Flight reductions coming to HNL, election commission votes to end vote by mail, ICE arrests 44 on Kauai, school chief gets huge raise, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

HNL on list of airports where FAA will reduce flights. FAA says it's cutting thousands of flights a day starting this week due to shutdown. Hawaii News Now. ABC.

Hawaiʻi Schools Chief Gets $45,000 Raise As His 4-Year Contract Is Renewed. DOE Superintendent Keith Hayashi also could see his salary rise up to $400,900 by the end of the decade if he continues to get good performance reviews. Civil Beat.  Star-Advertiser. KHON2. 

Hawaii elections commission calls for end to mail-in voting. The state elections commission has voted to ask the legislature to ban mail-in and early voting and return to traditional in-person voting on Election Day. Hawaii News Now.

OHA Chief Executive Sues Trustees For Retaliation, Damage To Reputation. Stacy Ferreira, who has been on leave from her position as the chief executive of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs since late September, alleged in a lawsuit filed Wednesday that Board Chairman Kai Kahele retaliated against her for reporting misconduct during the office’s budget sessions earlier this year and “orchestrated” her removal from office. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now. 

Hawaii House leaders won’t investigate bribery scandal citing federal case. Circulating petition asks lawmakers to investigate one of their own. It's been a little more than a week since a petition was circulated to put pressure on state lawmakers to investigate one of their own. It stems from a public corruption case that sent two lawmakers to jail: Sen. J. Kalani English and Rep. Ty Cullen. Hawaii Public Radio. Hawaii News Now.

Ban on e-bikes at Hawaii's public schools. New regulations announced for electric bicycles on school campuses, properties statewide. Hawai‘i Department of Education — effective immediately — implemented new regulations governing the use of electric bicycles, more commonly known as e-bikes, on all department campuses throughout the islands. Big Island Now. KITV4.

Green wants $10B in Hawaii benefits for future Army use of state lands. Gov. Josh Green is proposing a $10 billion deal for future use of state land by the Army for training if the federal government pursues condemnation for such use. Star-Advertiser. Big Island Now.

Hawaiian Airlines Changes Surfboard Policy After PR Wipeout. Travelers can now carry 10-foot, 5-inch surfboard bags on Hawaiian and Alaska Airlines flights. Civil Beat.

Honolulu-bound UPS plane crash kills 12; ‘black boxes’ found. U.S. federal safety investigators have located the “black box” recorders from the wreckage of a Hawaii-bound UPS cargo plane that crashed in flames on takeoff from the airport at Louisville, Kentucky, killing at least 12 people, officials said. Reuters.

Oahu

Queen Emma Land Co. Wants Former Tenant To Tear Down Historic Building. The controversy over the downtown Honolulu building pits one of Hawaiʻi’s oldest real estate services companies against an aliʻi trust established by Queen Emma to benefit her hospital. Civil Beat.

HPD shoots, kills ‘aggressive’ dog; 1 officer injured. Loved ones gathered in the Iwilei area to say goodbye to a beloved pet that was shot and killed by a Honolulu police officer. KHON2.

Filmmaker, caregiver in Hawaii facing deportation to Brazil. A filmmaker from Brazil allegedly living in the U.S. illegally for more than 25 years was arrested by federal agents in Hawaii and is facing deportation after he failed to appear before an immigration judge in August. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii Public Radio. 

Hawaii Island

Legal wrangling continues in fatal dog attack case. A West Hawaii couple facing petty misdemeanor charges for a fatal dog mauling that occurred more than two years ago in Ocean View has filed separate motions to dismiss their cases in Kona District Court. Tribune-Herald.

Lead contamination found in Hawaii school water. Education officials are investigating lead contamination at Waiakea Intermediate School on the Big Island. Drinking fountains have been shut down after the kitchen water tested above federal limits. KHON2.

Maui

Wildfire Risk Reduction Project set to start Nov. 12 off Waiʻale Road in Wailuku. The County’s Maui Emergency Management Agency, in coordination with County staff and contracted partners, will begin removing hazardous wildfire risks from County-owned parcels near a public school and a church in Wailuku on Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2025. Maui Now.

Complaints of living conditions at Maui public housing facility. Chantia Kaulia lives at Kahekili Terrace in Wailuku. Her life improved dramatically when she moved in about two years ago. But her gratitude has now turned into frustration. Hawaii News Now.

Over 130 health care professionals convene for Maui County Healthcare Stakeholders’ Summit. Health care professionals, administrators, educators, government leaders and nonprofit directors from Maui, Molokaʻi and Lānaʻi gathered for a daylong meeting aimed at building bridges and finding solutions to Maui County’s health care woes.  Maui Now.

Kauai

44 people arrested in immigration raids on Kauai. Federal agents have arrested 44 people on Kauai for allegedly violating U.S. immigration law, including two “suspected associates” of the Venezuelan criminal gang Tren de Aragua, after serving warrants at six homes and one business, according to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Star-Advertiser. Kauai Now.  Hawaii News Now. KHON2.  KITV4.

Kauaʻi County Council approves taxi fare increase to support local drivers. The Kaua‘i County Council has approved an ordinance to raise taxi rates across the Garden Isle, marking the first major fare adjustment in years for local drivers. Kauai Now.

Surfer suffers leg injuries after being bitten by shark at Hanalei Bay. Kauai’s Hanalei Bay is closed until further notice after a surfer was bitten by a shark — leaving him with multiple leg injuries. KHON2. 

Green seeks $10B for use of military land, Hawaii teacher claims rights violation in Charlie Kirk discussion, Hawaii County Council delays vacation rental regs, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaiʻi Gov Wants $10 Billion From Feds For Military Land Leases. Gov. Josh Green wants to secure significant investments from the federal government for housing and environmental protection while also moving swiftly on a deal that would allow the Army to continue using thousands of acres of state land for training. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

Teacher says DOE response to Charlie Kirk class discussion violates her rights. A conservative legal group has sent a demand letter to the state Department of Education because of a classroom discussion about conservative activist Charlie Kirk. A middle school history teacher at a Hawaiʻi public school alleges that the department violated her First Amendment right to free speech. Hawaii Public Radio.

At least 7 dead in ‘catastrophic’ fiery crash of Honolulu-bound UPS plane in Kentucky. A UPS cargo plane bound for Hawaii crashed and exploded in a massive fireball Tuesday while taking off from the company’s global aviation hub in Louisville, Kentucky, killing at least seven people and injuring 11, authorities said. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. KITV4. 

The University of Hawaii announced a temporary grace period for registration holds across all 10 campuses Tuesday. A letter from UH President Wendy Hensel said students can register for Spring 2026 even with unpaid Fall quarter balances. Hawaii News Now.

New hemp registration requirements coming in 2026. The Hawaiʻi Department of Health (DOH) Office of Medical Cannabis Control and Regulation (OMCCR) is launching a statewide outreach and education campaign to help hemp retailers and distributors prepare for new registration requirements that take effect Jan. 1, 2026. Maui Now.

State Sen. Awa contests election ethics violation over social media video. The Hawaiʻi Ethics Commission is considering a violation against Oʻahu North Shore state Sen. Brenton Awa that could result in a nearly $1,000 fine. Awa appeared before the commission Monday to contest the violation regarding a video he posted on his official Instagram account. In issuing the violation notice, the commission said Awa's video used government resources for campaign purposes, which is against the law. Hawaii Public Radio.

Matson pays $6.4M in port fees to China since levies started. Honolulu-based ocean shipping company Matson Inc. has paid $6.4 million in port fees to China since they were implemented on Oct.14, CEO Matt Cox said Tuesday. Reuters.

Federal Cuts Mean Less Help For Hawai’i Domestic Violence Victims. Programs providing targeted outreach to Native Hawaiian and Filipino survivors are among those facing cuts. Civil Beat.

 1 dead, 1 sick from listeria infection in Hawaii. DOH said that the strain has been linked to prepared pasta meals that have since been recalled due to a potential listeria contamination — the source of the two Hawaii cases has yet to be determined. KHON2.

Oahu

Osprey command team relieved of duty. Maj. Gen. Marcus B. Annibale, commanding general of the Okinawa-based 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, relieved Lt. Col. Shaina M. Hennessey of her duties as commanding officer of Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 268, along with its senior enlisted leader Sgt. Maj. Jamie Lampley and the squadron’s unnamed executive officer. Star-Advertiser.

HPD using mounted license plate reading cameras in parts of Waikiki and Downtown. Honolulu Police have been using license plate reading cameras in their patrol cars for years. But they’ve recently started mounting them in fixed locations. And if police had their way, the cameras would be all over the island.  KHON2.

Uncertainty surrounding the distribution of SNAP benefits and ongoing furloughs during the government shutdown is causing multiple challenges for federal employees.  An Oʻahu food pantry added a day of distributions specifically for federal workers. Hawaii Public Radio.

‘Very painful,’ former Miss Hawaii fights to stop her husband from being deported.  With a cane in hand guiding her every step, former Miss Hawaii Cheryl Bartlett slowly walks along the garden of palms and hinahina she and her husband, Rogerio Araujo, grew together outside of their Makiki apartment.  Hawaii News Now.

Years of blight: Crumbling Waialae Ave home sparks safety fears. It’s one of the first homes you see driving into Kahala. Neighbors say the crumbling, overgrown property on Waialae Avenue has become a magnet for trouble, and they’re pleading for something to be done. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

County Council committee votes to delay start of STVRs law. A proposal to delay implementation of Hawaii County’s short-term vacation rental law until mid-2026 cleared a County Council committee Tuesday and now heads to the full council for final approval. Tribune-Herald.

State leaders support alternate Mauna Kea sites as option for Thirty Meter Telescope. Gov. Josh Green is pledging to help “promptly” establish a procedure to permit construction of a controversial telescope atop Mauna Kea on a site previously developed for observatory use. Star-Advertiser.

Hawai‘i Community College Sees Large Enrollment Increase. Hawaiʻi CC saw an enrollment of 2,489 students, an 8.7% rise, said to be one of the highest headcounts in years at the Hawaiʻi island-based college.  Big Island Video News.

BJ Penn charged with alleged assault of 45-year-old man outside Hilo residence. Hawai‘i Island police arrested and charged former UFC two-division champion 46-year-old Jay Dee “BJ” Penn of Hilo with third-degree assault following an incident early Tuesday morning (Nov. 4) in Hilo. Big Island Now. KITV4. 

Maui

Maui Council adopts dual track Kahului seat vacancy process, clashes over Bill 9 delay. The Maui County Council ended a contentious special meeting to determine a process to fill the vacancy left by the death of Council Member Tasha Kama with a final, tense 8-0 vote. Maui Now.

Maui’s King Kamehameha III school to reopen Wednesday. King Kamehameha III Elementary plans to reopen Wednesday after being closed Tuesday “out of an abundance of caution” due to Monday’s Kapalua wildfire which is now 100% contained. Star-Advertiser.

Maui fishers donate thousands of pounds of fish to feed hungry families. Fishers on 23 boats participated in the tournament, bringing in more than 4,800 pounds of fish, including marlin, mahi mahi, and ahi.  Hawaii News Now.

County of Maui seeking volunteers to serve on Boards and Commissions. Maui County boards and commissions need volunteers for more than 30 panels, including Liquor Control Commission, Maui Planning Commission, Police Commission, Salary Commission, Urban Design Review Board, Fire and Public Safety Commission and others. Maui Now.

Kauai

Mayor, county officials swear-in the county’s new attorney. Tyler Saito previously worked as a deputy county attorney and a deputy prosecuting attorney in the Kauaʻi Office of the Prosecuting Attorney. Kauai Now.

Mākua Beach Parking Woes May Be Eased Under Kauaʻi Mayor’s Plan. Parking has been a problem for decades at the main access point shared by Mākua Beach and Hāʻena Beach Park. An effort to fix it may be gaining momentum. Civil Beat.

Conservationists seek to reduce nēnē deaths on West Kauaʻi highway. The Mānā Plains Nēnē Project will focus on reducing car collisions with nēnē along a 5-mile stretch of Kaumualiʻi Highway in West Kauaʻi near the Kawaiʻele Waterbird Sanctuary. Hawaii Public Radio.

Appetite returns for green sea turtles following recovery from extinction, officials seek to build Thirty Meter Telescope on Mauna Kea decommissioned telescope site, HART wants to become permanent agency, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Green Sea Turtles Have Rebounded. Should Hawaiians Be Able To Eat Them? The honu has recovered from the brink of extinction, prompting some to ask if it’s time to give Native Hawaiians the right to resume traditional harvesting. Civil Beat.

DOE’s Top Leader Could Get Big Pay Raise. Superintendent Keith Hayashi’s salary could increase 60% by 2029 under a new contract up for approval Wednesday. Civil Beat.

Recorded call reveals alleged threat to arrest deputy sheriff in ‘political push’.  Wayne Ibarra is being sued by multiple deputies who accuse him and the Department of Law Enforcement’s former director, Jordan Lowe, of abuse of power. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii residents face steep Obamacare premium increases amid subsidy uncertainty. The premium increases are affecting roughly 25,000 people in Hawaii as open enrollment begins, with costs rising 10-12 percent. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaiʻi food distribution events ramp up while residents await delayed SNAP funds. The Trump administration says it will restart SNAP food benefits, but will pay out only half the amount people normally get — and there could be lengthy delays. Hawaii Public Radio.

Demand is growing in Hawaii for food, financial assistance. A state program to use $100 million in federal funds to help island families with housing and utility assistance resulted in over 9,000 requests for applications and information while library supporters donated canned goods and nonperishable food in response to the ongoing closure of the federal government and reduction in federal SNAP benefits. Star-Advertiser.

Libraries accept food donations in response to SNAP disruptions, federal shutdown. The state of Hawaiʻi has launched the Kōkua Food Drive, a weeklong food collection campaign that began Monday  in partnership with the Hawaiʻi State Public Library System to support food banks across the islands. Maui Now. KITV4. 

Aloha United Way responds as calls to 211 skyrocket following Hawaiʻi Relief Program updates. 211 normally handles about 150 calls a day, but that number skyrocketed to over 850 contacts (calls, texts and chats) in one day from residents looking for resources and information. Maui Now.

Office of Hawaiian Affairs to vote on $6.1 million relief plan due to federal government shutdown. The Office of Hawaiian Affairs Board of Trustees will meet Thursday in Hilo to vote on a proposal to distribute more than $6.1 million in emergency aid to Native Hawaiian beneficiaries affected by the ongoing federal government shutdown and by delayed Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits. Big Island Now.

Hawaii’s pineapple shortage could soon be over. Distributors and stores said the shortage has lasted months, but growers say that will soon change. KHON2.

UH law school brings recruitment events to neighbor islands. The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa William S. Richardson School of Law is taking its admissions outreach to Maui, Kauaʻi and Hawaiʻi Island in November. Maui Now.

Oahu

HART looks to extend its life beyond 2031 sunset date. Options to turn the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation into a permanent agency, and potentially expand its mission to construct things other than the city’s more than $10 billion Skyline project, appear to be coming down the tracks. Star-Advertiser.

$62M project expands affordable housing for seniors. EAH Housing, a nonprofit developer and property manager, has redeveloped the former ‘Aiea Sugar Mill site into Aloha Ia Halewiliko — a 140-unit community for residents 62 and older. Star-Advertiser.

Trial is rescheduled in fatal hit-and-run of McKinley student. The family of Sara Yara, the 16-year-old killed in a crosswalk by a hit-and-run driver, expected Mitchel Miyashiro to plead guilty to first-degree negligent homicide at his change-of-plea hearing Monday. Instead, Miyashiro apparently changed his mind and asked for a new trial date. Star-Advertiser.

Medical Examiner identifies 2 women killed in Ewa Beach fire. The two women killed Wednesday in an Ewa Beach care home fire have been identified as Kimiko Takamiya, 93, and Rizza Lee Souther, 32. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Thirty Meter Telescope Planners Consider Other Sites On Mauna Kea. Gov. Josh Green and the entire Hawaiʻi congressional delegation signed a letter last month promising to work with state officials to establish a permitting process for construction on the sites of decommissioned telescopes on Mauna Kea. Civil Beat.

Immigration enforcement impacting production at some small Kona coffee farms. As the coffee harvesting season comes to a close, some small Kona farmers say they have experienced an impact to their farm production due to fear and concern stemming from reported arrests of immigrant workers on the Big Island. Big Island Now.

Bill addresses requirements for Civil Defense chief. The Hawaii County Council’s Governmental Operations and External Affairs Committee today will discuss Bill 89, which proposes changes to the County Code regarding the appointment of the Civil Defense administrator. Tribune-Herald.

Hilo Benioff Medical Center improves records access for patients. Hilo Benioff Medical Center on Nov. 1 launched its new digital system for managing medical records, appointments, prescriptions and payments, and hospital officials are urging the community to prepare for the change. Tribune-Herald.

New Women's Court on Hawaiʻi Island seeks to provide tools to heal and rebuild. In Kona, Drug Court has already proven to be overwhelmingly successful and many of the practices that guided that program are now being extended to the newly formed Women’s Court on the island as well.  Hawaii Public Radio.

Maui

Maui Council Looks To Fill Vacant Seat As Emotional Debate Begins. Members of the public and the council will have until Monday to nominate individuals to be considered for the seat previously held by the late Tasha Kama. Civil Beat. Maui News. 

Bill 9’s first reading to be scheduled after council fills vacancy. Maui County Council Chair Alice L. Lee announced that first reading of the bill to phase out transient vacation rentals in Apartment Districts will be scheduled for a council meeting hopefully in December while the council turns its attention to filling the vacancy created by the passing of Council Member Tasha Kama. Maui Now.

Kauai

Tyler Saito is new County Attorney. Saito succeeds Matthew Bracken, who is moving from more than a decade of county service to join the Kauai office of McCorriston Miller Mukai MacKinnon, LLP. Garden Island. Kauai Now.

Army stages multinational exercise amid land negotiations, Honolulu fires building permit worker for expediting certain applications, Hawaii County Council set to delay vacation rental regs, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Army gearing up for multinational exercise amid land negotiations. The Army announced Friday that from today through Nov. 17, soldiers from the 25th Infantry Division will participate in the annual Hawaii rotation of the Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center (JPMRC), a series of training ranges in Hawaii and Alaska. Star-Advertiser.

Turnout Is Up. People Like It. But Voting By Mail Is Under Attack In Hawaiʻi. The state Elections Commission has asked the Legislature to revert to in-person, same-day voting. But experts say voting by mail is safe and popular. Civil Beat.

Construction industry looks to younger generations to keep building Hawaiʻi . A recent UHERO report said ongoing construction of the Skyline rail project, the Aloha Stadium redevelopment, and rebuilding on Maui will sustain nearly 40,000 construction jobs through the end of this decade. But the median age of a construction worker in Hawaiʻi is 44, two years older than the national median of 42. Hawaii Public Radio.

UH study: 19-year life expectancy gap among major ethnic groups in Hawaiʻi. The updated analysis — published in the Hawaiʻi Journal of Health and Social Welfare — shows that while the state continues to rank among the nation’s healthiest, Native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islanders continue to face the greatest disparities. Kauai Now.

Hawaii response a ‘lifeline’ for SNAP benefit recipients. Local efforts to help the 161,400 low-income Hawaii residents facing elimination of federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program — or SNAP — benefits and others affected by the federal government shutdown will keep an already bad economic situation from getting worse for the state, according to the University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization. Star-Advertiser.

Change in collecting tourism data disrupts trends. As Hawaii marks the 75th anniversary of its in-flight visitor survey — a cornerstone of tourism data collection — state officials are grappling with an eight-month disruption in tracking visitor trends. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Honolulu Fired Building Permit Worker Who Cut Through Delays For A Few People. The city accused a plans examiner of preferential treatment.From 2019 to 2022, building plans examiner Kim Kehrwieder helped certain applicants on dozens, if not hundreds, of occasions, plucking them out of the queue and sparing them costly, monthslong delays, a city investigation found. Civil Beat.

TheBus gives final contract offer to Local 996. The proposal, delivered late Friday, includes a 16% pay increase over four years — a 4% raise each year — along with 100% employer-paid medical coverage for active employees, retirees, and their families, and full employer contributions to pension funds. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.  KITV4.

North Shore eyeing shuttle service to solve traffic woes. House Majority Leader Sean Quinlan (D, Waialua-­Haleiwa-Punaluu) has secured $4.7 million to help untangle traffic snarls on Oahu’s North Shore and is negotiating to purchase seven acres from Dole Food Co. — an integral step in starting a shuttle system aimed at easing traffic. Star-Advertiser.

Condemned house lots recycled in Kuliouou. The board of the state’s Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corp. in July approved spending $500,000 appropriated by the Legislature in 2024 on “Band-Aid” repaving of a dilapidated road fronting 17 vacant lots where the state previously purchased and demolished damaged homes built by a private developer for a predecessor agency as part of a larger subdivision. Star-Advertiser.

Punahou Square Park Has Seen Better Days. A dog park is being added to the small park while other parts of it remain neglected. Civil Beat.

Sewer installation begins for Kailua Ocean Safety facility. City crews are starting sewer connection work next week for the new Honolulu Ocean Safety Department facility in Kailua. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

Council likely to push back implementation of STVR law to July 2026. Hawaii County’s law regulating short-term vacation rentals — those lasting fewer than 180 consecutive days — could be pushed back to take effect July 1, 2026, under a proposal the County Council will discuss Tuesday. Tribune-Herald.

Big Isle lawmakers provide update on road projects. State and county transportation officials joined local lawmakers last week to share updates and hear community concerns about ongoing and future projects in Puna and across Hawaii Island. Tribune-Herald.

Iconic Ali‘i Drive in Kona changed forever after loss of 80-foot tree. The landscape of historic Ali‘i Drive in Kailua-Kona is forever changed as the more than 100-year-old Moreton Bay Fig tree with branches that arched over the roadway was cut down, going from its majestic 80 feet high to a 20-foot trunk. Big Island Now.

Maui

Drought leaves extreme low flows in East Maui streams; debate sparked over emergency easing of stream flow standards. The Oct. 28 briefing for members of the Hawaiʻi Commission on Water Resource Management raised urgent concerns about the source of East Maui’s and — by extension — Upcountry’s drinking water supply, prompting state water officials to consider revising in-stream flow standards as an emergency measure. Maui Now.

Maui County plans more wells, system upgrades to meet Upcountry’s water issues, growing demand. As the need for water continues to outpace supply, especially in Upcountry, Maui County is trying to find new sources and solutions that aren’t dependent on rain. They include buying and drilling new wells, upgrading key treatment plants and potentially connecting to the Central Maui system so water can be pumped Upcountry in times of short supply.  Maui Now.

As residents brace for changes to SNAP, Maui farmers worry about the impacts. Pono Grown Farm produces a diverse variety of vegetables, fruit and honey on about 13 acres in Makawao, using regenerative and organic methods, with a focus on youth and community agricultural education. Hawaii Public Radio.

Online survey seeks public input on urban forest management plan. Maui County officials are seeking input on a new urban forest management plan that aims to cultivate communities where trees provide food, cultural resources, shade, aquifer recharge, climate resilience and other benefits on the island of Maui.  Maui News.

Hawaiʻi Needs More Firebreaks. Maui Is Making It Happen. A new horseshoe-shaped road around Lahainaluna High School is intended to slow the spread of wildfires and give firefighters better access to the area so they can more easily battle the flames. Civil Beat.

Kauai

Kalāheo Dental Group’s annual Halloween Candy Buyback supports Operation Shoebox. For the past 10 years, the team at Kalāheo Dental Group on Kauaʻi’s west side has turned the post-Halloween sugar rush into something truly sweet: their annual Halloween Candy BuyBack event, which supports U.S. troops overseas. Kauai Now.

Life of a beloved kumu hula celebrated on Kauai in a fond farewell. Hula, memories and aloha filled the Kilohana Plantation grounds Saturday as hundreds turned out to honor the life of Jonelle Marie Leināʻala Pavao-Jardin. She died on Oct. 4 at the age of 51 after a 15-month battle with pancreatic cancer. Hawaii News Now.

State to dole out $250 to each SNAP recipient, federal judge in Hawaii rules on abortion drug, two dead in Ewa Beach care home fire, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

State to give $250 to each SNAP recipient. The state will provide $250 in November for each of Hawaii’s 161,400 island residents whose SNAP benefits will no longer be federally funded Saturday because of the ongoing government shutdown, Gov. Josh Green announced at the state Capitol on Thursday. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii Public Radio. Big Island Video News.  Big Island Now. Maui News.  Maui Now. 

Federal Judge In Hawaiʻi Rules FDA Violated Law With Abortion Pill Restrictions. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration violated the law by imposing restrictions on accessing mifepristone, a medication for abortions and miscarriage management, a federal judge in Hawai‘i ruled Thursday. Associated Press.

Disgraced Cops And Ex-Felons Are Among Hawaiʻi’s Licensed Security Guards. The state board that licenses private security guards has broad authority to certify people who apply, even if their personal history raises red flags. Civil Beat.

A Revolving Door For Mentally Ill? Lawmakers Question Diversion Program. Lawmakers are expressing concern that a law meant to keep people with mental illness accused of minor crimes from languishing in jail is instead trapping some people in a revolving door at the Hawaiʻi State Hospital without meaningful treatment. Civil Beat.

Kamehameha Ending Scholarships For Students Attending Other Schools. The Kipona Scholarship is Kamehameha’s third-largest external financial aid program. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser. 

Hawaii’s aiports avoid delays seen on mainland — so far. Despite the ongoing federal government shutdown and nationwide staffing shortages, Hawaii airports have so far managed to avoid significant delays, according to Shelly Kunishige from the Hawaii Department of Transportation. Tribune-Herald.

Visitor arrivals to Hawaii still softening. Visitor arrivals to Hawaii declined in September, but higher daily spending helped bolster tourism revenue — though inflation and rising operational costs cut into the increases. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Ewa Beach care home fire leaves 2 dead, 1 seriously injured. A 93-year-old woman was killed in an Ewa Beach adult care home fire Wednesday night, and a 32-year-old woman who lived behind the home died Thursday at Straub Medical Center. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. KITV4.

Registration for Foodbank’s Waipio distribution event quickly hits full capacity. The event, for federal workers and food stamp recipients affected by the U.S. government shutdown, was announced around midday Thursday but, at about 4 p.m., Foodbank officials said registration was closed. Star-Advertiser.

Law enforcement operation recovers 10 runaway teens on Oʻahu. Ten runaway youth between the ages of 13 and 18 years old were recovered on Oʻahu through a multi-law enforcement agency operation, local enforcement said.  Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Island

Kona Airport shut down for hours to address runway repairs. Travelers faced delays Thursday at Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport, which closed for about seven hours to complete repairs to its sole runway. Star-Advertiser.

Enrollment up nearly 9% at Hawaii Community College. Hawaii Community College had one of the largest enrollment increases in the University of Hawaii system this fall, rising 8.7% to 2,489 students — its highest headcount in years and a strong sign of renewed momentum. Tribune-Herald.

Waimea District Park Playground Closed, Temporarily. The repairs to the playground equipment are expected to be completed by November 8, depending on weather conditions and other factors. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Maui Planning Commission defers consideration of larger ʻohana homes to build housing inventory. The Maui Planning Commission deferred consideration Tuesday of a draft bill to increase the allowable size of accessory dwelling units, also known as ʻohana homes, on smaller lots, a move intended to help address Maui County’s critical housing shortage. Maui Now.

Four Seasons wins SMA permit after Maui Planning Commission backs off property-wide water monitoring. The Maui Planning Commission voted 5-1 Tuesday to grant a special management area use permit for the Four Seasons Resort Wailea’s $16.3 million project to make exterior renovations, including new swimming pools.  Maui Now.

Lanai bowling alley saga shines light on county’s cumbersome parking mandates. Maui County lawmakers have approved a bill that clears the way for a new four-lane bowling facility in the heart of the island’s “downtown” area.  Maui News.

Aloha Pickleball holds groundbreaking for new 18-court complex in Kīhei. After five years of dreaming, planning and perseverance, Aloha Pickleball held its groundbreaking ceremony Tuesday for its new, state-of-the-art pickleball complex in Kīhei. Maui Now.

Community reports essential as little fire ant detections increase on Maui. With 75% of detections coming from residents, community engagement continues to be the key to protection. Maui News.

Kauai

Kaua‘i County adopts first-ever framework to guide disaster. Kaua‘i County and University of Hawai‘i Sea Grant College Program, also known as Hawai‘i Sea Grant, have developed a framework aimed at helping Kauaʻi’s communities prepare more effectively and, in turn, better support recovery following natural disasters. Kauai Now.

First infant, toddler center opens. The opening expands CFS’s capacity to serve more of Kauai’s youngest keiki and their families through Early Head Start services in a dedicated, center-based setting. Garden Island. Kauai Now.

Petition seeks identity of mystery lawmaker who took $35k bribe, governor announces relief effort as federal benefits are frozen, Kapalua golf course to reopen, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

New push underway to expose ‘influential’ lawmaker who took $35,000 bribe. A new petition is calling for lawmakers to investigate one of their own after federal court documents revealed an “influential state legislator” took a $35,000 bribe but was never charged. Hawaii News Now.

Governor announces relief effort to protect families from federal gov’t shutdown impacts. Aid for Hawaii housing costs now available as federal food aid loss nears. A new $100 million state program is offering rent and utility payment assistance to Hawaii residents with children facing financial instability as federal food aid for almost 170,000 people statewide is scheduled for suspension Saturday. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.  Hawaii Public Radio. Big Island Now.  Hawaii News Now.  KHON2. KITV4. 

SNAP work requirement changes take effect Saturday. H.R.1, or the One Big, Beautiful Bill Act, expanded work requirements for what it called “able-bodied adults,” which currently apply to residents ages 18 to 54 with no dependents, to a broader population to remain eligible for SNAP, America’s food stamp program. Under federal law, these adults will have to complete 80 hours of work or training per month to remain eligible for SNAP. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.

Coral reefs have reached a climate tipping point, but Hawaiʻi researchers say hope remains. A new global report warns coral reefs have already reached a climate tipping point, dying faster than they can naturally recover. KITV4.

Oahu

Chinatown seniors face steep rent increases at affordable housing complex. Seniors living at an affordable housing complex in Chinatown are facing significant rent increases, with some residents reporting hikes of more than 34%. At the Halewaiʻolu Senior Residences on River Street, 155 affordable rental units house residents 55 and older. Hawaii News Now.

Financing secured for first phase of Kūhiō Park Terrace redevelopment. In this phase, 60 of the current 174 aging public housing units will be replaced with 302 new affordable rental homes and two manager units. Aloha State Daily.

Mental health clinic for veterans and families celebrates 5 years. The Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic in Mililani celebrated five years of operations Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Shutdown halts Hawaiʻi's primary way of confirming Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death. The government shutdown has paused a critical detection component of the effort to contain Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death in Hawaiʻi's native forests. For the duration of the shutdown, a U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service lab in Hilo is not testing new samples to confirm cases of ROD. Hawaii Public Radio.

Long-term solutions being explored after dredging of Pohoiki Boat Ramp failed. After the recent dredging at Pohoiki Boat Ramp failed, state Rep. Greggor Ilagan of Puna described two options for a long-term solution. Big Island Now.

Food Lines Form In Hawaiʻi As SNAP Benefits Near Expiration. The Food Basket held an ‘Ohana Drop food distribution in Hilo last week, as the federal government shutdown continues. Big Island Video News.

Waimea District Park Playground Closed, Temporarily. The repairs to the playground equipment are expected to be completed by November 8, depending on weather conditions and other factors. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Kapalua’s Plantation Course to reopen Nov. 10. Seeing improved conditions after the Plantation Course turned brown without water over the summer, Kapalua is preparing to reopen the course Nov. 10. Maui News.

East Maui group escalates dispute with state over visitor misbehavior on Hāna Highway. Famed for its hundreds of twists and turns through lush East Maui rainforests and dozens of one-lane bridges, the Road to Hāna has become infamous for something else — the head-scratching antics of visitors. Maui Now.

Upcountry drought concerns continue after Maui County downgrades water shortage. The County of Maui has downgraded the severity of a historic drought, but local officials are no less concerned about dry conditions. Hawaii Public Radio.

Kauai

Kauai Independent Food Bank helps feed federal workers’ families. More than 8,500 pounds of food were distributed on Monday from the Kauai Independent Food Bank facility for federal workers affected by the government shutdown. Garden Island.

North Shore Give caravan delivers gratitude to Kauaʻi’s first responders. In a moving gesture of appreciation on National First Responders Day, local nonprofit North Shore Give took to the road, forming a caravan of gratitude that stopped at fire stations, police departments and ambulance bases across Kaua’i. Kauai Now.

Hegseth visits Hawaii, state joins lawsuit over SNAP suspension, new leadership at HART, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth arrives in Hawaii. U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth arrived in Hawaii Monday morning. Hawaii News Now. This is the first leg on Hegseth’s trip, which will take him to Japan next, then Malaysia, Vietnam, and South Korea.  Hawaii News Now.

Hawaiʻi Is Making A Big Push To Increase College Enrollment. Will It Work? A new program offers Hawaiʻi seniors guaranteed admissions to nine University of Hawaiʻi campuses, but advocates say more needs to be done if UH really wants to reach more disadvantaged students. Civil Beat.

AARP report shows strain on Hawaii caregivers. Nearly 1 in 4 adults in Hawaii — about 260,000 people — serve as family caregivers each year, a role that is largely unpaid and often unsupported, according to newly released data from AARP. Star-Advertiser.

Not enough after-school child care to meet demand, Hawaiʻi report finds. Hawaiʻi families love after-school care programs and need more of them. Those are the bottom lines from a new report titled “America After 3PM.” Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaiʻi joins multistate lawsuit over federal suspension of SNAP benefits. Attorney General Anne Lopez announced Tuesday that Hawaiʻi has joined 24 other states in filing a lawsuit against the US Department of Agriculture over the looming suspension of the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), otherwise known as food stamps. Maui Now. New York Times. KHON2.

New Federal Rules Ramp Up The Pressure On People Who Count On Food Stamps. Thousands of people in Hawaiʻi will be cut from the program entirely or face additional hurdles, including added work requirements. Civil Beat.

State to help SNAP recipients through rent, utility relief. The Senate Health and Human Services Committee held an informational briefing at the state Capitol Tuesday over Hawaii’s response to the food program’s suspension. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.  KHON2. KITV4. 

Locally sourced, fresh food erupts from ‘bussin’ volcano bowls’ at Hawai‘i schools.  Hawai‘i public school cafeterias this October were invited to serve “bussin’ volcano bowls” — a playful take on a taco salad — for lunch, featuring locally sourced beef, lettuce and tomatoes, where available. The featured meal celebrates National Farm to School Month, which highlights the connections between keiki, local food and agriculture. Kauai Now.

Youth Climate Summit, policy forum set for Saturday. Hawaii youth will have a chance to share their climate priorities directly with lawmakers and environmental organizations during a full-day event at the state Capitol on Saturday. Star-Advertiser.

Neighbor Islands Solve More Burglaries, Car Thefts Than Oʻahu. A new state database shows crime is down in Honolulu and up on the neighbor islands. But the less populous counties had more success in solving some offenses. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Rail authority board elects new leadership. One month after the resignation of former rail board chair Colleen Hanabusa, a new leader is in charge. Hawaii News Now.

HART OKs $500K toward crash settlement. A fiery car crash that killed three people in Ewa Beach in 2017 has resulted in a $1.17-million settlement agreement, following lawsuits claiming the single-­vehicle collision was caused by a wrongly placed concrete pillar built for the city’s over-$10 billion elevated guideway and rail project. Star-Advertiser.

$10K/day fines: Navigating Oʻahu’s short term rental landscape. In Honolulu, Hawaiʻi, short term vacation rentals (STR) have become one of the most debated topics on Oʻahu. KHON2.

Freezing funds and meals, Hawaii senior braces for loss of food assistance. Martha Randolph, a senior from Pacific Heights, relies on the monthly funds to buy food. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Concerns raised over Ainako housing project. Dozens of community members gathered last week at the Aupuni Center Conference Room in Hilo to share their thoughts about a proposed affordable housing project planned for nearly 61 acres of county-owned land near Hilo Benioff Medical Center. Tribune-Herald.

Police: Speeding, reckless driving on the rise. The Hawaii Police Department is urging motorists to drive responsibly following a recent increase in reports and incidents involving reckless and dangerous driving. The Hawaii Police Department is urging motorists to drive responsibly following a recent increase in reports and incidents involving reckless and dangerous driving. Tribune-Herald.

The Food Basket held an ‘Ohana Drop food distribution in Hilo last week, as the federal government shutdown continues. The Food Basket held an ‘Ohana Food Drop in Hilo last Friday, while Vibrant Hawaiʻi’s islandwide “Aloha In Action” effort is activating 12 community food distribution sites across the Big Island. Big Island Video News.

State ag officials hunt for coconut rhinoceros beetles in Kona Palisades. Kona has been dealing with a serious coconut rhinoceros beetle infestation since March. Hawaii Public Radio.

Maui

Maui Council sets Nov. 3 special meeting to establish process for filling Kahului vacancy. The Maui County Council will hold a special meeting at 9 a.m. Nov. 3 — and take public testimony — to establish a process to fill the Kahului residency seat vacancy left Sunday by the death of Council Member Natalie “Tasha” Kama. Maui Now.

Upcountry water shortage downgraded to Stage 2; Once weekly irrigation allowed on set days. Following recent rainfall that improved surface water flows and replenished reservoirs, the County of Maui Department of Water Supply is suspending the Stage 3 Upcountry water shortage alert and downgrading it to Stage 2, effective immediately and until further notice. Maui Now.

Lā Kūʻokoʻa Celebration and Walk to honor Hawaiʻi’s Independence. A community celebration of Lā Kūʻokoʻa (Hawaiʻi’s Independence Day) will be held Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Queen Kaʻahumanu Center. Maui Now.

Kauai

Mainlanders Are Filling Up Kauaʻi’s Low-Income Housing Waitlist. On Kauaʻi, a long waitlist for low-income housing is bogged down by nonresidents, some from states thousands of miles away. Civil Beat.

Kauai police seek help in identifying remains found in April. Police said a DNA profile is now available to compare with missing persons reports or family reference samples. Star-Advertiser. Kauai Now. 

Dry season wraps up in Hawai‘i, leaving Kaua‘i wetter than usual. According to the National Weather Service in Honolulu, the rainfall during the dry season, which runs from May through September, was slightly above average on the Garden Isle, while less rain was seen on the Big Island, O‘ahu and Maui County. Kauai Now.

Green imposes spending limits on state departments, tax office going after noncompliant vacation rentals, Maui Councilmember Tasha Kama dies, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaiʻi’s Child Welfare Reform Efforts Bump Up Against Budget Fears. Gov. Josh Green has imposed spending restrictions on state departments, which means new money to help fix problems at CWS will be scarce next year. Civil Beat.

Hawaii braces for suspension of SNAP. Organizations devoted to helping financially strapped Hawaii families were scrambling Monday after the federal Food and Nutrition Service told states that the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program — or SNAP — will be suspended beginning Saturday because of the federal government shutdown. Star-Advertiser.

What to know about SNAP benefits and a $100M Hawaiʻi relief program. More than 160,000 Hawaiʻi residents received SNAP benefits totaling about $753 million throughout fiscal year 2024, according to the state Department of Human Services. Hawaii Public Radio. KITV4.

Office of Hawaiian Affairs sets aside $6.1 million for emergency relief amid federal government shutdown. The Office of Hawaiian Affairs Board of Trustees approved $6.1 million in emergency funding for Native Hawaiian beneficiaries impacted by the shutdown of the federal government and the potential suspension of food assistance on Nov. 1. Kauai Now.

Republican State Sen. Brenton Awa to run for U.S. Rep. Jill Tokuda's seat. Republican state Sen. Brenton Awa announced his run for Congress on Monday, putting him in the race for the second congressional district against incumbent Rep. Jill Tokuda, a Democrat. Hawaii Public Radio. Hawaii News Now. 

Alaska, Hawaiian airlines combining under a single operating certificate. The Federal Aviation Administration is expected to issue a single operating certificate to Alaska Airlines on Wednesday — a pivotal step in its merger with Hawaiian Airlines, which will mark the milestone with the appointment of a new CEO and several other major transitions to its Honolulu-based leadership team. Star-Advertiser.

State tax office on going after vacation rentals that skip out on TAT. The Conversation spoke to the state tax office about a recent legal notice listing the names of 18 people or entities that were in violation of the law by not disclosing their tax information in their advertising on platforms like Airbnb and VRBO. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

Mom Sues Boys & Girls Club For Not Protecting Child From Abuse. Staff members of a Boys & Girls Club after-school program in Honolulu did nothing to address reports that one student was bullying and sexually assaulting another young boy for nearly four months, according to a lawsuit filed by the boy’s mother.  Civil Beat.

City offers more $10K grants to rail-affected businesses. A new round of city-subsidized relief is being offered to eligible businesses impacted by construction of the more than $10-billion Skyline rail project’s Dillingham Boulevard corridor, Honolulu officials say. Star-Advertiser.

Popular luau to close after nearly 50 years. After 47 years of service, Paradise Cove will hold its final luau on New Year’s Eve. The luau’s parent company, PC Services, said 172 employees will lose their jobs.  Hawaii News Now.

Demolition begins as Kawaiahao Church prepares for reburial of ancestral remains. Kawaiahaʻo Church is preparing to rebury hundreds of skeletal remains that were dug up during a construction project 16 years ago, with demolition work beginning Tuesday.  Hawaii News Now.

Assaults on Honolulu officers up, what’s behind the trend? Assault on law enforcement officer (LEO) cases jumped in 2025 — up 20% compared to the same time in 2024. Most of the assaults occur during responses for intoxication, domestic or mental health-related calls. Interim chief Vanic said de-escalation is key. KHON2.

Teens who died while fishing identified as Waianae High School seniors. The boys who died are Maikah Hampp-Iriarte, 17, and Tony Siufanua, 17. The incident happened Saturday morning at Kaena Point. Friends say one of the boys was swept into the water and the other jumped in to help. They’re not sure who was in the water first. KHON2. Hawaii News Now. Star-Advertiser.

Hundreds of federal workers line up for free food in Kalihi as government shut down drags on. Hundreds of cars were lined up on Rose Street in Kalihi, federal workers in many cases going to work every day, but not getting paid. KITV4.

Hawaii Island

State proposes rules to reopen waters to aquarium fishing. The reopening of waters off Hawaii’s Kona coast to aquarium fishing took a step closer to reality after a state board decided to put forth a set of proposed rules for public hearings. The Hawaii Board of Land and Natural Resources on Friday voted unanimously to approve the proposed rulings, a required step in the process of opening up waters again to the harvesting of fish from local waters to be sold as pets in saltwater aquariums worldwide. Star-Advertiser.  Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawai‘i County to host traffic safety vigil days after deadly Daniel K. Inouye Highway crash. Hawai‘i County and partners will be hosting a “Healing Our Highways” Traffic Safety Vigil and Remembrance Event this week just days after a two-vehicle crash on Daniel K. Inouye Highway left four injured and two people dead. Big Island Now. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiʻi County police commissioners discuss hiring procedures for next chief. The Hawaiʻi County Police Commission discussed and voted on procedures for hiring the next police chief during Friday’s meeting. Big Island Now.

Waitlist opens for housing project in Waikōloa Village. Nonprofit developer Pacific Housing Assistance Corporation, through property manager Indigo Real Estate Services, will accept applications for both project-based voucher and non-project-based voucher units at Nā Hale Makoa till Nov. 17. Big Island Now.

Maui

Maui Council Member Tasha Kama, 73, Remembered For Life Of Service. Her death leaves a void on the ideologically split nine-member council as it confronts major housing policy decisions. Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser.  Hawaii Public Radio.  Maui News.  Maui Now. KITV4.

Final request: Kama asks Council to consider appointing Kauanoe Batangan as her successor. Seven-year Maui County Council Member Natalie “Tasha” Kama, who died Sunday night at Maui Memorial Medical Center, has asked fellow council members to appoint Kauanoe Batangan to serve out the remainder of her term. Maui Now.

Four Seasons Resort to seek permit for $16.3 million in exterior renovations and improvements. The Maui Planning Commission is scheduled to hold a public hearing tomorrow morning on a $16.3 million proposal for exterior renovations and improvements at the Four Seasons Resort Maui in Wailea. Maui Now.

Kauai

Dark Skies fall upon Pacific Missile Range Facility with mission to protect fledgling ʻaʻo, ʻuaʻu. Annual fledging of ʻaʻo, or Newell’s shearwaters, and ʻuaʻu, or Hawaiian petrels, on Kauaʻi, is underway and runs through Dec. 15 — a critical period for two of Hawai‘i’s most threatened seabirds. Kauai Now.

Legislative task force works on permit reform, Benioff's increased Hawaii presence, HART approves $53M design to bring Skyline to Ala Moana, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Task force aims at permitting reform. Three House-led committees comprising state and county governments, private developers and environmental interests, among others, face tight December deadlines to make recommendations before the start of the legislative session in January on complex issues to spur economic development across the state regarding permitting, cesspool conversions and historic preservation regulations. Star-Advertiser.

Perfect Attendance To AWOL: Missed Votes At The Hawaiʻi Legislature.  Check out how lawmakers rank according to the number of votes they missed during the 2025 session. Civil Beat.

San Francisco reporter talks Marc Benioff's 'massive philanthropic presence' in Hawaiʻi. Since the pandemic, the Salesforce CEO has purchased land and increased his philanthropy in the islands. He also switched his voting records from California to Hawaiʻi. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaiian Electric Proposes Backup Power Program For Certain Customers In Wildfire Risk Areas. As Hawaiʻi faces another Fire Weather Watch, which could trigger Hawaiian Electric’s Public Safety Power Shutoff in certain wildfire risk areas, a new program is being proposed by the utility to help certain customers with the purchase of backup power equipment.  Big Island Video News.

Hawaiʻi Relies On Oil More Than Any Other State. Hawaiʻi’s mandate to transition to 100% renewable resources to generate electricity by 2045 spawned headlines when lawmakers passed the measure in 2015, making the Aloha State the first in the nation to commit to such a lofty goal. But a decade later, Hawaiʻi lags far behind leading states in using renewables. Civil Beat.

Hawaii jobless claims hint at shutdown fallout. The first batch of 381 state unemployment insurance claims filed by idled or unpaid workers offers a glimpse of the effects of the federal government shutdown on Hawaii families as food banks are already feeling the pressure. Star-Advertiser.

Going Hungry In Hawaiʻi? Government Shutdown To Halt Food Stamps. The state is creating a relief fund to cover costs for some — and will consider tapping into a $200 million contingency fund. Civil Beat.

Where To Get Help With Food In Hawaiʻi During The Shutdown. While the state government formalizes its plans to help SNAP recipients, local assistance organizations are stepping up, too. Civil Beat.

Home-care providers launch Hawaii-chapter. The national trade group Home Care Association of America, — which represents nearly 4,500 private-duty home-care agencies nationwide — announced the chapter this month. Star-Advertiser.

Viral Bullying Videos Are Sign Of Bigger Problem In Hawaiʻi Schools. Social media is amplifying conflicts and normalizing bad behavior as teens film fights and post them online to draw hundreds of views and comments.  Civil Beat.

Above Normal Rainfall Expected For Hawaiʻi Wet Season. Climate model consensus supports enhanced probabilities for above normal rainfall through early spring 2026, which is consistent with a cold-season La Niña event. Big Island Video News.

Alaska Air profits sag as integration with Hawaiian Airlines progresses. Hawaiian Airlines sapped some of the profit of parent company Alaska Air Group in the third quarter, but performed relatively well as integration between Hawaiian and Alaska Airlines progressed. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

HART Approves $53 Million In Design Work To Continue Rail To Ala Moana. Extending rail from Kakaʻako to Ala Moana would cost another $1.6 billion, money the rail authority does not have. Civil Beat.

Development in Ala Moana-Kapiolani corridor stalls. What had been one of urban Honolulu’s hottest spots for condominium tower construction in recent years, an Ala Moana transit-oriented development zone, has become pretty cold. Star-Advertiser.

Talks slow for North Shore first-responder hub, city says. Real estate negotiations between the City &County of Honolulu and the owner of a commercial center eyed for a future first-responder hub on the North Shore will require more time to complete, city officials say. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu in search of someone to lead climate change and resiliency efforts. The chief resilience officer tracks, manages, and develops plans regarding the impacts of climate change on city infrastructure, and monitors areas across Oʻahu that could potentially be at risk. Hawaii Public Radio.

North Shore community pushes back on expansive gondola plan. A Canadian adventure-­tourism investor’s bid to build gondolas, a zip line and expanded visitor infrastructure above Waialua has sparked one of the most energized community opposition campaigns the North Shore has seen in years. Star-Advertiser.

Ex-Hawaii CEO sentenced for illegal donations. Martin Kao, 51, the former CEO and 99% owner of Martin Defense Group LLC, formerly known as Navatek LLC, is already serving 87 months for COVID-19 relief fraud and the sentence he received Monday will run concurrently. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Hawaiʻi Island lawmakers advance bill to strengthen plastic foodware ban. Bill 83 would ban food providers and permittees at County of Hawaiʻi facilities from using disposable polystyrene or plastic containers and utensils, and require them to use products “certified” compostable or reusable material. Hawaii Public Radio. Tribune-Herald.

As Hawaii County looks for new police chief, expert points to role’s unique challenges. After nearly two months without a permanent police chief, Hawaii County is now looking for its new top cop. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island police officer struck by vehicle while helping stalled motorist. A Hawaii Island police officer is in serious, but guarded condition after being hit while helping a stranded driver. The crash was reported Sunday morning at the intersection of Kekuanaoa Street and Kanoelehua Avenue near the Hilo International Airport. Hawaii News Now. Big Island Now.

Maui

State commission alleges Maui Land &Pineapple Co. water violations. A major Maui landowner entrenched in litigation with private customers over the supply of water made improvements to stream diversion infrastructure after a state commission alleged violations of a nearly 6-year-old order. Star-Advertiser.

Historic drought strains Upcountry Maui water systems. Upcountry Maui is facing a historic drought, prompting the County Department of Water Supply to declare a Stage 3 water shortage for the first time. Prior to this, Upcountry had been under Stage 1 water restrictions since April 17 and Stage 2 restrictions since Sept. 11. Star-Advertiser.

Paia Inn files for bankruptcy following harassment lawsuit. The Paia Inn filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy Friday, with the business owing millions of dollars after being hit with a lawsuit from the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission earlier this year alleging widespread sexual harassment against female employees. Maui News.

Group that saved Honolua Bay from development now wants it to become a cultural sanctuary with fewer tourists. With its coral reefs and big winter swells, Honolua Bay is one of the biggest draws in West Maui, bringing in anywhere from 500 people on a slow day to 1,000 on a busy day, according to Heidi Beltz, coordinator of the coalition’s Makai Watch program. Maui Now.

Kauai

County of Kauaʻi updates residents on status of refuse. The Kaua‘i County Department of Public Works has issued an update on the operational status of its refuse transfer stations and the Kekaha Landfill.  Kauai Now.