Top headlines from across Hawaiʻi
The state project to build a 4.5-mile northern extension of the bypass had stalled for decades due to a lack of funding, but that changed with Maui County committing $100 million…
Several locations on the leeward side, on the other hand, didn't fare as well, with much of the Kona and Kohala coasts, slopes and interior higher elevations recording below…
Homestead Community Development Corporation invites food entrepreneurs to 'be part of something local' and join a vibrant food truck community at Anahola Marketplace.
Across the islands, state and county news is centered on public services, health, and the practical business of summer operations. Gov. Josh Green’s latest bill signings are moving on two fronts — expanding health care access and easing medical debt and strengthening governance while protecting natural resources — with similar legislation also highlighted on Kauaʻi in the context of accountability and environmental protection. On the ground, counties are also dealing with routine but important maintenance and access issues, from Maui road work and traffic calming in Pāʻia to Kalena Park closures in Līhuʻe and a new comfort station at Hā‘ena State Park. Weather and rainfall remain a live issue too, with the Big Island coming off a very wet June while Kauaʻi saw a more uneven rainfall pattern.
Maui’s biggest local thread is the county race: campaign spending reports in the mayor’s contest show Yuki Lei Sugimura ahead of incumbent Richard Bissen in fundraising. There’s also a steady stream of island logistics news, including utility work in Lower Pāʻia Park and speed table installation on Hāna Highway that will affect traffic in the area. On the community side, Ho‘ōla Nā Pua’s new CEO appointment stands out, along with a free Hawaiʻi Symphony Orchestra concert planned for September.
The Big Island’s most consequential updates are on public policy and safety: new health care and medical-debt measures signed into law and additional legislation aimed at governance and conservation both point to an active state policy agenda. The island is also contending with a wildland fire south of Waikōloa Village while Kīlauea shows signs of another lava-fountaining episode. Weather remains part of the picture after an unusually wet June across much of the island, and the state’s free summer meals count shows a broader child-wellness effort underway statewide.
Kauaʻi’s local focus is on public access, county operations, and community gathering spots. Kalena Park in Līhuʻe is set for a temporary closure, and the Planning Department will close for staff training later this month, both of which affect day-to-day county services. At the same time, a new comfort station at Hā‘ena State Park should improve the visitor experience, while food truck spaces at Anahola Marketplace point to small-business activity on the east side. The island’s weather story is mixed, with June rainfall below average in many places as the forecast calls for a breezy, showery night ahead.
Ho‘ōla Nā Pua appoints Shelley Cramer as CEO
Shelley Cramer Ho‘ōla Nā Pua, a Hawai‘i-based nonprofit dedicated to the prevention of child sex trafficking and the healing of exploited youth, announced the appointment of…
Portion of Kalena Park in Līhu‘e to close temporarily
Kaua‘i County Department of Parks and Recreation notifies the public that a portion of the Kalena Park in Līhu‘e will be closed temporarily. The July 14-15 closure is necessary…
Measures expanding healthcare access, relieving medical debt become law with governor’s signature
Hawai‘i Gov. Josh Green recently signed three measures aimed at strengthening access to health care and alleviating the burden of medical costs for residents of the islands…
Motorist advisory: Expect utility work Tuesday across Lower Pāʻia Park along Hāna Highway
Maui Now file image. Hawaiian Electric contractors will install a weather station on a utility pole along Hāna Highway in Pāʿia on from 9 a.m. to noon Tuesday, partially closing…
Spending reports in Maui County mayor’s race show Sugimura leading Bissen in fundraising
In the race for Maui County mayor, County Council Vice Chair Yuki Lei Sugimura is outpacing incumbent Richard Bissen in campaign funds as both candidates rake in the cash and…
Maui Weather Forecast for July 12, 2026
Photo Credit: Pamela Goguen Lynch West Side Today: Mostly sunny. Breezy. Scattered showers in the morning. Highs 79 to 86. Northeast winds 10 to 25 mph increasing to 20 to 25 mph…
Two speed tables to be installed on Hāna Highway in Pāʻia beginning Monday, July 13
There will be a single lane closure on Hāna Highway (Route 36) from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Monday July 13 to Tuesday, July 14, as crews work to install speed tables. The closure…
‘Food trucks. Local flavor. Stronger together.’
Homestead Community Development Corporation is excited to announce food truck spaces and vehicles are available for rent at Anahola Marketplace Food Truck Court. Screenshot from…
Most of Big Island sees above average rainfall last month, with 10 sites having wettest June on record
When did the wet season end again? Windward and upper slope rain gauges in June on the Big Island were flooded with rainfall, as most reported well above their normal averages for…
New comfort station at Hā‘ena State Park a community-led effort
Relief has arrived for Hā‘ena State Park visitors in the form of a new comfort station at the entrance parking lot. Courtesy Photo: Hawai‘i Department of Land and Natural…
Hawai‘i County Democrats tradition continues 70-some years later with 2026 Primary Grand Rally
Mo‘oheau Bandstand in downtown Hilo will be campaign central later this month for dozens of Democratic candidates making their case for election in the upcoming Hawai‘i Primary…
Kaua‘i Chamber of Commerce to honor Mayor Derek Kawakami during special dinner
Kaua‘i Chamber of Commerce invites its members and all residents of the island to attend a special evening with outgoing Kaua‘i County Mayor Derek Kawakami. This year’s 12th…
Nearly 145K free summer meals served by end of June by state Education Department
Hawaiʻi State Department of Education by the end of June already served nearly 145,000 free summer meals to children throughout the state, providing access to nutritious…
Maui Surf Forecast for July 12, 2026
Shores Tonight Sunday Surf Surf PM AM AM PM North Facing 0-2 0-2 0-2 0-2 West Facing 0-2 1-3 1-3 1-3 South Facing 2-4 3-5 3-5 3-5 East Facing 4-6 4-6 4-6 4-6 TONIGHT Weather…
Hawaii County Weather Forecast for July 12, 2026
Hilo Tonight: Occasional showers. Lows 67 to 73 near the shore to around 59 at 4000 feet. North winds up to 15 mph. Chance of rain near 100 percent. Sunday: Occasional showers in…
Kauai Weather Forecast for July 12, 2026
Photo Credit: Sebastien Gabriel West Kaua’i Tonight: Mostly cloudy. Breezy. Isolated showers in the evening, then scattered showers after midnight. Lows around 73 near the shore…
Hawaii County Surf Forecast for July 12, 2026
Forecast for Big Island Windward and Southeast Shores Tonight Sunday Surf Surf PM AM AM PM North Facing 0-2 0-2 0-2 0-2 East Facing 4-6 4-6 4-6 4-6 South Facing 2-4 3-5 3-5 3-5…
Kauai Surf Forecast for July 12, 2026
Shores Tonight Sunday Surf Surf PM AM AM PM North Facing 0-2 0-2 0-2 0-2 West Facing 1-3 2-4 2-4 3-5 South Facing 2-4 3-5 3-5 4-6 East Facing 4-6 4-6 4-6 4-6 TONIGHT Weather…
Mele for Maui: Free Hawai‘i Symphony Orchestra concert, Sept. 19
Hawai‘i Symphony Orchestra, in its 15th Anniversary Season, is set to return to Maui for the first time in 10 years on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026, from 6:30 to 9 p.m. In a symbolic…
UH President Hensel appointed to Mountain West leadership roles
UH President Wendy Hensel during a visit to Lānaʻi. PC: courtesy University of Hawaiʻi University of Hawaiʻi President Wendy Hensel has been appointed to key leadership positions…
Registration open for 2026 ‘Ohana Shoreline Fishing Tournament
Big Island anglers fishing for their next big catch story have an opportunity next month to reel it in. Hawai‘i County Department of Parks and Recreation announces registration is…
Gov. Josh Green signs legislation to address accountability, preserve natural environment
Two pieces of landmark legislation aim to strengthen Hawaiʻi’s governance and preserve irreplaceable ecosystems. In back-to-back bill signings, Gov. Josh Green passed two measures…
Hawaiʻi Attorney General Lopez pushes FCC to further crackdown on illegal robocalls
Attorney General Anne Lopez and 48 other attorneys general called on the Federal Communications Commission to strengthen rules that would cut off scammers’ access to legitimate…
New legislation strengthens governance and supports conservation
Two pieces of landmark legislation aim to improve Hawaiʻi’s governance and preserve irreplaceable ecosystems. In back-to-back bill signings, Gov. Josh Green passed two measures…
Astronomers discover wave of ancient quasars from dawn of universe
Astronomers using W. M. Keck Observatory atop Mauna Kea on the Big Island confirmed two-thirds — or 21 of 31 — of the most ancient quasars identified by the European Space…
National recognition honors Hawaiʻi lawmaker for efforts to protect child victims of abuse
State Rep. Mark Hashem was named the 2026 National Children’s Alliance (NCA) Champion for Children State Advocacy Award recipient in recognition of his leadership and advocacy on…
Small spatter bursts erupt from north vent ahead of Kīlauea Episode 51 lava fountaining
Kīlauea volcano is gearing up for yet another historic lava fountaining episode, with small precursory spatter bursts erupting from the north vent within Halema‘uma‘u Crater at…
Staff training scheduled for one of Kaua‘i County’s departments
Kaua‘i County’s Planning Department will be closed on July 23 for staff training. All Planning Department offices and public counter services at the Līhu‘e Civic Center will be…
Wildland fire south of Waikōloa Village continues
Hawai‘i Fire Department reports the wildland fire that sparked late the afternoon of July 10 continues south of Waikōloa Village in South Kohala. Hawai‘i Island police reported…
Only 6 locations around Kauaʻi collect above-average rainfall in June
June was a tale of opposite island sides for rainfall around Kauaʻi, with most windward rain gauges recording near to just below average totals and leeward gauges well below…
