Government Shutdown: Hawaiʻi Announces Financial Aid for Housing, Utilities

The federal government has been in shutdown mode for about a month, and food stamp recipients won’t get their benefits in November. Yesterday, Hawaiʻi announced plans to offer two financial assistance programs for affected families: one to help with housing and utilities and another serving Native Hawaiians.

Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser. Hawaiʻi Public Radio.

New Push Underway to Expose ‘Influential’ Hawaiʻi Lawmaker Who Took $35,000 Bribe

A new petition is calling for lawmakers to investigate one of their own after federal court documents revealed an “influential state legislator” took a $35,000 bribe but was never charged.

Hawaii News Now.

SNAP Work Requirement Changes Take Effect Saturday

H.R.1, or the One Big, Beautiful Bill Act, expanded work requirements for what it called “able-bodied adults,” which currently apply to residents ages 18 to 54 with no dependents, to a broader population to remain eligible for SNAP. Under federal law, these adults will have to complete 80 hours of work or training per month to remain eligible for SNAP.

Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat.

Coral Reefs Have Reached a Climate Tipping Point, but Hawaiʻi Researchers Say Hope Remains

A new global report warns coral reefs have already reached a climate tipping point, dying faster than they can naturally recover. Hawaiʻi scientists agree with the findings, but they also say this is a turning point for action. Researchers at UH Mānoa are developing methods to strengthen reef resilience but said real change will take collective effort.

KITV4.

O‘ahu Headlines

Chinatown Seniors Face Steep Rent Increases at Affordable Housing Complex

At the Halewaiʻolu Senior Residences on River Street, 155 affordable rental units house residents 55 and older. Seniors living at the affordable housing complex in Chinatown are facing significant rent increases, with some residents reporting hikes of more than 34%.

Hawaii News Now.

Financing Secured for First Phase of Kūhiō Park Terrace Redevelopment

In this phase, 60 of the current 174 aging public housing units will be replaced with 302 new affordable rental homes and two manager units.

Aloha State Daily.

Mental Health Clinic for Veterans and Families Celebrates 5 Years

The Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic in Mililani celebrated five years of operations Wednesday. It’s part of the Cohen Veterans Network of Clinics, which aims to serve military families and veterans who otherwise might struggle to gain access to care.

Star-Advertiser.

Hawai‘i Island Headlines

Shutdown Halts Hawaiʻi’s Primary Way of Confirming Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death

The government shutdown has paused a critical detection component of the effort to contain Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death in Hawaiʻi’s native forests. For the duration of the shutdown, a U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service lab in Hilo is not testing new samples to confirm cases of ROD.

Hawai‘i Public Radio.

Long-Term Solutions Being Explored After Dredging of Pohoiki Boat Ramp Failed

After the recent dredging at Pohoiki Boat Ramp failed, state Rep. Greggor Ilagan of Puna described two options for a long-term solution. He said during a town hall meeting this weekend that one option was to install two jetties at Pohoiki. The other idea was to conduct a full dredge of the bay, which Ilagan said was less promising.

Big Island Now.

Food Lines Form in Hawaiʻi as SNAP Benefits Near Expiration

The Food Basket held an ‘Ohana Drop food distribution in Hilo last week, as the federal government shutdown continues.

Big Island Video News.

Waimea District Park Playground Closed, Temporarily

The repairs to the playground equipment are expected to be completed by November 8, depending on weather conditions and other factors.

Big Island Video News.

Maui Headlines

Kapalua’s Plantation Course to Reopen Nov. 10

Seeing improved conditions after the Plantation Course turned brown without water over the summer, Kapalua is preparing to reopen the course Nov. 10.

Maui News.

East Maui Group Escalates Dispute With State Over Visitor Misbehavior on Hāna Highway

Famed for its hundreds of twists and turns through lush East Maui rainforests and dozens of one-lane bridges, the Road to Hāna has become infamous for something else — the head-scratching antics of visitors.

Maui Now.

Upcountry Drought Concerns Continue After Maui County Downgrades Water Shortage

The County of Maui has downgraded the severity of a historic drought, but local officials are no less concerned about dry conditions.

Hawai‘i Public Radio.

Kaua‘i Headlines

Kauai Independent Food Bank Helps Feed Federal Workers’ Families

More than 8,500 pounds of food were distributed on Monday from the Kauai Independent Food Bank facility for federal workers affected by the government shutdown.

Garden Island.

North Shore Give Caravan Delivers Gratitude to Kauaʻi’s First Responders

In a moving gesture of appreciation on National First Responders Day, local nonprofit North Shore Give took to the road, forming a caravan of gratitude that stopped at fire stations, police departments and ambulance bases across Kauaʻi.

Kaua‘i Now.