Top headlines from across Hawaiʻi

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Statewide

Weather and surf advisories are a common thread across the islands, with south shores seeing advisory-level waves on Maui, the Big Island, and Kauaʻi. Kauaʻi flooding briefly disrupted access near Mānoa Stream and closed lifeguard towers at Kēʻē and Hāʻena, while Big Island residents are also being urged to watch changing coastal conditions. Public safety and recovery remain in view as FEMA continues to point Maui and Big Island flood survivors toward late assistance, and health officials flag a travel-related dengue case with low expected transmission risk. Elsewhere, Maui and Hawaiʻi Island are dealing with separate fire incidents, while gas prices are easing a bit ahead of July Fourth travel.

Maui

Maui is starting the day with high surf on south-facing shores, and residents are also being reminded that FEMA help continues even after the registration deadline for March flooding passed. A fire in Haʻikū caused an estimated $55,000 in damage, while a weekday closure in East Maui is affecting Hāna Highway at Kālepa Point during daytime hours. In Lahaina, community recovery work continues with Hot Kūpuna Nights and Third Saturdays returning as local healing events.

Big Island

The Big Island is facing its own weather and surf advisory mix, with south shores under a high surf advisory and coastal conditions expected to stay rough. FEMA is still taking late applications for residents affected by Kona Low flooding, while a visitor-linked dengue case has health officials saying the risk of local transmission is low. Public safety also remains a theme after a Puna house fire destroyed an abandoned home and a Kona crash case led to an indictment after a pedestrian later died. On the infrastructure side, residents can weigh in on the Kona airport master plan update.

Kauaʻi

Kauaʻi’s most immediate concern is flooding tied to Mānoa Stream, which briefly shut Kūhiō Highway and forced lifeguard tower closures at Kēʻē and Hāʻena. The island is also under a south swell advisory, so beachgoers are being asked to use caution even as the weather forecast points to a generally calmer night ahead. Beyond the weather, Kauaʻi also has a major criminal case moving toward trial, a public meeting on road improvements, and a local charity walk donation that adds a brighter note.

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