Good evening to all in Hawaii. Today’s news highlights several important stories affecting the community and environment.
First up, the University of Hawaii at Manoa’s SNAP-Ed program, which is fundamental in assisting families struggling with food security, is facing potential cuts from the U.S. Congress. This program, part of the College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience, serves around 15,000 residents in Hawaii annually.
Jean Butel, the SNAP-Ed program director, emphasized the program’s significance as a community partner. It engages individuals where they gather—schools, farmer’s markets, and senior care facilities—teaching them essential skills like meal planning and budgeting.
The program, funded through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also encourages families to grow their own vegetables. Statistics show program success, with a reported 91% of participants improving their diets and 83% gaining valuable budgeting skills.
However, the future of SNAP-Ed is uncertain as it has been eliminated from the federal budget under negotiation in Congress. If the funding is not restored, the program may cease operations by September 30, threatening the vital support it offers to Hawaii’s most vulnerable populations.
In another critical development, effective June 16, crews will begin transporting approximately 400,000 tons of ash and debris resulting from the devastating Lahaina wildfires. The relocation will happen from a temporary site in Olowalu to the permanent debris disposal site in Puʻunēnē.
Maui County advises drivers to anticipate slower traffic and exercise caution around the debris-hauling trucks. The plan involves over 50 trucks making several trips daily for five months along a 19-mile route.
Various safety measures, including temporary road improvements and traffic flaggers, will be in place to ensure public safety during this operation. Possible alternative routes have been identified in case of road closures.
Additionally, three men from Hawaii Island have been convicted in connection with a bribery scheme involving affordable housing agreements. A federal jury found the men guilty of multiple charges, including conspiracy to commit honest services wire fraud.
The defendants paid bribes to an employee of the Hawaii County Office of Housing and Community Development to gain favorable treatment for housing projects. Each of them faces severe penalties, with a maximum of 20 years’ imprisonment for certain charges.
Sentencing for the convicted individuals will occur between October 7 and October 21. This case underscores the commitment to combating public corruption in Hawaii, as highlighted by acting U.S. attorney Ken Sorenson.
“In today’s verdict, we reiterate our message to those who compromise the integrity of public trust: justice will be pursued rigorously,” Sorenson stated.
Furthermore, a significant art installation, called “ʻUmeke Lāʻau: Culture Medicine,” created by Meleanna Aluli Meyer, recently concluded its exhibition at Honolulu Hale.
The closing ceremony marked the transition of this 22-foot sculpture to Kapolei Hale, where it aims to provide a healing space for the community. It will remain at Kapolei Hale until October 2025, allowing more residents to connect with this meaningful artwork.
Mayor Rick Blangiardi expressed appreciation for the installation’s impact: “We are grateful to Meleanna and her team for their vision and work.”
The unveiling ceremony for the relocated piece is scheduled for Thursday at noon, and community groups are encouraged to utilize the space for various healing activities.
Finally, the University of Hawaii women’s soccer program will have to wait until at least 2026 for home games to be held at its new on-campus facility. The construction delays pushed back the timeline for utilizing the venue at the former Cooke Field.
Despite hopes for some games on campus this upcoming season, UH announced that all home matches will continue to take place at the Waipio Peninsula Soccer Complex. Coach Michele Nagamine expressed her disappointment but remains optimistic about the future.
She noted that the team will adapt and be ready to embrace their new field when it is finally complete.
This situation has been a long time in the making, and excitement is building for when the soccer program can call the new venue home.
Those interested in learning more about the 2025 UH soccer schedule can find additional details linked above.
In summary, the headlines reveal crucial issues regarding food security, recovery from natural disasters, legal accountability, and the promotion of culture through art and athletics. The community faces challenges and transformations, all of which are highlighted in today’s coverage.
image source from：https://spectrumlocalnews.com/hi/hawaii/evening-briefing/2025/06/09/hawaii-evening-briefing–june-9–2025
