The Conversation checked in with Trista Speer, a deputy director at DHS, about the Rental Assistance Program. So far, the department has been able to get half a dozen FEMA-ineligible families into more stable housing.

A state Department of Human Services program to housing families who have been displaced by the Maui fires but don’t qualify for federal assistance; a Filipino family searching for a home yet again after Lahaina fire; and the declining population and song of the Hawaiian honeycreeper ʻAkiapōlāʻau.

A state Department of Human Services program to housing families who have been displaced by the Maui fires but don’t qualify for federal assistance; a Filipino family searching for a home yet again after Lahaina fire; and the declining population and song of the Hawaiian honeycreeper ʻAkiapōlāʻau.

Mayor Richard Bissen's proposed bill to offer tax breaks to short term rentals owners who house fire victims passed the first reading of the Maui County Council yesterday, with a majority of the more than 60 testifiers in support.

Moloka’i's first dedicated theater program is preparing for its Christmas play. Participants of the Hokulani Children’s Theatre of Molokai are learning more than meets the eye on stage. HPR's Catherine Cluett Pactol reports from Molokaʻi.

The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory says the earthquake hit at 5:54 p.m. Monday near the Kīlauea volcano. Officials say the initial quake and a magnitude 3.0 aftershock were not related to volcanic activity. Aftershocks are likely to continue.

Maui County Democrats have sent three nominees to Gov. Josh Green to fill the House seat previously occupied by Troy Hashimoto. Hashimoto was appointed by the governor to fill Sen. Gil Keith-Agaran's seat after he resigned.

Hawaiʻi County has streamlined its construction permitting process in an effort to make building easier for homeowners and lenders. Mayor Mitch Roth has signed Bill 84 to amend a section of the county law dealing with construction permit applications.

Devotees of two Catholic saints — Damien and Marianne of Molokaʻi — want to see where they spent a pivotal part of their lives caring for Hawaiʻi’s leprosy patients. A pilgrimage to the Kalaupapa settlement is logistically challenging since this beautiful and haunting slice of northern Molokaʻi is defined by its natural isolation.

The Maui County Council is moving Bill 138 to create the commission, focusing on reducing the negative impacts of tourism while maximizing its benefits. Under the proposed bill's current language, its responsibilities would mostly involve making policy recommendations.