Convention center boasts best year yet, new law nixed recounts in 2 races, Hawaii Dems at convention to push for end to civilian killings in Gaza, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Convention center achieves strongest financial year ever. The Hawai‘i Convention Center achieved its best revenue performance since the center’s opening in 1998, which along with strong net income saved $8.9 million in state subsidy this fiscal year. Star-Advertiser.

New law prevented recounts in 2 tight races. Before, recounts had to be automatically conducted in races where the difference was 100 votes or fewer — or the percentage of victory was less than one-quarter of 1%, whichever was “greater,” according to the old law. House Bill 129 changed the word “greater” to “lesser.” Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Democrats Ready To Make Their Voices Heard In Chicago. Of the 31 voting delegates from Hawaii, at least six remain “uncommitted” to Harris over the Biden-Harris administration’s continuing support for Israel’s war against Hamas in Gaza. Civil Beat.

Trump recruits Tulsi Gabbard for debate prep. Former President Donald Trump has begun preparing for his debate with Vice President Kamala Harris and has brought in former Democratic Rep. Tulsi Gabbard to help sharpen his attacks in a recent practice session at his private club and home, Mar-a-Lago, according to two people with knowledge of Trump’s schedule. New York Times.

Insurers object to order preventing lawsuits following Maui fires. Attorneys for more than 160 insurance companies claim that a Maui judge’s decision barring them from suing any party thought to be responsible for last year’s Maui wildfires has no precedent around the country. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Spent Millions Responding To The Maui Wildfires. Here’s Who Got Paid. State government agencies in Hawaii have spent more than $410 million in the aftermath of the wildfires on Maui, with the majority of those funds paying for hotel and lodging for wildfire survivors through a contract with the American Red Cross. Civil Beat.

Hawaiian homestead spending plans still in flux. Two years into a three-year plan for the state Department of Hawaiian Home Lands to use $600 million primarily for developing homestead lots for beneficiaries, the agency’s plan is still very much in flux. Star-Advertiser.

‘They Have To Have Known’: Hawaii Scrambles For Solutions To School Bus Driver Shortage. About 2,900 students who rely on bus service didn't have it when the school year began. Many still don't. Frustrated families and lawmakers are now demanding accountability from DOE and its contractor, Ground Transport Inc., which started the year unable to fill 147 of its routes.  Civil Beat.

Japan market sluggish, despite short-lived boosts for Hawaii tourism. Japan returned more than a year ago to its position as Hawaii’s top source of international tourists, but the market isn’t expected to attain its pre-COVID-19 level of more than 1.5 million visitor arrivals until 2026 or 2027. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Electric Company to deploy 100 AI-powered wildfire detection cameras by end of year. HECO is paying $14 million for the project. About half of the cost will be covered by federal funds from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawai‘i set to receive funding to help recover native plants. Approximately $4 million from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, out of the Inflation Reduction Act, will be used to identify translocation sites for 425 Hawaiian plants and improve their resiliency to climate change. Big Island Now.

Oahu

Honolulu Council seeks to revitalize downtown malls. Downtown Honolulu is being readied for an economic revival. That proposed comeback follows plans for new residential and redevelopment projects near and around Fort Street Mall as well as Union Mall. Star-Advertiser.

Case Against Honolulu Attorney Exposes Inner Workings Of Illicit Marshallese Adoption Business. Honolulu lawyer Laurie Loomis, who was one of a handful of U.S. attorneys involved in illicit adoptions of Marshall Islands babies is now facing discipline by the Hawaii board that polices attorneys. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Clean Energy Think Tank Blue Planet Foundation Closes As Part Of Restructuring. The Honolulu-based clean energy nonprofit Blue Planet Foundation is being phased out after some 17 years of pushing for renewable energy reforms in Hawaii, according to its founder and chairman, Henk Rogers.  Civil Beat.

Oahu home sales spiked in July to near 2-year-high. Single-family home sales soared 20.1% in July to their highest level in nearly two years, and the median price hit its fourth-highest point ever, according to recent data from the Honolulu Board of Realtors. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Hawaiʻi County seeks proposals for homelessness and housing solutions.  The county has $10.5 million in grants available to fund services and programs to help people who need housing. Hawaii Public Radio.

Nonprofit accuses Meadow Gold, Cloverleaf of violating Clean Water Act. An environmental lawyer representing a San Francisco-based nonprofit organization says it intends to sue Meadow Gold Dairies Hawaii and its president, Bahman Sadeghi, and Cloverleaf Dairy and its president, Edward Boteilho Jr., for alleged violations of the federal Clean Water Act. Tribune-Herald.

Water haulers seek more sources. With summer bringing increasingly dry weather the past couple of months, business has picked up for water haulers. Tribune-Herald.

Ho‘olako Agricultural Innovation Park plans move forward. The Food Basket began clearing the 24.5-acre parcel, located by Homelani Cemetery off Ponahawai Street, over a year ago for its long-planned Ho‘olako Agricultural Innovation Park and Food System Campus. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui County’s July unemployment up 58% to 4.1%, compared with pre-disaster jobless rate. While the vast majority of Maui County residents remain employed, the county’s unemployment rate has gone up 58% in July, compared with the same month last year before the Maui wildfires, according a monthly report from the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. Maui Now.

Maui Rotary clubs and friends sponsor ‘Teardrop of Lahaina’ sculpture. A new sculpture in Lahaina is providing a space for peaceful remembrance.  Maui Now.

Mokulele Airlines grounds portion of its fleet, scrambles to help passengers. On Saturday, Mokulele Airlines said that during routine maintenance procedures, it identified potential discrepancies in the documentation of a recent landing gear servicing on one of its aircraft. As a precautionary step, a portion of its fleet was grounded while additional inspections are done. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Kauai

Hanalei turns out to welcome Hōkūleʻa on first stop of Pae ‘Āina Statewide Sail. A fanfare of 100-plus people lined Hanalei Pier to greet legendary voyaging canoe Hōkūleʻa as the traditional Polynesian double-hulled vessel and its crew arrived at about 10:30 a.m. Saturday after a 21-hour sail from Sand Island, Oʻahu. Kauai Now.

$1.66B contract awarded for final Honolulu rail segment, Alaska Air, Hawaiian extend merger deadline, Polynesians now lead 3 top state-funded tourism agencies, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

HART awards $1.66B contract for final segment. The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation on Thursday announced a $1.66 billion contract award to Los Angeles-based Tutor Perini Corp. to design and build Skyline’s last 3-mile segment to Kakaako. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.  Hawaii News Now.

Alaska Air, Hawaiian further extend review period of proposed deal. Alaska Air said Thursday it has agreed to further extend the review period of its proposed $1.9 billion acquisition of peer Hawaiian Holdings with the U.S. Department of Justice. The companies will extend the review period with the DOJ until 12:01 AM ET, Aug 20 (6:01 p.m. Hawaii time on Monday). Reuters.

Legislators urge DOE to fix bus driver shortage. State legislators met with the Department of Education on Thursday to address protracted concerns about ongoing public school bus driver shortages, following the DOE’s abrupt announcement of suspended routes right before the school year began. Star-Advertiser.

Polynesians lead 3 top tourism agencies. Come September, all three of Hawaii’s top state-funded tourism management and destination branding organizations, which together control more than a $128 million in state funds, will have a Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander at the helm. Star-Advertiser.

UH reports progress in presidential search. The University of Hawaii reported that its search for a new president is progressing on schedule. The university received over 90 applications for the position.  KHON2.

Hemp farmers want more input on needs and recommendations to grow industry. The Hawaiʻi Hemp Task Force has packed its schedule for the rest of the month with meetings to better understand the local hemp industry.Since May, the group has met six times and is set to dissolve at the end of the month. Hawaii Public Radio.

EPA issues $234K in fines for illegal cesspools on Maui, Hawaii Island. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has issued property owners more than $234,000 in fines and ordered the closure of five large-capacity cesspools on Maui and Hawaii Island. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu resident diagnosed with Dengue Fever; 11th Hawaii resident diagnosed in 2024. The state Department of Health says the latest case involves a traveler who was previously abroad in a country where the virus is more common.  KITV4.

Oahu

Honolulu Mayor Vows Tougher Approach On Homelessness. Rick Blangiardi said he’ll take 1,000 people off the streets within a year, and that he's not worried about legal challenges. Civil Beat.

Man Killed In Waianae Is The Fourth Officer-Involved Shooting Death This Year. Honolulu police chief appeals for help in wake of fatal shooting. The 60-year-old man fatally shot by a Honolulu police officer Wednesday night in Waianae fired a stolen .40-caliber handgun into a neighbor’s home after his girlfriend fled there seeking safety following an assault, HPD Chief Arthur “Joe” Logan said Thursday afternoon during a news conference. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.  Hawaii Public Radio.  Hawaii News Now.  KITV4.

Honolulu named most desirable place to live 2nd year in a row. The Economist Intelligence Unit’s Global Livability Index analyzed 173 cities worldwide based on 30 categories of living standards. Honolulu received high marks for infrastructure, stability, education, natural beauty and weather. Hawaii Public Radio.

‘New ways to HOLO’: City encourages residents to use public transit. City officials hope people will use public transportation — that includes the Skyline, the bus, or Biki bikes. The Department of Transportation Services said they’re adding and extending some bus routes for more convenience. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Proposal to develop popular spot on Oahu’s North Shore stirs debate. A developer plans to spend about $20 million on a new food and retail center on the mauka side of Kamehameha Highway. Hawaii News Now.

Aloha Tower Observation Deck Is Closed Indefinitely For Repairs. The popular tourist attraction closed during the Covid-19 pandemic. But DOT's Harbors Division has a list of renovations to address before reopening the site. Civil Beat.

Pregnant military spouse missing more than 2 weeks. The search continues for Mischa Mabeline Kaalohilani Johnson, a pregnant 19-year-old Army spouse who has been missing for more than two weeks. The Army is offering a $10,000 reward for credible information that can lead authorities to Johnson. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.  KITV4.

Hawaii Island

Council OKs 3 proposed county charter amendments for November general election ballot. The council last week adopted resolutions for three proposed charter amendments that will appear on the Nov. 5 general election ballot. They deal with vacancies on the council and in county department leadership as well as the terms for members of one of the county’s commissions. Big Island Now.

Mayor Roth the victim of online prank. Mayor Mitch Roth said Thursday he felt “a little bit of frustration” after learning an anonymous email has been circulating that invites individuals experiencing homelessness to stay at a certain address in Hilo. The address provided in the email is Roth’s home address. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News. KITV4.

Farmers laud North Kohala well project. The state Department of Land and Natural Resources next month will commence a yearlong $5.7 million project to improve a well in North Kohala so it can be used for agricultural purposes once again. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Lahaina Community Land Trust secures first piece of land to steward in Lahaina hands. The Lahaina Community Land Trust has secured its first parcel of community-owned land, that will be held in Lahaina hands forever, for the benefit of the local community for generations to come. The property at 1651 Lokia Street was secured by the LCLT in partnership with The Conservation Fund, a national land conservation organization. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai

Sister cities delegation visits Kaua‘i. A protocol sister city courtesy visit with Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami turned into an unexpected real life learning lesson at the Mo‘ikeha Building on Thursday. Garden Island.

State Climate Advisory Team begins work, Maui official oversaw $1M in contracts to family members, fake email invites homeless people to camp out at Hawaii Island mayor's house, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Team has work cut out to make Hawaii more resilient to natural disasters.  Gov. Josh Green’s Climate Advisory Team, led by retired Alexander &Baldwin Inc. CEO Chris Benjamin, is about to move from information gathering to crafting solutions that initially will focus on a package of draft bills for the governor to submit for consideration in the upcoming legislative session that begins in January. Star-Advertiser.

Recent COVID data shows the virus is not stopping. According to the Hawaii State Department of Health, weekly data showed an 11% average positivity rate and 88 daily average cases statewide. KHON2.

Can Hawaiʻi keep up with the growing demand for solar panel recycling?  Michael Cooney, a professor at the Hawai‘i Natural Energy Institute, believes Hawaiʻi should enact a statewide stewardship program into law that can manage revenues, offset costs and handle the logistics of solar recycling.  Hawaii Public Radio.

Criminal case against former Maui lawmaker is dismissed.  Honolulu District Court judge Tuesday dismissed the 2023 criminal case against former Maui state Rep. Kaniela Ing, who pleaded no contest to not filing timely campaign spending reports. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Staffing Shortages Plus More Cases Are Causing Delays At The State Public Housing Agency. The Hawaii Public Housing Authority has reduced the amount of time it can spend meeting with Honolulu tenants in the low-income housing program. Civil Beat.

Deadly officer-involved shooting in Waianae leaves man dead, 3 seriously injured. A man has died, and three adults are in serious condition following an officer-involved shooting in Waianae Wednesday night, according to Honolulu Police officials. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. KITV4.

Leihōkū Elementary gets new firebreak ahead of school year. A 1,000-foot firebreak has been cleared at Leihōkū Elementary in Waiʻanae to help with fire preparedness. Hawaii Public Radio.

Famous Amos cookies founder advocated for childhood literacy.  Wallace “Wally” Amos, 88, founder of Famous Amos cookies, died Tuesday in his Makiki home due to complications from dementia. Star-Advertiser. Associated Press.  KHON2.

Hawaii Island

Hawai‘i Island police investigate fake email inviting houseless individuals to camp out at mayor’s home. A police officer is guarding the home of Hawaii County Mayor Mitch Roth Wednesday after someone invited the island’s homeless community for a 5-day sleepover. Big Island Now. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Don’t Feed The Animals At The Zoo, Hawaiʻi County Says. Items found in the animal enclosures at the Panaʻewa Rainforest Zoo & Gardens present serious risks to the animals, officials say. Big Island Video News. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Now.

Maui

A Maui County Appointee Oversaw Grants To Nonprofits Tied To Her Family Members. Two nonprofits with family ties to Luana Mahi, an economic development director for Maui Mayor Richard Bissen, won more than $1 million in county grants overseen by Mahi since she was appointed in 2023. Civil Beat.

Maui County Council approves Mayor Bissen appointees for recovery roles. Council voted 9-0 during its regular meeting to adopt resolutions recommending approval of Mayor Richard Bissen’s three appointees. Maui News.

Some sound off against mound of rocks they say is blocking off a Maui beach. Criticism is mounting on Maui over a mound of rocks reportedly stacked along the shore near a seaside home in Sprecklesville, with some raising concerns over public beach access in an area that is already hard to get to. KITV4.

New playground dedicated at King Kamehameha III temporary site in West Maui. The students lost their place to play last year when a wildfire destroyed their Front Street campus. Maui Now.

Kauai

New research sheds light on relationships between plants and insects in Kaua‘i forests. The study took place in 40 forests including ʻŌhiʻa-dominated native forests on both the Big Island and Kaua‘i.  Kauai Now.

Kauaʻi County proclaims August 14 ‘Tatiana Weston-Webb Day’.  Olympic surfer Tatiana Weston Webb was honored by the County of Kauaʻi in a ceremony at the Lihuʻe Civic Center on Wednesday morning, when Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami proclaimed Aug. 14 Tatiana Weston-Webb Day. Kauai Now. Garden Island.

Insurance companies lose first dibs on $4B Maui fire settlement, Justice Department mulls Hawaiian-Alaska Airlines merger plans, final segment of Skyline rail considered, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Maui Judge Clears Path To Final $4.04 Billion Settlement Of Wildfire Cases. Insurance companies lose their bid to continue separate lawsuits.  Several of Hawaii’s largest government, business and social organizations including the state, Maui County, Hawaiian Electric Co., Hawaiian Telcom and Kamehameha Schools have agreed to contribute to settle the claims of fire victims.  Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser. Associated Press.  Hawaii News Now.

DOJ ramps up scrutiny in Hawaiian-Alaska merger. Mixed signals are coming as an extended deadline for federal antitrust enforcers to review the proposed $1.9 billion merger between competitors Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines draws to a close. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiʻi DOE introduces free online mental health services for families. The DOE has partnered with the national nonprofit Cook Center for Human Connection to provide 24/7 access online. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

HART’s third-segment contract under consideration. The remaining 3-mile portion of Skyline — the estimated $482.4 million City Center Guideway and Stations project — would begin at Middle Street and end at Halekauwila Street. Star-Advertiser.

Overnight camping suspended at Oahu park over reckless behavior. State officials said starting Aug. 23, they are suspending camping at the Sand Island State Recreation Area due to reckless nighttime behavior. Star-Advertiser.

‘It’s not solving the problem’: Mixed reaction after city sells community mini-park. A small public park in the middle of the city won’t belong to the public much longer. Hawaii News Now.

Amid erosion concerns, city to begin repairs for Kaneohe Dam. The city is set to begin repairing a portion of the Kaneohe Dam at the Hoomaluhia Botanical Garden. Hawaii News Now.

‘Alarming’: Kapilina Beach Homes residents raise concern over days-long watermain leak. Residents who live in Kapilina Beach Homes in Ewa Beach said a water leak has been running for days — and a timeline for when it will be fixed is still up in the air. Hawaii News Now.

Generations Of Immigrants Have Forged A Unique Asian Tattoo Culture In Hawaii. The state's tattoo industry is thriving as Asian Americans seek a reconnection with their ancestral heritage through this skin-deep art form. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Kona Airport Runway Project To Get $64.7 Million In Federal Grants. Two Federal Aviation Administration grants will be used to rehabilitate the runway at the Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keāhole. Big Island Video News. Hawaii News Now.

Overnight runway work scheduled at Hilo International Airport. The primary runway, 8/26, will be closed nightly from 9 p.m. to 5:30 a.m., from Aug. 19 through Aug. 22. Big Island Now.

Study: Water quality will continue to decline. The water quality of Hilo Bay will only get worse as climate change intensifies, according to a new study by University of Hawaii researchers. Tribune-Herald.

Drought conditions ‘could be coming’. For the second consecutive month, much of the Big Island had abnormally dry weather. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui Property Owners Are Pushing Tenants Out to House Wildfire Survivors for More Money. High prices offered by emergency housing programs have encouraged property owners to chase the money. Civil Beat.

Kapalua Village opens with 50 temporary modular homes for wildfire impacted employees. The new development features 50 temporary modular homes supplied by Daiwa House Group—a Japanese company and pioneer in prefab housing—to offer incoming residents at Kapalua Village comfort, functionality and a sense of community. Maui Now. KHON2.

Maui Wildfires Smoldered Underground, Threatening Water For Agriculture. While the harm to homes and tourism drew the most attention, agriculture was also heavily affected across the island, and the harm did not stop once the flames were out. Civil Beat.

Suspect Used Batteries, Shrapnel And A Pipe To Make Explosives Found On Maui, Investigators Say. Authorities arrested 47-year-old Robert Dumaran after multiple homemade bombs detonated on Maui roads. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser. Maui News.  Maui Now.  Hawaii News Now.  KITV4.

Kauai

Mayor, employer unions sign agreement on free health care premiums on Kaua‘i.  Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami met with union officials on Monday to finalize the joint agreement on Kaua‘i County’s proposed free health care premium coverage for Fiscal Year  Kauai Now. KHON2.

County of Kauaʻi wants public to report invasive rose-ringed parakeets. The county has an online survey that the public can access to report sightings of the invasive bird. Hawaii Public Radio.

Tulsi Gabbard on terrorist watch list, insurance companies seek first cut of $4B Lahaina fire settlement as Hawaiian Electric stocks drop, real estate commissions to change, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Gabbard cites ‘political retaliation’ for her addition to TSA watch list.  State House Republicans defended former colleague, presidential candidate and U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard in a letter sent Sunday to the Transportation Security Administration demanding she be removed from the federal government’s terrorist watch list. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Hawaiian Electric stocks fall after report of massive quarterly loss. Hawaiian Electric Industries is reporting a loss of about $1.3 billion for the second quarter of 2024. The fall is related to the costs of ongoing litigation with Maui wildfire victims and their families.  Hawaii Public Radio.

Will Insurance Companies Get First Crack At $4 Billion Lahaina Fire Settlement? A last obstacle to a proposed $4.04 billion global settlement between thousands of victims of the Lahaina wildfire and defendants including the state of Hawaii, Maui County, Hawaiian Electric Co., Kamehameha Schools and Hawaiian Telcom is scheduled to be addressed Tuesday by Maui Circuit Court Judge Peter Cahill. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

How a major settlement could impact Hawaiʻi real estate commissions. On Aug. 17, a settlement agreement takes effect that will impact the real estate industry. It stems from a lawsuit filed against the National Association of Realtors over its practice of setting commissions. Hawaii Public Radio. Hawaii News Now.

‘Above normal significant fire potential’ for Hawaii expected through October. As drought continues to expand and intensify, Hawaii can expect more wildfires to occur across the isles the rest of this summer. Star-Advertiser. KHON2.

Awards to fund University of Hawaii research soar by $100 million. UH snagged $616 million in the 2024 fiscal year, up 19% from $516 million a year earlier, which followed only a 2% gain from $505 million in the 2022 fiscal year, according to university officials. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Maui Now.

Hawaii Joins Military Program To Recruit Government Workers. The state of Hawaii is hoping the U.S. Department of Defense can help fill some of the thousands of state job vacancies through a program that connects military members nearing the end of their service with employers looking for workers. Civil Beat.

After surprise primary upset, Democrats hope to flip seats in the general election. Republicans did not have their unity breakfast this year. Instead, they will be hosting candidate forums leading up to the general election on Nov. 5. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

Chemical Plume Found In Closed Aiea Drinking Wells May Come From Red Hill. It's the first time so-called PAH's have been detected at the shuttered wells, although regulators disagree about whether the chemicals stem from the Navy's fuel spill. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Violent crime report shows rise in 2 disturbing categories for Honolulu. There were 16 murders reported, compared to 15 during the same time period in 2023. Reported rapes jumped. There were 164 in the first half of this year, compared to 136 in the first half of last year. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

With ‘zero fatalities’ top of mind, city unveils 16-year plan to improve Oahu’s roads. The city released its ambitious 16-year plan to eliminate traffic fatalities on Oahu’s roads that come with changes to the island’s most dangerous streets. It could cost up to $755 million. Hawaii News Now.

Rental, utility assistance enrollment to open for new applicants in Makiki. The City’s Rental and Utility Relief Program (RURP) will hold an enrollment event for new applicants on Friday, August 23. KHON2.

Sources: Corrections officer, sergeant suspended after alleged assault of prison inmate. An adult corrections officer and a sergeant were reportedly suspended after allegedly assaulting a handcuffed inmate at the Halawa Prison earlier this month. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Hawaiʻi Island Dairy Faces Lawsuit For Dumping Milk, Animal Waste. Meadow Gold and Cloverleaf Dairy have been put on legal notice for allegedly polluting local waters on the Big Island. Big Island Video News.

Public feedback sought for solar project. The Ke‘amuku Solar + Storage project is a proposed solar farm that would be built on a pair of parcels just south of the intersection between Mamalahoa Highway and Waikoloa Road. Tribune-Herald.

State increasing no-passing zones on DKI Highway.  The state Department of Transportation advises motorists that sections of the Daniel K. Inouye Highway, formerly Saddle Road, will become no-passing zones effective upon installation of signs and pavement markings. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News.  Big Island Now.

Maui

Maui police arrest Kahului suspect in Pukalani IEDs explosion. The Maui Police Department arrested a 47-year-old Kahului man Saturday in connection with the discovery of a series of improvised explosive devices, one of which detonated and sidelined a sport utility Opens in a new tab vehicle in Pukalani on Thursday. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now.

Maui resort agrees to dim lights to protect native seabirds. Conservation groups sued the Grand Wailea Resort on Maui in February 2022, and again in May, claiming that the hotel's outdoor lights harmed the native seabirds. Hawaii Public Radio.

Precinct results: In razor-thin primary, Cook takes Central Maui; King backed in South and East Maui. First-term Maui County Council Member Tom Cook finished 145 votes ahead of former Council Member Kelly Takaya King in Saturday’s primary election by winning all Central Maui precincts and splitting votes with his rival Upcountry and in West Maui. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kaua‘i Fire Department urges public to be vigilant as risk for fire weather increases. There is an above normal significant fire potential through October, until the wet season gets underway in November. Kauai Now.

Water conservation request issued for some residents in Princeville. In an effort to avoid a water outage due to dry weather, Kaua‘i County officials have issued a water conservation request for customers along the North Shore. Kauai Now.

Democrats reconcile at Unity Breakfast, House leaders plan reorganization after Speaker Saiki's defeat, lowest voter turnout since statehood, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Departure of House Speaker Scott Saiki Will Test Lawmakers’ Appetite For Reform. Likely candidates for speaker mentioned by insiders include Majority Leader Nadine Nakamura; Water and Land Committee Chair Linda Ichiyama, Finance Committee Chair Kyle Yamashita, and Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs Committee Chair David Tarnas. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser. KHON2.

Hawaii Saw The Worst Voter Turnout Saturday Of Any Primary Since Statehood. Just 269,912 of the 839,618 people registered statewide filled out a ballot. That works out to 32.1%. Civil Beat.

Looking for more election coverage? Check out the special Sunday edition of All Hawaii News.

Customers Won’t Pay For HECO’s $2 Billion Wildfire Settlement, CEO Says. Hawaiian Electric Industries said there is risk it cannot continue as a going concern if it can't find financing to cover wildfire liabilities. Civil Beat.

Hawaii’s Teacher Shortage Is Finally Improving. Will It Last? The Hawaii Department of Education has the lowest number of teacher vacancies the state has seen since 2019, but schools may experience a surge in retirements in the coming years. Civil Beat.

Multiple Hawaii athletes medal at Paris Olympics. Hawaii’s Olympic athletes fared quite well, with multiple athletes across multiple sports earning medals. KHON2.

Oahu

Police continue search for attempted murder suspects after teen shot on city bus in Kalihi. Officials say the suspects are part of the attempted murder investigation launched after a bullet hit a 17-year-old boy. Police say it was fired by two males on a moped near School Street and Kamehameha Four Road. Hawaii News Now.

City looks to restore the historic Waikiki War Memorial Natatorium. The Waikiki War Memorial Natatorium is almost 100 years old, but it’s been closed to the public for the last 45 years because of deteriorating conditions.  Hawaii Public Radio.

City delays removal of Haiku Stairs segments. The city administration’s sanctioned removal of 10 to 15 steel stair modules — out of the hundreds of such modules bolted to a sheer ridgeline in Windward Oahu that comprise the “Stairway to Heaven” was not done because modules in question were not “fully” detached, as the city previously claimed. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Puainako Street Resurfacing Project Extended. The Puainako Street Resurfacing Project is being extended through September 2024.  Big Island Video News.

Maui

Process of rebuilding begins in Lahaina. Overall, rebuilding in Lahaina is being challenged in many cases by daunting forces that include financial constraints of property owners and regulations governing special areas such as the town’s historic district and nearshore parcels. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai

Kaua‘i Police names new deputy chief after position was vacant for 2 years. Kaua‘i Police Department’s Mark Ozaki was named the new deputy chief, effective Oct. 1, after two years of the second-in-command position being vacant. Kauai Now.

House Speaker Saiki loses re-election bid, Honolulu Mayor Blangiardi cruises to easy victory, Big Island mayor's race heads to runoff, more primary election news and ballot report links from all the Hawaiian Islands

House Speaker Saiki loses close House race. Former state Board of Education member Kim Coco Iwamoto edged out House Speaker Scott Saiki with 2,649 votes, compared to Saiki's 2,395 on the final certified report released by the state Office of Elections on Sunday morning. Both are Democrats, and there is no other contender in the contest for the District 25 seat. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Many Hawaii Legislators Will Return To The Capitol This Year, But There Are Surprises. House Speaker Scott Saiki was trailing his challenger while veteran former lawmaker Clayton Hee looked to be losing his North Shore race. Civil Beat.

 Inouye, Lee Loy cruise to easy wins. State Sen. Lorraine Inouye once again defeated challenger Laura Acasio in the Democratic Primary Election Saturday night. Tribune-Herald.

Incumbents Hirono, Case, Tokuda cruise to Democratic primary victories. Three-fourths of Hawaii’s congressional delegation easily moved past their primary opponents today and onto the General Election ballot in November. U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono, Reps. Jill Tokuda and Ed Case all topped their respective Democratic tickets. The second tally of results by the state Office of Elections representing a large majority of votes cast showed Hirono with nearly 91% of the party vote, while Case was cruising with 92% and Tokuda capturing a solid 100% running unopposed.  Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Sen. Mazie Hirono wins Democratic primary for third term, will face McDermott in general. Hirono won a three-way race against Ron Curtis and Clyde McClain Lewman. Associated Press.

Familiar names dominate OHA trustee races in early results. Incumbent Kelii Akina, who has served as trustee since 2016, held a nearly 7,500-vote lead with 36,270 (26.3%), over Ahu Isa, who had 28,753 (20.8%) Saturday night. The two top candidates will go on to the general election. Star-Advertiser.

Former Congressman Poised To Win Seat On OHA Board Of Trustees. Kai Kahele appears poised to make a return to politics as an Office of Hawaiian Affairs trustee for the Big Island.  Voters chose candidates for three seats on the Office of Hawaiian Affairs to face off in November. A fourth seat representing Kauai only had two candidates and will be on the general election ballot automatically. Civil Beat.

Certified ballot report for the state of Hawaii can be found here.

Oahu

Mayor Blangiardi handily beats challengers in re-election bid. As predicted by many political pundits and interested observers, Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi handily beat his challengers Saturday evening. In the second set of results posted after 10:30 p.m., the 77-year-old retired media executive took nearly 79% of the vote — or 116,039 votes — to secure the city’s top elective office for another four years. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. KITV4.

Certified ballot report for Oahu can be found here.

Hawaii Island

Runoff in mayor’s race: Roth, Alameda to face off in November. Many veteran observers of local politics thought the Primary Election mayoral race would spawn a runoff in the General Election on Nov. 5 between incumbent Mitch Roth and challenger Kimo Alameda — and that’s what happened. Tribune-Herald. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Big Island Now. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

5 Hawai‘i County Council races headed for a runoff in general election, preliminary reports show. Five of the nine Hawai‘i County Council seats are headed for runoffs in the Nov. 5 general election, according to preliminary primary election results posted late Saturday by the state Office of Elections. Big Island Now.

Kagiwada, Kimball retain council seats; Onishi appears to avoid runoff. Three of the council’s five windward members had contested races on Saturday: Heather Kimball of District 1, covering North Hilo, Hamakua and portions of Waimea; Jenn Kagiwada of District 2, including Hilo and parts of South Hilo; and Matt Kaneali‘i-Kleinfelder of District 5, encompassing Upper Puna and portions of Keaau. Tribune-Herald.

Three council incumbents retain seats in W. Hawaii. Of the four Hawaii County Council Primary Election races in West Hawaii, three incumbents won their seats outright Saturday night, while a fourth race will go to a General Election runoff on Nov. 5. The race to be decided in November will be for representation of Council District 9, which encompasses North Kohala and parts of Waimea and Waikoloa. Tribune-Herald.

Certified ballot report for Hawaii Island can be found here.

Maui

Maui County Council Incumbents Are Cruising On To The General Election. Former three-term Maui County Council member Kelly King was trailing incumbent Tom Cook in her effort to reclaim the South Maui seat, according to preliminary results in Saturday’s primary election. Civil Beat.

Certified ballot report for Maui can be found here.

Kauai

Kauai Council Incumbents Advancing To General Election. Kauai County voters were favoring incumbent council members, who mostly led the pack of 17 candidates vying for the seven seats on the council in the first round of primary election returns Saturday. Civil Beat.

Certified ballot report for Kauai can be found here.

State prepares for lackluster primary election, paddle-out ceremonies commemorate Maui fire anniversary, Waikiki hotel workers vote to strike, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Paddle Out ceremony honors the 102 victims killed in Lahaina. Some 4,000 people attended a Paddle Out on Thursday morning in the waters off Hanaka‘o‘o Beach Park, including Maui’s three Lahaina canoe clubs and the Hokule‘a, the double-hulled voyaging canoe known for bringing people together and persevering Hawaii’s treasured values. Star-Advertiser. Maui Now.  Hawaii News Now.  Associated Press. KITV4.

Early votes suggest apathetic turnout for Hawaii primary. In a sign of a likely dismal turnout when all of the ballots are counted, only about 198,000 people across Hawaii have voted ahead of Saturday’s primary election — a considerably lower proportion of total votes when compared with the 2022 and 2020 primaries. Star-Advertiser.

What to expect in Hawaii’s state primaries. Voting concludes Saturday in Hawaii’s state primaries, where candidates for Congress and the Legislature will compete for their parties’ nominations. Associated Press.

As ballots come in, here's how the Office of Elections processes the votes. With just two days until primary election day, volunteers and observers were busy Thursday processing ballots as they come in through the mail and drop boxes. Hawaii Public Radio.

DOE restores some suspended school bus routes. The state Department of Education said 34 of 147 previously suspended school bus routes on Oahu, Hawaii island and Maui will be restored starting Monday. Star-Advertiser. Big Island Now.  Hawaii News Now.  KITV4.

State’s Legal Expenses For Maui Wildfires Topped $6 Million. Hawaii may have avoided costly litigation when it reached a $4 billion settlement with Maui wildfire survivors this week, but the state has already spent millions of dollars on legal advisors since fires engulfed Lahaina last August. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Waikiki hotel workers authorize strike. About 5,000 Unite Here Local 5 hotel workers took a crucial step Thursday toward labor strikes at seven Waikiki hotels. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.  KITV4.

City to begin road rehabilitation project in Kakaako. The city’s Department of Design and Construction is set to kickstart a road rehabilitation project in the Kakaako area starting Aug. 19. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Hawaiʻi Island lawmakers consider bill to encourage beekeeping. The Hawaiʻi County Council is moving along Bill 144, which allows beekeeping in every zoning district on the island, including those meant for residential, commercial or industrial purposes. Hawaii Public Radio.

Publisher, bookseller David Reed dies at 74. David Reed, publisher and co-owner of Petroglyph Press and Basically Books, died Aug. 2 at his home in Hilo after a brief illness. He was 74. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Survivors experience first anniversary of tragic Maui wildfires. There are as many memories of the Aug. 8, 2023, Maui wildfires as there are people who experienced the horrors of that day. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Maui Now.  Hawaii News Now.

The Lahaina Burn Zone Is Coming Back To Life. How To Keep It Safe Is A Work In Progress. The Maui Police Department is combining new technology, better equipment and more responsive policies in the aftermath of last year’s fire. Civil Beat. Hawaii Public Radio. Maui Now.

Maui wildfires one year later: Governor signs off on transition of Mokuʻula from the state to Maui County for its cultural restoration. As state, county and federal leaders gathered to reflect on the one year mark since the devastating Maui wildfires, Gov. Josh Green announced he signed papers to “purposefully transition” Mokuʻula from the state to Maui County for its cultural and ecological restoration. Maui Now.

Historic Lahaina documents to be available on Office of Hawaiian Affairs’ Papakilo database. Release of the Historic Lahaina Photography Collection goes live on the one-year anniversary of the Maui wildfires. Maui News.

Iconic Lahaina Banyan Tree being cloned. Among the many living things affected by the Lahaina fire — Front Street’s long-standing banyan tree is making its recovery. KHON2.

FBI and Maui police investigating IEDs found in Kahului and Pukalani. The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Maui Police Department are investigating Improvised Explosive Devices left in the Kahului and Pukalani areas of Maui, according to a joint statement from the FBI’s Honolulu Division and MPD. Star-Advertiser. Maui News. Maui Now.

Kauai

Road closure scheduled in Līhu‘e for private waterline installation. Eha Street will be closed to both eastbound and westbound traffic from Aug. 15 to Oct. 15, weekdays, from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., weather permitting. Kauai Now.

East Kaua‘i path joins Rails-to-Trails Hall of Fame. Rails to Trails Conservancy, the nation’s largest trails advocacy organization, announced that Ke Ala Hele Makālae on the Hawaiian island of Kaua‘i is the newest member of the organization’s Hall of Fame. Kauai Now.

Green declares emergency over condo insurance fees, Honolulu pandemic hazard pay set at $30M or more, state commemorates anniversary of deadly Maui fires, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Emergency declared over Hawaii condo association insurance rates. Gov. Josh Green used emergency power Wednesday to help a pair of state government insurance carriers sell policies to Hawaii condominium projects in an effort to relieve many condo owners from skyrocketing industry rates. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.  KHON2.

More Details On Maui Fire Settlement: Kamehameha Schools Pledges $872.5 Million. Kamehameha Schools announced it would contribute $872.5 million to a proposed settlement fund for Maui wildfire claims, answering more of the question about how much various defendants will pay under the $4.037 billion tentative agreement. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.  KHON2.

5 ways Hawaii is trying to prevent the next deadly fire. A year ago, the deadliest U.S. wildfire in more than a century took 102 lives on the island of Maui, leaving the historic town of Lahaina in ashes and spurring a series of investigations into what could have been done to better prepare for such a disaster. New York Times.

Flags ordered to half-staff in memory of lives lost in deadly Maui wildfires 1 year ago. On Aug. 8, 2023, one of the deadliest fires in U.S. history razed Maui’s old Hawaiian fishing of Lāhainā to the ground. Big Island Now. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii food safety site still not up to par after 8 months. Restaurant inspection reports have not been viewable through the Food and Safety Branch website since January, but restaurateurs said they are still being conducted. KHON2.

UH partners with lawmakers pushing for environmental legislation. The University of Hawaiʻi has agreed to act as a resource for the National Caucus of Environmental Legislators, which has 1,200 members across all 50 states and U.S. territories. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

Latest Hazard Pay Decision For Public Workers Likely Will Cost Honolulu $30 Million Or More. A new arbitration decision awarding hazard pay to unionized government workers will likely require Honolulu to pay an extra $30 million to $40 million to about 2,500 city employees for their work during the pandemic, according to city Managing Director Michael Formby. Civil Beat.

Waikiki hotel workers take strike vote today. About 5,000 Unite Here Local 5 hotel workers are expected to take a strike vote today. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu City Council votes on restricting Waikiki events. They say everyone loves a parade, but in reality not everyone in Waikiki does. KITV4.

Kailua residents frustrated over Kalapawai roundabout construction. Kailua residents working and living near the Kalapawai roundabout have a lot to say about the construction that’s been ongoing for the past two years. KHON2.

Dozens of CRB larvae discovered in garden soil sold at Oahu store. A Pearl Harbor man said he discovered 50 invasive coconut rhinoceros beetle larvae inside a bag of Miracle Grow garden soil when he opened it on Sunday. Hawaii News Now.
 
Hawaii Island

Council votes to offer tax relief to those who rent out part of their home for at least six months. Bill 175, which the council voted to pass on first reading Wednesday, allows residential properties that are rented out for six months or more to be eligible for the county’s “homeowner” tax classification, and therefore receive that classification’s tax benefits. Tribune-Herald.

Council votes to override mayor’s veto: Bill on access to transfer stations becomes law. The council on July 10 voted to approve Bill 140, which required that all county solid waste facilities be open to the public at least two days per week. Tribune-Herald.

Researchers to look at how residential sewage systems impact Kahalu‘u Bay waters. From Aug. 9-12, researchers from University of Hawai‘i at Hilo will be dropping a small amount of the dye, fluorescein, into sewage disposal systems of residences upstream to see where sewage water travels and if it’s entering the bay. Big Island Now. Big Island Video News.

Retired HPD assistant chief allowed deferred plea. Mitchell Kanehailua, 58, pleaded no contest on May 21 to violating a protective order and attempted third-degree assault, both misdemeanors. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii County Seeks To Delay Release Of Records in Dana Ireland Case. Hilo Judge Peter Kubota questioned why police need to protect records pertaining to a suspect who is now dead. Civil Beat. KHON2. KITV4.

Maui

One year later, no cause or origin for Lahaina fire available. The Maui Department of Fire and Public Safety does not have a timetable for releasing its formal report on the origin and cause for Aug. 8 wildfires in Upcountry Maui and Lahaina, but said when the final report is ready a news conference will be called and the findings will be made public. Star-Advertiser. KITV4.

Maui wildfires one year later: $1.4M grant boosts Maui Wildfire Exposure Study research. Ahead of the one-year anniversary of the devastating Maui wildfires, the most comprehensive study focused on understanding and mitigating the health and social impacts of the fires, has received a $1.4 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to continue its groundbreaking work. Maui Now.

Maui Remembers: Small businesses desperate for help a year after devastating fire. A year after the devastating Aug. 8, 2023, Lahaina wildfire destroyed a large portion of the west side of Maui in a matter of hours, local business owners are reflecting on their own experiences, and what can be done to help in the aftermath of tragedy.  Maui News.

Maui wildfires one year later: UH research continues to assess impacts, support recovery. Within days of the worst natural disaster in state history, University of Hawaiʻi researchers began providing assistance and support on multiple fronts, including providing direct support and assessing the environmental impact and the long-term health outcomes of residents. Maui Now.

‘Bittersweet’: Lahaina wildfire anniversary, start of new school year stirs mixed emotions. Thursday marks a full year since the deadly fire that broke out in Lahaina, claiming more than 100 lives and almost completely destroying the town. Public school students in Lahaina have been given that day off to reflect on what they have been through and mourn together. Hawaii News Now.

Lahaina’s Historic Elementary School Was A Source Of Community Pride. Now The Town Is Divided On Its Future. Rebuilding King Kamehameha III Elementary School, which was destroyed in last year’s fire, could help bring families back to Lahaina. But residents are torn over where the school should be located.  Civil Beat.

Their Senior Center Burned And Their Friends Died. But These Kupuna Are Moving Forward. More than two-thirds of Maui’s fire victims were over the age of 60. Kupuna are also facing additional challenges in the aftermath of the disaster.  Civil Beat.

Marine scientists work to understand long-term effects of contaminants from the fires.  Scientists have been concerned about the marine environment due to the nearly 100 burned vessels and the potential hazardous runoff from the devastated neighborhoods. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kauai

Domestic passenger count heats up in July at Lihu‘e Airport. The domestic passenger count climbed to its highest monthly total of the year in July, as Lihu‘e Airport welcomed more than 87,000 people to the island of Kaua‘i. Garden Island.

Internal network upgrades made by Kaua‘i Police Department. Internal network upgrades to the Kaua‘i Police Department’s dispatch line and its services continued on Tuesday evening. Garden Island.

Kaua‘i County reminds public to report sightings of invasive rose-ringed parakeets. More than 170 responses have been received to a Kaua‘i County survey reporting sightings of the invasive rose-ringed parakeets since the beginning of the year.  Kauai Now.

 

Waikiki beach clutter spurs cease-and-desist orders, Honolulu, Big Island councils mull affordable housing, vacation rental measures, Miske witness moved after prison assaults, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Waikīkī hotels, vendors receive cease-and-desist notices for beach equipment. The state Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation issued cease-and-desist notices to several Waikīkī hotels and vendors for presetting equipment on public beaches. Notices were given to four hotels and five commercial vendors.  Hawaii Public Radio. Hawaii News Now.

Yen fluctuations impact visitor spending in Hawaii. Overall visitor numbers are down from major markets. Around a 7% decrease in US and Canadian visitors for the year.  KITV4.

Victims fear $4B settlement will hide accountability as Maui wildfire investigations continue. Two major investigations into the fire and government response are still not complete, so, some victims wonder if the truth will ever come out. Hawaii News Now.

Primary Ballot Returns Lagging Behind 2022 Levels. Ballot returns across the state in advance of Saturday’s primary election are down by 14% compared to the same time in the 2022 primary. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Little-Known Candidates Challenge A Well-Funded Incumbent In Honolulu Mayor’s Race. Three challengers face Mayor Rick Blangiardi, who claims many successes in his first term. Civil Beat.

City Council to review housing-related bills. The Honolulu City Council today is poised to consider adoption of a bill meant to give private developers of affordable rental housing greater financial incentives to build on Oahu. Star-Advertiser. KHON2.

Oahu home sales heating up this summer. The latest Honolulu Board of Realtors report shows that July year-over-year single-family home sales spiked by 20%.  KITV4.

Miske witness will be moved after third assault in custody. A man who once worked for convicted crime boss Michael J. Miske Jr. is being moved to another facility after gangs assaulted him three times in the past four months, allegedly for testifying against his former employer, according to federal court documents. Star-Advertiser.

Community Mourns Death Of Hawaiian Activist And Homeless Advocate Twinkle Borge. The 54-year-old had dedicated much of her life to creating a home for the homeless in Waianae and was one of the inspirations for the kauhale or tiny home movement in Hawaii. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser. KITV4.

Oahu officials capture nearly 2K feral chickens since 2022. The feral chicken problem on Oahu seems to be growing and never-ending.  KHON2.

Hawaii Island

Council bills propose changes to vacation rental rules. The most complex — and controversial — of those bills is Bill 121, which would establish several different tiers of vacation rentals, with their own conditions and standards of use, prohibit ohana units from being used as vacation rentals, and many other things. Tribune-Herald.

Mandatory water restriction for areas in North Kona due to down wells. Hawai‘i County Department of Water Supply has implemented a mandatory 25% water restriction for areas in North Kona effective immediately. Big Island Now.

Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site Celebration Set For August. The site will mark its 52nd anniversary Establishment Day, “Hoʻokuikahi”, with its traditional Hawaiian Cultural Festival on August 17th and August 18th. Big Island Video News.

2024 Native Hawaiian Convention coming to Waikoloa. The 2024 Native Hawaiian Convention is set to take place at the Hilton Waikoloa from September 17 to 19.  KHON2.

Maui

Tourism Is Still Way Down On Maui. And That’s Causing A Lot Of Problems Efforts to boost the industry will focus on key Southern California markets, with additional pushes targeting corporate meeting and incentive planners. Civil Beat.

The View From Above: How Far We’ve Come Since The Maui Fires. Here’s what progress has looked like from an aerial perspective over the past year in Lahaina, Upcountry and Olowalu. Civil Beat.

Maui transitional housing for fire survivors proliferating one year after disaster. It’s only a trickle at the moment, but the supply of new homes for transitional use by Maui wildfire survivors is on the cusp of surging one year after the disaster. Star-Advertiser.

$1M donation from Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez to help replace bunkhouse cabins at Camp Maluhia on Maui; support Scouting America, Aloha Council. Scouting America, Aloha Council has announced a landmark donation of $1 million from Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez. Maui Now.

How Lahaina’s more than 150-year-old banyan tree is coming back to life after devastating fire. When a deadly wildfire tore through Lahaina on Maui last August, the wall of flames scorched the 151-year-old banyan tree along the historic town’s Front Street. Associated Press.

Maui Bicycling League calls for enhanced road safety amid rising traffic fatalities. In light of a worrying 17% increase in Hawai’i’s traffic fatalities compared to 2023, the Maui Bicycling League, inspired by Hawaii’s ancient Law of the Splintered Paddle, calls for increased vigilance on our roads.  Maui News.

Grand Wailea Resort employees go on strike over unfair labor practices. Housekeepers, check-in personnel and food prep workers walked off the job Monday at the Grand Wailea Resort & Spa over unfair labor practices. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai

Kauai Police Department leadership under fire: Scathing survey reveals distrust, resentment among employees. A workplace survey revealed scores of officers and civilian staff aren’t just unhappy with how the department’s being run. Hawaii News Now.

Kaua‘i Bus outreach program seeking applicants. A new program aimed to assist people who rely on public transportation has officially rolled into effect. Garden Island.

Nearly all gauges on Kaua‘i record below-average rainfall. Nearly all of the rain gauges on Kauaʻi had below-average rainfall for the month of July with two of the island’s rain gauges posting their lowest totals – for the month – on record. Kauai Now.