Good morning, Honolulu.

Residents prepare for hurricane season by choosing plastic panels over plywood to protect their homes, as they install swiftly and allow quick exit if a storm hits.

Storm Stoppers President John Smith said his panels — rated to withstand winds up to 143 mph — are popular on Oahu and Kauai.

Hawaii Foodbank invites Honolulu residents to support its Food Drive Day (Aug.

29) to help raise funds and fight food insecurity across the state.

A couple confronted two men accused of throwing a rock at a monk seal pup and recorded their exchange on camera.

Ka Makana Ali'i market is celebrating Hawaiian barkcloth by showcasing art, jewelry, and wearable fashion this month.

A free demonstration will be held at 'Iolani Palace on August 14 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Hawaii's Department of Education (serving over 100,000 meals daily) announced a new local school menu dish chosen by students as part of its plan (to source 30% of ingredients locally by 2030).

Kaimuki High School welcomes students back with new rules like a cell phone lock box to boost focus & partnerships with Honolulu Community College and the Honolulu Police Department to offer career pathway programs.

The DOE is also expanding nutritious lunch eligibility and recruiting new teachers for a strong school year.

PIDF announced that 21 early childhood education sites will remain open for the 2026-2027 school year after federal funding kept them operating.

Families statewide, including five on the Big Island, expressed relief as the programs continue serving local communities.

Applications for Hawaii Green Fee funding are now open to support environmental projects in stewardship, climate resilience, hazard mitigation, and sustainable tourism.

Workshops in Hilo on Friday, Aug. 7, Honolulu on Tuesday, Aug. 11, Hanalei on Wednesday, Aug. 12, and Wailuku on Thursday, Aug. 13 will guide applicants on proposal requirements + best practices.

City crews resumed work on the North Kalaheo Avenue Bridge over the Kawainui Canal, prompting extended daytime contraflow hours from 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, with a police officer at the intersection of Kaha and Oneawa Streets managing traffic (drivers use Kaha Street for the Kailua-bound detour).

Hawaii finalized a contract with Hawaiian Telcom to bring fiber-optic service to about 5,800 homes that lack modern broadband access.

The nearly $150M project will boost connectivity in underserved communities across the islands.

The city will soon demolish the longtime Kalihi landmark, the Dee Lite Bakery, to clear the site for affordable housing that could support over 150 units.

Neighbors may expect four weeks of construction noise & dust during the clearance process.

UH quarterback Micah Alejado was named to the Maxwell Award Watch List — an honor recognizing college football’s most outstanding player.

The spotlight on his performance was announced Aug. 4 and reflects his strong season at the university.