Lawmakers to discuss wildfire mitigation today, Green gives state workers extra time off, Honolulu council rejects fireworks veto override and $1.5M police wrongful death settlement, Maui seeks delay of water permit plan, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Legislative committees to hold joint informational briefing on HECO Wildfire Mitigation Plan. A joint informational briefing hosted by the Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection, the Committee on Public Safety and Intergovernmental and Military Affairs, and the Committee on Energy, Economic Development, and Tourism takes place at 8:30 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 8, 2024. Maui Now.

Money For New State Fire Marshal Isn’t Nearly Enough, Fire Council Says. Hawaii’s State Fire Council says lawmakers need to invest from $1 million to $4 million to revive the Office of the State Fire Marshal — up to 23 times more than the $172,000 legislators have allocated for the office so far. Civil Beat.

Final ballots confirm GOP hopes and trigger a House recount. The latest tally of the last 18,000 votes cast Tuesday on Election Day flipped the results of a contentious West Oahu seat and now has incumbent Republican Rep. Elijah Pierick winning instead of losing, but that could change again depending on a recount of the nearly 10,000 votes. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

2 Kauai lawmakers to lead Hawaii Legislature. Rep. Nadine Nakamura (D, Hanalei-Princeville- Kapaa) won the job to lead the 51-member House with a majority of votes from colleagues, and assumed the role Wednesday from outgoing Rep. Scott Saiki, who lost his reelection bid in the Aug. 7 primary election. Star-Advertiser. Kauai Now. Hawaii News Now.  KITV4.

Gov. Green gives state workers bonus paid time off. For the third time in three years, Gov. Josh Green is giving state employees extra paid time off work during the holiday season.  Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Council opts not to override mayor’s veto of fireworks bill.  A Honolulu City Council measure to allow the legal sale, purchase and use of fireworks that have been banned in the city for over a decade fizzled in a 4-4 vote Thursday. Star-Advertiser. KHON2. KITV4.

Council cancels vote on $1.5M settlement in fatal HPD shooting. City attorneys will fight a wrongful death lawsuit brought by the widow of an unarmed Black man shot and killed by police following a violent confrontation in 2021 after the City Council scuttled a $1.5 million settlement Opens in a new tab Wednesday. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.  KITV4.

Community weighs in on controversial development on O'ahu's north shore. Tensions escalated at a neighborhood board subcommittee meeting in Hauula on Thursday night over proposed development near Turtle Bay Resort. KITV4.

Years Of Shortchanging Elections Led To Honolulu’s Long Voter Lines. After experiencing long Election Day lines in 2020, city officials thought they knew how to fix them. Their efforts fell short. Civil Beat.

Ameresco moves ahead with renewable energy projects at Pearl Harbor. Clearway Energy recently pulled the plug on plans for three major solar farms, but Hawaiian Electric still has several other projects in the works.  Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Island

Support urged for housing project. More than 200 new units could be added to an affordable housing development in Hilo under a proposal by the Hawaii Public Housing Authority. Tribune-Herald.

United States Treasurer Chief Visits Hawaiʻi Island. U.S. Treasurer Chief Lynn Malerba was recently on the Island of Hawai‘i to “gain insights on the impacts of Treasury’s State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) program.”  Big Island Video News.

Hawai‘i County in process of contracting with firm to conduct Puna Alternate Routes Study. Hawai‘i County is in the process of contracting with a consulting firm to perform a study about alternate road access in Puna that would alleviate the district’s longstanding traffic congestion and provide an evacuation route when natural disasters strike. Big Island Now.

Honor military veterans on Saturday: Annual parade in downtown Hilo begins at 10 a.m. The Big Island community will unite on Saturday to celebrate and honor service in all its forms at the 17th Annual Hawaii Island Veterans Day Parade. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen asks state land board to hold off on water permit conversation, again. Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen is asking the state land board once again to hold off on discussing a contested case hearing involving a 30-year permit for water from Maui’s Ko’olau Forest Reserve.  Maui News. Maui Now.

Morgue contractor suing Maui police for alleged unpaid bills after Lahaina fire. The owner of Grey Tech LLC is now suing MPD over claims the company’s owed more than a quarter million dollars for services provided following the Lahaina disaster. This comes after MPD said it opened an investigation into the contractor. Hawaii News Now.

Maui Health nurses, workers return to work after 3-day strike. Hundreds of nurses and health care workers from Maui Health returned to work Thursday morning after holding a three-day strike protesting unfair labor practices. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kauai

Community condemns ‘desecration and defecation’ of Kauai iwi kupuna found at cesspool conversion site. On Monday, multiple government officials visited the site of a mandatory cesspool conversion project at the Hale Makai Cottages in Wainiha, Kauai. The Office of Hawaiian Affairs says there are at least eight burials found in June and and September.  Hawaii News Now.

Raising awareness about poverty and homelessness. Kaua‘i County officials along with others from around the Garden Isle and a representative from Hawai‘i Gov. Josh Green’s office gathered at the end of last week to raise awareness and educate the public about the issues of poverty and homelessness. Kauai Now.

Nakamura set to become first female state House speaker, Republicans gain some legislative seats, state scrambles to finish counting ballots, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Legislators To Name 1st Female House Speaker In Hawaii History. Nadine Nakamura is expected to be selected as part of a leadership reorganization Thursday. Lawmakers must vote to make it official when the next session begins. Civil Beat.

Senate leadership announced for upcoming 33rd Hawai‘i Legislative Biennium. Hawai‘i Senate President Ronald Kouchi on Wednesday, following Tuesday’s general election, announced the leadership and committee chairpersons for the upcoming 2025-26 Legislative Biennium. Big Island Now.

Reelected state Sen. Brenton Awa slated to become minority leader. For the last two years, the Republicans in the Senate – Awa and Leeward Oʻahu Sen. Kurt Fevella – have not been able to determine a leader.. However, westside Republican Samantha DeCorte secured her district in the general election on Tuesday, defeating Democratic House Rep. Cedric Gates. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Republicans may be gaining seats in Legislature. As of Wednesday evening, House Republican Candidates Garner Shimizu, Chris Muraoka and Julie Reyes Oda are leading their Democratic opponents. Republican Senate candidate Samantha DeCorte is winning against Cedric Gates. KHON2. KITV4.

West Oahu House Race Looks Headed For A Recount. Republican Rep. Elijah Pierick has taken a 20-vote lead over Democratic challenger Corey Rosenlee, according to late election returns released Wednesday night. If the margin between the two stays under 24 votes, it’s likely headed to a recount under a new law passed by the Legislature this year. Civil Beat.

Big Island incumbents all retain seats in Legislature. the Big Island’s delegates in the state Legislature kept their seats Tuesday after cruising to easy victories. Tribune-Herald.

Kaua‘i Democrats defeat opponents in elections for state House seats. Incumbent candidates on Kaua‘i, all of whom are Democrats, defeated all Republican challengers in state-level races this election. Kauai Now.

Lines of mostly Republicans delay vote tally. Long lines of people — overwhelmingly Republicans — who exercised their right to vote in person and even register to vote all day and night Tuesday delayed the release of election votes past midnight Wednesday, the longest delay in Hawaii voting history, said Hawaii Elections Chief Scott Nago. Star-Advertiser.

Here’s What Local Republicans Say A Trump Presidency Will Mean For Hawaii. Trump supporters say a second term should bring peace and prosperity, a lower cost of living and help for Native Hawaiians. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Council mulls veto override for fireworks bill. Adopted by a majority of the Council in early October to allow ground-level fountains and sparklers to be lit in public on Oahu by lifting the city’s partial fireworks ban, Bill 22 was formally vetoed by the mayor on Oct. 25. Star-Advertiser.

Elections officials apologize for voting delays, but will changes be made? Honolulu election officials are apologizing for long waits that left many voters standing in rain and darkness for hours on election night. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Will the Ala Wai pedestrian bridge be a debacle like HART? In response to continued interest from the Waikīkī, Mōʻiliʻili and McCully communities, the City and County of Honolulu’s Department of Transportation Services (DTS) is increasing opportunities for public input on the design of the Ala Pono Pedestrian Bridge (formerly known as the Ala Wai Pedestrian Bridge).  KHON2.

Thousands oppose $1.5M proposed settlement of HPD deadly shooting lawsuit. Nearly 2,300 Hawaii residents do not want the city to pay $1.5 million to settle a deadly HPD shooting lawsuit. They’ve signed an online petition supporting officers who shot and killed Rugby star Lindani Myeni in 2021. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Changing of the guard: Alameda, Roth discuss outcome of the mayoral race. Kimo Alameda — a political newcomer who took a decisive victory over incumbent Mayor Mitch Roth in the election Tuesday and will become Hawaii County’s chief executive on Dec. 2 — said Wednesday that finding and assembling a team will be a priority. Tribune-Herald.

Hustace, Kaneali‘i-Kleinfelder look ahead. Councilwoman Cindy Evans was ousted Tuesday by opponent James Hustace. Puna Councilman Matt Kaneali‘i-Kleinfelder defeated incumbent Ikaika Rodenhurst with 57% of the vote. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui County incumbents survive election despite voter frustration about Lahaina fire recovery, economy.  The only Maui race in which a challenger garnered at least 40% of the vote was the District 14 West Maui contest that incumbent Democratic Rep. Elle Cochran won with 51.3% of the vote to Republican Kelly Armstrong’s 40.4%, according to the third printout of results around 8:30 a.m. Wednesday.  Maui Now.

Slight lead in Maui County Council race could spell big change. As of Wednesday morning, Maui County Council member Tom Cook held a narrow lead of less than 1% over biodiesel executive Kelly King in a race that could tip the scales on major issues involving hundreds of millions of dollars in future development. Maui News.

Maui Judge Peter Cahill: All Maui Wildfire Insurance Claims Must Be Made Public. Insurance companies have a month to make public lists of every insurance claim related to the wildfire that killed 102 people on Maui and destroyed much of Lahaina, including the amount of each claim, the amount actually paid out and the rationale for the payment.  Civil Beat.

Kauai

Holland, Kaneshiro join Kauai County Council. A tight battle for the final seat on the Kauai County Council ended with a newcomer knocking off an incumbent to join the seven-member governing body on Wednesday. Garden Island.

Hawaii prefers Harris as Trump retakes presidency, Republicans lose seat in state House, same-sex marriage amendment passes, Alameda ousts incumbent Hawaii County Mayor Roth, more election news from all the Hawaiian Islands

 

Detailed statewide election summary at second printing. Hawaii Office of Elections.

Republicans lose a House seat, new faces joining Legislature.  Hawaii Republicans lost one state representative in the 76-member state Legislature early Wednesday morning when the first Election Day tallies were finally released, while also seeing several Democratic freshmen representatives win election who will vote on laws affecting the entire state when the next session convenes in January. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.  Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Voters Supporting Same-Sex Marriage Ballot Measure. The amendment would remove discriminatory language from the state’s constitution. Another question on judicial selection is poised for passage. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser.

Trump retakes the presidency but Hawaii prefers Harris. Vice President Kamala Harris won Hawaii and the state's four electoral votes on Wednesday. It's the 10th straight presidential election in which Hawaii has selected the Democratic Party candidate. Associated Press.

Hawaii’s congressional incumbents cruise to reelection. Three-fourths of Hawaii’s congressional delegation cruised to re-election as U.S. Sen. Mazie K. Hirono and Reps. Jill Tokuda and Ed Case held insurmountable leads over their opponents in the first vote tally released by state elections officials early this morning. Hawaii’s congressional delegation will have to work for federal resources for Hawaii with the White House and U.S. Senate, and possibly the House, controlled by Republicans. Star-Advertiser. Kauai Now.

OHA Election Results: Incumbents Returning To Office. Island trustees for Molokai, Lanai and Kauai are returning to their seats. Civil Beat.

Long Lines On Oahu And Maui Delayed Hawaii Election Results For Hours. State officials and election advocates renewed calls for more in-person polling sites on Election Day. Civil Beat. Hawaii Public Radio. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Honolulu Election: All 4 Charter Amendments Are On Track To Be Approved. The proposed measures would affect climate change funding, city council member salaries, an ocean safety oversight commission and emergency management leaders. Civil Beat.

Oahu voters brave long lines and rain to cast their ballots. Hundreds of residents stood in the rain since early Tuesday morning — some waiting for up to three hours — to get into Oahu’s voter service centers in Honolulu and Kapolei. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Alameda Leads Roth In Mayor’s Race Upset. Early election returns showed Hilo psychologist Kimo Alameda on track to defeat Big Island Mayor Mitch Roth in a surprise upset in a contest that featured some sharp exchanges over Roth’s record and accomplishments. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser. Tribune-Herald.  Big Island Video News.  Big Island Now. KHON2.

James Hustace leading incumbent Cindy Evans in race for Hawai‘i County Council seat. Evans, who is running for a second term to represent North and South Kohala in District 9, received 3,192 votes. Hustace garnered 4,191. Big Island Now.

Hawai‘i Island continues to support Democratic leadership in State Legislature. Hawai‘i County voters continue to support Democratic leadership as Big Island incumbents for the Senate and House retain their seats. Big Island Now.

Maui

Cook Leads King To Keep Council Seat. Voters were on track to pass two of three charter amendments, preliminary results show. Civil Beat.

2024 Hawai‘i and Maui County Election Results. Preliminary results as of 12:30 a.m. Wednesday. Maui News. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kauaʻi on way to elect 6 current or former members and a newcomer to County Council. In the race for the seven seats on the Kauaʻi County Council in the 2024 General Election, current or former council members appear to have won the first six seats, after the second printout at 12:24 a.m. on Wednesday. Kauai Now.

Kauai Election Results: Two Incumbents Losing Council Seats. A slate of charter amendments meant to improve county operations and give youth a bigger voice in governance are moving forward. Civil Beat.

Solar developer cancels 3 projects, citing HECO financial distress, Hawaii votes lag, expect long lines at polls today, Hilton Hawaiian strikers go back to work, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Solar developer pulls out of 3 major projects, citing HECO's 'financial distress' . Clearway Energy had proposed two solar fields with storage on Hawaiʻi Island that would have produced a total of 115 megawatts of power — more than half of the island’s average daily demand for electricity. Another solar project slotted for Oʻahu would have generated enough electricity to power close to 20,000 homes. After the wildfire destroyed Lahaina on Aug. 8, multiple rating agencies downgraded Hawaiian Electric's credit to "junk" status, which has limited the utility's access to capital. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii votes lag 2020 election; long lines expected tonight. Only 375,000 Hawaii ballots had been returned by Monday — a day ahead of today’s election — suggesting that the total number of votes cast by tonight will trail the previous presidential race in 2020. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.  Hawaii News Now.

Hawaiʻi Democrats travel to key swing states in final push before Election Day. Ahead of the election, several Hawaiʻi Democrats spent the weekend knocking on doors — not in Hawaiʻi but in Michigan. Hawaii Public Radio.

Next President Will Shape The Future Of America’s Largest Marine Monument. With the effects of climate change bearing down, the race is on to ensure Papahanaumokuakea remains protected. Civil Beat.

Water Commission confirms Lahaina native Ciara Kahahane as new deputy. Kahahane said some of her priorities include improving water resource monitoring and building community trust. Hawaii Public Radio.

Glut? Shortage? Hawaii Farmers Navigate A Tricky Taro Market. Even as part of the islands’ crop goes unharvested, some buyers turn to imports. Pacific imports accounted for 137,000 pounds of taro during the 2024 fiscal year that ended last June, an almost 63% increase from the year before, worth $232,099.  Civil Beat.

Oahu
 
Honolulu Council to review sewer fee hike measure. A city-initiated measure that calls for a more than 124% increase to sewer fees for Honolulu’s average single-family residential customer over a 10-year period comes under City Council review this week. Star-Advertiser.

Thousands of homeowners may need flood insurance, new flood maps released. According to a new flood hazard map by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, thousands of homes in Honolulu now fall within a flood zone. It’s a designation that could require many to carry flood insurance. KHON2.

Striking Hilton workers return to jobs after ratifying contract. Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort offered striking Local 5 UNITE HERE hotel employees up to $10 per hour in wage increases over four years in a new contract that workers ratified Monday to end a 40-day strike. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.  KITV4.

DLE proposes high-tech hub near Honolulu Airport. Request for proposals for a brand new public safety facility went out last week that would replace a nearly two-acre empty lot near Honolulu’s Daniel K. Inouye Airport with a multi-story, multi-functional facility. KHON2.

President of East-West Center to leave post for defense forum. East-West Center President Suzanne Vares-Lum, who is both the first Native Hawaiian and the first woman to lead the organization, will leave her position at the end of this year to head the Daniel K. Inouye Asia Pacific Center for Security Studies, located in Waikiki. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Election Day votes could impact too-close-to-call race for Hawai‘i County mayor. Today is the day 59-year-old incumbent Mitch Roth of Hilo and 54-year-old challenger Kimo Alameda find out who will lead Hawai‘i County for the next 4 years as its mayor. Big Island Now.

Emergency shelters open on Hawaii Island as heavy rain triggers flash flooding, road closures.  Three emergency shelters remain open Tuesday for residents in need of a place to stay amid flooding rains. According to Hawaii County Civil Defense, roughly 10 roads remain closed due to flooding or hazardous conditions. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Hawai‘i Island cyclists, state representative ride Route 130 for bike safety advocacy. State Rep. Greggor Ilagan (District 4, Lower Puna) and 21 cyclists from across Hawai‘i Island convened at the Herbert Shipman Park in Keaʻau to begin the nearly 22-mile roundtrip journey to the Billy Kenoi Park in Pāhoa. Big Island Now.

Maui

Campaign contributions show what’s at stake in Maui County Council elections. So far this election cycle, the most heavily funded candidate has been incumbent Council Member Tom Cook, who is in a tight reelection contest for the South Maui seat against former Council Member Kelly Takaya King. Cook had received $170,440.84 in contributions as of Oct. 21, far outpacing the next-closest candidate by nearly $100,000, according to campaign spending reports filed last week. Maui Now.

Maui County Looks To Extend Tax Exemptions For Wildfire Survivors. The tax credits also benefit landlords who rent to people displaced by the August 2023 fires. Civil Beat.

Maui health care workers go on 3-day strike. Hundreds of unionized health care workers at Maui Memorial Medical Center walked off the job Monday morning, the first day of a planned, three-day strike. Star-Advertiser. Maui News.  Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

State land board will revisit Ko‘olau Forest Reserve water topic Friday. After holding off on discussing a controversial permit regarding water diversion from Maui’s Ko’olau Forest Reserve, the state land board is scheduled to address the topic again this week. Maui News.

Kauai

Massachusetts teacher runs Kalalau Trail in 50 state challenge to raise funds for Alzheimer’s cure. Glenn Caffery, a 63-year-old Massachusetts teacher, chose a 28.7-mile route on the famous Kalalau Trail, which is along the Na Pali Coast on Kauaʻi.  Kauai Now.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Oahu

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

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

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

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

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

Hawaii Island

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

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

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

Maui

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

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

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

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

Kauai

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Oahu

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hawaii Island

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

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

Maui

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

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

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

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

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

Kauai

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

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

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

Budget cuts could eliminate after-school options, AG says Lahaina wildfire not a crime, 2,500 Honolulu ballots could be tossed for signature issues, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Kids May Lose After-School Options Under Hawaii’s DOE Budget Cuts. The $2.3 billion budget, which will be presented to the Board of Education on Thursday, would eliminate funding for school learning centers statewide. Civil Beat.

Governor defends controversial water commission appointment in exclusive interview. Governor Josh Green is making a strident defense of his nominee to the state Commission on Water Resource Management, and is calling for compromise on water and development issues. Hawaii News Now.

Rural Hawaiian Homelands Residents Should Be Online By 2025. Most of the 150 households on the Big Island and Maui left without internet and phone service earlier this year after Sandwich Isles Communications said it would disconnect its customers should be back online by the end of the year, officials from the state Department of Hawaiian Home Lands and Hawaiian Telcom told state lawmakers Wednesday.  Civil Beat. KITV4.

Commerical harbor users to launch modernization and resilience campaign. Over 20 companies make up the Hawaiʻi Harbor Users Group, which will celebrate its 20th anniversary in 2025. It’s been planning for rising seas and bigger vessels — all part of becoming more efficient and resilient due to Hawaiʻi's dependency on harbors for goods and services.  Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii awarded $59M for hydrogen station. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded the state of Hawaii $59.2 million for the deployment of zero-emission equipment and other climate adaptation projects at its ports. Star-Advertiser.

Grassroot Institute proposes expedited permitting for housing shortage relief. The institute released a policy brief written by Grassroot policy researcher Jonathan Helton. The aim is to relief one of Hawaiʻi’s “most persistent homebuilding headaches: building-permit delays, which are a major contributor to the state’s housing crisis,” according to the institute. Maui Now.

Corrections Officials Deny Prison Water Made Hawaii Inmates Sick. But in an 'abundance of caution,' water filters have been ordered for housing units in Arizona where Hawaii prisoners are held. Civil Beat.

Oahu

2,500+ ballots may not be counted due to signature issues. The Honolulu county clerk said signature issues may cause a couple thousand ballots to not be counted but they said there’s time to fix the issues. KHON2.

Honolulu updates its nondiscrimination law. Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi hosted city officials and community groups focused on diversity, equity and inclusion on Wednesday to sign Bill 32 into law, updating Honolulu’s nondiscrimination policy that prohibits discrimination in hiring and employment within Oahu as well as in the delivery of city services. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu’s next landfill site is slated to be named in November, city says. But whether that new dump site — which replaces the 35-year-old Waimanalo Gulch Sanitary Landfill in Kapolei — will actually be usable remains to be seen. Star-Advertiser.

Piles of historic Honolulu sidewalk and curb stones irk commission. The Oahu Historic Preservation Commission is raising concerns about the lack of a city policy or plans to preserve or reuse granite stone sidewalks that have existed in parts of Chinatown and downtown Honolulu for over a century, as well as historic lava rock curbs that for many years have been disappearing from downtown streets and other old Honolulu neighborhoods. Star-Advertiser.

Pickleball part of the Hawaii’s long-game sports tourism strategy. The Hawai‘i Convention Center hosted a blessing Wednesday celebrating the expansion of its sports courts program, which includes 45 new pickleball courts, some 19 of which have been designated for use in the Aloha Pickleball Games &Festival that debuts Friday and runs through Sunday. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Number of students at UH Hilo down 4% while most other UH campuses see gains. While the entire UH system overall had a 3% enrollment increase — and some campuses, like Leeward Community College and UH Maui College had increases of 7% and 6%, respectively — UH Hilo’s enrollment fell by 4% from 2023, from 2,781 to 2,668 students. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaiian homesteads may have a wealth of geothermal energy — but can it help beneficiaries? Scientists think that the energy the island currently uses may be a fraction of the resource’s potential, and an abundance of geothermal power could lie below land set aside for Hawaiian homesteads. Hawaii Public Radio.

Reported Unexploded Ordnance Closes Waimea Nature Trail. The Waimea Nature Trail was temporarily closed from Opelo Road to Kahawai Street, police say, after a report of a UXO found in the stream next to the trail. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now.

Maui

Fatal Lahaina fire was not a crime, state AG says. No criminal charges will result from the state investigation into the wildfires that leveled Lahaina, killed 102 people and destroyed Maui’s visitor industry, according to state Attorney General Anne E. Lopez. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now.

Maui Fire Settlement Cases Inch Toward Victim Payout. A proposed settlement could become final by early 2025. Civil Beat.

Historians calling on community to help preserve Lahaina’s past. The Lahaina Restoration Foundation is calling on the community to send in their photos, videos, documents, even physical items to help tell Lahaina’s story before, during and after the disaster to co-create the 2023 Lahaina Fire Archive. Hawaii News Now.

Last-minute negotiations could avoid Maui Health workers strike, but the two sides appear to be far apart. Unless a new labor agreement is reached beforehand, a number of essential workers at Maui Memorial Medical Center in Wailuku, Kula Hospital and Lanai Community Hospital are planning a three-day strike beginning at 7 a.m. Monday and ending when they return to work Nov. 7. Maui News.

Half Of All Coral Reefs Are Dead. A Maui ‘Super Reef’ Offers Hope. Olowalu reef may be an example of how to survive climate change disaster — just 4 miles from the epicenter of the August 2023 Maui fire. Civil Beat.

Kauai

Home sales spike in final month of summer on Kauai. Sales of single-family homes leaped 52.94 percent to 26 in September from 17 in September 2023, according to monthly data pooled from multiple sources by Hawai‘i Realtors in Honolulu.  Garden Island.

Efforts to address climate change to be on display at Kauaʻi’s first Community Climate Fair. The state is raising awareness about efforts to address climate change and its bringing its public education campaign to Kauaʻi this weekend for the first time. Kauai Now.

Hawaii libraries, newspaper face job cuts, UH system grows enrollment, Bezos donates $3M to Habitat for Humanity Maui, U.S. Army preps for war with China at Pohakuloa, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Job Cuts Could ‘Permanently Impact’ Hawaii’s Struggling Libraries. Maintaining regular branch hours and keeping patrons safe is already a challenge for stretched-thin library workers. After years of staff shortages and budget cuts, the Hawaii State Public Library System could lose funding for 37 hard-to-fill positions next year, which could lead to reduced branch hours and fewer resources for the public. Civil Beat.

OHA Wants Out From Under Hawaii’s Sunshine Law. The Office of Hawaiian Affairs is considering asking the Legislature to exempt meetings of its board of trustees from Hawaii’s Sunshine Law. The proposal is part of OHA’s bill package for the 2025 legislative session. The board is scheduled to discuss it in committee meetings Wednesday morning.  Civil Beat.

Attorney General: Here Are The Top 10 Ways To Protect Hawaii From Wildfires. Ten priorities to help protect Hawaii from wildfires were laid out at a legislative hearing Tuesday by the Attorney General’s Office and the national Fire Safety Research Institute . Civil Beat.

Hawaii Voting On Pace To Exceed Dismal Primary Turnout. But early returns of ballots suggest turnout may fall well short of the record set in 2020. It was less than three months ago that Hawaii saw the worst voter turnout in any primary election since statehood in 1959. Civil Beat.

In-person voters complain daily about mail-in ballots. State Election Chief Scott T. Nago said no Hawaii elections workers have been threatened, unlike some incidents on the mainland. But county and state officials are working with federal officials to protect election workers, especially following increasing threats on the mainland. Star-Advertiser.

Gov. Green Fills Vacancy On Water Resource Commission. V.R. Hinano Rodrigues will serve in an interim capacity until confirmed by the Hawaii State Senate. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser. Big Island Video News. KITV4.

Enrollment at UH’s 10 campuses surpasses 50,000. Enrollment across the 10 campuses of the University of Hawaii has exceeded 50,000 students for the first time since 2018. For the fall 2024 semester, the UH system reported a head count of 50,418 students, marking a 3% increase over fall 2023. Star-Advertiser. Big Island Now.  KHON2.

Oahu

13 Honolulu Star-Advertiser staff affected in recent round of layoffs. Photographers who covered Maui wildfires among latest round of newspaper layoffs. The publisher of the Star-Advertiser intends to lay off thirteen employees that include six newsroom staffers. This all comes after a round of job cuts there last summer that led to buyouts for four editorial employees. The paper’s publisher, Oahu Publications, said the cuts are meant to strengthen the company’s financial future so that it can continue to serve Hawaii. KHON2. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu businesses struggle as smash-and-grab burglaries surge with more than 100 in past year. Smash-and-grab thieves continue to terrorize Oahu businesses, with over 100 destructive break-ins in the last year. It’s a crime trend that seems to happen in ebbs and flows. Recently, law enforcement sources tell HNN Investigates there’s been another spike in activity. Hawaii News Now.

Dozens of residents soon to be displaced for redevelopment of public housing in Kalihi. About 60 families living at the Kuhio Park Terrace public housing complex will be displaced starting in January. KITV4.

Honolulu YMCA Ends Rental Subsidies For Long-Term Tenants. The organization said it failed to reach its fundraising goal this year and can't afford to maintain the housing program at the Central Y. Civil Beat.

City panel mulls future of historic Ordy Pond. An ancient sinkhole that might hold archaeological evidence to Hawaii’s earliest Polynesian past is a topic of concern for the city-run Oahu Historic Preservation Commission. Star-Advertiser.

Yellow tang fish bred in captivity to be released near Windward Oʻahu. Shaun Moss, the executive director of Hawaiʻi Pacific University’s Oceanic Institute, said aquaculturing yellow tang in captivity has been a 20-year journey, full of solving fertilization and food issues.  Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Island

New vehicles, face paint and a 1,200-foot fall: The US Army prepares for war with China. Early one morning this month, 864 Army paratroopers bundled into C-17 transport planes at a base in Alaska and took off for a Great Power War exercise between three volcanic mountains on the Big Island. New York Times.

Hilo’s “Singing Bridge” Project To Begin Construction In 2027. The Hawai‘i Department of Transportation recently provided an update on the project, following U.S. Senator Brian Schatz’s announcement of a $33 million federal grant for the effort.  Big Island Video News.

New Playground At Kamehameha Park In Kapa‘au Set To Open. Hawaiʻi County Parks & Recreation is inviting the community to reopening and blessing event at the playground that Saturday at 11 a.m. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now.

Maui

Habitat for Humanity Maui receives $3 million from Jeff Bezos, Lauren Sanchez to support affordable housing. According to Habitat Maui, the donation stands as one of the largest in the organization’s history, and the money will directly support Habitat Maui’s ongoing efforts to address Maui’s urgent need for affordable housing, especially in light of the recent wildfires and the worsening housing crisis on the island. Maui News. Maui Now.

New date set for community feedback meeting on King Kamehameha III Elementary’s future. The community meeting to gather feedback on a new proposed site to rebuild King Kamehameha III Elementary School has been rescheduled to Tuesday, Nov. 19 at 5 p.m. Maui Now.

Lahaina Housing & Resource Fair: You’re Not Forgotten, set for Saturday. For Lahaina wildfire survivors and those who continue to struggle with returning to a sense of “normalcy,” Hope Worldwide and Maui Christian Church will host the free Lahaina Housing & Resource Fair from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 2, at Lahaina Intermediate School cafeteria. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kauai property owner target of ‘threats’ after iwi found at construction site. At least six iwi kupuna were discovered during a cesspool conversion project, said those with cultural ties to the area. Hawaii News Now.

Voting explainer: 2024 Kauaʻi charter amendment ballot questions. The questions are related to its police commission, cost control recommendations, expansion of the open spaces fund, county financial loss protection and youth civic participation. Hawaii Public Radio.

Efforts underway for permanent Hanapēpē Massacre memorial on Kauaʻi 100 years later. The state is looking to build a permanent memorial to honor the 1924 Hanapēpē Massacre, a tragic turning point in Hawai‘i’s labor movement that led to the deaths of 16 Filipino strikers and four police officers. Hawaii Public Radio.

Road closures slated at Nāwiliwili harbor starting Oct. 30. The closures are necessary for paving work near the pier. Kauai Now.

Green remains a popular governor, Honolulu mayor vetoes fireworks measure, pro-development super PAC aims to influence Maui council races, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Green ranks sixth nationally in governor approval ratings. Gov. Josh Green ranks in the top 10 in approval ratings compared with the rest of America’s governors, according to separate surveys reported this month. Morning Consult, an independent pollster that conducts political polling and continues to track this year’s presidential race, placed Green sixth most popular in the nation, with a 62% approval rating that “likely reflects a solid base of support among Hawaii’s electorate.” The Cato Institute — which leans conservative and advocates for small government — ranked Green tied for seventh among all governors. Star-Advertiser.

These 3 House races could flip seats in the state Legislature. In the House, there are six Republicans — three face competitive Democratic challengers this year. Reps. David Alcos, Diamond Garcia and Elijah Pierick of Oʻahu are part of a more socially conservative pack of Republicans elected in the 2022 election. Hawaii Public Radio.

OHA race: Ahuna and Lindsey run modest campaigns for Kauaʻi and Niʻihau seat. OHA is a semi-autonomous agency created to better the conditions of Native Hawaiians. The agency is tasked with managing a trust of about $600 million. The general election is on Nov. 5 and as a statewide race, all Hawaiʻi residents can  vote for OHA. Hawaii Public Radio.

ACLU of Hawaii demands investigation into Arizona prison’s drinking water. The American Civil Liberties Union of Hawaii is demanding an investigation into the drinking water quality at Saguaro Correctional Center in Arizona. Nearly a thousand Hawaii inmates are incarcerated there. Hawaii News Now. Civil Beat. KHON2.

Campaign aims to prevent aquarium dumping. The weeklong “Don’t Let It Loose” campaign aims to prevent aquarium owners from releasing these invasive species into the ocean, as well as the importation and possession of illegal marine aquarium species. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now.  KHON2.

Oahu

Honolulu mayor blows up fireworks measure. Bill 22, adopted by a majority of the Council in early October to allow ground-level fountains and sparklers to be lit in public on Oahu, was vetoed Oct. 25 by Mayor Rick Blangiardi. Star-Advertiser.

City Council considers reviving its agricultural development task force. The nine-member group of agriculture stakeholders and practitioners would recommend policies in zoning, land use, infrastructure, and other issues that would affect farming and food production on the island. Hawaii Public Radio.

‘It scared the hell out of me’: Emotions pour over Red Hill crisis at BWS meeting. The Board of Water Supply is standing by its warning that a fuel-related chemical plume could be spreading from the Navy’s Red Hill tanks. This after the Navy accused the agency of “misinformation” and being “grossly inaccurate.” Hawaii News Now.

Cleanup underway after heavy rain, runoff turn Ala Wai harbor into dump site. State crews and volunteers are clearing debris from the Ala Wai Small Boat Harbor after the weekend’s heavy rains triggered runoff from Makiki, Palolo and Manoa streams. Those waterways have been littered with illegally dumped items, such as appliances and landscaping waste. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Halloween Eve flash flood at UH Manoa left ruin in its wake. Wednesday marks the 20th anniversary of a Halloween Eve flash flood that sent a tsunami of mud, water and debris up to 8 feet high roaring through the University of Hawaii Manoa campus, damaging 30 buildings and tossing dumpsters and vehicles in its path. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Crisis Intervention Team Expands On Hawaiʻi Island. The Hawaiʻi Police Department has expanded its Crisis Intervention Team with the addition of 10 new officers. Big Island Video News.

More than $9.1 million coming to Hawai‘i for forest restoration projects. A Big Island company is one of two entities that will receive funds from the federal government for forest restoration projects that will help protect rare species, support agricultural production and increase climate resilience in Hawai‘i. Big Island Now.

Lease extension for Hilo mainstay spurs debate. The Board of Land and Natural Resources approved on Friday a 20-year lease extension for three parcels at the intersection of Kanoelehua Avenue and Leilani Street to Yamada Consolidated Inc., which was first issued a state lease in 1959 for a term of 45 years. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

New Carpenters Union Super PAC Is Spending Big On Maui Council Races. For A Better Tomorrow is supporting three pro-development candidates for the Maui County Council. Civil Beat.

Two Escape Routes Could Have Saved Dozens Of Maui Fire Victims. Without the dead end on Kuhua Street and the private lot dividing Aki Street, everyone there likely would have gotten out safely, Maui county planners say. Civil Beat.

State Historic Preservation Division Backlog Is Stalling Building On Maui. Experts say the bureaucratic limbo facing a Maui couple trying to rebuild their home outside of Lahaina reflects a broader problem. Civil Beat.

FEMA seeks landowners for modular home sites to help displaced Lahaina residents. To expand housing options in West Maui for wildfire survivors, FEMA is collaborating with the County of Maui and Lahaina property owners to place modular housing units on private properties. Hawaii Public Radio.

5 ʻalalā, the only surviving endemic crow, will be reintroduced on Maui. Five ʻalalā will soon be released into the wild from a temporary field aviary on the slopes of Haleakalā — the latest in the reintroduction efforts for the Hawaiian crow.  Hawaii Public Radio.

Kauai

Kouchi named Healthcare Association of Hawaiʻi’s State Legislator of the Year. Hawaiʻi Senate President and longtime Kauaʻi state legislator Ronald Kouchi was recently honored by a Hawaiʻi nonprofit aimed at creating a healthy Hawaiʻi, where every resident has access to affordable, high quality health care. Kauai Now.