Good morning, Honolulu.

Next week, hundreds of volunteers will join the annual Point in Time Count+ they will survey both sheltered and unsheltered residents to help secure funding for social services across the islands.

On Friday, state senators questioned public school leaders about drivers education access after a state audit found long waitlists and unclear admissions.

Officials said nearly all recommendations to improve the program, along with measures for classroom heat and Medicaid billing, have been or will be implemented by January.

Mentor Hawaii is accepting applications for its Cohort 11 mentorship program through Jan.

31, linking young professionals with seasoned executives for a six-month learning experience. The program offers personalized mentoring (42 mentors) from nearly 120 local organizations and prioritizes first-time applicants.

Honolulu parents can learn about local schools at the free Hawaii School Expo on Sunday, Jan.

25, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum (Atherton Halau), where representatives from over 35 schools will share details along with fun family activities and snacks.

A green sea turtle named Hunter got its left flipper tangled in fishing wire and was rescued by the HMAR Care Center on Oahu.

It was released back into the ocean this week.

Kīlauea on the Big Island shows a glowing lava display in the dark, and scientists expect its next eruption episode to begin very soon after Episode 40 ended.

A report to the Kauai Invasive Species Committee last month led to the discovery of the island's first live ramie moth caterpillar, whose eating of māmaki leaves may threaten native species such as the Kamehameha butterfly + local snails.

On Monday, Jan. 26, hundreds of volunteers will survey Oahu communities to count homeless individuals as part of the federal Point in Time Count.

The effort seeks to address rising concerns about seniors without housing and guide future funding decisions.

FEMA has extended housing assistance for nearly 950 Maui wildfire survivors until Feb.

2027 — Gov. Josh Green said the move gives more time for recovery as state and county agencies work to secure permanent homes.

Kaiser Permanente Hawaiʻi broke ground on a new hematology and medical oncology wing at Moanalua Medical Center on Jan.

23. The project will expand cancer care statewide.

The Kalani Falcons girls basketball team is led by four sets of sisters whose family bond boosts their on-court teamwork in local games.

Their strong chemistry drives impressive play as the team prepares for upcoming contests.