Heavy Rain and Flash Flooding Possible Through Friday

The National Weather Service has issued a flood watch for the Hawaiian Islands from Wednesday morning through Friday afternoon. A deep layered trough will develop west of the islands, drawing moisture northward as it strengthens today.

Hawaiʻi Public Radio. Big Island Video News. KHON2.

Convicted Hawaiʻi Lawmaker’s Emails Were Deleted When He Left Office

Civil Beat requested emails ex-Rep. Ty Cullen and Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke exchanged with a lobbyist. Requests were denied because the accounts were deleted. Soon after Hawaiʻi. Rep. Ty Cullen left office, resigning in disgrace due to a bribery scandal, the Hawaiʻi House of Representatives wiped his email account clean, deleting years of messages.

Civil Beat.

Restrictions in UH Funding Bill Loosened After Pushback

SB 2602, a proposal to limit how the University of Hawaiʻi can manage its student tuition and student fees, was significantly scaled back Tuesday following concerns from UH officials and lawmakers, including House Higher Education Chair Andrew Takuya Garrett.

Star-Advertiser.

Hawaiʻi Child Welfare Nonprofits Say It’s Too Easy to Sue Them

When things go wrong in high-stress child welfare situations, local nonprofits who serve these keiki say they’re unfairly saddled with the burden. They’re often named in lawsuits alongside the state. Now the Legislature is considering limiting their liability, but opponents say victims could pay the price.

Civil Beat.

Hawaiʻi Residents Warned of Contractor Scams Ahead of Approaching Storm

The Better Business Bureau is warning Hawaiʻi residents to be cautious of contractors going door to door or sending unsolicited messages as homeowners rush to prepare for another approaching storm system.

Hawaii News Now.

O‘ahu Headlines

Honolulu Mayor Postpones Town Halls Indefinitely for Storm

Mayor Rick Blangiardi announced Monday, April 6, that all City and County of Honolulu town hall meetings scheduled for 2026 are postponed indefinitely due to the incoming storm. While the town halls are on hold, Blangiardi will continue attending neighborhood board meetings in affected areas and has encouraged residents to use the City’s website and HNL Alert notifications for updates.

KHON2.

City Clearing Park of Debris Ahead of Storm

Over 2,300 tons of storm debris piled in a massive mound at Patsy T. Mink Central Oʻahu Regional Park had been reduced Tuesday to 250 tons — just ahead of the third major storm forecast for Hawaiʻi in less than a month, which could leave even more rubbish in its wake.

Star-Advertiser. KHON2.

Honolulu Activating Emergency Shelters Wednesday Due to Storm

The shelters will be available for residents and visitors who need a safe place during the storm, officials said. As of now, the city is activating shelters at the Waiʻanae, Mānoa Valley, Kāneʻohe and Wahiawā district parks.

Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Toxic Mud? North Shore Flooding Likely Diluted Pesticide Risk

Many on Oʻahu’s North Shore have wondered what’s really in the mud they’re shoveling off their property. The big concern comes from potentially carcinogenic pesticides used by upstream agricultural operations. Health aside, organic farmers are worried their federal organic certification could be at risk. Test results have yet to provide clarity on the matter, but so far state is optimistic about what may lie ahead.

Civil Beat.

Chinatown Business Owners Worry About Crime as Bill Moves Through Legislature

A new bill that would cut people charged with misdemeanors loose before their trial is one step closer to reality. But people in the business community fear this will only make crime in their area worse.

KITV4.

Hawai‘i Island Headlines

Heavy Rain and Thundershowers Forecasted for Hawaiʻi Island Over the Next Several Days

Patrick Blood, an NWS Honolulu forecaster, said a deep, low pressure trough west of the state — a cold front and not a Kona low — will deliver the same kind of impacts that resulted from the two recent Kona low storms.

Tribune-Herald.

Surge in Passengers Anticipated at Hawaiʻi Airports Because of Merrie Monarch Festival

Hawaiʻi airports are expected to be busier than usual this week with a surge in interisland travel because of the 63rd annual Merrie Monarch Festival in Hilo. Thousands of participants and enthusiasts are expected to visit the Big Island.

Big Island Now.

Merrie Monarch Festival Traffic Pattern Change Begins Wednesday

A temporary one-way traffic pattern will go into effect on Kalanikoa Street in Hilo this week, in conjunction with the 63rd Annual Merrie Monarch Festival.

Big Island Video News.

Maui Headlines

Flooding Reported Tuesday Night in East Maui

According to the Maui Emergency Management Agency, rain was falling at a rate of 2 to 4 inches per hour with the heaviest rainfall along the slopes of East Maui.

Maui News.

Mayor Bissen Unveils FY2027 County Affordable Housing Plan

The County of Maui has released its proposed Fiscal Year 2027 Affordable Housing Plan, outlining a $79,491,899 budget to support the development, acquisition and rehabilitation of nearly 800 affordable housing units across Maui County.

Maui Now.

Nā Hale O Maui Breaks Ground on Seven Affordable Homes in Kahului

The Fairways at Maui Lani project, located at 120 Puʻumakani St., marks a milestone for the nonprofit as it shifts toward new construction to combat island real estate market prices, which now top $1 million for single-family homes.

Maui Now.

Kaua‘i Headlines

Emergency Road Closure in Wailua for Bridge Cleaning, Debris Removal Ahead of Storm

An emergency road closure in Wailua is ongoing along a portion of ‘Ōpaeka‘a Road in the vicinity of Pulana Street for bridge cleaning and debris removal ahead of potential inclement weather this week.

Kauaʻi Now.