Is Hawaiʻi nearing a recession? Analysts say not quite.
Economist Paul Brewbaker said that inflation is now at 6.6%, of which 4.1% is core inflation. But the consensus of a group of financial experts is that, as tourism has recovered, Hawaiʻi’s economic fundamentals look sound. Hawai‘i Public Radio.

Inauguration of Green and Luke set for today
Gov.-elect Josh Green and Lt. Gov.-elect Sylvia Luke are scheduled to be sworn in at the Neal S. Blaisdell Center Arena. The ceremony will include the Royal Hawaiian Band and the Roosevelt High School String Quartet. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now. KHON2. KITV4.

Hawai‘i Tourism Authority calls for special meeting on U.S. tourism contract
The board meeting on Wednesday will look at extending the contract and sorting out a procurement protest. Star-Advertiser.
HTA staff may have violated state procurement law during solicitation for the U.S. tourism contract, according to information found in public records. Star-Advertiser.

Former sports anchor and union official sentenced to probation in corruption scandal
Russell Yamanoha has been sentenced to two years of probation and fined $5,000. The former assistant business manager for the IBEW Local 1260 was convicted in 2019 for helping to rig union votes. Hawaii News Now.

Federal rental subsidies could help thousands of kūpuna on DHHL waitlist
The $10 million federal program is set to launch in February or March, and is meant for people ages 62 and older. The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands estimates that more than 14,996 people would qualify. Civil Beat.

Fishing council questions monument’s spillover benefits
The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council is again challenging the benefits of the Papahā­naumokuakea Marine National Monument — this time by questioning the legitimacy of a recent study on the impact the monument’s expansion area has on marine life. Star-Advertiser.

Navy hikes toxic leak estimate
Officials said on Saturday that the amount of toxic fire suppressant actually released could be almost 20% higher than originally reported. KHON2.
Board of Water Supply Chief Engineer Ernie Lau joined a Red Hill protest outside the Department of Health. Hawaii News Now.

Construction to resume on Mandarin Oriental Honolulu luxury tower
A developer plans to start building a $650 million luxury hotel and condominium tower across from the Hawai‘i Convention Center next year, following a three-year delay. Star-Advertiser.

Makua Beach standoff: Residents say they are being run off by a man camping out
People who regularly use the beach say Samson Souza has been blocking access for months, including threatening people with violence. He says he’s trying to protect endangered spinner dolphins. Civil Beat.

Wai‘anae Coast pig farmer fights for livelihood against landlord
A 55-year-old pig farmer who filed a petition for help to save his livestock said he’s not giving up the fight, despite being rejected by the Hawai‘i Supreme Court. Star-Advertiser.

Matthew Scanlon took on a bear of a project, but he says it will transform O‘ahu and make travel so much easier. Scanlon cites the concept of mobility hubs and how younger generations will have the opportunity to live near transit stations and “not have to be so dependent on their cars…. read more.

Explosive device closes Mauna Loa viewing area for nearly 5 hours
Police reopened the parking area on Old Saddle Road on Sunday afternoon, after the discovery of an unexploded ordnance closed the eruption viewing area. Star-Advertiser. West Hawaii Today. Civil Beat. Big Island Video News. Big Island Now. Hawaii News Now. KHON2.

Volcanic risk: 2020 report could be key in avoiding disaster
A 400-page volcanic risk assessment was completed in June 2020, following the costly damage from the 2018 Kīlauea eruption. But little, if any, action has been taken, and top officials seem to be unfamiliar with the report. West Hawaii Today.

Hawai‘i Island still draws home buyers despite risks
The island is hit with hurricanes, tsunamis, vog, earthquakes and now another eruption from Mauna Loa, but people keep moving to more affordable areas, including the Leilani Estates subdivision that was overrun by lava in 2018. Star-Advertiser.

Former Mayor Harry Kim reflects on 1984 Mauna Loa eruption that threatened Hilo
Kim was the county Civil Defense administrator in 1984, a position he held for 24 years before becoming the county’s chief executive in 2000. He has dealt with volcanoes more than any other county official. Tribune-Herald.

Work to start on new hale at Kepaniwai
A project at Kepaniwai Heritage Gardens in ‘Īao Valley will begin Dec. 12 and continue through June. The former hale was destroyed in 2019, apparently by a thief or thieves. Maui News.

Millions in state funds released for Kaua‘i projects
Among the projects, $27 million is slated for a new gym at Waimea High School and $88.5 million for the relocation of one of Līhu‘e Airport’s two runways. Garden Island.