Hawaii News

A nationwide FAA ground stop is affecting Hawaiʻi’s airports, though the state Department of Transportation says interisland flights are not being affected for now. Maui Now reported the FAA’s nationwide ground stop “until further notice,” while Big Island Now and Kauaʻi Now both noted the disruption and the current lack of impact on interisland service in Hawaiʻi. Travelers should watch for changes as the situation develops. Maui Now Big Island Now Kauaʻi Now

Health and education remain a major focus statewide. Maui Now reported that the Hawaiʻi State Department of Health’s 2025–26 School Immunization and Examination Requirements Report found increasing religious exemption rates, leaving schools more vulnerable to disease outbreaks. Separately, Maui Now said the Hawaiʻi State Board of Education unanimously approved Superintendent Keith Hayashi’s annual performance evaluation, and Kauaʻi Now reported a federal loan option for Hawaiʻi small businesses and nonprofits with drought-related losses, with applications open in five counties until Dec. 10. Maui Now Maui Now Kauaʻi Now

On Maui, county government is moving on key legal appointments as the Maui County Council prepares to vote on Mayor Richard Bissen’s nominees for the county’s top two lawyers. Maui Now also reported that DHHL Director and Hawaiian Homes Commission chair Kali Watson will not seek reappointment after his four-year term ends, a notable leadership change for the department. Maui Now Maui Now

On Hawaiʻi Island, public safety and health are both in view. Big Island Now reported a manslaughter charge in the death of a 3-month-old boy, while also noting a new mobile app from the Hawaiʻi Tobacco Quitline aimed at helping people stop smoking. The island is also seeing state land action, with the Board of Land and Natural Resources considering setting aside two parcels for pastureland leasing. Big Island Now Big Island Now Big Island Now

Kauaʻi’s coverage centers on weather and community impacts, including brown water advisories at Hanalei Bay Pavilion and nearby Waiʻoli Beach Park, plus a high surf advisory that was later canceled for north and west shorelines of Kauaʻi and Niʻihau. The island also has a new veterans farming initiative backed by a $750,000 grant, and AARP survey coverage showing many people have been targeted by scammers or experienced fraud. Kauaʻi Now Kauaʻi Now Kauaʻi Now