HPR News Staff

Maui saw nearly 60% fewer visitors last month compared to August 2022, which the state has attributed to the island’s recent fires and the government’s calls to visitors to stay away. The state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism recently published the findings in its monthly visitor statistics report.

The economic impact of the Maui fires may linger for years. According to a third-quarter forecast from UHERO, the economic costs of the Maui fires will be felt on that island, and statewide, “well into the future.”

Time-of-use rates were supposed to kick in across Maui, Oʻahu and Hawaiʻi Island for some 17,000 households on Oct. 1. It's now been pushed back until next year for Oʻahu and Hawaiʻi Island residents — and suspended indefinitely for those on Maui.

Wayne Goo, the vice president of AIA Honolulu, said the organization looks for a film each year that highlights design and community.

Each year, the state gives a portion of its revenue from real estate conveyance taxes to the Land Conservation Fund. Through the competitive grant process, community organizations can apply for a piece of this funding to purchase land that protects threatened or endangered resources.

The Hawaiʻi Community Foundation reports more than 200,000 donors from more than 50 countries have contributed. CEO Micah Kāne said more than $120 million has been raised for the HCF Maui Strong Fund.

A fire that broke out at the former Stadium Bowl-O-Drome Saturday on Oʻahu was intentionally set, according to the Honolulu Fire Department. It is the property’s second arson in less than a month.

A nurse-designed health care program in Hawaiʻi has been recognized for its impact on students at schools. The Hawaiʻi Keiki program was developed in 2014 to address the needs of schools with high student poverty. It enhances and builds school-based health services.

A report submitted to the United Nations claims that Hawaiʻi’s midwifery licensure law violates international human rights standards. The report was written by the global advocacy group Center for Reproductive Rights and 14 other organizations.

University of Hawaiʻi President David Lassner will retire at the end of 2024. Lassner, 69, has led the state public university system since 2014. He served as interim president for a year before his permanent appointment. He was the 15th president in university history.