Hawaiʻi Shutdown Response: SNAP Recipients to Get $250 Apiece

Hawaiʻi residents whose November food stamps have been halted by the federal shutdown are eligible to get $250 each from the state through an emergency program Gov. Josh Green announced Thursday. It’s a $42 million initiative that comes in addition to two financial assistance programs announced yesterday by the state.

Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser. Hawaiʻi Public Radio.

Federal Judge in Hawaiʻi Rules FDA Violated Law With Abortion Pill Restrictions

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration violated the law by imposing restrictions on accessing mifepristone, a medication for abortions and miscarriage management, a federal judge in Hawai‘i ruled Thursday.

Associated Press.

Disgraced Cops and Ex-felons Are Among Hawaiʻi’s Licensed Security Guards

At least seven former Hawaiʻi law enforcement officers who resigned while under investigation or were discharged are currently licensed as security guards. Another two dozen licensed guards have histories that include convictions for assault, drugs, domestic abuse and more. Decisions about who can be licensed are made behind closed doors in executive session of the state Board of Private Detectives and Guards.

Civil Beat.

A Revolving Door for Mentally Ill? Lawmakers Question Diversion Program

Lawmakers are expressing concern that a law meant to keep people with mental illness accused of minor crimes from languishing in jail is instead trapping some people in a revolving door at the Hawaiʻi State Hospital without meaningful treatment.

Civil Beat.

Visitor Arrivals to Hawaiʻi Still Softening

Visitor arrivals to Hawaiʻi declined in September, but higher daily spending helped bolster tourism revenue — though inflation and rising operational costs cut into the increases.

Star-Advertiser.

O‘ahu Headlines

‘Ewa Beach Care Home Fire Leaves 2 Dead, 1 Seriously Injured

A 93-year-old woman was killed in an Ewa Beach adult care home fire Wednesday night, and a 32-year-old woman who lived behind the home died Thursday at Straub Medical Center.

Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Registration for Foodbank’s Waipio Distribution Event Quickly Hits Full Capacity

The event, for federal workers and food stamp recipients affected by the U.S. government shutdown, was announced around midday Thursday but, at about 4 p.m., Foodbank officials said registration was closed.

Star-Advertiser.

‘Be Safe, Be Seen:’ Mayor Blangiardi Delivers Halloween Safety Proclamation

The City and County of Honolulu presented a “Be Safe, Be Seen on Halloween” proclamation. On Oct. 30 at 4:15 p.m., Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi raised awareness and reinforced the message that pedestrian safety is a shared responsibility.

KHON2.

Hawai‘i Island Headlines

Kona Airport Shut Down for Hours to Address Runway Repairs

Travelers faced delays Thursday at Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport, which closed for about seven hours to complete repairs to its sole runway.

Star-Advertiser.

Enrollment Up Nearly 9% at Hawai‘i Community College

Hawai‘i Community College had one of the largest enrollment increases in the University of Hawai‘i system this fall, rising 8.7% to 2,489 students — its highest headcount in years and a strong sign of renewed momentum.

Tribune-Herald.

Waimea District Park Playground Closed, Temporarily

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

Big Island Video News.

Maui Headlines

Maui Planning Commission Defers Consideration of Larger ʻOhana Homes to Build Housing Inventory

The Maui Planning Commission deferred consideration Tuesday of a draft bill to increase the allowable size of accessory dwelling units, also known as ʻohana homes, on smaller lots, a move intended to help address Maui County’s critical housing shortage.

Maui Now.

Four Seasons Wins SMA Permit After Maui Planning Commission Backs off Property-Wide Water Monitoring

The Maui Planning Commission voted 5-1 Tuesday to grant a special management area use permit for the Four Seasons Resort Wailea’s $16.3 million project to make exterior renovations, including new swimming pools.

Maui Now.

Lanai Bowling Alley Saga Shines Light on County’s Cumbersome Parking Mandates

Maui County lawmakers have approved a bill that clears the way for a new four-lane bowling facility in the heart of the island’s “downtown” area.

Maui News.

Kaua‘i Headlines

Kaua‘i County Adopts First-Ever Framework to Guide Disaster

Kaua‘i County and University of Hawai‘i Sea Grant College Program, also known as Hawai‘i Sea Grant, have developed a framework aimed at helping Kauaʻi’s communities prepare more effectively and, in turn, better support recovery following natural disasters.

Kaua‘i Now.

Grand Opening of First Infant and Toddler Center

Child & Family Service officially opened its new Līhuʻe Head Start Infant and Toddler Center this month. The opening expands CFS’s capacity to serve more of Kaua‘i’s youngest keiki and their families through Early Head Start services in a dedicated, center-based setting.

Garden Island. Kaua‘i Now.