Awards to fund University of Hawaiʻi research increase by $100 million

UH snagged $616 million in the 2024 fiscal year, up 19% from $516 million a year earlier, which followed only a 2% gain from $505 million in the 2022 fiscal year, according to university officials.

Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Maui Now.

Gabbard cites ‘political retaliation’ for her addition to TSA watch list

State House Republicans defended former colleague, presidential candidate and U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard in a letter sent Sunday to the Transportation Security Administration demanding she be removed from the federal government’s terrorist watch list.

Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Will insurance companies get first crack at $4 billion Lahaina fire settlement?

Insurers have paid out more than $2 billion in claims so far, and they’re hoping to take their reimbursements before victims get paid. But that means less money for victims. And if victims are paid first, insurers would effectively have to sue their customers by seeking reimbursement from them. This matter is slated to be addressed today in court.

Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now. 

How a major settlement could impact Hawaiʻi real estate commissions

On Aug. 17, a settlement agreement takes effect that will impact the real estate industry. It stems from a lawsuit filed against the National Association of Realtors over its practice of setting commissions.

Hawaiʻi Public Radio. Hawaii News Now. 

‘Above normal significant fire potential’ for Hawaiʻi expected through October

As drought continues to expand and intensify, Hawaiʻi can expect more wildfires to occur across the isles the rest of this summer.

Star-Advertiser. KHON2.

O‘ahu Headlines

Chemical plume found in closed ʻAiea drinking wells may come from Red Hill

The head of Honolulu’s water board is calling for the installation of more water monitoring wells after chemicals possibly linked to the 2021 Red Hill fuel spill were detected earlier this summer in sealed drinking wells in ʻAiea.

Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now. KITV4.

Violent crime report shows rise in 2 disturbing categories for Honolulu

There were 16 murders reported, compared to 15 during the same time period in 2023. Reported rapes also increased. There were 164 in the first half of this year, compared to 136 in the first half of last year.

Hawaii News Now. KHON2. 

With ‘zero fatalities’ top of mind, city unveils 16-year plan to improve O‘ahu’s roads

The city released its ambitious 16-year plan to eliminate traffic fatalities on O‘ahu’s roads, planning changes to the island’s most dangerous streets. It could cost up to $755 million.

Hawaii News Now. 

Rental, utility assistance enrollment to open for new applicants in Makiki

The City’s Rental and Utility Relief Program (RURP) will hold an enrollment event for new applicants on Friday, August 23. O‘ahu residents in need of assistance with rent or utility payments are encouraged to apply.

KHON2. 

Sources say corrections officer, sergeant suspended after alleged assault of prison inmate

An adult corrections officer and a sergeant were reportedly suspended after allegedly assaulting a handcuffed inmate at the Halawa Prison earlier this month.

Hawaii News Now. 

Hawai‘i Island Headlines

Hawaiʻi Island dairy faces lawsuit for dumping milk, animal waste

Meadow Gold and Cloverleaf Dairy have been put on legal notice for allegedly polluting local waters on the Big Island. The alleged dumping, said to be taking place at the concentrated animal feeding operation in Hāwī, would be in violation of the federal Clean Water Act and the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act.

Big Island Video News. 

Public feedback sought for solar project

The Ke‘amuku Solar + Storage project is a proposed solar farm that would be built on a pair of parcels just south of the intersection between Māmalahoa Highway and Waikōloa Road.

Tribune Herald. 

State increasing no-passing zones on DKI Highway

The state Department of Transportation advises motorists that sections of the Daniel K. Inouye Highway, formerly Saddle Road, will become no-passing zones effective upon installation of signs and pavement markings.

Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now.

Maui Headlines

Maui police arrest Kahului suspect in Pukalani IEDs explosion

The Maui Police Department arrested a 47-year-old Kahului man Saturday in connection with the discovery of a series of improvised explosive devices, one of which detonated and sidelined a sport utility vehicle in Pukalani on Thursday.

Star-Advertiser. Maui Now. 

Maui resort agrees to dim lights to protect native seabirds

Conservation groups sued the Grand Wailea Resort on Maui in February 2022 and again in May, claiming that the hotel’s outdoor lights harmed the native seabirds.

Hawaiʻi Public Radio.

Precinct results: In razor-thin primary, Cook takes Central Maui; King backed in South and East Maui

First-term Maui County Council Member Tom Cook finished 145 votes ahead of former Council Member Kelly Takaya King in Saturday’s primary election by winning all Central Maui precincts and splitting votes with his rival Upcountry and in West Maui.

Maui Now. 

Kaua‘i Headlines

Kaua‘i Fire Department urges public to be vigilant as risk for fire weather increases

There is an above normal significant fire potential through October, until the wet season gets underway in November. Three large fires have already happened in the state this summer, including two on Kaua‘i and one on Maui, two of which grew to 1,000 acres or more.

Kaua‘i Now. 

Water conservation request issued for some residents in Princeville

In an effort to avoid a water outage due to dry weather, Kaua‘i County officials have issued a water conservation request for customers along the North Shore.

Kaua‘i Now.