Supreme Court Will Consider Overturning Hawaiʻi’s Strict Ban on Guns on Private Property

The Supreme Court said on Friday that it will take up its latest gun rights case and consider striking down strict regulations on where people can carry firearms in Hawaiʻi. The court will consider Hawaiʻi’s restriction banning guns on private property unless the owner has specifically allowed them.

Associated Press.

Arguments Wrap Up Over Steep Increase in Regulated Interisland Shipping Rates

A quasi-judicial hearing over a proposed 27% hike for regulated interisland ocean cargo rates ended Thursday after four days of witness testimony, tough questions and sometimes contentious arguments. The state Public Utilities Commission will render a decision, anticipated by the end of the year, on how much of an increase should be granted Young Brothers LLC.

Star-Advertiser.

Investigation Clears State Utility Official In Toxic Workplace Case

The state agency announcing the findings provided few details about the case, saying only that 5 of 20 issues related to the allegations against the PUC’s chief of policy and research Randy Baldemor had been partially substantiated but were not “considered to be determinative of the overall claim or issue.”

Civil Beat.

$126M for Hawaiʻi’s Nonprofits at Risk

A new analysis released Thursday by the University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization and the Hawaii Community Foundation (HCF) lays out the risks in stark terms: 74 federal grants to 59 Hawaii nonprofits — totaling $126 million in unpaid balances — are politically vulnerable.

Star-Advertiser. Tribune-Herald. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaiʻi Air Travel Expected to Continue With Minimal Disruption Despite Federal Shutdown

Despite the federal government shutdown, travelers heading to the Hawaiian Islands are advised not to cancel or postpone their plans, as most tourism-related services will continue operating with little to no disruption.

Big Island Now.

O‘ahu Headlines

Honolulu Police Shoot, Kill Felon, 50, Who Pointed Revolver at Officers

A 50-year-old felon was shot and killed by police Thursday morning after he pulled a revolver out of his waistband and pointed it at two Honolulu Police Department officers on Punchbowl Street, according to Interim Police Chief Rade K. Vanic.

Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

Waiʻanae Goes All In With New $17M Facility To Boost Food Security

A 15-acre campus is expected to include a food bank, fruit trees, community kitchen, wastewater treatment center and more.

Civil Beat.

Foster Home Abuses Were Secret For Years. A Lawsuit Exposed Them

The foster sons of John Teixeira had told almost no one about the abuse they suffered in his household. Then they started to talk.

Civil Beat.

Hawai‘i Island Headlines

Kona Woman Pleads Not Guilty to Coffee Fraud

Patricia Johnson pleaded not guilty Thursday to federal criminal charges accusing her of making more than $5.2 million selling “100% Kona coffee” that was actually from foreign countries and bought in California and Washington.

Star-Advertiser.

Funding Released to Expand E.B. DeSilva School

The release of over $2 million in construction funding for Hilo’s Ernest Bowen DeSilva Elementary School will allow it to build more classrooms to better accommodate students.

Tribune-Herald.

UH Hilo Opens Veterans Student Services Resource Center

The new space, dedicated to veterans for networking and accessing support, was recently blessed at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo.

Big Island Video News.

Maui Headlines

FEMA Scales Back Direct Lease Housing For Maui Fire Survivors

Citing no more unmet needs, the agency canceled $2 million worth of contracts with a company managing residential units leased from property owners.

Civil Beat.

Urban Design Review Board Set to Review Kahului Civic Center Project Oct. 7

The Maui County Urban Design Review Board is scheduled Oct. 7 to review design plans for the proposed Kahului Civic Center mixed-use complex, a project that pairs more than 300 affordable rental apartments with a civic center featuring a wave-inspired roof design.

Maui Now.

Kaua‘i Headlines

Both Kaua‘i County Division of Motor Vehicles Locations to Close 1 Day Next Week

The main Līhu‘e office and Kapa‘a satellite office will be shuttered Oct. 8 to accommodate staff training.

Kauai Now.

‘Think Pink’: Kauaʻi Community Urged to Come Together in Solidarity During Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Kaua‘i Committee on the Status of Women encourages survivors, supporters and the community to come together in solidarity during Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2025, which began Oct. 1.

Kauai Now.