Good evening, Hawaii. Here are the main stories we've been following today:
Your Weather Planner
A weak weather disturbance passing westward through the Hawaiian Islands today, combined with moderate trade winds, will increase shower activity. The trades will strengthen later tonight as a subtropical ridge builds to our north. Less shower chances for Tuesday into Wednesday, but higher rain chances for Thursday through Saturday as another weak disturbance moves through the island chain.
A Small Craft Advisory is in effect until 6 p.m. Tuesday for east winds up to 25 kt and seas up to 10 feet for Maui County Windward Waters, Maalaea Bay, Pailolo Channel, Alenuihaha Channel, Hawaii Island Windward Waters, Hawaii Island Leeward Waters and Hawaii Island Southeast Waters.
High Surf Advisory for all north-facing shores until 6 p.m. Tuesday for surf of 10- to 15-feet building to 14- to 18-feet this afternoon.
Watch the latest news from across the country.
Today's Big Stories
1. Case denounces FEMA misinformation
U.S. Rep. Ed Case, D-Hawaii, spoke out against persistent misinformation that the Federal Emergency Management Agency disaster assistance is being diverted from current and pending disasters.
“Not only is this misinformation fully inaccurate, but it is deliberately harming people and communities in most need of relief by leading them to believe incorrectly that they cannot access critical and available federal assistance,” said Case, a member of the U.S. House Appropriations Committee’s Subcommittee on Homeland Security with authority over FEMA and other federal disaster relief efforts.
Case noted that an additional $20 billion for FEMA’s Disaster Relief Fund was recently approved by Congress and enacted by Pres. Joe Biden. The DRF, which functions as the federal government’s main channel of disaster relief, was nearing depletion, resulting in FEMA enacting measures to ration its funding and support efforts.
Case said the funding will allow FEMA to maintain disaster relief efforts for areas like Maui that continue to recover from past disasters and those impacted by recent events like Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
As the Nov. 5 General Election nears, misinformation about FEMA funds has been broadly spread across social media and other platforms and has worked its way into public discourse, typically via conservative media, in ways that frame the false claims as evidence of the Biden administration’s failures.
2. Young Brothers gains 2 new barges to serve the state
Young Brothers recently christened two new barges with the goal to enhance reliability of interisland shipping. “Kalohi” and “Nāulu” will begin service in December 2024 increasing cargo capacity while offering advanced technology for safer, more efficient loading and unloading.
The 286-foot “Kalohi” is designed to serve smaller ports such as Kaunakakai on Molokai and Kaumalapau on Lanai. The 365-foot “Nāulu” has the largest cargo capacity in Young Brothers’ fleet that allows the transportation of more cargo during peak periods. Both feature advanced ballast technology for stability in challenging ocean conditions and multiple cargo ramps improving efficiency in loading and unloading.
“The addition of these state-of-the-art vessels — the first new barges in nearly 20 years — is a major step forward in modernizing Young Brothers’ fleet and ensures we are well-positioned to deliver the frequent and reliable interisland shipping service to power Hawaii’s economy and connect our island communities,” said Young Brothers President Jay Ana in a news release.
3. Hawaii Gas proposes rate increase
Hawaii Gas, the state’s regulated gas utility, is seeking a total revenue increase of 17.67%.
The Hawaii Public Utility Commission is asking for input on the proposed rate adjustment, which will affect monthly bills for residents and businesses across the state, according to a news release.
While the total revenue increase requested is 17.67%, individual bills will be affected differently, depending on factors such as gas usage, whether it’s a residential or commercial unit, and which island the residence is located on.
The PUC is collecting information from the public via hearings and written testimony, which will be used to understand the broader impact of the proposed adjustments on individuals and families already facing economic difficulties.
“Attending the public hearings or submitting your comments ensures your voice is heard and your concerns are considered. Together, we can ensure that the final decision reflects the needs and interests of everyone across the state,” noted Executive Director of the Division of Consumer Advocacy, Michael Angelo, in a statement.
Learn More:
Click the link above for a schedule of meetings.
4. DLE contracts Microsoft to upgrade systems
The state Department of Law Enforcement has selected Microsoft to help modernize the department’s systems and improve its operations
In a release issued on Friday, DLE said the new contract “positions DLE as a first-in-class law enforcement organization leveraging modern technologies and cloud-enabled capabilities to improve operational efficiencies, enhance data management and analysis and foster improved community engagement.”
The department will use Microsoft Azure AI technologies and advanced collaboration tools to provide real-life decision-making. Overall, the upgrade is expected to streamline workflow, reduce administrative burdens and improve response times, according to the department.
5. 1 dead, 2 transported to emergency rooms after being swept into the ocean on Oahu’s North Shore
One man is dead and two women required medical attention after a large swell swept them into the water at Ke Iki Beach on Oahu’s North Shore.
Around 8 a.m. on Monday, a lifeguard was posting no swimming signs along the shoreline near Keiki Beach when he heard people yelling for help and saw people in trouble in the ocean, according to the Honolulu Emergency Services Department.
Strong current and dangerous shore break signs were already posted at the time of the incident.
A 63-year-old man from California was pronounced dead on scene, while a 72-year-old woman was transported in critical condition to the nearest emergency room.
EMS transported a third person, a 41-year-old woman, who was awake and alert, to another emergency room in serious condition.
Officials said the two women were visitors from Oklahoma.
Ocean Safety does not have a lifeguard station at Keiki Beach, but lifeguards regularly patrol the area via ATV and jet ski. The closest lifeguard tower is about a half a mile down the beach at Rock Piles.
Your Notes for Tomorrow
Tuesday, Oct. 15
- Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump participates in interview co-hosted by Bloomberg News and The Economic Club of Chicago
- First Lady Dr. Jill Biden participates in a political event in Montgomery County, PA, on behalf of Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris
- NASA and NOAA discuss the Sun's activity and the progression of Solar Cycle 25, via press conference
- Former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson publishes memoir
- New Bob Woodward book on U.S. presidency and foreign policy published
- Victoria's Secret fashion show returns to runway after five-year hiatus
In Case You Missed It
Tahiti's Shell Va'a picks up where it left off, victorious in 1st Molokai Hoe held in 5 years
As Ali‘i Youderian stood in the sand of Kahanamoku Beach, water lapping at his ankles and the din of hundreds of onlookers in his ears, he paused to consider what he’d just experienced for the first time in his 19 years.
For a moment, his eyes welled, and his voice wavered.
“All my family, my papa, they’re all looking down at me, telling me I did a good job,” Youderian said.
The return of the Molokai Hoe — the world championship of outrigger distance paddling — after four straight years of cancellations was an emotional experience for veterans and first-timers alike.
As was the case two weeks ago for the women’s version of the 41-mile race spanning the Ka‘iwi Channel from Molokai to Oahu, the Na Wahine O Ke Kai, the champion was familiar. Tahiti-based club Shell Va‘a powered to victory in 4 hours, 35 minutes, 7 seconds. It was its 13th triumph in the last 15 editions of the race going back to 2006.
Maui-based Wailea Canoe Club finished runner-up in 4:48:39 and Hilo-based Keaukaha Canoe Club, racing as Team Oceania, was third in 4:52:09.