Hawaii News

Across the islands, several reports point to a busy October shaped by public safety, weather, and community events. On Maui, the Maui Arts & Cultural Center is lining up Halloween programming, while the County of Maui Department of Liquor Control is urging licensees to apply for new umbrella permits. Maui Now also says early bird submissions are open for the second Wailuku Film Festival, and that October is “Stop the Ant Month,” with residents encouraged to submit ants from their properties to help track invasive little fire ants. Maui Arts & Cultural Center Halloween events and Stop the Ant Month are among the island’s most visible community efforts.

On Hawaiʻi Island, the Ironman World Championship in Kona dominated coverage, with reports on the race, local finishers, and the atmosphere despite rain. Big Island Now says five men from the Big Island finished the event, including José Graca of Kailua-Kona, and another story says the race delivered two winners in dramatic fashion. The island is also dealing with practical disruptions and recovery work: Hawaiʻi County Department of Water Supply says a temporary shutoff is slated for part of Kīlauea Avenue in Hilo, and rental assistance is available for residents impacted by the major May South Kona earthquake. Ironman World Championship coverage and earthquake rental assistance stand out.

Kauaʻi’s coverage is centered on recovery and public guidance. Kauaʻi Now reports that county residents and visitors are still being told what they need to know about Hurricane Lowell recovery, while lane closures are scheduled in Wailuā for wastewater work and DMV services remain in the process of being restored after the September storm-related disruptions. The island is also preparing for the 2026 General Election, with ballots expected in mailboxes by the end of next week. Hurricane Lowell recovery and election ballot timing are the key developments to watch.