#hawaii
NTSB releases preliminary report on Kauaʻi helicopter crash that killed 3, injured 2
The preliminary report by the National Transportation Safety Board did not provide a cause of the crash, but said the pilot reported severe vibrations and loss of directional control while making a turn.
Flood Watch issued through Friday; storm to bring heavy rain and thunderstorms
A Flood Watch is in effect for the entire state through Friday afternoon. The National Weather Service reports that low pressure developing west of the islands will draw abundant moisture northward as it strengthens during the next couple of days. This will bring potential for heavy rain and thunderstorms leading to flash flooding over all Hawaiian islands.
The rain is coming again: Why a third major storm in a month is heading for Hawai‘i
A winter and spring of record-setting rainfall in Hawaiʻi likely is linked to record-breaking heat on the U.S. West Coast, the National Weather Service said.
Second Kona low storm showed flood risks in Lahaina’s fire-bared landscape
Residents say more a new flood control project and better stormwater management is sorely needed.
Haleakalā telescope opponents show up in droves, but hold little hope the military is listening
Military officials have given no indication they’re considering pulling back the project, and many residents felt like their voices were once again being ignored.
With $130M in new ‘green fees’ expected, Hawaiʻi eyes 75 projects to address a long list of environment-related needs
The advisory council reviewed over 600 projects worth $2 billion before selecting the final 75 for recommendation, including several measures to improve hazard prevention and awareness after the 2023 Lahaina wildfires.
Hawaiʻi wildfire plan in the works in conjunction with expansion of new state fire marshal’s office
These efforts are at the top of the state’s list of 10 priorities for improving wildfire prevention after the deadly and destructive blaze on Maui in 2023.
‘Ohana Strong’s mission to save clothes and toys helped save its volunteers, too
For a decade, the organization has helped more than 1,000 families and saved 1,000 pounds of belongings each month from entering the landfill.
UPDATE 11 p.m.: Maui County lifts tsunami evacuation orders
Gov. Josh Green said shortly after 6 p.m. that buoys off Midway Atoll indicated that the wave measured 6 feet from peak to trough, “so a 3-foot wave riding on top of the ocean.”
New bills would boost Medicare payments for Hawaiʻi and Alaska hospitals
US Reps. Jill Tokuda of Hawaiʻi and Nick Begich of Alaska recently introduced two bills to help with Medicare underpayments to rural hospitals in Hawaiʻi and Alaska. Named the Save our Lone Emergency Services Act and the Ensuring Outpatient Quality for Rural States Act, these measures would ensure that Medicare payments better reflect the significantly […]
Roots School on Maui named one of Hawaiʻi’s Best Workplaces by PBN
Pacific Business News recently named Roots School in Haʻikū as one of Hawaiʻi’s Best Workplaces, the school announced. Roots was one out of 11 total honorees in the Small Business (10-24 employees) category.
Hawaiʻi Senate moves bill to protect access to contraceptives
The bill secures that no law or state action can interfere with the ability to obtain birth control, including methods like IUDs and emergency contraceptives.
University of Hawaiʻi team awarded for AI system that detects, prevents car crashes
A team at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa developed an artificial intelligence system that uses multiple types of sensors to detect and prevent potential crashes at intersections.
West Maui school staff awaiting rebuild of homes see hope in workforce housing project
A 47-unit, $20 million educational workforce housing project is set to open with its first units available in July 2025. Full completion is expected by spring 2026. Students, staff members and administrators at the four public West Maui schools are encouraged by the news.
Maui’s youth hope to come back after graduation. Will the economy let them?
Students are graduating at a time when median home prices on Maui are $1.3 million and thousands of Lahaina families struggle with displacement. They’re facing big choices that could keep them on Maui or send them to the Mainland. And while some say they want to return, they’re well aware of the cost.
Honolulu City Council advances ‘Resident Preference’ housing measure amid population decline
The Honolulu City Council advanced a measure Monday that establishes a “Resident Preference” for housing across Oʻahu.
Forbes travel: Maui County hotels, spas and restaurants score top-star ratings
The Forbes Travel Guide unveiled its 2024 Star Awards, with 21 Hawaiʻi hotels, spas and restaurants winning high ratings, and Maui County had a dozen of them.
Lahaina Community Land Trust seeks to ‘Keep Lahaina lands in Lahaina hands’
“Community land trusts are nonprofits that buy and own land with the purpose of keeping it in community control, to be used as the community determines. The buildings and homes on the land can be owned by individual families but are tethered to the land trust by a lease with terms determined by the trust. This allows the CLT and its members to make sure that the property is protected forever, and that it is used for purposes that serve the community, whatever the community decides that is: housing, culture, agriculture, etc..”
Portion of Lahaina removed from Unsafe Water Advisory
The Maui Department of Water Supply amended the Unsafe Water Advisory for Lahaina to remove area L-4D. Water serving buildings and homes in areas L-4D is declared safe for unrestricted use effective Jan. 19, 2023.
New report: State should join effort to provide free meals to all Hawai‘i public school students
A newly released report, “Equity on the Menu: The Case for Universal Free School Meals,” warns that federal school meal programs are not reaching many students in Hawaiʻi households that are struggling to make ends meet.
