DOE’s Top Leader Could Get Big Pay Raise

The state schools board is slated to vote tomorrow on a new contract with a 60% pay raise for Department of Education Superintendent Keith Hayashi. His salary could jump from $249,600 to $294,674, with the possibility of a raise that could grow to $400,900 by December 2029, bringing the superintendent’s salary closer to — but still less than — that of mainland school leaders.

Civil Beat.

Green Sea Turtles Have Rebounded. Should Hawaiians Be Able to Eat Them?

Last month, the conservation designation for green sea turtles worldwide was changed from endangered to “least concern,” which means there’s a less than 10% chance of going extinct in the next century. This change in status has prompted some to ask if it’s time to give Native Hawaiians the right to resume traditional harvesting.

Civil Beat.

Recorded Call Reveals Alleged Threat to Arrest Deputy Sheriff in ‘Political Push’

Wayne Ibarra is being sued by multiple deputies who accuse him and the Department of Law Enforcement’s former director, Jordan Lowe, of abuse of power.

Hawaii News Now.

Hawaiʻi Residents Face Steep Obamacare Premium Increases Amid Subsidy Uncertainty

The premium increases are affecting roughly 25,000 people in Hawaiʻi as open enrollment begins, with costs rising 10 to 12%.

Hawaii News Now.

Hawaiʻi Food Distribution Events Ramp Up While Residents Await Delayed Snap Funds

The Trump administration says it will restart SNAP food benefits, but will pay out only half the amount people normally get — and there could be lengthy delays.

Hawaiʻi Public Radio.

O‘ahu Headlines

HART Looks to Extend Its Life Beyond 2031 Sunset Date

Options to turn the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation into a permanent agency, and potentially expand its mission to construct things other than the city’s more than $10 billion Skyline project, appear to be coming down the tracks.

Star-Advertiser.

$62M Project Expands Affordable Housing for Seniors

EAH Housing, a nonprofit developer and property manager, has redeveloped the former ‘Aiea Sugar Mill site into Aloha Ia Halewiliko — a 140-unit community for residents 62 and older.

Star-Advertiser.

Medical Examiner Identifies 2 Women Killed in ‘Ewa Beach Fire

The two women killed Wednesday in an ‘Ewa Beach care home fire have been identified as Kimiko Takamiya, 93, and Rizza Lee Souther, 32.

Star-Advertiser.

Hawai‘i Island Headlines

Thirty Meter Telescope Planners Consider Other Sites on Mauna Kea

Gov. Josh Green and the entire Hawaiʻi congressional delegation signed a letter last month promising to work with state officials to establish a permitting process for construction on the sites of decommissioned telescopes on Mauna Kea.

Civil Beat.

Immigration Enforcement Impacting Production at Some Small Kona Coffee Farms

As the coffee harvesting season comes to a close, some small Kona farmers say they have experienced an impact to their farm production due to fear and concern stemming from reported arrests of immigrant workers on the Big Island.

Big Island Now.

Bill Addresses Requirements for Civil Defense Chief

The Hawaiʻi County Council’s Governmental Operations and External Affairs Committee today will discuss Bill 89, which proposes changes to the County Code regarding the appointment of the Civil Defense administrator.

Tribune-Herald.

Hilo Benioff Medical Center Improves Records Access for Patients

Hilo Benioff Medical Center on Nov. 1 launched its new digital system for managing medical records, appointments, prescriptions and payments, and hospital officials are urging the community to prepare for the change.

Tribune-Herald.

New Women’s Court on Hawaiʻi Island Seeks to Provide Tools to Heal and Rebuild

In Kona, Drug Court has already proven to be overwhelmingly successful and many of the practices that guided that program are now being extended to the newly formed Women’s Court on the island as well.

Hawaiʻi Public Radio.

Maui Headlines

Maui Council Looks To Fill Vacant Seat As Emotional Debate Begins.

The Maui County Council is looking to fill the seat of Kahului council member Tasha Kama, who died Oct. 26. The stakes are high for the council, which is now split evenly between factions. That was clear during an emotionally charged meeting yesterday as council members began the process of deciding how to move forward.

Civil Beat. Maui News.

Bill 9’s First Reading to Be Scheduled After Council Fills Vacancy

Maui County Council Chair Alice L. Lee announced that first reading of the bill to phase out transient vacation rentals in Apartment Districts will be scheduled for a council meeting hopefully in December while the council turns its attention to filling the vacancy created by the passing of Council Member Tasha Kama.

Maui Now.

Update: Brush Fire Above Kapalua Airport Burns 15 Acres

A brush fire in the fields above Kapalua Airport burned 15 acres and was 75% contained by nightfall on Monday. The fire was first reported in fallow agriculture lands at 12:35 p.m. on Nov. 3, 2025. Fire officials say the cause was accidental.

Maui Now.

Kaua‘i Headlines

Tyler Saito Is New County Attorney

Saito succeeds Matthew Bracken, who is moving on from more than a decade of county service to join the Kaua‘i office of McCorriston Miller Mukai MacKinnon, LLP.

Garden Island. Kaua‘i Now.