Defense bill seeks to protect, restore threatened reefs
With climate change threatening the health of coral reefs around the world, Hawai‘i’s congressional delegation on Wednesday scored apparent victories on behalf of America’s coral reefs in two separate measures that were included in the National Defense Authorization Act, the annual defense bill expected to pass before the end of the session. Star-Advertiser.

Closures of Red Hill, shark fin ban and volcano monitoring included in defense bill
Congress has come to terms on an annual defense budget that sets spending for the U.S. military at $858 million for 2023. Civil Beat.

Hawai‘i Tourism Authority weighs marketing contract options
Board members of the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority want authoritative advice on options they may have to deal with the head of another state agency rescinding a multimillion-dollar tourism marketing contract HTA awarded in June. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii News Now.

Amid spike in respiratory illnesses, some Hawai‘i shelves run low on cold medicines
Some Hawai‘i drug stores are running low on cold medicines and children’s painkillers ― a nationwide trend as demand increases along with respiratory viruses. Hawaii News Now.

Police Commission moves to speed up hiring process next time new chief needed
In an effort to reduce the hiring time when searching for a new police chief, the Honolulu Police Commission is reviewing the city’s procurement process to see if potential bidders for recruitment services could be approved in advance. Civil Beat.

Honolulu’s Mid-Pacific virtual academy plans $750K expansion
A Mid-Pacific Institute academy that encourages private and public school students to take classes and collaborate online from anywhere in the world is planning to undertake a $750,000 expansion, thanks to a major grant. 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. In partnership with Hawaii Keiki: Healthy and Ready to Learn Program, HDS distributed more than 12,000 HDS SMILEkits to children at more than 200 schools… read more.

Short-term rentals in agriculture districts again an issue
The Board of Appeals is scheduled Friday to consider a case brought by neighbors of a five-acre parcel in Captain Cook dubbed “Konania Villas,” that is advertised on vacation rental sites as three two-bedroom, two-bath interconnected villas with a shared courtyard, pool and patio in a “fruit orchard retreat.” West Hawaii Today.

‘A huge mess’: Hawai‘i County cracks down on Hu Honua permit violations
The Department of Public Works has issued a violation notice to the biomass energy plant, but the company’s president says everything’s in order and will be sorted out soon. Civil Beat.

Kahele wants federal probe of lobbying efforts for DHHL lease extension
Among the lobbyists representing the Prince Kuhio Plaza is Andy Winer, a recent political rival of the Hawai‘i congressman and former chief of staff for U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz. Civil Beat.

Former Hilo jail guard sentenced to 8 years for assaulting inmate
Another jail guard was previously sentenced to 12 years in prison while two others are scheduled for sentencing in January. Civil Beat. Big Island Now.

MVCB partners with Raw Elements to provide mineral sunscreen dispensers in Maui County
The Maui Visitors and Convention Bureau has partnered with Raw Elements to provide 20 mineral-only sunscreen dispensers at high traffic beaches in Maui County.  Maui Now.