Permitting Tech on Oʻahu: Honolulu’s Department of Planning and Permitting made an AI tool (CivCheck) mandatory for certain residential permit applications, aiming to flag plan issues before submission—projects that don’t complete the full process can be rejected. Maui Housing Buildout: Construction started on Kehalani Apartments in Wailuku, a 35-unit affordable community with units reserved for domestic violence survivors; completion is expected in January 2028. Navy Red Hill Work Recognized: NAVFAC Hawaiʻi physical scientist Caroline Rossi was named PAC AOR Employee of the Year for leading expansion of the Red Hill groundwater monitoring well network. Power Outage Costs: A new report highlights how long outages can drive major grocery spoilage costs, pushing households to plan ahead for food safety and waste. Hawaiʻi Island Storm Strain: After Hurricane Lala, Hawaiʻi Island faces a dangerous overlap of recovery and incoming weather, with officials warning of generator shortages and ongoing water system damage. Local Environment Rulemaking: The Board of Land and Natural Resources rejected renewed aquarium fish collection rules, keeping commercial collection banned for now. Energy Growth Spotlight: Sunspear Energy, a Hawaii solar and battery storage firm, earned a spot on Inc. 5000 (No. 2 in Hawaii) after 384% three-year revenue growth. Shipping Leadership: Pasha Group appointed shipping veteran Raymond Fitzgerald as president and COO effective Oct. 1, 2026. Weather Watch: Breezy trade winds and increasing rain chances are expected statewide as Hurricane Lowell’s moisture moves in, with the wettest conditions favoring windward and mauka areas.