Rule changes for Hawai‘i oceanfront property owners questioned
Proposed state rules governing emergency permits for sandbags and so-called burrito systems installed by property owners to protect their homes and hotels are getting a mixed reception, with some environmental law attorneys saying the changes would do little to safeguard shorelines threatened by mounds of heavy sandbags and tarps. Star-Advertiser.

Gubernatorial candidates want to tame overtourism, but they don’t agree on how to do it
Josh Green proposes $50 fees for tourists to enter sites and says it could discourage lower-spending visitors from coming. Duke Aiona says fees could do more harm than good because visitors are already complaining about high costs. Hawaii News Now.

Hawai‘i sees spike in child respiratory illnesses
Hawai‘i health officials are contending with a spike in the count of children in the islands contracting respiratory illness not related to Covid-19, following a nationwide trend. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

City gears up to mail out ballots for general election
The city said mailout on O‘ahu begins next Monday and ballot drop boxes will open the following day. Hawaii News Now.

The race to represent Mililani in the House pits a Republican incumbent against a Democrat
State Rep. Lauren Cheape Matsumoto and former Rep. Marilyn Lee say the need for more affordable housing is a top priority, but they have different ideas about how to accomplish that. Civil Beat.

State board OKs Mōʻiliʻili tower
A state board has endorsed a developer’s plan to build a 1,005-unit residential tower in Mōʻiliʻili mainly for households with moderate and high-moderate incomes. Star-Advertiser.

Kūhiō Avenue likely to see bus-only lanes installed
The City is looking at Kūhiō Avenue in Waikīkī as the next location to introduce bus-only lanes, officials said it will mean a quicker commute for bus riders, but some who live and work in the area question the proposal. KHON2.

Christine Camp, Laura Kodoma, Cayenne Pe‘a, Karen Seddon and Michelle Swartman are proving that it’s not a man’s world anymore. They bring a different and valuable perspective, and have realized that the best way for others to join them is for women to support women… read more.

Hawaiʻi County to begin updating zoning codes
Hawaiʻi County is modernizing its zoning and subdivision codes and beginning a round of community engagement event. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hu Honua says it can’t afford to ride ‘merry-go-round’ any longer
The embattled bioenergy plant on Hawai‘i island’s windward side is back before the state Supreme Court asking for relief. Civil Beat.

More firebreaks sought to protect palila habitat on Maunakea
A proposed project by the state Department of Land and Natural Resources would expand firebreaks on Maunakea in order to protect an endangered bird. Tribune-Herald.

Prices to go up for Merrie Monarch tickets
Tickets for the 60th Annual Merrie Monarch Festival will go on sale Dec. 1. The most expensive ticket will be $55 for one person to come all three nights. Tribune-Herald.

Less commercial, more housing in project plans
Developers of a South Maui project are replacing previously approved commercial developments and a movie theater with more than 200 fully affordable rental units for low-income families. Maui News.

Pay to park: Maui officials will discuss bill to rollout program
Maui’s paid parking system is shaping up to being next year. The Maui County Council is taking steps to finalize the rollout. KHON2.

Maui welcomes 6 hybrid electric buses
The County of Maui Department of Transportation’s buses are powered by diesel fuel and a rooftop battery system. The battery charges from the energy produced when braking and coasting. Hawaii Public Radio.

Survey teams conduct mosquito field studies on Maui in an effort to control avian malaria
Staff from the Maui Forest Bird Recovery Project are trapping mosquitos in efforts to save Hawaiian honeycreepers, who are about to go extinct because of malaria. Maui Now.

State scrambles to contain little fire ant infestation on Kaua‘i covering at least 13 acres
Invasive species experts on Kaua‘i are working to get a handle on an emerging threat as an infestation of little fire ants has been found at the Wailua River State Park. Hawaii News Now.