State Agencies Declined to Investigate Third Legislator in Bribery Case, Internal Letters Show

Since May, two state representatives have tried unsuccessfully to get the attorney general and two commissions to take action in a public corruption probe.

Hawaii News Now.

OHA Says Governor Rushing Deal Over Military Training Lands

The Office of Hawaiian Affairs is demanding a seat at the table as Gov. Josh Green works to negotiate new military training land leases with the federal government.

Hawaii News Now.

Hawaiʻi’s Top Utility Regulator Abruptly Steps Down

There’s more turbulence at the Hawaiʻi Public Utilities Commission: this week, the state’s top utility regulator resigned seven months before the end of his term. Commission Chair Leo Asuncion left at a critical time for the agency, which has seen a third of its skilled staff recently leave, said state Sen. Jarrett Keohokalole.

Civil Beat.

Community Input Sought for Statewide Historic Preservation Plan

DLNR’s State Historic Preservation Division is beginning the process to update the Statewide Historic Preservation Plan, which will guide preservation priorities, partnerships and strategies across Hawaiʻi through 2034.

Maui Now.

State Encourages Hemp Product Retailers to Register With DOH

The Hawaiʻi Department of Health has announced a new initiative aimed at encouraging hemp product retailers and distributors to comply with state regulations that are set to take effect in 2026.

Tribune-Herald.

O‘ahu Headlines

Veterans Gather at Foster Village, the USS Missouri, After Traditional Ceremonies Canceled

The event was held in place of two ceremonies typically held on O‘ahu. Officials cancelled them after the federal government shutdown caused a lack of funding, staff and resources. The cancellation meant no missing-man formation flying above the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific at Punchbowl, no 21-gun salutes and no military bands.

Hawaii News Now. KHON2. KITV4.

Skyline Daily Riders Skyrocket Following Segment 2 Opening

Skyline’s October ridership numbers have been released by the city, and the stats show that ridership has more than doubled, according to official Skyline documents.

KHON2.

‘It’s a Disaster’: High Surf Chips Away at Coastlines, Worrying Oceanfront Residents

This week’s winter swells sent high surf across the islands, prompting closures of Hawai‘i Island beach parks and reigniting erosion concerns for homeowners on O‘ahu. The state currently prohibits homeowners from altering the shoreline in any way to protect their properties.

Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu Fire Department Relied on Risky Tactic in Deadly Blaze

In January, a Honolulu firefighter died in the line of duty for the first time since the attack on Pearl Harbor. This came a few years after the department embraced a risky tactic: allowing firefighters to enter burning buildings without hoses.

Civil Beat.

Former Tripler Gynecologist Sued for Allegedly Secretly Videotaping Patients

A U.S. Army gynecologist who used to work at Tripler Medical Center is being sued for allegedly taking secret videos of his patients. Dr. Blaine McGraw is accused of secretly videotaping patients during intimate examinations.

Hawaii News Now.

Job Fair Seeks to Expand State Workforce Amid Federal Turmoil

The recruitment event is largely aimed at filling vacant state positions with skilled federal workers being displaced by the Trump administration’s efforts to slash the size of federal government. Friday’s job fair is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Wahiawa Value-Added Product Development Center with 22 state agencies seeking to fill positions on O‘ahu.

Star-Advertiser.

Hawai‘i Island Headlines

‘Stand With Pride’: Hawai‘i Island Veterans Honored for Their Service

While government workers and schoolchildren had a day off Tuesday, veterans and their families gathered to commemorate those who served the nation in uniform — both the living and those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Tribune-Herald.

Vietnam Medal of Honor Recipient Interned at West Hawai‘i Veterans Cemetery

Community and family members gathered at West Hawai‘i Veterans Cemetery on Tuesday to honor veterans from Hawai‘i Island, including Army Sgt. 1st Class Rodney Yano, who was killed in Vietnam in 1969.

Big Island Now.

High Surf Forces Closure of Hawai‘i Island Beach Parks, Highway

Dangerous high surf conditions forced two beach parks and a major highway on Hawai‘i Island to close Tuesday. Bayfront Highway in Hilo remains closed after the high waves spread debris across the road.

Hawaii News Now.

Maui Headlines

Staff Say Maui Job Corps’ Urgent Enrollment Goal Is to Keep Program Alive

Maui’s only free live-in career training program for young adults is asking the community to help spread the word: Maui Job Corps Center in Makawao is open, enrolling and needs new students to stay active.

Maui Now.

Maui Church Makes Space Amid Pews to House Fire Recovery Volunteers

Many have sought to travel to Maui and volunteer with rebuilding efforts since the 2023 fires, but it’s not an easy prospect on an island that’s already strapped for housing. Still, much work remains to be done. A Makawao church is pitching in by converting its building to house up to 22 volunteers and recently welcomed its first team of volunteers.

Civil Beat.

Evictions on Maui Rapidly Rising After Moratorium Ends

There was an eviction moratorium on Maui after the 2023 fires to help residents who were displaced by the disaster. That was lifted in February.

Hawaii News Now.

Kaua‘i Headlines

Shutdown Doesn’t Stop Gratitude

Despite the obstacles created by the government shutdown, the Kauai Veterans Council, under the leadership of retired USAF Gen. Mary Kay Hertog, slogged ahead with the Veterans Day service on Tuesday at the Kaua‘i Veterans Cemetery in Hanapēpē.

Garden Island.

Another Shark Spotted in Waters off Kaua‘i North Shore Beach

The sighting at Hanalei Bay late Tuesday afternoon came just 2 hours after the first 8-foot shark, a tiger shark, was spotted off Keālia Beach. Kaua‘i Ocean Safety Bureau officials will continue to monitor the area. Absolutely no swimming or other ocean activities are advised.

Kaua‘i Now.