It’s Not Just El Niño — New Climate Phenomenon Impacts Hawai‘i Rainfall

While most people know about El Niño and how it impacts the weather, a new study from University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa shows another climate pattern influences rainfall across the Islands, particularly during the spring season: the Pacific Meridional Mode.

Maui Now.

Governor Calls Hawai‘i Tourism Authority ‘Hot Mess,’ Promises Reform

Hawai‘i’s most powerful tourism agency is about to be upended as the governor and lawmakers lose patience with the leadership and infighting among its leaders. Supporters say new legislation will shift power away from tourism insiders to the public.

Hawaii News Now.

Army, Allies Ponder Pacific Role

The Association of the United States Army’s annual Land Power in the Pacific Conference — better known as LANPAC — kicked off Tuesday at the Sheraton Waikiki. This year the conference, which brings together armies from across the Pacific and beyond, has attracted participants from a record 32 countries, including 16 national chiefs of army.

Star-Advertiser.

Hawai‘i Braces for Energy Star’s Demise

Hawaii Energy, a ratepayer-funded program that encourages residents and businesses to make smart energy choices — from appliances to air conditioners and water heaters — is the primary administrator of Energy Star programming in the state on behalf of the Public Utilities Commission.

Star-Advertiser. Hawai‘i Public Radio.

O‘ahu Headlines

Video Surveillance at Public Parks Under Review

The Honolulu City Council is scheduled to hold a first reading today on Resolution 128, which seeks to authorize the use of video surveillance at O‘ahu’s public parks in order to deter crime and to provide “a safe environment for city residents, visitors and employees.”

Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Eyes Changes to Hanauma Bay Reservation System

The city plans to allocate 500 of the current 1,400 visitor tickets per day to a professional tour operator that would bus in guests. Hawaiʻi residents get to bypass the reservation system. Officials are trying to strike a balance between generating revenue to maintain the park and keeping the more manageable visitor numbers set post-Covid.

Civil Beat.

Disgraced Police Chief Louis Kealoha Still Owes Honolulu $250,000

Former Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha is out of prison on house arrest after serving several years behind bars for his role in Hawaiʻi’s biggest corruption scandal. Now, it’s time for the city to collect the $250,000 resignation payout he received. Kealoha is still cashing in on his $150,000 annual pension, but hasn’t payed a dime back to taxpayers.

Civil Beat.

Honolulu City Council Plans to Track Projects Passed in the Budget

The Honolulu City Council will be implementing better tracking methods to determine whether or not projects they pass in the budget are being followed through with.

Hawai‘i Public Radio.

Sabotaged Signal: New Images Reveal Severed Cables That Cut Communication for Thousands

The damaged lines were discovered around 2 p.m. Saturday near Heʻeia State Park, but officials say impacts from the act of vandalism were felt from Waimānalo to Lāʻie.

Hawaii News Now.

Illegal Game Room Assets in Kalihi Turned Over to State

More than $63,000 and assets of other equipment that Honolulu police acquired in an illegal game room bust Thursday will go to the state.

Star-Advertiser.

Hawai‘i Island Headlines

West Hawai‘i Post Office Renamed in Honor of Vietnam War Hero

The U.S. Postal Service and the office of Rep. Jill Tokuda held a dedication ceremony on Saturday at the Captain Cook Post Office in honor of Army 1st Lt. John Kuulei Kauhaihao, who was killed in action on Sept. 5, 1969, in the Tay Ninh Province of the Republic of Vietnam.

Tribune-Herald. Big Island Now.

Nareit Foundation Seeks Shovel-Ready Projects for Its Annual Grant Considerations

The Nareit Foundation is inviting affordable housing nonprofits in Hawaiʻi to submit applications for consideration of grants in support of their projects. All applicants must complete the grant application form that can also be accessed on the How to Apply section of the Nareit Hawaiʻi website by 5 p.m. Friday, June 13.

Big Island Now.

Big Island Drought Worsens in April

Leeward areas of the Big Island already are showing the shift toward the summer wet season, but the windward side, which is entering the dry season, continues to be drier than normal.

Tribune-Herald.

Parts of Hilo to Experience Water Outage Late Friday

A water outage will affect Hilo International Airport and surrounding areas from 10 p.m. Friday to 4 a.m. Saturday.

Tribune-Herald. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now.

Maui Headlines

Kamaʻāina Credit Program Poised for Approval as Part of Council’s Budget Package

With first reading of the Maui County Council’s $1.56 billion budget set for Friday, one of the line items up for approval in the fiscal 2026 budget is $12 million for Maui United Way’s Countywide ALICE Initiative: Kamaʻāina Credit program.

Maui Now.

Department of ʻŌiwi Resources to Invest Approximately $450K in Nine Local Projects

The County of Maui Department of ʻŌiwi Resources is investing approximately $450,000 into nine projects under its core divisions, Kīpuka, Kumuwaiola and Pai Ka Leo.

Maui Now.

Surfing Returns to Lahaina Harbor, Evoking Excitement, Healing for Competitors

The Maui Interscholastic League (MIL) surfing championships marked the first organized surfing event at Lahaina Harbor since August 2023. Many involved, including organizer and co-coordinator for MIL, Kim Ball, lost their homes in the disaster.

Hawaii News Now.

Kaua‘i Headlines

Students, Families Prepare for Kauaʻi Community College Commencement

More than 100 students will officially graduate from Kauaʻi Community College during its 99th year on Friday. The commencement ceremony will begin at 4:30 p.m. on campus behind the Performing Arts Center on Friday.

Kaua‘i Now.