Hawaii News

Latest Hawaii news and headlines from Maui, the Big Island, Kauaʻi and across the state. HawaiiNow brings together reporting from the NOW news network and provides a continuously updated overview of what is happening across Hawaiʻi.

Today's Hawaii News Brief

This statewide news brief is generated from reporting published by the NOW news network and automatically updated throughout the day.

Top Stories

Hurricane Lowell recovery remains a central thread across the islands. On Kauaʻi, Kauaʻi Now says residents and visitors should stay safe and support local businesses as recovery continues, while separate Kauaʻi coverage notes Līhuʻe Civic Center in-person services remain closed, with the Real Property Division still open for a deadline. Maui and the Big Island are also seeing relief efforts tied to the storm: Hawaiʻi REALTORS Charitable Foundation is distributing $200,000 in hurricane relief and up to $1,000 grants are available for Big Island residents affected by flooding and other hazards. Kauaʻi Now also reports on the storm’s aftermath in agriculture, with thousands of avocado trees knocked down and a community response that turned the loss into a guacamole-themed gathering.

State and county agencies are also focused on rebuilding, planning and public services. On Maui, the County Council is working through infrastructure questions in the South Maui Community Plan update, while a new deputy administrator has been selected for the County Maui Emergency Management Agency. On the Big Island, Hawaiʻi County Council is considering a bill to require native, lei-making plants in county landscaping, and lane closures are scheduled for Sept. 19-25. Statewide, the Attorney General released 2025 crime data showing more than 54,000 serious criminal offenses, and UH-related reporting says rising rents are straining the Housing Choice Voucher program.

Community and education stories round out the picture. Maui is preparing for a blessing of the newly renovated War Memorial Gymnasium, and UH Maui College is offering free biocultural garden and farming workshops. The Big Island also has a local recognition story, with a Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park ecologist earning a national award.

Across the Islands

Maui

Maui stories focus on recovery, planning and community activity: the County Council is wrestling with infrastructure costs in the South Maui Community Plan update, and the county has selected a new deputy administrator for Emergency Management. Community events and education include the War Memorial Gymnasium blessing and free biocultural garden and farming workshops at UH Maui College.

Big Island

On Hawaiʻi Island, the Big Island Now coverage highlights hurricane relief grants, county roadwork and a Hawaiʻi County Council bill that would require native and lei-making plants in county landscaping. There is also a public safety note with 16 DUI arrests during the week of Sept. 7-13 and a recognition story for a Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park ecologist.

Kauaʻi

Kauaʻi coverage is dominated by Hurricane Lowell recovery, including ongoing public guidance for residents and visitors and continued closure of Līhuʻe Civic Center in-person services. Other local stories note hurricane-related agricultural damage, relief funds, and a statewide women’s commission item that includes Kauaʻi representation.

Statewide

Statewide coverage centers on Hurricane Lowell recovery, with relief funds, service disruptions and recovery guidance appearing in Maui, Big Island and Kauaʻi reporting. Also affecting multiple islands are the Attorney General’s 2025 crime data release and UHERO’s report on pressure facing the Housing Choice Voucher program.

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