Hawaiian, Alaska airlines to use locally made biofuel; COVID-19 impact on life expectancy felt less in Hawaii, Kauai Coffee facing uncertain future, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaiian, Alaska airlines to use locally made biofuel. The sister airlines owned by Alaska Air Group also plan to invest in a joint venture between several companies including fuel refinery operator Par Hawaii trying to establish Camelina sativa, also known as false flax, as a major crop in the state for producing sustainable aviation fuel and feed for cattle and chickens. Star-Advertiser.

Lawmakers consider bills to streamline construction projects' lengthy historic preservation review. Out of the 1,300 projects submitted for review last year, the State Historic Preservation Division completed reviews on a little over half. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaiʻi Supreme Court Says Current Rules Are Enough To Prevent AI Abuses. Despite lawyers citing fake, AI-generated citations in court documents, a new report finds existing rules provide adequate safeguards. Civil Beat.

UH study: COVID-19 impact on life expectancy felt less in Hawaiʻi. While life expectancy across the United States declined significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic, a new study led by researchers at the University of Hawaiʻi Thompson School of Social Work & Public Health and the Hawaiʻi State Department of Health found that Hawaiʻi experienced a smaller decline compared to national trends. Maui Now.

Hawai‘i Gun Deaths: Amid Uptick, Leaders Take Debate Underground. The group that brought public health officials, law enforcement and researchers together to talk about how to prevent gun violence hasn’t met in over a year, and efforts to restart it have failed. Civil Beat.

Nonprofit receives $500,000 infusion for career exploration in public schools. A Hawaii workforce development nonprofit announced Tuesday that it has secured more than $500,000 from local leaders, businesses and organizations to extend career exploration and workforce programs in public schools for another five years, with a broader goal of raising $1 million through a statewide community campaign. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

New segment boosts Skyline’s ridership. When the city Department of Transportation Services opened the rail line’s Segment 2 on Oct. 16, from Halawa to Kalihi, average daily ridership hovered around 5,000 rides. Often that amount could be 2,000 rides per day or less. But by the end of November 2025, according to DTS, daily ridership numbers have effectively doubled and, in some cases, tripled those counted in preceding months. Star-Advertiser.

State-run slaughterhouse could improve local meat production — if done right. This year, state lawmakers budgeted $17 million into a “small-animal” slaughterhouse to be built in the Wahiawā area on Oʻahu. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hanukkah celebration in Waikiki to increase security after Australia shooting. After a mass shooting at a Hanukkah event in Australia killed more than a dozen people over the weekend, the Chabad of Hawaii said it will have more security at its menorah lighting event in Waikiki. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Waiakea subdivision bill to go to full council. The County Council’s Committee on Legislative Approvals and Acquisitions on Tuesday voted to forward a favorable recommendation to the full council for a zoning change allowing an applicant to subdivide a 4.4-acre property near the Hilo Municipal Golf Course into 14 house lots and a road. Tribune-Herald.

Two Coffee with a Cop events will open conversations between West Hawaiʻi police and residents this week. Coffee with a Cop events are intentionally informal and are an essential part of the Hawaiʻi Police Department’s ongoing community outreach to listen to community members. Big Island Now.

Maui

Maui Mayor Makes Appointment To Fill Vacant Council Seat. Maui Mayor Richard Bissen on Tuesday appointed Kauanoe Batangan to fill the seat on the County Council that was left vacant Oct. 26 by the death of Kahului area representative Tasha Kama. Civil Beat. Maui Now.  Hawaii News Now. 

Maui’s Bissen will accept any vacation rentals for long-term housing. After approving a plan to convert 6,208 short-term vacation rentals into long-term housing this week, it will now be up to the Maui County Council to decide how many rentals — out of 4,510 — should be allowed to continue to welcome tourists. Star-Advertiser.

Maui's $140k water mismanagement fine may be waived with improvements. The state has fined Maui Land & Pineapple Company (MLP) $140,000 for not properly maintaining the Honokohau Ditch system, but the company has an opportunity to rectify the situation without paying the fine. KITV4. KHON2. 

2 pleading guilty to fraud for false claims in wildfires. A woman and her ex-­boyfriend are pleading guilty to lying about being victims of the Aug. 8, 2023 West Maui wildfires and the January Los Angeles fires — stealing more than $110,000 from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Star-Advertiser.

The Diddy Combs Case That Entangled Maui Police Chief Has Been Dismissed. Chief John Pelletier was one of several high-profile defendants who were accused of participating in a brutal sexual assault against a California woman. Civil Beat.

Kauai

Kauai Coffee facing uncertain future. Wayne Katayama, the president and general manager of Kauai Coffee, quietly announced that there will be no extensions to the lease, or lease renewals of the lands that Kauai Coffee Company occupies, and 3,100 acres of trees that grow there. Operating since 1987, the company is a vital part of Kauai’s agricultural heritage and local economy. Garden Island.

Kauai Housing Agency requests proposals for homeless program grants. Kauai’s Housing Agency is requesting proposals for homeless program grants.The grant program aims to provide critical services to people currently experiencing homelessness. Hawaii News Now.

Gambling, geothermal, transient accommodations tax hike top Hawaiian Home Lands agenda, Maui to phase out over 6,200 short-term rentals, Honolulu airport adds electric buses, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

DHHL considers gambling, building review and geothermal this legislative session. The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands will push for new revenue streams that would allot it to develop more homestead projects for the 2026 legislative session. Raising the Transient Accommodations Tax by 1 percentage point and exploring geothermal energy to generate revenues are some top priorities for the department. The department is also considering a casino.  Hawaii Public Radio.

Influenza cases and 911 calls surging in Hawaii, DOH says. The Hawaii Department of Health is seeing a surge in influenza cases, along with flu-related 911 calls and emergency department visits statewide. A seasonal uptick in flu- related symptoms is expected during the winter months, especially as more gatherings take place indoors. There has, however, been a sharp increase in respiratory-related 911 calls. Star-Advertiser.

State relaunches first-time home buyer program to address high interest rates. State home loan program undercuts market interest rates. Hawaii renters with low or moderate incomes have a new opportunity to become homeowners under a revived state program offering below-market mortgage loans. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii Public Radio.

Wespac Looks To Expand Commercial Access To Hawaiʻi’s Papahānaumokuākea. Local fishery managers, moving in step with the Trump administration, want to eventually reopen large protected swaths of the Pacific to potentially all sorts of commercial fishing — not just the deep-sea tuna and swordfish sought by longline boats but nearshore lobsters and corals as well. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Hawaiian Home Lands Could Get More Money Out Of ʻEwa Land Swap Deal. The proposed commercial center on donated West Oʻahu land has run into significant opposition this year. But the proposal has evolved and a vote Tuesday will decide its fate. The commission in charge of developing Hawaiian homelands is set to vote Tuesday on a land swap proposal that skirts county zoning rules in a deal that proponents say could raise $100 million for the department over the next 65 years. Civil Beat.

Historic bar in Honolulu to shut down. Smith’s Union Bar, a Chinatown institution and Honolulu’s oldest continually operating bar, will be closing its doors after its landlord apparently decided not to renew its lease. Established in 1934 on Hotel Street, the bar has endured decades and was famous as the watering hole of the crew of the USS Arizona before its destruction during the Dec. 7, 1941, attack on Pearl Harbor. Star-Advertiser.

New cafe, electric buses blessed at Honolulu airport; looks to make travel smooth, easy. There are some new improvements at Honolulu Airport that officials say are meant to make the travel experience smoother and better, which they say will keep people flying in and out of the islands. KHON2.

Hawaii health officials allow Kaimuki restaurant to reopen. Hawaii health officials have issued a green placard to the Himalayan Kitchen LLC in Kaimuki, authorizing the restaurant to reopen after shutting it down last week. Star-Advertiser.

New lawsuit claims sex abuse, non-consensual videotaping by former Tripler doctor. Already facing sex crime allegations from about 100 women, a former Tripler Army Medical Center gynecologist is at the center of a new lawsuit. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

NOAA funds restoration work along Kona's Aliʻi Drive. Hawaiʻi County has plans to restore native habitat and cultural sites on an 11.5 acre parcel in the middle of Kona's main commercial strip. Hawaii Public Radio.

A new state park for Hilo? Kusch schedules meeting on proposal. Rep. Matthias Kusch has a community meeting slated for Wednesday evening to discuss a proposal to purchase 283 acres of land in the Kaumana area for what he calls a passive recreation wilderness state park for Hilo. Tribune-Herald.

Traffic Emergency Zone Planned For Worsening Highway 19 Conditions. The Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation plans to declare a traffic emergency zone on Highway 19 in North and South Hilo, as worsening conditions along the Hāmākua coast highway will require repairs. Big Island Now. Big Island Video News.

Researcher looks into a link between public gatherings in the Pacific and dengue spread. Hawaiʻi Island was recently selected to host the World Indigenous Peoples’ Conference on Education in 2028. The event would bring thousands of educators and leaders to Waikoloa from across the globe. But what impact might large gatherings like this one have on the spread of dengue virus? Hawaii Public Radio.

Former Bank of Hawaii teller indicted for theft, computer fraud. A 24-year-old former Bank of Hawaii teller pleaded not guilty Friday to charges she allegedly embezzled more than $40,000 from bank customers, including two elderly customers. Tribune-Herald. KITV4. 

Maui

Maui to phase out over 6,200 short-term rentals. Maui Mayor Richard Bissen’s Bill 9 passed its final hearing before the County Council on Monday but the future of the more than 6,200 short-term vacation rentals in West and South Maui that have to convert to long-term rental units for local residents remains in doubt. Bissen signed Bill 9 into law after the Council forwarded it to him Monday, starting the clock on converting 6,208 vacation rentals within three years for West Maui and five years for South Maui. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Maui News.  Maui Now.  Hawaii News Now.  KHON2.  KITV4.

Lahaina harbor opens for business. The Lahaina Small Boat Harbor is hosting tour vessels again as of Monday, more than two years after the 2023 Maui wildfires destroyed the historic landmark. Hawaii News Now.

Maui police warn public of ‘spoofing’ scam calls. The Maui Police Department is warning the public of recurring phone scams involving spoofed calls that falsely appear to originate from the MPD. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kaua‘i County now requesting proposals for its homeless. The purpose of this grant program is to provide critical services to those who are currently experiencing homelessness, according to a news release from Kaua‘i County. Kauai Now.

County of Kauai launches motor vehicle registration kiosk in Hanapepe. County of Kauai officials, in partnership with Western Motor Service and Intellectual Technology Inc. (ITI), launched a new self-service kiosk for motor vehicle registrations at Western Motor Service in Hanapepe. Garden Island. Kauai Now. 

Justice Department sues Hawaii over voter data, Hawaii Island fire chief dies at 45, Honolulu council seeks 'open checkbook' online financial program, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii among latest states sued by Justice Department for voter data. The U.S. Justice Department filed federal lawsuits against Colorado, Hawaii, Massachusetts and Nevada on Thursday as part of its effort to collect detailed voting data and other election information across the country.  Associated Press.

Escalating climate disasters could make homes uninsurable, new report warns. Hawaii is facing a rapidly escalating insurance crisis driven by climate change, aging housing, and a sharp retreat by private insurers, according to a new report released by the Hawaii Appleseed Center for Law &Economic Justice. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiʻi Is Reviving A Risky Play To Get Hawaiians Into Homes. Applicants to the Hawaiian Homelands waitlist are receiving leases to homes that aren’t yet built under a heavily criticized program that officials say has been revamped. Civil Beat.

Hawaii slips from ‘Top 10’ in women’s, children’s health. The United Health Foundation ranked Hawaii No. 12 this year in its “2025 Health of Women and Children Report,” down from No. 8 in the U.S. last year, after analyzing 125 measures of health and well- being that include access to care, chronic conditions, and depression, among other factors. Star-Advertiser.

Commentary: The Silence Of The Senate: These Legislative Leaders Simply Aren't Talking. Mum’s the word for President Ron Kouchi and Ways and Means Chair Donovan Dela Cruz. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Council bill seeks web-based ‘open checkbook’ into city finances. The leader of the Honolulu City Council is pushing legislation to require the use of real-time, web-based software to effectively shine a more public light on the annual, multibillion dollar budgets and day-to-day finances of the City &County of Honolulu. Star-Advertiser.

With Hunger Growing On Oʻahu, A Push To Put Food Security To A Vote. The Charter Commission is holding a first hearing today of a proposal to create a food security fund using property tax. The proposal, put forward by the Hawaiʻi Foodbank and one of 276 before the commission, proposes directing an estimated $8 million or so a year to food-related programs around the island. Civil Beat.

Desalination plant on Oahu nearing construction after three decades of work. The Honolulu Board of Water Supply has pursued the technology — reverse osmosis — on and off for more than 30 years, and now appears closer than ever to building the first major desalination plant on Oahu to expand and diversify the island’s drinking water supply. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Fire Chief Kazuo Todd dies at 45: He is remembered as hardworking, hands-on public servant.  Todd was appointed fire chief in April 2021 and had served the Hawaii County Fire Department for 21 years. Tribune-Herald. Star-Advertiser. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now.  Hawaii News Now.  KHON2.  KITV4. 

Honua Ola eyes new power purchase agreement with Hawaiian Electric. The president of Honua Ola Bioenergy — formerly Hu Honua Bioenergy — said there is “an agreement in principle” for a third power purchase agreement for Honua Ola to sell electricity for Big Island consumers to Hawaiian Electric Co. Tribune-Herald.

Islandwide drought lingers despite some rain. The entire Big Island remains in drought, despite higher rainfall totals the last couple of months and climatologists having declared weak La Nina conditions in equatorial Pacific waters. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Maui set for final vote on rental conversions. Maui Mayor Richard Bissen’s Bill 9 that would phase out more than 6,000 short-term vacation rentals and convert them into long-term housing heads for a final vote today before the County Council. Star-Advertiser. KHON2.

On-demand microtransit ride service could replace least-popular Maui Bus routes. Two Central and Upcountry Maui Bus routes with the lowest ridership in the system could be replaced by an on-demand, flexible ride service that works like a hybrid between Uber and a public bus with the same public bus rates.  Maui Now.

Lahaina Harbor begins phased reopening, a key milestone after 2023 fires. More than two years into the rebuilding of the picturesque community that once served as the seat of the Hawaiian Kingdom, this week’s soft opening of Lahaina Harbor will mark a significant milestone in the town’s recovery from the deadly August 2023 wildfire. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai

Kaua‘i Christmas Parade Float Sparks Uproar Over ‘Demonic’ Theme. The costumed Krampus characters were intended to represent another culture’s holiday tradition. Some left feeling scared, others were amused. Civil Beat.

Almost half of new Hawaii teacher hires not licensed, mild recession forecast, deported Hawaii Purple Heart veteran addresses Congress, Hitachi-HART battle over rail funding heats up, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Nearly Half Of DOE’s New Teacher Hires Are Not Licensed To Teach. Hawaiʻi’s public schools have improved teacher retention and reduced vacancy rates since the Covid-19 pandemic, but are relying heavily on emergency hires. Civil Beat.

Hawaii faces ‘weak’ 2026 economy, report says. Hawaii’s economy continues to head toward a mild recession in 2026, driven primarily by the overall U.S. economy, President Donald Trump’s ongoing tariffs, cuts in federal spending and deportations, according to the fourth quarter economic forecast released Thursday by the University of Hawai‘i Economic Research Organization. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii’s 2026 minimum wage increase could raise prices. While business owners will certainly feel the pinch of an increased minimum wage, both restaurateurs and economists said it will also be passed on to the consumer. KHON2.

Funding bill urges Army to negotiate land leases. The latest version of Congress’s annual defense spending bill includes several provisions for Hawaii and the Pacific, and one major change covering land lease negotiations in the state. Star-Advertiser.

Deported Purple Heart veteran makes virtual appearance at House committee hearing. A Purple Heart Army veteran made a surprise appearance on Capitol Hill Thursday, months after he was forced to self-deport from Hawaii to South Korea. Sae Jun Park, a Purple Heart recipient, self-deported from Honolulu in June after nearly 50 years in the U.S. Hawaii News Now. KITV4. 

‘Fraud Magnet’? Top Senator Wants To Halt SBA Contracts, Citing Hawaiʻi Case. In a letter to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Joni Ernst cited a criminal investigation of Christopher Dawson, accused of hijacking small business funding intended to help Native Hawaiians. Civil Beat.

Priced out of paradise: Hawaii families build new lives in Utah while efforts grow to bring them home. Thousands of Hawaii families have relocated to Utah, driven by the state’s high cost of living but maintain strong cultural connections through businesses, religious networks and community organizations. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

HART files counterclaim against Hitachi’s $320M lawsuit. On Monday, HART filed a counterclaim against Hitachi Rail Honolulu JV, after the train manufacturer brought a new $320 million lawsuit against the rail agency last month, over allegations of numerous costly delays during the phased construction of the city’s more than $10 billion rail line. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.

Nearly 1,000 acres of Kāneʻohe Pali land saved for conservation. The state Department of Land and Natural Resources and the Trust for Public Land partnered to buy the area from its previous private owners for nearly $2.6 million. Hawaii Public Radio.

Library welcomes its newest staff member: a robot named Pepper. ʻĀina Haina Public Library was given a humanoid robot named Pepper to help library patrons with greeting visitors, promoting programs and leading story times. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaiʻi organization receives $2.5M from Bezos fund toward helping homeless youth. Residential Youth Services and Empowerment, or RYSE, was recently awarded $2.5 million from billionaire Jeff Bezos and his wife, Lauren Sánchez. It is the largest donation in the organization’s history. Hawaii Public Radio.

Honolulu mayor seeks Taiwan’s help to rebuild crime-plagued Chinatown Cultural Plaza.  Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi wants the crime-infested Chinatown Cultural Plaza torn down and rebuilt, and he’s asking Taiwan’s President to get it done. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Seismic data offers new insights into Kīlauea's behavior in 2018. New data suggests that something blocked the flow of magma into the shallow reservoir below Kīlauea's summit caldera in late 2016. That disruption diverted magma pressure towards the East Rift Zone and Puʻuʻōʻō. Hawaii Public Radio.

Maui

‘The Maui Method:’ A New Fix For A Major Fire Hazard In Hawaiʻi. Government officials developed a way to deal with tons of electric vehicle batteries left in the aftermath of wildfires and found at illegal dumpsites. Civil Beat.

Lahaina Restoration Foundation announces new leadership. Ekolu Lindsey has been named President of LRF, bringing his deep roots in Hawaiian cultural and environmental stewardship to guide the organization’s mission of preserving Lahaina’s historic and cultural resources. Maui Now.

Kauai

State reports 3rd possible case of H5N1 in duck on Kauai. A third presumptive case of avian influenza has been confirmed in another duck – this time an endangered, native duck from a wildlife refuge on Kauai, according to state officials. Star-Advertiser.  Garden Island.  Kauai Now. 

Hawaii to restrict soda, candy purchases for SNAP users, Kauai bans disposable foam bodyboards, Honolulu official threatens council members with funding loss over confirmation vote, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

USDA: Hawaii can restrict soda purchases for SNAP recipients. U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said Wednesday  that she has granted waivers to six additional states, including Hawaii, allowing them to prevent the use of food stamps to purchase certain items, like soft drinks and candy. Reuters. 

DBEDT forecasts economic growth of 1.5 percent in 2026. The Hawaiʻi Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism has updated its statewide economic forecast, projecting real gross domestic product growth of 1.6% in 2025 and 1.5% in 2026, according to its latest Quarterly Statistical and Economic Report released Friday. Maui Now.

Lawmaker proposes ‘simple fix’ to prevent damage from land title scams. State Rep. Scot Matayoshi, chairman of the House Consumer Protection Committee, will propose legislation allowing the Bureau of Conveyances to revoke a deed if a notary confirms they did not witness the signatures. Hawaii News Now.

Expiring Tax Credits Could Hamper Hawaiʻi’s Pivot To A Clean Energy Future. Renewable energy developers, with the state’s help, will have to hustle to retain the tax credits that make their latest projects work. Clean energy developers in Hawaiʻi, along with state and county leaders, are scrambling to more quickly build at least a dozen utility-grade solar and wind projects deemed critical for the islands’ future power needs before they lose federal tax credits being phased out by the Trump Administration. Civil Beat.

$18M in loan capital available for non-residential rooftop solar. New funds are open to small businesses and nonprofits seeking to install rooftop solar. The Hawaiʻi Green Infrastructure Authority is making $18 million in loan capital available through the Green Energy Market Securitization program, also known as GEMS. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

Here Are The Texts A Honolulu Official Sent Threatening Funding Over Vote. The mayor’s right-hand man says he stands by the messages he sent to two council members ahead of a confirmation hearing. Honolulu Managing Director Mike Formby texted council members Val Okimoto and Radiant Cordero in September that he would withhold funding to their districts if they voted against the mayor’s choice for housing director.  Civil Beat.

More Homeless People Are Dying On Oʻahu. Can We Reverse The ‘Crisis’? An effort underway to bring the death rate down involves outreach, special facilities that offer medical care and shelter, and a controversial new law. Civil Beat.

Federal mediator steps in during Kapi‘olani, union impasse. The two sides — the Hawaii Teamsters &Allied Workers Local 996 and hospital management — met at the table Wednesday, with help from a federal mediator, on the 55th day of the strike. Star-Advertiser.

Shangri La’s request for more events faces pushback from neighbors. After more than 20 years of neighborly relations, there seems to be a shake up, after Shangri La announced it wants to increase the evening events it hosts from seven a year to 30. Hawaii News Now.

Planners review Kualoa Ranch operations, growth. The Honolulu Planning Commission on Wednesday learned of Kualoa Ranch’s existing and proposed improvements at separate, largely agriculture- related parcels within approximately 14 acres of the nearly 4,000-acre ranch in Kaaawa, along the 49-000 block of Kamehameha Highway. Star-Advertiser.

Illegal gambling ring busted in Honolulu; 2 arrested, $135K in machines seized. The Honolulu Police Department executed a search warrant on an illegal gambling operation on Kawaiaha’o St. on Tuesday, resulting in two arrests and the seizing of multiple gaming machines, cash and drug-related paraphernalia. KITV4. Star-Advertiser. 

Hawaii Island

Fire department welcomes arrival of new brush trucks. The Ford F-450 brush trucks, funded by the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program, will be assigned to volunteer fire stations in Hawaiian Acres, Na‘alehu and Discovery Harbour. Tribune-Herald.

Police: Holualoa man bitten while trying to help free entangled shark. Police remind the public not to attempt to free or handle entangled marine animals. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News. KHON2.

Nēnē that lost mate has found new partner and is once again nesting in Hilo park. A nēnē that lost her mate in 2024 after it was hit by a car has found a new partner and nesting in Hilo’s Lili‘uokalani Gardens. NTC has faced several tragedies over the past few years. In 2023, her gosling that was abducted from Wailoa State Park was luckily returned to her. She had another gosling that died from toxoplasmosis in 2024. She was also the mate of the nēnē that was struck and killed by a car in 2024 while crossing the street to reach a cat feeding station. Big Island Now.

Maui

Draft environmental review filed for proposed Mākena Mauka residential project. A draft environmental impact statement has been filed with the state Office of Planning and Sustainable Development for a now scaled-back Mākena Mauka master-planned community project in South Maui. Maui Now.

Spiking immigration arrests in Hawaiʻi over past year of Trump’s crackdown causing fear, backlogged cases, challenges for attorneys. On Maui, the migrant community is seeing the cumulative effects of Trump’s first and second terms, the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic and the 2023 Maui wildfires, Block said. People are more scared to participate in civic life and worried about seeking public assistance even after losing their homes or businesses. Maui Now.

State reports second wastewater detection of measles in West Maui County. The latest positive sample was collected Nov. 30 and was tested through the National Wastewater Surveillance System. It follows an earlier detection of measles virus in Maui wastewater from samples collected Nov. 18 in Central and West Maui. Kauai Now.

Kauai

Mayor signs Bill 2976 prohibiting disposable bodyboards to protect Kauai’s environment. The sale and rental of disposable bodyboards will be banned on Kauai next year, thanks to a new bill passed by the County Council this week. Bill No. 2976 was passed unanimously by the Kauai County Council to reduce environmental harm by prohibiting the sale, rental or distribution of disposable polystyrene foam bodyboards in the County of Kauai. Garden Island. Kauai Now.  KHON2.

Free public Wi-Fi now at 7 Kauaʻi County parks, facilities for connectivity, emergency communication. Around Kauaʻi, free public Wi-Fi access now is available at seven county parks and facilities, enabling improved connectivity and emergency communications for lifeguards, hikers, park rangers, government workers, residents and visitors. Kauai Now.

Sustainable food production and agroforestry are the main seeds of this Kauaʻi farm. Intertwining different species is the defining characteristic of Common Ground Kauai. Located on the North Shore of Kauaʻi, the organization’s great connector is food, as the organization’s director of agro-ecology, John Parziale, puts it. Hawaii Public Radio.

Green seeks delay in military land lease deal, Kohala resorts under water restrictions, HGEA endorses Bissen for Maui mayor, Kauai getting Starlink wi-fi, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Members of Gov. Green’s advisory group feel 'shut out' of military land negotiations. Members of an advisory group set up to guide ongoing land lease negotiations with the Army say they feel like they’ve been sidelined by Gov. Josh Green just weeks after he created the group. Green sent a letter to Army Secretary Dan Driscoll on Dec. 2 proposing to push back the deadline to negotiate military leases of state lands. The Army leases more than 29,000 acres in the Pōhakuloa Training Area on Hawaiʻi Island, Oʻahu's Mākua Military Reservation, Kahuku Training Area and Kawailoa-Poamoho Training Area. Hawaii Public Radio.

When Disaster Strikes, Can Hawaiʻi Feed Itself? More Prep Is Needed. As Hawaiʻi reels under the weight of hunger and the withdrawal of federal support for food security programs, the state’s food advocates are underscoring the importance of preparing now for the next disaster. Civil Beat.

The Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation has open spots on its Youth Transportation Council. People ages 11 to 24 are encouraged to apply. Hawaii Public Radio.

Oahu

He Spent Funds Meant For Native Hawaiians On Polo And Porsches. The Federal Government Failed To Stop Him. A small business program allowed Christopher Dawson to win big contracts if he promised to uplift Native Hawaiians. Instead, federal prosecutors allege, he used the money to line his own pockets.  Civil Beat.

City selects developer for Kapolei site. Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s administration says its search has ended for the developer it hopes will turn a vacant city-owned parcel in West Oahu into a mixed-use, transit-­oriented development that will feature hundreds of affordable rentals. Star-Advertiser.

Planners to review operations at Kualoa Ranch. The planning commission’s review follows its December 2023 adoption of a state special-use permit toward Kualoa Ranch’s existing and proposed improvements at separate parcels within approximately 14 acres of the nearly 4,000-acre ranch in Kaaawa, along the 49-000 block of Kamehameha Highway. Star-Advertiser.

Two Honolulu hospitals earned spots on the 2026 Best Hospitals for Maternity Care list from U.S. News & World Report. Kaiser Permanente Moanalua Medical Center and The Queen’s Medical Center received a High Performing rating, the highest level for this category that looked at measures such as C section rates, newborn complication rates and breast feeding said the report. KHON2.

Hawaii Island

Kawaihae, South Kohala Resorts Under Water Restriction. "Unexpected equipment malfunctions" have resulted in the need for a 25% percent reduction in water use for customers in the Kawaihae and Puakō areas are impacted as well as the Westin Hapuna Beach Resort; Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, Autograph Collection; Mauna Lani, Auberge Collection and Kawaihae Harbor. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now. 

Commercial Waste Restriction Extended At East Hawaiʻi Sort Station. Existing restrictions on dumping commercially generated waste at the East Hawaiʻi Regional Sort Station have been extended through June 30, 2026. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Hawaiʻi’s Biggest Public Worker Union Makes Early Endorsement For Maui Mayor. The Hawaii Government Employees Association endorsed Maui Mayor Richard Bissen this week for a second four-year term. The announcement came well ahead of the candidate filing deadline in June and before anyone else has declared their intent to challenge him in the non-partisan election next fall. Civil Beat.

Texas attorney sentenced for illegally soliciting Hawaii wildfire victims. Houston attorney Eric Dick, who illegally solicited Maui wildfire victims through mass mailings was sentenced to pay court fees but avoided jail time and will not have a criminal conviction on his record. Hawaii News Now.

‘Long time coming’: High hopes ahead of Lahaina Harbor’s slow reopening.  Four commercial boating companies will be allowed to resume operations at Lahaina Harbor beginning Dec. 15. Hawaii News Now.

Maui home sales, prices fall in November. Single-family home sales were down 22.2% from November 2024, falling from 63 in November 2024 to 49 the same month this year. Condominium sales dropped 5.7% to 50. Maui News. Maui Now. 

Kumulani Chapel and Maui Land & Pineapple finalize agreement for permanent Kapalua campus.  The church will purchase more than six acres to establish a permanent campus for the longstanding West Maui congregation of 42 years. Maui Now.

Kauai

County of Kauai, DCCAA launch Kauai Hi-Wifi Starlink Program. The County of Kauai, in collaboration with the State of Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA), announced Tuesday the launch of the Kauai Hi-Wifi Starlink Program, an initiative that will deliver satellite-based Internet to remote and underserved areas across the island.  Garden Island.

KIUC confirms 7 candidates for 2026 election. The candidates are Dan Giovanni, Greg Kamm, Janet Kass, Alicia Leong, Jim Mayfield, Bryson Ponce and Allan A. Smith. Garden Island.

Līhu‘e Baseball League main diamond construction project delayed. Kaua‘i County Department of Parks and Recreation had announced work on field improvements to the main diamond — including leveling out the playing surface and planting new grass — are planned for Dec. 9 through Feb. 1, 2026, weather permitting. Kauai Now.

Immigration advocates push for legislative protections, Hawaii National Guard gears up major crowd control unit, HECO sues Par Hawaii over damaged turbines, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

As Arrests In Hawaiʻi Climb, Immigration Advocates Push Protective Legislation. Advocates seek to limit cooperation with ICE and to rein in the agency’s actions amid a major increase in immigration arrests locally. The table of immigration-related bills in the Hawaiʻi Legislature’s next session was at least partially set Monday, as advocates described measures they want to see introduced and painted a picture of legal rights being trampled under the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now. 

Most arrests for violating immigration in Hawaii unwarranted, attorneys say. The majority of people arrested by federal agents for violations of U.S. immigration law in Hawaii have no criminal record despite assertions by federal officials, immigration attorneys told a state lawmaker Monday. Through July, 149 people have been arrested for violations of immigration law in Hawaii, a 380% increase compared to the same period in 2024, according to the Deportation Data Project. Star-Advertiser. 

'It's not new': Hawaiʻi National Guard on directive to prepare crowd control unit. This fall, each state's National Guard received a federal directive to assemble 500 troops for a "quick reaction force" to be deployed to address civil disturbance and crowd control. The order requires the teams to be ready to respond at the start of next year. Hawaii Public Radio.

Advocates urge state lawmakers to protect LGBTQ+ community this legislative session. Establishing a shield law to protect gender-affirming care, expanding gender markers on birth certificates, and mandating an accurate count of hate crimes in Hawaiʻi are some of the top priorities advocates are urging lawmakers to focus on during the 2026 legislative session. Hawaii Public Radio.

State deploys $18 million for clean energy access. The Hawai‘i Green Infrastructure Authority is making $18 million in new loan capital available to help nonprofits, small businesses and low- and moderate- income households pay for clean energy upgrades as the state works to expand access to solar and reduce electricity costs. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiian Electric Sues Par Hawaiʻi Claiming Faulty Fuel Ruined Turbines. Hawaiian Electric Industries Inc. is suing the operator of Hawaiʻi’s only petroleum refinery, alleging that substandard fuel produced by Par Hawaiʻi Refining LLC caused millions of dollars in damage to power plants on the Big Island and Kauaʻi last year. Civil Beat.

Alexander & Baldwin leaves stock market after major sale. Alexander & Baldwin agrees to go private in $2.3B deal. Alexander & Baldwin — the largest owner of grocery‑­anchored neighborhood shopping centers in Hawaii, where it has a 155‑year history — has agreed to go private in a $2.3 billion merger, the largest commercial real estate portfolio deal in state history. Star-Advertiser. KHON2. 

Oahu

Honolulu City Council adopts transparency bills for unspent funds. The Council on Wednesday voted 8–0, with Council member Matt Weyer absent, to separately approve Bills 64 and 65, requiring the city to offer a greater degree of financial reporting over lapsed, or unspent, funds from past budget cycles. Star-Advertiser.

Blackened Canteen ceremony rekindles WWII peace offering. American and Japanese officials gathered in Pearl Harbor on Monday as commemorations of the anniversary of the Dec. 7, 1941, attack continued. Star-Advertiser.

Fireworks Firm Tied To Illegal Hawaiʻi Shipment OK’d To Sell Firecrackers. The Honolulu Fire Department says it has no legal basis to deny the company a permit to sell firecrackers despite its involvement in a shipment of $2.7 million of illegal fireworks seized by the Coast Guard in 2022. Civil Beat.

Waianae Police Station undergoes $1.4M in upgrades. The Honolulu Department of Design and Construction on Monday began a more than $1.4 million partial second-floor interior upgrade at the Waianae Police Station, city officials say. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. 

Land deal to protect Maunawili Valley serves as a model for other communities. A deal is underway to protect over 1,000 acres in Maunawili Valley, located in the ahupuaʻa of Kailua. The area was historically favored by aliʻi for its productive kalo lands. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaiian macadamia nuts recalled after potential salmonella contamination. American Nuts LLC has issued a voluntary recall of Hawaiian Macadamia Nut Co. Baking Nuts sold at Costco’s Hawaii Kai warehouse due to potential salmonella contamination. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

U.S. Geological Survey searches for new monitoring site after Kīlauea summit camera buried in volcanic debris. As Episode 38 of the ongoing eruption sent fountains of lava and a plume more than 20,000 feet into the air, the widely viewed V3 summit camera was buried under roughly 50 feet of volcanic debris. Big Island Now.

New statewide crime dashboard launched. Reports of criminal offenses were up almost 6% in Hawaii County in 2024 over 2023. That’s according to the Hawaii Crime Dashboard — a new online platform launched and maintained by the Hawaii Department of the Attorney General.  Tribune-Herald.

New traffic signal to be activated on Waikoloa Road. A new traffic signal at the intersection of Waikoloa Road and Paniolo Avenue/Pua Melia Street in Waikoloa Village will start operating at 11 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 15. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaiʻi County opens registration for free disaster training for community members. The CERT program, which combines online coursework with hands-on instruction, teaches basic disaster skills including first aid and triage, search and rescue, and fire safety and suppression. Big Island Now.

Maui 

First 100 days: Ethics executive director reports surge in inquiries, calls for staff expansion. The newly established Office of the Board of Ethics is fielding a significantly higher volume of inquiries than in previous years, prompting the executive director to call for expanded staffing in the upcoming fiscal 2026-27 budget. Maui Now.

EIS preparation notice filed for Hoʻonani Village mixed-use project. Developers have filed an environmental impact statement preparation notice for the Hoʻonani Village mixed-use development proposed for 1,600 residential apartment units near the old Puʻunēnē sugar mill on 166 acres off of Hansen Road in Kahului.​ Maui Now.

Court documents reveal alleged motive in slaying of Maui police officer. Maui police Officer Suzanne O died in the line of duty as she and other officers were responding to a terroristic threatening call in Paia on Aug. 15. Hawaii News Now.

Maui’s Waiehu Beach Road getting new speed tables, raised crosswalks. DOT said four speed tables will be installed on Waiehu between Kukona Place and Lower Waiehu Beach Road. Additionally, three raised crosswalks will be installed at the intersections of Kukona Place, Kaikoo Street and Kainalu Place. Star-Advertiser.

Kauai

Rubbish pickup in Kalāheo delayed due to staffing shortages. Residential trash pickup in Kalāheo will be delayed because of staffing shortages, Kauaʻi County officials announced Monday.  Kauai Now.

The Kauai Marathon distributes $37,500. Awards of $12,500 each were presented to the Koloa Early Learning School, that will soon celebrate its 40th anniversary; the Kauai Habitat for Humanity, which is involved in constructing affordable housing for Kauai families; and Ho‘omalu Ke Kai, whose coral restoration efforts recently enjoyed a successful coral rescue off Ahukini Landing State Park. Garden Island.

 

Green might scale back promised income tax cuts; HMSA, Hawaii Pacific Health mull merger; Pearl Harbor ceremony held without survivors for first time, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Green Suggests Hawaiʻi Might Scale Back On Income Tax Cuts. Gov. Josh Green won’t be releasing his proposed new budget for another two weeks, but he is already floating the idea that he and lawmakers may reduce the scope of the whopping state income tax cuts they approved in 2024. Civil Beat.

Commentary: Why Doesn't The Hawaiʻi Legislature Have An Electronic Voting System? Most states have them, and some lawmakers argue it would improve transparency and jolt some of their colleagues out of their complacency. Civil Beat.

Hawaiʻi's biggest shipper is shifting its China business model. Companies that ship in goods from China have adopted a strategy to diversify their supply chains. Hawaiʻi shipping company Matson is shifting its service to accommodate this China Plus One strategy.  Hawaii Public Radio.

Lack of funding puts Hawaii tourism program on hold. The Hawai‘i Tourism Authority invested upwards of $700,000 to launch the regenerative tourism program Qurator, but with no funding to keep it running, the award-winning, state-backed initiative has been put on ice. Star-Advertiser.

Hiring slowing as costs, minimum wage increase. Employee hiring among private employers dropped nationwide by 32,000 positions in November in the latest measurement of the American economy that’s also affecting Hawaii’s job market. Star-Advertiser.

Sales increase for Hawaii retailers despite tariff and inflation worries. As holiday-season crowds swelled in Hawaii’s malls and smaller local storefronts, some independent retailers say this year’s shopping surge feels nearly counterintuitive — a boost to their bottom lines even as the national economy remains fraught with uncertainty. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Pacific Health, HMSA discussing possible merger. Two of Hawaii’s largest players, Hawaii Pacific Health, which runs four hospitals on Oahu and Kauai, and Hawaii Medical Service Association, the state’s largest health insurer, are exploring a partnership. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Pearl Harbor ceremony carries on as survivors skip this year. Veterans, dignitaries and community members gathered at Pearl Harbor on Sunday to mark the 84th anniversary of the surprise attack that pulled the United States into World War II.  Only 12 survivors are still alive — all centenarians — and this year none were able to make the pilgrimage to Hawaii to mark the event Sunday. Star-Advertiser. Associated Press.  Hawaii News Now. KITV4. 

Nagasaki atomic bomb survivors in Honolulu for WWII memorial events. Nagasaki atomic bomb survivors, known as the “hibakusha,” will host events to share personal stories of the 1945 World War II atomic bombing and engage in discussions of peace as this year marks the 80th anniversary. Hawaii News Now.

First of 10 towers at Mayor Wright Homes positioned to rise next year. The first phase of a more than $1 billion plan to redevelop one of Hawaii’s oldest and biggest public housing communities is on track to begin next year after a big recent financing commitment by a state board following over a decade of work. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiʻi Patients To Join New Lawsuit Against Army Doctor Accused Of Abuse. At least 10 women who were patients of Maj. Blaine McGraw when he was a resident at Tripler Army Medical Center are lining up to sue the OB-GYN and the Army. Civil Beat.

News outlets are closer to renewed access to Honolulu police communications. A bill ordering the Honolulu Police Department to share information with news outlets has passed through its final hearing at the Honolulu City Council, though some worry community reporting on social media will suffer. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii Island

Council questions nonprofit spending. Hawaii County Council on Tuesday advanced a $6 million package of homelessness and housing grants out of committee, but not without sharply criticizing local service providers for what members described as inefficient spending, weak accountability and uneven delivery of services. Tribune-Herald.

Ag property tax measure advances. The Hawaii County Council voted unanimously Tuesday to advance Bill 103, Draft 2, a measure that would extend a 3% annual property assessment cap to certain former agricultural parcels that also qualify for the homeowner tax class. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaiʻi County leaders outline needs, priorities to state senators during Big Island visit. During their early November visit, members of the Senate Ways and Means Committee also met with county and community leaders to receive updates on projects and initiatives relating to biosecurity, economic development and sustainability, housing, culture, and workforce pathways, which are outlined in a 20-page report. Big Island Now.

Prized cattle reunited with owners thanks to new ag crimes task force. An agricultural crimes task force created and funded by “Duke’s Law” is starting to bear fruit. Tribune-Herald.

Enormous Lava Fountain Erupts At Kilauea, Destroys Webcam. Episode 38 in the ongoing Kīlauea summit eruption ended abruptly at 8:52 p.m. HST on Saturday evening after 12.1 hours of continuous lava fountaining. Big Island Video News.

Maui

'It's about balance': Maui nears final vote to phase out thousands of vacation rentals. A measure that would close about half of vacation rentals in Maui County passed the first reading in the full council by a narrow 5-3 vote this week. Now, it’s headed to a second and final reading on Dec. 15. Hawaii Public Radio.

Maui Council advances tax relief extension for Lahaina wildfire survivors. The Maui County Council unanimously passed a bill on first reading Friday that would extend real property tax relief for Lahaina wildfire survivors through June 2028. Maui Now.

Delayed Maui County Grants Leave Local Nonprofits in Limbo. The county says it is tightening up its oversight of public money to prevent fraud and abuse.  Civil Beat.

More Maui schools adopt e-bike bans or regulations following state Department of Education guidelines. It was not until last month, despite it being illegal under Hawaiʻi state law for children under the age of 15 to have or operate e-bikes, that the state Department of Education set new regulations that banned e-bikes at all elementary and intermediate schools in its system.  Maui Now.

Kauai

Kauaʻi grant aims to elevate sustainable tourism, cultural preservation efforts. The start of the new year could bring extra cash to some nonprofits on the Garden Isle through the annual Kauaʻi Cultural Program and Events Grant. Hawaii Public Radio.

Temporary service changes at Hanalei transfer station scheduled this week. Kaua‘i County Solid Waste Division reports that the transfer station serving the North Shore community will accept bagged trash only — no loose mixed waste — Friday (Dec. 12). The facility will also be completely closed to the public Saturday (Dec. 13). Kauai Now.

Federal shutdown cost state less than expected, Hawaii ranks high for senior health, Honolulu council passes immigrant rights measure, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaiʻi Is A Great Place To Grow Old — But Only For Some. The high percentage of kūpuna who exercise regularly — along with Hawaiʻi’s good air and water quality and comparatively low rates of depression —  help make the state one of the healthiest places in the nation for seniors, according to a report from the United Health Foundation.  Civil Beat.

State funding during shutdown less than expected. Hawaii stepped in to provide a financial and food assistance lifeline during the record-long federal government shutdown and now expects to end up paying far less in state funds than expected. Star-Advertiser.

Ethics panel fines state Senator Brenton Awa. An ethics panel has reprimanded and fined state Sen. Brenton Awa for using state resources to encourage voters to elect his former office manager to the Legislature. Star-Advertiser.

Why Hawai’i Tenants Can Be Left Out To Dry By The State. Policymakers say it’s time to reassess a decades-old law that leaves the state’s consumer watchdog agency without teeth to protect tenants. Civil Beat.

Could Hawaiʻi's Japanese visitor market be making a comeback?  Visitors from Japan were up 16% in October — the second month in a row of solid growth — and visitor spending from Japan was up as well. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaii ranks fifth nationally in early FAFSA filing. Hawaii high school seniors are filing for federal financial aid at one of the highest rates in the nation, according to new data released by the National College Attainment Network. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Honolulu City Council OKs ‘constitutional rights’ measure. The Honolulu City Council is urging Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s administration to affirm the constitutional rights of all Oahu residents regardless of citizenship or immigration status. Star-Advertiser.

Council Member Accuses Mayor’s Administration Of Coercion Over Housing Vote. Council member Val Okimoto said a “senior administration official” threatened to withhold funding to her district, but she won’t say who did it. Civil Beat.

High stakes at Honolulu Hale: Who will lead Ocean Safety for the next 5 years? A packed room filled with current and former lifeguards, community members and city leaders, leaning in on the Ocean Safety Commission’s most important task in front of them – selecting a chief who will lead the brand new department for the next five years. KHON2.

Police shut down gambling operation in Ewa Beach. The gambling bust took place at a business located near Old Fort Weaver Road at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 3. Honolulu Police Department officers from the Narcotics Vice Division executed a search warrant in which 18 gambling machines worth an estimated value of $155,000, along with $5,037 in cash were seized. KITV4.

Erosion fears prompt removal of 12 ironwood trees at Kailua Beach. Ironwood trees have been part of the Kailua Bay shoreline for years. But more and more of them are becoming casualties as the ocean eats away at the sand that’s beneath them. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island

Bond revoked for Hilo attorney Sulla. U.S. District Chief Magistrate Judge Kenneth Mansfield on Thursday found probable cause that Paul Sulla engaged in the unauthorized practice of law while free on bond, after being ordered to cease practice by the Hawaii Supreme Court on July 29. Tribune-Herald.

$1.9 Million Awarded For Puapuaʻa Iki Habitat Restoration. The project will restore 11.5 acres of coastal land and provide shoreline stabilization while protecting historic infrastructure on the site. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now. 

Maui

Maui Emergency Management Agency wraps up work on monthslong wildfire risk reduction project. A wildfire risk-reduction project on county-owned land in West Maui led to the removal of 123 vehicles, more than 1,200 tires, 10 drums of oil, at least two pieces of heavy equipment and other debris. Maui News. Maui Now.

Bookkeeper’s ‘Miracle’ House listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The Pioneer Mill Company/Lahaina Ice Company (PMCo/LICo) Bookkeeper’s House in Lahaina, more recently dubbed the “Miracle House” after the August 2023 wildfires on Maui, has been added to the National Register of Historic Places.  Maui Now. KHON2.

Lahaina fire-ravaged neighborhood to get new sewer system. The Environmental Protection Agency says it is almost finished designing the system to replace the cesspools or septic systems now used by 231 single-family properties. Hawaii News Now.

Pacific Whale Foundation removes more than 12,000 pounds of marine debris in 2025. The Pacific Whale Foundation, the designated Marine Debris Rapid Response partner for Maui Nui, is reporting more progress in its ongoing effort to remove harmful debris from local waters. Maui Now.

Kauai

Līhuʻe and Kapaʻa DMV offices to close for staff training next week. The Kaua‘i Division of Motor Vehicles will close its main Līhu‘e office and the recently opened Kapa‘a satellite location next week to allow for staff training, county officials announced. Both offices are scheduled to close on Wednesday, Dec. 10, and resume normal operations on Dec. 11. Kauai Now.

Kauai RSVP volunteers recognized, celebrated during annual luncheon. The Thursday gathering of more than 250 people at the Koloa Landing Resort came down to honoring and recognizing the volunteer time put forth by members of Kauai Retired &Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), an Americorps Seniors affiliate, and other community volunteers. Garden Island.

Hawaii sues TikTok parent company, Hawaii County Council passes plastic foodware ban, Honolulu teen's family to get $1M in police shooting, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

‘The mental health and well-being of our keiki must come first’: State announces TikTok lawsuit. The state of Hawaiʻi is suing the parent company of TikTok, Bytedance Inc., for the alleged addictive platform design that causes harm to its users, especially children, whom they have exploited for economic gain. KHON2. KITV4. Hawaii News Now.  Star-Advertiser.

Rep. Lamosao named to replace Sen. Aquino. State Rep. Rachele Lamosao (D-Waipahu) has been selected by Gov. Josh Green to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Sen. Henry Aquino (D, Pearl City- Waipahu-West Loch). Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Honolulu Rail Pays $41 Million In Dispute Over Ala Moana Extension. The settlement gives the city the easements it needs to build through Kakaʻako, but HART does not yet have the money to construct that segment. Civil Beat.

City council passes bill to allow media police scanner access. The Honolulu City Council passed Bill 46 Wednesday, which would require the Honolulu Police Department to release certain public information to the public and the media. The measure was introduced by council chair Tommy Waters and council member Augie Tulba in an effort to force the department to allow news organizations to access police scanner communication. Hawaii News Now.

HPD says fraud losses total $7 million in 2025. Law enforcement officials, kupuna advocates and state lawmakers urged caution and vigilance Wednesday after Honolulu police reported Oahu residents lost more than $7 million in 222 fraud cases this year. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Police Shooting: Teen’s Family To Get $1 Million Despite Pushback. Honolulu City Council members approved the settlement to protect the officers involved in the 2021 fatal shooting of Iremamber Sykap from future liability. Civil Beat. Associated Press. Hawaii Public Radio. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Oʻahu officials reconsider controversial North Shore gondola proposal. A controversial gondola project on Oʻahu could be halted as it is at risk of losing its conditional use permit. Hawaii Public Radio.

HPD staffing task force recommends increased incentives. A Honolulu City Council task force empaneled to help the Honolulu Police Department recruit and retain officers is recommending housing stipends, retention bonuses and other incentives. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Council passes plastic foodware bill despite mayor’s concerns. Mayor Kimo Alameda issued a forceful plea Wednesday urging the Hawaii County Council to reject Bill 83, warning that new restrictions on disposable plastic and polystyrene foodware would drive up costs for families and strain county resources. Tribune-Herald. Big Island Now.

Hawaii Health Systems Corp., Queen’s partnership to expand care in Kona. Gov. Josh Green on Wednesday announced plans by a new public-­private partnership to build a new outpatient medical facility, with $50 million in state bonds, next door to the new hospital planned by Queen’s in Kailua-Kona. Star-Advertiser. Tribune-Herald.  Big Island Video News. Big Island Now.

Prosecutors seek to detain Sulla, allege wrongdoing on release. Federal prosecutors have filed a motion to revoke bond for a Hilo attorney convicted in U.S. District Court and awaiting sentencing for an affordable housing credits scam.The motion filed by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mohammad Khatib and Margaret Nammar seeks to detain Paul J. Sulla Jr. pending sentencing. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaiʻi Island residents can keep riding Hele-On buses for free. Hawaiʻi County's Hele-On bus system will stay free for another three years. Officials voted to extend the late pandemic era program that was set to expire this month. Hawaii Public Radio.

Maui

Maui visitor spending increases in October despite fewer visitors. Ten months into 2025, Maui is still outpacing last year’s visitor totals — even though October delivered the island’s first year-over-year dip since midsummer. Maui Now.

Measles virus detected in Maui County’s wastewater surveillance. The Hawaiʻi Department of Health is monitoring the first-ever detection of the measles virus in Maui County’s wastewater. Maui Now.

Kauai

A Month After Kauaʻi ICE Raid, Questions Linger. None of the 44 workers detained that day ended up seeking asylum. Their employer, a local janitorial contractor, has faced federal scrutiny before. Civil Beat.

Kauaʻi Emergency Management Agency seeks public input on disaster mitigation plan. The Kaua‘i Emergency Management Agency is inviting residents to help update the county’s Multi-Hazard Mitigation and Resilience Plan, a five-year strategy aimed at reducing risks from natural disasters and strengthening community preparedness. Kauai Now.