Job Cuts Could ‘Permanently Impact’ Hawaiʻi’s Struggling Libraries

Maintaining regular branch hours and keeping patrons safe is already a challenge for stretched-thin library workers. After years of staff shortages and budget cuts, the Hawaii State Public Library System could lose funding for 37 hard-to-fill positions next year, which could lead to reduced branch hours and fewer resources for the public.

Civil Beat.

OHA Wants Out From Under Hawaiʻi’s Sunshine Law

The Office of Hawaiian Affairs is considering asking the Legislature to exempt meetings of its board of trustees from Hawaiʻi’s Sunshine Law. The proposal is part of OHA’s bill package for the 2025 legislative session. The board is scheduled to discuss it in committee meetings Wednesday morning.

Civil Beat.

Attorney General: Here Are The Top 10 Ways To Protect Hawaiʻi From Wildfires

Ten priorities to help protect Hawaiʻi from wildfires were laid out at a legislative hearing Tuesday by the Attorney General’s Office and the national Fire Safety Research Institute.

Civil Beat.

Hawaiʻi Voting On Pace To Exceed Dismal Primary Turnout

But early returns of ballots suggest turnout may fall well short of the record set in 2020. It was less than three months ago that Hawaiʻi saw the worst voter turnout in any primary election since statehood in 1959.

Civil Beat.

In-Person Voters Complain Daily About Mail-In Ballots

State Election Chief Scott T. Nago said no Hawaiʻi elections workers have been threatened, unlike some incidents on the mainland. But county and state officials are working with federal officials to protect election workers, especially following increasing threats on the mainland.

Star-Advertiser.

O‘ahu Headlines

13 Honolulu Star-Advertiser Staff Affected In Recent Round Of Layoffs

Photographers who covered Maui wildfires among latest round of newspaper layoffs. The publisher of the Star-Advertiser intends to lay off thirteen employees that include six newsroom staffers. This all comes after a round of job cuts there last summer that led to buyouts for four editorial employees.

Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Oʻahu Businesses Struggle As Smash-And-Grab Burglaries Surge With More Than 100 In Past Year

Smash-and-grab thieves continue to terrorize Oʻahu businesses, with over 100 destructive break-ins in the last year. Recently, law enforcement sources say there’s been another spike in activity.

Hawaii News Now.

Dozens Of Residents Soon To Be Displaced For Redevelopment Of Public Housing In Kalihi

About 60 families living at the Kuhio Park Terrace public housing complex will be displaced starting in January.

KITV4.

Honolulu YMCA Ends Rental Subsidies For Long-Term Tenants

The organization said it failed to reach its fundraising goal this year and can’t afford to maintain the housing program at the Central Y.

Civil Beat.

City Panel Mulls Future Of Historic Ordy Pond

An ancient sinkhole that might hold archaeological evidence to Hawaiʻi’s earliest Polynesian past is a topic of concern for the city-run Oʻahu Historic Preservation Commission.

Star-Advertiser.

Yellow Tang Fish Bred In Captivity To Be Released Near Windward Oʻahu

Shaun Moss, the executive director of Hawaiʻi Pacific University’s Oceanic Institute, said aquaculturing yellow tang in captivity has been a 20-year journey, full of solving fertilization and food issues.

Hawaiʻi Public Radio.

Hawai‘i Island Headlines

The Us Army Prepares For War With China

Early one morning this month, 864 Army paratroopers bundled into C-17 transport planes at a base in Alaska and took off for a Great Power War exercise between three volcanic mountains on the Big Island.

New York Times.

Hilo’s “Singing Bridge” Project To Begin Construction In 2027

The Hawai‘i Department of Transportation recently provided an update on the project, following U.S. Senator Brian Schatz’s announcement of a $33 million federal grant for the effort.

Big Island Video News.

New Playground At Kamehameha Park In Kapa‘au Set To Open

Hawaiʻi County Parks & Recreation is inviting the community to reopening and blessing event at the playground that Saturday at 11 a.m.

Big Island Video News. Big Island Now.

Maui Headlines

Habitat For Humanity Maui Receives $3 Million From Jeff Bezos, Lauren Sanchez

According to Habitat Maui, the donation stands as one of the largest in the organization’s history, and the money will directly support Habitat Maui’s ongoing efforts to address Maui’s urgent need for affordable housing, especially in light of the recent wildfires and the worsening housing crisis on the island.

Maui News. Maui Now.

New Date Set For Community Feedback Meeting On King Kamehameha III Elementary’s Future

The community meeting to gather feedback on a new proposed site to rebuild King Kamehameha III Elementary School has been rescheduled to Tuesday, Nov. 19 at 5 p.m.

Maui Now.

Kaua‘i Headlines

Kauaʻi Property Owner Target Of ‘Threats’ After Iwi Found At Construction Site

At least six iwi kupuna were discovered during a cesspool conversion project, said those with cultural ties to the area.

Hawaii News Now.

Voting explainer: 2024 Kauaʻi charter amendment ballot questions

The questions are related to its police commission, cost control recommendations, expansion of the open spaces fund, county financial loss protection and youth civic participation.

Hawaiʻi Public Radio.