Hawaiʻi’s Child Welfare Reform Efforts Bump Up Against Budget Fears

Hawaiʻi has been under a great deal of pressure to improve its child welfare system, especially in light of child deaths due to abuse and neglect. And now, the state has to figure out how to pay for programs once covered by the feds. It’s unclear what this means for the future of child welfare reform efforts.

Civil Beat.

Hawaiʻi Braces for Suspension of SNAP

Organizations devoted to helping financially strapped Hawaiʻi families were scrambling Monday after the federal Food and Nutrition Service told states that the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program will be suspended beginning Saturday because of the federal government shutdown.

Star-Advertiser.

What to Know About SNAP Benefits and a $100M Hawaiʻi Relief Program

More than 160,000 Hawaiʻi residents received SNAP benefits totaling about $753 million throughout fiscal year 2024, according to the state Department of Human Services. In response to the federal government shutdown and its effects on SNAP benefits, Hawaiʻi is setting aside $100 million to help eligible families with housing and utility payments.

Hawaiʻi Public Radio. KITV4.

Office of Hawaiian Affairs Sets Aside $6.1M for Emergency Relief Amid Federal Government Shutdown

The OHA Board of Trustees approved $6.1 million in emergency funding for Native Hawaiian beneficiaries impacted by the shutdown of the federal government and the potential suspension of food assistance on Nov. 1.

Kauaʻi Now.

Republican State Sen. Brenton Awa to Run for U.S. Rep. Jill Tokuda’s Seat

Republican state Sen. Brenton Awa announced his run for Congress on Monday, putting him in the race for the second congressional district against incumbent Rep. Jill Tokuda, a Democrat.

Hawaiʻi Public Radio. Hawaii News Now.

O‘ahu Headlines

Mom Sues Boys & Girls Club for Not Protecting Child From Abuse

Staff members of a Boys & Girls Club after-school program in Honolulu did nothing to address reports that one student was bullying and sexually assaulting another young boy for nearly four months, according to a lawsuit filed by the boy’s mother.

Civil Beat.

City Offers More $10K Grants to Rail-Affected Businesses

A new round of city-subsidized relief is being offered to eligible businesses impacted by construction of the more than $10-billion Skyline rail project’s Dillingham Boulevard corridor, Honolulu officials say.

Star-Advertiser.

Popular Luau to Close After Nearly 50 Years

After 47 years of service, Paradise Cove will hold its final luau on New Year’s Eve. The luau’s parent company, PC Services, said 172 employees will lose their jobs.

Hawaii News Now.

Demolition Begins as Kawaiahaʻo Church Prepares for Reburial of Ancestral Remains

Kawaiahaʻo Church is preparing to rebury hundreds of skeletal remains that were dug up during a construction project 16 years ago, with demolition work beginning Tuesday.

Hawaii News Now.

Assaults on Honolulu Officers Up, What’s Behind the Trend?

Assault on law enforcement officer cases jumped in 2025 — up 20% compared to the same time in 2024. Most of the assaults occur during responses for intoxication, domestic violence or mental health-related calls. Interim chief Vanic said de-escalation is key.

KHON2.

Teens Who Died While Fishing Identified as Waiʻanae High School Seniors

The boys who died are Maikah Hampp-Iriarte, 17, and Tony Siufanua, 17. The incident happened Saturday morning at Kaʻena Point. Friends say one of the boys was swept into the water and the other jumped in to help. They’re not sure who was in the water first.

KHON2. Hawaii News Now. Star-Advertiser.

Hundreds of Federal Workers Line Up for Free Food in Kalihi as Government Shut Down Drags On

Hundreds of federal workers lined up on Rose Street Monday to recieve free food in Kalihi, many of them still working but not getting paid because of the federal shutdown.

KITV4.

Hawai‘i Island Headlines

State Proposes Rules to Reopen Waters to Aquarium Fishing

The Hawai‘i Board of Land and Natural Resources on Friday voted unanimously to approve the proposed rulings, a required step in the process of opening up Hawai‘i’s Kona coast again to the harvesting of fish from local waters to be sold as pets in saltwater aquariums worldwide.

Star-Advertiser. Hawai‘i Public Radio.

Hawai‘i County to Host Traffic Safety Vigil Days After Deadly Daniel K. Inouye Highway Crash

Hawai‘i County and partners will be hosting a “Healing Our Highways” Traffic Safety Vigil and Remembrance Event this week just days after a two-vehicle crash on Daniel K. Inouye Highway left four injured and two people dead.

Big Island Now. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiʻi County Police Commissioners Discuss Hiring Procedures for Next Chief

The Hawaiʻi County Police Commission discussed and voted on procedures for hiring the next police chief during Friday’s meeting.

Big Island Now.

Waitlist Opens for Housing Project in Waikōloa Village

Nonprofit developer Pacific Housing Assistance Corporation, through property manager Indigo Real Estate Services, will accept applications for both project-based voucher and non-project-based voucher units at Nā Hale Makoa till Nov. 17.

Big Island Now.

Maui Headlines

Maui Council Member Tasha Kama, 73, Remembered for Life of Service

Maui County Council member Tasha Kama died Sunday night. The former pastor was elected to her post in 2018 and remembered as “a woman of deep faith, compassion and aloha.” Kama tipped the balance of power on the council toward a conservative-leaning majority. This divide may make it tricky for her colleagues to decide who will replace her.

Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser. Hawaiʻi Public Radio.

Final Request: Kama Asks Council to Consider Appointing Kauanoe Batangan as Her Successor

Seven-year Maui County Council Member Natalie “Tasha” Kama, who died Sunday night at Maui Memorial Medical Center, has asked fellow council members to appoint Kauanoe Batangan to serve out the remainder of her term.

Maui Now.

Four Seasons Resort to Seek Permit for $16.3M in Exterior Renovations and Improvements

The Maui Planning Commission is scheduled to hold a public hearing tomorrow morning on a $16.3 million proposal for exterior renovations and improvements at the Four Seasons Resort Maui in Wailea.

Maui Now.

Kaua‘i Headlines

Dark Skies Fall Upon Pacific Missile Range Facility With Mission to Protect Fledgling ʻAʻo, ʻUaʻu

Annual fledging of ʻaʻo, or Newell’s shearwaters, and ʻuaʻu, or Hawaiian petrels, on Kauaʻi, is underway and runs through Dec. 15 — a critical period for two of Hawai‘i’s most threatened seabirds.

Kaua‘i Now.