Hawaii News

Tropical Storm Nolo is driving the most urgent statewide developments, with Maui Now reporting closures of state parks, forest lands and camping on Hawaiʻi Island, Maui and Molokaʻi and Big Island Now detailing a Tropical Storm Warning for Hawaiʻi County. The storm is also prompting court closures on Hawaiʻi Island and in Maui County, while Big Island residents are being told government offices and schools are closed Thursday and shelters will open. Kauaʻi coverage says Nolo is forecast to pass south of the island, but the county is still dealing with recovery from Hurricane Lowell.

On Hawaiʻi Island, the storm threat is escalating quickly. Big Island Now says the island remains under a hurricane watch, with damaging winds, heavy rain, dangerous surf and possible flooding in the forecast, and another report warns of possible catastrophic flash flooding. The county weather and surf forecasts point to locally heavy rainfall and rougher surf, while a separate update notes a canceled Young Brothers sailing from Honolulu to Kawaihae and a Friday port closure. Beyond weather, Big Island Now also reported the arrest of a 38-year-old Hilo man in connection with a child with suspicious injuries, and UH Hilo’s annual Vulcan Challenge, which is seeking matching gifts to support student-athletes.

Maui is balancing storm preparations with longer-term community and infrastructure work. Maui Now reported a draft environmental assessment for a new Upcountry Maui Agricultural Park, progress toward a temporary Lahaina Public Library, and county warnings after little fire ants were detected in Haʻikū and Kapalua. The island is also seeing the effects of Nolo through closures and weather advisories, while Maui Now noted that three nēnē were killed by drivers on Molokaʻi ahead of Nēnē Awareness Day.

Kauaʻi remains focused on recovery from Hurricane Lowell. Kauaʻi Now reported that Kauaʻi Island Utility Cooperative had restored 98% of members as of Wednesday afternoon, with crews still working in Wainiha and Hā‘ena. The county is also warning Section 8 landlords about possible delays in housing assistance payments. Other Kauaʻi coverage includes the identification of a bicyclist killed in a traffic crash, the sinking of the Sea Scouts’ newly acquired Sun Seeker after Hurricane Lowell hit Nawiliwili Harbor, and Red Cross smoke-alarm installations after a brush fire near Kaumakani Village.