Hawaii News

Election Day is the dominant story across the islands, with Maui County, Hawaiʻi County and Kauaʻi County all reporting live vote totals and turnout updates as residents decide local races and ballot questions. Maui Now is tracking the 2026 Hawai‘i General Election Results and also noted that Maui County voters had until 7 p.m. to cast ballots in mayoral and council contests. Big Island Now’s election results coverage and Kauaʻi Now’s county vote totals show the same statewide pattern: early results are shaping county council races, while voters are also weighing constitutional and charter amendments. On Hawaiʻi Island, Big Island Now reported that the second printout showed early frontrunners holding their leads in county council contests, while Kauaʻi Now said the initial results pointed to a top seven for the Kauaʻi County Council.

Several partner stories point to broader state and federal issues beyond the ballot box. FEMA’s denial of individual aid to Hawaiʻi and Kauaʻi counties after hurricanes is a significant development for storm recovery, and both Big Island Now and Kauaʻi Now are following that decision. At the state level, Big Island Now reported that the Governor’s Office and two state agencies have launched an Emergency Farmer Relief grant program for farmers and ranchers affected by recent natural disasters. Maui Now also reported a $7.45 million HUD grant to HHFDC to support housing opportunities for individuals with disabilities, underscoring continuing housing needs.

Community and safety issues are also in focus. On Maui, a pedestrian suffered life-threatening injuries in a collision on South Kīhei Road, while Maui Ocean Center opened a new limu exhibit and PacWhale Eco-Adventures was named the state’s top whale watch in a USA TODAY readers’ choice ranking. On Kauaʻi, a visitor was rescued from a dangerous rip current off the North Shore, and a lane closure on Wailua River Bridge is affecting Election Day traffic. On Hawaiʻi Island, Kohala Hospital said it is creating more space for patient care, and Hilo is preparing to launch a reusable foodware program on Nov. 9.