Hawaiʻi’s Love Affair With Cesspools Is Ruining Its Reefs

The good news: Miloliʻi, Hawaiʻi’s last fishing village, is home to one of the state’s healthiest coral reefs. The bad news: It’s also one of those most at risk. Blame it on cesspools. Cesspools and septic tanks seep untreated human waste into the groundwater, transporting pathogens and chemicals to the ocean within hours.
Hawaiʻi has more cesspools per capita than any other state. And for vibrant reefs like Miloliʻi, the clock is ticking.

Civil Beat.

Kamala Harris, Husband to Vacation on Big Island for a Week

Vice President Kamala Harris, who lost her bid for president, arrived in Hawaiʻi late Tuesday for a nearly weeklong stay, along with second gentleman Doug Emhoff.

Star-Advertiser. KHON2. Washington Examiner.

Safer Buildings vs. More Housing: How New Building Codes May Impact Hawaiʻi

The governor’s office is now moving to fast-track adoption of new codes and bring Hawaii into compliance with the latest national building standards as the state and counties have struggled to keep up with the pace of change.

Civil Beat.

Meadow Gold Announces Layoffs Due to Closure of Warehouses, Distribution

In a statement, the company said it will partner with Hawaii Foodservice Alliance to manage warehousing and distribution for retail, schools and frozen products, and with Pacific Provisions Hawaii to manage distribution for food service accounts.

Star-Advertiser.

Da Bux Gets Big Bucks From USDA

Hawaiʻi’s DA BUX Double Up Food Bucks, a statewide program operated by The Food Basket, Hawaiʻi Island’s Food Bank, is getting big bucks from the federal government to continue helping low-income households throughout the islands eat healthier and local farmers grow the produce to put on their tables.

Big Island Now.

O‘ahu Headlines

Honolulu Rail Supporters Worry About Funding Under Trump Administration

Honolulu rail is still counting on $619 million in federal funding to help pay for rail construction to Kakaʻako. Will a Trump administration have less patience for a project that’s now years overdue and far over budget?

Civil Beat.

Honolulu Council Urges State to Stem Street Gang Violence

Resolution 275 is meant to push lawmakers to address street gangs and potentially establish sentencing enhancements for people convicted of criminal acts related to organized gangs.

Star-Advertiser. KHON2.

Teacher Housing Project in Limbo After Proposed Site Stirs Community Concerns

An idea to entice and retain teachers to work in Hawaiʻi is stirring some hesitation from a Central Oʻahu community. While many support the idea, they’re calling on developers to rethink its location.

Hawaii News Now.

UH Mānoa Athletic Director Angelos Is ‘Blindsided’ by His Ouster

University of Hawaiʻi athletic director Craig Angelos will receive three months of salary as part of the severance package. That amounts to $87,000 based on his annual salary of $348,000.

Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Hawai‘i Island Headlines

Hawaiʻi Police Department Has New Home on the Internet

The department launched a redesigned website Nov. 12 after a year in the making. It’s the first time since 2011 that the site has been updated. The public can find a lot of new and useful information as well as community resources on the website.

Big Island Now.

Applicants Sought for Hawaiʻi County Youth Commission

Applicants are being sought to serve on the Hawaiʻi County Youth Commission, as current commissioners are winding down their term. The final meeting of the outgoing Youth Commission will be held on Wednesday afternoon, November 27th, at the Hawaiʻi Council Chambers at the West Hawai‘i Civic Center.

Big Island Video News.

Maui Headlines

Why It’s Hard for Disaster Survivors to Rebuild Safer, Sustainable Homes

Misperceptions about up-front costs have played a big role in how Maui and other communities recover after major disasters. After a disaster, people need to get into housing quickly. At the same time, the costs to rebuild sustainably and resiliently can be high. Builders and building supplies often experience a demand shock, which can raise costs and create delays.

Civil Beat.

National Watchdog Calls for Federal Probe Into Maui Police’s Handling of Remains Following Lahaina Fire

A national watchdog for government transparency is expressing deep concern over revelations about the Maui Police Department’s handling of human remains following the Lahaina disaster.

Hawaii News Now.

Maui Landfill: $4M Deal Is a Step Toward a Permanent Home for Fire Debris

Maui County has identified a new permanent dump site for fire debris. The 79-acre site adjacent to the Central Maui Landfill in Puʻunēnē is almost quadruple the size of the property the county tried to acquire by eminent domain next to the landfill. It’ll come at a much higher cost.

Civil Beat. Maui News. Maui Now.

Kaua‘i Headlines

Holland, Kaneshiro Join Kauaʻi County Council

A tight battle for the final seat on the Kauaʻi County Council ended with a newcomer knocking off an incumbent to join the seven-member governing body on Wednesday.

Garden Island.

Kauaʻi County Anticipates Rubbish Collection Delays Through Early Next Year

Longer haul times for residential rubbish to the Kekaha Landfill will likely cause delays with home collections through early next year. The Kauaʻi County Public Works Solid Waste Division explained Tuesday that construction work at two of the county’s transfer stations is the culprit behind the necessary longer hauls.

Kauaʻi Now. KHON2.