Good evening, Hawaii. Here are today’s most significant stories that are shaping the news across the islands.
In weather-related developments, moderate to breezy trade winds are anticipated over the next few days, offering stable and dry conditions. However, the forecast highlights an increased fire weather risk, especially with temperature elevations expected in the coming months.
Meanwhile, shower activity remains minimal this week, but the trade winds are predicted to weaken over the weekend, which may bring some rain to windward and mauka areas. Stay tuned for your complete 7-day weather forecast.
In a critical move to address the growing wildfire threat, Governor Josh Green has issued an emergency proclamation authorizing the involvement of the Hawaii National Guard. This comes amid the devastating aftermath of numerous wildfires that have already scorched hundreds of acres across the state this month.
Currently, over half of Hawaii is classified as experiencing moderate to severe drought conditions, thus heightening fire risks as summer temperatures increase. Under Operation Hoopauahi, state Adjutant General Maj. Gen. Stephen F. Logan will oversee the activation of the National Guard’s resources, including a CH-47F Chinook helicopter crew, which will be on standby to assist in firefighting efforts in all four counties.
This proactive strategy aims to contain and extinguish wildfires promptly before they spiral out of control. General Logan noted that Governor Green’s proclamation also allows for the activation of additional resources such as evacuation teams and traffic control measures as needed. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, as of mid-July, approximately 53% of the state was under moderate, severe, or extreme drought, with another 33% rated as abnormally dry. The emergency order will remain effective until September 16.
In other news, immediate family members of Compact of Free Association (COFA) citizens who have passed away due to COVID-19 can now seek burial reimbursement. The city of Honolulu has rolled out the Ohana Memorial Support: COVID-19 COFA Funeral Assistance Program, which closes the gap in federal assistance that did not cater to COFA households during the pandemic.
Administered by the city’s Office of Economic Revitalization in collaboration with We Are Oceania, this program allocates up to $9,000 for burial expenses per deceased individual, with a cap of $35,500 per household. Families wishing to apply are encouraged to connect with We Are Oceania for assistance and can also attend outreach events scheduled throughout August. Notably, there will be bilingual support available to assist applicants from various Pacific Islander communities across Marshallese, Chuukese, Kosraean, and Pohnpeian languages.
Upcoming outreach events will occur on August 2 for Pohnpeian community members, August 3 for Chuukese families, and August 16 for the Kosrae community. For any further questions, families can reach out by visiting the We Are Oceania website or by calling 808-754-7303.
As for health and safety updates, the Hawaii Department of Health has reported a concerning uptick in COVID-19 cases statewide. Following a previously stable period, COVID-19 activity is now rising, with the test positivity rate jumping to 12.4% as of July 19, up from 10.9% the week before.
The seven-day average of new cases across all islands has trended upward over the past month, signaling that COVID-19 continues to pose a significant health risk in the community. This development is particularly alarming as COVID-19 has begun to outpace flu and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections in testing rates and emergency room visits.
In light of these developments, the Department of Health is urging residents to exercise caution and implement preventative measures. Recommendations include vaccination for everyone aged six months and older, especially during this current surge of COVID-19. Individuals who are sick should stay home until they have been fever-free for at least 24 hours without the aid of medication and their symptoms are improving.
Another critical piece of advice is to cover coughs—using tissues or sneezing into an upper sleeve while maintaining hygiene through hand washing or using hand sanitizer is crucial. Additionally, those recovering from COVID-19 are encouraged to wear a well-fitted mask indoors to limit the risk of spreading illness to others.
For anyone at higher risk for severe infection, the Department of Health advises taking a COVID-19 test if symptoms arise. Treatments for COVID-19 can be most effective when administered promptly, reducing the risk of severe illness or hospitalization. More information on how to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory diseases can be found on the Disease Outbreak Control Division’s webpage.
Further in local news, the Hawaii Department of Transportation has canceled planned daytime lane closures along Farrington Highway. The single-lane closures from Pohakunui Avenue to Aliinui Drive that were set for implementation from 7 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Monday through Friday will not take place for the time being.
Future work in the area will resume once nighttime work opportunities become available after the turtle nesting season and seabird fallout season ends in January 2026. However, nightly closures will continue on Farrington Highway between Laaloa Street and the Kalaeloa Interchange, scheduled from 7 p.m. to 6:15 a.m. Monday through Thursday evenings. All construction work is estimated to conclude by December of this year, contingent upon weather conditions. For the most recent updates on lane closures, residents can check the state roadway announcements and subscribe for weekly updates.
In tragic entertainment news, actor Malcolm-Jamal Warner, known for his role as Theo Huxtable on “The Cosby Show,” has passed away at age 54. Authorities in Costa Rica confirmed that Warner drowned in an unfortunate incident while swimming at Playa Cocles in the Limon province.
Warner, whose influential role resonated with generations of viewers, was swimming on a beach when strong currents swept him out to deeper waters. He starred in 197 episodes of “The Cosby Show,” airing from 1984 to 1992, and earned an Emmy nomination for his performance in 1986. Warner later appeared in the UPN sitcom “Malcolm & Eddie” and more recently starred in “Read Between The Lines” on BET, alongside Tracee Ellis Ross.
Beyond acting, Warner was a talented musician and poet, winning a Grammy for best traditional R&B performance and receiving a nomination for his spoken word poetry album, “Hiding in Plain View.” Warner is survived by his family, who, while choosing to maintain their privacy, are grieving the sudden loss of their loved one.
In conclusion, as Hawaii navigates through weather fluctuations, health advisories, and tragic losses in the entertainment industry, residents are encouraged to stay informed and take necessary precautions.
image source from：spectrumlocalnews
