Energy report could determine future of liquified natural gas favored by Green, Honolulu proposes 124% sewer rate hike, Hilo harbor plan requires private land, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Upcoming fuel report could determine new direction for the state's energy strategy. Gov. Josh Green turned heads this summer when he suggested the state should reconsider importing liquefied natural gas, or LNG. Now, the Hawaiʻi State Energy Office is close to releasing a comprehensive analysis on whether or not the controversial energy resource is a good bet for the islands. Hawaii Public Radio.

Ballot question would change judicial selection process. A proposed constitutional amendment about the appointment of judges will have many voters scratching their heads.Supporters of the change worry that people will ignore the proposal because of confusion -- and cause it to die. Hawaii News Now.

Projected air seat declines underscore Hawaii tourism softening. Total trans-Pacific airline seats for Hawaii’s top U.S. market are projected to drop in November and December, with losses widening at the start of next year and remaining evident into April, according to Hawai‘i Visitors &Convention Bureau market data. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Tourism officials update lawmakers on sustainable practices. Tourism officials briefed lawmakers Wednesday on the management and marketing of Hawaii’s largest industry, focusing on sustainability and cultural preservation. KHON2.

Hawaii man charged in Trump assassination attempt seeks judge’s recusal.  Defense lawyers for Ryan W. Routh of Kaaawa, charged with trying to assassinate former President Donald Trump at his golf course in Florida renewed their efforts Wednesday to get the Trump-appointed judge who is handling the case to step down, citing a recent news article saying she is under consideration for a top legal position if Trump wins the election. New York Times.

Hawaii stores fined nearly $1M this year for unregistered chemicals. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency levied a fine against the local operator of Daiso stores this month to the tune of nearly $315,000 for unregistered pesticides and misbranded pesticide devices. Earlier in the year, the EPA also fined the parent company of Don Quijote, Times Supermarket and Marukai Market over $660,000 for selling unregistered chemicals — think disinfectants, plant growth regulators, as well as insecticides and pesticides for things like roach control. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

City proposing 124% residential sewer fee hikes over the next 10 years on Oahu. Starting July 1, the city plans to increase city sewer fees over a 10-year period that will impact single-family residential customers — who consume 9,000 gallons of water a month toward sewer usage, like flushing the toilet — as well as all other customer classes served by the city and county’s sewer system. Star-Advertiser.

As property insurance rates continue to rise, many condo owners are finding it difficult or impossible to keep up with the costs. As a result, the Honolulu City Council is considering a resolution asking the state Legislature to pass policies next session that would address the issue. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hilton Hawaiian Village workers mark 30 days on strike. Over 1,800 Hilton Hawaiian Village workers marked 30 days on strike Wednesday, and people who don't work there are increasingly siding with the strikers. Hawaii Public Radio.

Leader of heavily armed drug-dealing gang gets 30 years. The leader of a heavily armed Honolulu drug trafficking organization that marketed deadly fentanyl-­laced mixes of opioids, heroin and methamphetamine will serve 30 years in federal prison. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

EA details harbor plan: Document gives DOT green light to purchase five lots to expand the entrance. The state by the end of next year could purchase a little over nine acres of land on Kalanianaole Street to expand the entrance to Hilo Harbor. Tribune-Herald.

In surprise move, state Supreme Court takes on appeal of Hilo doctor’s HMSA lawsuit. Hilo obstetrician-gynecologist Frederick Nitta filed a lawsuit in 2022 against the Hawaii Medical Services Association over several incidents in which the insurer failed to cover certain medications and treatments he considered to be medically necessary for patients. Tribune-Herald.

Ironman’s Parade of Nations in Kona showcases athletes participating from 85 countries. Patrons at the Da Shark Shack threw shakas and cheered as triathletes from around the world walked along Ali’i Drive in downtown Kailua-Kona on Tuesday during the 2024 VinFast Ironman World Championship’’s traditional Parade of Nations. Big Island Now.

Teen killed after utility vehicle driven by 8-year-old veers off road. An investigation is underway following a utility vehicle crash that killed a 13-year-old boy on Hawaii Island. The boy has been identified as Maxim Beregovoy.   KITV4. Hawaii News Now. Big Island Now.

Maui

Maui lawmakers discuss rebuilding 'nonconforming' structures in Lahaina, vacation rentals. The long-standing, bitter debate over vacation rentals on Maui took center stage during a Maui County Council Housing and Land Use Committee meeting on Wednesday discussing Bill 105.  KITV4.

Homes for FEMA’s Kilohana temporary housing site to be delivered next week to Lahaina. Motorists are advised of potential traffic delays as 10 modular homes for wildfire survivors are transported from Kahului Harbor to the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Kilohana temporary housing site in Lahaina. Maui Now.

Kahului Public Library to temporarily close beginning Nov. 1 to complete interior renovations. The Kahului Public Library will temporarily close to complete extensive interior renovations beginning Friday, Nov. 1.  At this time, the renovation project is scheduled to be completed in Spring 2025. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kauaʻi Island Utility Co-op honored for excellence, innovation in energy. The Association of Energy Engineers — Western U.S. Region presented Kauaʻi Island Utility Co-op with the Award for Institutional Energy Management during the Association of Energy Engineers World Energy Conference & Expo last month in Nashville. Kauai Now.

Jobless rate jumps in September on Kauai. A pullback in a number of employment sectors sent the jobless rate up more than one-half-percentage point in the final month of summer on the island of Kauai. Garden Island.

State Senate races could bring in more Republicans, threats mar state election process, electricity disconnections spike post-pandemic, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Key Senate races this election that could flip seats in the state Legislature. It's no secret that Democrats make up the overwhelming majority in Hawaiʻi's Legislature. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t competitive races on the general election ballot where seats could go to the Republican Party. Hawaii Public Radio.

Why Blank Votes Count As No Votes For Hawaii Statewide Ballot Measures. Hawaii is among four states along with Minnesota, Tennessee and Wyoming that require amendments to be approved by “a majority of voters in the entire election."  That means voters who abstain from voting on an amendment “essentially count as no votes. Civil Beat.

Officials talk election threats, engaging the next generation of voters. Hawaiʻi was one of at least 16 states targeted with a suspicious package since September. Hawaii Public Radio.

Young Brothers seeks 2 kinds of rate increases for interisland ocean cargo. The company’s Oct. 15 application to the state Public Utilities Commission not only seeks a general rate increase averaging 20% for most cargo, but also asks for annual automatic rate changes tied to inflation. Star-Advertiser.

Public Utility Commission holds community meeting about energy disconnections. A recent report issued by the Public Utilities Commission estimates that roughly 6,000 households had their electricity turned off after falling behind on their bills last year, which is almost double the number of disconnections that occurred in 2019. Hawaii Public Radio.

Governor Green nears decision for Water Commission’s loea position, also known as water expert. Following a months-long vacancy, Governor Josh Green plans to fill the loea position on the Water Commission by next week. KITV4.

Residents encouraged to help state identify where internet upgrades needed most. Hawaiʻi residents are encouraged to become “digital detectives” through Nov. 4 by taking a simple 30-second internet speed test to help identify areas in the islands where internet infrastructure upgrades are crucial, ensuring federal funding is allocated to where it is needed most. Kauai Now.

Timeshare industry is growing in Hawaii. American Resort Development Association President and CEO Jason Gamel said Hawaii’s timeshare growth this year is significant given that in 2023 only five new timeshare resorts opened nationwide. Star-Advertiser.

As Rhinoceros Beetles Spread, State Board Bolsters Pest Control Powers. The Hawaii Board of Agriculture has approved rule changes to help control the spread of invasive species following about a 20-month delay. Civil Beat. Tribune-Herald.

Leaders to meet at Hawai‘i Agriculture Conference. Held every two years since 2002, the conference brings together local and national agriculture and food production leaders to share ideas and trends in the industry. Hosted by the Agricultural Leadership Foundation of Hawai‘i, key sponsors include the state Department of Agriculture, Ulupono Initiative and Kamehameha Schools. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii man accused of lying for money to help Afghans enter the U.S. Marty Anthony Muller allegedly wrote hundreds of letters of recommendation for Afghans applying for a special visa. Hawaii News Now.

Memorial service to honor late Big Island state lawmaker planned at state Capitol. A memorial service for late Big Island state Rep. Mark Nakashima is planned from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday in the rotunda at the state Capitol, located at 415 S. Beretania St., in Honolulu. Big Island Now.

Oahu

Honolulu Council discusses new agricultural task force. Many from Oahu’s farming and ranching communities support a Honolulu City Council plan to potentially restore the city’s now-­defunct Agricultural Development Task Force. Star-Advertiser.

Settlements Recommended For Honolulu Liquor Commission And Police Lawsuits. The City Council still needs to approve the $670,000 settlement over a lawsuit against the liquor commission and $150,000 for the family of a girl who was arrested. Civil Beat.

Officials brainstorm new rules for e-bikes to improve safety amid rising accidents. New laws aimed at clarifying the rules on e-bikes could be passed by the end of this year. It comes as the City and County of Honolulu reports already more than 180 accidents related to them this year alone. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Environmental Protection Agency reports mixed bag of Red Hill water results. The current well in use got the all-clear in terms of meeting the maximum contaminant level, or MCL. The EPA also tested for total petroleum hydrocarbons. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii youth engage in voting process. Hundreds of students gathered around the Kamehameha statue Tuesday, sign-waving before walking over to Honolulu Hale to drop off general election ballots or watch the process unfold. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

EA for Keaukaha project contains references to startup company. Despite appearing in a state environmental assessment, a private company’s concept for a water treatment facility in Keaukaha remains only hypothetical for now. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaiʻi Island's Natural Energy Laboratory celebrates 50 years of climate-focused projects. The park is also home to the only off-shore aquaculture operation in the country, operated by Blue Ocean Mariculture. New tenants— such as Sea Dragon Energy, a company that wants to scale up its operations to produce jet fuel from seawater — are hoping to get space at the 870-acre park. Hawaii Public Radio.

Solid Waste Facilities In West Hawaiʻi To Close For IRONMAN. The Kealakehe Recycling and Transfer Station, as well as the West Hawai‘i Sanitary Landfill at Pu‘uanahulu will be closed on Sunday, October 26th.  Big Island Video News.

Maui

Lahaina residents invited to workshop on rebuilding the energy grid. The new Lahaina Energy Partnership is composed of local organizations and funded by the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory, or NREL. They'll be holding a community workshop Thursday to gather input. Hawaii Public Radio.

Lahaina homeowners can now apply to receive lot surveys at no cost. The Lahaina Homeowner Recovery Program announced that it will offer no-cost lot surveys for Lahaina homeowners who lived in their home before the Aug. 8, 2023, Maui wildfires. Funding for the lot surveys was provided through a $3-million grant to Hawaiʻi Community Lending from the Maui Strong Fund of the Hawaiʻi Community Foundation.  Maui Now.

State seeks feedback on new proposed site to rebuild King Kamehameha III Elementary in Lahaina. The Hawai’i Department of Education is seeking community input for a new proposed site up to 16 acres from landowner Kamehameha Schools in Ku’ia, Lahaina, that could serve as the permanent home for rebuilding King Kamehameha III Elementary School, which was damaged in the Aug. 8 wildfires. Maui News. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kauai Voters Asked To Fund Groups Maintaining Natural Resources. One proposed charter amendment on Kauai could make it easier for the county to partner with volunteer organizations to care for properties it has acquired under a fund designed to preserve natural resources. Civil Beat.

Kauai voters to decide on five key Charter Amendments in General Election. Voters on Kauai will have to decide on five important charter amendments on the ballot this general election. KHON2.

Hanamaulu Stream grungiest in October. A monthly analysis of streams, rivers and surf spots around the island found high concentrations of enterococcus bacterium at a number of locations with Hanamaulu Stream emerging as the grungiest in October. Garden Island.

Honolulu considers shipping garbage off-island, comments sought on federal plan to protect coral reefs, charges dropped against state legislator, others in Kapiolani hospital strike, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Honolulu Revives The Idea Of Shipping Trash Off Island. Honolulu’s trash could be shipped off island for 10 years until a new landfill is opened, a potential interim solution to the challenge of what to do with the waste generated by almost 1 million residents and about half a million monthly visitors. Civil Beat.

Public invited to comment on federal plan to preserve coral. The National Coral Reef Resilience Strategy will be used to protect reefs around Hawaiʻi, Florida, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, American Samoa, the U.S. Pacific Remote Island Area and other areas. Hawaii Public Radio.

Gov. Green's Climate Advisory Team talks priorities to mitigate disaster losses. Gov. Josh Green established a Climate Advisory Team this past May to promote resilience and recovery from future climate-related disasters. The volunteer team is looking at areas ripe for policy-making: environmental and infrastructure resilience, and physical and financial recovery. Hawaii Public Radio.

Voting explainer: 2024 constitutional amendment ballot questions. Hawaiʻi voters will have the chance to weigh in on two constitutional amendment questions in the November election. The questions are related to marriage equality and judicial appointments. Hawaii Public Radio.

Ballot question revives debate over same-sex marriage in Hawaii. Many voters are expressing confusion over a constitutional question on ballots that arrived at homes over the weekend. It brings up the 30-year-old debate over same-sex marriage in Hawaii that most people feel was settled a decade ago. Hawaii News Now.

OHA race: Luapa faces political newcomer for Molokaʻi and Lānaʻi seat. Luana Alapa, who has served on the Office of Hawaiian Affairs Board of Trustees since 2020, faces challenger Kunani Nihipali, a farmer and former Honolulu police officer. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawai‘i unemployment rate remains at 2.9% in September. The Hawai‘i Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism reports 651,100 people were employed last month, with 19,300 were unemployed, for a total seasonally adjusted labor force of 670,400 statewide. Kauai Now.

Oahu

Council urges state action on rising property insurance premiums. A Honolulu City Council resolution wants state lawmakers to address what it deems are “drastic” increases in property insurance premiums paid by homeowners across Oahu, particularly for those who own condominiums. Star-Advertiser.

Charges dismissed against 10 arrested during Kapi‘olani hospital protest. All charges have been dismissed against the 10 protesters arrested outside Kapi‘olani Medical Center for Women & Children during a management lockout of unionized nurses last month, Honolulu prosecutors said. Star-Advertiser. KHON2.  Spectrum.

Rare court filing puts trial on hold for 4 HPD officers accused in near-fatal crash. The high-profile criminal case against four Honolulu police officers has been shelved until a higher court can rule on the defense team’s interlocutory appeal. Hawaii News Now.

Westside After-School Clubs Are Helping Kids Stay Out Of Trouble. Sports and extracurricular activities can help kids build a sense of community pride — and show them a better life is possible. Civil Beat.

Voter service centers on Oahu open ahead of general election. With general election just two weeks away, in-person voter service centers open Tuesday across the state. On Oahu, it opens at Kapolei Hale and Honolulu Hale and they will remain open until 7:00 p.m. on Election Day. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

IRONMAN Emphasizes Respect, Safety Ahead Of Kona World Championship. In the first all-male Ironman race in Kona, about 2,500 athletes will compete in the swim, bike and run competition that covers 140.6 miles on Saturday, starting at the Kailua Pier and ending on Aliʻi Drive. Big Island Now. Big Island Video News.

Kona hotel prepares again to serve as hub for Ironman World Championship. When a semi-truck loaded with pasta and other foods arrived at the Courtyard King Kamehameha Kona Beach Resort last week, the employees knew that soon to follow would be hoards of hungry triathletes competing in the 2024 VinFast Ironman World Championship. Big Island Now.

Volcano Skatepark reopens after 4+ year closure. Volcano Skatepark is one of the only wooden and indoor parks out of eight skateparks on the island. KHON2. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Feedback conflicting on how to rebuild Lahaina. Survivors of the Aug. 8, 2023, Lahaina wildfire expressed both clear and often conflicting opinions on how to rebuild the historic fishing village, with many participants in community engagement sessions on long-term recovery calling for better communications and other technological upgrades to respond to future emergencies, climate change and sea-level rise. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.  Maui News. Maui Now.  KHON2.  KITV4

HECO narrowly avoided cutting power in West Maui last week. What happened? West Maui customers were told last Wednesday that Hawaiian Electric might have had to cut power as a fire prevention measure under the new protocols of the utility's Public Safety Power Shutoff program, which launched in July. Hawaii Public Radio.

Trash, invasive trees and abandoned vehicles to be removed from 5-acre County-owned parcel at Ukumehame.  In coordination with Mālama Maui Nui and Kane’s Legacy Tree Services, the County of Maui will be conducting trash removal, invasive tree cleanup and abandoned vehicles disposal during a three-day period from Oct. 23-25 at a 5-acre parcel owned by the County directly mauka of mile marker 13.5 in Ukumehame, West Maui.  Maui Now.

Mayor Bissen to host community budget meeting on Lānaʻi, Oct. 23.  Mayor Richard Bissen and his administration will host a community budget meeting from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 23, at ILWU Union Hall in Lānaʻi City. Maui Now.

Kauai

Should Kauai’s Police Commission Get More Time For Investigations? The seven-member commission that oversees the operations of the island’s police department currently has 90 days to go through the entire process of investigating all complaints that come to it.  Civil Beat.

Voter Service Center to open in Lihue. The Voter Service Center (VSC) is scheduled to open on Tuesday, Oct, 22, in the basement of the historic County Annex Building at 4386 Rice St. in Lihue. Garden Island.

Ag board gets serious about invasive species, Catholic Charities settles foster care abuse case, Maui charter amendment would staff ethics board, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Ag board seeks rule changes to slow spread of invasive species. The state Board of Agriculture on Tuesday will discuss a series of 25 proposed amendments to the state’s administrative rules regarding the Department of Agriculture’s ability to intercept various invasive species — in particular, the coconut rhinoceros beetle, which is rampant on Oahu and was first detected on the Big Island last October. Tribune-Herald.

Islands around the world home to 1/3 of planet’s plant species, study reveals. A new study reveals that Hawai‘i is home to the highest proportions of endemic flora. According to the study, published in Nature on Oct. 16, islands throughout the world are home to nearly 1/3 of the world’s plant species, despite covering just 5.3% of the Earth’s land surface. Hawai‘i stands out with 83% of its plant species being endemic to the state. Big Island Now.

State, Catholic Charities Hawaii settle case in alleged abuse of foster child. The state of Hawaii and Catholic Charities Hawaii have settled a civil lawsuit for $690,000 involving the alleged repeated sexual assault, molestation and abuse of a foster child by the foster mother’s son and his friend who both lived with them, plaintiff’s lawyers said. Star-Advertiser.

Hawai‘i Tourism partners with JTB to attract high-value business events from Japan. A new deal between the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority, Meet Hawai‘i and JTB seeks to recover the pipeline of Japan business meetings in Hawai‘i.  Big Island Now.

University of Hawaii faculty ratify new contract. University of Hawaii faculty, represented by the University of Hawaii Professional Assembly, have voted to approve a new successor contract that includes a 3.5% wage increase in the first year and a 3.79% increase in the second year. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

LGBTQ+ visitors are expected to hit records and boost state tourism in October. Honolulu isn’t a top market for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning travelers yet, but Honolulu Pride helped to fill hotel rooms and restaurants and create sell-out crowds at supporting events that helped boost tourism in October, which is generally a softer travel month. Star-Advertiser.

State Thinks Its Multimillion-Dollar Food Hub Is Finally Happening. The Whitmore Village facility will include specialized ag equipment and DOE's centralized kitchen. The $5.5 million-plus facility will be part of the 34-acre Central Oahu Agriculture and Food Hub, a project worth tens of millions of dollars.  Civil Beat.

Honolulu Council members urge new agricultural task force. A plan to bring back the city’s now-defunct Agricultural Development Task Force is being sown by some on the Honolulu City Council. Star-Advertiser.

Sea-level rise risk erodes Hawaiian homestead plan. The state Department of Hawaiian Home Lands intends to develop 220 single-family and 120 to 160 multifamily homes on less than half of an 80-acre site the federal government conveyed to the agency in 2021. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu Vision Zero plan outlines most dangerous corridors, intersections.  The City and County of Honolulu’s Oahu Vision Zero Action Plan outlines the key problems, including a lengthy list of the isle’s most dangerous corridors and intersections based on six years of crash data, along with proposed design improvements and their estimated costs. Star-Advertiser.

E-bike working group to update Honolulu City Council. Honolulu officials say the number of accidents involving electric bicycles has proliferated on Oahu. Since January, the city Emergency Services Department has reported 180 incidents involving the powered machines — ones often operated by underage riders. Star-Advertiser.

State to renew push to replace overcrowded Oahu jail. The state Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation plans to request $280 million from the Legislature in 2025, to complete planning and procurement work with $30 million and secure $250 million as a down payment for a private developer to build a roughly estimated $1.2 billion new facility in Halawa replacing Oahu Community Correctional Center. Star-Advertiser.

2 men in serious condition following officer-involved shooting in Waipahu. A man was seriously wounded after he was shot by Honolulu police officers who responded to an argument at a Waipahu residence Sunday night. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

‘We’re open to what the community wants’: Judge rules in favor of Ka‘u resort developer. Hilo Circuit Judge Henry Nakamoto earlier this month ruled in favor of South Point Investment Group who sued the Discovery Harbour Community Association over long-stalled plans to build a resort in Ka‘u.  Tribune-Herald.

$33 Million To Rehabilitate Wailuku River Bridge. Federal funds will be used to reinforce the foundation bridge, and widen it to be in line with Americans with Disabilities Act standards. Big Island Video News.

Hilo sawmill proposal withdrawn by property owner after backlash. Jeremiah Leonard — doing business through the company Farm Forest Products — planned to build a sawmill on his agricultural-zoned 2.7-acre parcel at 170 Makalika St. in Hilo. Tribune-Herald.

Insurance Prices Threaten An Affordable Housing Oasis In Hawaii. Puna homeowners live under the threat of a lava eruption, but skyrocketing insurance rates are causing many to rethink that choice. Civil Beat.

Sniffing out trouble: Dogs being trained to detect little fire ants. Dog training teams around the Big Island are training canines to sniff out little fire ants, after previous successes in using dogs to detect other invasive species like coconut rhinoceros beetles. Tribune-Herald.

Sulphur Banks Trail At Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park To Close. The temporary closure, required in order to repair the boardwalk, will take place from October 21st through December 12, 2024.  Big Island Video News.

Maui

Maui Voters To Decide If County Board Of Ethics Can Hire A Full-Time Staff. Approval of a charter amendment would allow more employee training and investigations of ethics violations. Civil Beat.

Short-term rentals, housing after fire among top issues in Maui County Council races. Maui County voters can vote for all nine seats regardless of where they live. Maui Now.

Maui’s recycled water conversation continues. A proposed resolution making its way through council has ignited more conversations around the future use of Maui County’s recycled water.  Maui News.

Reflecting on Lahaina: Former Hawaii Island Civil Defense chief shares some lessons learned from deadly wildfires. When the Maui Emergency Management Agency named Darryl Oliveira its interim administrator in the wake of the Aug. 8, 2023, wildfires that killed more than 100 people, they tapped the extensive experience of a career Big Island first responder and emergency manager. Tribune-

Kauai

Kauaʻi County Council hears update on Ready Keiki preschool initiative. The state Ready Keiki program that began in January 2023 with a $200 million appropriation and a goal to build 450 public preschool classrooms by 2032 so far has produced just three of those classrooms on Kauaʻi. Kauai Now.

Hawai‘i Lodging & Tourism Association reveals endorsements in Kauai County Council race. A statewide tourism organization with deep ties to the hospitality sector has thrown its weight behind one-half dozen candidates running for the Kauai County Council in the 2024 General Election. Garden Island.

Hensel to earn $675k as new UH president, US attorney named to oversee election complaints, wetter than average rainy season expected, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Next University of Hawaii President Wendy Hensel vows to lead with a ‘heart open wide’. Wendy Hensel, executive vice chancellor and university provost for The City University of New York, will take over the University of Hawaii system in January — earning an annual salary of $675,000 — after UH regents unanimously selected her Thursday. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.  Hawaii Public Radio.  Big Island Video News. Big Island Now.  Maui News.  Maui Now. KHON2.  KITV4.

US Attorney Named To Oversee Hawaii Election Complaints. Clare Connors, the U.S. attorney for the District of Hawaii, announced this week the appointment of Michael Nammar to lead local efforts in connection with the U.S. Department of Justice’s nationwide Election Day Program. Nammar, an assistant U.S. attorney, will serve as the district election officer to oversee the handling of election day complaints of voting rights concerns, threats of violence to election officials or staff, and election fraud. Civil Beat.

Voters to decide on selection process of district court judges in state constitutional amendment question. A proposed constitutional amendment in Hawaii aims to unify the appointment and confirmation process for district court judges with that of supreme court justices and circuit court judges.  KHON2.

What happens in Vegas... stays there? Gov. Green on lessons from the new sports hub. When you hear Sin City, you think of casinos, gambling, Las Vegas. But these days, it's become Sports City. That's why Gov. Josh Green was in Nevada. Hawaii Public Radio.

'I make nothing': Local fishers weigh leaving the industry as inflation drives up costs. There are some 140 Hawaiʻi-based longline fishing vessels that bring in more than 20 million pounds of tuna annually. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii likely to see wetter-than-average rainy season. After a slow start to Hawaii’s wet season this month, forecasters project above-average rainfall from December through April, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Star-Advertiser. Tribune-Herald.  Big Island Video News.  KHON2.

Oahu

What Honolulu Can Learn From An Empty Homes Tax In Vancouver. Honolulu Council members are looking to the Canadian city as a model for their own version. Civil Beat.

Residents in high-risk flood zones could need new insurance. The Federal Emergency Management Agency released new flood insurance rate maps on Thursday after a five year re-examination of Oahu’s flood hazards, including multiple streams that have never been studied before. Hawaii News Now.

Health department and city settle over wastewater violations at Kailua Bay.  The state Department of Health initially fined the city more than $434,000 for those effluent discharges exceeding permit limits for enterococci that occurred over 13 different days, from April to May 2023, from the city-owned Kailua Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant. Star-Advertiser.

Is Drag Racing A Good Way To Till Soil? This State Farmland Tenant Says So. The Agribusiness Development Corp. will soon deliberate on whether drag racing is an appropriate way to till soil and rejuvenate former plantation lands. That’s because one of its Whitmore Village tenants hosted a “mud drag” event Saturday, which attracted a crowd of about 1,000 to watch souped-up pickups and home-built dragsters churn down a track on state-owned farmland on Oahu. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

A look at the ballot questions: Voters will decide fate of proposed amendments to County Charter, state Constitution. In addition to the contested races on the ballot, there are five ballot questions — three concerning county government and two concerning state government. Tribune-Herald.

Federal investigation underway as packages missing at Hilo post office.  Frustrated business owners say they’re out thousands of dollars after packages dropped off at Hilo’s post office near the airport keep vanishing. Hawaii News Now.

Hawai‘i Island’s technology park celebrates 50 years of researching renewable ocean energy. Founded in 1974, the Hawai‘i Ocean Science Technology Park off Queen Ka‘ahumanu Highway was established by visionaries in an attempt to harness the power of ocean thermal energy conversion by mixing deep-sea water with surface-sea water as a source of electricity. On Saturday, the community is invited to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the technology park, now home to 43 companies, at an open house from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Big Island Now.

Maui

County Department of Housing seeks proposals for Affordable Housing Fund projects on Maui. The County of Maui Department of Housing issued a request for proposals seeking affordable housing projects that will be funded by the Affordable Housing Fund in fiscal year 2026.  Maui News. Maui Now.

Maui paramedic to be honored at Stars of Life Awards Ceremony in Washington D.C. David Kingdon, a paramedic with American Medical Response Maui County, has been named one of 33 Global Medical Response Stars of Life. The Stars of Life program honors emergency medical services professionals who have completed extraordinary acts of service for their patients, colleagues, communities or the profession. Maui Now.

New MEO bus for East Maui blessed. A new Maui Economic Opportunity 14-passenger bus that will be running through the streets of East Maui was blessed Tuesday in Hāna with community members, Maui County officials and MEO staff attending. A new Maui Economic Opportunity 14-passenger bus that will be running through the streets of East Maui was blessed Tuesday in Hāna with community members, Maui County officials and MEO staff attending.  Maui Now.

Kauai

Bill to allow guesthouses on Kauaʻi to address housing shortage passes in committee. To address housing shortages on Kauaʻi, the County Council unanimously approved a bill on Wednesday that would allow the building of guest houses on land zoned residential, agricultural, commercial, open and university.  Kauai Now.

County mayors to discuss trust, regents grapple with UH present choice, EPA report indicates low-level contamination in Navy water system after Red Hill leak, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Mayors, economists meet to talk about the economics of (dis)trust. Leading economists will provide insight into the state’s economic outlook, and explore the impact of trust in Hawaii. This Friday, Hawaiiʻs county mayors will be on Oahu for the all-day Hawaii Economic Association Conference happening at Halekulani Hotel. KHON2. HEA.

Regents meet privately with 2 finalists for University of Hawaii president. University of Hawaii regents met privately and separately for about six hours with the two finalists to become UH’s 16th president and ended Wednesday’s regents’ meeting with no announcement, but with plans to resume their special meeting this morning. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.  KHON2.

Hawaii voters to decide on changing constitutional amendment to remove language on opposite-sex marriage. The proposed State Constitutional Amendment seeks to remove what is considered outdated language regarding marriage. KHON2.

Oahu

Navy says EPA report that found low-level contamination proves water is ‘safe’.  The Navy released Wednesday a report by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency that was the result of an inspection of its water system that serves more than 93,000 people on Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

Discrimination lawsuit against Honolulu Liquor Commission settled, plaintiffs confirm. A 2021 federal lawsuit filed by the owners of a Chinatown nightclub and a guide to the islands catering to the LGBTQ+ community in which they alleged anti­-gay discrimination by investigators working for the Honolulu Liquor Commission has tentatively settled. Star-Advertiser.

HPD arrests 16 people trying to illegally access Haiku stairs.  Honolulu Police arrested 16 people who were trying to illegally access the Haiku stairs in Windward, Oahu, early Wednesday morning. HPD says they were arrested for second-degree trespassing. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.  KITV4.

52 warnings given during H3 traffic enforcement. For the first time, the Honolulu Police Department (HPD) and the Marines conducted joint traffic enforcement on the H3 freeway to slow down speeding and dangerous drivers on Monday, Oct. 7. KHON2.

Police shuts down Waianae game room, uncovers 10 gambling machines and a firearm. Honolulu police shut down an illegal game room in Waianae last week with 10 gambling machines and a ghost gun inside it. KITV4.

Hawaii Island

Roadside vendors bill approved by council. Bill 184 establishes a process by which the county Public Works director can grant special activity permits to people wishing to conduct commercial activities along county roads. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaiʻi County Council looks to push more units into affordable rental program. Homeowners in the program must keep the rent they charge below a certain cost, and in exchange, they get breaks on their real property taxes and a cap on how much their assessed value can increase every year. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kona Rabbi’s lawsuit against county appears headed for settlement. The suit, filed on behalf Chabad Jewish Center of the Big Island and Rabbi Levi Gerlitzky, claims that fines levied by the county at Gerlitzky for using his Nani Kailua Drive home for religious gatherings are discriminatory and violate rights guaranteed by both the U.S. and state constitutions. Tribune-Herald.

County wants piece of Ka‘u parcel for sewage plant. The County Council on Wednesday discussed a resolution that would authorize county attorneys to use eminent domain proceedings to acquire 28.7 acres of a parcel just west of Na‘alehu Spur Road in Na‘alehu town that would be the site for an eventual Na‘alehu Wastewater Treatment Plant, which would replace the large-capacity cesspools in the area. Tribune-Herald.

Runway repairs scheduled at Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport. A temporary runway closure at Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keāhole is scheduled throughout November into December. Big Island Now. KHON2.

Maui

Maui County has 3 charter amendments on November ballot. What would they change? Maui County voters in the general election will be asked to consider three proposals that include giving the Board of Ethics full-time staffing who would be able to prosecute violations. The other proposals would make it easier for people to serve a second term on county boards and commissions as well as better define the role of the Salary Commission. Maui Now.

HECO Calls Off Warning Of Power Shutoffs On Maui. The utility created the Public Safety Power Shutoff program last May to for adverse weather conditions. Hawaiian Electric Co. notified West Maui communities Wednesday that they could face intentional extended power outages to prevent wildfires, but rescinded the warning hours later. Civil Beat. Hawaii Public Radio.

Maui residents offer feedback about future ferry service. Molokai, which previously had a private ferry service from 1987 to 2016, has been without such a system leaving residents only one option–travel by plane or not at all.  Maui News.

County approves building permits for Kahoma Village reconstruction in Lahaina. The County of Maui has approved with conditions building permits for Kahoma Village to reconstruct four multi-family buildings totaling 24 units that were destroyed in the August 2023 wildfires.  Maui News.

Upcountry Maui fire victims await change as cesspool restrictions block rebuilding. State law requires 7,400 cesspools in upcountry Maui to be converted to septic tanks by 2050.  Hawaii News Now.

Kauai

Wilcox Medical Center nurses take their battle to the streets. The event, which was characterized as an informational picket, came after months of contract negotiations between the Hawai‘i Nurses Association and Wilcox Medical Center management. Garden Island.

Voting skepticism intensifies, Young Brothers seeks 20% rate hike, state Supreme Court rejects Aloha Petroleum's stance on climate change, Legislature not policing itself, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Voting skepticism and party division intensify among Hawaiʻi's own Elections Commission. If it were up to the Hawaiʻi Elections Commission, the state would end mail-in voting and hand-count all the ballots. Since 2020, meetings have become increasingly contentious — with some lasting hours. The focus was once getting more people to vote, while now it's on election security — even though there has never been evidence of widespread voter fraud in Hawaiʻi. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Legislature Rarely Uses Its Own Process To Investigate Lawmakers. The dormant House Select Standards of Conduct Committee raises questions about whether self-policing really works or if an independent agency is needed. When the Hawaii State Ethics Commission last month fined a state legislator $12,500 for campaign financial disclosure violations, the case was referred to House Speaker Scott Saiki.  But as of this week the commission had not received a formal response from Saiki, even though the rules of the Hawaii House of Representatives on legislative conduct indicate that action is required. Civil Beat.

Hawaiʻi Supreme Court rejects oil company's argument that greenhouse gases aren't pollutants. Aloha Petroleum is a named defendant in cases brought by the City and County of Honolulu and the County of Maui that allege several major players in the oil industry promoted disinformation about the role of fossil fuels in causing climate change. Hawaii Public Radio.

Young Brothers seeks rate hikes. The cost to ship most cargo between islands in Hawaii could jump 20% on average, and in instances up to 45%, next summer under a plan by the state’s regulated interisland tug-and-barge operator. Star-Advertiser. Maui News. KHON2.

Hawaii voters to receive General Election ballots by October 18. Importantly, ballots must be received, not just postmarked, by 7:00 p.m. on November 5, 2024.  KHON2.

UH study: Meth poisoning leading cause for fatal overdoses in older Hawaiʻi residents. A new study by researchers at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa’s Center on Aging finds that methamphetamine poisoning is the leading cause of fatal overdoses among midlife and older adults in Hawai‘i. Maui Now. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii to join the Mountain West full-time and won’t pay subsidies. The University of Hawaii announced Tuesday that it will join the Mountain West Conference as a full-time member effective July 1, 2026. Hawaii will compete in 15 sports in the Mountain West Conference, which does not sponsor beach volleyball, men’s volleyball, men’s swimming and diving and women’s water polo. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Honolulu Voters To Decide If Climate Change Fund Needed. A proposed city charter amendment would funnel some property tax revenue to a Climate Resiliency Fund. The proposed city charter amendment would establish a Climate Resiliency Fund to pay for things like electric buses, tree plantings, solar panels over parking lots and programs to protect people from flood and hurricane damage. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Council adopts possible worker hazard pay. The City and County of Honolulu will likely tap about $5 million in federal COVID-19 money to help pay the estimated tens of millions of dollars in temporary hazard pay to city workers employed during the pandemic. Star-Advertiser.

City Council pay raises: No more than 5% a year under Charter Change. Voters will have the opportunity to weigh in on Charter Amendment Question #4, which proposes capping annual salary increases for Honolulu City Councilmembers at no more than 5%.  KHON2.

North Shore Development On Fast Track Thanks To 2022 City Decision. Plans for a Turtle Bay development are under review, but the developer inherited government approvals that helped it get off to a quick start. version of a construction project underway near the Turtle Bay Resort. The Utah-based company Arete Collective intends to build up to 350 units on two coastal land parcels the company purchased in April. Civil Beat.

State senator calls out Hawaii’s governor over recent West Oahu gun violence. State Sen. Kurt Fevella, R-Ewa Beach, Iroquois Point, on Tuesday called out the Green administration over what he considers a “lack of action” in response to recent gun violence in West Oahu. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Kalani High’s Silver is named Hawaii State Teacher of the Year. The state Department of Education announced Tuesday that Bryan Silver of Kalani High School has been named the 2025 Hawaii State Teacher of the Year, the highest honor given annually to one of over 13,000 DOE teachers statewide. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Hawaii County mayoral candidates discuss economy, short-term rentals, homelessness, and more. Incumbent Mitch Roth is set to face challenger Kimo Alameda in a general election runoff for Hawaii County mayor. Hawaii News Now.

Radio proposal draws concerns at council meeting.  The plan would establish partnerships between the county and various amateur and professional radio operators that would be able to disseminate vital information to remote areas of the island in case of an emergency. Tribune-Herald.

Hawai‘i County Council to discuss wastewater treatment plant projects mandated by EPA. During today’s meeting, Hawai‘i County Council will make decisions about two wastewater treatment plant projects. Big Island Now.

Local historian takes Kona beekeeping to infinity and bee-yond.  Kona is home to one of the largest queen bee breeders in the world. Hawaii Public Radio.

Maui

Maui Vs Maui: Candidates Square Off In County Council Power Struggle. The first election since the 2023 fires could change the balance of power on the nine-member board. Civil Beat.

Watchdog group demands answers from MPD chief amid reports department mishandled Lahaina victims’ remains. Common Cause Hawaii, is calling on the police commission to get answers to questions Chief John Pelletier is refusing to acknowledge.  Hawaii News Now.

Second phase announced for Lahaina Civic Center renovations and repairs. The Lahaina Civic Center gymnasium will close beginning Dec. 1 for repairs and renovations, the Maui County Department of Parks and Recreation announced. It is scheduled to reopen Sept. 30, 2025. Maui Now.

Kauai

Public can weigh in on planned emergency zone declaration near Waikoko hairpin turn. The state plans to declare a traffic emergency zone at milepost 4.7 to conduct emergency slope stabilization work. Kauai Now.

Previously unknown native flora discovered on Kauaʻi with flying technology.  The new species is called Schiedea waiahuluensis — a reference to the valley where it was discovered. The genus, Schiedea, is endemic to Hawaiʻi and now includes 36 species. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Gas seeks big rate hike; pilikia grows in UH president selection; one dead, two injured in rough surf on North Shore, Kauai workers to get COVID hazard pay, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Public input sought on Hawai‘i Gas rate hike plan. Hawai‘i Gas wants to adjust rates that range from a 19.4% hike on Oahu to a 13.2% decrease on Lanai in an overall effort to bolster annual revenue by $24.3 million, which the company said would cover operational and maintenance costs that have gone up significantly since its last rate increase in 2018. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii Public Radio. Maui Now.

PUC probing utility’s role in deadly Maui fire. The state Public Utilities Commission has issued more than 30 information requests totaling nearly 200 questions to Hawaiian Electric as part of an ongoing investigation into the Aug. 8, 2023, Lahaina wildfire, which killed 102 people and caused more than $5.5 billion in damage. Star-Advertiser.

Law Professor: UH President Candidate Is Lying About Discrimination Complaint. Professor Tanya Washington and her lawyer say CUNY Provost Wendy Hensel is continuing to gaslight and retaliate in the statements she is currently making. Civil Beat.

UH president finalist Wendy Hensel on her vision for the 10-campus system. Hensel is currently the executive vice chancellor and university provost for the 25-campus City University of New York system, also known as CUNY. Also a Harvard Law School graduate, she has been a lawyer and previously worked at Georgia State University in Atlanta. Hawaii Public Radio.

UH president finalist Julian Vasquez Heilig on what he would bring to the role. Vasquez Heilig, a Stanford University Ph.D. graduate, is currently the provost and vice president for academic affairs at Western Michigan University.  Hawaii Public Radio.

Stargazers capture ‘comet of the century’ soaring over Hawaii. According to NASA, the comet will initially appear low on the western horizon in the glow of twilight about 45 minutes after sunset each day starting Oct. 12, through the end of the month. Hawaii News Now.

‘Humble limu’ faces threat from non-native species. Invasive seaweed may better adapt to changes than native species in Hawai‘i waters. Hawai‘i waters. Botanists from the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa have uncovered key survival strategies used by invasive seaweed species in nearshore ecosystems, potentially explaining their dominance over native Hawaiian limu in certain habitats. Maui News. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii bracing for shortage of IV and dialysis fluids after Hurricane Helene disrupts production. Hawaii’s hospitals and dialysis centers are bracing for a shortage of two commonly used medical solutions after Hurricane Helene caused catastrophic damage to one of the nation’s few production sites. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

One dead, two hospitalized after being pulled from rough surf on Oahu's North Shore.  Three people were swept into the ocean at Ke Iki Beach. Despite warning signs, they were apparently walking on the shoreline when a big wave overtook them. KITV4. Hawaii News Now.  Star-Advertiser.

Man convicted in Fujita murders is stabbed to death at Halawa. A Japanese national convicted in the 1994 shooting deaths of a psychic and her son was allegedly stabbed to death in the Halawa Correctional Facility early Monday morning by his 38-year-old cellmate. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.  Hawaii News Now.  KHON2.  KITV4.

Illegal dumping an ‘eyesore’ for Tantalus area residents. Those living near Tantalus said it has a reputation for being a dumping ground for crime. KHON2.

Here's the latest on the new container terminal project at Honolulu Harbor. The $555 million Kapalama Container Terminal project started almost seven years ago. This second main offloading site is meant to help make Hawaiʻi more disaster-resilient.  Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Island

Mauna Kea Closures Set For October 30 For DLNR Animal Control. The Hawaiʻi DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife will conduct aerial shooting from helicopters for feral goats, feral sheep, mouflon and mouflon/feral sheep hybrids within Palila critical habitat. Public animal salvage will be allowed by permit. Big Island Video News.

Citizen brings grenade to police station, halts operations for nine hours. Police say that shortly before noon on Saturday, a Hilo resident arrived at the Hilo Police Station Receiving Desk to turn in what appeared to be an unexploded grenade they had discovered at a vacant home in Hilo. Tribune-Herald.

Court documents reveal names of officers allegedly shot at during Volcano incident. Court documents filed by police identify officers involved in the apprehension of a man alleged to have held off police for about 24 hours in an armed standoff last week in Volcano. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Once banned in schools, ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i now part of push to make Maui County government bilingual. In 2022, Maui County voters passed a charter amendment that would make county operations bilingual in English and ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i, as well as create a Department of ‘Ōiwi Resources that would oversee management of cultural resources and improve planning in culturally sensitive areas. The department launched on July 1, and efforts are underway to move the county toward a bilingual government. Maui Now.

Temporary housing aid for Maui fire survivors is extended for a year. The Federal Emergency Management Agency on Thursday, at the request of the state, approved a one-year extension of the Individuals and Households Program for survivors of the Aug. 8, 2023, Maui wildfires. Star-Advertiser.

Wildfire survivors can get free or reduced-cost designs for home rebuilding.  Maui property owners impacted by the Aug. 8 wildfires can access free or reduced-cost home design plans and rebuilding assistance through a collaborative effort between the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement and local AIA Maui chapter architectural firms, including Hawaii Off Grid Architecture + Engineering. Maui Now.

FEMA hopes to fill jobs at new Long Term Recovery Office on Maui. The agency is seeking qualified and passionate individuals to join the team as Maui continues to recover following the Aug. 2023 wildfires. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kauai County UPW to get COVID hazard pay. Kauai County United Public Workers members have voted to accept 15% of their base hourly pay for all the hours worked during the COVID-19 pandemic, the union announced Monday. Star-Advertiser. Kauai Now.

2024 General Election ballots being mailed out to voters. Registered voters in the County of Kauai should begin receiving ballot packets for the 2024 General Election this week. Garden Island.

State restricts movement of palms due to rhinoceros beetle infestations, Chinese missile launch stirs apprehension, not everyone loves a parade, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaiʻi Restricts Movement Of Palm Plants Due To Invasive Beetle. The Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture on Friday established a new interim rule to help stop the movement of the coconut rhinoceros beetle across the state. Big Island Video News. Maui News.  Hawaii News Now.

Chinese ballistic missile launch stirs apprehension. In September the Chinese military launched an intercontinental ballistic missile that flew 7,400 miles before splashing down in the Pacific south of Hawaii. Hawaii is the nerve center of U.S. military operations in the Pacific. It hosts headquarters of the U.S. Indo-­Pacific Command and the Navy’s Pacific Fleet, and is home to several other critical U.S. military facilities. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s Marine Littoral Regiment trains for high-tech operations. The Marines are training in preparation for a deployment in 2025 to the Western Pacific to train with military forces around the region. Star-Advertiser.

Finalists for University of Hawaii president to meet regents, pick likely coming soon.  Julian Vasquez Heilig, 49, provost and vice president of academic affairs at Western Michigan University; and Wendy Hensel, 54, executive vice chancellor and university provost for The City University of New York, are scheduled to meet all 11 regents, who are likely to interview them separately in executive session during Wednesday’s regents’ meeting. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.

Who Are The 2 Finalists For UH President?  Wendy Fritzen Hensel is a Harvard-educated lawyer, vice chancellor of one of the nation’s largest university systems who calls Hawaii her second home. Julian Vasquez Heilig is a Stanford-trained education leader and provost of a Midwestern university where he’s boosted enrollment. Civil Beat.

Keiki issues a priority for mayoral candidates in Hawaii, survey finds. The survey, conducted by Ward Research and organized by Commit to Keiki — a nonpartisan education initiative under the Early Childhood Action Strategy collaborative — found that over 90% of Oahu and Hawaii island voters want more early childhood programs.  Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

City Council advances bill to establish tax on empty homes. The Honolulu City Councilʻs Bill 46 would create a property tax on homes not occupied by long-term residents for at least six months out of the year. Hawaii Public Radio.

$1.6B state plan aims to boost housing around rail stations in Iwilei, Kapalama. A state plan is being advanced to foster development of nearly 28,000 new homes around planned city rail stations in Iwilei and Kapalama. The estimated $1.6 billion endeavor includes roughly $850 million in infrastructure improvements possibly shared by the state, the city and private property owners, and a $750 million or so state office tower project that includes housing. Star-Advertiser.

State agency helps reduce purchase prices of hard-to-sell units. Hawaii taxpayers are going to help the developer of a year-old Honolulu condominium and hotel tower complex make some of its required affordable housing more attractive to buyers. Star-Advertiser.

Illegal Game Rooms: Landlords May Face More Fines, Code Violations. The city's Gambling Rooms Task Force recommended codifying efforts to hold property owners accountable. Civil Beat.

City looks to reduce the amount of parades and activities in Waikiki.  A bill aimed at reducing the number of parades and activities in Waikiki is getting closer to becoming law.  Hawaii News Now.

Elected officials and guests join union picket line. Waikiki guests and the community are getting weary as more than 1,800 hotel workers represented by UNITE HERE Local 5 enter their 21st day of an open-ended strike at the Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort. Star-Advertiser.

‘A fire hazard’: Concerns grow about former swap meet space as city issues more violations. Concern is growing in Pearl City after another notice of violation was issued to the owners of the old Kam Swap Meet property recently. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

‘Marquee’ Hawaii general election contest is for Big Island mayor. The headliner bout, for Hawaii island mayor, is between incumbent Mitch Roth and challenger Kimo Alameda. Roth is a former Hawaii County prosecutor who moved to the state more than 40 years ago and is a University of Hawaii graduate. Alameda is a psychologist who was most recently vice president of business development for the Hawai‘i Island Community Health Center and once led Hawaii County’s Office of Aging. Star-Advertiser.

Big plans for Hilo airport: Initial design work will begin soon for $162M runway project. The Hawaii Department of Transportation has received more than $7 million in state funds to prepare for an eventual project to rehabilitate the Hilo International Airport’s main runway in 2027. Tribune-Herald.

Maunakea authority to occupy former Bank of Hawaii building. DLNR will grant a 30-year lease to the Maunakea Stewardship and Oversight Authority at a great discount: the DLNR will waive the authority’s first seven years of rent — determined by appraisal to be more than $95,000 per year — in order to offset the agency’s costs of renovating the building and closing a cesspool on the property. Tribune-Herald.

Land Board approves land transfer of more than 7,000 acres. More than 7,000 acres of pastureland on the Big Island has been transferred from the state Department of Land and Natural Resources to the Department of Agriculture. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News.

Hawaii Island resident brings unexploded grenade to police station. A Hawaii Island resident turned in an unexploded grenade they had discovered at a vacant residence in Hilo to Hawaii Island police authorities on Saturday. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii seawater to become jet fuel. A Texas company backed by the U.S. Office of Naval Research plans to do some potentially groundbreaking work on the process of making jet fuel from seawater at a state technology park on Hawaii Island. Star-Advertiser.

Maui

Mayor Bissen hosting budget meetings both in Upcountry and Lahaina Oct. 14-15. Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen and his administration will host community budget meetings in Upcountry Maui and Lahaina this week.  Maui News.

Pilot program seeks to improve pediatric mental health support in Maui County. The Mental Health Pediatric Access Line is the “first dedicated warmline designed to significantly improve pediatric mental health services” in Maui County, according to an announcement. Maui Now.

FEMA seeks over hundreds of long-term positions on Maui. (video only). Hawaii News Now.

Voyaging canoe Hōkūleʻa shares history, mission on Maui. Crews from the Polynesian Voyaging Society’s Pae ʻĀina Statewide Sail have been sharing the history and mission of Hōkūleʻa to residents and visitors of Lānaʻi. KHON2.

Kauai

Largest limestone cave in Hawaiʻi to close to public after nonprofit’s lease ends. The Makauwahi Cave Reserve, home to the richest fossil site and largest limestone cave in the state of Hawai‘i, is closing 20 years after its opening on the South Shore of Kaua‘i due to uncertainty about the future use of the property by its landowners. Big Island Now.

Nonprofit against rebuilding of Coco Palms resort hosting event Sunday to ‘empower’ community. A nonprofit group that has been leading efforts to stop Utah-based Reef Capital Partners from redeveloping the Coco Palms resort was scheduled to host an event on Sunday to educate people about why the property and the area is an important part of Native Hawaiian history.  Kauai Now.