Hawaiian Electric Rate Fight: The state Public Utilities Commission is taking public input on HECO’s request to raise base rates, seeking about $170M in extra annual revenue (mostly $125M in 2027 and $45M in 2028), with typical bills up $8–$12 next year—while customers also press for clearer answers about storm-related outages. Mauna Kea Telescope Update: TMT says it still prefers Mauna Kea after declining Spain’s proposed up-to-$1.13B financing package, leaving the project’s future uncertain. Resilient Puna Infrastructure: Puna’s District 5 candidates are debating how to fix long-standing gaps—private roads, limited evacuation options, and uneven emergency access—especially after Hurricane Nolo. Oʻahu Food Waste Composting: Honolulu is expanding its G.R.O.W. program islandwide starting Oct. 1, letting more residents put food scraps in green compost carts to cut waste and contamination. Lahaina Front Street Stalls: More than three years after the wildfire, Lahaina’s ocean-side business strip remains largely empty as rebuilding plans and permitting delays keep storefronts from returning. Climate Pressure in the Pacific: Coverage highlights a “super El Niño” setup and a Kelvin wave risk for California—signals of how warmer ocean conditions can amplify coastal impacts.