Top headlines from across Hawaiʻi

AI brief

AI-generated from recent headlines

Statewide

Emergency preparedness and recovery remain a common thread across the islands, with the SBA opening Disaster Loan Outreach Centers in Kīhei, Kailua-Kona and Waialua and FEMA adding new sites to help Big Island residents apply for federal disaster assistance. On Maui, the planning commission cleared two Lahaina rebuilds while also advancing a separate demolition request in Wailuku, underscoring that post-fire recovery and redevelopment are still moving through county review. Public safety and infrastructure also stay in focus, from Maui police warning about a text scam to road work and lane closures on state highways in the Big Island and Kauaʻi. Weather and surf remain part of the daily picture statewide, with forecast updates from Maui, the Big Island and Kauaʻi pointing to unsettled conditions and moderate surf around the islands.

Maui

Maui’s biggest local thread remains recovery and rebuilding, with the Maui Planning Commission approving two Lahaina reconstruction projects and clearing a demolition plan tied to aging structures at Wailuku Hongwanji Mission. The county also extended the deadline for FY27 Office of Economic Development grants, giving applicants more time to apply. Elsewhere, the SBA opened disaster loan outreach centers as Maui businesses and residents continue to deal with recovery needs, while raised crosswalk striping work on Piʻilani Highway and a text-message scam warning from police are the other practical items to note.

Big Island

The Big Island is balancing recovery support, public safety and routine road impacts. FEMA is opening new sites to help residents apply for federal disaster assistance, while police are continuing the search for a man considered armed and dangerous. Around Kona, residents should expect extra pedestrian and traffic activity for the BLOOM – EMPRESS 5K and Lei Day event, and state road users should plan around 20 scheduled lane closures for the week. Community and culture pieces also stand out, including the new Ocean View skate park and the USS Missouri anniversary exhibit and ceremony.

Kauaʻi

Kauaʻi’s main practical updates are around emergency readiness, county services and road work. The county is transitioning to a new emergency alert platform, while the Līhuʻe DMV kiosk is now accepting cash for vehicle registration services. Residents should also plan for Kapaʻa softball field closures next week and 17 lane closures on state roadways during the week of May 2-8. Beyond the logistics, the Kauaʻi youth summit and the sale of Kauaʻi Village Shopping Center in Kapaʻa point to both civic engagement and local commercial change.

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