Hilo cruise ship passengers left behind, Waikiki traffic gridlocked during tsunami evacuation, Oprah falsely accused of blocking Maui evacuation route, Red Cross served 770 meals, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Tsunami Prediction Has Gotten Much Better. Hawaiʻi Just Needs More Data. Specialized buoys can monitor waves on the seafloor. But there are few sea-level stations between Asia and Hawaiʻi to test the accuracy of the forecast. Civil Beat.

'Feeling really good': Gov. Green reports no significant damage after tsunami event. The earthquake appeared to be the strongest recorded since the 9.0 magnitude earthquake off Japan in 2011 caused a massive tsunami and meltdowns at a nuclear power plant. Hawaii Public Radio.

HI-EMA looking to make infrastructure improvements following tsunami warning gridlock. The Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency is looking at strategies to deal with issues like gridlock, which was widely experienced during July 29’s tsunami warning in the islands. KHON2.

Salvation Army Hawaii feeds hundreds at tsunami shelters across the state. The Salvation Army served 770 meals for breakfast at tsunami shelters across the islands on Wednesday morning up until the advisory was lifted. KITV4.

U.S. Rep. Ed Case announces reelection campaign. U.S. Rep. Ed Case is running for reelection. This would mark his seventh full term in the U.S. House of Representatives. Hawaii Public Radio.

Lawsuit: Censoring Inmates’ Reading Material Violates Publisher’s Rights. A publisher of magazines and books for prison inmates, including “Prison Legal News,” is suing the state correctional system for blocking its publications from being mailed to inmates in Hawaiʻi prisons and jails, arguing the ban violates the publisher’s constitutional rights. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Tsunami threat triggered islandwide gridlock, reveals gaps in emergency evacuation. Damaging waves from Tuesday’s tsunami to Hawaii never materialized, but the traffic it triggered offered a sobering real-time test of Oahu’s evacuation capacity — one that state officials admit was deeply strained. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.  Associated Press.

Honolulu Airport Travelers Fend For Themselves Amid Tsunami Threat. A mother-daughter excursion in Waikīkī was spoiled by the tsunami warning. They blame airport communication failures for leaving them stranded with hundreds of other travelers. Civil Beat.

‘Ignorant’: Evacuees in Waikiki upset others ignored tsunami warning. Many in Waikiki didn’t listen to evacuation orders during Tuesday’s tsunami warning, putting themselves and others in danger.  Hawaii News Now.

City acquires $8M expansion for Honolulu police headquarters. A parcel of property adjacent to the Honolulu Police Department’s headquarters has been acquired by the City and County of Honolulu. Hawaii Public Radio.

Skyline trial runs past the airport have begun. Skyline rail cars are scheduled to run with passengers from Aloha Stadium, past the airport to Kalihi by Oct. 15, rail officials now estimate. Star-Advertiser.

Case dismissed against city in killing of unarmed man. The civil trial in the wrongful death case brought by the widow of Lindani Myeni, an unarmed Black man shot by police in 2021, abruptly ended Tuesday when the judge dismissed the case. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Hawaii cruise ships sailed to safety amid tsunami warnings, leaving some passengers behind. Tsunami waves generated by an 8.8 magnitude earthquake in Russia on Tuesday did less damage than had been feared. But some cruise passengers were distressed to learn they had been left behind when all ships were ordered out of port by local authorities. New York Times. KHON2. 

Hawai‘i County escapes a disaster, but lessons can be learned from tsunami response, coastline evacuation. Before he first waves of the tsunami were expected to hit at 7:17 p.m. on Tuesday, most motorists were out of the inundation zones. Big Island Now.

Union nurses vote to authorize strike at Waimea hospital. After more than six months of negotiations, the Hawaii Nurses’ Association, which represents about 100 registered nurses at the Waimea hospital, said tensions are escalating and morale has plummeted. The nurses’ contract expired March 31. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

‘A glorious day’ for Waiakea Uka; Hilo park reopens. Hawaii County on Tuesday celebrated the reopening of Waiakea Uka Park after a two-year renovation, expansion and upgrade. Tribune-Herald.


Maui

No, Oprah Winfrey didn’t block access to a private road amid tsunami warning evacuations. Even as the threat of a tsunami swamping Hawaii had passed on Wednesday, social media posts were still circulating claims that Oprah Winfrey had refused immediate access to a private road that would allow residents a shorter evacuation route. Associated Press.

No significant damage or injuries reported on Maui from tsunami. Maui residents spent an anxious day in anticipation of a potential tsunami. Maui News. Hawaii News Now.

Kauai

Tsunami produces minor flooding, evacuations. The emergency center at the Kauai Veterans Center was full of activity on Wednesday as evacuees anxiously waited for news about flight departures from the Lihue Airport. Garden Island. Kauai Now. 

New Kauaʻi laws address environmental stewardship, public access, community priorities. Kauaʻi state legislators and community advocates gathered at the end of last week to celebrate the recent enactment of several key measures that reflect efforts to protect natural resources, improve public land access and support community initiatives on the Garden Isle . Kauai Now.

Tsunami warning downgraded to advisory as Hawaii remains wary, Hurricane Iona, Tropical Storm Keli continue to pose no threat, flights resume at airports, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii residents and visitors evacuate ahead of a tsunami that brought some flooding. Over a million Hawaii residents and visitors spent more than seven hours under threat of a potentially highly destructive tsunami Tuesday that triggered evacuations from low-lying coastal areas statewide. The tsunami warning issued by the National Weather Service around 2:45 p.m.was in response to an 8.8-magnitude earthquake off Russia. Star-Advertiser. Associated Press. Hawaii Public Radio.  Big Island Now. Hawaii News Now. 

TSUNAMI ADVISORY has been extended until noon today with unusual currents and more tsunami waves across the state. Light to moderate trades will strengthen over the next couple of days to moderate to locally strong as a high north of the state builds.  Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Quiet Beaches, Traffic, Canceled Flights: How Hawaiʻi Prepared For Tsunami. Traffic was gridlocked and sirens blared every hour after a tsunami was generated by a massive earthquake off Russia. Civil Beat.

Hawaiian Airlines flights resume, Alaska Airlines flights resume Wednesday morning after Tsunami Warning. Hawaiian Airlines flights have resumed this evening while Alaska Airlines flights will resume tomorrow morning after a pause from the state’s Tsunami Warning. KITV4.

Hawaii has long history of devastating tsunamis. It had been more than 12 years since a tsunami warning and statewide coastal evacuation has been issued in Hawaii. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. 

Hurricane Iona weakening rapidly, Tropical Storm Keli remains steady; no threats to Hawaii. In data valid at 11 p.m. Tuesday, the National Hurricane Center said Hurricane Iona was about 690 miles south of Honolulu and was moving to the west at 17 miles per hour. Hawaii News Now.

How projects compete for the state's hundreds of millions pegged for affordable housing. One of the state’s biggest investments over the last decade has been to subsidize affordable housing. Over the next two years alone, the state Legislature has invested $200 million into its Rental Housing Revolving Fund. Hawaii Public Radio.

AI In The Courtroom? Complaints About Misuse By Hawaiʻi Lawyers Growing. Hawaiʻi is seeing an increase in complaints against lawyers accused of improperly using artificial intelligence programs to help produce documents, but the state court system has yet to take decisive action to address the problem. Civil Beat.

Care Home Failures Are Common — And Rarely Tracked Over Time. Officials estimate about 90% of adult residential care homes have issues each year, though most of them are minor. Fines for larger problems are rare. Civil Beat.

UH law, medical schools say new federal loan caps will worsen the affordability gap. Students pursuing professional paths, like those in law or medical schools, are limited to $50,000 a year in loans, with a lifetime limit of $200,000. These limits go into effect July 1, 2026, under President Trump's budget bill signed into law earlier this month. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

Waikiki hotels evacuate guests to higher floors during tsunami warning. As threat assessments touched off warning sirens across Waikiki, hotels began moving guests mostly to higher floors — a standard protocol known as vertical evacuation. Star-Advertiser.

Warning snarled Oahu traffic as people fled inundation zones. The evacuations ordered in advance of Tuesday’s tsunami snarled traffic on freeways and surface streets on Oahu for hours as people fled the inundation zones. No major accidents or injuries were reported as people followed orders and inched their way to safe areas of the island. Star-Advertiser.

Tsunami waves cover boat ramp; leave debris, damage in East Oahu. High waters pushed over a parking stall curb and left debris in the Maunalua Bay parking lot. Small, tsunami-powered waves left minor damages in the parking lot of Maunalua Bay in East Oahu on Tuesday. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaiian Airlines’ Honolulu leaders named. Alaska Air Group on Tuesday announced the core Hawaiian Airlines leadership team that will oversee the combined operations in Honolulu, the company’s second-largest hub, once the carriers obtain a single-use operating certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration this fall. Star-Advertiser.

Judge Stops Trial In Police Shooting Lawsuit Before It Goes To Jury. A lawsuit filed by the widow of Lindani Myeni, who was shot and killed by Honolulu police in 2021, was dismissed Tuesday by a Honolulu judge who said there was no evidence police had violated Myeni’s constitutional rights.  Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Evacuation orders canceled after tsunami warning downgraded to advisory.  Update at 11:34 p.m. July 29, 2025: Hawaiʻi County canceled evacuation orders for coastal areas after officials assessed areas in tsunami inundation zones. It follows the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center’s downgrading of the tsunami warning, which had been in effect for most of the day for the Hawaiian Islands, to a tsunami advisory. Big Island Now. Big Island Video News.

High court bars Sulla, Zamber from law practice. Two Hilo attorneys recently convicted by a federal jury in Honolulu for an affordable housing credits scam have been barred from practicing law in Hawaii. Tribune-Herald.

New Hawaiʻi County initiative offers homeowners HILP with repairs, upgrades. Hawai‘i County’s Office of Housing and Community Development has a new program that offers Big Island homeowners HILP — an extra level of help — with essential improvements to their homes. Big Island Now.

Maui

Hawaiʻi downgraded to Tsunami ADVISORY following 8.8 Russia quake; 15 foot drop in water levels reported at Kahului Harbor.  There was a 15-foot water drop reported at Kahului Harbor as water receded and exposed the pier on Tuesday evening. Kahului also had the highest amplitude wave values in Hawaiʻi of 5.7 feet, which is the height of the wave, relative to normal sea level.  Maui Now.

Tsunami evacuation orders lifted for Maui; county bus routes to start late Wednesday. The Maui Emergency Management Agency lifted evacuation orders shortly after 11 p.m. Tuesday, giving residents who had evacuated low-lying areas for a tsunami warning a chance to return to their homes. Maui News.

JABSOM begins new school year with reaccreditation, housing on Maui. At the John A. Burns School of Medicine, the opening of a new home on Maui this past weekend will help with the goal to boost health care on the neighbor islands. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kauai

Tsunami warning downgraded to advisory. Update at 4 a.m. July 30, 2025: The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center has continued the Tsunami Advisory for Kaua‘i with sea level oscillations across the state of Hawaiʻi still at advisory levels. Kauai Now.

Kīlauea community to look at site layouts in next town expansion project meeting. The community is collaborating with the Kauaʻi County Housing Agency to develop a master plan for the Kīlauea Town Expansion. Kauai Now.

Division of Motor Vehicles to close all offices next Wednesday. The Division of Motor Vehicles will close both the main Līhuʻe office and the newly opened Kapaʻa satellite office next Wednesday, Aug. 6, for staff training. Kauai Now.

 

Green limits Hawaii National Guard in immigrant actions, Hurricane Iona, Tropical Storm Keith pose no threat to Hawaii, Honolulu lawsuit against fossil fuel companies heads to court today, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Gov. Josh Green limits activation of Hawaii National Guard.  Gov. Josh Green will require a briefing on the circumstances and the “true need” of a federal request to activate the Hawaii National Guard before considering the deployment of soldiers for any law enforcement duties like President Donald Trump’s effort to carry out the largest mass deportation of immigrants in U.S. history. Star-Advertiser.

Governor steps into national leadership roles, expanding Hawai‘i’s voice on key issues. Gov. Josh Green has been elected to the Executive Committee of the National Governors Association (NGA) and named vice chair of the Western Governors’ Association (WGA). Maui Now.

Iona now a major hurricane, Tropical Storm Keli remains steady; no threats to Hawaii.  Iona has quickly intensified into a major Category 3 hurricane as it continues on a track keeping it well south of Hawaii. Meanwhile, Tropical Storm Keli is maintaining is intensity as a weak tropical storm to the southeast of the state. Associated Press. Big Island Now.  Hawaii News Now.  Star-Advertiser.

The Human Rights Defense Center is suing the Hawaiʻi Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation for censorship. The center says the department has not allowed its educational publications, books and informational brochures to be delivered to inmates.  Hawaii Public Radio.

Will Political Uncertainty Force Hawaiʻi’s Native Birds ‘Into Oblivion’? Ever since the federal budget ax came for wetland and forest protection jobs earlier this year, nonprofits and private groups have been trying to fill the gap in hopes that the government would soon see the error in its ways. Civil Beat.

Hawaiʻi Parents Are Giving Schools A Better Grade. Five years after the Covid-19 pandemic started, schools are seeing fewer students who feel unsafe on campus and an increase in the percentage of parents who are satisfied with their children’s school and feel engaged in Hawaiʻi’s public education system.  Civil Beat.

Law enforcement officials rally ranchers, farmers to help curb crime on agricultural land. On Monday, the Department of Law Enforcement held a meeting with dozens of farmers and ranchers, encouraging them to help carry out the newly-signed Act 235.  The department’s new unit is starting off as a pilot program of about 8 officers, with half of them on Oahu and the other half on Hawaii Island. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Honolulu’s lawsuit against fossil fuel companies leads climate change legal fight. Honolulu is not alone in its effort to sue fossil fuel companies to hold them accountable for climate change harms, but the city’s lawsuit is further along than similar litigation across the country. A hearing on Tuesday will indicate how these fights play out in court.  Associated Press.

HPD Is Sending Its Newest Cops To West Oʻahu. Will The Unusual Move Help? The influx of new officers to the Westside is meant to improve response times, but the interim police chief has declined to say how long it currently takes police to respond to calls. Civil Beat.

Haleiwa expansion project progresses. A proposed Haleiwa housing and commercial development continued to spark opposition over the potential loss of agricultural land, increased traffic congestion and the high cost of living even as a Honolulu City Council measure advanced Monday. Star-Advertiser.

North School Street properties eyed for city use. The city agency tasked with helping at-risk families and individuals in need of low-income housing, job training, or battling homelessness, also plans to grow beyond its existing Iwilei area offices. Star-Advertiser.

State deputy sheriff sues the State of Hawaii. State Deputy Sheriff Martin Horton has sued the state for allegedly experiencing discrimination and whistleblower retaliation within the Department of Law Enforcement. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

Proposed preschool next to ‘Imiloa clears another hurdle. A recently released final environmental assessment for a proposed Hilo preschool for up to 80 children near the ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center helped guide a finalized design and an updated construction schedule for the project. Tribune-Herald.

The last of three inmates to escape Hale Nani has been returned to custody after seven months. Inmate Clyde T. T. Loa is the last of three inmates who left the Hawaiʻi Community Correctional Center’s Hale Nani Facility without permission in December 2024 to be returned to custody. Big Island Now.

Free workshop provides options for financial, technical support to West Hawaiʻi farmers. The U.S. Department of Agriculture is hosting a resource workshop Friday to bring one-on-one, personalized advice and other assistance directly to producers to help them reach their goals through voluntary, incentive-based conservation programs. Big Island Now.

Maui

Ag tourism gets a boost as an accessory use in Maui County agricultural districts, except on Molokaʻi. Maui County Council members unanimously gave final approval Friday to a bill establishing agricultural tourism as permitted accessory use in agricultural districts, except on Molokaʻi. Maui Now.

Mainland company plans to start ghost tours in Lahaina, where more than 100 died in wildfires. Two years after the Maui fires killed more than a hundred people in one of the deadliest wildfires in US history, a mainland tour company is getting ready to start a Lahaina ghost tour, marketing it in the city's most haunted and historic locations. KITV4.

Maui Strong awards $7.5M to help struggling families rebuild from wildfires. The Hawaiʻi Community Foundation, through its Maui Strong Fund, has been awarded $7.5 million to help families on Maui begin rebuilding homes that were lost to the August 2023 wildfires.  Maui News.

Kauai

Navy Hopes Native Hawaiian Outreach Will Help Keep Kauaʻi Missile Base Land. Seeking to avoid pitfalls that have stalled other military negotiations, the U.S. Navy is reaching out to Native Hawaiians and promising to assess cultural impacts in its bid to retain use of land on Kauaʻi needed to support operations at the Pacific Missile Range Facility. Civil Beat.

Kīlauea community to look at site layouts in next town expansion project meeting. The community is collaborating with the Kauaʻi County Housing Agency to develop a master plan for the Kīlauea Town Expansion. Kauai Now.

Kauaians celebrate impacts of new laws. The Kauai contingent of legislators and a group of community advocates met with Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke on Friday to celebrate recent legislation that protects natural resources, improves public land access, and supports community initiatives. Garden Island.

First hurricane of the season to track south of Hawaii, extension sought on state emissions plan, Kauai narrows field for police chief, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hurricane Iona becomes first hurricane of 2025 Central Pacific season. At 5:00 AM HST, the National Weather Service reported that Tropical Storm Iona had strengthened into a hurricane. The storm is currently located about 895 miles southeast of Honolulu, Hawaii, moving west at 10 mph. KITV4. Big Island NowStar-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.  KHON2.

Extension sought for public to comment on Hawaii emissions plan. Eight state House members want more time for the public to comment on a transportation emissions reduction plan that could raise costs for consumers in Hawaii. The public has until Thursday to comment on the draft plan produced by the state Department of Transportation. Star-Advertiser.

College Students In Hawaiʻi Could Lose Access To Federal Loans. An estimated 1 in 6 community college students are enrolled in programs at risk of losing federal loan eligibility if UH can’t prove graduates earn more than residents with a high school diploma. Civil Beat.

HIDOE advances efforts to cut food imports, boost local purchasing. With a statewide regional kitchen master plan now in motion, the Hawai‘i Department of Education (HIDOE) is turning its attention to transforming school menus to feature more locally grown and produced foods. Big Island Now.

Success of Women’s Court pilot program helps to make it permanent. Women’s Court provides trauma-informed care and gender-­responsive services, substance use disorder treatment, education and training in domestic violence prevention, and life skills. It was made permanent on Oahu and extended to Hawaii Island after a bill passed by the Legislature was signed June 26 by the governor. Star-Advertiser.

Hawai‘i Public Radio raises nearly half a million dollars after federal funding cuts. Hawai‘i Public Radio raised nearly half a million dollars in a two-day emergency fundraiser that concluded Friday. The campaign took place after Congress last week approved clawing back $1.1 billion in previously approved federal funding to public media. Hawaii Public Radio. Maui Now. 

Oahu

Nearly 500 pounds of illegal fireworks collected. The state Department of Law Enforcement collected 493 pounds of illegal aerial fireworks on Saturday at Aloha Stadium during its first-ever fireworks buyback event — part of a broader effort to prevent holiday season tragedies by giving residents ample opportunities to dispose of banned explosives safely and anonymously. Star-Advertiser. KITV4. 

5 picks for new Honolulu Ocean Safety Commission prioritize chief selection. Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s candidates to fill the city’s new Ocean Safety Commission say their priorities are to learn more about the department’s needs and properly choose its chief. Hawaii Public Radio.

North Shore residents rally against proposed gondola. Residents of Oahu’s North Shore are not backing down in their fight against a plan to build a gondola along the slopes of Mount Kaala.  Hawaii News Now.

21 native birds found dead in East Honolulu over weekend. On Saturday, Pacific Rim Conservation executive director Dr. Eric VanderWerf found 21 native birds dead near Halona on Oahu’s East shore. KHON2.

Extended reality redefines Hawaii tourism. XploreRide’s bus tour has become the first of its kind in Hawaii and opens the door for other business in Hawaii’s visitor industry to tap into the expanding global virtual tourism industry. Star-Advertiser.

Food entrepreneurs eye Hawaiʻi's first 'high-pressure processing' machine. Business owners and other interested parties gathered last week in Wahiawā during a food summit at Leeward Community College's Value-Added Product Development Center, where the machine is housed. Hawaii Public Radio.

Former football coach to return to court for defamation lawsuit hearing. The former head football coach of the Kahuku Red Raiders is set to appear in Circuit Court. A hearing is scheduled Monday in Sterling Carvalho’s defamation lawsuit against the Hawaii State Department of Education. Hawaii News Now.

Early Hawaiian petroglyphs on a beach are visible again with changing tides and shifting sands. Hawaiian petroglyphs dating back at least a half-millennium are visible on Oahu for the first time in years, thanks to seasonal ocean swells that peel away sand covering a panel of more than two dozen images of mostly human-looking stick figures.  Associated Press.

Historic Falls of Clyde ship to be disposed of at sea. The state has awarded Shipwright LLC, a Florida-based company, a $4.9 million contract to remove the 146-year-old ship from Honolulu Harbor and to scuttle it at sea, marking a final chapter after decades of wrangling over its fate. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

State releases $1 million for feasibility study, redevelopment planning of Waiākea Peninsula, Banyan Drive in Hilo. State funding that was secured a year ago has finally been released by Hawaiʻi Gov. Josh Green to begin master planning for the redevelopment of the Waiākea Peninsula that includes iconic Banyan Drive in Hilo. Big Island Now.

Inouye: Banyans near Lili‘uokalani Gardens ‘have been neglected’.  $1 million in bond funding was released as seed money for the peninsula’s redevelopment, despite the failure this legislative session of Senate Bill 1078, introduced by Sen. Lorraine Inouye,  and House Bill 818, introduced by Hilo Rep. Sue Keohokapu-Lee Loy. Tribune-Herald.

Waiākea Uka Park in Hilo set to reopen after being closed for renovations.  The park now also has a reoriented ballfield with a new dedicated comfort station, dugouts, concession building and scorekeeper’s booth. Big Island Now.

UH Hilo to use AI to help students succeed. Two platforms, EAB Navigate360 and Edify, aim to improve student retention and graduation rates by catching students who are falling behind in their studies or attendance. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Goats prove their worth (and appetite) in wildfire mitigation program on Maui. Using grazing animals to help with fire prevention isn’t a new solution, but on Maui, goats are helping with the task. Hawaiian Electric had a herd of goats on its payroll as part of a pilot program. Hawaii Public Radio.

Displaced Lahaina fire survivors eager to rebuild with help from $1.6 billion federal grant. Applications to rebuild have ramped up in the nearly two years since the fire. According to the Maui County recovery dashboard, 453 building permits had been issued in Lahaina and Kula, with another 323 being processed as of Tuesday. So far, 42 buildings, all residential, have been completed. Maui Now.

An Infusion Of Fire Aid Is Changing How The Maui Food Bank Does Business. The Maui Food Bank saw its revenues jump to more than $77 million after the 2023 fires, a nearly eightfold increase from the previous year. It’s trying to use the windfall wisely. Civil Beat.

Kauai

Kauaʻi public, Navy spar over state renewing lease agreements at Pacific Missile Range Facility. Emotions ran high during three recent public meetings in Līhu’e, Kekaha and Kapa’a concerning the U.S. Navy’s and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s joint Draft Environmental Impact Statement for proposed lease renewal agreements on state-owned land on Kauaʻi. Kauai Now.

Kauaʻi Narrows Candidate Field For New Police Chief. Kauaʻi’s efforts to recruit a new chief come as Honolulu and Hawaiʻi island wage their own searches for a new top cop. The Kauaʻi Police Commission decided Friday to advance 13 candidates to become the next police chief to the next round, a process that involves asking the contenders to answer five written essay questions about their background and vision for KPD’s future. Civil Beat.

Maui vacation rental phase-out of 6k units advances, Honolulu media fight for police band access, trash piles up on Kauai from worker shortage, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Maui vacation rental conversion bill passes initial vote. A divided Maui County Council committee has approved a controversial bill to prohibit short-term vacation rental use in about 6,100 condominiums that may somewhat replenish housing inventory lost to wildfire nearly two years ago. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.  Associated Press.  Maui Now.  Hawaii News Now.  KHON2.  KITV4. 

U.S. Rep. Case looks to improve funding for Indigenous-based tourism. A congressional measure seeks to expand Indigenous-based tourism through grants for Native Hawaiian Organizations, Indian Tribes, Tribal organizations, and Native Alaskans. Hawaii Public Radio.

Survey of bird keepers shows few knew how to prevent bird flu.  Hawaii health officials learned from a recent survey that few respondents involved with caring for birds actually know what to do to prevent bird flu. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Restoration of access to HPD radio channels advances. The City Council’s proposed legislation to force the Honolulu Police Department to restore limited access to its radio communications to legitimate news media outlets advanced to a second of three readings Thursday. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. 

KPT tenants sue to smooth relocations during $212M renovation. A group of Kuhio Park Terrace tenants are suing the state and asking a federal judge to halt their relocation by the Hawaii Public Housing Authority unless they have a comparable place to stay during a $212 million renovation of the public housing complex. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. 

City selects developer to build affordable workforce housing in Waikiki. The City and County of Honolulu has selected a Los Angeles-based company to build a new affordable housing project in Waikiki. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. 

Oahu concrete workers strike at Campbell Industrial Park. More than two dozen union workers at Island Ready-Mix Concrete are now on strike. KITV4.

Suit alleges abuse at Youth Challenge Academy. Six families have filed a lawsuit against the state, the state Department of Defense and the Hawaii Youth Challenge Academy alleging their minor sons were subjected to physical violence, sexual assault and gross neglect by staff and fellow cadets of Class 61 in 2024 at the Kalaeloa campus. Star-Advertiser.

Oʻahu Jail Killing Shines A Light On Prison Gang Mayhem. Grand jury testimony in a 2023 killing details the power and violence of an organization known as Murder Inc. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Foundation awards $450K to programs supporting Waimea. An award of $450,000 from the Richard Smart Fund has been granted to 24 programs supporting culture, education, health and safety in Waimea. Tribune-Herald.

Nonprofits invited to apply for county Impact Grants. Hawaii County has announced the launch of its fiscal year 2025-2026 Impact Grants program, inviting eligible organizations to apply for competitive funding opportunities that will drive positive change across Hawaii Island communities. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Now. 

Maui

Crucial Insurance Deadline Looms In Two Weeks For Maui Fire Victims. Homeowners and renters with property lost or damaged in the 2023 wildfires risk losing key insurance benefits if they miss Aug. 8 deadline to file claims or request extensions. Civil Beat.

Mayor Bissen to bring Holomua Kākou back to Maui’s rural communities.  Mayor Richard Bissen is bringing Holomua Kākou — talk story gatherings — back to Lanai on July 30 and July 31 as part of his effort to take county government to rural communities in Maui County. Maui News.

New helicopter aids Maui police night and day. Trying to elude Maui police just got a bit more difficult, but those who need to be rescued in Maui County might get help more quickly. Maui News. Hawaii News Now. 

Akakū has day in court; decision could affect future of public access TV on Maui. Facing impending revenue cuts that could threaten public access TV in Maui County, Akakū presented its case Wednesday before Judge Kelsey T. Kawano. Maui News.

Kauai

Trash not getting picked up again islandwide as Solid Waste Division continues to cope with staffing issue. Ongoing staffing issues resulted in yet another day of trash piling up at homes around the island as Kauaʻi County Solid Waste Division announced there would be no rubbish collection — islandwide. Kauai Now. Hawaii News Now.

Multiple agencies wrap up exercise Thursday. The County of Kauai, in partnership with the Hawaii National Guard 93 Weapons of Mass Destruction Civil Support Team, coordinated a full-scale, multi-agency emergency response that closed a portion of Nawiliwili Harbor on Thursday. Garden Island.

Climate Commission prepares for sea level rise update, gun permit applications drop, Honolulu mulls new property tax exemptions, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaiʻi Climate Commission gets ready to update sea level rise report. The Hawaiʻi Climate Commission is preparing to update its statewide sea level rise vulnerability report. The update is required by state law, but the effort is not yet funded. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaiʻi’s Highest Paid Union Leaders. Working in organized labor can be lucrative — for some. Some of the leaders of Hawaiʻi’s most powerful unions are bringing in hefty paychecks, according to the latest filings with the U.S. Department of Labor and the IRS.   Civil Beat.

Applications for gun permits down statewide in 2024. More than 16,000 applications for gun permits were issued in Hawaii last year, the state Department of the Attorney General said in its firearm registration report released Wednesday. The total number of registered firearms in Hawaii was 44,624 in 2024, a 13.9% decrease from the 51,807 officially registered in 2023. Star-Advertiser.

Working group set to meet to discuss bringing nuclear energy to Hawaii. Nuclear power is long known for its destructive power and potential health risks. But it’s also a source of energy. And there is a working group set to meet later this year to discuss bringing it to Hawaii. KHON2.

Hawaiian Airlines sees first profit since COVID-19 pandemic. Alaska Air Group’s second quarter earning beat expectations due to lower fuel prices, better costs and revenue, and new opportunities from its merger with Hawaiian Airlines, whose adjusted pretax margin hit profitability for the first time since 2019. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Honolulu considers expanding residential property tax exemptions. The Honolulu City Council is considering several measures that would decrease property taxes for seniors, landlords, and homeowners who live on their property. Hawaii Public Radio.

Proposed Ala Wai Watershed District raises concerns. A local nonprofit’s unofficial draft bill requesting that the Honolulu City Council establish an Ala Wai Watershed Special Improvement District to advance investments in nature-based solutions to protect the watershed has drawn skepticism over how the new entity could affect area residents. Star-Advertiser.

Sea Turtle Nests Threatened On North Shore By Lights, Bonfires, Joyrides. Illegal activities and failure to enforce laws are threatening honu nests at Ke Iki Beach on Oʻahu. Civil Beat.

Noise detectors targeting loud vehicles to be installed across Oahu. Police are finally getting new tools to crackdown on loud mufflers and sound systems on Oahu’s roads. Next month, the Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) will begin installing noise detectors. Hawaii News Now.

Alarming increase in Honolulu police shootings. Former HPD deputy chief John McCarthy said more guns, stronger drugs and social and economic factors are all contributing to the violence. KITV4.

Traffic, speeding top resident concerns at Kaimuki town hall. Kaimuki is a densely populated neighborhood with narrow roadways and houses packed closely together -- along with a lot of cars. And for a lot of residents, that’s a recipe for disaster. Hawaii News Now.

Parking restrictions coming as Parks permit office moves to new home. Starting Monday, July 28, some public parking surrounding Sheridan Community Park near Ala Moana will no longer be open to the public. Hawaii News Now.

Lawsuit alleges sex assault, climate of fear at Youth Challenge Academy. A federal lawsuit is making stunning allegations about sexual assault and a cover-up at a state-run Youth Challenge Academy in Kalaeloa. Hawaii News Now.

Chinatown Arch project receives final permits to move forward. Hawaiʻi businessman Eddie Flores Jr. provided the seed money to get the arch planning and design underway. He is now launching a fundraising effort to see the Kekaulike Mall project through. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Island

Bill banning feeding of feral animals on Hawai‘i County property passes first reading. A bill that would ban the feeding of feral or stray animals such as cats or pigs on Hawaii County property passed its first reading Wednesday by the County Council, despite opposition by a large majority of in-person testifiers. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Now. 

Maui

Maui County officials defend vacation rental conversion bill. Maui County Council members on Wednesday displayed a mix of support and unease for a bill to prohibit short-term vacation rental use in about 6,100 Valley Isle condominiums in an effort to provide housing for residents nearly two years after wildfires destroyed about 5,500 homes. Star-Advertiser. KHON2. 

East Maui residents want more transparency with ag giant’s water usage. Just how much water is enough is a question a local advocacy group is raising concerning the practices of Mahi Pono, an agricultural giant on Maui. Maui News.

Here's how community groups are reimagining Lahaina's energy future. The Lahaina Energy Partnership's energy plan is entering its second phase of development. The group formed in response to the August 2023 wildfires to ensure that the Lahaina community played a central role in determining their town’s energy future. Hawaii Public Radio.

Maui County now making Lahaina historic guidelines clearer and enforceable after agreement with state. Government officials started enforcing historic district guidelines following an agreement in April between Maui County and the State Historic Preservation Division. Maui Now.

Kauai

Staffing issues continue to cause residential trash collection delays. Kauaʻi County Solid Waste Division says staffing issues have again resulted in no residential trash collection in several Garden Isle communities Wednesday  in the areas of Kekaha, Waimea, Hanapēpē and ʻEleʻele. Kauai Now. Hawaii News Now. 

Historic Koloa Plantation Days parade, and park celebration Saturday. The park celebration at the Anne Knudsen Park opens at 2 p.m., and runs through 8 p.m. with more than 70 craft vendors, a silent auction, food stations, keiki activities, and entertainment highlighted by Henry Kapono. Garden Island.

Army secretary asks governor to fast-track Pohakuloa bombing plans, Trump favorability falls among Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders, complaints rise about Zuckerberg Kauai development, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Army secretary wants to move more quickly on an agreement for Hawaii live-fire training lands. The U.S. Army’s top civilian leader said Tuesday that he wants to move more quickly on an agreement that will allow the military to continue using Pohakuloa, the only large-scale live-fire training range for ground forces in Hawaii. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll said he discussed the issue during a meeting with Hawaii Gov. Josh Green on Monday.  Associated Press. Hawaii News Now. 

Trump’s favorability has fallen among Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders since last year, AAPI Data/AP-NORC poll finds. The percentage of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders with an unfavorable opinion of Trump rose to 71% in July, from 60% in December, according to a national survey by AAPI Data and The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. Associated Press.

Some keiki might be missing out on food aid. This summer represents the second year the state has participated in a federal program providing preloaded debit cards that parents who don’t earn a lot can use to buy groceries when free meals for their children aren’t available at school. Star-Advertiser.

Trump’s school voucher law raises questions in Hawaii. The country’s first-ever federal tax-credit school voucher program gives states the opportunity to opt in, but that decision is not so straightforward in Hawaii. Star-Advertiser.

Active public school bus routes “on track” to resume this fall. All public school bus routes that have been operating will continue to run this upcoming school year. The Department of Education made the announcement Tuesday, with less than two weeks before the new school year starts. KHON2.

Public Broadcasting In Hawaiʻi Is OK – For Now. Federal funding cuts to public radio and television stations, which threaten the existence of some small broadcasters on the continent, are expected to have a muted immediate impact on Hawaiʻi broadcasters and their listeners, viewers and staffs, despite dealing the stations financial blows. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Bill would restore some media access to HPD radio communications. The Honolulu City Council on Thursday will consider proposed legislation to force the Honolulu Police Department to restore limited access to its radio communications to legitimate news media outlets. Star-Advertiser.

HPD shooting of hotel gunman deemed justified. The two Honolulu police officers who shot and killed Benjamin Moralez on Dec. 9, 2022, at the Ohia Waikiki Studio Suites were justified to use deadly force, Prosecuting Attorney Steve Alm told reporters at a news conference Tuesday. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.  KITV4.

Lawmakers urge psychiatrist’s removal from national cemetery over sex abuse allegations. Hawaii’s congressional delegation wants the body of a former Kamehameha Schools psychiatrist removed from the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific. Dr. Robert Browne, an Army veteran, was accused of sexually assaulting dozens of students, but committed suicide in 1991 before charges could be filed. Hawaii News Now.

Nurses union says Queen’s is not staffing as agreed upon in contract. The Hawaii Nurses’ Association, which represents nearly 2,000 at Queen’s, said these ratios were part of the new contract both parties agreed upon in January, averting a strike in the final hours. Star-Advertiser.

Enforcement increasing at Sacred Falls State Park on the North Shore of Oʻahu. Despite clearly posted park closure and hazardous conditions signs, people are continuing to ignore the risks and enter Sacred Falls State Park, the state Department of Land and Natural Resources reports. Maui Now. Hawaii News Now.  KHON2.

Hawaii Island

Council Postpones Vote On Pōhakuloa Training Area Resolution. The Hawaiʻi County Council is considering a measure urging state officials to request an end to "bombing and desecration activities" at PTA. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now. 

74 Acres Of Hilo Farmland Protected. O.K. Farms, Hawai‘i Land Trust, and Trust for Public Land announced the successful completion of the Pu‘u‘eo Mauka conservation easement. Big Island Video News.

Tree victims identified online. Police have not released the identities of two women whose bodies were found in the rubble of a fallen banyan tree eight days after it toppled in Hilo, but multiple reports on social media and on a GoFundMe page set up to finance their burial identifies them as Tricia J. Almazan and Michelle Comer. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui County Council answers questions on Bill 9 as committee members reconvene for deliberations. A newsletter with information on a proposal to phase out transient vacation rental use in apartment districts is being delivered to homes across Maui County this week, Council Presiding Officer Pro Tempore Tasha Kama announced Tuesday. Maui Now.

Hawaiʻi’s Wetlands Are Vanishing. This Failed Plan Offers A Warning. Maui County’s expansive wetland law was expected to pave the way for stronger protections statewide. More than two years and a $250,000 map later, it’s never been enforced. Civil Beat.

Private initiative propels effort to bring new fire station to West Maui. A group of West Maui residents have forged their own “miracle” in securing land for a new fire station in Olawalu, and this time they won’t have to pay for the firetruck. Maui News. Maui Now. 

Kauai

Mark Zuckerberg’s expansive Kauai compound has some worried over iwi kupuna. The growing compound of tech billionaire Mark Zuckerberg on Kauaʻi has some worried about iwi kupuna. A man whose ancestors are buried there has been fighting for years to protect them. Hawaii News Now.

Emergency response exercise Thursday. The County of Kauai, in partnership with the Hawaii National Guard’s 93rd Weapons of Mass Destruction Civil Support Team (CST), will host a full-scale, multi-agency emergency response exercise on Thursday at Nawiliwili Harbor.  Garden Island. Kauai Now. 

Metal recycling drop-off again available at all county solid waste facilities. Metal recycling drop-off is once again available to island residents at all Kauaʻi County solid waste facilities, including transfer stations and Kekaha Landfill. Service resumed July 21. Kauai Now.

Task force to investigate permit delays, voter overcount found in 2024 Kauai election, COVID cases rise, $400M housing aid coming to Maui wildfire survivors, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Task force created to investigate permitting delays statewide. Act 133 directs the state House of Representatives to work with a group of state and county officials to investigate and recommend action that the Legislature can take to address permitting delays. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii health officials urge vigilance as COVID cases rise again.  The Hawaii Department of Health today reported the statewide test positivity rate — or percentage of all tests that are positive — at 12.4% as of Saturday, up from 10.9% the previous week.  Star-Advertiser. Big Island Now.  KITV4.

Cuts to SNAP could deepen food insecurity in Hawaii. A new report by the Urban Institute finds that Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits failed to cover the cost of a modestly priced meal in 99% of U.S. counties last year — and new federal legislation may widen the gap. Star-Advertiser.

Local food production advocates seek funding source for farmers after USDA cuts. Advocates for food production are looking for alternate funding sources for farmers after the federal government slashed $400 million from the nationwide Regional Food Business Centers program. Hawaii Public Radio.

Drastic changes could be coming to Hawaii's cruise industry. The State Department of Transportation plan reduces 50% of state greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. But to reach those goals it recommends cutting in half the number of cruise ships making calls in the islands. With a 75% reduction by the year 2035. KITV4.

Search Begins For New Kamehameha Schools Trustee. Trustees earn up to $186,000. Kamehameha Schools is seeking applicants to fill a vacancy on its five-member board of trustees that controls the assets of one of the largest charitable trusts in the United States. Applications are due Sept. 1. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Farming Dispute On North Shore Highlights Zoning Challenges. Hawaiʻi needs more locally grown food, but plans for a vertical farm and aquaculture operation near Sunset Beach Park violate zoning rules and threaten the community character, critics say. Civil Beat.

Allegations of unsafe staffing triggers an ultimatum for Hawaii’s largest hospital. The Hawaii Nurses Association (HNA) says Queens Medical Center has not enforced nurse to patient ratios outlined in HNA’s new contract which was ratified in January. Hawaii News Now.

From supplies to haircuts, nonprofit helps families get back-to-school ready in Ewa Beach. The nonprofit Child & Family Service is welcoming families to its Ewa Beach office at 91-1841 Ft. Weaver Rd. this Saturday, July 26, from 2 to 6 p.m. Students in grades 6-12 can receive school supplies, including Sprayground backbacks (while supplies last), as well as physical exams by Physical Solutions and haircuts by Superior Blendz Hawaii. Hawaii News Now.

 Falls of Clyde’s voyage has come to an end. A chapter in Hawaii’s maritime history is coming to a close. Shipwright LLC have started removing the 146-year-old Falls of Clyde. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

2 women found dead under Hilo banyan prompts scrutiny of other trees. Mayor Kimo Alameda said he has started surveying banyan trees across Hawaiʻi Island. He said the trees can act as hiding places, so some people live in them. Hawaii Public Radio. Tribune-Herald.  Hawaii News Now.  KITV4.

Lawsuit Alleges Mentally Disabled Inmate Was Preyed Upon. Drake Terlep was reportedly afraid to leave his cell in the Hilo jail, and finally killed himself. Civil Beat.

Maui

Wildfire survivors can tap into nearly $400M in aid. Maui County plans to begin accepting applications on Aug. 11 from low- and moderate-income households to replace housing lost in the disaster, which county officials say destroyed about 5,500 residences including rental apartments. Star-Advertiser.

County completes Amala Place cleanup with 16 cars towed, 13 tons of trash removed. A two-day dispersal of more than 40 homeless people and the subsequent cleanup of Amala Place was completed Saturday morning with 16 vehicles towed and 13 tons of trash removed, according to Maui County officials. Maui News.

New fire station coming to Olowalu. The West Maui Improvement Foundation announced that the Olowalu fire station project has raised enough money to be built. KHON2.

Mayor Bissen announces return of Maui County Fair with rides Oct. 2-5. The 98th Maui County Fair is now being supported by the County of Maui and will be held at War Memorial Special Events Complex. The fair did not continue after 2019 due to financial and other challenges. Maui Now. Maui News. 

Kauai

Investigation Finds Vote Discrepancies In 2024 Kauaʻi Election. A state Elections Commission subcommittee found evidence that the state counted hundreds more ballots than were cast on Kauaʻi. Civil Beat.

Brown water advisory issued for two bays on Kaua‘i. According to a press release from the Hawai‘i Department of Health, the advisories are for Wailua Bay and Hanalei Bay, which is 26 miles north.  Kauai Now.

Special session may not be needed, Matson stops shipping electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids, 2 women's bodies found in toppled banyan debris, Ellison now world's second-richest person, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Legislative special session may not be needed. State House Speaker Nadine Nakamura recently said dates remain reserved for a potential special session because federal funding decisions and their impact on Hawaii are still unclear. But Gov. Josh Green believes an immediate threat has passed, and that a special session isn’t needed. Star-Advertiser.

State held ‘fruitful’ talk with USDA to boost Hawaii exports. The added costs of President Donald Trump’s tariffs on international imports has hurt some local businesses, but the state’s agricultural industry is working to capitalize on the administration’s support for “made in America” and homegrown products by pushing to remove some of the restrictions on produce that cost Hawaii an estimated $760 million a year. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiʻi Public Defender Urges Governor To Bar Cops From Working With ICE. The state’s Office of the Public Defender has stepped into the convulsive national fray over immigration enforcement, asking Gov. Josh Green to issue an executive order largely barring law enforcement agencies from collaborating with federal immigration authorities. All four county police departments have existing contracts with Homeland Security Investigations — a division of ICE — and other federal law enforcement agencies such as the Drug Enforcement Administration, under which they work together on what officials have said are investigations unrelated to immigration.  Civil Beat.

Matson stops shipping electric vehicles to Hawaiʻi. Hawaiʻi’s largest shipping company told customers this week that it won’t ship electric vehicles to Hawaiʻi anymore. Matson has told customers in a letter that it will stop transporting not only electric vehicles to Hawaiʻi but also plug-in hybrids because of the fire risk. Hawaii Public Radio.

State Medicaid administrators seek to ensure coverage amid federal changes. About 60% of people on Medicaid in Hawaiʻi are currently working, but it’s not yet clear if they would all meet the hourly requirements in the new law. Hawaii Public Radio.

Federal cuts leave Hawaii stations scrambling. Hawaii’s public broadcasting stations are scrambling to make up for a sudden loss in federal funding — forcing Hawaii Public Radio to pull from reserves and hold an emergency fundraising drive, as PBS Hawaii said it remains committed to its community emergency preparedness mission despite the financial strain. Star-Advertiser.

Coalition forms to save Hawaii’s struggling film industry. Hawaii’s film industry is organizing amid a slump in shooting major television series and feature films to better fight for improved state incentives after a bruising legislative session earlier this year. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s visitor industry looks to isle residents to bolster business. Visitors to Hawaii like to see how the locals live, but increasingly, locals are staycationing or island- hopping like visitors due to the many kamaaina specials that have emerged as softening in Hawaii tourism has extended into the peak summer period. Star-Advertiser.

Bloomberg reports Ellison is now world’s second richest person. Oracle founder and Lanai majority landowner Larry Ellison has overtaken Mark Zuckerberg, who owns a large estate on Kauai, to become the world’s second-richest person with a net worth of $251 billion — up nearly $60 billion in 2025 — according to Bloomberg News. Maui News.

Oahu

Trial run for rail’s airport extension delayed, HART says. Segment 2 — built to run from the old Aloha Stadium in Halawa, past the airport, to the Middle Street Transit Center in Kalihi — is scheduled to open for public ridership by Oct. 1. Star-Advertiser.

Nonprofit pushes for new Ala Wai Watershed District. A local nonprofit that wants to advance investments in nature-based solutions to protect the watershed and its communities is circulating an unofficial draft bill requesting that the Honolulu City Council establish a so-called Ala Wai Watershed Special Improvement District No. 6. Star-Advertiser.

HPD to add officers to combat rising crime rate in West Oahu. The Honolulu Police Department is adding a dozen officers to its West Oahu patrol district to address a 24% increase in calls for service and a spate of shootings and violent crime. Star-Advertiser.

Waikīkī Restaurant War Reveals Gaps In Hawaiʻi Business Protections. The dispute between two restaurants with the same name on the same block underscores a weakness in the state’s trademark system. Civil Beat.

Twice Torched Bird Watch Overlook Remains Shut. The popular birdwatching spot in ʻEwa Beach had been closed, then reopened for barely a year before it was closed down again last August. Trespassing brings a hefty fine. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Island

Hawaii County names new interim police chief. On July 18, Hawaii County named Deputy Chief Reed Mahuna as the interim chief of police effective Sept. 1. KHON2.

Big Island police recover remains of women from fallen banyan tree. Hawaii Island police on Sunday recovered the remains of two women from within the debris of a downed banyan tree, which had fallen on Kilauea Avenue in Hilo on July 12. Star-Advertiser. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now.  Hawaii News Now. 

Episode 29 of the Halemaʻumaʻu eruption abruptly ends after 13 hours.  Episode 29 of the ongoing Halemaʻumaʻu eruption ended abruptly around 6:35 p.m. on Sunday after over 13 hours of continuous lava fountaining. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now. 

New Electric Buses Headed To Hawaiʻi Island. 12 new battery-electric buses, manufactured by the Gillig company, are replacing diesel buses on Kauaʻi, Maui and Hawaiʻi Island. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Better late than never: ‘Ohana Hope Village nears completion 2 years after Maui wildfires. Just 11 days after the devastating Maui wildfires on Aug. 8, 2023, the privately funded ‘Ohana Hope Village broke ground in Kahului, moving fast to provide housing for people who had lost their homes. But the off-the-grid, 88-unit temporary village that initially was expected to take six months to build now is approaching the two-year mark. Maui Now.

Maui middle schoolers explore community challenges with 3D printers, coding, AI. A group of Maui middle school students has spent the summer 3D printing ʻohe kapala stamping sticks, creating scenes of the Hawaiian demigod Maui using virtual reality, and using drones in real-world applications. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kauai

5 new homes celebrated by Kauai Habitat for Humanity. The new homes were built with qualified homebuyers in partnership with USDA Sect. 502 Direct Loan to Homebuyers, down payment assistance from the County of Kauai HOME Investment Partnership program, Title Guaranty Hawaii, as well as many community donors and volunteers. Garden Island.

One lane of alternating traffic open on Kūhiō Highway near Hanalei River Bridge. Kaua‘i Emergency Management Agency reported just before 6 p.m. Sunday that Kūhiō Highway near Hanalei River Bridge is open to one lane of alternating traffic after being closed that morning and for much of the day because of being inundated from flood waters. Kauai Now.