Good evening, Hawaii.
Here’s a roundup of today’s most significant stories shaping our islands.
In a move aimed at boosting educational opportunities, Governor Josh Green recently signed five bills into law designed to enhance student success.
Among these, Senate Bill 1300 is particularly noteworthy as it expands access to free school meals for students whose families qualify for reduced-price meals under the National School Lunch Program.
This initiative targets families classified as ALICE—Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed—and will further expand in the 2026-2027 school year, allowing any public school student from families earning below 300% of the federal poverty level to receive free meals.
The legislation appropriates $3.3 million over two years to the Department of Education to fund this essential program.
“Investing in our keiki is an investment in our future,” stated Green, emphasizing that food insecurity is a pressing concern affecting one in three households in Hawaii.
He noted that by signing Senate Bill 1300, the state aims to alleviate hardships for Hawaiian families and foster a healthier environment for children throughout the islands.
Meanwhile, concerns in Manoa about a large cat reported roaming the area have led the Hawaii Department of Agriculture (HDOA) to investigate the sightings extensively.
Initially prompted by multiple citizen reports, including photos posted on social media showing what appeared to be a wildcat, HDOA stationed trail cameras in the vicinity to capture evidence of the creature.
However, investigators reviewed the additional photographs not posted online and concluded that what was seen likely resembled a large dog instead of a wildcat.
After three days of searching and without significant findings—no paw prints or fecal evidence indicative of a wildcat—the search was terminated, as HDOA staff reported only capturing images of feral cats on their cameras.
The agency emphasized that no local residents had reported a sighting of a wildcat, leading to the determination that the mysterious animal was not a threat to community safety.
In other news, Kauaʻi is addressing its ongoing child care crisis, highlighted by a personal story from Elizabeth “Bitta” Lindsey-Poe.
After returning to work three months postpartum, she found herself unable to afford child care costs, which consumed more than half her paycheck, leaving her with little take-home income.
Kauaʻi currently faces a severe lack of accessible child care options, with only two licensed facilities available, while one charges an exorbitant $2,400 for full-time care.
To combat these challenges, Kauaʻi County is in the process of completing a $7.5 million child care center in Līhuʻe, expected to open in September.
With plans for the facility to offer services not just to county employees, but to the public as well, officials hope it will alleviate workforce challenges linked to child care availability.
Mayor Derek Kawakami remarked on the importance of child care accessibility as a means to support parents eager to return to work.
In a significant real estate development, Kaiser Foundation Health Plan has reached an agreement to purchase the site of The Maui News in Wailuku, which spans over 6.28 acres.
This location is strategically positioned adjacent to the Maui Memorial Medical Center and near Kaiser Permanente’s medical office.
The purchase includes three buildings totaling over 43,000 square feet, although the specific cost remains undisclosed.
Kaiser’s agreement allows The Maui News to continue utilizing its office space and printing press for the next year, as the newspaper searches for new facilities to facilitate its operations and serve its readership effectively.
Lastly, Hawaii Island residents are invited to participate in the Laulima Community Survey, aimed at engaging local voices in shaping future community initiatives.
This anonymous online survey, running until July 31, is vital for tracking trends and ensuring that county policies align with community needs.
Mayor Kimo Alameda encouraged participation, highlighting that even a few minutes of input can significantly impact the future direction of Hawaii Island’s initiatives.
The survey is an opportunity for residents to communicate what matters most to their families and communities.
Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to follow these stories across the islands.
image source from：https://spectrumlocalnews.com/hi/hawaii/evening-briefing/2025/06/03/hawaii-evening-briefing–june-2–2025
