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Top Headlines

Hawaiʻi lawmakers have big money advantages in this year’s election campaigns

The most recent filings of campaign spending reports for Hawaiʻi legislative races show that money tends to flow to incumbents, especially if they are members of the dominant Democratic Party of Hawaiʻi.

Civil Beat. 

Hawaiʻi’s bold tax cuts and its impact on residents

Hawaiʻi recently enacted the most significant tax cuts in its history, which Gov. Josh Green promises will impact residents positively.

Hawaii News Now. 

Hawaiʻi DOE still doesn’t have a plan for how to spend farm-to-school funds

The clock is ticking on a $650,000 federal grant that would allow the Hawaiʻi Department of Education to put more local produce on the school lunch menu. The DOE has until June 2025, but that’s thanks to a deadline extension. Farm-to-school advocates say they haven’t seen any plans for how the DOE wants to make it happen.

Civil Beat. 

DOA reopens applications for popular micro-grant program

This year, the department received about $3.5 million from the federal government for the program under the 2018 Farm Bill. Those with backyard farms can apply for state microgrants and get up to $5,000 to improve them. Organizations can also apply and get up to $10,000.

Hawaiʻi Public Radio. 

Disaster response training at RIMPAC in Hawaiʻi grows

A task force of nine countries, led by the Japan Self-Defense Forces, has been conducting operations across the Hawaiian Islands practicing search-and-rescue operations, evacuations and medical treatment in partnership with local Hawaiʻi hospitals, emergency agencies and volunteer organizations.

Star-Advertiser. 

O‘ahu Headlines

More video monitoring on Skyline sought

According to Council staff, Bill 37 ensures that the public would be made aware of the presence of cameras and any video monitoring in or around the city rail system, and the use of data collection.

Star-Advertiser. 

Marconi Point property owner donates land to avoid $1.5M fine

A Marconi Point property owner has offered to donate nearly five acres on O‘ahu’s North Shore to settle claims with the state totaling nearly $1.5 million.
The Board of Land and Natural Resources unanimously accepted the offer by Marconi Point Condo owner Yue-Sai Kan to donate her 4.71 acres to the North Shore Community Land Trust.

Hawaiʻi Public Radio.

Volunteers build beds for keiki

George Denise and his wife, Dariel Hoapili Denise, are giving handcrafted beds to underprivileged kids with the hope of bringing them a sense of security and sweeter dreams. In early 2023 they started the first Hawaiʻi chapter of the nonprofit Sleep in Heavenly Peace and have built 18 wooden beds for low-income families on the West side of O‘ahu.

Star-Advertiser.

Hawai‘i Island Headlines

Merchants have mixed views about county homeless camp

Some downtown Hilo business owners are conflicted about a temporary shelter erected on Ponahawai Street to house the area’s homeless population.

Tribune-Herald.

Funds provided for Fentanyl Task Force, Big Island Substance Abuse Council

$478,400 in National Opioid Settlement Funds are going to support the work of the Hawaiʻi Island Fentanyl Task Force, and its fiscal sponsor, the Big Island Substance Abuse Council. The funds – awarded to the State of Hawaiʻi as a result of legal settlements reached with various pharmaceutical companies – were allocated to Hawaiʻi County by the State Department of Health to support local initiatives.

Big Island Video News. 

Maui Headlines

Lessons from Lahaina: Upcountry Maui residents prepare to flee as Crater Road fire burns

While stronger interagency coordination and better public communication are cited, some residents say they’re relying on themselves, neighbors and past experience to stay safe.

Civil Beat. Maui Now. 

Maui Crater Road fire remains 80% contained

The Maui Crater Road fire remained 80% contained as of 7 p.m. Monday with 574 acres burned and no fire growth, according to the Maui Fire Department.

Star-Advertiser. 

UH to conduct $3.8 million study of Lahaina wildfires

A five-year, $3.8 million study by a team of UH Mānoa’s researchers will look at the government’s response and its impact to the residents affected by the Lahaina wildfires that occurred in August 2023.

KHON2. KITV4. 

Kaua‘i Headlines

Evacuation order lifted after West Kaua‘i brush fire reported 100% contained

More than 200 homes had been under an evacuation order Monday as the wildfire spread between Hanapēpē and Kaumakani. The wildfire scorched approximately 1,000 acres of land.

Civil Beat. 

Kaua‘i helicopter tour crash victims’ family wants search to resume

Family members of the victims of Friday’s Kaua‘i helicopter tour crash are urging the public to contact Kaua‘i officials if they find any wreckage following the suspension of search and rescue operations for two of the three victims.

Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

More than 2,100 backpacks given out to school children at Kukui Grove Center on Saturday

For the 10th year, the Kukui Grove Center partnered with the Department of Education to distribute backpacks filled with school supplies to students preparing to return to the classrooms at the 10th annual Back to School Bash on Saturday.

The Garden Island.