Hawaii News

Across the islands, wildfire and wind risk remain a major concern as Hawaiian Electric keeps a public safety power shutoff watch in place through Friday on Maui and the Big Island. Maui Now reports the watch was extended because of high pressure, strong trade winds and downsloping winds that could dry out vegetation, while Big Island Now says the primary risk there is expected Wednesday. On Maui, Hawaiian Electric is also carrying out urgent repairs that require a planned outage in parts of Haʻikū and Huelo, underscoring how utility work and weather conditions are intersecting this week.

Transportation and emergency preparedness are also in focus. Both Maui Now and Big Island Now report that the state Department of Transportation will conduct a triennial emergency response exercise at Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keāhole, with flight operations expected to continue normally. On the road network, Maui County has issued a finding of no significant impact for $31.5 million in Hāna Highway repairs at Kalepa Point, while Kauaʻi Now says Kōkeʻe and Waimea Canyon State Parks have reopened after Hurricane Lowell impacts forced closures and recovery work continues nearly two months after the storm.

Local government and community development stories point to ongoing planning and investment. Maui Now reports the county canceled a bill on outdoor lighting after it was posted in error on a council agenda, and also reminded eligible homeowners to apply for the Circuit Breaker Tax Credit by Dec. 31. In Lahaina, ʻUlu o Lele’s grand opening is being celebrated as a business and community milestone. On Kauaʻi, the county awarded $450,000 to six agricultural projects aimed at boosting local food production and food security, while local filmmakers are expanding casting for the $1.8 million adventure film ‘Thackeray’.

Public safety and civic life remain active on the Big Island, where West Hawaiʻi police are scheduling eight Coffee With A Cop events and the Hawaiʻi County Council has selected leadership for the upcoming term. Community observances also continue, including a veterans tribute in West Hawaiʻi and free admission at national park sites on Veterans Day. Meanwhile, the return of humpback whales to Hawaiʻi waters is being marked on the Big Island and Kauaʻi, with boaters reminded to slow down and keep distance.