Green to push for tourism impact fee this session, Blangiardi skeptical of Honolulu plastic ban proposal, climate change deniers bog down Big Island General Plan meeting, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Gov. Josh Green plans new push on tourism fee, housing. Gov. Josh Green plans to ask the upcoming Legislature for the power to divert $60 million in each of the next two fiscal years from interest earned on the state’s “rainy day fund” to help Hawaii fight back against climate change and reduce the risk of future wildfires.  He also  expects lawmakers to finally decide how to best assess a proposed tourism impact fee, or “green fee,” to also help Hawaii address climate change. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Senate tweaks committees, chairs ahead of 2025 session. Unlike the state House, leadership at the state Senate will remain relatively familiar for the upcoming legislative session, with some tweaks to Senate committees and chairs. Star-Advertiser.

PUC to hold public meeting with assistance providers on power shut-offs. Hawaiian Electric has recorded over 10,000 customer disconnections related to missed payments as of August 2024, more than twice the number of disconnections that occurred in all of 2019. Hawaii Public Radio.

Who Should Be Trusted To Manage Remains Of Hawaiian Royals? Proposals are floating for either the Office of Hawaiian Affairs or a private entity to take over at the Royal Mausoleum. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Blangiardi administration skeptical of bill to ban single-use plastic bottles. As Honolulu lawmakers consider a ban on the sale of single-use plastic bottles at city-owned properties as a way to curb waste, Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s administration has expressed skepticism over desired restrictions it believes are largely unnecessary. Star-Advertiser.

Mayor expected to announce new Oʻahu landfill site Tuesday. A state-imposed deadline of Dec. 31 to replace the controversial, 35-year-old Waimanalo Gulch Sanitary Landfill in Kapolei, which is set to close by 2028 with an alternate location  looms over Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s administration. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii Public Radio. Hawaii News Now.

Low-income rentals proposed for Kalaeloa. Ikaika ‘Ohana proposes to develop the 260-unit project for low-income households next to a former Navy townhome community called Orion Park if exemptions from state zoning regulations for the area can be obtained. Star-Advertiser.

West Oahu Has A Domestic Violence Crisis. The Cost Of Living Makes It Worse. Domestic violence incidents were 40% higher in 2023 than they were pre-pandemic. Police officers in District 8, which stretches from Ewa Beach to Ka’ena Point, responded to more than twice as many incidents of household abuse in 2023 as their counterparts in other districts.  Civil Beat.

UH plans to improve Manoa’s popular McCarthy Mall. The University of Hawaii at Manoa will begin work as early as January that it says will transform the “heart” of the campus by making its already popular, tree-lined McCarthy Mall even more accessible while creating a five-story building designed to help students from different disciplines mingle and mix. Star-Advertiser.

Housing market on Oahu drops off. Even though single-family home and condominium sales showed modest year-over-year gains in November, seasonal trends resulted in a decline from the previous month. Star-Advertiser.

Over 35,000 participants hit the pavement for 2024 Honolulu Marathon.  Over 35,000 participants hit the pavement for the 52nd Honolulu Marathon this weekend, making it a record breaking year with the highest ever participation numbers. Organizers said registration was up 25% from a year ago. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

General Plan meeting strays off-topic with climate change talk. Hawaii County planning officials last week addressed some misconceptions about draft revisions to the county’s General Plan. About a dozen attendees were present in person or online Thursday at the Windward Planning Commission meeting, most of whom reiterated comments from last month’s meeting, claiming that anthropogenic climate change is a politicized myth intended to mask the rise of an authoritarian one-world government.
 Tribune-Herald.

Troubled Hilo residential development in foreclosure. An order filed Tuesday by Hilo Circuit Judge Henry Nakamoto appoints Aaron Lee of RE/MAX Properties in Hilo as the exclusive agent for the sale of the 158-acre property known as Puainako Heights. Tribune-Herald.

Business Monday: Breathing life back into Kona Bay Hotel once known as Uncle Billy’s. On Tuesday, the hotel site will be blessed for the start of a renovation to turn it into a Hampton Inn by Hilton. Big Island Now.

Locally grown Christmas tree project comes to a close. Locally grown Christmas trees will likely be available for many holidays to come, even as one project to grow the trees winds down. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

FEMA seeks vacant lots for temporary housing for Maui fire survivors. The Federal Emergency Management Agency is reaching out to property owners in West Maui, seeking vacant lots to place temporary housing units for wildfire survivors. Star-Advertiser.

Affordable Housing Project Could Help Keep Teachers In Lahaina. The state introduced plans to provide affordable housing to West Maui teachers in 2022, but limited funding and the wildfires halted progress. Civil Beat.

Maui Strong Fund awards over $2 million to support mental health. The Hawai’i Community Foundation has awarded more than $2 million to 24 nonprofits that provide mental health support to individuals and families affected by the Maui wildfires. Maui News.

Kauai

Meadow Gold Dairies slated to lay off Kaua‘i-based employees in January. Positions that are being laid off include commercial drivers, branch managers, transportation supervisor, milk receiver, merchandisers, warehouse associate and customer service representative. Kauai Now.

‘Forest garden’ to spring up at a Wailua park because of strong public support. The māla lā‘au will occupy more than half an acre at the rear of the nearly 17-acre Wailua Homesteads Park, a popular recreational site home to athletic fields, basketball and tennis courts, playground equipment and a dog park. Kauai Now.

Hawaii heavily dependent on Medicaid funding, Honolulu yanks TV house-flipper celebs building permit, marriage scam suspected in missing Maui woman case, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

How possible federal funding cuts to Medicaid could impact Hawaiʻi. Half of Hawaiʻi’s children and roughly a third of residents rely on Medicaid for health coverage. About a third of births in the state are covered by Medicaid.  Hawaii Public Radio.

Former officials urge closed-door Senate hearings on Tulsi Gabbard, Trump’s pick for intel chief. Nearly 100 former senior U.S. diplomats and intelligence and national security officials who served in both Democratic and Republican administrations, said they were “alarmed” by the choice of Gabbard to oversee all 18 U.S. intelligence agencies. Associated Press.

UH Contract Specifically Hides President Search Details From The Public. The University of Hawaii Board of Regents' contract with a national search firm includes a "special condition" giving control of candidate information to the company. Civil Beat.

Hawaiian Airlines employee speaks out on termination over cultural tattoo. Tracy Sielega's termination letter stated that the company was unaware that she had a tattoo after she got it in May 2024. The letter stated that her hand tattoo was noticed outside of work at a non-company event, which prompted an investigation and follow-up. The letter also said, "Disposable gloves are not considered an appropriate uniform piece." Hawaii Public Radio.

Family of missing Hawaii woman hires attorney. The family of Hawaii woman Hannah Kobayashi missing since Nov. 11 has hired a criminal defense attorney after the Los Angeles police chief said she entered Mexico voluntarily and amid a report that she may have been involved in an alleged immigration scam marriage with an Argentine man. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. KITV4.

Hawaii reports 15th travel-related dengue case this year. Of the 15 travel-related dengue cases reported this year, 10 have been on Oahu, four on Maui and one on Kauai. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Honolulu Yanks ‘Renovation Aloha’ Permit After Civil Beat Exposes Illegal Work. HGTV hosts Tristyn and Kamohai Kalama are facing backlash because some of their speedy projects lacked proper permits. Civil Beat.

Will Exemptions In Honolulu’s Empty Homes Tax Bill Water Down Its Effect? As the long-discussed bill nears its final vote, some worry the 17 exemptions that helped it gain support also dilute the bill’s efficacy. Civil Beat.

City to begin fielding names for Ocean Safety Commission. Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s administration says the process has begun to find candidates to serve on the new commission that will oversee the city’s Ocean Safety Department. Star-Advertiser.

Police brutality suit delayed until 2026. A father and son suing the city after they were allegedly assaulted by Honolulu police officers during a New Year’s Day-long pursuit of an attempted murder suspect are “extremely frustrated” by delays in their case, according to their attorney. Star-Advertiser.

State Worker Charged In Monk Seal Pup Death Repeatedly Let Dogs Off Leash. Lesley Macpherson, herself a longtime Hawaiian monk seal volunteer, remains on the job. Other seal advocates are calling for her removal. Civil Beat.

Closures announced at Oahu’s only public gun range. All public firearm ranges will be closed at the Koko Head Shooting Complex (KHSC) weekdays from Dec. 9-20. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu considers rideshare initiative aimed at reducing strain on Oahu’s emergency services. The Nurse Navigator program would enlist the help of rideshare drivers to shuttle patients who aren’t having an emergency to an urgent care or doctor’s office. Hawaii News Now.

EMS stresses e-bike safety due to increase in injuries. In the first 11 months of this year, EMS responded to 206 injuries related to e-bike and e-motorcycle riders. During the same time, EMS also responded to 163 injuries related to pedal bicycle riders. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.  KITV4.

Hawaii Island

Big Island students compete against 75 global teams at NASA challenge. Several students from Kealakehe High School’s engineering team are gearing up to take part in NASA’s prestigious Human Exploration Rover Challenge. KHON2.

13 motorists arrested for DUI week of Nov. 18-24. Big Island police had made 873 DUI arrests so far this year by the end of that week, a 2.95% increase compared with 848 during the same period last year. Big Island Now.

Maui

US Education Secretary to travel to Maui to ‘uplift’ academic recovery.  The U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona is schedule to travel to Maui on Friday to participate in various roundtable discussions across the island. Hawaii News Now.

DPW leader John Smith selected as County’s Office of Recovery Administrator. Mayor Richard Bissen announced the selection of John Smith, a leader with the County of Maui’s Department of Public Works, to serve as the new administrator of the County’s Office of Recovery.  Maui Now.

Maui visitor arrivals lag, but metrics point to stronger construction, housing sectors. Visitors to Maui island lag behind by pre-pandemic arrivals in 2019, according to a fourth quarter 2024 Statistical and Economic Report released by the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. Maui Now.

Environmental organization receives $200K grant toward new seed bank on Lānaʻi . A plan to begin building a seed bank on Lānaʻi will start to take shape this week. The shipping container that will serve as a storage facility has just arrived on the Pineapple Isle. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kauai

Emily Ishida is new Executive on Aging. Emily Ishida was sworn in Tuesday as the county’s new Executive on Aging for the Agency on Elderly Affairs. Garden Island. Kauai Now.

USDA awards grants to 17 Hawai‘i projects, including 1 on Kaua’i, to support food system infrastructure. A federal program aimed at strengthening middle-of-the-supply chain operations and local food systems by supporting processing, manufacturing, storing, wholesaling and distribution of agricultural products announced Wednesday that it is awarding nearly $3 million to 17 Hawai‘i projects. Kauai Now.

Kahele takes over OHA board, state economy inching up, Honolulu police shooting ruled justified after attempted murder suspect shot 23 times, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

OHA Leadership Shakeup Puts Kai Kahele In Charge, With An Eye on Development. Trustees of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs elected former U.S. Congressman Kai Kahele as board chairman in a move aimed at putting the agency in a better position to win approval from the Legislature for a high-profile development in Honolulu. Big Island Now. Civil Beat.

State economy to inch up 1.6% with 2% growth forecast in 2025. Hawaii’s economy performed slightly better than expected in 2024 and — with a red hot construction industry, in particular — should show even more gains for 2% growth in 2025, according to the latest economic data from the state Department of Economic Business and Development. Star-Advertiser. KHON2.

Hawaii Farmers Face Risk of Crime Daily. Is A Murder Enough To Spur Reform? After years of inaction and neglect, a handful of lawmakers and state officials now say they want to address it this legislative session. Potential responses include an agriculture-specific stand-your-ground law, allowing ranchers and farmers to defend themselves with lethal force. Civil Beat.

Feds want more attention on Hawaii’s beetle battle. Federal officials want to expand the coconut rhinoceros beetle program in Hawaii — it is currently only active on Oahu. KHON2.

Hawaii Spends More On Takeout Than Any Other State. Hawaii residents spend just under 10% of their average income on takeout. Civil Beat.

Oahu

New potential landfill sites identified, require changes to state law. The city said it has identified six new landfill locations, but they are only feasible if the state Legislature makes changes to a current law restricting landfills. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu certifies election results. The final results of Honolulu’s Nov. 5 general election involving the passage of four city charter amendments have been officially certified. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu police shooting ‘justified’, prosecutor Steve Alm says. An attempted murder suspect shot 23 times and killed by Honolulu police officers following a New Year’s Day-long pursuit and shootouts was under the influence of alcohol and cocaine and officers were justified to use deadly force, Prosecuting Attorney Steve Alm announced Wednesday. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.  KITV4.

Empty homes tax bill up for final reading Dec. 11. The Honolulu City Council is scheduled to hold its final reading Wednesday on a proposed empty-homes tax. Star-Advertiser.

Pearl Harbor ducks also tested positive for H5N1. The Hawaii Department of Agriculture today confirmed that another backyard flock of birds infected with avian influenza was discovered in the Pearl Harbor area. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.  KITV4.

Hawaii Island

How to protect Kahalu‘u Bay? Public invited to provide feedback about ecosystem restoration study. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, in partnership with the Hawaii County Department of Parks and Recreation and the Kohala Center’s Kahalu‘u Bay Education Center, will hold a public meeting on Thursday, Dec. 12, to discuss an ongoing study that will investigate methods to restore the bay’s marine environment, which has become degraded due to human impact and changing weather patterns caused by climate change. Tribune-Herald.

New Island Naturals project ‘moving slowly’.  Grocery chain owner and former state Sen. Russell Ruderman announced plans in 2021 to build a new retail center at the intersection of Kekuanaoa and Mililani streets in Hilo that would house the franchise’s new flagship location. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

House Passes Rep. Tokuda’s Lahaina National Heritage Area Study Act. Wednesday, he full House of Representatives passed the bipartisan Lahaina National Heritage Area Study Act – introduced by US Rep. Jill Tokuda (HI-02) – marking another significant step forward in her efforts to support the community in recognizing Lahaina’s historic and cultural importance.  Maui Now.

Hawaiian Crow That Went Extinct In The Wild Decades Ago Released On Maui. The birds, described as intelligent and charismatic, are the last survivor of all the Hawaiian crow species. Associated Press. Maui News. Maui Now.

New deadlines announced for Maui wildfire survivor housing assistance. Maui residents displaced by the August 2023 wildfires have until Dec. 15 to submit new applications for the Hawaiʻi Interim Housing Program. Households with existing applications have until Jan. 15 to complete them. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kawakami appoints Emily Ishida as new executive on aging for Kaua‘i County. Ishida has been a program specialist at the Agency on Elderly Affairs since 2017, overseeing its information and referral program and working with 6 team members and case management consumers. Kauai Now.

Kaua‘i County Office of Economic Development awards 2024-25 Innovation Grants. Kaua‘i County’s Office of Economic Development for the fifth year is awarding funds to new programs and projects that identify and solve local problems with advanced innovation while supporting economic development of the island. Kauai Now.

Reality TV reno stars build without Honolulu permits, $150M DHHL project goes to developer with ties to agency, Kauai councilwoman sworn in despite ongoing court challenge, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Has Tulsi Gabbard Bid Hawaii A Last Aloha? Tulsi Gabbard owes her political career to Hawaii, where she served in elective office at the county, state and federal level. But she appears to have largely left its shores behind as her national profile ascended. Civil Beat.

USDA calls for 2.3% hike in SNAP benefits to reflect food costs in islands. The U.S. Department of Agriculture on Monday proposed a 2.3% increase to benefits through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, often still referred to by many as food stamps, for Hawai‘i to ensure they accurately reflect the cost of food in the state.The proposal would result in an extra estimated $40 a month for a family of four receiving benefits in Hawai‘i. Big Island Now.

Changes in procedure, short staffing causing long lines at state benefits offices. The state Department of Human Services said calls to its offices jumped from 17,000 in September to more than 40,000 in November. In October, DHS said it’s processed 9,100 new applicants as well as 10,000 recertifications, so workers are now doing twice the amount of work as before.  KHON2.

NAVFAC Hawaiʻi awards $81M contract for waterfront projects. The Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command Hawaiʻi has awarded an $81 million firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract modification to Moffatt & Nichol – Burns & McDonnell Hawaiʻi in Honolulu. The contract will fund engineering services for various waterfront projects across Hawaiʻi and other South Pacific Islands. Maui Now.

Oahu

For ‘Renovation Aloha,’ Permit Violations Are The Cost Of Doing Business. Husband and wife home flippers Kamohai and Tristyn Kalama have a low tolerance for delays. Civil Beat.

Construction At Turtle Bay Development Stays On Hold For Now. The building of a big new high-end development at Turtle Bay on Oahu’s North Shore will remain on pause as the developers respond to comments on its plans made during a review by the Honolulu Department of Planning and Permitting. Utah-based developer Areté Collective first applied for the permits nearly two years ago.  Civil Beat.

Community demands training moratorium after elevated lead levels found. In February, the U.S. Marine Corps took two dozen soil samples across 3,000 feet of shoreline by the Puuloa Range Training Facility in Ewa Beach to test for toxic chemicals. Now in a draft report, the military tests found elevated levels of heavy metals. Hawaii News Now.

Local crime boss’s cause of death still a mystery. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Hawaii, announced Tuesday that no determination of foul play or suicide has been made in the death of Honolulu businessman and crime boss Michael J. Miske Jr. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now.

A Suicide At The Oahu Jail Prompts A Lawsuit By The Inmate’s Family. Two lawyers involved in the criminal case against Jimuel Gatioan say they warned the jail he was suicidal before he hanged himself. Civil Beat.

Oahu restaurant owner must pay workers $158K for wage violations. The U.S. Department of Labor on Monday announced the owner of Domo Cafe restaurants in Honolulu must pay more than $158,000 in back wages to 14 workers. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

DHHL project goes to developer with ties to the agency’s leader. The work, estimated to cost around $150 million, represents the first major project for the year-old company led by Patti Tancayo, who spent over two decades working with DHHL Director Kali Watson running a nonprofit affordable-housing development firm before Watson was appointed in early 2023 to head DHHL. Star-Advertiser.

New leadership and faces on Hawaiʻi County Council. The Hawaiʻi County Council has a new look as members were sworn into office this week — and decided on new leadership. Hawaii Public Radio.

New mayor suspends plan to charge admission at Hilo zoo. The Hawaii County Department of Parks and Recreation announced Tuesday that it is suspending plans to introduce admission fees to the Pana‘ewa Rainforest Zoo  pending further review. KHON2 . Tribune-Herald.

Harbor dredging project pau. Boaters are in deep water at last after a months-long dredging project at Wailoa Small Boat Harbor in Hilo wrapped up last week. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Now.

Maui

Project formerly known as Wailea 670 to consult with Maui County ʻŌiwi Resources Department. A contentious and complicated proposed luxury home development project in South Maui may need to meet with the Maui County Department of ʻŌiwi Resources before going any further.  Maui News.

Residents encouraged to attend Wednesday Disaster Recovery Community Meeting. Residents are encouraged to attend the County of Maui’s Disaster Recovery Community Meeting at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 4, in the Lahaina Intermediate School cafeteria. Maui Now.

State data shows more visitors are gradually coming to Maui after a hiatus due to the fires. The latest state data shows more than 180,000 visitors came to Maui in October, 34% higher than the same time last year and 24% lower than before the pandemic. KITV4.

Kauai

Holland is newest council member. Fern Anuenue Holland became the newest member of the Kauai County Council when the council was sworn in by Judge Randal Valenciano despite a challenge of the Kauai County Council race by Hawaii State Elections Commissioner Ralph Cushnie that is sitting at the Hawaii Supreme Court. Garden Island.

New hotel may be in the works on Kauai. A sale is pending on a 25-acre parcel of land in Poipu on the Garden Isle’s South Shore that is entitled for hotel or resort residential development. KHON2.

Community meeting scheduled for Lydgate Beach Park breakwater maintenance project. The Friends of Kamalani and Lydgate Park and Oceanit Laboratories, with support from Kaua‘i County, will host the meeting from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday in the Conservatory Room at Hilton Garden Inn Kaua‘i, located at 3-5920 Kūhiō Highway, in Kapa‘a, adjacent to Lydgate Beach Park. Kauai Now.

Earthjustice lawsuits seek seabird protection from lights, Hawaii County inaugurates new mayor, Hawaii Marines get first 'ship-killing' missile system in U.S., more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Lawsuits Seek To Protect Hawaiian Seabirds From Too-Bright Streetlights. Earthjustice adds another claim to a 30-year pile of lawsuits against power companies, resorts and local governments on Maui and Kauai. Civil Beat.

More biosecurity measures could come in upcoming Legislative session. At last month’s Hawaiʻi Agriculture Conference, Rep. Kristin Kahaloa, who was the vice chair for the House Committee on Agriculture and Food Systems, said she and other lawmakers will look to build on a law allocating $20 million in state funding for biosecurity efforts in that Gov. Josh Green later cut to $10 million. Hawaii Public Radio.

Governor calls Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s health secretary nomination ‘unsafe for children’. Gov. Josh Green, a medical doctor, says he’ll testify against Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s nomination by President-elect Donald Trump to serve as health and human services secretary if the U.S. Senate asks him. Hawaii News Now.

Trump vows to axe the federal Education Department. Here's what Hawaiʻi education leaders are saying. Public school Superintendent Keith Hayashi told HPR that 11% of Hawaiʻi's DOE budget is made up of federal funds — about $42 billion a year. Hawaiʻi is also the only state that has a centralized DOE.  Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Kindergarten Readiness Is Low, Even As Investments Remain High. The state continues to build more preschool classrooms for 3- and 4-year-olds, but researchers and educators say low-income families need more support to prepare their children for school. Civil Beat.

Taiwan president praises tech ties during Hawaii visit. Taiwan’s partnership with the United States is a source of strength for the high-tech industry, including the semiconductor sector, and shows the island is a trusted and reliable partner, President Lai Ching-te told a think-tank in Hawaii. Reuters.

Hawaii Marines first to get ‘ship-killing’ missile launcher. Members of the 3rd Marine Littoral Regiment held a ceremony in November at Dewey Square on Marine Corps Base Hawaii to celebrate getting their hands on a new “ship-killing” missile system they hope will give American forces an edge in the Pacific. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Has The Oldest Farmers In The U.S. Hawaii’s farmers are aging fast. The latest national agricultural census, conducted in 2022 and released earlier this year, shows that nearly half — 44% — of the state’s food producers are over the age of 65. Roughly 1 in 7 Hawaii farmers — just over 14% — are over 75.  Civil Beat.

Oahu

State archive plans to digitize Pearl Harbor memorial records. The Hawaii State Archive is cataloging documents and records from the Pacific War Memorial Commission, chronicling how the state raised money to commemorate the Dec. 7, 1941, Pearl Harbor attack by Japan. Star-Advertiser.

‘No public value,’ City looks to remove payphones. Pay phones are more prevalent than you might think and they all seem to have one thing in common. They don’t work. Now, the focus is on getting rid of them. KHON2.

What does Miske’s death mean for accused co-conspirators, victims? The death in federal prison of one of Hawaii’s most notorious criminals leaves the cases of his accused co-conspirators in limbo and his victims without closure, according to legal experts. The tens of millions in assets seized are also likely to remain with the government. KHON2.

Miske Felt Hopeful About Appeal Before His Death In Jail, Lawyer Says. Officials have not released information about the circumstances surrounding Sunday's death of the convicted organized crime leader at the Federal Detention Center In Honolulu. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Alameda, others sworn in during inauguration in West Hawaii. Hundreds were in attendance Monday, including Gov. Josh Green and Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke, as Mayor Kimo Alameda, Prosecutor Kelden Waltjen and the nine County Council members were inaugurated at the Kaleiopapa Convention Center on the grounds of the Outrigger Kona Resort and Spa in Keauhou. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Now.  KHON2.

Roth touts savings following arbitration with HGEA. Hawaii County has reached a “significant arbitration outcome” with a government workers’ union over COVID-19 hazard pay, outgoing Mayor Mitch Roth announced Monday. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Now.

Special Feral Pig Hunt Announced On Hawaiʻi Island. Pig hunting will be allowed on certain dates within the Puʻu Mali Restoration Area and the Kaʻohe Restoration Area. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Maui County Council members are deciding how a long-awaited housing project will move forward in South Maui. The project was scaled back considerably since it was first approved nearly 20 years ago, and some are outraged. Monday’s Housing and Land Use Committee meeting ended with no decision. Hawaii News Now.

County hui tackles broadband issues. The Maui Broadband Hui counted 150 locations that they saw were underserved and unserved that later triggered 7,585 residents to be checked by major service providers such as Hawaiian Tel and/or Spectrum. Maui News.

14 months after Maui wildfires, visitor arrivals were up from year before levels, but down from pre-pandemic October 2019. According to preliminary statistics from the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, there were 774,617 visitors to the Hawaiian Islands in October 2024, growth of 5.4% from the same month last year.  Maui Now.

LAPD: Missing Maui woman seen on video crossing US-Mexico border. In a news conference, the Los Angeles Police Department said the family of 30-year-old Hannah Kobayashi was made aware of video that was obtained, showing Kobayashi crossing the border on foot from San Diego into Mexico on Nov. 12 at 12:13 p.m. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.  KITV4.

Kauai

Kaua‘i County inauguration swears in many familiar faces, and a newcomer to the council. As the calendar year comes to an end, the latest iteration of Kaua‘i County government formally began Monday with the inauguration of its county council and prosecuting attorney at the Kaua‘i War Memorial Convention Hall in Līhu‘e. Kauai Now.

Kauai legislators host town meeting. The Kauai House Delegation to the State Legislature will host a community town hall meeting on Tuesday from 5:30 top 7:30 p.m. at the Kauai Philippine Cultural Center, located adjacent to the YMCA of Kauai and the Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School. Garden Island.

Taiwan President Lai Ching-te wraps up Hawaii visit with call for peace, Honolulu crime boss Miske found dead in federal prison, Southwest Airlines seeks 30% cut in interisland flights, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Taiwan’s president visits East-West think tank as China criticizes his 2-day visit to Hawaii. Taiwan’s president Lai Ching-te visited a U.S. State Department-funded think tank and educational institution Sunday on the second day of a two-day visit to Hawaii that’s part of a Pacific island tour that has already triggered criticism from Beijing.  Associated Press. Star-Advertiser.  Hawaii News Now.

Cannabis caregivers and large grow sites will soon be illegal in Hawaii, impacting thousands. Thousands of Hawaii medical cannabis patients depend on caregivers to grow and process marijuana for them as medicine. But those caregivers will be illegal in just a few weeks, along with the large community grow sites many of them depend on. Lawmakers say that was a mistake that they will try and fix as soon as possible, according to House Public Safety Chair Rep. Della Belatti. Hawaii News Now.

New Hawaii legislators, leadership hold fate of legal recreational marijuana. State legislators expect to take another run at legalizing adult recreational marijuana use and impose new, unspecified fees on tourists — all while figuring out how to pay for historic tax cuts passed earlier this year. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii state House reorganizes with new faces, leadership.  The Democrat-dominated state House will see a mix of veteran and new committee chairs when the next legislative session begins in January, along with new House leadership. Star-Advertiser.

Close Hawaii House election goes to court after recount. The result of the contest has been appealed to the Hawaii Supreme Court by Corey Rosenlee, a James Campbell High School teacher and Democrat who lost by 11 votes to Republican incumbent Rep. Elijah Pierick to represent communities including Royal Kunia, Village Park, Ho‘opili, Honouliuli and part of Waipahu in House District 39. Star-Advertiser.

Jury Awards More Than $2 Million To Family Of Disabled Homeless Man Killed By Deputy. A jury awarded $2.27 million Friday to the family of a man killed outside the Capitol in 2019 by a deputy sheriff and found the state liable for failing to properly train and supervise the law enforcement officer.  Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

Southwest Airlines shifting strategy, reducing Hawai‘i flights in 2025. Southwest Airlines plans some major changes to its Hawai‘i services starting next spring, shifting its strategy and reducing interisland flights by as much as 30%. Big Island Now.

Oahu

Hawaii crime boss Miske found dead at detention center. Honolulu businessman Michael J. Miske Jr., 50, was found dead Sunday at the Federal Detention Center in Honolulu, where he had been held since his arrest in 2020 and was awaiting sentencing in January. Miske, convicted of racketeering conspiracy, murder and 11 other felony charges, was scheduled to be sentenced Jan. 30, facing mandatory life sentences on two counts. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.  Hawaii News Now.  KHON2.  KITV4.

Expediting Japanese travel part of bigger push for visitors. Eligible visitors from Japan can now apply for expedited entry to fly into Daniel K. Inouye International Airport through the U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Global Entry program, which eliminates hours of standing in processing lines and provides faster, TSA pre-check screening, among other benefits designed to make it easier for foreign travel to American destinations that now include Honolulu. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Council wants study uniting paramedics with Fire Department. City Council member Val Okimoto  introduced Resolution 272, which asks the city administration to establish a task force to explore whether the paramedic program — now operating under the city Emergency Services Department — should be integrated into the Honolulu Fire Department. Star-Advertiser.

Should The Planned Ala Wai Canal Bridge Be A New City Icon? Hundreds of residents stopped by Ala Wai Elementary School last week to vote on design options for the estimated $63 million bridge. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Alameda announces additional appointments. Hawaii County Mayor-elect Kimo Alameda, who will be sworn-in at noon Monday, announced Friday the selection of administrators to lead four additional departments and offices. Tribune-Herald.

Takeaway, not throwaway: Under pilot program, eateries would serve take-out meals in reusable containers. A pilot project that would develop a system for distributing and collecting reusable food containers at participating Hilo establishments is expected to launch by mid-2025 as Hawaii County looks for a distribution partner. Tribune-Herald.

Proposed zoo rules criticized. At an evening public meeting, about a dozen Big Island residents urged the Hawaii County Department of Parks and Recreation to reconsider a plan to impose admission fees at the Pana‘ewa Rainforest Zoo and Gardens, as well as hike stall deposit fees at the Pana‘ewa Equestrian Center. Tribune-Herald.

Travel Advisory Issued For Hilo International Airport due to reduced checkpoint capacity. The Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation on Sunday evening issued a rare travel advisory for travelers departing from Hilo International Airport for Monday, December 2nd. Big Island Video News. KHON2.

Servco Pacific finalizes deal for 2 Big Island Toyota dealerships. Honolulu-based Servco Pacific Inc., one of the top 15 automotive dealer groups in the U.S., finalized a deal today to acquire Big Island Toyota’s Hilo and Kona locations. Star-Advertiser.

Maui

Lahaina merchants want to rebuild town as it was before fire. Kaleo Schneider, a Hawaiian whose buildings housed 15 seaside businesses, said she’s hopeful her family will be able to help to rebuild the waterfront town, which served as the first capital of Hawaiian royalty and as a leading visitor attraction that generated close to a billion dollars a year in revenue. Maui News.

Maui United Way allocated over $12.7M to individuals and organizations across Maui County as resilience and recovery continues. Maui United Way allocated over $12.7 million to individuals and organizations across Maui County. It also focused on long-term resilience, providing resources for mental health, education and recovery.  Maui Now.

Maui’s no-kill animal rescue organization to close at the end of the year. After 13 years, the Maui-based private, nonprofit Hawaiʻi Animal Rescue Foundation (HARF) will be closing its doors at the end of the year. Maui Now.

Kauai

Facebook founder’s $626,000 donation aids affordable housing on Kauai. A donation from Priscilla Chan and Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg will help make five homes on Kauai affordable to moderate- income households in perpetuity. Star-Advertiser.

Kauaʻi holiday events include parades, new festival in memory of West Side historian. Parades on the East and West sides of the Garden Isle will bookend the month full of festivities, starting on Dec. 6 with the Lights on Rice, the annual Christmas parade in downtown Līhu‘e.  Kauai Now.

Big Island Press Club Holiday Torch of Light Luncheon Honors Retired ICA Judge Dan Foley

11:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. Saturday, December 14
Pueos Osteria at the Waikoloa Plaza Shopping Center

 (Press release) The Big Island Press is holding a special Torch of Light holiday luncheon Dec. 14 that not only honors three outstanding professionals, but also features a silent auction showcasing thousands of dollars in items including staycations at some of West Hawaii’s top resorts, dinners, excursions and more, all to benefit the club’s Scholarship Fund.

Retired Hawaiʻi Intermediate Court of Appeals Judge Daniel Foley is the recipient of the Big Island Press Club's annual meritorious Torch of Light Award. In addition, BIPC is presenting a special ʻOʻo Award to Civil Beat’s Kevin Dayton, for digging especially deep and unearthing information to create groundbreaking news in his coverage of the prison system. The Member of the Year Award went to Hawaii Association of Broadcasters president Chris Leonard for his advocacy of legislation allowing the electronic communications during declared emergencies.

After a series  of federal indictments of public officials at all levels of Hawai‘i government, House Speaker Scott Saiki convened a special commission chaired by Foley that produced a collection of bills aimed at increasing transparency and stemming corruption.

Foley, in addition to guiding the Commission to Improve Standards of Conduct, (often dubbed the “Foley Commission” in the press) also attended hearings on and/or submitted testimony and met with officials about all 31 of the measures in the commission package, shepherding them through the process. While not all of the measures passed, Foley was able to see a significant majority of them make their way through the legislative process to be signed by Gov. Josh Green. Because of that, citizens have more assurance that it will no longer be business as usual in Hawaii government.

The event at the award-winning Pueo's Osteria in Waikoloa Village includes a buffet luncheon featuring vegan, chicken and shrimp entrees, as well as soup, salad and dessert. Tickets are $42 for BIPC members and $50 for nonmembers.

Seating is limited and the luncheon is expected to sell out.  Ticket deadline is Dec. 6. You can find the link to sign up at www.bigislandpressclub.org.

While some of the top items in the silent auction will be available for bidding only at the luncheon -- stays at the Aston Waikiki Banyan, Auberge Mauna Lani Resort and the new Rosewood Kona Village Resort --  others can be bid online now at https://givebutter.com/c/1kOvRB/auction.

Tourism expected to increase, Honolulu delays landfill location announcement, Merrie Monarch tickets go on sale Monday, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii tourism seen strengthening in first quarter 2025.  The gains, which started in the fourth quarter, have not returned Hawaii tourism to its peak and aren’t expected to change the state Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism’s forecast declines this year. DBEDT’s latest forecast anticipates that Hawaii tourism will end the year with 9.56 million arrivals, a 1% contraction from 2023, and that spending will fall to $20.74 billion, off 0.6% from 2023. Star-Advertiser.

Some Vacationers Wonder: Is It Possible to be a Good Tourist in Hawai‘i, or Should I Just Stay Away? Globally, many popular destinations are experiencing a backlash against tourism. Hawaii Business magazine.

Hawaiʻi public schools seek centralized kitchens to grow local meals for keiki. What if 'eat local' starts at school? This was the topic of conversation at the Hawai'i Agricultural Foundation’s recent Eat Think Drink event. Hawaii Public Radio.

Matthias Kusch Reappointed To Hawaii State House Seat. Hawaii Gov. Josh Green on Wednesday reappointed Matthias Kusch to fill a seat that was made vacate by the death in June of state Rep. Mark Nakashima. Kusch held the seat since his initial appointment by Green in August. Civil Beat.

Leadership and committee assignments announced ahead of 33rd Legislature. The Hawaiʻi State Senate announced its finalized leadership and committee assignments ahead of the 33rd Legislature that opens on Jan. 15, 2025.  Maui Now.

HECO data shows customers aren't responding to time-of-use rates.  Hawaiian Electric put a trial group of residential and commercial customers on Oʻahu and Hawaiʻi Island on time-of-use rates at the beginning of 2024. The first six months of data from Jan-June showed no statistically significant change in customers' energy usage. Hawaii Public Radio.

The Mental Health Crisis In Hawaii’s Prisons: ‘The Suicides Keep Coming’. The latest deaths would make the number of suicides the highest in a single year since 2020. Civil Beat.

Oahu

City postpones identifying next landfill site. Although they said it would be named in November, Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s administration now says the future site for Oahu’s next municipal landfill will be made public in December. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Marathon and related events track toward record runners. The Honolulu Marathon events — the marathon, the Start to Park 10K and the Kalakaua Merrie Mile — are closing in on surpassing peak 1995 attendance, when Japanese marathoners ruled the roads. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Strong October for tourism: Big Island had 132,392 visitors in the last month. Visitors to the Big Island exceeded prepandemic rates last month even as international travel lags far behind. Tribune-Herald.

Two county employees charged with gas theft. On Monday afternoon, 37-year-old Christin Eve Ho’omaikainani Ho and 39-year-old Chase K. Leopoldino, both of Hilo, were charged with misdemeanor theft. West Hawaii Today. Big Island Now.  Hawaii News Now.

Rep. Ilagan Plans 12 Days Of Puna Town Halls. Puna’s State House Representative Greggor Ilagan will be holding a series of town hall meetings in his district during the month of December. Big Island Video News.

Merrie Monarch Festival tickets will soon go on sale. The 62nd Annual Merrie Monarch Festival tickets will go on sale next Monday. Hawaii News Now.

Maui

FEMA’s Kilohana temporary housing in Lahaina welcomes its first wildfire survivors. Lafaele and Ane Folaumoeloa and their three children became the first tenants of the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Kilohana Group Housing on Friday. Once complete, Kilohana will become a temporary haven for up to 167 individuals and families – a Lahaina location where wildfire survivors can plan for the future.  Maui Now.

Kauai

Kauai Writers Conference draws 400, including 40 local students. Some of America’s most engaging storytellers gathered on the Garden Isle this month for the 10th annual Kauai Writers Conference. Garden Island.

Experts predict less federal funding, higher costs for Hawaii under Trump; DLNR changes seabird rescue guidelines as avian flu spreads; Honolulu transit loses $100k from cyberattack, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Trump wants to slash federal funding. Here's what that could mean for Hawaiʻi. Federal funds make up about 20% — or over $3 billion — of the state's budget financing. President-elect Donald Trump has made bold claims about slashing the federal budget. Hawaiʻi's congressional delegation, who are all Democrats, are bracing for what that could mean for the federal funding Hawaiʻi receives. Hawaii Public Radio.

How will Trump’s tariffs affect Hawaii? Hawaii Pacific University economist Gerard Dericks said that an increase of $2,000 to $3,000 in spending a year can be expected. Dericks also said an across the board tariffs could impact the ability for domestic and international travelers to spend money. That would clearly impactful Hawaii's number one business sector, the tourism industry. KITV4.

Former State Archaeologist Faces Ethics Probe Into Revolving Door Allegation. A former State Historic Preservation Division archaeologist faces an ethics investigation into an allegation he violated the state’s “revolving door” policy by going to work for a private business before a required one-year cooling off period.  Civil Beat.

You Thought $9 For A Dozen Eggs Was Bad? Bird Flu Might Make It Even Worse. Local chickens are in good health -- but they face a potential threat. Civil Beat.

State adds guidelines for rescue of downed seabirds due to H5N1. The disease, also known as highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), has not yet been detected in native seabirds, according to the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources, and the risk of human transmission is low. DLNR’s Division of Forestry and Wildlife, however, has amended its seabird rescue guidance to minimize transmission risk. Star-Advertiser. Garden Island.

Hawaii’s hurricane season is below average. As Hawaii’s hurricane season comes to a close, the Central Pacific saw only two tropical cyclones develop, including the more damaging one, which walloped Hawaii Island in August, along with damage to parts of Maui and Oahu. Star-Advertiser. Big Island Video News.

Oahu

At least $100K in transit fare revenue lost from cyberattack. A crippling cyberattack that targeted TheBus and The­Handi-Van earlier this year wound up costing the city $100,000 or more in lost fare revenues, Honolulu officials indicate. Star-Advertiser.

Concern for endangered birds rises as avian flu turns up at Kahuku wildlife refuge. The discovery of the state’s second bird flu location — a North Shore wildlife refuge — is raising fears that the virus will spread island-wide. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service confirmed that the infected bird was at the James Campbell National Wildlife Refuge, home to several endangered and endemic species like the Hawaiian stilt and the Koloa duck. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Honokōhau Harbor’s new Hawaiian monk seal pup neighbor welcomed, but maybe too much? The monk seal pup tagged number T64/T65 and named Keaka is a frequent visitor to busy Honokōhau Small Boat Harbor in Kona, a sprawling West Hawai‘i harbor and marina that serves hundreds of commercial and recreational vessels. Big Island Now.

Maui

FEMA’s Plan For Maui Wildfire Survivors Lacked Safeguards For Residents. FEMA officials said they didn’t want their housing program for survivors of Maui’s 2023 wildfires to displace any residents. But they didn’t bar the agency’s contractors from leasing properties previously occupied by long-term tenants. Civil Beat.

Hawaii’s congressional delegation races for federal funding to rebuild housing after Maui wildfires. Hawaii’s congressmembers are racing to get billions of dollars in disaster aid approved for Hawaii and dozens of other states. So far, just two homes have been rebuilt since Maui’s disaster nearly 14 months ago. Wildfires killed more than more than 100 people, destroyed 2,200 structures, caused $5.5 billion in damage, and left 12,000 homeless. Hawaii News Now.

Maui Council member urges Maui Health System to provide fair contract. Maui County Council member Tamara Paltin introduced a resolution on Tuesday, Nov. 26, urging Maui Health to “negotiate in good faith” with healthcare workers on Maui and Lanai. KHON2.

Kauai

Kaua’i Police Department honors officers for excellence in service. Officer Alexander Lacson was named this year’s recipient of the TOP COP Award, presented annually by the Law Enforcement and Security Coalition of Hawaiʻi.  Garden Island.

Board of Regents defends Hensel hire despite discrimination complaints, Maui Council candidate asks Supreme Court to void election, nursing home deficiencies among highest in the nation, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

New UH President Was Accused Of Discrimination At Two Posts Before Hiring. At the time of the Gaza protests on New York City campuses earlier this year, the incoming president of the University of Hawaii was facing accusations of discrimination by a Jewish faculty member — concerns that followed similar allegations by a Black law professor in Georgia. The chair of the University of Hawaii's Board of Regents is staunchly defending the vetting of incoming president Wendy Hensel, saying it aligned with national best practices. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Nursing Home Deficiencies Among Highest In The Nation. The number of average deficiencies in Hawaii nursing homes almost doubled between 2015 and 2023.  Civil Beat.

Other than Hone and Gilma, 2024 hurricane season blows through with little more than stiff breeze. Hurricane season, which runs from June 1 through Nov. 30 each year, featured just two tropical cyclones — Hurricanes Hone and Gilma. Big Island Now.

Oahu

UHERO offers ‘uncertainties’ over Council’s proposed empty-homes tax. An empty-homes tax meant to penalize real-­property owners who leave their Oahu residences vacant for extended periods of time continues to receive wider public scrutiny. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii Public Radio.

The Unnamed Dead Of Honolulu May Be Revealed Through DNA Testing. DNA from five unidentified sets of juvenile remains have been sent for testing thanks to a $50,000 grant from a Texas-based lab. Civil Beat.

Dole’s Wahiawa Dam Is A Hazard. Now The State Is A Step Closer To Buying It. Upgrading aging infrastructure is key to agriculture's future in Hawaii, but there are also safety concerns. Civil Beat.

State confirms avian flu in wild duck on Oahu’s North Shore. The National Veterinary Services Laboratories confirmed Monday highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in a wild duck on Oahu’s North  KHON2. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Hawaii Island

Affordable housing project in Waimea gains support. A 43-lot affordable housing subdivision in Waimea got a thumbs-up from the Leeward Planning Commission last week. Tribune-Herald.

Visiting Hawaiian Monk Seal Prompts Warning To Kona Harbor Users. Boaters and fishermen are being asked to be careful not to hook the female seal, who likes to feed on the fish at Honokōhau Harbor. Big Island Video News. KHON2.

Maui

Maui Council Candidate Wants State Supreme Court To Void Election. Kelly King, who lost to Tom Cook by 97 votes, seeks a new election, arguing that not every vote was counted in the Nov. 5 contest. Civil Beat.

Community outraged over changes to long-awaited South Maui development. A long-planned housing project in South Maui is facing opposition from people who say the developer owes the community hundreds of affordable homes. Critics say the developer is breaking a promise and the council is rushing toward approval. Hawaii News Now.
 
First FEMA modular homes ready for Maui fire survivors. An initial increment of new rent-free temporary homes developed in Lahaina by the Federal Emergency Management Agency for survivors of the 2023 Maui wildfires has opened for use. Star-Advertiser.

Legislation to study designating Lahaina as National Heritage Area passes out of Energy and Natural Resources Committee. The US Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee voted to advance the Lahaina National Heritage Area Study Act, legislation jointly introduced by US Sen. Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) and US Rep. Jill Tokuda (D-HI02).  Maui Now.

Kauai

Zuckerberg, Chan donate to affordable housing program. Meta founder Mark Zuckerberg and his wife, Priscilla Chan, have gifted Permanently Affordable Living Hawaii (PAL) $626,000 to support Kauhale O Kilauea’s project to further maintain affordable housing on Kauai. Garden Island. Kauai Now.

Green set to pick 3rd justice for 5-member Supreme Court, Kauai police chief suspended for 3 days, Mayor-Elect Alameda builds his cabinet, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii Is Looking For Its Next Supreme Court Justice. The Judicial Selection Commission is seeking applicants to succeed Chief Justice Mark Recktenwald, who must retire next year. Gov. Josh Green is likely to appoint a new Hawaii Supreme Court chief justice next year, his third pick for the five-member court. Civil Beat.

Peaks and valleys will mark Hawaii holiday travel. Honolulu is among the top domestic leisure destinations for Thanksgiving, which travel membership organization AAA expects will set travel records this year. Star-Advertiser. Kauai Now.

Oahu

Kakaako pedestrian bridge nears completion after much delay. If no further setbacks occur, the elevated walkway across six-lane Ala Moana Boulevard midblock between Ward Avenue and Kamakee Street will have taken a little over 2-1/2 years to build, or 31 months instead of an originally anticipated 17 months. Star-Advertiser.

Uncertainty over demand lingers for rental tower for Native Hawaiians. Stanford Carr Development, a local firm developing the 23-story Hale Moiliili project with 278 units in Oahu’s urban core, is highly confident that more than enough demand will exist for the project featuring studios to three-bedroom units where monthly rent is estimated to range from $675 to $3,461 and will be reserved for households with very low to moderate incomes. Star-Advertiser.

Department of Planning and Permitting has decrease in permitting backlog. The Honolulu Department of Planning and Permitting’s new technology has allowed the code review process to decrease to just nine days for residential permits. Six months ago, the code review process for a residential permit took half a year. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu home prices remained stable in October. Only resales of single-family homes increased, with a 22.5% gain as 261 exchanged hands compared with 213 a year earlier. Single- family homes remained unchanged at $1.1 million from a year earlier, condominium prices inched up 1.9% to $525,000 from $515,000 and condo sales edged up 1.5% to 405 from 399. Star-Advertiser.

Merging of Honolulu ambulance services with fire department under consideration. The Honolulu City Council is considering a task force that would look into merging the Honolulu Emergency Services Department with the Honolulu Fire Department. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Island

Mayor-Elect Alameda Names More Department Heads.  Names familiar to County government have been chosen to lead the departments of Planning, Finance, and Parks and Recreation. Big Island Video News. KITV4.

General Plan process continues: Climate change garners attention at recent meetings. Proposed updates to the Hawaii County General Plan promise many months of public debate as a series of public meetings roll out into next year. Tribune-Herald.

Potential threats to Big Island ranked during meeting. Invasive species and earthquakes topped Big Island residents’ concerns during a community discussion last Monday about a planned update to Hawaii County’s Hazard Mitigation Plan. Tribune-Herald.

DHHL makes largest agricultural lot offering since the late 1980s. Hawaiian beneficiaries of the state Department of Hawaiian Home Lands have been awarded 68 agricultural lots on Hawaii island — the department’s largest agricultural lot offering since the late 1980s. Star-Advertiser. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now.  KHON2.

Beware Wailuku River: Effort underway to post more ominous warning signs. Councilwoman Jenn Kagiwada is hosting a town hall meeting on Zoom to discuss enhanced signage intended to keep would-be swimmers out of the waters of the state parks along the Wailuku River in Hilo. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Below-market rentals, awards program support Lahaina educators. Gov. Josh Green and DOE Superintendent Keith Hayashi on Friday announced two new teacher resiliency programs, including a $20 million workforce housing program and an initiative that rewards DOE employees in West Maui who played a critical role in keeping Lahaina schools open following the deadly disaster. Star-Advertiser. Maui News.

First Families Move Into Temporary FEMA Housing For Maui Fire Survivors. The rent will be covered for the first few months by continued emergency assistance, but tenants must begin paying in February. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

Bridging Maui’s housing gap: Mass timber is fast, durable and fire-resistant option. A pre-fabricated, fire-resistant building material known as mass timber can be shipped to Maui from the Pacific Northwest and reduce on-site construction by at least half, compared with traditional stick-built homes, according to Haʻikū architect David Sellers. Maui Now.

Kula residents plant native species where invasives fueled last year's Maui wildfire.  Now, the area that was covered in ash just over a year ago, is blanketed with wood chips to prevent erosion.  It’s also home to native seedlings, thriving in the burn scar. Hawaii Public Radio.

Maui Health names new administrator for critical access hospitals. Penny Koval has been selected to be the Maui Health system’s new administrator of Critical Access Hospitals, effective Nov. 1. Maui News.

Kauai

Retiring Kauai police chief suspended for 3 days. The Kauai Police Commission on Friday suspended Kauai Police Chief Todd Raybuck for three days for leaving his department-issued Glock handgun in an employee restroom in March, but declined to pursue further action on two related complaints accusing the chief of retaliating against the officers who found the weapon. Star-Advertiser. Garden Island.  Hawaii News Now.

Surfrider raises concerns about issuing new pollutant discharge permit to Kauaʻi Shrimp. Environmental activists testified during a public meeting last week in Kekaha that Kauaʻi Shrimp, the island’s only shrimp farm, should not be issued a new pollutant discharge permit due to concerns about its effluent polluting waters and killing fish. Kauai Now.

Kūhiō Highway near Waikoko hairpin reopens after emergency slope stabilization work. The makai (oceanside) lane of Kūhiō Highway near the Waikoko hairpin turn has reopened after it was closed for a month for emergency slope stabilization. Kauai Now.

State OKs Spectrum’s Kauai application. The state’s Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs on Monday approved the Spectrum Oceanic LLC Application for Renewal of Cable Franchise for the County of Kauai. Garden Island.