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Hawaiʻi Voters Can Expect Election Day Lines, Delayed Results

Elections officials expect long lines of people exercising their right to vote in person — and even register to vote — on Election Day, Tuesday, reminiscent of the 2020 presidential race when voting sites across every island county could not close at 7 p.m., delaying results for the public and political candidates.

Star-Advertiser. 

Marriage Equality, Vulnerable Incumbents, Big Island Mayor: 10 Election Stories We’re Watching

Polls close in Hawaiʻi at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, but you can still vote as long as you’re in line by that time at a voter service center. If you have not yet mailed your ballot, you should take it to an official drop box as it must be received by the time polls close.

Hawaiʻi Public Radio. 

Next President Will Shape the Future of America’s Largest Marine Monument

Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument protects nearly 600,000 square miles around the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. President George W. Bush created it in 2006. President Barack Obama nearly quadrupled its size in 2016. But the prospect of a Trump presidency has conservationists worried. As president, Trump put Papahānaumokuākea on a short list of national monuments that should be repealed or significantly downsized.

Civil Beat.

Hawaiʻi Republicans Compiling Complaints for Election Challenges

Despite no evidence of voter fraud in Hawaiʻi elections, leaders of the local Republican party are urging voters to be vigilant for irregularities, and plan to share those reports with the Trump campaign.

Hawaii News Now.

Matson Slows Down To Protect Whales, While Pasha Hawaii Speeds On

Hawaiʻi’s main shipping companies — Matson and Pasha — haven’t had a good track record of slowing down off the California coast to avoid whales. They’ve actually been among the worst offenders. Matson, however, has redeemed itself in recent years, according to data collected by researchers. The company jumped from an “F” grade to an “A” this year. Pasha? Not so much.

Civil Beat.

O‘ahu Headlines

Hotel Workers, Hilton Reach Tentative Agreement

The 40-day strike by workers at the Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort appears to be nearing an end after Hilton and UNITE HERE Local 5 announced a tentative agreement on a new contract late Saturday.

Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Navy Water System Upgrade Under Intense Scrutiny

The Navy is upgrading and renovating its O‘ahu water system that serves 93,000 island residents, having demolished an old water storage tank with a replacement currently under construction — and with more planned upgrades along the way.

Star-Advertiser.

Nonprofit Farm Receives Land in Mākaha Valley

MA‘O Organic Farms has received ownership of 249 acres of undeveloped land in Mākaha Valley from the The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation. The nonprofit organic farm in Waiʻanae provides job and higher-education opportunities for West O‘ahu residents and intends to make affordable housing part of its operation.

Star-Advertiser.

Trial Delayed for Four Officers Charged in Mākaha Crash Case

A trial has been delayed for four Honolulu police officers accused of causing a car chase, crash and covering it up in September 2021. It was postponed until an appeals court can rule on a claim by defense attorneys that the law the case hangs on is too vague.

Star-Advertiser.

Hawai‘i Island Headlines

Big Island Voters Will Help Decide County, State and Federal Contests

The General Election will be held Tuesday, and Big Island voters will have the opportunity to choose Hawaiʻi County’s next mayor, along with state senators and representatives, County Council members, and of course the U.S. president.

Tribune-Herald.

Three School Bus Routes Back on the Road on Hawaiʻi Island

Starting Monday, the buses will transport nearly 50 students to Waiākea Intermediate in Hilo and Keonepoko Elementary in Pāhoa. The DOE says it has restored 112 routes that were suspended in early August due to a driver shortage. It’s still working to restore 26 routes.

Hawaii News Now.

Mauna Loa Road in HVNP Will Temporarily Close for Six Weeks

Mauna Loa Road in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park will temporarily close to all use when survey, drilling and soil sampling work starts Monday.

Tribune-Herald.

Maui Headlines

Maui Council May Double Down on Mayor’s Tax Relief Proposal for Day Cares

Mayor Richard Bissen’s administration had proposed doubling the tax exemption for providers who own their facilities from $50,000 to $100,000 of assessed value, but last week the County Council’s Budget, Finance and Economic Development Committee said it wanted to double down again, increasing the exemption to $200,000.

Civil Beat.

Staff Across Maui Hospitals Gather to Make Signs to Prepare for Strike

Staff at Maui Memorial Medical Center, Kula Hospital, and Lanai Community Hospital gathered to create picket signs over the weekend in preparation for their three-day strike. They are demanding safe staffing and higher wages. The workers say this comes after several failed negotiations with the hospitals.

Hawaii News Now. KHON2. 

Coast Guard Members, Civilians Honored for Lahaina Heroism

Both national and international organizations are recognizing Coast Guard and civilian mariners who responded to the deadly 2023 Lahaina fire for heroism at sea.

Star-Advertiser.

Kaua‘i Headlines

Visitors and Spending Fall in September on Kauaʻi

Total visitor spending retreated to $211.4 million in September from $236.7 million in September 2023, a decrease of 10.7 percent, as well as the second straight month spending was below the same period a year earlier.

Garden Island.

Business Picks Up at Lihue Airport in October

A total of 65,485 passengers off-boarded domestic flights at the seaside transportation facility in October, compared with 62,216 in October 2023.

Garden Island.