In Hawai‘i, community care has always been more than a value, it’s a way of life. With the ongoing federal government shutdown disrupting income for many local families, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) is taking steps to provide some much-needed kōkua.

A $6.1 million emergency relief plan has been proposed to assist Native Hawaiian beneficiaries who are struggling with food insecurity or financial hardship caused by delayed federal support. The plan outlines direct payments of up to $350 for individuals and kūpuna relying on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, and up to $1,200 for furloughed federal civilian employees who meet income guidelines.

While the program is still awaiting approval, OHA estimates that more than 14,000 Native Hawaiians could qualify for aid, alongside about 1,000 furloughed workers. It’s a targeted effort to fill the gaps left by broader state relief programs, one focused on reaching those who might otherwise be overlooked.

Moments like this serve as a reminder of how deeply interconnected our island communities are. Beyond policy and programs, it’s the shared sense of kuleana, responsibility to one another, that keeps Hawai‘i strong.

Source: https://bigislandnow.com/2025/11/04/office-of-hawaiian-affairs-to-vote-on-6-1-million-relief-plan-due-to-federal-government-shutdown/

As someone who lives and works here on Hawaiʻi Island, I’m always interested in how local policies and environmental topics shape life in our communities. Recently, the Hawaiʻi Board of Land and Natural Resources voted to advance a proposal that could reopen certain state waters to the aquarium pet industry, which has been closed since 2017.

If approved, the new regulations would allow limited collection of native reef fish, such as the yellow tang, under tighter controls and smaller catch limits. The plan currently proposes a maximum of 100,000 yellow tangs per year, reduced from earlier numbers.

Before any final decisions are made, the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) will hold two public hearings between January and March 2026, including one in West Hawaiʻi and one virtual statewide session. These hearings are designed to gather community input and ensure local voices are part of the process.

This ongoing discussion highlights something we often see in island life,  the need to find balance. On one hand, there’s the importance of protecting our reefs and marine ecosystems; on the other, the need to support local livelihoods and industries tied to Hawaiʻi’s economy.

It will be interesting to see how this proposal evolves as public feedback comes in. Whatever the outcome, it’s another reminder of how connected we all are to the ʻāina and the ocean that surrounds us, both of which play a major role in shaping life, work, and community here in Hawaiʻi.

Source: https://bigislandnow.com/2025/10/27/state-land-board-advances-plan-to-re-open-hawai%ca%bbi-waters-to-aquarium-pet-industry/

Living on Hawai‘i Island teaches us something profound, the land gives so much to us, and it’s our kuleana (responsibility) to care for it in return. Whether tending a small backyard garden or managing acres of farmland, how we treat the ʻāina directly affects the health of our communities and the future of our island.

That’s why it’s encouraging to see the Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity bringing back its Pesticide Disposal Program this December. It might seem like a small initiative, but its impact is anything but small. Last year alone, the program safely collected more than 39,000 pounds of pesticide waste statewide, including chemicals dating back to 1980, a huge step in keeping our soil and water clean.

This year’s collection events on the Big Island will take place:

• December 12 in Hilo (registration deadline: November 21)

• December 16 in Kona (registration deadline: November 25)

Each participant can safely dispose of up to 250 pounds of canceled, suspended, or unwanted pesticides at no cost.

Programs like this remind us that sustainability starts with everyday choices, even the quiet ones that happen far from the spotlight. By responsibly managing what we no longer need, we help preserve Hawai‘i’s natural balance and ensure that future generations can enjoy the same vibrant land and clean waters we cherish today.

The way we treat the ʻāina reflects who we are as a community, grounded, grateful, and deeply connected to the place we call home.

Source: https://bigislandnow.com/2025/10/19/state-bringing-pesticide-disposal-program-back-to-big-isle-for-farms-commercial-users/

As someone deeply connected to Hawaiʻi’s communities and housing landscape, I often see how vital consistent funding is for our local programs, especially those supporting Native Hawaiian homesteads. Recently, the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) announced plans to propose a 1% increase to Hawaiʻi’s Transient Accommodations Tax (TAT).

If approved, this small adjustment could generate over $100 million each year, funds that would go directly toward developing homestead lots, improving infrastructure, and assisting qualified Native Hawaiians with home loans. These projects have the potential to make a lasting difference for thousands still waiting for land and housing opportunities.

While the proposal may face challenges from lawmakers and the tourism industry, the intent behind it is clear, to create sustainable funding for the Hawaiian Home Lands program while maintaining accountability for how tourism dollars are used. With Hawaiʻi’s growing housing needs and infrastructure priorities, finding a balance between visitor impact and local benefit has never been more important.

As a real estate professional, I see how each initiative like this plays a role in shaping Hawaiʻi’s future, one where residents and visitors can both thrive, and where every community has the resources it deserves.

Source: https://www.civilbeat.org/2025/10/tourist-tax-hike-sought-for-hawaiian-home-lands/

As someone who lives and works in Kailua-Kona, I know how much we all value not just the beauty of our town, but the quality of life that makes this place feel like home. Starting October 15, a major infrastructure project will begin along Hualālai Road near Aliʻi Drive, and while it may cause some temporary traffic delays, it represents an important investment in Kona’s future.

The $6.4 million Hale Hālāwai Force Main Replacement Project will modernize sewer lines that are over 45 years old, helping ensure reliable wastewater service for residents, businesses, and future generations. Work will be carried out in five phases, stretching from Hale Hālāwai Park to Kuakini Highway, with construction scheduled to wrap up by October 2026.

What does this mean for us day to day? Expect lane adjustments, closures, and traffic shifts during work hours, which are generally planned from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday (with occasional night work). While the short-term inconvenience may test our patience, the long-term benefits are clear, upgraded infrastructure that supports healthy growth for our community.

As a real estate professional, I see projects like this as more than just construction, they’re a signal of commitment to Kona’s long-term livability and property value. Reliable utilities are a cornerstone of strong neighborhoods, and improvements like these protect both our environment and our investment in this special place we call home.

So, while we may have to navigate a few detours, let’s remember: every roadwork sign is a reminder that Kona’s future is being built, literally, beneath our feet.

Source: https://www.bigislandvideonews.com/2025/10/04/kona-sewer-project-begins-october-15/