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Top Headlines

Hawaiʻi-based climate projects receive $5.5M from USDA

The University of Hawaiʻi received the largest grant, totaling over $2 million. The USDA awarded the money for testing and research of the use of AI-enhanced irrigation systems at 14 farms. More than $1 million will go to E kūpaku ka ʻāina to improve the diversity of two culturally significant staple crops — kalo and ʻuala.

Hawaiʻi Public Radio. 

Hawaiʻi contractors are still big contributors to political campaigns thanks to loopholes in state law

Executive officers and employees of government contractors along with their family members donated more than $170,000 to local campaigns between January and the end of June, a Civil Beat review of campaign finance data found.

Civil Beat. 

Number of aging Hawaii homeless residents rapidly rising

Along with Hawaii’s general population getting older, there are more aging homeless residents. The number of Kupuna in shelters has more than doubled over the past decade. In addition to providing homeless residents a place to sleep and eat, Institute for Human Services shelters have also had to provide more walkers and wheelchairs to Hawaii’s aging homeless population.

KITV4. 

Hawaii has more money for preschool subsidies than it has been able to give out

Money set aside by the state to help families cover the cost of preschool has gone partially unused in recent years, something state leaders hope to change by offering parents more money and opportunities to apply for the program.

Civil Beat. Maui Now. 

O‘ahu Headlines

The bids are finally in for Honolulu rail through the city center

Bidders hoping to win the contract to build the elevated rail line from Middle Street through Honolulu’s urban center were required to submit their proposals Tuesday, but the rail authority is not saying yet how many proposals it got or whether those bids are affordable.

Civil Beat. 

Workers picket Waikīkī hotels, plan strike vote as negotiations grows tense

Nearly 1,000 Unite Here Local 5 union workers picketed in front of major Waikīkī hotels Tuesday demanding new contracts that provide “living wages, fair workloads, and proper staffing that ensures quality service.”

Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. 

New lifeguard towers coming to O‘ahu beaches

The replacement towers in question, which cost $45,000 each, include two at the Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve. Others will be placed at Kalama Beach Park, Sunset Beach, Māʻili Beach and at beach spots in Waimānalo, Waikīkī and Ala Moana.

Star-Advertiser. 

Hawai‘i Island Headlines

Volcano Alert Level raised then lowered after brief rise in earthquake activity at Kīlauea’s upper East Rift Zone

Earthquake and ground deformation rates in Kīlauea’s upper East Rift Zone decreased significantly following a “burst of intense activity” at approximately 3:30 a.m. HST on July 23, 2024.

Big Island Now. KHON2. 

Hilo Youth Challenge Academy changes mission, becomes Job Challenge Academy

The Hawaiʻi National Guard announced Monday that the Youth Challenge Academy in Hilo will be changing its name, who can participate, and its mission.

Big Island Video News 

Construction to begin on new playground at park in North Kohala

Construction of a new playground at Kamehameha Park in Kapa‘au is slated to begin today, and will be closed as the site preparation and demolition work begins. The project is expected to be completed by the end of 2024.

Big Island Now. Big Island Video News. 

Longtime UH-Hilo theater sound tech dies in accident

Rob Abe, 61, of Volcano, retired in 2022, after 30 years and 2,364 performances, as technical director of the University of Hawaii at Hilo Performing Arts Center. Abe died in a motorcycle crash July 15 in Colorado, sending shock waves back to the Big Island.

Tribune-Herald. 

Maui Headlines

Maui moves closer to phasing out thousands of short-term rentals to deal with housing crisis

The Planning Commission unanimously recommended the County Council approve the mayor’s proposal, with some tweaks, despite concerns that it will wreak economic havoc.

Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now. 

Kamehameha Schools plans revitalization of fallow land in Lahaina

The trust, which owns about 1,160 acres of largely fallow former sugar cane plantation land in Lahaina, plans to expand agriculture and forestry on roughly 960 acres mostly above developed parts of the West Maui town, while also pursuing residential, commercial and recreational development on about 190 acres partly bordering neighborhoods destroyed by flames nearly a year ago.

Star-Advertiser. 

Maui wildfire survivors begin moving in to Laʻikū temporary housing project in Lahaina

La‘ikū will provide 16 two-bedroom, one-bath units at 560 sq. ft. each. The homes are being built on approximately two acres of land that was previously acquired by the HDOT as part of the Lahaina Bypass project.

Maui Now. 

Kaua‘i Headlines

Officials suspect arson in Koke‘e brush fire

Authorities suspect the Koke‘e brush fire, which scorched 1,600 acres, was intentionally set, officials confirmed Tuesday. Additionally, a small brush that ignited in Waimea above Panini Place on Monday afternoon is also suspected to be arson.

Kaua‘i Now. 

TSA aims to bolster its staff on Kaua‘i

The Transportation Security Administration is looking for a few good people to help bolster its ranks at Lihu‘e Airport, where thousands of tourists arrive every week for the start of their Kaua‘i experience.

The Garden Island.