Hawaii News

Hawaiʻi is heading into the weekend with a mix of weather updates, public-safety notices and several island-specific developments. Forecasts from Maui Now, Big Island Now and Kauaʻi Now all point to active surf and changing conditions across the islands, with each outlet also posting surf forecasts for Oct. 31. On Kauaʻi, the surf forecast shows higher north- and west-facing surf later in the day, while Maui and Hawaiʻi Island are also tracking elevated surf on multiple shorelines.

Several safety and emergency-related items stand out. On Kauaʻi, a small airplane emergency landing in Waimea led to the rescue of five people, with one report saying only one person was injured; Kauaʻi Now and Big Island Now both covered the incident. On the Big Island, police are investigating a call about gunshots heard at Kealakehe High School, though school personnel on scene did not report hearing gunshots, seeing injured people or observing suspicious persons. Also on Hawaiʻi Island, a sperm whale carcass drifting along the Kona Coast could pose health and safety risks to beachgoers, boaters and fishers.

County and state operations are also in motion. Maui County offices, facilities and services will be closed or modified Tuesday for the Election Day holiday, while Kauaʻi’s mayoral race is in its final stretch, with Kauaʻi Now reporting the two county council members making their last push before the general election. Statewide, the all-hazard outdoor warning sirens will sound for the monthly test Monday at 11:45 a.m., and the Hawaiʻi Law Enforcement Standards Board is seeking applicants to fill six vacancies.

There are also signs of recovery and longer-term planning. On Maui, the Kīpahulu District has reopened after heavy rains and flooding, though the campground remains closed through the weekend for repairs. The County of Maui also announced emergency farmer relief grants tied to disaster recovery after Lala, Lowell and Moke, and it is moving ahead with a proposed shared stewardship agreement for Lahaina water resources. On Hawaiʻi Island, the county has hired a new recovery officer, and local farmers are being highlighted through the Hawaiʻi Department of Education’s farm-to-school program.