🗞️ Hawaii Local News

Native Hawaiians Organize to Buy Back Molokai Ranch
A large community-led effort is underway to purchase Molokai Ranch, about 55,000 acres owned by the Guoco Group. The Molokai Heritage Trust is spearheading the effort to return the land to Hawaiian stewardship, emphasizing ecological restoration, sustainable infrastructure, and cultural healing. SFGATE

PGA The Sentry Tournament Moving from Kapalua in 2026
Due to severe drought conditions that have compromised water resources and the agronomic health of the Plantation Course in Kapalua, the PGA Tour has decided not to hold The Sentry there in January 2026. Reuters

Issues with Mental Health Diversion Law (Act 26)
Hawaii’s diversion law intended to move non‑violent minor offenders with mental illness from jails to treatment has had troubling outcomes. The state hospital is over capacity, many admitted individuals are discharged quickly with little follow‑up, and the system is seen by some experts as a “revolving door” that is not providing stable care. AP News

New Animal Feeding Law on Hawaii Island
A law passed by the Hawaii County Council will make feeding stray or feral animals on county property illegal starting January 2026, with fines up to $500 for repeated violations. The law aims to protect native species and ecosystems but faces strong opposition from animal welfare groups. Priscilla Presley has publicly urged people to avoid traveling to the affected island in protest. SFGATE

State of Emergency Declared for Hurricane Kiko
Hawaii declared a state of emergency as Hurricane Kiko approached, with forecasts expecting tropical storm‑force winds, heavy rain, and high surf. Models suggested the storm might pass north of the islands, but the state is preparing for possible impacts. The Guardian

🎯 Events the Week of Sept 22‑28, 2025

Hawai‘i Tourism Conference
📅 Date: September 22‑23, 2025
🕒 Time: Various sessions throughout the two days
📍 Location: Hawai‘i Convention Center, Honolulu
🎟️ Admission: Ticketed / registration required
📄 Details: A gathering of over 500 hospitality, natural resource, community, and government leaders. Theme: Pūpūkahi I Holomua – Unite to Move Forward, focusing on collaboration in Hawaii’s visitor industry. Hawaii Tourism Authority

Food and Craft Fair (Waikiki Fall Festival)
📅 Date: September 22‑25, 2025
🕒 Time: Daily (check local schedule)
📍 Location: Waikiki, Oʻahu
🎟️ Admission: Free
📄 Details: Part of the Fall Festival in Waikiki — lots of local food vendors, crafts, cultural performances. Good opportunity to stroll, eat, shop. FIRST CABIN INTERNATIONAL HAWAII

Ka Mai‘a Ho‘olaule‘a Banana Festival
📅 Date: Weekend of Sept 20‑22 (includes Sept 22) Honolulu Magazine
🕒 Time: Varies (family‑friendly activities during the day)
📍 Location: Windward Community College, Kāne‘ohe, Oʻahu
🎟️ Admission: ~$10 presale; door prices a bit higher; free for keiki under 12 Honolulu Magazine
📄 Details: Celebrates bananas / agriculture / local food. Music, food, educational booths. Honolulu Magazine

Honolulu Convention Center – Aloha Festivals Parade Float Building
📅 Date: September 22‑27, 2025
🕒 Time: Throughout these dates (building floats during the week)
📍 Location: Hawai‘i Convention Center, Honolulu
🎟️ Admission: Likely public to observe (no fee)
📄 Details: Preparations for the Aloha Festivals Floral Parade: public float construction. It may be interesting to see the behind‑scenes of float building. Hawaii Convention Center Events

Library Storytime: Aunty Karen’s Storytime at Kahuku Public & School Library
📅 Date: September 22, 2025
🕒 Time: 10:00 AM
📍 Location: Kahuku Public & School Library, Oʻahu
🎟️ Admission: Free
📄 Details: Aunty Karen leads storytime for kids. Good for families with younger children. Honolulu Magazine

"Alone, we can do so little; together, we can do so much." - Unknown

Visit the local farmer's markets for the freshest and most delicious produce at a fraction of the cost of grocery stores.

Hawaii Region

Molokai Market Slowing for Homes & Land

• • In Molokai, single‑family home and land sales through August are down vs. same period last year. Hawaii Life

  • Inventory is higher, and days on market have more than doubled. Sellers are seeing longer timelines to close. Hawaii Life

Puamana (Maui) Uncertainty & Market Cancellations

• • In Puamana (a luxury oceanfront community in Maui), there are noticeable sales cancellations and a degree of market uncertainty. Buyers seem cautious. Hawaii Life

Oʻahu Market Still Tight but Selective Demand

• • On Oʻahu, demand remains strong for quality properties, but supply remains constrained in desirable neighborhoods. Homes that are well‑situated & well‑conditioned are preferred. Team Wong Hawaii

Administrative / Process Improvement on Kauaʻi

• • The Kauaʻi Real Property Division launched a new online home exemption application system, which should streamline the process of filing for home (property tax) exemptions. Kauai Now