Hawaiʻi’s GOP Continues to Fight Amongst Itself as the 2026 Elections Loom

Hawaiʻi hasn’t had so many Republicans in the Legislature since GOP Gov. Linda Lingle ran the state in the 2000s. So why have a half-dozen party leaders fled in recent weeks? Hear what former party leaders had to say about what they claim they saw on the inside, including misconduct and retaliation.

Civil Beat.

Military Selects Pacific Training Preferences

The U.S. military announced Tuesday it had released its “record of decision” on preferences for training in the Pacific as it seeks new operating permits. The proposed course includes increases in training around both California and Hawaiʻi from the previous permit, including the installation and maintenance of mine training areas off Hawaiʻi and Southern California.

Star-Advertiser.

Seven Hawaiʻi Governors Support Kamehameha Schools Admissions Policy

All seven living Hawaiʻi governors, from current Gov. Josh Green to George Ariyoshi, 99, said some wrongly seek to undermine Princess Bernice Pauahi’s vision by forcing Kamehameha Schools to disregard her 1883 directive giving preference to Native Hawaiians.

Hawaii News Now.

Lights, Camera, Comeback: Major 2026 Productions Signal Rebound for Hawaiʻi Film & TV Industry

Hawaiʻi’s film and TV industry has been quiet for months. But new signs of life are emerging, and for local workers whose livelihoods were at risk, it couldn’t come soon enough.

KHON2.

Trump Admin’s Proposed Rules May Deter Hawaiʻi’s Future Nurse Practitioners

Nurses are often the first primary care providers you’ll see when needing care, and now the federal government is looking to reclassify them, which will impact the amount of money nursing students could borrow for advanced degrees.

KITV4.

O‘ahu Headlines

AI Is Everywhere. Will Honolulu Voters Get to Set Limits?

Artificial intelligence is already widely used in city government. Some residents want to see the charter updated to require more transparency.

Civil Beat.

Task Force Proposes Housing Stipends, Bonuses to Fill HPD Vacancies

With more than 600 officer and civilian openings at the Honolulu Police Department, a new report is offering solutions. Lawmakers and law enforcement leaders say the key to reducing vacancies is incentives.

Hawaii News Now.

New Honolulu Liquor Commission Administrator Sought

Honolulu Liquor Commission Administrator Salvador Petilos was charged with leading reform efforts to ensure accountability and transparency in the wake of lawsuits the agency was forced to settle alleging discrimination and misconduct by liquor investigators.

Star-Advertiser.

North Shore Gondola Project Hits Snag as DPP Reconsidering Developer’s Conditional Use Permit

The proposed gondola project on Oʻahu’s North Shore has hit a snag. The city’s permitting office says there are issues with the project’s initial permits. That could prevent any further development in the area and leave the idea of gondolas dangling in the air.

KHON2.

Coca-Cola’s Hawaiʻi Bottling Plant to Close in January

The 65-year-old Mapunapuna bottling plant, operating since 1960, will not have a successor. Instead, the Coca-Cola franchise owner will focus on distribution and build a new warehouse in Kapolei.

Star-Advertiser.

‘What’s That Smell?’ Mysterious Stench Stumps Nānākuli Residents

A stink has been brewing in Nānākuli since this summer, and local officials have struggled to find the source. The folks in the Princess Kahanu Estates neighborhood have suspects since their community is surrounded by farms, a not-so-squeaky-clean stream and a landfill. Lately, residents have been hunkering down in their homes, closing their windows and cranking up the air conditioning when trade winds blow.

Civil Beat.

Hawai‘i Island Headlines

High Court to Hear Case Regarding Retired West Hawaiʻi Firefighters

Two retired Hawaiʻi Fire Department battalion chiefs who sued former Fire Chief Darren Rosario and lost both their Circuit Court case and their appeal to the Intermediate Court of Appeals will have their case heard by the Hawaiʻi Supreme Court.

Tribune-Herald.

Immigration Resolution Advances

A Hawaiʻi County Council committee on Tuesday advanced a resolution opposing the Trump administration’s recent immigration directives and urging the state to limit local involvement in federal civil enforcement.

Tribune-Herald.

Hawaiʻi County Council Member Ashley Kierkiewicz on Adjusting Affordable Housing Rules

Hawaiʻi County is looking to change some of its affordable housing rules. Over the past few weeks, there have been community meetings about this topic — with the latest one wrapping up late Monday afternoon in Hilo.

Hawaiʻi Public Radio.

Maui Headlines

Maui Reaches 100th Rebuilt Structure in Wildfire Zones

Maui County has marked the completion of the 100th rebuilt structure in areas damaged by the 2023 wildfires, officials said Tuesday.

Maui News. KHON2.

Maui Microtransit Options Explored for Kula-Upcountry and Waiheʻe-Kahului, Dec. 10

Community members are invited to a County of Maui Department of Transportation virtual meeting from 6 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2025, to offer feedback on a proposed public transportation option called microtransit for Kula-Upcountry and Waiheʻe-Kahului areas.

Maui Now.

Maui Council Advances Vacation Rental Bill Aimed at Increasing Housing Stock

Bill 9 affects about 7,000 short-term rentals in apartment-zoned districts with the goal of converting them to long-term housing for residents.

Hawaiʻi Public Radio. Maui Now.

Kaua‘i Headlines

Kauaʻi Emergency Management Agency Seeks Public Input on Disaster Mitigation Plan

The Kaua‘i Emergency Management Agency is inviting residents to help update the county’s Multi-Hazard Mitigation and Resilience Plan, a five-year strategy aimed at reducing risks from natural disasters and strengthening community preparedness.

Kauaʻi Now.

Hawaiʻi Foodbank Kauaʻi to Host Gala in Hopes of Raising Funds for Food Security

Hawaiʻi Foodbank Kauaʻi will host its first Nourish Gala in a couple of weeks, where the community will come together to raise funds to ensure Garden Isle residents have dependable access to fresh, locally grown foods.

Kauaʻi Now.