As holiday-season crowds swelled in Hawaii’s malls and smaller local storefronts, some independent retailers say this year’s shopping surge feels nearly counterintuitive — a boost to their bottom lines even as the national economy remains fraught with uncertainty. Read more
Hundreds gathered at Waimea Bay on Friday for the opening ceremony of the Rip Curl Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational, marking the start of the three-month holding period for one of surfing’s most revered and infrequently run events. Read more
Hawaii high school seniors are filing for federal financial aid at one of the highest rates in the nation, according to new data released by the National College Attainment Network. Read more
Since the federal shutdown, state Department of Education officials have processed about 1,500 free- and reduced-price lunch applications in two weeks, far above the roughly 40 applications processed during the same period in late November. Read more
Black Friday shoppers swarmed Hawaii malls, many arriving before sunrise, to grab bargains on what is traditionally the busiest shopping day of the year. Read more
While donations typically dip during tough economic times, Goodwill Hawaii CEO Katy Chen says the drop-off this year has been sharper, especially on Oahu and Hawaii island. Read more
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Meals for the Kroc Center and today’s Blaisdell Thanksgiving lunch were prepared by the Salvation Army’s in-house culinary teams, supported by volunteers. Read more
The teacher turnover rate averages 15.7% statewide, according to the state Department of Education’s recent analysis. Some schools have posted turnover rates of 30% to 50% over two years. Read more
Of that total, 510 pounds were classified as illegal fireworks. A total of $2,355 in gift cards were distributed to participants in exchange for their fireworks. Read more
According to federal and state data, the Hawaii floriculture industry generated $83.4 million in 2000 and $75.6 million in 2010; by 2022 that figure dropped to $47.1 million and fell again in 2023 to $43.9 million. Read more
The current eruption, which began Dec. 23, has produced more than 35 lava-fountaining episodes from the north and south vents within Halemaumau crater. Read more
Persistent plumbing problems have plagued Kealakehe Elementary School in Kailua-Kona for years, a crisis that escalated earlier this week when what several teachers described as sewage leaked from the second floor into a third-grade classroom during the school day. Read more
Kaiser Permanente Hawaii is investing $263,000 in four local nonprofits to expand access to healthy, locally sourced food for families across the islands, the health care provider announced Tuesday. Read more
With the federal government now reopened, Hawaii officials are working to stabilize food assistance for tens of thousands of residents following weeks of shutdown-related disruptions, conflicting federal directives and a new court order temporarily blocking the U.S. Department of Agriculture from limiting Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program payments from the states this month. Read more
OTS has twice warned bus riders to make “alternative transportation plans, including carpooling with family, neighbors, friends and co-workers,” in case of a strike, but city officials have declined to say whether they have their own contingency plan if contract talks fail. Read more
Speakers called the commission’s proposal a step backward that would restrict voter access and mirror mainland partisan debates rather than local needs. Read more
More than two years after the Aug. 8, 2023, Maui wildfires, disabled residents remain among the least recovered — still facing unstable housing, steep income losses and worsening health — according to a new report from the University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization. Read more
Firefighters on Hawaii island worked Tuesday to contain a 2,100-acre Mana Road brush fire as officials warned of worsening weather conditions — including strong winds, low humidity and high surf that could elevate wildfire risks and prompt safety power shutoffs. Read more
Hawaiian Electric is monitoring weather conditions that could further heighten wildfire risks, particularly on Hawaii island, as strong wind gusts and dry air move across the state. Read more
The reversal leaves millions of Americans — including roughly 165,000 people in Hawaii, representing about 85,000 households — in limbo as the record-setting government shutdown on Sunday reached 40 days Read more
