Hawaii News

Hawaiʻi is dealing with a mix of storm recovery, public safety, and local infrastructure issues across the islands. On Kauaʻi, county officials are still working through Hurricane Lowell recovery, with Kauaʻi Now reporting that cleanup, repairs and reconstruction continue, along with emergency food distributions and other recovery information for residents and visitors. The federal side of that recovery is also moving, as Kauaʻi Now says private nonprofits, including houses of worship, may qualify for FEMA Public Assistance.

On Hawaiʻi Island, storm-related recovery remains a major thread as well. Big Island Now reports that federal disaster funding is available for private nonprofits after Hurricane Lala, while another story says the Hawaiʻi County Fire Commission has selected Daniel Volpe as fire chief after 10 months as acting chief following the unexpected death of Kazuo Todd. The island is also seeing a range of day-to-day public safety and environmental concerns: a high-bacteria advisory is in effect at Puako Boat Ramp, and Hawaiʻi County reports an unintentional discharge of fully treated wastewater into the ocean at Pāpa‘ikou.

Maui’s coverage centers on both community events and local service disruptions. Maui Now reports that a wastewater overflow has closed portions of Kalama Park and prompted requests for South Maui residents and visitors to minimize water use while repairs are underway. At the same time, Maui is gearing up for a slate of seasonal and cultural events, including Jake Shimabukuro’s “Holidays in Hawaiʻi,” the Maui Songwriters Festival, Kapalua Restaurant Week, and a Halloween Nalu Night Slide at Wailea Beach Resort.

Several stories also point to broader statewide concerns. Maui Now says more than $80 million is heading to Hawaiʻi to repair roads, bridges and structures damaged by Kona low storms, while both Maui and Kauaʻi coverage note the Department of Health’s dengue and water-quality alerts and the Postal Service’s reminder to mail ballots early.