill defueling. As the military prepares to defuel the underground Red Hill fuel storage facility, the Navy is setting up air monitoring stations across Joint Base Pearl Harbor­-Hickam and several housing areas affected by the 2021 contaminated water crisis. Star-Advertiser.

Petition launched from Waikiki businesses concerned about street closures. Concerns are growing from Waikiki businesses about street closures on Kalakaua for festivals and fundraisers. The Hawaii Restaurant Association has started a petition calling for better coordination.  Hawaii News Now.

Box jellyfish spotted in Waikiki and Ala Moana Beach Park. Warning signs have been posted after box jellyfish were spotted today in Waikiki and Ala Moana Beach Park. Star-Advertiser.

Changing narratives: Kalihi unites for safety.  An Oahu community is hoping to inspire change by rewriting the narrative of a neighborhood that is often thought of as crime-ridden amid rising concerns for safety across Hawaii. KHON2. KITV4.

Hawaii Island

Series of town hall meetings concludes in Hilo. A final town hall meeting in Hilo on Saturday provided a series of minor updates about various Hawaii County projects. Tribune-Herald.

Study to identify alternate route out of Puna could be funded ‘soon’. In 2022, the state Legislature approved a $1 million allocation to Hawaii County to conduct site surveys to determine a suitable location for a Puna Makai Alternate Route, a second major road in and out of Puna that would divert some of the district’s heavy traffic away from Highway 130, currently the only main road connecting the area to Hilo. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaiʻi County seeks Interim Sustainability Administrator for climate, equity, resilience initiatives. This role is tasked with spearheading sustainability, climate action, and social justice efforts in the county and will play a pivotal role in advancing the county’s commitment to community sustainability, environmental and cultural stewardship and social equity. Big Island Now.

Maui

Maui mayor details budget cuts to offset $31.23 million revenue shortfall.  The proposed budget cuts, large and small, reduce appropriations across a host of county departments, touching on a wide range of programs such as liquor control, housing and human concerns, substance abuse programs, sports and event promotions, tourism management planning, environmental protection and sustainability, and road, bridge and drainage maintenance. Star-Advertiser. Maui News

Council approves measures geared toward fire recovery. Maui County Council members waived council rules and approved a bill on first reading Friday that would allow $12.5 million of former COVID-19 aid money to be given as grants to help businesses directly and indirectly impacted by the Aug. 8 fires. Maui News.

$177 million in federal assistance provided so far to Maui fire survivors. Since the Maui wildfires of Aug. 8, more than $177 million in federal assistance has been approved for 6,210 households, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Maui Now.

Maui Council urges governor to reinstate former water official. The Maui County Council on Friday added its voice to the chorus of those asking for the reinstatement of former state Commission on Water Resource Management First Deputy Kaleo Manuel, who was reassigned in a controversial move following the Lahaina fire disaster. Star-Advertiser.

Homeless shelter for Lahaina fire survivors filling up.  A new pop-up homeless shelter on Maui with air- conditioned group tents, free meals, health services and planned movie nights has drawn considerable use a week after opening to serve people who were homeless in Lahaina before the town was leveled Aug. 8 by fire. Star-Advertiser.

DOH to conduct phone surveys to assess needs of those impacted by Maui wildfire disaster.  The state Department of Health said it will be conducting surveys to assess the needs of Maui residents affected by the wildfire disaster. Hawaii News Now.

DOE safety guidance issued for reopening 3 Maui schools. As many Lahaina families continue to voice worries over the safety of reopening the three public schools above the burn zone next week, new documents from the state Department of Education are providing details on the actions the schools will take to monitor air safety and next steps if air quality veers into “unhealthy” or “hazardous” categories by federal standards. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai

KCC bee hives one of the few disease-free sites in state. The University of Hawai‘i, through its UH News program, said the Kaua‘i Community College’s bee hives are one of the few disease-free honeybee sites left in the state. Garden Island.

Access gate to Queen’s Bath in Princeville closed through the winter. “Access to the gate is closed due to hazardous ocean conditions and anticipation of the winter season,” said Kaua‘i Fire Chief Michael Gibson. Kauai Now.

Senate committee mulls Hawaii nominees to US District Court, Native Hawaiian Convention moved to Maui, Hawaiian Electric liability insurance a small fraction of damages, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaiʻi nominees to US District Court considered at Senate Judiciary Committee hearing. Micah Smith, an assistant U.S. attorney, and Judge Shanlyn Park, State of Hawaiʻi court judge, were introduced by US Sen. Brian Schatz on Thursday to the US Senate Judiciary Committee during a hearing to consider their nominations to the US District Court for the District of Hawai‘i. Maui Now. Kauai Now.

22nd Annual Native Hawaiian Convention moved to Maui to ‘uplift local voices’.  In a significant decision aimed at amplifying the voices of the people of Maui, the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement has chosen to relocate its highly anticipated 22nd Annual Native Hawaiian Convention from Oʻahu to Maui.  Maui Now. KHON2. KITV4.

Hawaiian Electric’s insurance is fraction of potential fire claims. Hawaiian Electric has $165 million in annual general liability insurance, according to a filing with state regulators, compared with the $4.9 billion in potential claims estimated by research firm Capstone. Bloomberg News.

Hawaii school board OK’s requests for bigger operating, facilities budgets. The state school board on Wednesday approved requests to the state Legislature for an additional $198.2 million for the Hawaii public schools’ operating budget and an added $273 million for capital improvement projects for next fiscal year. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s Ag Corp. Is Putting Up Remainder Of Its Land For Lease. Just over 3,000 acres of unused land owned by the Agribusiness Development Corp. will soon be up for lease, as it opens up the remainder of its land portfolio.  Civil Beat.

Interim rule restricts movement of palms from Oahu. A new interim rule restricting the interisland movement of palms and other plant materials in Hawaii is now in place to help contain the destructive coconut rhinoceros beetle. Star-Advertiser. Maui News. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

EPA declares end to consent degree requiring upgrades at Kapolei landfill. The Environmental Protection Agency on Thursday announced the completion of required upgrades to the Waimanalo Gulch Sanitary Landfill, ending a dozen years of federal scrutiny and oversight aimed at bringing Oahu’s only municipal landfill into compliance with laws designed to protect public health and natural ecosystems. Star-Advertiser.

Council bans sale of flavored tobacco products. The Honolulu City Council on a split vote Wednesday passed a measure to prohibit sales of flavored tobacco products in an effort to keep them out of the hands of Oahu’s youth. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Island

Earthquake rates increase overnight beneath Kīlauea summit region. The area just south of Kīlauea’s summit is showing signs of elevated unrest as earthquake rates beneath the region increased overnight from less than 10 earthquakes per day to over 140 earthquakes in the last 24 hours, according to Hawaiian Volcano Observatory on Thursday. Big Island Now.

Police: Increased presence at Keaau High School after social media threat. Police have initiated a first-degree terroristic threatening investigation after being informed of an anonymous threat made involving Keaau High School. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now.  KITV4.

Hawaiʻi County’s new animal control director used to care for frogs, elephants, gorillas. Veterinarian technician Matthew Runnells has worked at prestigious zoos, including Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park in Florida, providing care to dart frogs, African elephants and a 345-pound gorilla who needed a pacemaker. Big Island Now.

Maui

The Maui Fires Have Put A $31 Million Hole In This Year’s County Budget. Council members will consider the mayor's plan to fill the gap, which includes proposed cuts to the fire department. Civil Beat.

State Investigation Into Maui Fires Has Been Quietly Moving Along. Now It’s Going Public. The large number of deaths makes understanding what happened in Lahaina a national concern, investigators say. Civil Beat.

Former MPD assistant chief: Agency didn’t follow its own ‘all hazard’ plan in Lahaina disaster. Nearly two months after a ferocious fire tore through Lahaina, a recently retired Maui police commander is raising doubts about whether the Maui Police Department followed its own emergency action plan during the disaster. Hawaii News Now.

Concerns Grow Over How To Control Toxic Ash As Re-Entry To Lahaina Picks Up. The Environmental Protection Agency is awaiting county approval to deploy Soiltac, a dust suppressant with glue-like qualities that the agency says is safe to use. Civil Beat.

High-tech surveys off Lahaina begin as ‘catastrophic’ impact to reef, near-shore waters feared. The devastation in Lahaina isn’t just above ground. And researchers say the waters and reefs off the town could be impacted for years to come. Hawaii News Now.

Disaster Area Restrictions lifted at Zones 3A, 3B & 3C for parts of Wahikuli, ʻĀinakea and Fleming roads. Disaster area restrictions will be lifted on Monday and Tuesday, Oct. 9 and 10, for owners and residents of Zones 3A, 3B and 3C. This includes parts of Wahikuli, ʻĀinakea and Fleming roads. Maui Now. KHON2.

Minimal tourists expected for West Maui reopening. People both supporting and criticizing Sunday’s official planned reopening of tourism to West Maui should not expect an “onslaught” of visitors. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii Public Radio.

The tourism industry wants visitors to educate themselves before heading to West Maui. Lahaina is still off limits. That’s the message to visitors ahead of West Maui’s tourism reboot Sunday.  Hawaii News Now.

DOE outlines safety plan as Lahaina schools set to reopen. As Lahaina’s three remaining public schools open to teachers today for the first time since the Aug. 8 wildfire, and their students return on a staggered schedule starting Oct. 16, state education officials announced that a new “safety plan” has been created in case of emergencies and evacuations, 300 air filters are being distributed to classrooms and offices, and each campus will have a “designated administrator” responsible for daily monitoring of air quality. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai

Kaua‘i County Council debates ambulance contract controversy. The Kaua‘i County Council passed a resolution urging the state Department of Health (DOH) to continue with a longtime emergency service provider on Wednesday, Oct. 4, amid protests surrounding the decision to switch to a new provider. Garden Island.

Domestic passenger solid in September at Lihu‘e Airport. The number of people getting off domestic passenger flights at Lihu‘e Airport inched past 63,000 in September, which was enough to mark the second highest total for the month at the transportation hub. Garden Island.

Iconic Hawaii license plate not retiring after all, tech billionaire Ellison testifies on Island Air bankruptcy, cleanup begins on Maui, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

The Hawaii rainbow license plate won’t be retiring after all. Good news for fans of the iconic Hawaii rainbow license plate — the state’s rainbow license plate lives on. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Tech Billionaire Larry Ellison Makes A Rare Appearance In A Hawaii Court. Larry Ellison, the man who owns most of Lanai, was forced to testify in the U.S. District Court of Hawaii on Wednesday in an ongoing civil case about the 2017 bankruptcy of his now-shuttered airline, Island Air.  The fourth-richest man in the world testified in federal court Wednesday that he would have saved Island Air if he knew it would suddenly collapse in 2017 without paying its workers. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Illegal drugs are getting smuggled into Hawaii in record numbers. Here’s how. Drug smugglers are finding ways to sneak their products into Hawaii in record amounts, experts say. Hawaii News Now.

State applies for $9.9M in HUD grants for affordable housing. According to the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development, whose partners include the Hawaiʻi Public Housing Authority, the Hawaiʻi Housing Finance and Development Corporation and the Governor’s Housing Team, the application will help unlock the production of at least 10,800 new housing units within the next six years. Over time and with additional infrastructure, the proposal aims to unlock up to 30,000 new units.  Maui Now.

Nominees For Hawaii Federal Judge Positions Face US Senate Hearing. State Court Judge Shanlyn Park and Assistant U.S. Attorney Micah Smith both fit President Joe Biden's mold for judgeships as he tries to diversify the federal bench. Civil Beat.

Sports community mourns the loss of former UH Football Head Coach Bob Wagner. His death, which comes after recent health challenges, was announced Wednesday. He was 76. His family said he died peacefully at home on Hawaii Island on Tuesday night. Hawaii News Now. Star-Advertiser.  KHON2.

Oahu

Bills on gaming, parking advance. The council voted unanimously Wednesday to pass on first readings Bill 57 and 58, which are meant to aid law enforcement efforts to close the 100 gambling parlors that Honolulu Police Department says operate somewhere on the island each day. Star-Advertiser.

Restricted Parking Zone Bill Passes Honolulu Council, But There Are Catches. Residents near beaches and legal hiking trails will not be able to restrict parking in their neighborhoods. Civil Beat.

Critics claim Navy ‘caught in a lie’ about air quality monitors installed before de-fueling. The Navy is installing roughly 52 air quality monitors. 12 of them will be at or near Red Hill and 40 on Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. But critics say the Navy initially lied about it. Hawaii News Now.

Kamalani Academy Charter School Still Faces An Uncertain Future. Parents and teachers have criticized the lack of information about plans for the school and changes in leadership. Civil Beat.

Former Punahou coach indicted on 5 more charges child sex crimes. Former Punahou basketball Coach Dwayne Yuen is now facing five more charges of child sex crimes after three more alleged victims came forward. Hawaii News Now.

Evicted Micronesian family says landlord failed to fix rat-infested Honolulu apartment. A six-unit apartment building in Honolulu’s McCully neighborhood is the focus of a recent tenant dispute. Advocates say the case is an example of broader housing issues facing Micronesians. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hour-long grounding of flights at Honolulu airport now lifted. All flights in and out of the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu that were temporarily grounded due to a medical emergency in the control tower have been lifted, state officials said. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.  KITV4.

Hawaii Island

Council members hear presentation about wildfire concerns facing Hawaii County. During a presentation before a County Council committee Tuesday, Civil Defense Administrator Talmadge Magno and Fire Chief Kazuo Todd discussed the impacts of the August wildfires and how Hawaii County might be able to avoid a disaster in the future. Tribune-Herald.

North Kona subdivision developers to seek extension. At issue is a requested 10-year extension to complete the proposed 450-unit Royal Vistas multiple family housing project planned mauka of Queen Kaahumanu Highway, between Kona Vistas and Pualani Estates subdivisions. West Hawaii Today.

Pair of Hamakua bridges due for repairs. The County Council Finance Committee approved a resolution Tuesday that would allow the county to accept $6 million through the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to conduct minor repairs on the Honoli‘i and Kaiwilahilahi stream bridges north of Hilo. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Council to hold special meeting on debris removal bill. The Maui County Council will hold a special council meeting at 8 a.m. Thursday on a debris removal bill and a regular council meeting at 9 a.m. on amending the fiscal year 2024 budget and other matters, Council Chairwoman Alice Lee announced. Maui News.

Office of Recovery outlines key focus areas in wake of fire. Maui County’s Office of Recovery has been speaking to other communities who have also been affected by wildfires and has set six key areas it will focus on, its manager said on Tuesday. Maui News.

EPA urges use of toxic-dust control agent in Lahaina. Despite concerns about cleanup activities, wind and rain sending toxic ash into the air and ocean following the devastating Aug. 8 Lahaina wildfire, Maui County is waiting until owners and residents have been able to visit their homes and properties in burned areas before applying a polymer product to control dust and runoff. Star-Advertiser.

Authorities begin removing boats from Lahaina harbor. State and federal agencies on Maui have begun removing boats from Lahaina Harbor nearly two months after the deadly wildfire that destroyed most of the town. Star-Advertiser.

Maui fire cleanup complicated by island logistics, cultural significance. Cleanup of areas destroyed in the Maui wildfires could end up being one of the most complex to date, federal officials said, given the island's significant cultural sites, its rich history including a royal residence and possibly remains of people who died in the disaster. Associated Press.

Maui farmers want to steer the island away from its dependency on tourism after the fires. Farmers are among the many groups directly impacted by losses in Maui’s food industry from the Aug. 8 fires. Many are looking at this as a chance to reset and reprioritize what powers the island economically. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Gets Federal Funding Boost In Mental Health Support For Maui Fire Victims. While concerns mount about the psychological stress fire victims are experiencing, officials say there has not been an increase in suicide rates. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now.

Kauai

Drones to take aim at coconut rhinoceros beetles at Wailua golf course. A troublesome group of beetles have taken up residence at a local golf course, where hi-tech measures are soon to be taken to evict the pesky insects. Garden Island.

‘Lawmakers Listen’ Town Hall with Rep. Luke Evslin, House leadership coming to Kaua‘i. House Representative Luke A. Evslin (D-16 Wailua, Hanamā‘ulu, Kapaia, Līhu‘e , Puhi, portion of ‘Ōma‘o) is inviting Kaua‘i residents to a ‘Lawmakers Listen’ Town Hall on Oct. 10, where residents will have an opportunity to engage with House leadership and the Kaua‘i delegation. Kauai Now.