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Latest Hawaii news and headlines from Maui, the Big Island, Kauaʻi and across the state. HawaiiNow brings together reporting from the NOW news network and provides a continuously updated overview of what is happening across Hawaiʻi.

Today's Hawaii News Brief

This statewide news brief is generated from reporting published by the NOW news network and automatically updated throughout the day.

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Weather remains the dominant statewide thread, with both Maui and Kauaʻi still dealing with storm-related disruptions and surf concerns. On Kauaʻi, county residents and visitors are being told what to know about Hurricane Lowell recovery as the county reaches Day 22 of recovery, while high surf advisories remain in effect for south-facing shores and a brown water advisory has been issued for beaches. On the Big Island, officials and residents said they were relieved after Hurricane Nolo passed without major damage, though a water restriction notice was issued for Kalapana and community updates continue as the storm moves away.

Maui’s coverage centers on recovery, safety, and local planning. Hawaiian Electric is using drone inspections to support wildfire safety efforts across Maui County, while the Lahaina Energy Partnership is set to host presentations on technical assistance tied to the area. At the same time, Maui County continues to wrestle with the hotel-or-housing debate over short-term rental bans, and county offices are adjusting schedules, including a temporary closure of the Immigrant Services Division for staff training.

On Hawaiʻi Island, public safety and preparedness are front and center. Police said the North Kohala station phone lines are down, and community policing events are scheduled in Hilo and Kona. The county is also offering practical training and workforce support, including free job skills workshops for transitional age youth and lifeguard certification classes in Pāhoa.

Across the Islands

Maui

Maui’s biggest themes are wildfire preparedness and Lahaina recovery. Hawaiian Electric is using drone inspections as part of its wildfire safety strategy, and the Lahaina Energy Partnership is planning virtual presentations tied to technical assistance. County business also continues around housing and public services, including the short-term rental dispute and a temporary closure of Immigrant Services Division offices.

Big Island

On Hawaiʻi Island, officials are still responding to Hurricane Nolo’s impacts, with residents relieved after the storm passed without major damage but a water restriction notice in Kalapana still in place. Separate public-safety and community items include down phone lines at the North Kohala Police Station, plus upcoming community policing events in Hilo and Kona.

Kauaʻi

Kauaʻi remains focused on storm recovery and coastal conditions. County updates say residents and visitors are still dealing with Hurricane Lowell recovery, while high surf advisories continue for south-facing shores and a brown water advisory affects several beaches. Beyond weather, the county is opening grant applications for community development projects and planning a southbound lane closure on Kūhiō Highway.

Statewide

Statewide, the main issues in the supplied material are weather, recovery, and resilience planning. Maui, the Big Island, and Kauaʻi all have storm-related advisories or recovery updates, and Maui and Kauaʻi also have state-linked items on wildfire safety and supply tracking, including Hawaiian Electric drone inspections and Kauaʻi’s new real-time supply availability website.

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