Hawai‘i’s visitor industry faces threat of hotel, airline strikes

More than 5,000 workers have authorized a strike at the Sheraton Kaua‘i Resort and seven Waikīkī hotels. The union has not made its strike plan clear, but has the power to call for a walkout at any time.

Star-Advertiser. KHON2. 

New CEO at Queen’s describe his goals and challenges

Jason Chang, now leading Hawai‘i’s largest health-care system, plans to expand services statewide while maintaining financial sustainability.

Hawaii Business Magazine.

Green taps new Hawai‘i Water Resources Board head after Kaleo Manuel’s departure

Ciara Kahahane is poised to leave the state Attorney General’s office to serve as the board’s new first deputy.  If approved, Kahahane will start in her new role October 10.

Civil Beat.

Tropical cyclones coming to Hawai‘i at peak of season

As Tropical Storm Hone moves away from the Hawaiian Islands, two more tropical cyclones — Hurricane Gilma and Tropical Storm Hector — are approaching, though their impacts might not be as severe.

Star-Advertiser. Associated Press. 

Tulsi Gabbard endorses Trump against former foe Harris

Former Democratic Rep. Tulsi Gabbard has endorsed Donald Trump’s presidential bid, furthering her shift away from the party she sought to represent four years ago and linking herself to the GOP nominee’s critiques of Vice President Kamala Harris and the chaotic Afghanistan War withdrawal.

Associated Press.

O‘ahu Headlines

HPD survey praises leadership, cites poor communication

The Honolulu Police Department posted 111-page-long “2024 Commander Performance Survey Results” online Friday. The survey found some optimism and a lot of frustration about morale, equipment and operations under the leadership of Chief Arthur “Joe” Logan.

Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. 

Honolulu EMS sued for wrongful death over Kailua ambulance fire

In 2022, a 91-year-old Waimānalo patient was killed in an ambulance fire after an oxygen tank exploded. Now, his family has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the Honolulu Emergency Services Department, claiming it failed to provide a safe environment, properly use equipment and train employees

Civil Beat. 

$2.5 million electric vehicle charging station breaks ground at Aloha Tower

On Monday, the Hawaii Department of Transportation announced the construction of the second electric vehicle charging station under the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure program.

KHON2. 

Neglected Pearl City cemetery sees glimmer of hope

Sinking graves. Crumbling crypts. Stolen urns. These are a short list of ongoing problems facing Sunset Memorial Park in Pearl City after its owner died more than 12 years ago. However this year, a new law gives the dilapidated cemetery a glimmer of hope by permitting the state Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs to provide limited property ownership to the Friends of Sunset Memorial Park.

Kaua‘i Public Radio. 

Hawai‘i Island Headlines

$10.5 million available for homeless programs on Hawai‘i Island

Since 2022, Hawaii County has set aside 75% of certain residential property tax revenues to fund programs addressing homelessness on the Big Island through the Office of Housing and Community Development’s Homelessness and Housing Fund.

Tribune-Herald. 

Hawai‘i County still dealing with aftermath of Hone with prolonged power outages

With approximately 1,900 Hawaiian Electric customers experiencing prolonged power outages following Hurricane Hone, Hawai‘i County has opened two shelters.

Big Island Now. KHON2. KITV4.

Contested case delays long-awaited vote on Hawai‘i Island aquarium fishing permits

On Friday, the Board of Land and Natural Resources was scheduled to vote on the proposed structure for a controversial West Hawai‘i Regional Fishery Management Area permit, which covers the entire western coast of the island.

Hawai‘i Public Radio. 

Hone: Heavy rains, strong winds, but more hassle than harm

Tropical Storm Hone didn’t hit Hawai‘i Island directly, but did leave its calling card over the weekend in the form of heavy rainfall and gusty winds.

Tribune-Herald. Hawaii News Now. 

Maui Headlines

Maui’s new coastal rules are full of loopholes, environmental group says

The Maui Tomorrow Foundation alleges in a lawsuit that the coastal regulations are essentially rendered useless by a number of exemptions written into the rules for the so-called Special Management Areas, which begin where the shoreline ends.

Civil Beat. 

Lahaina lots listed for thousands more than pre-fire value

Members of the Lahaina Community Land Trust worry the much-resisted concern could soon become a reality as several leveled lots were recently listed for thousands of dollars higher than what they were appraised for before the tragedy.

KITV4. 

Milestone reached with debris removal underway in Lahaina

the US Army Corps of Engineers in partnership with federal, state, and local partners, announced that debris removal on the last single- and multi-unit residential properties in Lahaina is underway. This milestone marks a significant achievement in the Personal Property Debris Removal Program, as all residential properties will be cleared months ahead of the original January 2025 deadline.

Maui Now. 

Kaua‘i Headlines

Kaua‘i Community College enrollment up 11.9 percent for fall semester

Kaua‘i Community College opened its doors to the fall semester on Monday with an opening day census of 1,277 students.

Garden Island 

Barks & Buys Market headed to Kaua‘i Humane Society for clear the shelters event

A community market is coming to the Kaua‘i Humane Society to kick off the 2024 Clear the Shelters Crescendo Event, during which all adoption fees will be waived. The Barks & Buys Market, set for Sept. 7 at the society’s shelter in Puhi, will feature more than 20 vendors offering various handmade goods, “pre-loved clothing,” dog accessories and more.

Kaua‘i Now.