Insurance policy to be unveiled for reef repair
The Nature Conservancy is expected to announce today the purchase of a novel insurance policy that will cover up to $2 million in repairs to Hawai‘i’s coral reefs in 2023 following damage from a hurricane or tropical storm. Star-Advertiser.

Police union seeks 25% pay differential for Covid hazards
The Hawai‘i union has filed four separate grievances challenging the denial of hazard pay for the peak pandemic years between March 2020 and March of this year. Star-Advertiser.

Judges were trained to run better child welfare hearings. Their performance plummeted.
In 2019, Hawai‘i judges were trained on how to conduct hearings that would benefit parents and children. But a recent report found that judges are addressing topics with parents less than they did before the training. Civil Beat.

UH’s six-year strategic plan approved
The university says the 2023-2029 plan “will guide the state’s only public higher education system and includes vision and mission statements, foundational principles and four imperatives with metrics to measure success.” Big Island Video News.

Marines look to pull water out of the air to support operations
At Marine Corps Base Hawai‘i in Kāne‘ohe, a newly formed regiment is experimenting with technologies to keep troops hydrated as they operate across far-flung islands and coastlines. Star-Advertiser.

The Miske files: The FBI is investigating one of its own
An FBI investigator was targeted by two search warrants as part of an ongoing criminal probe against Michael J. Miske Jr., who prosecutors allege controlled a sprawling racketeering organization for most of the past two decades. Civil Beat.

City’s work to remove Ha‘ikū Stairs is delayed
The fate of a long-closed metal staircase up a mountain ridge in Kāne‘ohe remains uncertain more than a year after Mayor Rick Blangiardi and the Honolulu City Council committed to its removal. Star-Advertiser.

North Shore project gets OK to be built on stilts
A mile from where a house fell into the ocean in February, a new oceanfront development of three residences just received special approval from the county government. Star-Advertiser.

State rejects temporary barrier for North Shore homeowner
The Department of Land and Natural Resources says it can’t support a request from a Sunset Beach homeowner who dumped concrete onto the public beach to now install a barrier such as a “burrito.” Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Dental Service (HDS) commemorates 60 years of healthy smiles and local roots by continuing efforts to improve oral health across the state….. read more.

Public invited to briefing about vacation rental regulations
A proposed update will be introduced in January 2023 by the Hawai‘i County Council. The community can attend a Nov. 21 informational meeting via Zoom. Big Island Now.

Kuakini subdivision pits Hawaiian families against each other
One family’s attempt to subdivide a 5.29-acre parcel off Kuakini Highway has escalated into a battle with longtime Native Hawaiian inhabitants of the area. West Hawaii Today.

Legality of homeless sweep to be decided by high state court
Several residents of an encampment near Kanahā Beach Park have sued Maui County, claiming they were denied due process and their constitutional rights were violated when officials seized and destroyed their property. Hawaii News Now.

Marine protection and research center proposed in Mā‘alaea
The nonprofit associated with the Maui Ocean Center hopes to construct of a four-story, $12 million building that would house a sea turtle hospital, coral nursery, research laboratories and classrooms. Star-Advertiser.

UH Maui College offers free CNA trainings
Residents on Lānaʻi, Molokaʻi, and Maui can train to become certified nurse aides during the spring 2023 semester. Classes run from Jan. 9 to May 12. Maui Now.

New grants aim to make a “big impact” for Kauaʻi farmers
Mālama Kauaʻi has partnered with the county’s Office of Economic Development to distribute $90,000 in grants to support and expand locally produced food. Hawaii Public Radio.