Upcoming fuel report could determine new direction for the state’s energy strategy

Gov. Josh Green turned heads this summer when he suggested the state should reconsider importing liquefied natural gas, or LNG. Now, the Hawaiʻi State Energy Office is close to releasing a comprehensive analysis on whether or not the controversial energy resource is a good bet for the islands.

Hawai’i Public Radio.

Ballot question would change judicial selection process

A proposed constitutional amendment about the appointment of judges will have many voters scratching their heads. Supporters of the change worry that people will ignore the proposal because of confusion – and cause it to die.

Hawaii News Now.

Projected air seat declines underscore Hawaiʻi tourism softening

Total trans-Pacific airline seats for Hawaiʻi’s top U.S. market are projected to drop in November and December, with losses widening at the start of next year and remaining evident into April, according to Hawai‘i Visitors & Convention Bureau market data.

Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiʻi Tourism officials update lawmakers on sustainable practices

Tourism officials briefed lawmakers Wednesday on the management and marketing of Hawaiʻi’s largest industry, focusing on sustainability and cultural preservation.

KHON2.

Hawaiʻi stores fined nearly $1M this year for unregistered chemicals

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency levied a fine against the local operator of Daiso stores this month to the tune of nearly $315,000 for unregistered pesticides and misbranded pesticide devices. Earlier in the year, the EPA also fined the parent company of Don Quijote, Times Supermarket and Marukai Market over $660,000 for selling unregistered chemicals.

Hawaii Public Radio.

O‘ahu Headlines

City proposing 124% residential sewer fee hikes over the next 10 years on Oʻahu

Starting July 1, the city plans to increase city sewer fees over a 10-year period that will impact single-family residential customers — who consume 9,000 gallons of water a month toward sewer usage, like flushing the toilet — as well as all other customer classes served by the city and county’s sewer system.

Star-Advertiser.

Condo owners struggle to keep up with costs as property insurance rates continue to rise

As a result, the Honolulu City Council is considering a resolution asking the state Legislature to pass policies next session that would address the issue.

Hawaiʻi Public Radio.

Hilton Hawaiian Village workers mark 30 days on strike

Over 1,800 Hilton Hawaiian Village workers marked 30 days on strike Wednesday, and people who don’t work there are increasingly siding with the strikers.

Hawaiʻi Public Radio.

Leader of heavily armed drug-dealing gang gets 30 years

The leader of a heavily armed Honolulu drug trafficking organization that marketed deadly fentanyl-­laced mixes of opioids, heroin and methamphetamine will serve 30 years in federal prison.

Star-Advertiser.

Hawai‘i Island Headlines

Document gives DOT green light to purchase five lots to expand the entrance

The state by the end of next year could purchase a little over nine acres of land on Kalanianaole Street to expand the entrance to Hilo Harbor.

Tribune-Herald.

In surprise move, state Supreme Court takes on appeal of Hilo doctor’s HMSA lawsuit

Hilo obstetrician-gynecologist Frederick Nitta filed a lawsuit in 2022 against the Hawaii Medical Services Association over several incidents in which the insurer failed to cover certain medications and treatments he considered to be medically necessary for patients.

Tribune-Herald.

Ironman’s Parade of Nations in Kona showcases athletes participating from 85 countries

Patrons at the Da Shark Shack threw shakas and cheered as triathletes from around the world walked along Ali’i Drive in downtown Kailua-Kona on Tuesday during the 2024 VinFast Ironman World Championship’’s traditional Parade of Nations.

Big Island Now.

Maui Headlines

Maui lawmakers discuss rebuilding ‘nonconforming’ structures in Lahaina, vacation rentals

The long-standing, bitter debate over vacation rentals on Maui took center stage during a Maui County Council Housing and Land Use Committee meeting on Wednesday discussing Bill 105.

KITV4.

Homes for FEMA’s Kilohana temporary housing site to be delivered next week to Lahaina

Motorists are advised of potential traffic delays as 10 modular homes for wildfire survivors are transported from Kahului Harbor to the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Kilohana temporary housing site in Lahaina.

Maui Now.

Kahului Public Library to temporarily close beginning Nov. 1 to complete interior renovations

The Kahului Public Library will temporarily close to complete extensive interior renovations beginning Friday, Nov. 1.  At this time, the renovation project is scheduled to be completed in Spring 2025.

Maui Now.

Kaua‘i Headlines

Kauaʻi Island Utility Co-op honored for excellence, innovation in energy

The Association of Energy Engineers — Western U.S. Region presented Kauaʻi Island Utility Co-op with the Award for Institutional Energy Management during the Association of Energy Engineers World Energy Conference & Expo last month in Nashville.

Kauai Now.

Jobless rate jumps in September on Kauaʻi

A pullback in a number of employment sectors sent the jobless rate up more than one-half-percentage point in the final month of summer on the island of Kauaʻi.

Garden Island.