Hawaii News

Hawaiʻi is still dealing with the aftermath of Hurricane Lowell, with recovery, safety and fraud warnings continuing across the islands. Kauaʻi Now reports that progress is being made, but many residents still face impacts from the storm, while the Department of the Attorney General is warning people to watch for scams tied to the damage. Big Island Now also notes that Lowell triggered a second payout of Hawaiʻi reef insurance, and Kauaʻi Now says verified GoFundMe fundraisers are being monitored to support those affected.

Weather remains a major concern. Big Island flood watch coverage says remnant moisture from former Tropical Storm Norbert is expected to bring moderate to heavy rainfall, and Kauaʻi Now has a similar flood-watch report. Maui and the Big Island also published updated surf forecasts for September 17, while Kauaʻi’s forecast calls for showers and rising surf on some shores.

State and federal developments are also moving. Maui Now reports that Gov. Josh Green recognized top state employees, managers and teams in the Governor’s Awards, and that Hawaiʻi Water Service awarded nearly $29,500 to Maui and Kauaʻi fire departments. Maui Now and Kauaʻi Now both report that more than 1 million eggs will be distributed to food banks across Hawaiʻi as part of a federal price-fixing settlement, and Maui Now says the U.S. House passed a bipartisan invasive-species bill introduced by Rep. Ed Case and Rep. James Moylan. Kauaʻi Now also reports a $3.6 million UH-Mānoa federal grant to study hidden environmental health threats across Hawaiʻi.

On the community side, Maui Now highlights a West Maui bulky-items recycling event, a Hawaiian Mission Houses program set for Oct. 10, and a family engagement night hosted by Boys & Girls Clubs of Maui. Big Island Now reports that Kona Community Hospital was nationally recognized for stroke care, while Maui Now says HEMIC will return $5 million to qualifying policyholders this year. Kauaʻi Now reports that water conservation notices have been lifted in several service areas and that DMV renewal options remain available in Kapaʻa.