Hawaii News

Weather and water remain the most immediate concerns across the islands. Maui Now reported that Piʻilani Highway is closed in both directions at Mile 51 in Hāna because of high water, with a temporary evacuation site opened in Hāna amid increased rainfall and flooding. On Kauaʻi, a flood watch was canceled, and Kauaʻi Now also said the brown water advisory for ‘Anini Beach was canceled, though the Department of Health still has a separate advisory in place for the beach. Maui and Kauaʻi both carried updated surf forecasts for October 29, while Big Island Now posted a forecast calling for numerous showers and isolated thunderstorms in Hilo and a surf outlook for windward and southeast shores.

Several reports point to longer-running recovery and resilience issues. Big Island Now said the U.S. Small Business Administration will open a Disaster Loan Outreach Center in South Kona to help businesses, nonprofits and residents affected by the May quake, while Maui Now reported FEMA approvals totaling more than $1.9 million for Hawaiʻi County water line repairs and nearly $113,000 for unemployment aid. Kauaʻi Now published a county recovery update tied to Hurricane Lowell, indicating ongoing local response efforts.

Economic and community developments are also moving forward. Big Island Now reported that Royal Kona Resort workers ratified a new contract after nearly two years of bargaining, and Maui Now said the public can review proposed restructuring and amendments to Maui Liquor Commission rules ahead of a Nov. 12 meeting. On Maui, the county Department of Parks and Recreation announced weather-related and non-weather-related park and facility closures, while Maui County voters were reminded to watch for official ballot-related communication.

Education and public health items span multiple islands. Big Island Now reported a nearly $4.4 million federal grant to the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa to expand college pathways for rural Big Island students, and Kauaʻi Now said two UH Hilo students won a NASA Deep Space Food Challenge award. Statewide, the Department of Health launched a National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week awareness campaign, and voters will decide on two state constitutional amendments and one Kauaʻi County Charter amendment in the Nov. 3 General Election, according to Kauaʻi Now.