Hawaii News

Hurricane Lowell remains the dominant story across the islands, with recovery still underway on Kauaʻi and related fallout reaching state agencies and community groups. Kauaʻi Now reports that residents and visitors still need to know about ongoing recovery needs, including food distribution, power restoration and household impacts, while local businesses are weighing when and how tourism should return. The storm also triggered another payout of Hawaiʻi’s first-ever reef insurance, according to Kauaʻi Now, underscoring the environmental and financial toll of the event.

Recovery efforts are being met with a mix of official warnings and community support. The Department of the Attorney General is warning the public to watch for scams following Hurricane Lowell, and Kauaʻi Now says verified GoFundMe fundraisers are being used to support those affected. Power has been restored to many North Shore residents overnight, but crews are still working to bring additional customers online in Hanalei, Kīlauea and nearby areas. Kauaʻi Now also reports that “Dark Skies” have been initiated over Pacific Missile Range Facility during shearwater fledgling season, while the deadline for the final environmental impact statement for the facility and Kōkeʻe Park observatory has been suspended.

On Maui, the focus is more on community support, local infrastructure and civic issues. Maui Now reports a donation drive at Kahului Airport benefiting Maui Humane Society, a large food donation to Maui Food Bank, and a family engagement night hosted by Boys & Girls Clubs of Maui. Transportation planning in West Maui is also moving forward, with a community conversation highlighting nearly $600 million in transportation opportunity tied to projects including Honoapiʻilani Highway coastal realignment and the Lahaina Bypass. In politics, Maui council rematches are centering on development, tourism, homelessness and water, while Gov. Josh Green recognized top state employees and teams in a statewide awards announcement.

On Hawaiʻi Island, the main developments are volcanic activity, disaster readiness and public safety. Big Island Now says the onset of Kīlauea’s 55th eruptive episode is still unknown even as five new vents have opened in the crater, and the summit remains highly pressurized. The island is also seeing continued attention to storm preparedness, with advice to include protective eyewear in emergency kits, and to recovery funding after Hurricane Lala. Separately, police continue investigating a Hilo death after preliminary autopsy results found the man died from a gunshot wound.