Over 400 volunteers across Hawaiʻi continue processing ballots into Election Day
The state has received more than 285,000 ballots as of Monday morning. Hawaii Public Radio.

Despite ease of mail-in voting and several hot races, Hawai‘i sees sluggish turnout for general election
As of Saturday, a little more than 193,000 voters on O‘ahu had mailed in their ballots and just over 3,000 voted in person. During this year’s primary election, the city saw 228,522 voters cast their ballots. Hawaii News Now.

Hawai‘i is one of the top states people are leaving
The number one state people are leaving is California according to the study. Following California is New York, Illinois, Massachusetts and coming in eighth is Hawai‘i. KHON2.

Hawai‘i unemployment fund on pace to more than double this year
The state Department of Labor and Industrial Relations said on Monday that the fund for paying unemployment benefits grew to $232 million as of Friday, up from about $119 million at the end of last year. Star-Advertiser.

Overwhelmed human service workers fall behind in processing food stamp benefits
Department of Human Services spokesman Amanda Stevens cited inflated caseloads and new requirements as increasing the department workload. Hawaii News Now.

Here’s how Furlough Fridays changed the Board of Education from elected to appointed
Since 1959, Hawaiʻi’s education board has flipped between an elected board, and an appointed one. Today, the state Board of Education is an appointed position. The governor nominates 11 individuals, nine of which have voting powers, to be confirmed by the state Senate. Hawaii Public Radio.

Hawaiian Telcom sets goal to cut emissions by 40% by 2030
Hawaiian Telcom has announced a goal of cutting its greenhouse gas emissions by 40% in less than 8 years. The telecommunications company said it will create a climate action plan based on this new 2030 target. Hawaii Public Radio. Maui Now. Kauai Now.

‘There is no playbook’: As next phase of Red Hill defueling begins, focus is on safety
Now that the so-called “unpacking” of the Red Hill pipelines is finished, the Navy is turning its attention to repairs of the Red Hill fuel tanks ― a key phase required before emptying the tanks. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu’s CORE program rolling along after a year
The program assists homeless residents with non-emergency care, in order to free up first responders for more serious medical cases. It is also a front line effort to help the homeless get off the streets. KITV4.

A local nursery wants to make a native tree Hawai‘i’s choice for Christmas
Hawaii imports an average of 250,000 Christmas trees from the mainland. Many say that’s a waste. Civil Beat.

In October, First Hawaiian Bank donated $250,000 to support the construction of Pu’uhonua o Wai’anae (POW) Farm Village, a self-organized village of 250 unhoused people…. read more.

Large-scale training exercise winds down at PTA
Thousands of military personnel are stationed at Pohakuloa Training Area for a “first of its kind” training exercise. Tribune-Herald.

Lanai draws tenants in lottery for first affordable housing project in 30 years
The housing development funded by tech magnate Larry Ellison will almost double the number of affordable housing units on the island. Civil Beat.

Willie Nelson & Family in pre-holiday concert on Maui, Dec. 23
The holidays on Maui will be highlighted this year with a special Willie Nelson & Family concert Friday, Dec. 23 outside under the stars in the MACC’s A&B Amphitheater and Yokouchi Pavilion. Maui Now.

Brisk business at Lihu‘e Airport in October
Passenger counts at Lihu‘e Airport soared past 70,000 last month, in turn setting a new high for the month of October. Garden Island.